Sci-Fi Storm

Marvel Comics Captain America is dead…at least for now. The patriotic alter ego of character Steve Rogers that debuted in 1941 during WWII meets his end, in an intentional similarity to events following 9/11. But is he really dead? He is, after all, a superhero, and they rarely stay that way…and I foresee the added publicity will raise the possibility of a feature film…

Christopher Moshier writes “Haven, the first release from MC (Making Comics) Studios

?HaVeN? brings about the first comic book release from MC (Making Comics) Studios.

An unknown enemy has decimated the Earth as we know it. Many of the planet?s elite, the politicians, the scientists, the wealthiest, escape into deep space leaving their brethren to their fates.

With the help of an alien force known as ?The Pantheon,? refugees from the apocalyptic Earth rebuild humanity in the form of a space station known as HaVeN.” Read More for the full release.

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No, not the movie, but the comic. Babylon 5 creator J. Michael Straczynski (as well as writer on the Amazing Spider-Man and Supreme Power comic series) takes on another venerable comic starting with the June issue. And right off the bat, he’s after Reed and Susan Richards kids.

Kathy writes “My science fiction graphic novel is online at
http://www.centaurgirl.com/lael/

Please review and let me know.

Thank You,
Kathy”

Yes, this is late, but I didn’t have time…there has been a bit of discussion in rec.arts.sf.tv.babylon5.moderated regarding why no issues of the JMS-written Rising Stars have been released in a while. Finally, as a postscript to an unrelated post he gave a link (indirectly) to this column – scroll down to “Rise and Fall”. The gist of it is – there is a dispute between JMS and Top Cow over the handling of the script of the possible Rising Stars movie. The original JMS script was sent to the Russo Brothers for a “polish” – but after a long wait a chance meeting between JMS and the head of the production company involved resulted in JMS finding out that TWO complete rewrites had been turned in – even though Top Cow claimed otherwise. Also the new writers never met with JMS (against WGA policy), and completely reversed the intent of the original, with the “whole thing has just been dumbed down.”

For those of you that like online comics, especially Japanese manga-style with incredible artwork, head on over to MegaTokyo. I’ve been reading it for about a year now, and I have been incredibly impressed. Some geek humor (including L33T-speak) but a great story. In fact, a graphic novel containing “Chapter 0” as well as stuff not previously released is coming out in December from I.C. Entertainment. Why do I bring this up? Aside from being one of my can’t-miss sites every morning, the creator/writer/artist recently just got laid off (something I can relate to), and is going to work full-time doing this, so show him some support…

JMS posted the text for the 9/11 response issue of Amazing Spider-Man 36, which contains some of the most moving words I have yet read about the event. Not bad for someone who initially refused because he didn’t think he could come up with the words. Read More for the full text.

Update: There is also an article about the issue.

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djryan writes “Marvel Comics is expected to announce an exclusive deal with J. Michael Straczynski on Wednesday. Rumours have it that JMS will be writing a new ongoing Spiderman title later in the year with John Romita Jr.” There is also talk of a Kevin Smith deal, where the director/writer will take over Amazing Spider-Man when JMS moves to his own title.

Just got wind of this – JMS’s own comic brand, Joe’s Comics, which publishes through Top Cow, is apparently coming to an end. This would happen with the last issues of Rising Stars (#24) and Midnight Nation (#12). Although nothing has been confirmed yet, it may be for JMS to spend more time in the Marvel Universe, as well as other projects such as Jeremiah.

The ComiCon web site has an interview with JMS online in their Forum. In it he discusses his schedule, response to Amazing Spider-Man #36, and hints at the future.