Category Archives: Comic Book Adaptations

Comic-Con 2012 Adaptations Panels – Full Schedule July 14th

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The San Diego Comic-Con has posted the schedule for Saturday, July 14. You can view the full schedule of panels featuring material that is regarding adaptations or in someway related to past, present, and upcoming adaptions below:

SATURDAY, JULY 14

10:00-11:00 After Earth:

Enter the world of After Earth with an in-depth panel that gives you a behind-the-scenes look at the universe of the upcoming film and comic book. With the film now in post-production and set to hit theaters next June, screenwriter Gary Whitta (Book of Eli) and director of photography Peter Suschitzky (The Empire Strikes Back) will discuss the making of the film. They will be joined by comic book artist Beni Lobel (Spanish horror comic anthology Cthulu; G.I. Joe comic books; Torchwood: Web of Lies motion comic), and writers Robert Greenberger (Iron Man, Batman, and Hellboy novels) and Michael Friedman (Star Trek and X-Men novels) — the creators of the comic book After Earth: Innocence, which will introduce Kitai and Cypher Raige (played by Jaden and Will Smith in the After Earth film). Also joining the panel is Eisner Award winner Peter David (Star Trek novels and comic books; The Incredible Hulk), who is writing the After Earth prequel novel and also created the After Earth bible with Greenberger and Friedman.

In After Earth, one thousand years after cataclysmic events forced humanity’s escape from Earth, Nova Prime has become mankind’s new home. Legendary General Cypher Raige (played by Will Smith) returns from an extended tour of duty to his estranged family, ready to be a father to his 13-year-old son, Kitai (played by Jaden Smith). When an asteroid storm damages Cypher and Kitai’s craft, they crash-land on a now unfamiliar and dangerous Earth. As his father lies dying in the cockpit, Kitai must trek across the hostile terrain to recover their rescue beacon. His whole life, Kitai has wanted nothing more than to be a soldier like his father. Today, he gets his chance.
Room 6A

10:00-11:00 Planet of the Apes in Comics: Past, Present, and Future:

Planet of the Apes has come back to comics in a big way thanks to BOOM! Studios! Tom Mason (former editor of Malibu’s Planet of the Apes) and current Planet of the Apes editor Dafna Pleban talk with writers Daryl Gregory, Gabriel Hardman, and Corinna Bechko about their critically acclaimed series. Learn what’s next for Planet of the Apes, as well as secrets behind the past of this comic franchise. Room 9

10:00-11:00 Film and TV Production Designers of the Art Directors Guild:

In collaboration with a highly skilled art department, the production designer lays out the design plan that will guide a small army of illustrators, set designers, decorators, carpenters, sculptors, painters, and artisans of every sort in creating small worlds to warm the heart and entire civilizations to fire the imagination. Designers include Suzuki Ingerslev (True Blood), Bill Creber (original Planet of the Apes), Rick Heinrichs (Dark Shadows), Thomas Walsh (Vampires), Dominic Watkins (Snow White and the Huntsman), and moderator John Muto (Terminator 2:3D). Room 25ABC

10:30-11:30 Marvel Television Presents:

Marvel’s head of TV, Jeph Loeb, brings the scoop on season 2 of the hit animated series Ultimate Spider-Man, along with a never-before-seen episode…and a glimpse of the other heroes joining Marvel Universe on Disney XD! Plus, get the update on other hot Marvel Animation Studios projects, including Marvel Knights Animation, Marvel anime-and more surprises from Marvel Television. Room 6BCF

10:30-11:30 Creating Animated TV Series:

What does it take to create an animated series? Do you have to be a writer? An artist or animator? Both? Neither? What do you need to have to pitch an idea, and what are the studios and networks looking for? Members of the Writers Guild of America’s Animation Writers Caucus who have created and developed series, along with network/studio executives who buy them, talk about pitching and answer your questions. Featuring panelists Alan Burnett (The Batman, Green Lantern: First Flight), David Corbett (executive director, North America, RGH Entertainment), Henry Gilroy (Clone Wars, GI Joe: Renegades), Craig Miller (Pocket Dragon Adventures, Beast Wars), Andrew Robinson (Kaijudo: Rise Of The Duel Masters, Young Justice), and others. Room 8

11:00-12:00 Funky Winkerbean’s 40th Anniversary:

Comic-Con special guest Tom Batiuk takes you on a humorous and an informative journey through the Funkyverse as he delves into the origin and history of his syndicated comic strip Funky Winkerbean. Joining him is Alex Sinclair, colorist on DC Comics-The New 52’s Justice League, Green Lantern, Earth 2, and Before Watchmen: Comedian and the talented guy who was the primary colorist on Batiuk’s Pulitzer-nominated book Lisa’s Story. Join Tom and Alex for 40 years of Funky. Room 4

11:00-12:00 Archie Comics: The Hottest Publisher in Comics:

The era of Archie continues! After another year of dominating the headlines with groundbreaking storylines, innovative storytelling, and the best comics on the market, the Archie gang converges on San Diego to reveal what’s next! The panel includes Archie Comics co-CEO Jon Goldwater, co-CEO Nancy Silberkleit, president Mike Pellerito, editor-in-chief Victor Gorelick, cartoonist Dan Parent (Kevin Keller), writer Michael Uslan (Life With Archie), iVerse Media CEO Michael Murphey, MoonScoop Entertainment’s Mike Young, producers Don Murphy and Susan Montford (Real Steel), writer Alex Segura (Archie Meets KISS), writer Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa (Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark), and a handful of major, newsworthy surprises! Want to learn everything that’s in store for America’s favorite redheaded teen and all his friends? This is the place to be! Panel attendees will get a copy of the latest issue of the hit Life With Archie series! Room 9

11:00-11:45 Once Upon a Time:

Magic is coming! Moderator William Keck (TV Guide Magazine senior editor and columnist) takes you to Storybrooke, where a curse placed on its fairytale inhabitants by the Evil Queen has been broken and reality and myth have merged. It’s a place where magic is about to be introduced, but with it comes its own set of consequences. Co-creators and executive producers Edward Kitsis (Lost, Tron: Legacy) and Adam Horowitz (Lost, Tron: Legacy), along with Ginnifer Goodwin (Big Love), Jennifer Morrison (House), Lana Parrilla (24), Josh Dallas (Thor), Emilie de Ravin (Lost), and Meghan Ory (Vampire High) engage in a Q&A about their hit TV series. Ballroom 20

11:00-12:00 comiXology Open Discussion: Everything Digital:

With over 75 million comics and graphic novels downloaded since its debut, comiXology has revolutionized how people read and buy comic books. Recently hailed by the New York Times as the iTunes of comics, here is your opportunity to discover what is next! Join comiXology cofounders David Steinberger and John D. Roberts for an open discussion on…everything digital. All topics are game! Room 23ABC

11:15-12:30 DC Comics-All Access: OGNs:

It’s been a big year for DC Comics’ award-winning, original graphic novels, and it’s only going to get bigger! Get unfiltered access to behind the scenes of your favorite and most talked about original graphic novels Publisher! Joining the all access party will be some of the industry’s top talents, including Anthony Bourdain (Get Jiro!), Shane Davis (Superman: Earth One), Langdon Foss (Get Jiro!), Geoff Johns (Batman: Earth One), and J. Michael Straczynski (Superman: Earth One), so don’t miss out! Room 6DE

11:30-12:30 Save the Date: Your New Favorite Film:

This may be the first comic book film that isn’t based on an actual comic book; instead, Save the Date uses the style and sensibility of indie comics by renowned graphic novelist Jeffrey Brown as a jumping off point to tell a contemporary story of the trials, pain, and happiness of modern love. Explore the challenges and advantages of working in film versus comics with cartoonist/screenplay co-writer Jeffrey Brown (Clumsy, Darth Vader and Son), director Michael Mohan (One Too Many Mornings), and producers Jordan Horowitz (The Kids Are All Right) and Michael Roiff (Waitress), and discover how the cast has been influenced and inspired by comics and geek culture, with Lizzy Caplan (Party Down), Alison Brie (Community, Mad Men), Martin Starr (Freaks & Geeks, Party Down), Geoffrey Arend (500 Days of Summer), and Mark Webber (Scott Pilgrim). Join them for a lively session moderated by Noel Murray (The A.V. Club). Room 5AB

12:00-1:00 Spotlight on Klaus Janson:

Penciler, inker, and writer — and Comic-Con special guest — Klaus Janson (Daredevil, Dark Knight Returns, The Avengers) makes a rare convention appearance to discuss past, present, and future projects. Join Klaus and his friends Bill Sienkiewicz (Elektra: Assassin, Stray Toasters) and David Mack (Daredevil, Kabuki) as they offer a preview of their upcoming maxi-series Daredevil: The End of Days. Room 9

12:00-1:00 CBLDF Master Session: Charlie Adlard:

With his work on The Walking Dead, Charlie Adlard has proved to be a master of abstract anatomy, suspenseful storytelling, and the imaginative depiction of a familiar but terrifying world. Get a glimpse of his approach to creating the definitive zombie narrative of the 21st century at this CBLDF Master Session. The pieces created will be auctioned off at CBLDF’s Art Auction tonight. Room 11AB

12:00-1:00 The Naked Truth About Tarzan and Jane: The First 100 Years of Spectacular Tarzan Imagery, and One of Literature’s Best-Loved Couples as They Enter Their Second Century:

Bestselling novelist Robin Maxwell (Jane: The Woman Who Loved Tarzan) and author Scott Tracy Griffin (Tarzan: The Centennial Celebration) gather with illustrator Joe Jusko (The Art of Joe Jusko) to discuss these iconic literary characters. Join them for a presentation and Q&A session hosted by Jim Sullos, president of Edgar Rice Burroughs, Incorporated, the official licensing entity for Tarzan and John Carter of Mars. Room 25ABC

12:00-1:00 Comics Arts Conference Session #10: Focus on Steve Englehart:

Steve Englehart (CAC and Comic-Con Special Guest) has been the lead writer for both Marvel and DC on several occasions and a founding father of Malibu’s Ultraverse. His redefinition of Batman and the Joker as mature adults influenced how the characters were depicted in both comics and film for the last three decades. Travis Langley (Batman and Psychology: A Dark and Stormy Knight) moderates a discussion of Englehart’s stellar career writing the adventures of Captain America, Silver Surfer, Doctor Strange, Coyote, Night Man, the Justice League, and dozens of other characters. Room 26AB

12:00-1:00 Nerdist Channel:

Chris Hardwick (the host of BBC America’s The Nerdist and AMC’s Talking Dead) and some very-relevant-to-your-interests talent from the Nerdist Channel on YouTube will engage in lively conversation about the current channel lineup and upcoming shows and specials, and also reveal some exclusive footage and surprise announcements about the future of Nerdist Industries. Indigo Ballroom, Hilton San Diego Bayfront

12:45-1:45 DC Comics: Before Watchmen:

It’s not the end of the world. It’s the beginning! You don’t want to miss this panel about the most talked about comic book series of 2012! DC Entertainment co-publisher Dan DiDio, VP/art direction and design Mark Chiarello, senior editor Will Dennis, and creators Amanda Conner (Before Watchmen: Silk Spectre), Darwyn Cooke (Before Watchmen: Minute Men), Adam Hughes (Before Watchmen: Dr Manhattan), J. Michael Straczynski (Before Watchmen: Nite Owl), Len Wein (Before Watchmen: Ozymandias, Curse of the Crimson Corsair), and others talk about this game-changing event! Hurm! Room 6DE

1:30-2:30 Minimates Turn 10: Small Toys, Big Plans:

Some of the team behind the popular Minimates line are here to unveil new products and answer your questions about the 2-inch, fully articulated mini-figures. From Marvel Comics to Battle Beasts to The Walking Dead, Diamond Select Toys director Chuck Terceira, Art Asylum founder Digger Mesch, and marketing supervisor Zach Oat will share insider info about all their upcoming lines, as well as submit to a Q&A session and debut the next stop-motion animated Pirate Raiders episode. Plus, there’ll be a Minimates prize drawing at the end of the panel. Room 8

1:45-2:45 Marvel Video Games:

Learn all about Gazillion’s Marvel Heroes MMO, Ubisoft’s Avengers: Battle for Earth and more future Marvel games-including an announcement from Activision and High Moon Studios that is sure to be a hit! Q&A will follow. Room 6A

2:00-3:00 Spotlight on Gary Gianni:

Comic-Con special guest Gary Gianni discusses his work illustrating one of Ray Bradbury’s last published books, painting the Game of Thrones 2014 calendar, and the future of illustrated storytelling in the digital realm. Room 4

2:00-3:00 Will Eisner and the Graphic Novel:

Moderator Paul Levitz (writer, 75 Years of DC Comics, Legion of Super-Heroes, former Eisner publisher), Klaus Janson (artist/inker, Daredevil, The Dark Knight Return, comics educator, SVA), Denis Kitchen (artist, author, publisher; Eisner’s agent and longtime friend), Charles Kochman (editorial director, Abrams ComicArts), and Diana Schutz (comics educator; executive editor, Dark Horse Comics; Eisner’s editor) explore the pivotal role Will Eisner’s evangelism of the comics artform plays in the evolution of the American graphic novel, followed by a short Q&A period. Room 23ABC

2:30-5:00 Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures Preview Their Upcoming Lineups:

Warner Bros. Pictures: Man Of Steel

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey-From Academy Award-winning filmmaker Peter Jackson comes The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, a production of New Line Cinema and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM). Jackson returns to Middle-earth in an adventure that begins 60 years before the events depicted in The Lord of the Rings Trilogy. The first of two films adapted from J.R.R. Tolkien’s enduringly popular masterpiece, The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey follows titular Hobbit, Bilbo Baggins (Martin Freeman), who-along with the wizard Gandalf (Ian McKellen) and a band of 13 Dwarves led by Thorin Oakenshield (Richard Armitage)-is swept into an epic quest to reclaim the lost Dwarf Kingdom of Erebor from the fearsome dragon Smaug. The film’s ensemble cast includes Cate Blanchett, Hugo Weaving, Ian Holm, Christopher Lee, Hugo Weaving, Elijah Wood, Orlando Bloom, Evangeline Lily, and Andy Serkis as Gollum.
Hall H

2:45-3:45 Marvel: Avengers vs. X-Men:

The battle between the Avengers and the X-Men rages on in this cosmos-shattering event! All your favorite superheroes enter-and only one team will emerge victorious. You’ve got questions, and these people have the answers! Editor-in-chief Axel Alonso, chief creative officer Joe Quesada, X-Men editor Nick Lowe, SVP of creator and content development C.B. Cebulski, and others are on hand to lay out what’s going on with the epic battle surrounding the X-Men’s Phoenix Five and the Avengers. Room 6BCF

4:30-5:15 True Blood Panel and Q&A session:

Mixing romance, suspense, mystery, and humor, the Emmy and Golden Globe-nominated True Blood kicked off its 12-episode fifth season June 10 on HBO. The series follows the exploits of waitress and part-faerie Sookie Stackhouse (Anna Paquin), who can hear people’s thoughts; vampire Bill Compton (Stephen Moyer); and vampire Eric Northman (Alexander Skarsgård). Oscar and Emmy Award winner Alan Ball created and serves as executive producer of the series, which is based on the bestselling Sookie Stackhouse novels by Charlaine Harris. The series and this panel also features Ryan Kwanten as Jason Stackhouse, Sam Trammell as Sam Merlotte, Rutina Wesley as Tara Thornton, Nelsan Ellis as Lafayette Reynolds, Deborah Ann Woll as Jessica Hamby, Kristin Bauer van Straten as Pam Swynford De Beaufort, Joe Manganiello as Alcide Herveaux and Chris Meloni as Roman Zimojic. Moderated by Tim Stack of Entertainment Weekly. Ballroom 20

5:00-6:00 Costume Designers and Illustrators: From Concept to Reality:

Join a discussion with the creative minds that help bring your favorite sci-fi, fantasy and comic book characters to life on the big screen through the art of costume design and illustration. Learn how Costume Designers Guild members Shawna Trpcic (The Cabin In The Woods), Monique Prudhomme (Underworld Awakening), and Varya Avdyushko (Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter) and costume illustrators Christian Cordella (Snow White, Hunger Games, Thor), Constantine Sekeris (Green Lantern, Thor, Star Trek), Phillip Boute Jr. (Man of Steel, Star Trek, Hansel & Gretel, Twilight), Brian Velenzuela (Star Trek, The Sorcerer’s Apprentice), and Rosi Gabl (xXx, Mission To Mars) take costumes from concept to reality. Room 24ABC

6:00-7:00 Marvel Studios: Iron Man 3:

Producer Kevin Feige and special guests provide an inside look at the ever-expanding Marvel Cinematic Universe. Hall H

6:00-7:30 A Tribute to the Legendary Ray Bradbury:

Some called him the greatest writer of fantasy of all time. He was a writer of legendary science fiction, an inspiration to generations, and a good friend of Comic-Con. We lost him on June 12, and now many of his friends and colleagues gather to celebrate this extraordinary figure. The guest list is still being finalized as this guide goes to press, but it should include authors William F. Nolan, George Clayton Johnson, Marc Scott Zicree, Joe Hill, and Margaret Atwood, along with figures from the worlds of motion pictures and television. Your hosts are Bradbury biographer Sam Weller (Shadow Show: All-New Stories in Celebration of Ray Bradbury) and Comic-Con special guest Mark Evanier. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed as their favorite Bradbury character. Indigo Ballroom, Hilton San Diego Bayfront

7:30-8:30 Unlocking Arkham: The Forensic Psychiatry of Batman’s Rogues’ Gallery:

Back by popular demand! Broadcast Thought’s original Comic-Con panel with updated information and insights! Arkham Asylum houses some of Gotham City’s most disturbed villains. But are they truly “insane”? From the vantage point of forensic psychiatrists utilizing real-world psychiatric diagnostic criteria, explore the mental disorders that plague The Dark Knight’s Rogues’ Gallery. Probe the minds of villains such as Two-Face, Riddler, Mr. Zsasz, Maxie Zeus, Harley Quinn, the Joker, and others. Are these characters psychotic, or are they psychopaths? What’s the difference? Learn as forensic psychiatrists H. Eric Bender, M.D., Praveen Kambam, M.D., and Vasilis K. Pozios, M.D. discuss the meaning of these terms and explain how criminal defendants are found “not guilty by reason of insanity.” See how Arkham Asylum compares to a real-world forensic hospital. Discover that truth truly is stranger than fiction. Bring your questions, and join the experts as they unlock Arkham Asylum and possibly set some of its “inmates” free! Room 7AB

Official Dark Knight Rises Website Fully Launches

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The upcoming franchise finale film is less than a month away from hitting theaters with anticipating building every day and finally, Warner Bros has fully launched the film’s official website. TheDarkKnightRises.com is complete with downloadable stills, wallpapers, and more.

The third and final film in Christopher Nolan’s franchise will hit theaters and IMAX on July 20th with an all-star cast.

  • Christian Bale returns as Bruce Wayne / Batman:
A billionaire socialite dedicated to protecting Gotham City from the criminal underworld. Nolan has stated that, due to the eight-year gap between the events of The Dark Knight and those of The Dark Knight Rises, “he’s an older Bruce Wayne; he’s not in a great state.”
  • Tom Hardy as Bane:
Hardy stated that he intended to portray the character as “more menacing” than Robert Swenson’s version of the character in Joel Schumacher’s Batman & Robin. Producer Emma Thomas says that Bane “is an interesting match for Batman after the Joker, who was just purely about chaos and playing with people. Bane has a plan.”
  • Anne Hathaway as Selina Kyle:
Selina Kyle is “an associate” of Bane. 
  • Michael Caine also returns as Alfred Pennyworth:
Bruce’s trusted butler and confidant. Alfred has acted as a father figure to Bruce, and continues to aid Bruce on his missions as well as supplying him with useful advice.
  • Gary Oldman as James Gordon:
Commissioner of the Gotham City Police Department. One of the city’s few honest police officers. Oldman described his character: “He’s a little reminiscent of the Gordon you see in Batman Begins. They’ve tidied up the city, but there’s still work to be done. He’s very world-weary.”
  • Morgan Freeman as Lucius Fox:
Fox runs Wayne Enterprises on behalf of Bruce Wayne and serves as his armorer, providing him with high-tech equipment.
  • Marion Cotillard as Miranda Tate:
A “Wayne Enterprises board member eager to help a still-grieving Bruce Wayne resume his father’s philanthropic endeavors for Gotham.”
  • Joseph Gordon-Levitt as John Blake:
Blake is a “Gotham City beat cop assigned to special duty under the command of Commissioner Gordon.”

Josh Pence and Liam Neeson both appear as Ra’s al Ghul, leader of the League of Shadows; Pence plays a younger version of the character in scenes set thirty years before the events of Batman Begins, while Neeson reprises his Batman Begins role in a cameo appearance. Other cast members include Nestor Carbonell reprising his role as Mayor Anthony Garcia; Alon Abutbul as Dr. Leonid Pavel, described as “a mad scientist”; Juno Temple as a “street-smart Gotham girl”; Matthew Modine as deputy commissioner Peter Foley; Brett Cullen as a judge; Chris Ellis as a priest; Aiden Gillen as a CIA agent; and Rob Brown, Christopher Judge, Tom Conti, and Joey King in unspecified roles.

The official plot of the film follows the aftermath of the death of District Attorney Harvey Dent, Batman assumes responsibility for Dent’s crimes to protect Dent’s reputation and is subsequently hunted by the Gotham City Police Department. Eight years after the events of The Dark Knight, Batman returns to Gotham, where he encounters the mysterious Selina Kyle and the villainous Bane, and must confront the latter’s plans to destroy the city.

You can also see a brand new HD tv spot for the movie below:

New Kick Ass 2 Details Released

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Several new details have been released for Jeff Wadlow’s upcoming project Kick-Ass 2. It has been confirmed that all of the core cast members will return, including Aaron Johnson, Chloe Moretz and Christopher Mintz-Plasse. Negotiations are currently underway for Garrett M. Brown’s return to the role of Roswell (Dave’s dad), according to Moviehole, and it has been announced that he will have a more active role in the sequel.

Auditions for the role of Uncle Ralph, the guardian of Chris/Red Mist, will also begin soon. Fans can expect this role to be filled by someone of a Mark Strong-esque stature.

As for the film’s story, part of the plot will revolve around someone discovering the hero’s identity, with both Dave and Mindy possibly being found out.

Much of the storyline will also focus on Hit Girl and what happens to her after the events of the first movie. After her identity is released, she begins to be teased and bullied and given a less than classy nickname of “Captain Muffin-Muncher.” But don’t expect Hit Girl to cower in the face of the teasing. She is always ready to take charge in confrontation and self defense.

More details on the film are slowly being released, but with all the main cast returning it seems it will definitely fall in line with previous installment.

The Human Fly Buzzes Towards The Big Screen

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Marvel Comics continues to dominate at the box office lately, with The Avengers breaking records and the highly anticipated The Amazing Spider-Man about to hit theaters. To continue their streak, Marvel may be venturing into theaters yet again with a film based on comic series “The Human Fly.”

“The Human Fly” comic, based on real-life stuntman Joe Ramacieri, was licensed and published by Marvel from 1977-1979. It ran for 19 issues, and the character also appeared in various other Marvel comics. During his run of adventures, the character encountered various other superheroes and Marvel characters such as Spider-Man and Daredevil.

The Human Fly’s origin story is similar to that of the Six Million Dollar Man and the life of Wolverine in which he was severely injured in an accident and in an attempt to rebuild him, scientists infused him with a steel skeleton. The man, whose real name is never mentioned, begins to wear a consume and fight crime with his super biologic awesomeness.

Alan Brewer and Steven Goldmann picked up the reverted rights on the property recently, according to Deadline. Eisenberg-Fisher Productions will executive produce the proposed independent film. Deadline reported that financing for the project will likely come from private equity sources.

Goldmann will direct, and Brewer will produce along with James Reach. Tony Babinski, Cirque Du Soleil’s in-house historian, wrote the screenplay.

There is no word just yet on who will play the titular superhero, or when they film is expected to be completed.

Ridley and Tony Scott Bringing “Coma” To A&E

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Fresh off the heels of mega production, Prometheus, Ridley Scott is at it again. He recently announced his newest project which will see him teaming up with his brother Tony Scott to bring Robin Cook’s novel “Coma” to the small screen in the form of an A&E series.

Coma is Cook’s first published novel and ws written in 1977. The book was a hit, landing on the New York Times best seller as well as being voted as the number one thriller of the year by The New York Times.

The Scott brothers will produce the series which will star Lauren Ambrose (Six Feet Under) as Dr. Susan Wheeler. Geena Davis, James Woods, Richard Dreyfuss, Ellen Burstyn and Steve Pasquale will co-star.

The plot involves a medical student who discovers strange happening at her hospital after a few routine procedures lead healthy patients into comas on the operating table.

Coma was previously made into a feature film in 1978 under writer/director Michael Chrichton and MGM. The cast of the Chrichton film includes Geneviève Bujold, Michael Douglas, Elizabeth Ashley, Richard Widmark, and Rip Torn as well as Tom Selleck and Ed Harris in minor roles. The film was a commercial success with its overwhelming sense of paranoia presented in the film praised as being a major drawing point for audiences.

Black Swan writer John J. McLaughlin, and “Band of Brothers” director Mikail Salomon are also attached to the project, which is set to premiere on September 3.

Adaptations At Comic Con 2012 – Panel Updates

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Comic-Con 2012 is right around the corner and if you are planning to attend there are some definite panels you will want to visit.

HBO’s “Game of Thrones” and “True Blood” has recently announced their panels for this year. “Game of Thrones” will be presented in the Large Hall H, a major upgrade for the series. Hall H is traditionally reserved for movies and the most popular of television series and “Game of Thrones” definitely fits the bill. The Thrones panel will take place at the San Diego fan convention on Friday, July 13.

The “True Blood” panel will be Saturday, July 14 in Ballroom 20. The ballroom where True Blood will present, seats about 4,000.

Fans will also be able to view the panel of the favorite fictional serial killer as Showtime’s “Dexter” will be a first-day panel with a Q&A session with the show’s stars, Michael C. Hall (Dexter) and Jennifer Carpenter (Deb).The panel is sure to be a hit given the events of the last season, and fans should know to get there early as it is sure to be packed early on.

According to Showtime, before the panel’s guests arrive, fans will be treated to a first-look at the new season of the animated webisode series Early Cuts: All in the Family – which is narrated by Hall. The animated webisode series will depict the events of Dexter’s often murky past that will reveal new information that will relevant to the upcoming season. It will also focus on Deb when she felt, even early on, that there was something dark about her brother.

Not surprisingly, “The Walking Dead” will be the largest Comic-Con panel of the year sure to amp up the anticipation of the upcoming 16-episode third season. Panelists include veteran actors Andrew Lincoln, Sarah Wayne Callies, Laurie Holden, Norman Reedus, Steven Yeun and Lauren Cohan. Season 3 newcomers Danai Gurira (Michonne) and David Morrisey (The Governor) will also join, much to the excitement of fans. In addition, executive producers Glen Mazzara, Gale Anne Hurd, Robert Kirkman and co-executive producer and special effects make-up supervisor Greg Nicotero will round out the sizable panel, which will be held in Hall H (the convention’s largest venue) at 1:25pm on Friday, July 13. The hour-long session will be moderated by Talking Dead host Chris Hardwick.

Several movie previews are set to air at the convention including The Hobbit and Iron Man 3. 

Arrow and 666 Park Avenue To Make An Appearance At Comic-Con 2012

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Comic-Con 2012 is roughly a month away and Warner Bros. Entertainment has announced their creation of a set of limited-edition collectible hotel keycards, which will be used at top San Diego-area hotels during Comic-Con 2012.  This will be the fifth consecutive year of the room key program, which gives fans instant access to artwork for upcoming shows like “666 Park Avenue” and “Arrow.”

More than 40,000 branded keys will be available at 38 participating hotels.

“666 Park Avenue” will star Terry O’Quinn (Lost) and Vanessa Williams (Desperate Housewives).  The show, featuring the provocative tagline, “Anything you desire can be yours… for a price,” is being touted as a seductive drama from Alloy Entertainment.

In it, the owners of a Manhattan apartment building recruit a young couple to manage the historic site with a dark history. The series will also star Rachael Taylor (Charlie’s Angels), Dave Annable (Brothers & Sisters), Robert Buckley (One Tree Hill), Mercedes Masohn (The Finder), Helena Mattsson (Iron Man 2) and Samantha Logan (Law & Order: SVU). Matthew Miller (Chuck), David Wilcox (Fringe), Leslie Morgenstein (The Vampire Diaries), Gina Girolamo (The Secret Circle) and Alex Graves (Fringe) are the executive producers.

“666 Park Avenue” is based on the book series by Gabriella Pierce and is set to air Sundays at 10/9c on ABC this fall. The full-length pilot will be aired at Warner Bros. Television’s Preview Night screening at Comic-Con on Wednesday, July 11, and during the “666 Park Avenue” session on Friday, July 13.

“Arrow” will star Stephen Amell (Private Practice), Colin Donnell (Pan Am), Katie Cassidy (Supernatural), David Ramsey (Dexter), Willa Holland (The O.C.), with Susanna Thompson (Dragonfly) and Paul Blackthorne (The River). It is an action series reinvents the DC Comics hero.

After being stranded on a remote island for five years, billionaire Oliver Queen returns home with a mysterious agenda and a lethal set of new skills to use against crime. Greg Berlanti (Green Lantern), Marc Guggenheim (Green Lantern), Andrew Kreisberg (Fringe) and David Nutter (Smallville) will executive produce.

From Bonanza Productions Inc. in association with Berlanti Productions and Warner Bros. Television, Arrow will air Wednesdays at 8/7c on The CW this fall. The full-length pilot will air at Warner Bros. Television’s Preview Night screening at Comic-Con on Wednesday, July 11, and during the Arrow session on Friday, July 13.

The Walking Dead’s Michonne Gets Her Own Action Figure

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Fans of the comic book series know that Michonne is probably one of the most badass characters in the series and most of us can’t wait to see her in the AMC television series. Until then, we have a new action figure of the character that has been released. The action figure comes as a part of the exclusive swag that series creator Robert Kirkman will make available at his booth during Comic Con next month.

The figure comes from McFarlane Toys and is a limited edition collectible called Bloody Michonne.

The six inch figure will be selling for $25 and is fully accessorized along with 22 points of articulation. The packaging will feature new art by Charlie Adlard. It also comes with a bloody version of Michonne’s katana sword along with various implements such as her hammer, pliers, and power drill.

Michonne is played by Danai Gurira in the television series and will be a series regular beginning in the 3rd season which premieres in October.

Nerd Haiku: Truly Geektastic – A Review

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I recently got the chance to review another book by author Robb Pearlman. After his novel “Spoiler Alert” caught my attention, I jumped on the chance to review his new effort, “Nerd Haiku.” I love nerdy things and I love haikus so I pretty much knew I needed to read it.

The book is collection of 200 haikus that capture so much of the essence that makes up being a nerd and more. If you love Sci-fi, fantasy, time travel, super heroes, and so much more you’ll find at least a couple haikus to make you laugh out loud. I have to say that this one of my favorite reference books yet. It is not only witty, but also clever, and completely honest.

There is a reference to almost everything that is great. Firefly, Doctor Who, Star Wars, Star Trek, Walking Dead, A Song of Ice and Fire, and countless superheroes make an appearance.

“Vampires/Buffy

The Walking Dead/ well-placed ax.

It’s a yin/yang thing.”

The best part of the poems though is that it doesn’t alienate people. It is not just for hardcore fans, even casual fans of the genres will enjoy reading the references. Even those people who read the comics/books or those who just see the television/movie adaptations can all enjoy the references. Unlike his last book, there aren’t very many spoilers in this collection of pop culture phenomena. Reading these poems will not only allow you to see your favorite characters in a new way but in some cases may remind you of long forgotten stories that you loved. In fact, after reading all 200 haikus, I had the urge to go back and read/watch almost every reference it made.

Pearlman also calls things like he sees them but in a humorous way. As a self-proclaimed nerd himself, he knows what is up.

Some of my favorites:

“Who’s faster, the Flash

Or Superman? This is a

debate without end.”

“You’re such a nice girl

Please dont disappear on me

like Kitty Pryde did.”

Pearlman also combined several of my favorite story settings into one making my brain sufficiently happy.

“Asgard, Gotham, Hoth,

Middle Earth, Winterfell, Oz,

There’s no place like home.”

 And he is right, there is no place at home. So if you are a member of geekhood or nerdom,  definitely check this book out. You won’t regret it.

Live Action Film In The Works For Graphic Novel “The Suicide Forest”

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It was announced last week that Producers Roy Lee and Taka Ichise will work together on a live-action adaptation of IDW Publishing’s graphic novel The Suicide Forest. Hideo Nakata is tapped to direct. Nakata is most known for  directing Ringu, which inspired the American adaptations: The Ring and The Ring Two.

Despite having the producers and director ready, the filmmakers are still looking for a screenwriter.

The Suicide Forest is the first installment of a four-part graphic novel series written by El Torres and illustrated by Gabriel Hernandez.

The story is a thriller about Aokigahara, a forest outside Tokyo which is the most famous suicide spot in the world. There is a legend that the spirits of past suicides roam among the trees. An American living in Tokyo enlists the help of a local forest ranger to help free him from an evil spirit that haunts him in the forest.

IDW’s Ted Adams and John Middleton will executive produce.

A summary for The Suicide Forest follows:

“Just outside of Tokyo lies Aokigahara, a vast forest and one of the most beautiful wilderness areas in Japan… which is also the most famous suicide spot in the entire world. Legend has it that the spirits of those many suicides are still roaming—haunting deep in those ancient woods. This series from the creators of the acclaimed The Veil examines the lives of Alan, an average worker from Tokyo and his rather unhealthy relationship with Masami, and Ryoko, a forest ranger who recovers the suicide victim’s bodies from the woods. We discover that behind Ryoko’s unconcerned surface lies a secret, and these three lives will be forever changed by the darkness waiting for them in the Suicide Forest.”

There is no word if they plan to make this into a movie franchise based in the issues of the graphic novel or keep it as a standalone film.However, based on how popular franchise films are these days, taking note from The Hunger Games, Twilight and the Marvel superhero films, it is reasonable to believe that if the film does well at the box office it could at least get a sequel.