The Ramblings of Marx

Kindler: 'Sanctuary' Experiences Creative Regenesis

2008-07-04T09:58:00.000-07:00

Happy 4th of July!

Here is a news story I recently did for SyFy Portal.

Kindler: 'Sanctuary' Experiences Creative Regenesis

SciFi Channel has a new show in development for a fall premiere, but you may have already seen it on the Web.
No, this isn't another victim of online piracy; instead it's the Web series "Sanctuary."
But even if you have already seen the eight Webisodes available online, executive producer Damian Kindler guarantees that what is seen on the TV screen will be 98 percent rebooted... [more]

Until next time... Marx out.

Del Toro: 'The Hobbit 2' Faces Legal Monster

2008-07-03T14:53:00.000-07:00

Hi world!

Here is a news story written by me for SyFy Portal.

Del Toro: 'The Hobbit 2' Faces Legal Monster

The legal battles surrounding the world of "The Hobbit" continues ...
Director Guillermo del Toro ("Hellboy," "Pan's Labyrinth") told SciFi Wire about his plans for directing two Lord of the Rings prequel films. The first will be based solely on J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Hobbit." The second film will act as a bridge by focusing on events hinted at in the books that led up to Lord of the Rings.
But copyright restrictions limit del Toro to only "The Hobbit" and the three volumes of The Lord of the Rings. That means "The Silmarillion," completed by Tokien's son, which offers backstory and mythology, plus any other Tolkien writings, are off limits... [more]

Until next time... Marx out.

Ultimates 3 #4

2008-07-01T21:16:00.000-07:00

Howdy folks!

I have another review up on Comics Bulletin.

Ultimates 3 #4

A good chunk of the team has gone after Magneto, who stole the body of Scarlet Witch. There they join forces with Ka-Zar and Shanna's army. Thor shows off his arsenal of hammers. Wolverine knows something is up with Black Panther. Roboto Iron Man, which is about to attack Wasp, gets trashed by Roboto Captain America who then gets trashed by Ant-Man. Ant-Man reveals a 'Secret Invasion' of robot doubles. Hawkeye is still all suicidal. Thor goes head to head with Magneto and learns that an iron hammer and armor is a bad thing to take to a fight against a mutant with magnetism powers.

Well, before I get into the negative (you know things are going to be bad when I start off like that), I want to start off positive... [more]

Until next time... Marx out.

Supernatural: Rising Son #3

2008-07-01T21:13:00.000-07:00

Hello world!

Here is another one of my reviews on Comics Bulletin. Enjoy!

Supernatural: Rising Son #3

"Your son. He is special." -- Silas

Last time we were left with a cliffhanger of gigantic proportions as John was being attacked by a demonic, colossal humanoid train golem (or something like that), while Sam is having something magical done to him by his demon possessed teacher. Luckily, 12-year old Dean pops up and helps his dad exorcize the demons. John calls his old friend Bobby for a place to stay and a lead on help. It is becoming obvious that the demons see Sam as special. John is determined to find out why... [more]

Until next time... Marx out.

Prepare To Be Adapted - Marvel Vs. DC: The Movie

2008-06-30T14:17:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone!

Here is the newest installment of my column over at SyFy Portal. Enjoy!

Prepare To Be Adapted - Marvel Vs. DC: The Movie

As the Big Two comic book publishers, Marvel and DC fans have always pit the two in an imaginary fight.
So, how is that fight going?
Well, lately it looks like Marvel is giving DC a pounding in both the big screen and in comic books.
If we take a look a the top 10 money makers (in theaters) of comic book adaptations we find a top 10 list with only two DC properties ("Batman" and "Batman Begins"). But, I wouldn't be surprised if the upcoming "Dark Knight" also makes the top 10 or at least comes close. We also have six Marvel properties (the three "Spider-Man" movies, two of the "X-Men" movies, and the recently released "Iron Man" movie). Ouch... [movie]

Until next time... Marx out.

'Punisher' Gets Adult In 'War Zone'

2008-06-26T20:55:00.000-07:00

Hi world!

I have another SyFy Portal news story up on the web.

'Punisher' Gets Adult In 'War Zone'

The buzz on "Punisher: War Zone" is growing on the Web. Between the interviews and the trailer, fans are starting to give their opinions, both good and bad.
So, how does this follow-up to 2004's "The Punisher" differ? [more]

Until next time... Marx out.

Angel: After the Fall #9

2008-06-23T20:12:00.000-07:00

Howdy all!

Here is another review I did for Comics Bulletin:

Angel: After the Fall #9

Wow, it didn't take long for this issue to come out. Right on the heels of the "First Night" 3-issue interlude story arc that filled in what happened right after the season five finale, we now get the finale of the first story arc for "After the Fall" (aka Season 6). And what a story it is.

I've enjoyed the series so far, but with no budget limits, the new hellish setting and the Fang Gang no longer together it just didn't feel like "Angel" anymore. But happily this issue heralds a new direction that finally brings back the show I know and love... [more]

Until next time... Marx out.

Pilot Season: Genius #1

2008-06-23T20:07:00.000-07:00

Hi folks,

I have another review over on Comics Bulletin:

Pilot Season: Genius #1

LAPD detective Reggie has a theory, that a natural born military genius is uniting the various gangs in an organized war against the LAPD. He calls him Suspect Zero. Unbeknownst to Reggie, Subject Zero is actually an inner city 17-year-old black woman named Destiny.

Destiny sees three steps ahead of anyone. She was raised in a rough part of the city and she is tired of what she has seen. She has a plan and it starts now... [more]

Until next time... Marx out.

Justice League of America #22

2008-06-22T23:09:00.001-07:00

Hi all!

I have a new review at Comics Bulletin. This time I'm one of three reviewers in the Sunday Slugfest.

Justice League of America #22

"And here we go again." – Red Tornado

Ah, those first words uttered by Red Tornado in this issue are so true. It does feel like we did this before. Now, I'm happy to see a return to the Red Tornado centered story that started off this entire series, but it's going to need some extra twists and turns to keep my interest.

The issue starts at The Hall of Justice as the disembodied Red Tornado and his significant other Kathy are talking about their relationship. Also, we learn Red Tornado is a bit of a voyeur. Huh? [more]

Until next time... Marx out.

Hack / Slash #12

2008-06-20T22:58:00.000-07:00

Hello surfers!

Here is a new review from me:

Hack / Slash #12

It's a threesome crossover as the Hack & Vlad team crossover with Fangoria's Bump, plus an odd appearance by Evan Dorkin's Milk & Cheese. Part one of this two part story leads the Slasher hunters to Hitchfield, Georgia to investigate the slaughter of thirty environmental protestors (aka tree huggers)...[more]

Until next time... Marx out.

SyFy Radio

2008-06-20T22:03:00.000-07:00

Howdy world,

I just want to let people know that I've recently become a producer for SyFy Radio. It is a fun online radio show that can be found here: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/syfyradio

I also have the newest show up on the blog over on the right side. Check it out when you get chance.

Thanks and...

Until next time... Marx out.

B.P.R.D. -- War on Frogs #1

2008-06-17T22:14:00.000-07:00

Another day, another review on Comics Bulletin...

B.P.R.D. -- War on Frogs #1

War on Frogs #1 is the first of four one-shot pick-ups from the two-part story from MySpace / Dark Horse Presents. This story takes place before the events of B.P.R.D.: The Black Flame and chronicles the B.P.R.D.'s (Bureau for Paranormal Research and Defense) fight against the frog monsters via the perspective of each member. The lead character in this issue (since Abe Sapien refuses to go back into the field) is Roger the Homunculus. So, everyone's favorite gray undead dude who needs pants lays the smack down on two frog monsters with a mother complex in Cavendish Hall... [more]

Until next time... Marx out.

Pilot Season: Lady Pendragon

2008-06-17T22:05:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone,

Pilot Season 2008 is from Top Cow, where six different "pilot" one-shots come out and readers vote which two get the green light for a series run. A cool idea, if you ask me.

Here is my review for the second contestant:

Pilot Season: Lady Pendragon

So, will there be a tomorrow for Lady Pendragon? That is the question for this newest contestant in Top Cow's 2008 Pilot Season. There are six contestants, but only two will continue on.

For the first five pages we get a "previously on..." type recap. You see Lady Pendragon isn't new. Lady Dragon first popped up in 1995. Now Hawkins is bringing it back for Pilot Season and -- who knows -- maybe as a new ongoing series. [more]

Until next time... Marx out.

Prepare To be Adapted: Raiders Of The Creators Rights, Part II

2008-06-11T15:11:00.000-07:00

The newest installment of my column on SyFy Portal:

Prepare To be Adapted: Raiders Of The Creators Rights, Part II

In Part I. the topic was creator ownership. In my hurry last time I didn't get a chance to talk about one of the most infamous legal comic book battles of all time ... Superman vs. Captain Marvel... [more]

Until next time... Marx out.

Nolan: Joker Is A 'Dark Knight' Punk

2008-06-11T15:09:00.001-07:00

Hello all!

I've been very busy on SyFy Portal this week:

Nolan: Joker Is A 'Dark Knight' Punk

Christopher Nolan, the writer/director of "The Dark Knight," envisioned a punk rocker for Heath Ledger's take on the Joker character. Nolan was inspired by Sex Pistols' band member Johnny Rotten's portrayal in the film biography "Sid and Nancy," which ironically starred "Dark Knight" cast member Gary Oldman as Sid Vicious... [more]

Until next time... Marx out.

Padalecki: Losing Jensen Would Be 'Supernatural' Hell

2008-06-11T00:31:00.000-07:00

Hello again,

I have a new story up at SyFy Portal:

Padalecki: Losing Jensen Would Be 'Supernatural' Hell

Jared Padalecki recently took a moment in his busy schedule to chat with reporters on the set of his movie "Friday the 13th" (a reboot that combines elements of the first three films) about his cult favorite The CW series "Supernatural." [more]

Until next time... Marx out.

The Twelve #6

2008-06-11T00:21:00.000-07:00

Hi world,

I have a new review up at Comics Bulletin:

The Twelve #6

Twelve heroes from the 1940s are frozen and brought back to life in the future of 2008. No, this isn't Captain America times twelve. It's a carefully crafted tale from J. Michael Straczynski (Supreme Power), creator of the Babylon 5 TV show.

You might expect the series to be these flawless heroes of a better time that return and take on old nazi villains, but this series takes a number of unexpected turns. These characters are not two-dimensional cut outs, but rather flawed characters who feel very real...[more]

Until next time... Marx out.

McG: An Unknown Future For 'Terminator: Salvation'

2008-06-06T16:48:00.000-07:00

I have a new story up at SyFy Portal:

McG: An Unknown Future For 'Terminator: Salvation'

Speculations on the Web have been running rampant about director McG's upcoming film "Terminator Salvation: The Future Begins." But could it be that the surprise ending has been spoiled?... [more]

Until next time...Marx out.

Cable #4

2008-06-04T10:10:00.000-07:00

Howdy,

I have another review up at Comics Bulletin:

Cable #4

Cable is stuck in a sans mutant future of 2043, and things are all post-apocalyp-ty. Ambushed by Bishop (who took a time travel cyborg arm from Forge – who really needs to get a new security system), Cable is bleeding bad and can't time travel away. Luckily, Cable is whisked away by a waitress who hopes he will be her heroic Road Warrior... [more]

Until next time... Marx out.

Supernatural: Rising Son #2

2008-06-02T17:37:00.000-07:00

Hi folks,

I have a new review up at Comics Bulletin.

Supernatural: Rising Son #2

After barely surviving a stop in a town of Succubi, John decides to try something new; settle down with his sons, Dean and Sam. So, John gets a job and sends his kids to school. Sam is having a ball, but Dean can't stand it. At school, Sam gets extra attention from his teacher Ms. Lyle.

John's hunting instincts kick in when an elderly woman, who is never late with her mortgage payments, hasn't paid her bill. John kicks in the door and runs into a possessed elderly woman that looks like a demonite from Army of Darkness...[more]

Until next time... Marx out.

Twilight Guardian #1 and The End League #3

2008-05-26T13:39:00.000-07:00

Howdy readers!

I have two new reviews up on Comics Bulletin:

Pilot Season: Twilight Guardian #1

There is a growing desire to answer the question of what a superhero would be like in the real world. You know, some normal person who tried to live the life of a comic book character for real. Kick Ass is one recent example from the mind of Mark Millar and now we have Twilight Guardian, which is Troy Hickman's (Common Grounds) attempt to answer that question...[more]

The End League #3

Astonishman, the greatest of the ten surviving superheroes on Earth is dead and the hammer of Thor is now in the hands of The End League's greatest enemy. Is all hope lost? Is this post-apocalyptic Earth reaching the final chapter in the story of humanity? [more]

Until next time... Marx out.

A Sunday Slugfest Over Star Trek - Assignment: Earth #1

2008-05-25T22:08:00.001-07:00

Hello world!

I have a review up at Comics Bulletin. Another Sunday Slugfest, this time it's Star Trek - Assignment: Earth #1. This book was a pleasant surprise.

Sunday Slugfest: Star Trek--Assignment: Earth #1

After a quick recap, we are thrust into a story of espionage in 1968. The futuristic spy, Gary Seven, aided by his sidekick Roberta Lincoln and his cat Isis must figure out what the Soviets are planning for a secret project called Hercules that could lead to a global disaster...[more]

Until next time... Marx out.

Gotham Underground #8

2008-05-19T20:42:00.000-07:00

I have a new review up at Comics Bulletin.

Gotham Underground #8 (3 out of 5)

It's Batman versus Vigilante while Gotham City is falling apart from gang war. Johnny Stitches pulls the rug under Penguin by chopping people up, threatening to chop up family and getting a reluctant ally to leave Penguin's side. Things aren't looking good for Penguin or Gotham, but Batman is finally back and I'm left wondering...where the crap did Spoiler go??? [more]

Until next time... Marx out.

'Smallville': Chloe Is In, Supergirl Is Out

2008-05-18T09:29:00.000-07:00

Hi world,

Recently I did a Smallville story for SyFy Portal.

'Smallville': Chloe Is In, Supergirl Is Out

A sigh of relief could be heard by "Smallville" fans when Allison Mack's return for next season was finally confirmed. Unfortunately Laura Vandervoort's return as Kara (aka Supergirl) is not so certain. In fact, the recent The CW upfront presentation made it clear that even if Vandervoort is back, it won't be as a series regular...[more]

Until next time...Marx out.

Prepare To Be Adapted: Raiders Of The Creators Rights

2008-05-16T00:38:00.000-07:00

Howdy folks!

My column is back yet again:

Prepare To Be Adapted: Raiders Of The Creators Rights

Creator ownership can be a tricky beast. In some media, the ownership of the intellectual property is pretty clear.
Books? The standard is for the author to own the characters. Film and television? There are exceptions from time to time, but usually those who fund it own it. That is why it can be so hard to continue a canceled show. J. Michael Straczynski has been noted saying that he would love to have "Crusade" continue in some fashion, but the rights have been tied up.
But there is a four-color creative medium that isn't so clear: comic books...[more]

Until next time... Marx out.