Geoff Johns and Jeff Lemire Head to Vertigo

Geoff Johns and Jeff Lemire are two of the most prolific creators in the comics industry right now. But though they're both heavily involved in shaping DC's New 52 universe (Johns with Justice League, Green Lantern, and Aquaman and Lemire with Justice League Dark, Animal Man, and Frankenstein), fans have yet to see the two creators work together on a series. That's set to change this October thanks to Vertigo's new anthology special, Ghosts. The issue will include a short story called "Ghost for Hire," written by Johns and illustrated by Lemire.

Ghosts is an oversized one-shot featuring a variety of both established creators and newcomers, with every story featuring a ghostly theme. Appropriately, the issue is scheduled to ship on October 31. On their Source Blog today, DC released a preview image from "Ghost for Hire."

"Ghost for Hire" by Geoff Johns & Jeff Lemire

Lemire commented on his partnership with Johns. "It was a real thrill for me to work with Geoff," he said. "I've written with him before, but to get to draw for him was really special. To be honest, I wasn't sure what kind of ghost story Geoff would deliver and I was pleasantly surprised with "Ghost For Hire." It's whimsical and fun and it has heart. When Geoff said he wanted to do a story like all the old Abbot and Costello movies he watched as a kid it really clicked for me!"

Continue below for more preview art from Ghosts.

"The Dead Boy Detectives in Run Ragged" by Tony Litt & Mark Buckingham

"Treasure Lost" by David Lapham & Paul Pope

"The Dark Lady" by Gilbert Hernandez

“The Night After I Took the Data Entry Job I Was Visited By My Own Ghost” by Al Ewing & Rufus Dayglo

Jesse is a writer for various IGN channels. Allow him to lend a machete to your intellectual thicket by following Jesse on Twitter, or on IGN.

Source : ign[dot]com

NYCC: Meet the Justice League's Mister Fix-It

It's kind of an obvious question, really, but who takes care of the Hall of Justice? I mean, Batman and Superman are busy saving the universe, so who's changing light bulbs and fixing leaky faucets? DC Comics is debuting a new free comic in a partnership with Craftsman at New York Comic-Con that aims to answer those questions.

Written by Joshua Williamson (Voodoo, Uncharted, Masks and Mobsters), this giveaway comic will feature a new character called the Technician, who is more or less the Justice League's Mr. Fix-It. We talked with Williamson about the development of this new character. If you're swinging by NYCC, be sure to stop by the Craftsman booth (#2046) on Saturday, October 13 at 11 AM to snag a signed copy from Williamson himself.

IGN Comics: First, I love the idea of a mister-fix-it guy that hangs around the Hall of Justice. Honestly, when hearing about a “Craftsman crossover” I scoffed a bit, but this is actually incredibly amusing. What’s the story behind that character?

Joshua Williamson: The Technician is a character that we created just for this story. From the very beginning when Craftsman contacted DC about this project, I knew that I wanted to tell a story about a guy who worked at the Hall of Justice. The place is huge and yet has never really had a caretaker. Sure, there was Snapper Carr but he got into more trouble than took care of things. The Justice Society had Ma Hunkel helping out for a bit… why doesn’t the Justice League have anyone?

But also, I always love those stories where a supporting character gets into their own crazy side adventure that the rest of the cast doesn’t know about. There was the amazing Booster Gold episode of Justice League Unlimited, or the classic Xander episode of Buffy where he saves the school from getting blown up while the rest of the cast saved the world. So we started thinking of having a guy who is proud to be working at the Hall of Justice as a respected partner, knowing that he is the best in his field (he’d have to be to get Batman’s approval!) that gets into a bit of trouble and has to save the day.

The Technician started out as an everyday man who knew his stuff and then transformed into a full-fledged hero. Because you know that that feeling you get when you finish a do-it-yourself project? It can make you feel like a superhero, and Craftsman wanted to bring that to life in a way that was fun and creative.

IGN: You also did the Subway comics that appeared a while back – are there any greater or different challenges in working in a sponsored story like this as opposed to a regular DCU tale?

Williamson: Yes and no. In some ways you get to cut loose and just tell a short story using the amazing DC characters. Something we rarely get to do or see now. But at the same time you have to keep in mind the whole reason the comic exists, which is to help promote product. In this case, it is to introduce the Craftsman brand and their new product, the Bolt On tool, to a new generation of tool user. You have to find that balance.. For me I try to always use a character that I love that I haven’t been able to write in the main DCU yet. So for this story it was Cyborg and The Key.

Honestly the biggest challenge with these things is trying to not take them too seriously and to just have fun with them. Working with Craftsman was great because they had an awesome sense of humor and wanted to have a good time with it. For Craftsman, they wanted to show that tools can be fun. It was all about showing the creative comic book reading community that tools can used to create amazing works.

IGN: As for the Justice League, who’s on the team here? Is this the New 52 incarnation?

Williamson: Yup, New 52 all the way. Couldn’t imagine doing it with any other version. It’s Superman, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern, Flash and Cyborg for this short story. Mostly Cyborg takes the main stage. Cyborg because he’s the tech guy and Batman well, y’know… Batman’s the best there is, the best there was, the best there ever will be. It’s always fun getting to write the Justice League and the rest of the new DCU.

IGN: Where can we get our hands on this book?

Williamson: Fans can pick up a complimentary copy of the comic book inside the Craftsman booth at New York Comic-Con. For those not attending the show, it can be downloaded as free digital download on the DC Comics app store or available at www.craftsmancomic.com.

Joey is IGN's Comics Editor and a comic book creator himself. Follow Joey on Twitter, or find him on IGN. He loves superhero pets so hard.

Source : ign[dot]com

Check Out an Impressive S.H.I.E.L.D. Video Application

Joss Whedon is currently working on his upcoming S.H.I.E.L.D. TV series, set in the Marvel Cinematic Universe - something we're all pretty excited about. But Adam Levermore has a special form of excitement, as he hopes to actually work on the series as a graphic designer.

To that end, he's filmed a video to serve as his job application, in the form of a fan film of sorts, in which Levermore is taken into a S.H.I.E.L.D. facility and interrogated/interviewed about his skills and experience.

Levermore, who actually has done work associated with projects like Serenity and Battlestar Galactica in the past, certainly has some notable assistance on this project. The short is written by Eureka/Person of Interest writer Amy Berg and features a score by Bear McCreary (BSG). And there’s even a cameo from a Buffy the Vampire Slayer alum at the end.

Check out the short, called S.H.I.E.L.D.E.D., below.

So, do you think Levermore should get the job?

Source : ign[dot]com

Marvel Phase One Blu-ray Box Set Delayed

Fans might need to wait a little longer for the Marvel Cinematic Universe: Phase One - Avengers Assembled Blu-ray box set to arrive. As it turns out, the nifty case that houses the 6-film, 10-disc set (and the glowing tesseract) isn't just a prop made by the studio, but is actually a copyrighted case design crafted by the German luggage company Rimowa BhmbH. According to a recently filed lawsuit, Marvel allegedly didn't get proper permission to release a replica version. Indiewire is reporting that a complaint was filed with California federal court alleging that "Marvel did not obtain any license or authorization from Rimowa to make replica copies of the case for any purpose . . . the plastic ‘replica case’ [is] a close copy of Rimowa’s Topas attaché case in every respect but quality -- from the proportions and coloring, to the style of the handle and latches, and, of course, in the use of the trademarked parallel ridges around the body of the case.”

It's unclear if a settlement or some agreement can be met before the set's original September 25, 2012 release date. Because of the allegations, retailers like Amazon have temporarily made the box set unavailable for pre-order.

[UPDATE] According to Amazon, "The Marvel Cinematic Universe: Phase One-Avengers Assembled Collection will not be released by Marvel as we originally expected. We know this delay is disappointing, and we're sorry for any inconvenience this causes. Marvel is planning to offer a similar collection in new packaging. The new collection will include the original titles offered with the first version of the item, and we expect it will be available in the spring of 2013. Additional information will be available on our website and via email when available."

Disney also released the following statement, "We are sorry to inform you that there will be a delay in the availability of the Marvel Cinematic Universe: Phase One – Avengers Assembled Collection. Originally, the Collection was to be available on September 25, 2012, but unfortunately we are now unable to make that date. We are currently working with Marvel to identify the exact date when the Collection will be available, but we expect it to be during Spring, 2013.

The Collection will come in a new briefcase and include even more than the content and features that were first advertised. We know that you are disappointed in this delay, and we are working hard to get your Collection to you as soon as possible. We will have an updated announcement for you in the coming weeks which will include actual timing and final details. Once again, we apologize for the delay and hope that when you do receive the Marvel Cinematic Universe: Phase One – Avengers Assembled Collection, you will enjoy it as much as Marvel enjoyed creating it."

So, looks like fans will have to wait half a year until they can get their hands on this amazing set, but the trade-off is more bonus features. Perhaps a Director's Cut of The Avengers?

Still, this is a pretty colossal bummer. But fear not, you can still pre-order The Avengers on four-disc Blu-ray combo pack, two-disc Blu-ray combo pack, and DVD.

Stay tuned for more news as it develops.

"Enough! You are, all of you, beneath me! I am a god, you dull creature, and I shall not be bullied..." Become a friend of R.L. Shaffer on Twitter, Facebook or MyIGN for quotes, rants, reviews, news and more!

Source : ign[dot]com

Comic Book Reviews for 8/22/12

It's a big week in comic book history, as the beloved wall-crawler celebrates fifty years of thwipping and thwarting bad guys all across the Marvel Universe. To celebrate, Marvel has unleashed an over-sized (and double-priced) issue of The Amazing Spider-Man. Also this week, one of our favorites, The Rocketeer, returns in a new standalone adventure by the acclaimed Daredevil team of Mark Waid and Chris Samnee.

Over at DC, Batman goes incognito (and Bat-Cow returns), the game changes in I, Vampire #12, and Doc Manhattan makes his Before Watchmen debut.

DC COMICS

All-Star Western #12

Written by Justin Gray & Jimmy Palmiotti | Art by Moritat

"Apparently no one told Jonah Hex that the Night of the Owls crossover is done and he doesn't have to deal with the Court of Owls anymore. All-Star Western #12 sees Hex and his buddy Dr. Arkham in the clutches of the Owls, with only the foul-mouthed Tallulah Black still free to save the day. I worried about how well Tallulah could carry the issue given how obnoxious her dialogue can sometimes be, but she fares better this month than she has in the past. Hex still manages a fair amount of screen time thanks to a lengthy flashback sequence. For the most part, this issue offers a fun wrap-up to the current conflict, with ample doses of violence, humor, and scarred bounty hunters getting frisky." -Jesse

Click to read the entire review!

Final Score:

6.5

Batman Incorporated #3

Written by Grant Morrison | Art by Chris Burnham

"It should be no surprise that Batman Incorporated #3 is a really good comic book. Every issue before it was pretty awesome. Sure, it's easy to drown in the deep, deep waters of Grant Morrison's Batman opus, but this issue stands on its own as a really great Batman tale even if it's drenched in the bizarre pathos of Morrison's Dark Knight saga. Oh yeah, and Bat-Cow is back and living in the Batcave. That alone should make this issue a must-buy." -Benjamin

Click to read the entire review!

Final Score:

8.5

Batman: The Dark Knight #12

Written by Gregg Hurwitz | Art by David Finch

"There is not much new ground being covered in Batman: The Dark Knight #12. It feels like a story that has been done before. It promises new, shocking insight into Batman's past, but it's really just the same old stuff. Nothing exciting, nothing new. If you have read a Scarecrow story before, then most of what you'll read in here will feel like a retread. Because it is." -Benjamin

Click to read the entire review!

Final Score:

6.5

Before Watchmen: Dr. Manhattan #1

Written by J. Michael Straczynski | Art by Adam Hughes

"Of the various Watchmen protagonists, Doctor Manhattan might just be the most difficult nut to crack as far as writing a spinoff series goes. For one thing, the character exists on a fundamentally different plane, not perceiving time the same way as a normal human and thus isn't well suited to the traditional flashback approach. For another, Watchmen #4 casts a looming shadow. That was the chapter which featured Jon on Mars, reflecting back on his life's journey in a very fractured but wholly engrossing narrative. Can even a writer of J. Michael Straczynski's caliber compete with that?" -Jesse

Click to read the entire review!

Final Score:

8.0

The Flash #12

Written by Francis Manapul & Brian Buccellato | Art by Francis Manapul

"A year’s worth of Flash villains have all come together to make Hell for the Scarlet Speedster, but the lines in the battlefield aren’t as clearly drawn as you’d think. There are three different sides. Maybe four. It’s hard to tell because this issue’s plot moves at breakneck speed to set up a dire situation for The Flash Annual #1 and thus sacrifices any compelling motive behind the six villains’ actions. That said, the art looks spectacular from beginning to end. This issue reminds me of a bag of popcorn: it tastes great but it's all empty calories." -Joshua

Click to read the entire review!

Final Score:

6.5

Green Lantern: The New Guardians #12

Written by Tony Bedard | Art by Tyler Kirkham

"As a Green Lantern fan, this title has held a special place in my heart, but it’s hard to ignore the lack of grace in its storytelling. For a year’s worth of issues, the characters have talked and fought their way through each story development without reaching that next level of depth and intrigue that we often seek out in today’s comics. The story bends at the whim of which spectacle it wants to show off next, and while it attempts to find a heart in Kyle Rayner, it never gives the reader a compelling reason to truly invest emotions in him." -Joshua

Click to read the entire review!

Final Score:

6.0

I, Vampire #12

Written by Joshua Hale Fialkov | Art by Andrea Sorrentino

"Joshua Hale Fialkov has somehow topped the jaw-dropping events of I, Vampire #6 to once again devastate the status quo with a surprise conclusion. Yet no matter how outrageous his plot twists, he seems incapable of doing wrong. If you’re not reading I, Vampire, then make this the next comic you sink your teeth into." -Joshua

Click to read the entire review!

Final Score:

9.5

Justice League Dark #12

Written by Jeff Lemire | Art by Mikel Janin

"Not too long ago, DC had a very strict rule about letting characters from the Vertigo universe interact with the regular DCU. But now that there is no distinction between the two universes, certain books are taking advantage of the new freedom to mingle. Case in point -- Justice League Dark is quickly turning into fanboy heaven for anyone who adores DC's various horror and magically tinged properties." -Jesse

Click to read the entire review!

Final Score:

8.5

Scalped #60

Written by Jason Aaron | Art by R.M. Guera

"It’s hard to believe, but we’ve reached the end of one of the most engaging works to come out of Vertigo in the last decade: Scalped. It’s been a long, hard road paved with blood (lots of blood) and a fair share of misery to boot. If, for some misguided reason, you were expecting a happy ending, well, you’ve got another thing coming. To his credit though, Jason Aaron manages to subvert expectations and concludes this series in a fitting, if not entirely definitive, manner." -Joey

Click to read the entire review!

Final Score:

8.5

Teen Titans #12

Written by Scott Lobdell | Art by Brett Booth

"Did we skip an issue? Did something happen in another comic? How did we end up in a cabin in the woods? It seemed, for two issues, as though Teen Titans was getting better. Maybe not great, but better than it had been. Now, it's the same old crap. This comic, for lack of a better word, sucks. It's horribly paced, over written, and so convoluted that it's nearly impossible to care about any of these characters." -Benjamin

Click to read the entire review!

Final Score:

3.0

Source : ign[dot]com

Invincible #94 Review

It's a sign of how large the Invincible universe has grown that the book can feature both Mark Grayson and his replacement, Zandale, and yet both characters are little more than guest stars in this issue. And it's a testament to how well Robert Kirkman has fleshed out some of these secondary characters that the relative absence of the Invincible family is barely felt.

More than ever, this has really become Robot and Monster Girl's story. With so many other heroes busy or out of commission, it's these two that are leading the fight against the resurgent Flaxans. Issue #94 also relies even more heavily on flashback sequences to their extended time exiled in the Flaxan dimension. Kirkman focuses a great deal on the evolution of their romance over the course of hundreds of years. Readers have known for a while where the two characters end up, but it's nice to finally see the journey that brought them to this point. This material generally works very well and adds an extra layer of emotional resonance to what would otherwise be another big, bloody battle for the fate of Earth. The problem comes at the end of the issue, where Kirkman drops a twist that is just a little too soap opera-y for my tastes.

Both Ryan Ottley and Cory Walker handle their respective sections well. Ottley has never been a slouch when it comes to epic action, and his various battle scenes are a feast of visual delights. Walker is arguably the standout artist this month, however, as he tackles most of the key emotional moments in his flashback scenes. It helps that colorist John Rauch is able to add more depth and richness to Walker's pencils than we've seen in his previous work. I'll probably never be happy with the odd, shimmery quality to Rauch's skin tones, but he does plenty right with this series as well.

Jesse is a writer for IGN Comics and IGN Movies. He can't wait until he's old enough to feel ways about stuff. Follow Jesse on Twitter, or find him on IGN.

Source : ign[dot]com

Ultimate Comics: The Ultimates #14 Review

One thing that can be said about the Ultimate Universe is that its heroes are forced to deal with an even heavier dose of misery than those of the regular Marvel Universe. Currently, Ultimate America is in shambles, with soul patch-wearing robots ruling the Southeast, various states seceding from the union, and Texas primed to drop a bomb on New York City.

That's the situation the Ultimates are struggling to deal with in this second chapter of the Divided We Stand arc. And it's that sense of scale and sheer desperation that helps the book stand apart from the umpteen other Avengers-themed titles on the stands. Sam Humphries is finally able to write the Big Three in action as they team with Hawkeye and Black Widow to prevent Texas unleashing nuclear armageddon. Thor isn't given the chance to do much, although this issue does hint at ties between current conflicts and the Asgardian material that Jonathan Hickman dealt with in his issues. But Cap and Iron Man have some solid material. In terms of both the team roster and their personalities, this is a series that should appeal very much to fans of the Avengers movie.

In addition to the main cast, there's also a healthy dose of political conspiracy and maneuvering by the current villains. This material helps spice up the conflict and lend an air of unpredictability to the conflict. Unfortunately, these scenes don't always integrate that well with the Ultimates-focused ones. In particular, the final sequence reaches an awkward and unfulfilling conclusion.

Also disappointing is the return of multiple pencillers. I had hoped the series could avoid that for a while given how prevalent fill-in art was on Humphries' early issues. Billy Tan's pages are generally sound, though his facial work is pretty bland. Timothy Green tackles the remainder. As much as I've enjoyed Green's recent cosmic Marvel work, his pencils are too flat and rushed in appearance here. This series really needs to find a greater level of consistency and regularity when it comes to the visuals.

Jesse is a writer for IGN Comics and IGN Movies. He can't wait until he's old enough to feel ways about stuff. Follow Jesse on Twitter, or find him on IGN.

Source : ign[dot]com

Check Out a Deleted Scene From The Avengers

The Marvel Cinematic Universe: Phase One Blu-ray box set and The Avengers Blu-ray are just over one month away. In anticipation of this massive release, Marvel/Disney have been slowly unveiling little teases to keep fans enticed, including a sneak peak at the new Marvel short, Item  47:

Today, another tease popped up on EW in the form of an extended scene. You may recall that odd exchange between Bruce Banner (Mark Ruffalo) and the security guard (played by the legendary Harry Dean Stanton) following the action set piece on the hellicarrier in which Banner "Hulked" out. It should come as no surprise that this exchange originally lasted a little longer. Take a look:

What do you think? Good call that they deleted the scene, or bad call? Sound off in the forums below.

"Enough! You are, all of you, beneath me! I am a god, you dull creature, and I shall not be bullied..." Become a friend of R.L. Shaffer on Twitter, Facebook or MyIGN for quotes, rants, reviews, news and more!

Source : ign[dot]com

G.I. Joe 2 Director to Helm He-Man Movie

Sony is moving forward with their plans to make a new live-action Masters of the Universe movie by tapping G.I. Joe: Retaliation helmer Jon M. Chu to direct it.

The Hollywood Reporter says Chu's reps confirmed the filmmaker is in talks to direct the second attempt at a He-Man movie. (The 1987 feature Masters of the Universe, starring Dolph Lundgren, was the first.) Alex Litvak and Mike Finch penned the script, entitled Grayskull, for Sony and production company Escape Artists.

You may recall that Chu's G.I. Joe sequel was pushed from its June release date to March 2013.

Chu has also worked with Justin Bieber on his concert documentary so let the rumors begin to fly that this obviously means Bieber and Dwayne Johnson, who plays Roadblock in G.I. Joe: Retaliation, will star in Masters of the Universe. Or maybe even Channing Tatum as Prince Adam.

Source : ign[dot]com