On this episode we talk about one of the best anti-heroes to come out of genre fiction, Riddick. From the moment you hear his voice in Pitch Black you knew something interesting has been presented and after 2 movies, 3 animations, and just as many video games Riddick has proven an enduring characters. The Hideout discusses Riddick and we go for the sweet spot. Enjoy.
Marvel Comics has announced the launch of Marvel’s Greatest Comics, a new imprint featuring the first issues of Marvel Collected editions for $1.00, in March. Invincible Iron Man #1, the first title released under the new imprint, will be offered free. The titles planned for release in March are:
Invincible Iron Man #1 on March 3rd
A major Lord of the Rings program will be launched in April, anchored by the release of the Lord of the Rings Trilogy on Blu-ray on April 6th. Also planned for release in April is Ralph Bakshi’s Lord of the Rings animated feature in a new Deluxe Edition on Blu-ray, remastered for the first time with new Dolby 5:1 audio and new content, streeting on April 13th. And Lord of the Rings: Aragorn’s Quest, a new videogame for Wii, PlayStation 2, Nintendo DS, and PSP will also debut after the release of the Blu-ray LotR.
Syfy has renewed Stargate: Universe for a second season, according to Hollywood Reporter. The network also renewed Sanctuary for a third season. The new seasons of the two shows will premiere in the fall. SGU is currently in its midseason break; its first season will resume in April.
Alfonso Frank Frazetta, the son of famed fantasy artist Frank Frazetta, was arrested on Wednesday and charged with stealing $20 million worth of paintings by his father, according to the Pocono Record. A backhoe was used to gain entrance to the family-run museum, and the 90 paintings were loaded into a vehicle and trailer with the help of two other men. Frazetta Jr. told the police that his father had given him permission to enter the museum and move the paintings; Frank Frazetta, who was in Florida at the time, told the police he had not.
Bruce Wayne will be returning as the secret identity of Batman in Batman: The Return of Bruce Wayne, a six-issue miniseries launching in April. DC revealed the new series on its blog, and writer Grant Morrison promoted it with an interview with USA Today on Wednesday.
James Cameron will produce a remake of Fantastic Voyage using the same 3D digital technology he used in Avatar, according to Variety. Cameron also told British journalists that he had worked out stories for two Avatar sequels, which would use the CG world created for the first film. Fox would not confirm plans for the sequels, according to the report. The investment in the new technology for Avatar was substantial, and all concerned are looking for new ways to use it.
Marvel Entertainment has announced that David Maisel will resign his position as chairman of Marvel Studios once the Disney deal is approved. Kevin Feige, who became Marvel Studios’ Production Chief in March of 2007, will be the primary Marvel Studios executive reporting to Disney’s Rich Ross, once Maisel leaves. Maisel will remain as executive producer on Iron Man 2, The First Avenger: Captain America, and Thor, all of which are in various states of production and development at Marvel Studios.
Sales of periodical comic books through Diamond Comic Distributors were up 12% over sales in November of 2008, but graphic novels dropped by 26%, when compared with November of 2008 when the graphic novel category was boosted by continuing sales of Watchmen and a number of strong releases including the Heroes graphic novel, The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen: Black Dossier, and Dark Tower: The Gunslinger Born. The steep fall in graphic novel sales marked the category's 8th straight month of declines. Overall combined sales of comics and graphic novels were almost identical with those in November of 2008.
