Okay, horror fans, break’s over — because it looks like The Scream Factory is back open and ready for business!

The horror publisher — which has also gone through stints as Fangoria Comics and Fangoria Graphix — is back on the board via Panelfly, according to an announcement from new backer Kik Axe Entertainment. And for full disclosure, my Blog@ colleagues Troy Brownfield and David Pepose both serve as editors for the line.

Digital comics from the Scream Factory that are currently available via the Panelfly application include BUMP, Death Walks the Streets, Robert Kurtzman’s Beneath the Valley of the Rage, BUMP Hack/Slash, and Shon C. Bury’s Nox. They’ve also announced the upcoming series Ellium, which blends horror and science fiction, and that trades and novels for BUMP and Beneath the Valley of the Rage would be out soon.

DOUBLE FEATURE! 9.15 “Conspiracy;” 9.16 “Escape”

Long time no talk, Smallville viewers! I want to apologize for the delays! Bad timing on my part, what with the recent big news about a Season 10 happening! I got behind on the show when they virtually took the month of March off (not wholly unwelcome by me due to my love of NCAA basketball and a much needed vacation with my wife.) I’ll get you caught up on things with a look at the February 26th episode, “Conspiracy,” and the April 2nd “Escape.” Look for recaps of “Checkmate” and “Upgrade” sooner than you know it!

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I gotta give credit where it’s due, and I’m HARDLY referring to myself by taking credit for having a role is this development. Last Thanksgiving, I called into question how DC Direct had to date failed to come up with any relevant product based on the “New Krypton” storyline found in all the Superman books for over the last year.

With a little help, I broke down four well-rounded waves of characters, heroes and villains, to best represent this ongoing storyline in action figure form. Well, in February, DC Direct finally came through and solicited the first of what I hope is AT LEAST three waves of figures. I’m not going to lie to you, Superman: New Krypton Series 1 more than exceeded my expectations. There’s not a stinker in the bunch.
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In a week that saw Supergirl as fantastic as it’s ever been (apologies to the Peter David enthusiasts out there), a curious piece was found by way of The Hollywood Reporter this week.

According to the press release…

[Warner Bros. Consumer Products] has partnered with five-time Olympic medalist Nastia Liukin to create Supergirl by Nastia, the first-ever lifestyle merchandise line of its kind for girls available at a major retailer. Supergirl by Nastia will feature trend-right, affordable apparel that encourages a message of empowerment, creativity, strength, intelligence and independence – the symbolic attributes of the iconic Supergirl S-Shield. The collection, created for today’s 8-12-year-old girls, will be available exclusively at JCPenney – in stores and on jcp.com – beginning July 20, just in time for the back-to-school season.

“The Supergirl S-Shield is embraced the world over as a symbol of girl power,” said Brad Globe, president, Warner Bros. Consumer Products. “From ‘fashionistas’ to ‘actionistas,’ a Supergirl is today’s girl and we are proud to be partnering with Nastia Liukin and JCPenney to bring the Supergirl by Nastia line, and its message of empowerment, to life at retail for all girls and their parents.

Prior to reading this, I was not aware that WB had been using Supergirl as a brand in this manner anywhere (or the “Supergirl Jam” mentioned further in the press release). Far be it for me to play fashionista, especially for young girls’ clothing, but while I like that there are some tasteful designs here (and we really only get a sampling), it seems more like the El family crest is merely getting incorporated into some graphic designs and not so much Kara Zor-El herself. Just another symbol like the peace sign. Maybe there are some items with Supergirl’s likeness on them in development, I can’t tell. But, hey, whatever works! Not a parent myself, and lord knows it’s been a kajillion years since I stepped inside a JCPenney.

[NOTE: Within the hour of this story breaking, the all-wise Harry Knowles of Ain't It Cool News refuted it, saying that he had direct contact with the head of Legendary pictures who himself said that they are not at this phase in the production yet. Stay tuned, readers.]

It was only two weeks ago that DC Entertainment first gave us signs that they were serious about doing a Superman movie right by bringing in Christopher Nolan, director of The Dark Knight, to serve as a mentor to this other A-list DC property.

Well now another big piece of news courtesy of the oft-reliable LatinoReviews.com has broke that David Goyer (the Blade franchise, Batman Begins) to write the script for a new Superman film.

Having reviewed the bullet points of this alleged done deal, here are my immediate thoughts…
1. This is outstanding. Goyer has proven especially effective with DC’s properties in film and in the comics, so go with a proven talent.
2. The moment Warners went bold with “The Dark Knight” over a film title with “Batman” it, I really wanted to see the same for a Superman movie, so I love the idea of “The Man of Steel.”
3. I do feel bad for Brandon Routh in that he was one of the things they got right in Superman Returns. He’s still got it, as seen lately on NBC’s Chuck.
4. Nic Cage really could use the paycheck.
5. Not sorry to see Bryan Singer go, though I do hope it’s true that he’s getting another shot at the X-Men franchise.

Anything else stick out with you on this breaking news?

Sorry, no one ever accused me of being an economics scholar.

Almost a year to the day after I shared an article with you about a copy of Action Comics #1 finding its way to the auction block, another one just got picked up for WAY MORE. *shocked expression*

I guess someone just got their tax return.

In the spirit of a topic I brought up a few weeks ago, your friends here at Super Articulate wanted to remind the fine folks at DC Direct that there’s an A-list character they’ve lagged on for far too long. Don’t get me wrong, The Flash has gotten attention in the last year alone. But for a hero who has an array of villains surpassed in the DC Universe by Batman alone, I’m not alone in being astounded at all the missed opportunities over the years. Though DC Direct can no longer ignore the viability of the Rogues Gallery and supporting cast of the Fastest Man Alive, not when the DC editorial and creative hierarchy has placed Barry Allen at such a premium. So it is with that sentiment that we offer up a solid THREE rounds of Flash-based heroes and villains who need to find their way to our shelves faster than… well, the Flash.
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My lord, has it really been FIVE YEARS since the beyond senseless murder of metal guitar god Dimebag Darrell? The music community was rocked to its core this month in 2004 when a deranged “fan” shot and killed Pantera guitarist “Dimebag/Diamond” Darrell Abbott (along with 3 others) in a Columbus, Ohio, music club while performing with then-current band Damageplan.

In recognizing this tragic event’s 5-year anniversary, Revolver magazine is doing a cover feature in tribute to the accomplished and widely admired guitar legend (of which you can count your Reverend a fan). Of special note to comic book fans is the talent responsible for the original cover to this issue, graphic artist Tim Bradstreet. Along with work on the Punisher, readers are likely familiar with his lengthy run of covers of Vertigo’s Hellblazer series.

From Revolver’s press release:

REVOLVER Magazine has teamed with renowned and award-winning graphic illustrator Tim Bradstreet (The Punisher, Hellblazer, “Vampire: The Masquerade”) for a Pantera Vulgar Display Of Power commemorative issue, celebrating guitarist Dimebag Darrell on the fifth anniversary of his death. The issue–available only on newsstands from December 22 through February 22–captures the defining moment in Pantera’s career and features Bradstreet’s stark and powerful cover illustration of the classic 1992 album cover photo.

The REVOLVER Vulgar Display Of Power issue includes an additional Pantera illustration by Bradstreet, rare photos, as well as exclusive interviews with all surviving Pantera band members (Phil Anselmo, Vinnie Paul, Rex Brown); Dime’s longtime girlfriend Rita Haney; album producer Terry Date; musicians Rob Halford, Rob Zombie, Sean Yseult, Scott Ian, Zakk Wylde, Nick Bowcott; and other key friends and associates. In fact, this marks the first piece to include interviews with both Phil Anselmo and Vinnie Paul since the 2006 VH1 “Behind The Music” on Pantera.

In this issue, REVOLVER Magazine and writer Jon Wiederhorn debunk the myth behind the Vulgar Display Of Power album cover photo shoot and reveal the stories behind how “Diamond Darrell” became “Dimebag Darrell” and the origins of Dime’s signature “Black Tooth Grin” drink.

Each newsstand copy of REVOLVER’s Vulgar Display Of Power issue will include a special memorabilia pack with an authentic replica of a Vulgar Display Of Power tour backstage laminate and concert ticket, a Pantera show flyer, and sticker. In addition, REVOLVER will give away Tim Bradstreet’s original hand-drawn cover art for the issue, an Affliction Pantera Signature Series T-shirt, Dean Dimebag Dimebonics ML Electric Guitar with Case, Dunlop MXR DD11 Dime Distortion Pedal and DB01 Dimebag Signature Wah Pedal, Seymour Duncan Dimebucker Pickup, and ddrum Vinnie Paul Signature Snare. Look for contest details in this issue and enter online at www.REVOLVERmag.com.

Fans can also purchase a highly limited-edition (only 250 printed) Vulgar Display of Power Commemorative T-shirt featuring Bradstreet’s cover illustration at www.REVOLVERmag.com/store.

So, you may have noticed that DC’s kept Superman and his cast of heroes, villains and supporting cast pretty busy since they (re)introduced a hundred thousand Kandorians to Earth over a year ago. By all indications, DC has made hits out of the various Man of Steel books, especially since the main man has been taken out of most of the titles in favor of different characters to take the lead. And as entertaining as “New Krypton” has been, all indications point to even more activity with Superman and New Krypton in 2010.

I’ve been loving it myself, so here’s my question: Why has DC Direct not so much as sniffed at some sort of “New Krypton” action figure line? The characters are there, and then some. DC Direct has never been shy on producing Superman figures, and he’s deeply immersed in his most compelling storyline in years, produced by some of the publisher’s best creatve talent. What’s the holdup? Well, I hope DC Direct’s paying attention, because the Super Articulate team has figured out no less than FOUR 4-figure waves that strike the right balance of A-list heroes (anchors, as they like to call them), villains, and characters that DC Direct really needs to get around to making. Take a look after the jump and let us know what you think!

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If you consider yourself any kind of loyal fan of Aquaman, Rob Kelly is the most important person to know, next to Arthur Curry. And if you know what F.O.A.M. stands for, well, you’ve come to the right place. Rob is the host and caretaker of the Aquaman Shrine, the most endearingly exhaustive website devoted to the Sea King and founding father of the Justice League of America. Rob, like myself, hasn’t had a whole lot to look forward to on a monthly basis in terms of Aquaman material since his dubious passing in his own title (one I personally gave up on post-”Sub Diego” when the character arguably got the short shrift “One Year Later” following Infinite Crisis). And while Rob and I may not totally see eye to eye on the bigger story, I was personally enthused as to the use of Aquaman and his immediate supporting cast in Blackest Night#2.

My biggest hope is that someone on the creative side of DC has some exciting plans for the woefully underused Aquaman, and one thing that could help send a clear message to their editorial is an effort spearheaded by Mr. Kelly. As you may have seen this week in DC’s solicitations for February 2010, Brave and the Bold #32 will be starring none other than Aquaman and Etrigan the Demon!

Written by J. Michael Straczynski; Art and cover by Jesus Saiz
Terrors of the deep! A horrifying lost city has risen at the bottom of the ocean, and Aquaman must call on the supernatural might of Etrigan, the Demon to stand between humanity and the dark menace that lurks inside that forgotten realm! It’s an undersea chiller like no other!
32pg. Color $2.99 US; On Sale February 17, 2010

In the weeks and months between now and the release of this issue, Rob is going to give extensive coverage to this event, starting now as he’s already published an interview with series writer J. Michael Straczynski! If you or anyone you know supports Aquaman, now’s the time to be heard!

So early next year, when Smallville gets their second half of Season 9 under way, there’s the little matter of an episode written by Geoff Johns and featuring key members of the Justice Society (with the one-word title of “Society”). Well, the show’s producers, in their ultimate wisdom, decided that it was too good to confine to one episode, and it’s getting a second part entitled “Legends.”

And with this two-parter, the ever-reliable Michael Ausiello of Entertainment Weekly reports that a veteran Justice LEAGUER will be in on the action: J’onn J’onzz, the Martian Manhunter! Self-professed comic book geek Phil Morris will be reprising his role as the Metropolis police detective for the first time this season.

So between Superman (Clark Kent), Green Arrow (Oliver Queen) and Det. John Jones, and Hawkman (Carter Hall), Dr. Fate (Kent Nelson) and Stargirl (Courtney Whitmore), we’re looking at the first live-action crossover between the JLA and JSA!

Mattel have released some imagery of the latest from the GHOSTBUSTERS action figure line. After the jump is a handful of shots of some of the characters based off the original motion picture in various shapes and sizes.

By the way, did anyone here see Zombieland?
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Warner Home Video keeps putting all of DC Comics’ animated properties on DVD, and my shelving may need a expansive upgrade. Courtesy of TV Shows on DVD (THE BEST website devoted to, well, TV shows on DVD), WB made available a press release on their latest offering from Super Friends: Season 1, Volume 1.

You can read the press release for all the details of this January 5, 2010 release, but the main gist of this is that we finally got the “Wendy & Marvin Years,” the ones that first put Super Friends on the map. I believe they are also the only SF episodes narrated by the late great Ted Knight, a voice acting staple of DC Comics’ animated output in the 1960s. My only complaint at the moment is the DVD cover art. I never have a problem with the classic stock art by Jose Luis Garcia-Lopez, but considering that every previous release did something a little more original, refurbishing art from the actual series, this seemed like an uncharacteristically lazy way to go. Plus I can get real nitpicky and point out that the Wonder Woman on this cover is sporting a costume that did not grace the pages of her own comic until almost 10 years later. Considering that this volume has the distinction of featuring Wendy Marvin & Wonder Dog (not to mention guest appearances by the Flash, Green Arrow and Plastic Man), it’s a shame they didn’t work with that into a more unique cover design.

Back in May, I brought up the story on how popular media outlets that cover the toys & collectibles trade were no longer getting advance notice from DC Direct on store releases like action figures, statues and other such items. Gone were the days for action figure fans like myself to get an appropriate heads up on product delays (still waiting for Series 1 of Blackest Night figures, by the way) and when items would possibly move up in the schedule. This has been an invaluable tool for me when keeping a monthly budget on the collectibles that are on my radar. And you know, it’s especially useful when the holidays are approaching.

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So it’s well known in sports — prep, collegiate and professional — that the rookies get hazed. From taping football players to the goalposts, to freshmen carrying the game film and projector on the road (scroll down toward to item #10b & c to read which Hall of Famer had to do that, AFTER winning a national championship!).

But New York Yankees manager Joe Girardi may have to answer the question “How is this punishment?”
Pictured with the skipper are some of the rookies currently wearing Yankees jerseys in their day jobs. This year the theme was clearly Batman, and a couple years ago it was apparently Wizard of Oz. That time I can see how dressing up as Dorothy was the unfortunate assignment. I guess this year the raw deal went to the players suited up as Catwoman and Robin.

My biggest question was this:
That guy dressed up as the Penguin is a Major League Baseball player??

TV Guide provides is with the first look at Brian Austin Green (Beverly Hills 90210, Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles) as John Corben, better known to Superman fans as METALLO. Thanks to this, by way of Smallville, I now have a reason to gladly stay home on Friday nights.

I’m sure Hawkman and Hawkgirl would beg to differ!

Courtesy of Player vs. Player, August 10, 2009.

From the UPI…

Really, if you want to push a right-wing agenda, you may want the help of a dictionary. I’ll let the Chicago Sun-Times‘ Richard Roeper explain:

Just a few ways in which Obama’s policies differ from a socialist agenda: socialism would mean no health insurance companies; decriminalization of drugs and prostitution; immediate withdrawal of all troops on foreign soil; a certain cap on all salaries in any situation and public funding for the media. I don’t see the White House calling for such measures, do you?

What say ye? Inventive comic tie-in? Guerrilla propaganda at its finest?

Those attending the upcoming San Diego Comic-Con would serve themselves well to check out a party happening over that weekend. Fresh off a website overhaul, pop culture headmistress (and longtime Newsarama supporter) Whitney Matheson is hosting her Pop Candy Comic-Con Meetup. Held poolside at the Hilton San Diego Bayside (next to the convention center), most anything Ms. Matheson arranges promises to be a fun, sexy time.

Go to this link for details on this gathering Saturday, July 25th!

My excitement for DC Direct’s output to kick off 2010 was tempered just a tad this week with the latest solicitations (Sept. 2009). Not to say that the product is bad, necessarily (I’m actually quite excited that DC Direct is doing a third series of “Women of the DC Universe” mini-busts), but it’s hard to muster up enthusiasm the months where they unveil what amounts to repainted action figures.

Take the Batman: Mad Love Collector Set. Now I don’t doubt for a moment that there’s an audience for this item, but it’s “been there, done that” for me since I got Joker and Harley Quinn the first time around.

It’s mostly the not-lacking-for-colons “JLA Classified: Classic: Series 2:” set of four figures that caught my attention for not all the right reasons. For one thing, the lineup of Aquaman, Superman Blue and Kyle Rayner certainly underscores the fact that DC Direct has confoundedly ignored an incredible opportunity to do a wave or two of Justice League figures based off Grant Morrison’s classic run on JLA. I was almost dumbstruck when I realized that, for all the Aquaman figures produced over the last 10 years, this is only the first time they covered his bearded/hooked design. Though, to be fair, this figure is anything but a simple repaint despite DC Direct using the Ed McGuinness template for the umpteenth time. I have plenty of the EM2-based figures in my own collection, but getting that Aquaman and Superman Blue (of which I have Mattel’s far superior version anyway) for the first time ever from DC Direct based off that distinctive style is sort of a letdown.

Though what’s downright puzzling is the inclusion of Batgirl Cassandra Cain. At what point has she EVER been in a Justice League story, much less illustrated by McGuinness? Why they went with her over — oh, I don’t know — Green Arrow Connor Hawke (still inexplicably untouched by DCD), Aztec, Zauriel, Prometheus or Tomorrow Woman, just for starters, I’ll never know. Going through Morrison & Co.’s seminal Justice League output, I would’ve gone through over a hundred heroes and villains before even considering a Batman character outside Bruce Wayne himself.

What say ye all collectors? Did DC Direct push the right buttons with this lineup (all of this actually dropping in February 2010, not next September), or do retailers have their latest batch or peg-warmers?