Thor Concept Art Mix-Up

Some of you may have seen this image floating around the internet over the last few days. Thought to be some concept art for the upcoming live-action Thor movie, it is actually some art unknowingly created for a Thor animated production.

Comic book artist Dan Panosian posted this story along with the picture on this DeviantArt page:

Want to a funny story that will bring a tear to your eye?

Of course you do. You're still reading this. So I get a call from an Art Director friend of mine on Saturday as I was preparing to get my place ready for the Fedor/Arlovski fight. He asked me if I could submit a last minute design for the Thor movie that Marvel is doing.

Over course I was thrilled. They needed it Monday morning. Fine, whatever! They could of needed it in a few hours and I would of complied. It's Thor! Hell, I did design work for [link] Superhero, the Movie - I was waiting for a REAL superhero movie to come along!

Anyway, I factored in a few things. Like creating a suit that could successfully pad an actor and give him some heroic bulk, etc. I also knew that the colors had to be a bit more subdued than the Kirby comic book. And sadly, I had to come up with something that wouldn't look ridiculous on. A tall order.

So, I did what I could and enjoyed every minute of it. I managed about 65% of what I envisioned. Generally that's a decent success when it comes to applying your vision to paper.

I even incorporated the marks on Thor's plates into his logo...

Here's the sad part. I turned it in and that's when the AD mentioned it was a design for the ANIMATED movie. I just assumed it was for the Live Action film I've heard buzz about... Clearly I need to learn to ask more questions...! Assumption is the mother of all... what's the word I'm looking for? ;)

Hell, at least I got to design a Thor costume, right?

Does this mean there is a new animated Thor project in the works? I'd say probably not. According to the DeviantArt page, this picture was posted in January 2009. Based on that timing, the animated movie that was mentioned is probably Thor: Tales of Asgard which was early in production at the time.

If you want to have a look at some actual Tales of Asgard concept art, check out the DeviantArt page of Phil Bourassa. Along with these character designs, Bourassa also worked on Planet Hulk and designed the cover for Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths.

Labels: 2011 Thor Tales of Asgard, News 2010 02

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  Weekend Round-Up - February 26-28

Here is a list of new superhero cartoons debuting this weekend in the US:

Sorry, nothing new this week!

Please note:

Batman: The Brave and the Bold will return at the end of March with new episodes.

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Here is a list of new superhero cartoons debuting this weekend in the Canada:

Sunday, February 28, 2010
Teletoon, 12:00pm (ET/PT)
Iron Man: Armored Adventures - Designed Only for Choas

The Living Laser is dying, and Tony Stark is trying to save his life. But fate has other plans – the Ghost has been hired by AIM to 'steal' the Laser. AIM needs him to be a power source for their greatest creation, and when Iron Man arrives to rescue the Laser, he's too late – the Mental Organism Designed Only for Conquest is online. Not even Iron Man can withstand MODOC's mental power, and now his fate rests in the hands of the Living Laser – but will the Laser choose to save Tony Stark? Or destroy Iron Man?

Please Note:

New episodes of Super Hero Squad and Batman: The Brave and the Bold will return soon.

Labels: 2008 Batman Brave and the Bold, 2009 Iron Man Armored Adventures, 2009 Super Hero Squad, News 2010 02

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  Under the Red Hood First Look Featurette

This picture of Nightwing is one of the many things that you will see in the Batman: Under the Red Hood First Look featurette that was included on the Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths DVD and Blu-ray that came out yesterday.

There is a lot to look forward to in this upcoming DVD, like two great stories from Batman's history, an excellent sounding voice cast, animation art based on the work of the Under the Hood graphic novel artist Doug Mahnke, the animated debut of the Jason Todd Robin, and appearances from Joker, Black Mask, Nightwing... oh, and Batman too!

Labels: 2010 Under the Red Hood, News 2010 02

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  New Brave and the Bold Episodes on iTunes.


Batman: The Brave and the Bold director Ben Jones lets us know on his blog that even though Cartoon Network has delayed airing new episodes until March, iTunes is still releasing the new ones. You can already watch The Super Batman from Planet X and The Power of Shazam and if this trend continues, the highly anticipated Chill of the Night should be up this Friday.

He also tells an amusing story about his lifelong goal to blow up the Red Tornado.

Labels: 2008 Batman Brave and the Bold, News 2010 02

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  Crisis on Two Earths Has Arrived!

The long wait has finally come to an end! Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths arrives on Single-Disc and Two-Disc DVD and Blu-ray today! I hope you all can get out and watch it right away!

Here are a few clips just to whet your appetite:

Labels: 2010 Crisis on Two Earths, News 2010 02

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  Shout! Factory to Release SHS DVDs

Shout! Factory and Marvel Animation have issued a press release about a new partnership to release DVDs of The Marvel Super Hero Squad Show over the next few years. From the press release:

"We are thrilled with this exciting opportunity to work closely with Marvel Animation, a globally recognized studio for its fantastic productions and pop culture content. This strategic partnership with Marvel continues to build on our continuing success in distributing some of the most premiere brands to the marketplace," stated Shout! Factory founding partners. "The Super Hero Squad Show has become one of the most popular animated series on television. There's a lot of interest from loyal fans, and we plan to do a great job with upcoming releases. We hope that this is just the start of a mutually beneficial relationship."

"We have found a tremendous and passionate partner in Shout! Factory who bring some of the most innovative DVD releases to market, and always with unique bonus features and packaging that deliver the best value to the fans," stated Eric Rollman, President of Marvel Animation. "We have some great ideas for the upcoming Super Hero Squad Show DVDs, and look forward to continuing the Super Hero Squad experience from Cartoon Network to our fans on DVD."

This news excites me to no end as Shout! Factory constantly puts out cartoons in quality DVD packages. Take a look at the current Transformers and G.I. Joe DVD box sets and you'll see what I mean.

I am looking forward to seeing how they will put together a complete season one box set, once the obligatory single disc releases are out, of course.

In other DVD news, check out the cover art for Spectacular Spider-Man, Volume Eight, coming April 27, and Wolverine and the X-Men: Revelation, coming May 4.

Labels: 2008 Spectacular Spider-Man, 2009 Super Hero Squad, 2009 Wolverine and the X-Men, News 2010 02

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  Super Hero Squad Show Season Finale Tomorrow!

The season finale for The Super Hero Squad Show is set to air tomorrow night, Saturday, February 20 at 7:30pm on Cartoon Network.

This Al Dente Earth guest stars the Fantastic Four as the Squadies take on Galactus and his new herald, Stardust!

There will be a number of celebrity voices here for the excitement, including James Marsters as Mr. Fantastic, Cheryl Hines as Stardust, and George Takei as Galactus!

Comic Book Resources has posted a few interviews with key players of this season finale. Cheryl Hines, the voice of Stardust, and Tom Kenny, the voice of Iron Man.

Plus, check out these two video interviews with Tom Kenny and Grey DeLisle:

Labels: 2009 Super Hero Squad, News 2010 02

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  Weekend Round-Up - February 19-21

Here is a list of new superhero cartoons debuting this weekend in the US:

Saturday, February 20, 2010
Cartoon Network, 7:30pm (ET/PT)
The Marvel Super Hero Squad Show - This Al Dente Earth!

Galactus arrives in Super Hero City to devour the Earth! The fate of the planet hangs in the balance, but all of the city's heroes are powerless before Galactus' omnipotence.

Please note:

Reruns of Batman: The Brave and the Bold will continue throughout February.

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Here is a list of new superhero cartoons debuting this weekend in the Canada:

Sunday, February 21, 2010
Teletoon, 12:00pm (ET/PT)
Iron Man: Armored Adventures - World on Fire

The fourth Makluan Ring has been found, and when Tony, Rhodey and Pepper rush off to collect it, Gene is left behind. And while Gene tries to track down his 'friends,' Tony is forced to face the fourth Guardian... the Firebrand.

Please Note:

New episodes of The Super Hero Squad Show will begin soon!

The second season premiere of Batman: The Brave and the Bold has not yet been scheduled.

Labels: 2008 Batman Brave and the Bold, 2009 Iron Man Armored Adventures, 2009 Super Hero Squad, News 2010 02

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  Take a Look Under the Red Hood


ComicBookMovie.com has an exclusive look at the next big DC Universe Animated Original Movie, Batman: Under the Red Hood.

"It's simply the darkest Batman movie we've made yet, and that's including Mask of the Phantasm and Return of the Joker," offers producer Bruce Timm, who has been involved in Batman's 2D world since the 1990s' Batman: The Animated Series. "This is a really gritty, pretty darkly emotional story, and if it all comes together as I'm expecting it will, it's going to be something really special."

The article also talks to actors Bruce Greenwood and Jensen Ackles, who will be playing Batman and the Red Hood respectively, and their impressions on this film.

Batman: Under the Red Hood should be out this summer.

Labels: 2010 Under the Red Hood, News 2010 02

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  Two New Spectacular Spider-Man DVDs On Sale

There are two new Spectacular Spider-Man DVDs on sale today! Spectacular Spider-Man, Volume Six includes three widescreen episodes (First Steps, Growing Pains, Identity Crisis) and Spectacular Spider-Man, Volume Seven also contains three widescreen episodes (Accomplices, Probable Cause, Gangland).

Amazon has listed Spectacular Spider-Man, Volume Eight for pre-order. This final volume will be released on April 27.

Labels: 2008 Spectacular Spider-Man, News 2010 02

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  Marvel Super Heroes Project

Over the next thirteen weeks I'm a taking on a special project. I want to watch and review every episode of of the Grantray-Lawrence Marvel Super Heroes cartoon from 1966.

Webpages like Marvel Animation Age and World's Finest Online are a great resource for many current and classic superhero cartoons, but I can't seem to find any webpages that focus on this classic piece of superhero animation history. I want to make Animated Superheroes that source.

The series is made up of five segments, each focusing on a different hero. I will be watching it as it originally aired:

Mondays: Captain America
Tuesdays: Incredible Hulk
Wednesdays: Invincible Iron Man
Thursdays: Mighty Thor
Fridays: Prince Namor the Sub-Mariner

I think most of these episodes are on youtube, so please follow along and leave your comments!

Also, if anyone out there has any information on this series and can point me to webpages, books or other sources, please let me know. I am especially interested in voice actors and directors. (I've already checked the common places - Wikipedia, imdb, bcdb, etc.)

I am also interested if anyone can find the original airdates. The dates that I have listed on this site are incorrect as I have just looked up a 1966 calendar and it shows that September 1st as a Thursday, not a Monday. I would appreciate any help you can give me!

Labels: 1966 Captain America, 1966 Incredible Hulk, 1966 Iron Man, 1966 Mighty Thor, 1966 Namor, 1966 The Marvel Super Heroes, News 2010 02

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  UPDATE: Weekend Round-Up - February 12-14

Here is a list of new superhero cartoons debuting this weekend in the US:

Looks like Super Hero Squad Show is on after all!

Saturday, February 13, 2010
Cartoon Network, 7:30pm (ET/PT)
The Super Hero Squad Show - Last Exit Before Doomsday!

Silver Surfer’s past as Galactus’ herald is revealed as he encounters another herald, Stardust -- but Doom has plans of his own for Stardust and her big boss!

Please note:

Due to a sudden schedule change, The Super Batman of Planet X! episode of Batman: the Brave and the Bold will not be shown tonight. There will be reruns throughout the rest of February.

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Here is a list of new superhero cartoons debuting this weekend in the Canada:

Sunday, February 14, 2010
Teletoon, 12:00pm (ET/PT)
Iron Man: Armored Adventures - Technovore

In a moment of anger, Tony created a weapon – a computer virus called Technovore. It was supposed to destroy itself when it completed its objective, but it didn't. Instead, the virus grew, spawned a horrific body, and began to hunger.

Please Note:

Still nothing new for Batman or Super Hero Squad, but I'll let you know when I find out!

Labels: 2008 Batman Brave and the Bold, 2009 Iron Man Armored Adventures, 2009 Super Hero Squad, News 2010 02

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  Green Arrow to be Showcased!

Comics Continuum's Kate Jewell recently interviewed Alan Burnett, supervising producer for Warner Brothers Animation. It was in this interview that he revealed the news of Green Arrow starring in an upcoming DC Showcase animated short!

Burnett also talks about two upcoming shorts, Jonah Hex, and Spectre which is coming out on January 23.

Labels: 2010 Green Arrow, 2010 Spectre, News 2010 02

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  Black Panther Joins Avengers Cast.

I'm not sure where this advertisement came from (it appears to be trying to sell these two shows to the international market), but it does give a sneak peek at another character that will be included in Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes: Black Panther!

A few days ago, Christopher Yost wrote this on his Twitter:

There's some new 'Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes' animated art floating around out there on the interweb. 7 of the 8 members revealed!

We already know about Cap, Thor, Iron Man, Hulk, Ant Man and Wasp. That's six. Could Black Panther be seven? It would make sense if they want to give the show some cultural diversity. Who is number seven? My bet would be Black Widow. I think another female is needed on the team and with Natasha being featuring in Iron Man 2 it makes her the perfect candidate!

Labels: 2011 Avengers Earth's Mightiest Heroes, News 2010 02

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  Kevin Conroy Guest Stars on Brave and the Bold... as Batman?

Kevin Conroy defined Batman for television in the 90s, and just like Adam West, he keeps coming back for more! Conroy will be a special guest star on this week's episode of Batman: The Brave and the Bold which airs at 7:30 pm on Cartoon Network. The episode is called The Super Batman of Planet X!

Batman lands on this distant planet Zurr En Arrh and finds a doppleganger Batman, but more surprisingly, on this planet the Caped Crusader has super powers! Together they battle the mad genius Rhotul, who soon learns Batman's super weakness.

The world of Zurr En Arrh is one of the many obscure Silver Age references that the writers of Brave and the Bold love to include in the show, this time from Batman #113, 1958. Oh, and Clancy Brown, who voiced Lex Luthor in Superman: the Animated Series guest stars as Super Batman's arch-nemisis Rohtul (Luthor spelled backwards).

Labels: 2008 Batman Brave and the Bold, News 2010 02

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  Early Info for Under the Red Hood

WHV has officially announced the next DC Universe Animated Original Movie: Batman: Under the Red Hood!

Written by Judd Winick and based on his 2005 Batman comics story line, it's Batman versus another vigilante, Red Hood, who doesn't mind cleaning up Gotham by leaving dead bodies in his wake. Animated guru Bruce Timm exec produces this pretty violent look into crime on the streets, and it's directed by "Superman Doomsday" co-director Brandon Vietti, with a cavalcade of stars as voice talent. It all starts with Bruce Greenwood ("Star Trek") as Batman, then continues with "Supernatural" star Jensen Ackles as Red Hood, Neil Patrick Harris ("How I Met Your Mother") as Nightwing, John DiMaggio ("Futurama") as the Joker and Jason Isaacs (the Harry Potter films) as Ra's Al Ghul.

A "first look" featurette will be included on the Justice League: Crisis Between Two Earths DVD and Blu-ray which will be released on February 23.

Labels: 2010 Under the Red Hood, News 2010 02

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  LaMarr Spills the Beans on Avengers!


Newsarama has interviewed Phil LaMarr who has previously voiced the Green Lantern in Justice League and will now tackle J.A.R.V.I.S. in the upcoming Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes.

I'm playing Jarvis. The Favreau Iron Man Jarvis, not the classic comic book Jarvis. This is the J.A.R.V.I.S....I don't know what it stands for, but he's the artificial intelligence, disembodied voice.

LaMarr gives a lot of information about who's playing who, including Dawn Olivieri as Pepper Potts, Rick Wasserman as Thor and Absorbing Man, Wally Wingert as Ant-Man, Chris Cox as Hawkeye, Colleen O'Shaughnessey as the Wasp, Nolan North as Baldur, and Fred Tatasciore as the Hulk...

He talks about the plot lines and feel of the show:

It's not slavishly following, but they're taking the broad strokes. They're taking what is best from the story lines. But the characterizations are shifted a lot. Honestly, some of the characters in the original comic books...the characterizations weren't very strong, where they've shifted over the years. Like Ant-Man.

I would say that the tone on Avengers is mature but not dark. It's not a kiddy show. I mean, there is peril. There is a lot of action, but I don't think there is any effort or desire to make it gritty. These are heroes. I would say the thing that is most unique about it is, it's more character-driven than most superhero action series. The relationships between the characters [are the focus]. You're seeing more of that than you have, I think, in other series. I think that makes it skew a little older...but there is as much action as anybody of any age could want.

And one paragraph I found interesting is where LaMarr talks about how Marvel is not making this show for a particular network.

I mean, in a lot of ways, Marvel is smart to take control of it, instead of having to get notes from some network, and have them nickle and dime them. 'We're going to make a great show, that we own, then we'll sell it to you if you like it.' Who knows? By the time the finish it, there will probably be a couple of networks that are options to air it that didn't exist when they started. [laughs] Like Disney XD wasn't around.

Read the entire article!

Labels: 2011 Avengers Earth's Mightiest Heroes, News 2010 02

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  Thor: Tales of Asgard Trailer

Here is the trailer for Thor: Tales of Asgard which is due out in time for the live-action Thor movie this summer!

Labels: 2011 Thor Tales of Asgard, News 2010 02

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  Weekend Round-Up - February 5-7

Here is a list of new superhero cartoons debuting this weekend in the US:

Friday, February 5, 2010
Cartoon Network, 7:30pm (ET/PT)
Batman: The Brave and the Bold - A Bat Divided!

A school field trip goes awry when Dr. Double X causes a lab explosion that fuses slacker science teacher Ronnie to his genius pupil Jason, creating the reluctant hero Firestorm...and unbeknownst them, it leaves Batman divided into three parts!

Saturday, February 6, 2010
Cartoon Network, 7:30pm (ET/PT)
The Marvel Super Hero Squad Show - Mother of Doom!

Dr. Doom conquers Chthon's mystical dimension to free his mother Coco Von Doom. Though Doom ends up with Chthon's evil powers, he also finds himself dealing with his mother's monstrous nagging.

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Here is a list of new superhero cartoons debuting this weekend in the Canada:

Sunday, February 7, 2010
Teletoon, 12:00pm (ET/PT)
Iron Man: Armored Adventures - Pepper, Interrupted

Pepper realizes if she wants to keep Tony as a friend, she has to learn to start liking Gene Khan. Which is really inconvenient for Gene, because he’s busy trying to negotiate peace as the Mandarin. And of course Pepper lands smack in the middle of it.

Please Note:

Still nothing new for Batman or Super Hero Squad, but I'll let you know when I find out!

Labels: 2008 Batman Brave and the Bold, 2009 Iron Man Armored Adventures, 2009 Super Hero Squad, News 2010 02

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  Three Batmen, Three Bat Clips!


Here are three clips from tonight's episode of Batman: The Brave and the Bold in which Batman gets split into three! Guest starring Firestorm!

Labels: 2008 Batman Brave and the Bold, News 2010 02

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  Lex Luthor's Last Hope

Warner Home Video has released another clip to promote Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths which arrives on DVD and Blu-ray on February 23.

Labels: 2010 Crisis on Two Earths, News 2010 02

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  Thor: Tales of Asgard First Look

Here is the clip from Thor: Tales of Asgard that can be found on the Planet Hulk DVD and Blu-ray, courtesy of MTV.com

Labels: 2011 Thor Tales of Asgard, News 2010 02

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  Young Justice - Who's on the Team?

On Monday, I posted a leak about the upcoming Warner Bros/DC Comics animated series, Young Justice. It looks like it was most definitely a leak because the blog post I linked has now been removed.

But some new information has surfaced, including this possible list of heroes who will be on the team as seen on a poster, a tip from an anonymous source to BleedingCool.com:

It’s Sorta THE Young Justice. They will be going out with this BIG TIME at Comic Con. From what I saw, it’s Martian Girl, Aqualad, Nightwing, Impulse, Arrowette, and Connor Kent. The poster gives me the tone that it’s a cross between JLU and TT. I liked the look a lot. It’s not quite Timm-style, but it’s not All Murikami’d out like Teen Titans.

The kids were the focus of the poster, in the center, but The JL was behind them.

Also, Superhero Shows has found the above picture of Aqualad being held by voice actor Tequan Richmond. Richmond posted this on his Twitter back in November. It looks like Aqualad will see an ethic overhaul, most likely to bring some colour to what would otherwise be an entirely white cast of characters.

Labels: 2010 Young Justice, News 2010 02

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  Hulk and Wolverine on DVD Today!

The day has finally arrived that Planet Hulk fans have been waiting for as the animated feature based on the popular comic book has finally arrived on DVD and Blu-ray!

Not only will the Two Disc Special Edition DVD and Blu-ray include the feature film, but also a few making-of featurettes, a few motion comics, a few music videos, an episode of Wolverine and the X-Men, and the opening sequence for Marvel Animation's next DVD feature film: Thor: Tales of Asgard.

Also being released today is the fourth volume of Wolverine and the X-Men: Fate of the Future. This single disc will include five episodes: Stolen Lives, Code of Conduct, Badlands, Hunting Grounds and Backlash.

Batman: The Brave and the Bold also sees a DVD release today. Volume Three of the popular series will include the following episodes: Journey to the Center of the Bat, The Eyes of Despero, Return of the Fearsome Fangs, Deep Cover for Batman and Game Over for Owlman.



In other DVD news, Vevendi Entertainment has posted a pre-order on Amazon for Iron Man: Armored Adventures Complete Season One. $20 for 4 discs is a really good deal, so you may want to jump on this while it's still cheap!

Labels: 2008 Batman Brave and the Bold, 2009 Iron Man Armored Adventures, 2009 Wolverine and the X-Men, 2010 Planet Hulk, News 2010 02

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