Having just gotten home from a screening of the new movie, based on the Oni Press books by Bryan Lee O’Malley, now seems as good a time as any to review the movie for those of you out there who are planning on seeing it when it arrives in theaters in mid-August. I’ll keep this review completely spoiler free for those of you that haven’t checked out the books.

On a side note, if you haven’t checked out the books… what are you waiting for?

If you’re unfamiliar with the basic idea, the books and movie follow slack-rocker Scott Pilgrim as he meets the love of his life, Ramona. The only catch is that in order to actually date her, he must battle the seven evil exes of her past. The result is a comedic journey of self-discovery for Scott filled with video game references and zany antics that should please almost any comic book or video game fan.

While the movie’s story follows the books almost exactly for the first 3/4 of it’s entirely, the story shifts at the end and, although it certainly contains some of the key plot elements of the book, paves it’s own path. This is mainly (if not entirely) due to Bryan Lee O’Malley selling only the rights to the first five books and withholding those to a book that had yet to be written in volume 6. That being said, if you’ve read the books, you’ll still definitely enjoy how the entirety of the film comes together. If you’re new to the series, you probably enjoy what you find here and, should you choose to pick up the books, you’ll be pleasantly surprised to learn that the ending of the series varies somewhat from the movie so it’s not entirely spoiled for you.

The movie’s casting is also one of the stronger points as everyone seems to really take on their roles well. While I’m not a huge fan of Michael Cera, it’s clear that he was tailor made for the role of Scott Pilgrim and it would be tough to find someone who would do better. Standouts from the film would have to include Kim Pine, played by Alison Pill, and Ramona Flowers, played by Mary Elizabeth Winstead. Both of these actresses really become the character from the comic as best as they could and seemed to stand out a little more from the rest of an already pretty exceptional cast.

All the effects from the comics, like the the ringing of a telephone or a huge punch to another character actually appears on screen during certain scenes in text form. If you’ve been following any of the trailers, you know exactly what I mean but there are plenty of scenes you don’t see that make great use of this effect and make many of the battles literally come to life on the big screen. Another interesting effect is the use of the actually comic’s panel which are used during a number of the movie’s flashback sequences.

Scott Pilgrim vs. The World certainly isn’t for everyone. When I said earlier that it was sure to please comic book or video game fans, I wasn’t kidding. I have to believe that the film will have the most impact on anyone born and raised during the 8 or even 16-bit console eras or fans of something a little different than your typical boy-meets-girl kind of movies.

Fans of comic books, video games and anything else remotely nerdy, you owe it to yourself to go see Scott Pilgrim.

Scott Pilgrim vs. The World – 8/10

Here’s what your local shop has waiting for you when you get there later today.

Dark Horse:

ABE SAPIEN ABYSSAL PLAIN #2 (OF 2)
AVP THREE WORLD WAR #5 (OF 6)
BUZZARD #2 (OF 3)
FEAR AGENT #28 OUT OF STEP (PT 1 OF 6)
STAR WARS INVASION RESCUES #3 (OF 6)
THUNDA KING OF CONGO ARCHIVES HC VOL 01
USAGI YOJIMBO #130
USAGI YOJIMBO TP VOL 24 RETURN OF BLACK SOUL

DC / Wildstorm:

ACTION COMICS #890 2ND PTG
ACTION COMICS #891
AUTHORITY THE LOST YEAR #11 (OF 12)
AZRAEL DEATHS DARK KNIGHT TP
BATMAN BEYOND #1 (OF 6) 2ND PTG
BATMAN REBORN SER 1 AZRAEL AF
BATMAN REBORN SER 1 BATGIRL AF
BATMAN REBORN SER 1 JASON TODD AS BATMAN AF
BATMAN REBORN SER 1 TWO FACE AS BATMAN AF
BATMAN RETURN OF BRUCE WAYNE #4 (OF 6)
BATMAN THE BRAVE AND THE BOLD #19
BATMAN WHATEVER HAPPENED TO THE CAPED CRUSADER TP
BATMAN WIDENING GYRE #6 (OF 6) (RES)
BILLY BATSON AND THE MAGIC OF SHAZAM #18
DETECTIVE COMICS #867
FIRST WAVE #3 (OF 6)
FLASH #4 (BRIGHTEST DAY)
GARRISON #4 (OF 6)
GOTHAM CITY SIRENS #14
GREEN ARROW #2 (BRIGHTEST DAY)
GREEN LANTERN #56 (BRIGHTEST DAY)
GREEN LANTERN CORPS #50 (BRIGHTEST DAY)
JSA VS KOBRA TP
JUSTICE LEAGUE GENERATION LOST #1 (BRIGHTEST DAY) 2ND PTG
JUSTICE LEAGUE GENERATION LOST #6 (BRIGHTEST DAY)
JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA #47 (BRIGHTEST DAY)
JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA #47 (BRIGHTEST DAY) VAR ED
OUTSIDERS #31 (RES)
SHOWCASE PRESENTS SGT ROCK TP VOL 03
SUPERMAN WHATEVER HAPPENED TO MAN OF TOMORROW TP
TEEN TITANS #85
WARLORD #16
WILDCATS #25
WONDER WOMAN #601
ZATANNA #1 2ND PTG

IDW:

ANGEL #35
ARCHIE PUREHEART THE POWERFUL TP VOL 01
COMPLETE JON SABLE FREELANCE OMNIBUS TP VOL 01
DRINK & DRAW HC VOL 02
DRINK & DRAW HC VOL 02 LTD ED
GI JOE HEARTS AND MINDS #3
JAMES PATTERSONS WITCH & WIZARD #3 BATTLE SHADOWLAND
STAR TREK BURDEN OF KNOWLEDGE #2
STAR TREK DS9 FOOLS GOLD TP
STAR TREK MCCOY #4
STAR TREK MOVIE ADAPTATION #5
WIRE HANGERS #1 ROBERT SGN ED
YOURS TRULY JACK THE RIPPER #2

Image:

ANGELUS #2 (OF 6) ECCC VAR CVR
ARTIFACTS #1 (OF 13) CHRISTOPHER CVR B
ARTIFACTS #1 (OF 13) JAM CVR A
ARTIFACTS #1 (OF 13) KEOWN CVR C
DARKNESS #83 ECCC VAR CVR
FOUR EYES TP VOL 01 FORGED IN FLAMES
HAUNT #8
PILOT SEASON STELLAR #1
SPAWN #198
TURF #2 2ND PTG

Marvel:

AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #634 2ND PTG LARK VAR (PP #927)
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #635 2ND PTG LARK VAR (PP #927)
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN PRESENTS BLACK CAT #2 (OF 4)
AVENGERS #2 2ND PTG JRJR VAR (PP #927)
CAPTAIN AMERICA 1940S NEWSPAPER STRIP #2 (OF 3)
DEADPOOL TEAM-UP #891
ESSENTIAL CLASSIC X-MEN TP VOL 02 NEW PTG
FANTASTIC FOUR #581
FRANKEN-CASTLE #19
HULK FALL OF HULKS TP RED HULK
IRON MAN EXTREMIS DIRECTORS CUT #6 (OF 6)
MARVELS PROJECT HC BIRTH OF SUPER HEROES
MARVELS PROJECT HC BIRTH OF SUPER HEROES SKULL VAR
MARVELS PROJECT HC BIRTH OF SUPER HEROES TORCH VAR
MMW MIGHTY THOR TP VOL 01
MMW MIGHTY THOR TP VOL 01 DM VAR ED 18
NEW AVENGERS #1 2ND PTG IMMONEN VAR (PP #926)
PETER PARKER #5 (OF 5)
SECRET AVENGERS #3
SECRET WARRIORS PREM HC VOL 03 WAKE BEAST
SENSE & SENSIBILITY #3 (OF 5)
SHADOWLAND #1 (OF 5) 2ND PTG BULLSEYE ASSAULT VAR (PP #928)
SHADOWLAND #1 (OF 5) 2ND PTG NEW COSTUME VAR (PP #928)
SIEGE BATTLEFIELD PREM HC
SPIDER-MAN #4
THOR #612
THOR MIGHTY AVENGER #2
ULTIMATE COMICS MYSTERY #1 (OF 4)
UNCANNY X-MEN #526
VAMPIRE TALES TP VOL 01 GN
WOLVERINE ORIGINS #50
WOLVERINE WEAPON X #15
WOMEN OF MARVEL CELEBRATING SEVEN DECADES HB TP
WOMEN OF MARVEL TP CELEBRATING SEVEN DECADES
WORLD WAR HULKS SPIDER-MAN VS THOR #2 (OF 2)
WORLD WAR HULKS WOLVERINE VS CAPTAIN AMERICA #2 (OF 2)
X-CAMPUS #2 (OF 4)
X-FACTOR FOREVER #5 (OF 5)
X-MEN DARK PHOENIX SAGA HC
X-MEN FOREVER 2 #4
X-MEN LEGACY #238
X-MEN MUTANT GENESIS PREM HC
X-MEN MUTANT GENESIS PREM HC DM VAR ED 48
X-MEN POWERLESS TP
X-MEN WE ARE X-MEN TP

What are you picking up this week?

Rather than ramble on about the panels, reveals and such I’ve simply gathered a handful of images from the show that sum up some of the show.

What was the highlight of the show for you? Have a picture you’d like to share? Toss us a comment and let us know!

Download POA: The Comic Book Podcast #10! (Right-click “Save As”)
Click here and subscribe to future casts via iTunes

Show credits:
Opening / closing theme: “Great Lakes Avengers” by Kirby Krackle
This week’s panel: Robbie B, Matt Z, Lee of the Iceberg and Mike
Runtime: 50m 41s
Edited by: Mike Haynes, with help from Lee
Thanks: As always, thanks to all of this week’s panel and you for listening!

Dark Horse:

GROO HOGS OF HORDER TP
JANET EVANOVICH TROUBLEMAKER HC BOOK 01
STAR WARS ADV TP VOL 04 WILL OF DARTH VADER
ZERO KILLER TP

DC / Wildstorm:

AZRAEL #10
BATMAN BEYOND #2 (OF 6)
BATMAN RETURN OF BRUCE WAYNE #1 (OF 6) 3RD PTG
BATMAN STREETS OF GOTHAM #14
BLACKEST NIGHT RISE OF THE BLACK LANTERNS HC
BLACKEST NIGHT TALES OF THE CORPS HC
BRIGHTEST DAY #6
DC UNIVERSE LEGACIES #3 (OF 10)
DV8 GODS AND MONSTERS #4 (OF 8)
FINAL CRISIS ROGUES REVENGE TP
GREEN LANTERN RAGE OF THE RED LANTERNS TP
JUSTICE SOCIETY OF AMERICA #41 (BRIGHTEST DAY)
LEGION OF SUPER HEROES #3
POWER GIRL #14
SCOOBY DOO #158
SPIRIT #4
SUPERGIRL #54
SUPERMAN BATMAN #74
SUPERMAN BATMAN ANNUAL #4 2ND PTG
TIME MASTERS VANISHING POINT #1 (OF 6)
TINY TITANS #30
WELCOME TO TRANQUILITY ONE FOOT GRAVE #1 (OF 6)
WONDER WOMAN #600 2ND PTG (NOTE PRICE)
WORLD OF WARCRAFT TP VOL 02
ZATANNA #3

IDW:

BRAM STOKERS DEATH SHIP #3
DOCTOR WHO ONGOING #13
GI JOE A REAL AMERICAN HERO #156
GI JOE COBRA II #6
KILLING THE COBRA CHINATOWN TROLLOP #3
MGM DRIVE IN THEATER #1 IT TERROR FROM BEYOND STARS
ROLLING THUNDER ART OF DAVE DORMAN HC
ROLLING THUNDER ART OF DAVE DORMAN HC S/N
SAM KIETH SKETCHBOOKS VOL 02
SPIKE THE DEVIL YOU KNOW #2
TRANSFORMERS NEFARIOUS #5
TRUE BLOOD #1
WEEKLY WORLD NEWS TP VOL 01

Image:

CYBERFORCE HUNTER KILLER #1-5 SGN SET
DYNAMO 5 SINS OF THE FATHER #2 (OF 5)
FADE TO BLACK #5 (OF 5)
PILOT SEASON STEALTH #1 SGN ED
PUG GN (RES)
RED MASS FOR MARS #4 (OF 4)
WALKING DEAD TP VOL 12 LIFE AMONG THEM

Marvel:

AGE OF HEROES #3 (OF 4)
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #638
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN BY JMS ULTIMATE COLL TP BOOK 04
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN PRESENTS AMERICAN SON #3 (OF 4)
ATLAS #3
AVENGERS #3
AVENGERS SEARCH FOR SHE-HULK PREM HC
BLACK WIDOW #4
CAPTAIN AMERICA PREM HC TWO AMERICAS
DARK AVENGERS TP VOL 02 MOLECULE MAN
DARK TOWER GUNSLINGER JOURNEY BEGINS #3 (OF 5)
DARK WOLVERINE #88
DEADPOOL #25
DEADPOOL MERC WITH A MOUTH #13 (OF 13)
DRACULA #4 (OF 4)
ESSENTIAL DEFENDERS TP VOL 05
FANTASTIC FOUR BY JONATHAN HICKMAN TP VOL 01
HER-OES #4
HEROIC AGE PRINCE OF POWER #3 (OF 4)
HIT-MONKEY POSTER
HULK PLANET HULK PRELUDE TP NEW PTG
IRON MAN EXTREMIS DIRECTORS CUT #5 (OF 6)
LADY DEADPOOL #1
MARVEL ZOMBIES 5 #5 (OF 5)
MARVEL ZOMBIES 5 #5 (OF 5) SUYDAM VAR
MARVELMAN CLASSIC PRIMER #1
MARVELOUS LAND OF OZ #8 (OF 8)
MMW BLACK PANTHER HC VOL 01
MMW BLACK PANTHER HC VOL 01 DM VAR ED 141
MMW GOLDEN AGE HUMAN TORCH HC VOL 03
MMW GOLDEN AGE HUMAN TORCH HC VOL 03 DM ED 142
NEW AVENGERS #2
NEW AVENGERS TP VOL 12 POWERLOSS
NEW MUTANTS #15
REALM OF KINGS HC
SHIELD #2 2ND PTG WEAVER VAR (PP #925)
SIEGE EMBEDDED PREM HC
SIEGE X-MEN PREM HC
SUPER HERO SQUAD MAGAZINE
THUNDERBOLTS #146
ULTIMATE COMICS AVENGERS 2 #5 (OF 6)
ULTIMATE COMICS NEW ULTIMATES #3 (OF 5)
WEB OF SPIDER-MAN #10
X-FACTOR #207
X-MEN PHOENIX FORCE HANDBOOK

What are you picking up this week?

Thor is in theaters May 6th, 2011 while Captain America: The First Avenger arrives July 22nd, 2011.

[Marvel.com - SDCC 2010: Thor & Cap Mini-One-Sheets!]

Here’s a couple shots from the launch party put on by our local shop, Galaxy Comics:

Have some pictures of a midnight launch in your area? Toss us a link and share them!

Want to guess what’s on the cover?

While it’s not much to judge by, the Green Lantern suit definitely looks different than the version that many comic book fans are accustomed to.

What’s your take on the costume? Are you digging the overload on green? What about the green veins on the chest near the logo? Speak!

(EW.com – ‘Green Lantern’ heats up Comic-Con)

Update:

Here’s a couple more shots posted earlier today by Kirk from Weekly Crisis.

• David Finch will be writing and drawing the new Batman: The Dark Knight book kicking off in November.

Starting in November, Finch will take the reins of BATMAN: THE DARK KNIGHT, a new ongoing Batman title featuring the hyper-detailed and kinetic artwork Finch has become known for plus his unique and yet classic interpretation of the Caped Crusader. The series will also see him paired with legendary inker Scott Williams. [Full story]

• Writer Marc Guggenheim will be taking over Justice Society of America this October. No news on the artist for the series just yet.

This October, the Justice Society of America is getting a new chairman. And, by “chairman,” we mean a new writer: Marc Guggenheim. Guggenheim, who has a long list of film and comic book credits, will bring his fast-paced storytelling and refined eye to one of the DCU’s most legendary teams. [Full story]

• Tony Daniel will remain as both the writer and artist of Batman.

Tony’s done a bang-up job as both writer and artist on the regular BATMAN series, and after a brief break thanks to the epic 700th anniversary issue and his team-up with writer Grant Morrison to bridge the gap between “Batman R.I.P.” and FINAL CRISIS, Tony Daniel will return to the title as the ongoing writer and artist. [Full story]

• After signing an exclusive deal with DC last week, Scott Snyder will be taking over writing Detective Comics.

It’s with great pleasure that we announce that AMERICAN VAMPIRE writer Scott Snyder will be stepping into the DCU with a major new assignment – ongoing writer of DETECTIVE COMICS, starring Batman, starting in November. Can it get better? Sure — Snyder is now exclusive to DC Comics. [Full story]

Apparently DC has a couple other surprises in store for this week so it’ll be interesting to see if they’re able to top these huge announcements.

Earlier today, we finally got a look at the movie versions of both Odin, played by Anthony Hopkins, and Loki, played by Tom Hiddleston.

Is it just me or do the costumes look a tad on the ridiculous side? That being said, the first couple shots of Watchmen looked a little wonky to me and that turned out to be one of my favorite comic book movies so what the heck do I know.

Thor is in theaters May 6th, 2011.

It’s Wednesday, it’s new comic book day. Need I say more? Here’s a look at the books that may be waiting for you at your local shop from Marvel, Image and DC to name a new.

Dark Horse:

AGE OF REPTILES JOURNEY #4 (OF 4)
BRODYS GHOST GN
CONAN THE CIMMERIAN #22
DOCTOR SOLAR MAN OF ATOM #1 MICHAEL KOMARCK CVR
DONT HOLD BREATH NOTHING NEW FROM BRIAN EWING HC (RES)
NGE SHINJI IKARI RAISING PROJECT TP VOL 05
PREDATORS MOVIE ADAPTION TP
PREDATORS PRESERVE THE GAME ONE SHOT

DC / Wildstorm:

ABSOLUTE PLANETARY HC BOOK 02
ADVENTURE COMICS #516
ASTRO CITY SILVER AGENT #1 (OF 2)
AUTHORITY THE LOST YEAR #10 (OF 12)
BATGIRL #12
BATGIRL BATGIRL RISING TP
BATMAN #701
BIRDS OF PREY #1 (BRIGHTEST DAY) 2ND PTG
BIRDS OF PREY #3 (BRIGHTEST DAY)
BLACKEST NIGHT BLACK LANTERN CORPS HC VOL 01
BLACKEST NIGHT BLACK LANTERN CORPS HC VOL 02
BOOSTER GOLD #34
BRAVE AND THE BOLD #35
DOC SAVAGE #4
FREE REALMS #11 (OF 12)
HUMAN TARGET #6 (OF 6)
JUSTICE LEAGUE GENERATION LOST #5 (BRIGHTEST DAY)
MAGOG #11
MEGATOKYO VOL 06
MIGHTY CRUSADERS #1 (OF 6)
REBELS #18
RED TORNADO FAMILY REUNION TP
SUPER FRIENDS #29
SUPERMAN #701
TITANS #25 (BRIGHTEST DAY)
VIKING PRINCE BY JOE KUBERT HC

IDW:

ANGEL IMMORTALITY FOR DUMMIES HC
DOCTOR WHO ANNUAL 2010
ETERNAL DESCENT #3
FAMOUS MONSTERS OF FILMLAND #251
GI JOE ORIGINS #17
GI JOE TP VOL 03
JAMES PATTERSONS MURDER OF KING TUT #2
JENNIFER LOVE HEWITTS MUSIC BOX TP VOL 01
LOCKE & KEY CROWN OF SHADOWS #6
MYSTERY SOCIETY #2
PANTHEON #4
RICHARD STARKS PARKER MAN WITH GETAWAY FACE (PRELUDE)
STRANGE SCIENCE FANTASY #1
TRANSFORMERS ONGOING #9

Image:

ANGELUS #1 (OF 6) BASALDUA GOLDEN APPLE VAR
FRACTURED FABLES HC
INVINCIBLE PRESENTS ATOM EVE & REX SPLODE TP VOL 01
LADY ROBOTIKA #1
LIGHT #4 (OF 5)
SAVAGE DRAGON #162
SPAWN ORIGINS TP VOL 06

Marvel:

AGENTS OF ATLAS VS PREM HC AVENGERS COVER
AGENTS OF ATLAS VS PREM HC DM VAR ED X-MEN CVR
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #637
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN TP OFF INDEX MARVEL UNIVERSE GN
ASTONISHING SPIDER-MAN WOLVERINE #1 2ND PTG KUBERT VAR
ASTONISHING SPIDER-MAN WOLVERINE #2 (OF 6)
AVENGERS ACADEMY #2
CAPTAIN AMERICA BLACK PANTHER FLAGS OF FATHERS #4 (OF 4)
DAREDEVIL #508 SL
DEADPOOL CORPS #4
GIRL COMICS #3 (OF 3)
GORILLA MAN #1 (OF 3)
INFINITY GAUNTLET PREM HC
INFINITY GAUNTLET PREM HC DM VAR ED 46
INVADERS CLASSIC TP VOL 04
INVINCIBLE IRON MAN #28
INVINCIBLE IRON MAN PREM HC VOL 04 STARK DISASSEMBLED
IRON MAN NOIR #4 (OF 4)
MARVEL ART OF JOE QUESADA HC
RUNAWAYS PARENTAL GUIDANCE TP
SIEGE PREM HC
SIEGE PREM HC DM ED LAND VAR
SILVER SURFER REBIRTH OF THANOS PREM HC
SILVER SURFER REBIRTH OF THANOS PREM HC DM VAR ED 47
SPECTACULAR SPIDER-GIRL #3 (OF 4)
SPIDER-MAN GAUNTLET TP VOL 01 ELECTRO & SANDMAN
SUPER HERO SQUAD #7
SUPER HEROES #4
THANOS IMPERATIVE #2 (OF 6)
ULTIMATE COMICS SPIDER-MAN #12
UNCANNY X-MEN HEROIC AGE #1
WORLD WAR HULKS SPIDER-MAN VS THOR #1 (OF 2)
WORLD WAR HULKS WOLVERINE VS CAPTAIN AMERICA #1 (OF 2)
X-FORCE SEX AND VIOLENCE #1 (OF 3)
X-MEN FOREVER 2 #3
X-MEN HELLBOUND #3 (OF 3)
X-MEN LEGACY TP EMPLATE
X-MEN ORIGINS DEADPOOL #1
X-MEN PIXIE STRIKES BACK TP
X-MEN SECOND COMING #2
YOUNG AVENGERS ULTIMATE COLLECTION TP

What are you picking up this week?

Fans of Edward Norton’s Hulk will be disappointed to learn that Marvel Studios has opted not to recast him as the emerald monster when the Avengers flick hits theaters in 2012. Instead, the studio is looking to recast the role to someone who is more of a “team-player”.

Here’s the full explanation from Marvel Studios President of Production, Kevin Feige:

We have made the decision to not bring Ed Norton back to portray the title role of Bruce Banner in the Avengers. Our decision is definitely not one based on monetary factors, but instead rooted in the need for an actor who embodies the creativity and collaborative spirit of our other talented cast members. The Avengers demands players who thrive working as part of an ensemble, as evidenced by Robert, Chris H, Chris E, Sam, Scarlett, and all of our talented casts. We are looking to announce a name actor who fulfills these requirements, and is passionate about the iconic role in the coming weeks.

After what I believed to be a pretty solid performance in the last Hulk movie, it’s a shame to see him not returning. This is arguably one of the poorest discussions that I’ve seen Marvel make in the past while and I’m not entirely sure they’ll be able to find someone as talented and as passionate for the character as Norton. Rumors are circulating that the new Hulk actor will be announced at San Diego Comic-Con, which kicks off on July 22nd.

[hitfix.com - EXCLUSIVE: Marvel confirms they will hire new 'Hulk' for 'The Avengers']

Update 07.11.10: Edward Norton’s agent has now spoken out about the comments by Kevin Feige:

This offensive statement from Kevin Feige at Marvel is a purposefully misleading, inappropriate attempt to paint our client in a negative light. Here are the facts: two months ago, Kevin called me and said he wanted Edward to reprise the role of Bruce Banner in The Avengers. He told me it would be his fantasy to bring Edward on stage with the rest of the cast at ComiCon and make it the event of the convention. When I said that Edward was definitely open to this idea, Kevin was very excited and we agreed that Edward should meet with Joss Whedon to discuss the project. Edward and Joss had a very good meeting (confirmed by Feige to me) at which Edward said he was enthusiastic at the prospect of being a part of the ensemble cast. Marvel subsequently made him a financial offer to be in the film and both sides started negotiating in good faith. This past Wednesday, after several weeks of civil, uncontentious discussions, but before we had come to terms on a deal, a representative from Marvel called to say they had decided to go in another direction with the part. This seemed to us to be a financial decision but, whatever the case, it is completely their prerogative, and we accepted their decision with no hard feelings.

We know a lot of fans have voiced their public disappointment with this result, but this is no excuse for Feige’s mean spirited, accusatory comments. Counter to what Kevin implies here, Edward was looking forward to the opportunity to work with Joss and the other actors in the Avengers cast, many of whom are personal friends of his. Feige’s statement is unprofessional, disingenuous and clearly defamatory. Mr. Norton talent, tireless work ethic and professional integrity deserve more respect, and so do Marvel’s fans.

Brian Swardstrom

[hitfix.com - Exclusive: Edward Norton's agent responds to Marvel Chief's statement] (Thanks Tim!)

Update 07.13.10: Next up to bat is Edward Norton who has now responded to the news of Hulk’s Avengers recasting. Here’s what he had to say via Facebook yesterday morning:

I am so appreciative of the outpouring of support from fans of the Hulk and The Avengers that I feel it would be rude not to respond, So here goes: It seems it won’t work out for me to continue playing Bruce Banner for Marvel in The Avengers. I sincerely hoped it could happen and be great for everyone, but it hasn’t turned out as well as we hoped. I know this is disappointing to many people and that makes me sad. But I am very sincerely grateful to Marvel for extending the offer and even more so for giving me the chance to be a part of the Hulk’s long and excellent history.

Rumor has it that actor/”rapper”/comedian(?) Joaquin Phoenix is set to replace Norton as Banner in the Avengers movie. Check out E! Online for the full scoop.

[E! Online - Edward Norton Fights Back Against Hulk Drama]

Big thanks again to Tim for covering all the Hulk/Norton drama!

Marvel has unveiled the variant cover to Amazing Spider-Man #639, which is the second part of the predictably controversial One Moment In Time arc that will be kicking off in the pages of ASM in the coming weeks. Click on the image above for a larger version and keep an eye out for Amazing Spider-Man #639 which arrives in stores August 4th, 2010.

[Marvel.com - Sneak Peek: Joe Quesada Spidey Variant]

Show Description:
This week on the podcast, our panel returns to a four-man group as we talk comic book news, including real life superheroes, Van Lente’s rumoured new Avengers book and much more. We also take a look back at some of the books we read from last week as well as a preview of some of the comics that went on sale today and we predict our favourite reads for this week! Be advised that the show may (at times) contain explicit content or language.

Listen to POA: The Comic Book Podcast #9! (42m 29s)
Click here and subscribe to future casts via iTunes

Show credits:
Opening / closing theme “Great Lakes Avengers” by Kirby Krackle
This week’s panel: Robbie B, Matt Z, Lee of the Iceberg and Mike
POA: Comic Book Podcast #9 edited by Mike Haynes
As always, thanks to all of this week’s panel and you for listening!

Ladies and gentlemen, it’s Wednesday and that means that there are (possibly) new comics waiting for you at your local shop. Because of the holiday earlier this week, expect delays for sure if you live down in the States. Here’s what you can expect to find at the shop this week.

Dark Horse:

BPRD TP VOL 13 1947
HELLBOY THE STORM #1 (OF 3)
JANET EVANOVICH TROUBLEMAKER HC BOOK 01
STAR WARS OLD REPUBLIC #1 (OF 6) BENJAMIN CARRE CVR

DC / Wildstorm:

ABSOLUTE PLANETARY HC BOOK 01 NEW PTG
AUTHORITY #24
BATMAN AND ROBIN #13
BATMAN CONFIDENTIAL #46
BATMAN ODYSSEY #1 (OF 6)
BLACKEST NIGHT GREEN LANTERN CORPS HC
BLACKEST NIGHT GREEN LANTERN HC
BLACKEST NIGHT HC
BRIGHTEST DAY #5
BRIGHTEST DAY THE ATOM SPECIAL #1
DOOM PATROL #12
GREAT TEN #9 (OF 9)
JONAH HEX #57
JONAH HEX MOVIE JONAH HEX 1/6 SCALE DLX FIGURE
JSA ALL STARS #8
LOONEY TUNES #188
RED HOOD LOST DAYS #2 (OF 6)
RED ROBIN #14
SECRET SIX #23
SHIELD KICKING DOWN THE DOOR TP
SPARTA USA #5 (OF 6)
TOM STRONG AND THE ROBOTS OF DOOM #2 (OF 6)

IDW:

DOCTOR WHO CLASSICS SERIES 3 #5
GI JOE #20
KILL SHAKESPEARE #3
STARSTRUCK #11
TRANSFORMERS BUMBLEBEE TP
TRANSFORMERS IRONHIDE #3
WIRE HANGERS #3

Image:

BRIGADE #1
DUST WARS #2 (OF 3)
FALL OUT TOY WORKS #5 (OF 5)
GODLAND #32
HEATHENTOWN GN (NEW PTG) (PP #921)
WEIRD WORLD OF JACK STAFF #3

Marvel:

AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #636 GRIM
AVENGERS #1 2ND PTG BLANK CVR VAR
AVENGERS #1 2ND PTG JRJR VAR
AVENGERS ACADEMY #1 2ND PTG MCKONEVAR
AVENGERS CHILDRENS CRUSADE #1 (OF 9)
AVENGERS ORIGIN #4 (OF 5)
AVENGERS PRIME #1 (OF 5) 2ND PTG VAR
AVENGERS THOR CAPTAIN AMERICA OFF INDEX MU #3
DARKSTAR AND WINTER GUARD #2 (OF 3)
DEADPOOL TEAM-UP HC VOL 01 GOOD BUDDIES
DRACULA #3 (OF 4)
ESSENTIAL CLASSIC X-MEN TP VOL 01 NEW PTG
FANTASTIC FOUR ANNUAL #32
HAWKEYE & MOCKINGBIRD #1 2ND PTG LOPEZ VAR
HAWKEYE & MOCKINGBIRD #2
HERCULES TWILIGHT OF A GOD #2 (OF 4)
HIT-MONKEY #1 (OF 3)
IRON MAN LEGACY #4
MARVELMAN FAMILYS FINEST #1 (OF 6)
ORSON SCOTT CARDS ENDER IN EXILE #2 (OF 5)
RAWHIDE KID #2 (OF 4)
SECRET AVENGERS #1 2ND PTG DEODATO VAR
SHADOWLAND #1 (OF 5) SL
SHADOWLAND BY BILLY TAN POSTER
SPIDER-MAN FANTASTIC FOUR #1 (OF 4)
SPIDER-MAN MAGAZINE #12
STAND HARDCASES #2 (OF 5)
STAND SOUL SURVIVORS PREM HC
STEVE ROGERS SUPER-SOLDIER #1 (OF 4)
TAILS OF PET AVENGERS DOGS OF SUMMER
THANOS IMPERATIVE #1 (OF 6) 2ND PTG SEPULVEDA VAR
THANOS SOURCEBOOK
THOR AND WARRIORS FOUR #4 (OF 4)
THOR MIGHTY AVENGER #1
THUNDERBOLTS #144 2ND PTG WALKER VAR
ULTIMATE COMICS SPIDER-MAN TP VOL 01 WORLD ACCORDING
VENGEANCE OF MOON KNIGHT #10
VENGEANCE OF MOON KNIGHT TP VOL 01 SHOCK AND AWE
WOLVERINE WEAPON X TP VOL 02 INSANE IN BRAIN
X-FORCE #28 XSC
X-MEN #1
X-WOMEN #1
YOUNG ALLIES #1 2ND PTG LAFUENTE VAR
YOUNG ALLIES #2

What are you picking up this week?

What does this have to do with this post? Nothing really. I just like The Atom… which means I’ll definitely be picking up the new Brightest Day special, written by newly exclusive DC writer Jeff Lemire. Take a peek:

Brightest Day: The Atom is in stores this week.

After months of rumors and speculation, the actor who will be playing Peter Parker in the next Spider-Man movie, to be directed by Marc Webb, has been chosen… and it’s Andrew Garfield of such films as Lions For Lambs, The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus and the upcoming The Social Network. Never heard of him and don’t know what he looks like?

We’ve got you covered.

Thoughts?

Show Description:
On this week’s show, we run down the latest comic book and comic related news including Wonder Woman’s new look and Jeph Loeb’s promotion, we talk about our opinions of the last week’s books such as Spider-Man’s Grim Hunt and Paul Dini’s Zatanna to name a few and we preview this week’s releases from Marvel, DC, Avatar and more! Be advised that the show may (at times) contain explicit content or language.

Listen to POA: The Comic Book Podcast #8! (28m 18s)
Click here and subscribe to future casts via iTunes

Show credits:
Opening / closing theme “Great Lakes Avengers” by Kirby Krackle
This week’s panel: Lee of the Iceberg and Mike
POA: Comic Book Podcast #8 edited by Mike Haynes
As always, thanks to all of this week’s panel and you for listening!

Every once in a blue moon, I actually get caught up on all my comics. Well, ladies and gentlemen… this is that time. Pray for my wallet this week as I head to the comic book store to try and rebuild my “To Read” pile. Also, it’s new comic book day. Here’s a look at the books heading to a comic store near you.

SWING!

Avatar Press:

ALAN MOORE NEONOMICON HORNBOOK WONDERCON ED
CAPTAIN SWING #1 WIZARD TORONTO ED
CAPTAIN SWING #2 (OF 4)
CAPTAIN SWING #2 AUXILIARY ED
CAPTAIN SWING #2 WRAP CVR
CHRONICLES OF WORMWOOD LAST BATTLE #4 (OF 6)
CHRONICLES OF WORMWOOD LAST BATTLE #4 WRAP CVR
CHRONICLES OF WORMWOOD LB #4 AUXILIARY ED
CROSSED #8 CONVENTION ED
CROSSED FAMILY VALUES #1 AUXILIARY ED
FEVRE DREAM #1 AUXILIARY ED
GRAVEL #15 CONVENTION ED

Dark Horse:

ABE SAPIEN ABYSSAL PLAIN #1 (OF 2) DAVE JOHNSON CVR
HERBIE 7 INCH VINYL FIGURE
NEXUS ARCHIVES HC VOL 11
PREDATORS #4 (OF 4)
STAR WARS DARK TIMES #17 BLUE HARVEST PT 5 (OF 5)
STAR WARS INVASION RESCUES #2 (OF 6)
STAR WARS LEGACY #49 EXTREMES PART 2 (OF 3)
STAR WARS LEGACY TP VOL 09 MONSTER
USAGI YOJIMBO #129
USAGI YOJIMBO 12 INCH PLUSH

DC / Wildstorm:

ACTION COMICS #890
ACTION COMICS #890 VAR ED
BATMAN BEYOND #1 (OF 6)
BATMAN RETURN OF BRUCE WAYNE #2 (OF 6) 2ND PTG
BATMAN THE BRAVE AND THE BOLD #18
BATWOMAN ELEGY DELUXE EDITION HC
CARTOON NETWORK 2-1 POWERPUFF GIRLS FOSTERS TP
FLASH #3 (BRIGHTEST DAY)
GOTHAM CITY SIRENS #13
GREEN LANTERN #55 (BRIGHTEST DAY)
JOKERS ASYLUM CLAYFACE #1
JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA #46 (BRIGHTEST DAY)
JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA #46 (BRIGHTEST DAY) VAR ED
JUSTICE SOCIETY OF AMERICA #40
STOLEN HEARTS VOL 02
SUPERMAN WAR OF THE SUPERMEN DOUBLE FEATURE #2
TEEN TITANS #84
TERU TERU X SHONEN VOL 07
WEB #10
WONDER WOMAN #600
WONDER WOMAN ARCHIVES HC VOL 06

IDW:

ARMY OF TWO #6
BRAM STOKERS DEATH SHIP #2
DRAGON AGE #2
GI JOE HEARTS AND MINDS #2
LAST UNICORN #2
LUCKIEST BOY GN (RES)
SHERLOCK HOLMES HC VOL 02
STAR TREK BURDEN OF KNOWLEDGE #1
TANK GIRL ROYAL ESCAPE #4 (OF 4)
TRANSFORMERS ALLSPARK ALMANAC TP VOL 02
TRIBES DOG YEARS GN
YOURS TRULY JACK THE RIPPER #1

Image:

ANGELUS #4 (OF 6)
DARKNESS ORIGINS TP VOL 02
ELEPHANTMEN #26
VELOCITY #1 (OF 4) CHRISCROSS CVR B
VELOCITY #1 (OF 4) ROCAFORT CVR A
WHATEVER HAPPENED TO BARON VON SHOCK #1 2ND PTG

Marvel:

AGE OF HEROES #1 OF(4) 2ND PTG DJURDJEVIC VAR
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN PRESENTS AMERICAN SON #2 (OF 4)
ASTONISHING X-MEN #34
CAPTAIN AMERICA #607 HA
CAPTAIN AMERICA 1940S NEWSPAPER STRIP #1
DEADPOOL CORPS PRELUDE PREM HC
DEADPOOL TEAM-UP #892
DEADPOOL WADE WILSONS WAR #2 (OF 4)
DEATH OF DRACULA #1
DOOMWAR #5 (OF 6)
FANTASTIC FOUR BY HICKMAN PREM HC VOL 02
HERALDS #5 (OF 5)
INVINCIBLE IRON MAN ANNUAL #1
IRON MAN EXTREMIS DIRECTORS CUT #4 (OF 6)
IRON MAN KISS AND KILL #1
LIST TP
MARVEL ZOMBIES 5 #4 (OF 5)
MMW ATLAS ERA STRANGE TALES HC VOL 03
MMW ATLAS ERA STRANGE TALES HC VOL 03 DM VAR ED 140
MMW DAREDEVIL TP VOL 01
MMW DAREDEVIL TP VOL 01 DM ED VAR 17
NEW AVENGERS LUKE CAGE #3 (OF 3)
NEW MUTANTS #12 3RD PTG VAR (PP# 922)
SECRET AVENGERS #2 HA
SECRET WARRIORS TP VOL 02 GOD OF FEAR GOD OF WAR
SPIDER-HAM 25TH ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL #1
SPIDER-MAN JACKPOT TP
THANOS IMPERATIVE IGNITION #1 2ND PTG WALKER VAR
THOR #611 HA
TOMB OF DRACULA TP VOL 01
ULTIMATE COMICS AVENGERS PREM HC NEXT GENERATION
ULTIMATES TP ULTIMATE COLLECTION
UNCANNY X-MEN #523 3RD PTG VAR
X-CAMPUS #1 (OF 4)
X-CAMPUS #1 (OF 4) MEDRI VAR
X-FORCE #26 3RD PTG VAR
X-FORCE #27 2ND PTG CHOI VAR
X-MEN CURSE OF THE MUTANTS SAGA
X-MEN FOREVER 2 #2
X-MEN LEGACY #235 3RD PTG VAR
X-MEN SECOND COMING 3RD PTG VAR
X-NECROSHA HC

So while I don’t usually like telling people what to do, go pick up Captain Swing. It’s fantastic.

What else are you picking up this week?

We comic fans are a rabid bunch apparently.

In addition to this radical change in appearance, the entire Wonder Woman world will change with the destruction of Paradise Island, bringing about a massive new direction for the book and the character in general. Here’s what JMS had to say in an interview with CBR posted last night:

The timeline has changed in the blink of an eye. The gods – (for reasons of their own, which we will gradually discover, and which may involve both their survival and the survival of Earth itself – altered the past. So we literally have Wonder Woman turning a corner in the story right before mine in 600…and when she finishes turning the corner, the timeline has shifted, and she’s now in her new iteration.

So a retcon too? Well, if anyone’s going to pull it off, it’ll be JMS. Now, I don’t follow Wonder Woman myself so I’m curious what some of the longtime fans think about all these big shakeups. Been reading WW for a while? Toss me a comment and let me know what you think of the changes.

Ms. Marvel looks strangely familiar for some reason…

Show Description:
Following a ridiculous break, the Panels of Awesome podcast returns for another round with a ton of new comic books to talk about. Also, we chat about DC’s launch into the digital comic world, b-list character we’d like to see get their own short films, our pull lists this week and much, much more. Be advised that the show may (at times) contain explicit content or language.

Listen to POA: The Comic Book Podcast #7! (56m 54s)
Click here and subscribe to future casts via iTunes

Show credits:
Opening / closing theme “Great Lakes Avengers” by Kirby Krackle
POA: Comic Book Podcast #7 edited by Mike Haynes
As always, thanks to all of this week’s panel and you for listening!

Don’t you hate having to wait seven days until all the new comics are released? Well, comic fans, your seven days are up! Take a peek at all the latest books from DC, Marvel and Image to name a few that will be popping up at a shop near you today.

Dark Horse:

BEASTS OF BURDEN HC
LIFE & TIMES MARTHA WASHINGTON IN 21ST CENTURY TP
ODDLY COMPLELLING ART OF DENIS KITCHEN HC
PREDATORS #3 (OF 4)
STICKY NOTEBOOK BETTIE PAGE ORANGE
STICKY NOTEBOOK BETTIE PAGE PINK
TUROK SON OF STONE ARCHIVES HC VOL 06

DC / Wildstorm:

ASTRO CITY #1 NEW PTG #1
AUTHORITY THE LOST YEAR #9 (OF 12)
AUTHORITY THE LOST YEAR TP BOOK 01
BATMAN ARKHAM ASYLUM MADNESS HC
BATMAN RETURN OF BRUCE WAYNE #3 (OF 6)
BATMAN STREETS OF GOTHAM #13
BILLY BATSON AND THE MAGIC OF SHAZAM #17
COVER RUN THE DC COMICS ART OF ADAM HUGHES HC
DETECTIVE COMICS #866
DETECTIVE COMICS BOX SET
FABLES PORTFOLIO SET
FRINGE TALES FROM THE FRINGE #1 (OF 6)
GARRISON #3 (OF 6)
GREEN ARROW #1 (BRIGHTEST DAY)
GREEN LANTERN CORPS #49 (BRIGHTEST DAY)
JOKERS ASYLUM KILLER CROC #1
JUSTICE LEAGUE GENERATION LOST #4 (BRIGHTEST DAY)
JUSTICE LEAGUE THE RISE OF ARSENAL #4 (OF 4)
LEGION OF SUPER HEROES #1 2ND PTG
LEGION OF SUPER HEROES #2
MUSASHI #9 VOL 17
POLYPHONICA CARDINAL CRIMSON VOL 01
POWER GIRL #13
SUPERGIRL #53
SUPERMAN #700
SUPERMAN BATMAN #73
TWO FLOWERS FOR THE DRAGON VOL 06
VENUS CAPRICCIO VOL 04
WILDCATS #24
WORLDS FINEST TP
ZATANNA #2

IDW:

ANGEL #34
ARCHIE BEST OF DAN DECARLO HC VOL 01
DOCTOR WHO ONGOING #12
FALLEN ANGEL OMNIBUS TP VOL 00
FAMILY CIRCUS LIBRARY HC VOL 02
GHOSTBUSTERS HOLIDAY SPECIAL CON VOLUTION #1
GI JOE OPERATION HISS #5
GI JOE SPECIAL MISSIONS TP VOL 01
JAMES PATTERSONS WITCH & WIZARD #2 BATTLE SHADOWLAND
JOHN SABLE FREELANCE ASHES OF EDEN TP VOL 01
JURASSIC PARK REDEMPTION #1
KILLING THE COBRA CHINATOWN TROLLOP #2
LOVE AND CAPES TP VOL 02
WE WILL BURY YOU #4

Image:

BANANA TAILS COLORFUL ADVENTURE HC
DEAD AT 17 WITCH QUEEN #4 (OF 4)
DYNAMO 5 SINS OF THE FATHER #1 (OF 5)
GOD COMPLEX #7
PROOF TP VOL 04 JULIA
SAM & TWITCH WRITER #4 (OF 4)
SEA BEAR & GRIZZLY SHARK #1

Marvel:

AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #635 GRIM
ANITA BLAKE TP BOOK 02 LC NECROMANCER
ASTONISHING X-MEN GIFTED GN HC W/MOTION COMIC DVD
AVENGERS #2 HA
DAREDEVIL BY BENDIS & MALEEV TP ULT COLL BOOK 01
DAREDEVIL MGC #26
DEADPOOL & CABLE ULTIMATE COLL TP BOOK 02
DEADPOOL CORPS BY DAVE JOHNSON POSTER
DRACULA #2
ESSENTIAL CAPTAIN AMERICA TP VOL 05
FANTASTIC FOUR #580 HA
FRANKEN-CASTLE #18
HALO GRAPHIC NOVEL TP
HERALDS #4 (OF 5)
HULK #23 WWHS
IRON MAN LEGACY #3
MARVELS EYE OF CAMERA PREM HC
NAMORA #1
NAMORA #1 FRANDON VAR
NOVA TP VOL 06 REALM OF KINGS
PETER PARKER #4 (OF 5)
SECRET WARRIORS #17 HA
SENSE & SENSIBILITY #2 (OF 5)
SHIELD #1 3RD PTG WEAVER VAR (PP# 922)
SPIDER-MAN #3
SPIDER-MAN AND SECRET WARS TP GN
THOR BY JURGENS AND ROMITA JR TP VOL 03
THUNDERBOLTS #145 HA
ULTIMATE COMICS AVENGERS 2 #4
WOLVERINE ORIGINS #49
WOLVERINE WEAPON X #14
X-FACTOR #206 XSC
X-MEN LEGACY #237 XSC
X-MEN NOIR PREM HC MARK OF CAIN
X-MEN SWORD TP NO TIME TO BREATHE

What are you picking up this week?

Well, if you thought that, you’d be wrong.

Here’s a peek at Amazing Spider-Man #638, which is One Moment In Time part 1 for those of you that are wondering, by Joe Quesada and Paolo Rivera which will hopefully help explain just what exactly happened on the day that Peter and Mary Jane were supposed to be married.

Amazing Spider-Man #638 is in stores this July.

It’s that time of the week once again. The time when comic book fans from all over head down to their local shops and pick up the latest comic from publishers like Marvel, DC and Image to name a few. Wondering what you’ll find when you arrive at a comic store near you today?

Don’t worry. We’ve got ya covered.

Avatar Press:

CROSSED: FAMILY VALUES #2 (OF 6)
FEVRE DREAM #2 (OF 10)

Dark Horse:

CONAN SPEAR & OTHER STORIES TP
CREEPY ARCHIVES HC VOL 06
GOON FANCY PANTS HC LTD ED VOL 03 GOON YEAR
PREDATORS #2 (OF 4)
STAR WARS CLONE WARS YR TP VOL 05 IN SERVICE OF REPUBLIC
STAR WARS KNIGHTS O/T OLD REPUBLIC TP VOL 09 DEMON

DC / Wildstorm:

AZRAEL #9
BATMAN BLACK AND WHITE STATUE BY FRANK QUITELY
BATMAN RETURN OF BRUCE WAYNE #1 (OF 6) 2ND PTG
BATMAN RIP TP
BIRDS OF PREY #2 (BRIGHTEST DAY)
BRIGHTEST DAY #4
DC COVER ART PRINT SUPERMAN
DC UNIVERSE LEGACIES #2 (OF 10)
DETECTIVE COMICS #854 NEW PTG
DV8 GODS AND MONSTERS #3 (OF 8)
GREEN LANTERN LEGACIES STATUE PART 2 KYLE RAYNER
HISTORY DCU SER 4 SUPERMAN AS NIGHTWING AF
HISTORY OF THE DCU SER 4 CAPTAIN ATOM AF
HISTORY OF THE DCU SER 4 KOBRA AF
HISTORY OF THE DCU SER 4 MARTIAN MANHUNTER AF
JOKERS ASYLUM HARLEY QUINN #1
JOKERS ASYLUM MAD HATTER #1
MAD MAGAZINE #504
MAGOG #10
REBELS #17
SCOOBY DOO #157
SEVEN SOLDIERS OF VICTORY HC VOL 01
SHIELD #10
SPIRIT #3
SUPERMAN WAR OF THE SUPERMEN DOUBLE FEATURE #1
SUPERNATURAL BEGINNINGS END #6 (OF 6)
TINY TITANS #29
WORLD OF WARCRAFT HC VOL 03

IDW:

ANGEL BARBARY COAST #3
GI JOE #19
LITTLE ADVENTURES IN OZ BOOK 02
SPIKE THE DEVIL YOU KNOW #1
TRANSFORMERS NEFARIOUS #4

Image:

DARKNESS ACCURSED TP VOL 03
FADE TO BLACK #4 (OF 5)
FOUR EYES #4 (RES)
LIGHT BUMPER ED (PP #921)
MAGDALENA (ONGOING) #2
SAVAGE DRAGON #161
WITCHBLADE TP VOL 07

Marvel:

AGE OF HEROES #2 (OF 4) HA
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #633
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #634 GRIM
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN PRESENTS BLACK CAT #1 (OF 4)
ATLAS #2
AVENGERS CONTEST PREM HC
AVENGERS CONTEST PREM HC VAR DM ED 45
BLACK WIDOW #3 HA
CABLE PREM HC VOL 04 HOMECOMING
DARK TOWER GUNSLINGER JOURNEY BEGINS #2 (OF 5)
DARK WOLVERINE #87
DEADPOOL #24
DEADPOOL MERC WITH A MOUTH #12 (OF 13)
DEADPOOL PREM HC VOL 04 MONKEY BUSINESS
GUARDIANS OF GALAXY PREM HC VOL 04 REALM OF KINGS
HERALDS #3 (OF 5)
HER-OES #3
HULK #22 2ND PTG MCGUINNESS VAR (PP #921)
HULK TP VOL 04 HULK VS X-FORCE
INCREDIBLE HULK #610 WWHS
INCREDIBLE HULK TP VOL 01 SON OF BANNER
IRON MAN EXTREMIS DIRECTORS CUT #3 (OF 6)
LOCKJAW AND PET AVENGERS UNLEASHED #4 (OF 4)
MARVELOUS LAND OF OZ #7 (OF 8)
MIGHTY AVENGERS TP UNSPOKEN
MMW CAPTAIN AMERICA HC VOL 05
MMW CAPTAIN AMERICA HC VOL 05 DM VAR ED 139
NEW AVENGERS #1 HA
NEW AVENGERS #1 HEROIC AGE BLANK VAR HA
NEW AVENGERS FINALE #1 2ND PTG BATTLE READY VAR (PP #921)
NEW AVENGERS FINALE #1 2ND PTG UNMASKED VAR (PP #921)
NEW MUTANTS #14 XSC
NEW X-MEN MGC #114
OFF HANDBOOK MARVEL UNIVERSE A TO Z UPDATE #2
PETER PORKER TP VOL 01 SPECTACULAR SPIDER-HAM GN
THOR BY J MICHAEL STRACZYNSKI TP VOL 03
ULTIMATE COMICS NEW ULTIMATES #2 (OF 5) 2ND PTG CHO VAR
ULTIMATE COMICS X #2 3RD PTG A ADAMS VAR (PP #921)
ULTIMATE COMICS X #3
WEB OF SPIDER-MAN #9
X-FACTOR #205 2ND PTG DE LANDRO VAR (PP #921)
X-FACTOR FOREVER #4
X-MEN LEGACY #236 2ND PTG LAND VAR (PP #921)

What are you picking up this week?

Over the past couple of days, there’s been quite a bit of talk about the upcoming Spider-Man movie reboot and who exactly could or should be suiting up to play the part of Peter Parker. Actor-comedian Donald Glover has been mentioned lately as wanting to audition for the part of Spidey in the upcoming movie but a number of people seem to have a couple issues with the idea of Peter Parker, who has traditionally appeared in the comics as a white male, being played by an African-American.

Fast-forward to late last night when writer Dan Slott, who has worked on Amazing Spider-Man, She-Hulk, Mighty Avengers and Avengers: The Initiative to name a few, decided to turn Twitter into a full-blown debate as to why race matters when it comes to comic book movies and things quickly turned into one of the most fascinatingly intelligent and professional things I’ve seen on the internet with plenty of good points for both sides of the issue.

With the discussion now winding down on Twitter, I figured we should maybe carry on and get a little more insight into the topic so I ask you: How important is it that characters in comic book movies are the same race as the characters in the comic books? Would you like to see Spider-Man portrayed by someone of a different race? What are your thoughts on the Ultimate version of Nick Fury being black?

Speak up!

Allan Heinberg and Jimmy Cheung return for another round with the Young Avengers this July and they’re certainly not alone.

We’ve got the Avengers, the Young Avengers, a number of X-Men, guest stars; just an enormous cast. (Allan Heinberg talking with Marvel.com)

Ladies and gentlemen, commence your drooling.

For more info and preview art, check out Marvel.com.

CBR News: Duane, What was it about the character of the Black Widow and the world she inhabits that made you want to take on this assignment?

Duane Swierczynski: I’m a huge spy fiction nerd, from “Three Days of the Condor” to Greg Rucka’s “Queen & Country” to Trevanian’s Jonathan Hemlock novels to “Alias” to Donald Hamilton’s Matt Helm novels (and sure, Ian Fleming’s Bond novels as well, but Helm could kick Bond’s ass in a country minute) to Olen Steinhauer’s “The Tourist” and…well, many, many others.

Manuel, for the past few years at Marvel, your work seems to be pretty much about characters who are antiheroes or sort of walk the line between good and evil and light and dark. Like Pete Wisdom, Ares, and Mystique. The Widow is a character who definitely seems to fall into that category. What is it about these characters that makes them so interesting to you as an artist?

Manuel Garcia: To tell you the truth, I’ve thought about that myself, but well, in the end the most important thing is that they are all very interesting characters. I suppose they probably fit well with my style as an artist, which I think is also somewhat dark and dirty. Anyway, I tend to feel more comfortable with these kind of characters than with the more traditional clean cut superhero ones. I like to give my comics a realistic feel, and these characters and their situations make that easier.

You guys are picking up “Black Widow” after Marjorie Liu and Daniel Acuna’s introductory arc. How connected is your story to Marjorie’s?

Swierczynski: While Marjorie hasn’t left any unfinished business for me, I’m definitely following her lead in keeping Black Widow a suspenseful, gritty and wild book.

Taking a look at the art, it’s nice to see a little more of a realistic look to the character. Not that I don’t like Acuna’s art, which is fantastic, but having a similar style to a book like Captain America will undoubtedly give the book a much more gritty and real-world look similar to Alex Maleev’s work on the recent Spider-Woman book.

If you’re interested in checking out the full interview with the upcoming creative team, check out CBR. Black Widow #6, which is the first issue with Swierczynski and Garcia, is in stores this September.

Show Description:
After some much needed rest, our panel returns once again to talk about the massive number of great comics from both this week and last, we talk costumes for both the Captain America and Thor movies plus much more. Be advised that the show may (at times) contain explicit content or language.

Listen to POA: The Comic Book Podcast #6! (39m 04s)
Click here and subscribe to future casts via iTunes

Show credits:
Opening / closing theme “Great Lakes Avengers” by Kirby Krackle
POA: Comic Book Podcast #6 edited by Mike Haynes
As always, thanks to all of this week’s panel and you for listening!