Now Playing Podcast Q&A: ‘Twin Peaking,’ Podbean, and More
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| The launch of Now Playing Podcast’s Podbean support page has given listeners something many have been demanding for years: access to the show’s celebrated bonus episodes, which had previously been available exclusively during Now Playing’s bi-annual donation drives.
With those episodes now available via Podbean purchase and subscription options, listeners have been able to catch up on classic series’ including Jaws, Alien, and Planet of the Apes. Yet, the question remains, does this mean Now Playing’s donation drives are going away? Host Arnie Carvalho answered that question and more in a Q&A with the Venganza Media Gazette. |
| Venganza Gazette: How does the new Podbean option affect the donation drives?
Arnie C: We’re going to have a Silver Donation Series for a new retrospective: Pirates of the Caribbean. That’s a five-episode series, one that listeners have been demanding for some time. The Silver level series will be available both through PodBean and, due to listener demand, also through the “classic” method through PayPal for those who want the shows in iTunes. The classic donation wiill be $10 for all 5 shows. With Podbean, the new Pirates series will be available for $2.99 per episode, pick which episodes you want. After the donation drive ends the Podbean episodes will increase to $3.99 per episode. That will be the only new movie series reviewed for donation this Spring. While we normally do three movie series, with Now Peaking and the opening of the vault we don’t want our listeners to feel over-extended. So the Gold and Platinum series will just be rereleases of series that are currently on PodBean, but getting new installments this Spring or Summer. All that said, there will be a couple other bonus episodes. We usually did some Easter Egg podcasts with donation drives. Now we are going to release those types of one-off reviews to Patrons who support the show on an ongoing basis. Details for that are on our Podbean Patron page. |
| Venganza Gazette: How long will the episodes be available through PodBean?
PodBean’s technology allows us to offer these old shows. Until now we’ve have had to process all donations by hand and could not balance offering so much. If we continue past our 10th anniversary depends on listener feedback. |
| Venganza Gazette: What are the major differences between Podbean and the “classic” donation?
Arnie C: The advantage to going Podbean is instant access. In the past, donors received those shows via email, now they don’t need to wait, and they can choose which episodes they want if they don’t want the entire series. The advantage of going “classic” is a slightly lower donation for the entire bundle. Those donors will also be grandfathered in for any future sequels, much like current donors with Alien, Jaws, etc. But we are still processing all donations by hand, sending out weekly e-mails by hand, and so on. PodBean purchases are by the episode so any new installments received would require an additional payment. |
| Venganza Gazette: And there’s a new Alien on the way…
Arnie C: And a new Planet of the Apes film. Both retrospectives will be available on Podbean — Alien is there now – but, again, those series’ will also be available through the “classic” donation method. Alien will be our Gold level series, for the traditional donation of $25 or more, also getting you the Pirates shows. The Platinum level series will be all three: Pirates, Alien, and Planet of the Apes. In total, that’s going to be 20 reviews for a donation of $40 or more. And of course, anyone who previously donated through Kickstarter, our 5th Anniversary DVD, or the original Apes and Alien series will get these new episodes e-mailed to them with no additional donation needed. |
| Venganza Gazette: What’s the plan for your Twin Peaks retrospective, Now Peaking?
Arnie C: Now Peaking is sort of a sub-show to Now Playing. It will not be on the Now Playing site, it has its own web site at NowPeakingPodcast.com. It also has its own Twitter and Facebook feeds. That said, it is being made by us at Now Playing. It will be hosted by me, Jakob, and Stuart, and edited by our crack team. Twin Peaks had an interesting formula–each episode of the series was one day in the life of Twin Peaks. We will follow that pattern. Our first show will be released February 24th (the day Laura Palmer’s body was discovered in Twin Peaks). That review of the pilot episode will be available for free both on the Now Playing Podcast feed and on NowPeakingPodcast.com. After that, future episode reviews will be part of a donation series, the money covering the costs of Now Peaking and also supporting Now Playing. These podcasts will come out one a day until late March, keeping up with Twin Peaks’ in-universe timeline. Then, when the Showtime series starts in May, we’ll release new episodes weekly. There will be a total of 40 episodes or more, depending on how many Showtime releases this summer. They will only be available through PodBean with each episode costing $0.99 each. You can also get a Season Pass of all the episodes for $29.99. We are all really excited about Now Peaking and a chance to deep dive into the Twin Peaks universe. Every book from The Secret Diary of Larua Palmer to The Secret History of Twin Peaks will be reviewed on Books & Nachos, the show itself will be reviewed on Now Peaking, and the Twin Peaks movie, Fire Walk With Me, will be reviewed on Now Playing, free for everyone to hear, on March 28, 2017! |
| The Now Playing Podcast Pirates of the Caribbean Retrospective Series begins May 5. The entire show schedule can be seen on the Now Playing Podcast website. |
Marvel Presents “Black Panther: A Nation Under Our Feet” Featuring “Born A Snake” by P.O.S
MARVEL COMICS PROUDLY PRESENTS
“Black Panther: A Nation Under Our Feet – PART nine”
FEATURING “Born A Snake” by P.O.S
Innovative Marvel Video Series Bridges Marvel Comics with Top Music Talent
New York, NY—January 25, 2017 — Marvel Comics continues to present this year’s breakout Marvel Super Hero – the Black Panther – through a monthly video series that continues to link the world of comics and hip-hop blending animated comics along with commentary from Black Panther writer, Ta-Nehisi Coates. Additionally, “Black Panther: A Nation Under Our Feet – Part Nine” is launching the brand new track, “Born A Snake” by P.O.S off of Chill, dummy available on Doomtree Records.
Within Marvel Comics’ Black Panther, written by The Atlantic national correspondent and National Book Award winner, Ta-Nehisi Coates, Shuri, Black Panther’s sister is reborn anew! New powers, a new codename and a new target: the Midnight Angels. The newly independent Dora Milaje make their final accord with Tetu and The People…T’Challa takes an audience with the voice of dissent, Changamire. But will both men finally listen to reason?
Continuing the excitement surrounding Marvel’s celebrated Super Hero T’Challa, the Black Panther, the latest episode of this revolutionary multi-artist hip-hop-inspired video series samples a brand new track, “Born A Snake” by Stefon Alexander, also known as, P.O.S.
“In crazy and unprecedented times like we are living in right now, I think the Black Panther comic is more important than ever,” said Alexander. “Not just for young black comic book reading kids, but really for everyone of all races and ages. Comics have always been an escape and a window into different people’s ideas. In my humble opinion, Coates, his ideas, and these characters should be celebrated by everyone. The more examples and shades of blackness available, the better and I am honored to be a part of this.”
Watch “Black Panther: A Nation Under Our Feet – Part Nine” now!
An Assassin Comes to Vegas – Your First Look at ELEKTRA #1!
An Assassin Comes to Vegas – Your First Look at ELEKTRA #1!
New York, NY—January 25th, 2016 — Sin City has a new player as Marvel’s deadly assassin heads for the bright lights and dry heat of the Las Vegas Strip! Today, Marvel is pleased to present your first look inside in the can’t-miss ELEKTRA #1 – a brand-new series coming this February from writer Matt Owens (Marvel’s Luke Cage) and artist Juann Cabal! Elektra is “Running With the Devil” as the one-time ninja assassin attempts to lose herself in the vibrant sea of neon, noise and anonymity. It’s time for a fresh start. But when you have a past as tumultuous as hers, you can’t outrun it for long! Her arrival hasn’t gone unnoticed by the criminal element of Las Vegas either – drawing the attention of none other than the villainous Arcade! He’s got his eyes on her as the newest contestant for his revamped Murderworld! Can Elektra ever truly escape the vortex of violence that has consumed her life for so long? Or is the cycle doomed to repeat itself? Her new journey into Murderworld and beyond begins on February 22nd in ELEKTRA #1!
ELEKTRA #1 (DEC160870)
Written by MATT OWENS
Art by JUANN CABAL
Cover by ELIZABEH TORQUE
Connecting Variant by MARCO CHECCHETTO (DEC160871)
Variant Covers by PASQUAL FERRY (DEC160874), BILL SIENKIEWICZ (DEC160872)
and SKOTTIE YOUNG (DEC160875)
Hip-Hop Variant by KERON GRANT (DEC160873)
FOC – 1/30/17, On-Sale – 02/22/17
Resident Evil: Retribution
Ten years after Resident Evil first hit screens it came back for Retribution! This fifth movie brings back actors, and plot points, from previous installments. Can the return of Michelle Rodriguez, Sienna Guillory, Colin Salmon, and Oded Fehr breathe new life into this zombie series? Join the Now Playing hosts to find out!
Deadpool, Disney, and Teen Titans in Upcoming Monogram International Blind Bagged Key Chains
Vestron’s Wishmaster Collection Arrives on Blu-ray 3/28
Street Date: 03/28/17
Blu-ray™ SRP: $49.99
Your wish has come true with the Vestron Video Collector’s Series upcoming release of the Wishmaster Collection, a must-have for cult classic collectors, available for the first time on limited-edition Blu-ray™ on March 28 from Lionsgate. In the Wishmaster series, an evil djinn grants three wishes to the person who releases him, fulfilling a prophecy that will unleash his fellow djinn upon the earth. With brand-new illustration from renowned artist Thomas Hodge, the three-disc Wishmaster Collection limited-edition Blu-ray™ includes all four films, restored and remastered, plus never-before-seen special features, and will be available for the suggested retail price of $49.99.
WISHMASTER COLLECTION OFFICIAL SYNOPSIS
Magically powerful and supernaturally evil, the ancient entity known as the Djinn can grant your wildest dreams — and unleash your darkest nightmares. Follow the Wishmaster’s bloodcurdling quest to devour souls and plunge the world into eternal damnation in this fright-filled collection of all four horror-fantasy favorites.
WISHMASTER SPECIAL FEATURES
· Audio Commentaries:
o Director Robert Kurtzman and screenwriter Peter Atkins
o Director Robert Kurtzman and stars Andrew Divoff and Tammy Lauren
· Isolated Score Selections/Audio Interview with composer Harry Manfredini
· Featurettes
o “Out of the Bottle” – Interviews with director Robert Kurtzman and co-producer David Tripet
o “The Magic Words” – An Interview with screenwriter Peter Atkins
o “The Djinn and Alexandra” – Interviews with stars Andrew Divoff and Tammy Lauren
o “Captured Visions” – An Interview with director of photography Jacques Haitkin
o “Wish List” – Interviews with actors Kane Hodder and Ted Raimi
o Vintage Featurette: “Making of Wishmaster”
· Trailers, Spots, Galleries: Teaser & Theatrical Trailers, TV & Radio Spots, Storyboard & Still Galleries
· Behind-the-Scenes Footage Compilation
WISHMASTER 2: EVIL NEVER DIES SPECIAL FEATURES
· Audio Commentary with writer/director Jack Sholder
· Trailer
· Still Gallery
WISHMASTER 3: BEYOND THE GATES OF HELL SPECIAL FEATURES
· Audio Commentary with director Chris Angel and cast members John Novak, Jason Connery, and Louisette Geiss
· Vintage Featurette: “Making of Wishmaster 3: Beyond the Gates of Hell”
· Trailer
WISHMASTER 4: THE PROPHECY FULFILLED SPECIAL FEATURES
· Audio Commentaries:
o Director Chris Angel and cast members Michael Trucco and Jason Thompson
o Director Chris Angel and actor John Novak
· Featurette: “Wishmasterpiece Theatre”
· Trailer
WISHMASTER COLLECTION
Year of Production: 1997
Title Copyright: Wishmaster © 1997 Artisan Pictures Inc. All Rights Reserved. Artwork & Supplementary Materials © 2017 Lions Gate Entertainment Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Type: Catalog Release
Rating: R for horror violence and gore, and for language.
Genre: Horror
Closed-Captioned: N/A
Subtitles: English SDH
Feature Run Time: 90 Minutes
Format: 1080p High Definition, 16×9 Widescreen (1.78:1)
Audio: English 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio™
WISHMASTER 2: EVIL NEVER DIES
Year of Production: 1999
Title Copyright: Wishmaster 2 © 1999 Artisan Pictures Inc. All Rights Reserved. Artwork & Supplementary Materials © 2017 Lions Gate Entertainment Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Type: Catalog Release
Rating: R for horror violence and gore, strong language and some sexuality.
Genre: Horror
Closed-Captioned: N/A
Subtitles: English SDH
Feature Run Time: 96 Minutes
Format: 1080p High Definition, 16×9 Widescreen (1.85:1)
Audio: English 5.0 DTS-HD Master Audio™
WISHMASTER 3: BEYOND THE GATES OF HELL
Year of Production: 2001
Title Copyright: Wishmaster 3 © 2001 Wishmaster 3 Production, Inc. & Pendle View (WM), Ltd. All Rights Reserved. Artwork & Supplementary Materials © 2017 Lions Gate Entertainment Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Type: Catalog Release
Rating: R for violence/gore, some sexuality and language.
Genre: Horror
Closed-Captioned: N/A
Subtitles: English SDH
Feature Run Time: 92 Minutes
Format: 1080p High Definition, 16×9 Widescreen (1.85:1)
Audio: English 2.0 DTS-HD Master Audio™
WISHMASTER: THE PROPHECY FULFILLED
Year of Production: 2002
Title Copyright: Wishmaster 4 © 2001 Wishmaster 4 Productions, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Artwork & Supplementary Materials © 2017 Lions Gate Entertainment Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Type: Catalog Release
Rating: R for strong violence/gore, sexuality and some language.
Genre: Horror
Closed-Captioned: N/A
Subtitles: English SDH
Feature Run Time: 92 Minutes
Format: 1080p High Definition, 16×9 Widescreen (1.85:1)
Audio: English 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio™
Arcana and Shout! Factory announce HP LOVECRAFT AND THE UNDERSEA KINGDOM
Pop Culture Icons Mark Hamill, Jeffrey Combs, Christopher Plummer and Doug Bradley
Lead All-Star Voice Cast for the Next Installment of Howard Lovecraft Animated Film Series
Vancouver, B.C. and Los Angeles, Calif. – January 2016 – Arcana Studios and Shout! Factory, a multi-platform media company, today announced the casting of Mark Hamill (Star Wars), Jeffrey Combs (Transformers Prime, Re-Animator), Oscar®-winner Christopher Plummer (Howard Lovecraft and the Frozen Kingdom, Beginners) and Doug Bradley (Hellraiser) in the upcoming animated feature HOWARD LOVECRAFT AND THE UNDERSEA KINGDOM. Mark Hamill is set to voice the role of Dr. Henry Armitage, and Jeffrey Combs has been cast in the role of King Abdul. Christopher Plummer and Doug Bradley will be reprising their roles as Dr. Herbert West and Nyarlathotep.
Written, directed and produced by Sean Patrick O’Reilly, HOWARD LOVECRAFT AND THE UNDERSEA KINGDOM is the highly-anticipated movie adaption of Arcana’s popular graphic novel of the same name, and the second installment of Howard Lovecraft animated film series. A veritable love letter to Lovecraft himself, HOWARD LOVECRAFT AND THE UNDERSEA KINGDOM is a fantastical animated feature that follows a young Howard and his friend ‘Spot’ on an awe-inspiring adventure from the frozen wasteland to the depths of a mysterious ocean. The movie entwines new storytelling, actual events of H.P. Lovecraft’s life, iconic elements of his writings and literary characters Cthulhu, Shoggoth and more.
A thrilling animated feature for any Lovecraft fan, HOWARD LOVECRAFT AND THE UNDERSEA KINGDOM is slated for a late 2017 release across major entertainment distribution platforms and in packaged media from Shout! Factory.
ARCANA STUDIOS presents a film by Sean Patrick O’Reilly. HOWARD LOVECRAFT AND THE FROZEN KINGDOM, based on the bestselling graphic novel series created by Bruce Brown and Dwight L. MacPherson, is written, directed and produced by Sean Patrick O’Reilly; producer, Michelle O’Reilly; art director & senior modeler, Gary Yuen; senior editor, Chris Trinh; CG supervisor, Martin Bastian.
About ARCANA STUDIO
Since its launch in 2004, Arcana has established itself as a successful entertainment company. Producing engaging storytelling with compelling art, Arcana is an innovative leader in the development of intellectual properties across all platforms. Arcana’s library of wholly owned intellectual properties contain well over 5,000 characters that transcend gender, age, and cultural and geographic boundaries. Arcana owns one of the world’s largest libraries of graphic novels.
In 2012, Arcana opened an animation division to develop and produce it’s content for all platforms including film, television, direct-to-home and digital media. Arcanamation is a full service animation company producing features and TV series based on Arcana’s comics including Pixies, the Howard Lovecraft trilogy and Kagagi. Arcana has a top notch team executive team, dozens of full time experienced employees and is a Canadian company that receives tax credit benefits for content production as well as research and development.
Issue 178: Toys of Future Past 2016 Pt 2
From Deadpool to Doctor Strange, 2016 was a big year for Marvel Comics-based movies…and with Logan and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 2017 is poised to be even bigger! In this second part of our 2016 Year-in-Review show join Arnie, Justin, and Marjorie as they are joined by Jerry, Geof, and Marvel Toy News.com’s Dabid as they reflect on the best and worst films of ’16, and which they’re most excited for coming up!And with the movies come the toys! On this episode the panel looks back at the non-Hasbro collectibles, from Tsum Tsums to Hot Toys to S.H. Figuarts and everything in between!
And don’t forget, Marvelicious Toys needs your help to keep operating. To support our show and get exclusive rewards Check out our crowdfunding campaign, live now on PodBean
Source: Marvelicious Toys
Wilson Fisk Builds His New Empire in KINGPIN #1!
Wilson Fisk Builds His New Empire in KINGPIN #1!
New York, NY—January 12th, 2017 — They say that every villain is the hero of their own story. Yes, Wilson Fisk has done some bad things. Deplorable things. He has cheated the law. He has blackmailed rivals. He has killed. But that’s all in the past now. It’s time for a new beginning. And it begins this February in KINGPIN #1 – the new ongoing series from breakout writer Matthew Rosenberg and Marvel newcomer Ben Torres!
The Kingpin is out for a clean start. Wilson Fisk returns to the city he loves with a new goal in mind—to make his mark as a titan of legitimate industry. First things first though, he’ll need to repair his public image. When Wilson Fisk makes a disgraced journalist an offer she can’t refuse, the spiraling saga of crime and betrayal begins anew. Sure, he’s out for a clean start. How long before his hands get dirty again?
Manhattan’s criminal mastermind returns to the Big Apple with honorable intentions, but no one will remain pure on his climb back to the top! Don’t miss the thrilling crime-noir debut of 2017, when KINGPIN #1 comes to comic shops and digital devices everywhere on February 8th!
KINGPIN #1 (DEC160863)
Written by MATTHEW ROSENBERG
Art by BEN TORRES
Cover by JEFF DEKAL
Variant Covers by BILL SIENKIEWICZ (DEC160864),
BEN TORRES (DEC160866) and SKOTTIE YOUNG (DEC160868)
Connecting Variant by MARCO CHECCHETTO (DEC160865)
Hip-Hop Variant by JULIAN TOTINO TEDESCO (DEC160867)
Action Figure Variant by JOHN TYLER CHRISTOPHER (DEC160869)
FOC – 1/16/17, On-Sale – 02/08/17
Now Playing Podcast hosts reflect on ‘Friday the 13th’ series
To mark the 10th anniversary of Now Playing Podcast in 2017, hosts and staff are looking back at defining moments throughout the show’s history.
This week a Now Playing Podcast listener generously pointed out that Jan. 9, 2017 marked the eighth anniversary of the show’s first retrospective series, Friday the 13th. While eight years – the bronze and pottery anniversary – doesn’t get the attention of 10 or 15 years, there are a couple of reasons Now Playing listeners will want to look back on the occasion.
A New Beginning
The original “Friday the 13th” poster.
Today’s listeners take for granted Now Playing’s weekly releases, the hosts’ heavy research, detailed plot summaries, and professional production value. But before that first retrospective in 2009, the show was still finding its footing. Episodes were released once or twice a month, with revolving pairs of hosts, and, most notably, very brief runtimes. Most shows averaged about 20 minutes, a far cry from the 90-120 minute format it’s known for today.
Those Friday the 13th reviews started Now Playing on the path, but at the time it was just an experiment. With a reboot of the series on the way, the idea was to go back and review all previous entries (unusual for a show that largely focused on week-of releases and had “Now Playing” in the title), take a new approach to the editing process, and add a third host.
Brock: “Friday the 13th was my first introduction to Stuart. I remember Arnie telling me he had a friend in mind for the third host – the one who did the Clone Wars cartoon movie review – but [Arnie] wasn’t sure if Stuart would want to do it.”
Arnie: “Stuart had also done the review of Midnight Meat Train with me and that long-time friendship led to great chemistry on the mic.”
Stuart: “I remember feeling uncertain about the necessity of a retrospective, or what I could contribute. I was very reserved, and was actually playing chess on my computer until my mouse clicking busted me. [I thought], ‘You mean I can’t do that?’”
Brock: “Those first few shows were not only an experiment in format, but also in our chemistry.”
Arnie: “We were getting a feel for what we were doing. My notes were scattered, Brock didn’t want to share points ahead of time, and Stuart sent long, written reviews of each film before recording.”
Here is an excerpt from Stuart’s write-up of Friday the 13th: The Final Chapter:
I’m now convinced there never was much merit to this series, and the only reason it was so profitable was because it was created the ideal date scenario for teens in the 80s. Kids snuck off to watch a forbidden R-rated movie where they would be stimulated by nudity, sex, and violence. And like a gateway drug, watching would lead to doing and I wish we had statistics on how many station wagon back seats saw action post-screening. And since they came out in such quick succession, and movies didn’t get rushed to videotape in less than a year, you could practically guarantee that you could attend a FRIDAY film and get laid at a theatre or drive-in near you whenever you could land a date. Who would have guessed Jason had so much in common with Dr. Ruth? And why do I keep having to review soft porn like it’s worthy of intellectual discourse?
Brock: “I remember editing some of the Friday the 13th shows and how (by today’s standards) rudimentary our tracks were that it made for some, let’s call them ‘challenges’ in the editing process.
Arnie: “It was intended that each movie recording would be only 10 minutes. When I started sending notes Brock was afraid the shows would be too long.”
Brock: “Once the download numbers started coming in and the response we were getting exceeded all expectations Arnie and I were just blown away. We knew we hit in something. “
Arnie: “Before the Friday the 13th series we would get between 50 and 500 hits per show. With Friday the 13th we started at 5,000 and went up from there. I remember being ecstatic at getting 40,000 downloads in one month!”
Brock: “And then I advocated we do Star Trek as a follow up. That was a tight window but we made it and well, look where Now Playing is now.”
New Blood?
The eighth anniversary of Now Playing’s Friday the 13th retrospective is also a reminder that it’s been eight, EIGHT years since we last saw Jason Voorhees on screen. Proposals for a sequel, reboot, and television series have been discussed for years, but the most significant (and it is significant) development for the property has been Gun Media’s Kickstarter-funded Friday the 13th video game, which is expected to be released later this year.
As for the next theatrical film, that’s anybody’s guess. The Now Playing hosts will be there, but they’re not holding their collective breaths for any of the rumored release dates.
Arnie: “I expected a sequel in 2011 or 2012, especially after seeing the huge opening for the 2009 film.”
Stuart: “That Platinum Dunes reboot was not something to build on (ditto Freddy) so it doesn’t surprise me that they’ve been unable to come up with a proper sequel. That said, I thought for sure we’d have another TV series. A CW show with kids at a lake house that worry about pimples, peer pressure, and getting impaled by a guy in a hockey mask.”
Brock: “Studios keep coming back to Leatherface and his chainsaw, so it is only a matter of time before Jason dons the hockey mask once again.”
Arnie: “Paramount does have that new film about to go into production (theoretically). Is it coming out this year? It’s supposed to shoot this Spring for release…October? Next February? With so many false starts (the found footage idea being the worst) I’m not making any plans just yet. I’m ready to go camping whenever Jason returns to Crystal Lake, and hey, this Friday is Friday the 13th!”
Now Playing Podcast’s Friday the 13th Retrospective Series was released from January 9 to Feb. 20, 2009. The 13 episode series can be heard on the Now Playing Podcast website.
MARVEL COMICS ANNOUNCES “THE DEFENDERS” BY BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS AND DAVID MARQUEZ
MARVEL COMICS ANNOUNCES THE DEFENDERS
BY BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS AND DAVID MARQUEZ
All-New Marvel Comic Series Teams-up Daredevil, Luke Cage, Jessica Jones, and Iron Fist
New York, NY—January 11, 2017— The streets of New York’s Hell’s Kitchen have become over run with crime and corruption, and there is only one group of Super Heroes – Daredevil, Luke Cage, Jessica Jones, and Iron Fist – who are willing to unshackle themselves from the constraints of the rest of the Marvel Super Hero community and fight the villains no one else is willing to take on. Written by EISNER award-winning writer, Brian Michael Bendis (Civil War II, Jessica Jones, Invincible Iron Man) with artwork by New York Times best-selling artist, David Marquez (Civil War II, Invincible Iron Man), prepare for THE Defenders!
The toughest hard-hitting heroes of the Marvel Universe stand together as a brand new team ready to take down one of the most dominating criminal empires ever to shadow over New York City. But in a city where leaders of violence and death are all vying for dominance, who is the one criminal despot powerful enough to challenge the saviors of Hell’s Kitchen?
“As opposed to other more global or galactic Super Hero groups, the Defenders are very much focused on the streets, on the neighborhoods, on the community,” says SVP, Executive Editor, Tom Brevoort. “Their battles are no less fiercely fought or consequential, but the arena is a very different one, and the stakes more personal. Brian will be building upon the relationships that he established years ago in NEW AVENGERS to create something unique and primary within the Marvel Universe.”
“[THE DEFENDERS] is a smorgasbord of everything I truly love about Marvel Comics,” continues Bendis. “And to keep the team of David [Marquez], Justin [Ponsor], and myself together for another creative challenge is so exciting! We’ve been planning this book for well over a year and we’re so excited to show you what we think the next phase of the gritty marvel streets will have to offer.”
Some of the darkest days await Daredevil, Luke Cage, Jessica Jones, and Iron Fist, but THE DEFENDERS are ready to plant their feet, and fight back-to-back against one of the most epic wars the streets of NYC have ever encountered and stand resolute against an attack so personal that it will challenge our heroes at their very core and everyone they have ever cared about.
This June, the five boroughs have a new front line of defense. But can the collective strength of Daredevil, Luke, Jess, and Iron Fist have what it takes to protect the “Big Apple?” Find out this summer from Marvel Comics’ THE DEFENDERS!
THE DEFENDERS #1
Written by BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS
Art by DAVID MARQUEZ
Cover by DAVID MARQUEZ
On-Sale in June!
Superstar Artist Francesco Francavilla Covers MONSTERS UNLEASHED!
Superstar Artist Francesco Francavilla Covers MONSTERS UNLEASHED!
Special Monster Movie Poster Variants Coming to Each Issue
New York, NY—January 12th, 2016 — Next week…monsters invade the Marvel Universe! And they’re bringing one of the hottest artists in the comic book industry with them! Eisner Award-winning artist Francesco Francavilla lends his pen to a series of upcoming variant covers! Coming to each issue of the upcoming MONSTERS UNLEASHED series, the fan-favorite illustrator brings mighty Marvel monsters to life in the vein of classic monster movie posters! Today, Marvel is pleased to reveal all five FRANCAVILLA 50s MOVIE POSTER VARIANTS – coming to comic shops beginning next week!
1. Monstrom, The Dweller in the Black Swamp! (Monsters Unleashed #1)
2. It Crawls By Night! (Monsters Unleashed #2)
3. Return of the Martian! (Monsters Unleashed #3)
4. Zzutak! The Worst Menace The World Has Ever Known! (Monsters Unleashed #4)
5. The Creature from the Black Bog (Monsters Unleashed #5)
Raining down from the skies, rising from the depths of the oceans and emerging from beneath the very Earth itself – monsters are invading and destroying everything in their path! The only thing that stands in their way is an army of the strongest super heroes in the Marvel Universe! But even they may not be enough to stop these towering titans! It’s all happening in MONSTERS UNLEASHED as the Avengers, the Guardians of the Galaxy, the Champions, the X-Men, the Inhumans and more band together to stop complete and total annihilation!
Don’t miss the oversized MONSTERS UNLEASHED #1 comes to comic shops and digital devices everywhere next Wednesday – January 18th! Read a FREE 11-page preview of the first issue before it hits stands next week.
MONSTERS UNLEASHED #1 (NOV160745)
50s Movie Poster Variant by FRANCESCO FRANCAVILLA
Written by CULLEN BUNN
Art & Cover by STEVE MCNIVEN
On-Sale January 18th
MONSTERS UNLEASHED #2 (DEC160883)
50s Movie Poster Variant by FRANCESCO FRANCAVILLA (DEC160886)
Written by CULLEN BUNN
Art & Cover by GREG LAND
On-Sale February 1st
MONSTERS UNLEASHED #3 (DEC160891)
50s Movie Poster Variant by FRANCESCO FRANCAVILLA (DEC160894)
Written by CULLEN BUNN
Art & Cover by LEINIL YU
On Sale in February!
MONSTERS UNLEASHED #4 (JAN170907)
50s Movie Poster Variant by FRANCESCO FRANCAVILLA (JAN170908)
Written by CULLEN BUNN
Art & Cover by SALVADOR LARROCA
On Sale in March!
MONSTERS UNLEASHED #5 (JAN170914)
50s Movie Poster Variant by FRANCESCO FRANCAVILLA (JAN170915)
Written by CULLEN BUNN
Art & Cover by ADAM KUBERT
On Sale in March!
A Sith Unleashed in Your First Look at STAR WARS: DARTH MAUL #1!
A Sith Unleashed in Your First Look at STAR WARS: DARTH MAUL #1!
On Sale February 1st!
New York, NY – January 9th, 2016 – This February, hatred has a new face. But first, Marvel Entertainment & Lucasfilm Ltd. are pleased to present your first look inside STAR WARS: #1 – the next thrilling Star Wars limited series comes to comic shops and digital devices everywhere! Blockbuster writer Cullen Bunn (Deadpool Kills the Marvel Universe, Monsters Unleashed) and artist Luke Ross (Star Wars: The Force Awakens Adaptation) take you inside the mind of Darth Sidious’ star pupil as he embarks on a personal quest – with deadly consequences!
Bred on hate, fear, and anger. Steeped in the ways of darkness…trained to kill. Darth Maul’s time as an apprentice to Darth Sidious has long been cloaked in shadows, but at last we will reveal his tale of revenge. His master tells him to embrace his anger, but to stay hidden and bide his time. Maul has waited long enough – his patience growing ever thinner. His moment to step into the light has finally come. Prepare for a tale of unbridled rage as Darth Maul readies one of his first encounters with his mortal enemy…with the Jedi.
Go inside the mind of the fan-favorite character as Bunn and Ross bring you the highly anticipated STAR WARS: DARTH MAUL #1 – available February 1st!
For more info, visit Marvel.com for a full interview with writer Cullen Bunn.
STAR WARS: DARTH MAUL #1 (of 5) (DEC161069)
Written by CULLEN BUNN
Art by LUKE ROSS
Cover by ROD REIS
Variant Covers by RAFAEL ALBUQUERQUE (DEC161071)
And MARK BROOKS (DEC161072)
Action Figure Variant by JOHN TYLER CHRISTOPHER (DEC161073)
Star Wars 40th Anniversary Variant by TERRY DODSON (DEC161074)
Movie Variant (DEC161076) and Animation Variant (DEC161075) Also Available
Reis Sketch Variant Also Available (DEC161070)
FOC – 1/9/17, On-Sale – 2/1/17
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BEN REILLY: THE SCARLET SPIDER Returns For All-New Series!
BEN REILLY: THE SCARLET SPIDER Returns For All-New Series!
The Fan-Favorite Character Goes Solo in April
New York, NY—January 9th, 2017 — This April, one of the most controversial characters in Marvel history returns to don the mask (and hoodie!) once more. Today, Marvel is pleased to announce BEN REILLY: THE SCARLET SPIDER #1 – the new series from New York Times Bestselling creators Peter David (Amazing Spider-Man, Spider-Man 2099) and Mark Bagley (Ultimate Spider-Man, All-New X-Men)! That’s right, Ben Reilly is webslinging his way back into comic shops everywhere later this year and he’s bringing two of the most accomplished & beloved Spider-Man creators of all-time with him! Only question is – will it be as a hero…or a villain?
It was the twist that shocked the world. Ben Reilly had returned, but not as he once was. Twisted and manipulated by the villainous Jackal, the fallen clone is out to break the cycle, and reclaim his destiny. Not as Peter Parker’s clone – but as his own man. Will suiting up once more as the Scarlet Spider be enough to outrun his personal demons? All while being able to stay one step ahead of the man hunting him – Kaine Parker – the former Scarlet Spider?!
“This book is not your usual Spider-Fare,” says Executive Editor, VP of Content & Digital Publishing Nick Lowe. “Peter David and Mark Bagley are taking this character into uncharted territory that’s both rip-roaring and troubling.”
His old life is over. It’s time for a new beginning. But can you ever truly outrun your past? Find out as the iconic fan-favorite character returns to the fore once again in BEN REILLY: THE SCARLET SPIDER #1 – coming this April!
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BEN REILLY: THE SCARLET SPIDER #1
Written by PETER DAVID
Art & Cover by MARK BAGLEY
On-Sale in April!
MARVEL LAUNCHES THE SOPHOMORE YEAR OF “MARVEL 101”
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MARVEL LAUNCHES THE SOPHOMORE YEAR OF “MARVEL 101”
Original Marvel video series presents exciting short-form educational tour of the Marvel Universe with a concentration on Marvel’s MONSTERS UNLEASHED
New York, NY—January 11, 2017— Welcome back, class. Please take your seats. Class is now in session. Since its inception, Marvel Comics has been defined by hard-hitting action, engrossing story lines and an ever-expanding library of some of the most heroic and complex characters of all time! Returning today, Marvel is excited to continue its original video series devoted to giving fans an educational deep dive into some of the most iconic Marvel characters, you may, or may not be, familiar with. Start taking notes – this is season 2 of MARVEL 101!
Starting today, with new episodes made available every Tuesday on Marvel.com and on Marvel’s YouTube page, fans will be introduced to one-minute episodes that offer fans a background crash course on some of the fiercest Marvel monsters all part of the gigantic Marvel series, Monsters Unleashed.
Since its launch, MARVEL 101 has provided fans with informative videos spotlighting the history of Marvel’s top heroes, and now is your chance to explore the Marvel Universe even more as MARVEL 101 enters its sophomore year and introduces Marvel fans to the mighty Marvel monsters that have be stomping through the Marvel universe since its inception.
Every Tuesday, MARVEL 101’s second season will continue to explore the history of Marvel’s greatest monsters as they rampage across the Marvel universe and battle the heroes who have sworn to protect innocents from harm.
With MARVEL 101 this is your chance to quickly explore new corners of the Marvel Universe you may be unfamiliar with, or simply take a refresher course on some of the most incredible entries within the Marvel library. Be sure to take notes – there may be a pop quiz.
Episode 490: Star Wars Collecting 2016 Year in Review
In 2016 Star Wars collectors got 21 new Black Series 6-Inch figures, over a dozen Hot Toys figures, 3.75-inch figures, LEGO sets and more. To look back at the highlights (and lowlights) of the year Arnie and Marjorie are joined by Steve, Justin, Daryl, Andrew, and Action Figures Blues host Eddie. Relive the year that was with their two-hour retrospective!
Also on this show Brock and Nathan P Butler look at all the Star Wars books and comics that expanded the new canon.
The show ends with a look at what 2017 will bring–it is the 40th Anniversary of Star Wars! So jump to hyperspace while listening to this new Star Wars Action News podcast!
Also, please check out Star Wars Action News’ crowdfunding campaign on Podbean! We want to make the show better and bring back the full video podcasts, but we need your help to make it happen!
Source: Star Wars Action News
A New Era Begins for the GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY!
A New Era Begins for the GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY!
New York, NY—January 10th, 2017 — This summer, your favorite ragtag group of spacefaring heroes are blasting off with a historic new beginning! New adventures, new creative team, high adventure in deep space! Marvel is pleased to announce ALL-NEW GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY #1 – a new ongoing series launching this May from blockbuster creators Gerry Duggan (Deadpool, Uncanny Avengers) and Aaron Kuder (Death of X)!
Star-Lord. Gamora. Drax. Rocket Raccoon. Groot. Reunited and it feels so good! After an extended stay on this mudball we call Earth, the Guardians of the Galaxy return to the stars! Yet, as this band of misfits reunites, they’ll find they’ve undergone some…changes. Drax the Destroyer has sworn off violence. Groot isn’t regenerating as he once was. This team better get it together, because it won’t be long before they find themselves in a war between the Elders of the Universe. One that will force them to pull off the biggest heist they’ve ever attempted – literally!
“I cannot tell you how excited I am for this book!,” exclaims series Editor Jordan D. White. “Gerry and Aaron have been working on this puppy in secret for months, and they’ve cooked up a series that will be the spine of the Marvel cosmic universe, while still being rooted in the great Guardians characters we love. And maybe even a surprise addition to the team eventually, too…”
Exciting alien worlds! Thrilling action! The mysteries of deep space! Blast off with Duggan and Kuder as they explore the furthest corners of the Marvel Universe! This May, it’s a fresh start, and it’s coming at you in ALL-NEW GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY #1!
ALL-NEW GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY #1
Written by GERRY DUGGAN
Art & Cover by AARON KUDER & IVE SVORCINA
Launching this May!
MARVEL STUDIOS DOCTOR STRANGE on Digital HD Feb. 14 and Blu-ray Feb. 28
BRING HOME THE MYSTIFYING, MIND-BENDING JOURNEY
MARVEL STUDIOS’ “DOCTOR STRANGE”
on Digital HD Feb. 14 and Blu-ray™ Feb. 28
of extras highlighting the award-winning cast
!
BURBANK, Calif., January 6, 2017 — Marvel Studios’ “Doctor Strange,” the story of Dr. Stephen Strange, Master of the Mystic Arts, has mesmerized both audiences and critics, pulling in more than $658.3 million at the worldwide box office to date and earning a 90% critics consensus on Rotten Tomatoes. The biggest single-character introduction in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), it also carries on Marvel Studios’ winning streak as the 14th consecutive MCU film to debut at #1 at the domestic box office.
On Feb. 14, “Doctor Strange” fans can bring home the critically acclaimed blockbuster early on Digital HD/3D and Disney Movies Anywhere, or on Blu-ray 3D™, Blu-ray, Digital SD, DVD and On-Demand on Feb. 28. The Blu-ray and Digital releases come packaged with over 80 minutes of fascinating, never-before-seen bonus materials, including five behind-the-scenes featurettes, five deleted scenes, hilarious outtakes, part two of the comical mockumentary “Team Thor,” audio commentary, and an exclusive look at the future of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
The film boasts an award-winning cast, including Benedict Cumberbatch (“The Imitation Game,” “Black Mass”) as Dr. Stephen Strange, Chiwetel Ejiofor (“12 Years a Slave,” “Triple 9”) as Mordo, Rachel McAdams (“Spotlight,” “Southpaw”) as Dr. Christine Palmer, Benedict Wong (“The Martian,” “Prometheus”) as Wong, Michael Stuhlbarg (“A Serious Man,” “Steve Jobs”) as Dr. Nicodemus West, Benjamin Bratt (“Traffic,” “Piñero”) as Jonathan Pangborn, and Scott Adkins (“El Gringo,” “The Expendables 2”) as Lucian/Strong Zealot, with Mads Mikkelsen (“The Hunt,” “Casino Royale”) as Kaecilius and Academy Award® winner Tilda Swinton (2007 Best Supporting Actress, “Michael Clayton”; “Julia”) as The Ancient One.
Bonus Features (Bonus features may vary by retailer. The DVD does not include any bonus materials.):
- Featurettes
- A Strange Transformation – Open your eye to a new dimension of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and see how the filmmakers brought one of comic books’ greatest characters to life.
- Strange Company – Find out what it’s like for the cast to work on a Marvel film, and how Director Scott Derrickson engineered one of the most ambitious, imaginative films ever.
- The Fabric of Reality – Take a closer look at the movie’s extraordinary sets, meticulously crafted costumes and amazingly detailed production elements.
- Across Time and Space – Explore the countless hours of dance and fight choreography the actors endured in preparation for their physically demanding roles.
- The Score-cerer Supreme – Join Composer Michael Giacchino and a full orchestra during live recording sessions, and experience the movie’s mind-bending music.
- Marvel Studios Phase 3 Exclusive Look – Get an early peek at Marvel’s spectacular upcoming films, including Marvel Studios’ Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, Thor: Ragnarok, Black Panther and Avengers: Infinity War.
- Team Thor: Part 2 – See more of the hilarious partnership between Thor and his roommate Darryl in this satirical short.
- Deleted Scenes
- Strange Meets Daniel Drumm
- Kaecilius Searches for Answers
- The Kamar-Taj Courtyard
- Making Contact
- Lost in Kathmandu
- Gag Reel
- Audio Commentary by Director Scott Derrickson
DIGITAL EXCLUSIVE:
- Through the Keyhole: The Science of the MCU – Discover how Marvel grounds all its films in real science, and explore the connection between science, magic and imagination.
From Marvel Studios comes Doctor Strange, the story of world-famous neurosurgeon Dr. Stephen Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch), whose life changes forever after a horrific car accident renders his hands useless. When traditional medicine fails him, he travels to the remote Kamar-Taj in search of a cure, but instead discovers the mystical arts and becomes a powerful sorcerer battling dark forces bent on destroying our reality.
Now Playing Opens the Vault for 10th Anniversary
For years Now Playing Podcast listeners have received bonus podcasts for supporting the show during its bi-annual donation drives. These exclusive retrospective series’ have included some of the most sought after reviews – Alien, Child’s Play, Jaws, and others. When the donation drives end, those series’ have always gone back into the Now Playing “vault,” rarely to be heard again.
But we recognized that not every listener has been with Now Playing since the beginning. Maybe you first caught the show during the Marvel retrospective, and never had a chance to hear The Thing series. Maybe you became a listener during the Fast & Furious series, and have always wanted to hear The Matrix review.
So, as Now Playing Podcast enters its 10th year, we are opening the vault in a brand new way, through our Podbean Hosting Site. Now listeners who previously missed out can download every donation series in Now Playing history. And, because so many of you have been asking for an a la carte option, you can download individual shows, even our exclusive secret Easter Egg podcasts such as our 2010 San Diego Comic Con review of I Know Who Killed Me.
Another option available is the subscription option, which allows you to support Now Playing and receive all previous donation series’ plus every additional bonus show for 12 months.
How it Works
To access these bonus episodes you will need a PodBean account and a Web browser. Once you’ve made your donation for the episode you can listen on the PodBean player (available in the App Store), download it to your device, or listen on your computer.
We are in the process of adding all previous retrospective series’ to Podbean, but you can access the first series, Child’s Play via the Now Playing website.
Crowdsourcing Support
If you’re not interested in the vault series’ and just want to support the show, you can do so through our PodBean Patron page. You’ll be helping our show and still receive campaign rewards — including exclusive, bonus podcasts! These shows will not be available for purchase — they are only available to our backers, or those who get an annual subscription for all our shows.
Now Playing Podcast couldn’t have made it 10 years without listener support. Here’s to you and another 10 years!
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