Top Ten Comic Book Character Deaths Of 2008
The year 2008 will go down as a banner year for killing off comic book characters. Perhaps inspired by the wonderful press coverage that Marvel received when they put a bullet in Captain America last year, DC Comics in particular really let the hatchet fly quick and hard this year.
While none of the deaths seemed to generate quite as much media coverage as Captain America’s death, 2008 was impressive for the sheer quantity of second tier characters killed. There was one death that had the potential to be bigger than Captain America’s death, but the comic publisher readily admitted the character was going to return, so the media coverage quickly died down.
No one was immune from death in 2008 from Justice Leaguers to Avengers to New Gods to Super Friends. Some were killed in a crisis or an invasion, while others fell victim to heart attacks or mad Wonderdogs. Without further ado, here is our list of the top ten comic book character deaths in 2008.
Fringe – The Cure Episode
On “The Cure” episode of Fringe, a cure for a rare disease winds up making the patients radioactive. A woman who has been missing for weeks shows up in suburban Massachusetts. She has a rare disease and inexplicably causes excruciating pain and subsequent death to those she encounters.
Olivia Dunham, Peter Bishop, and Walter Bishop investigate the gruesome scene around the woman’s re-appearance. They discover dangerous levels of radiation. When they start investigating the case, they uncover illegal human drug trials and possibly something even more sinister.
Could Watchmen Movie Delay Put It Up Against Wolverine Movie?
Film production companies in Hollywood sue each other all the time. Most lawsuits go without notice or interest from the public. However, every once and awhile a movie that is highly anticipated by the public gets embroiled in one of these lawsuits, and such is the case with the Watchmen movie.
While this is oversimplifying the dispute, Warner Bros. has a completed Watchmen movie ready to be released in theaters on March 6, 2009, but 20th Century Fox believes that it still has rights to the property. On Christmas Eve, a federal judge in Los Angeles sided with 20th Century Fox and agreed that 20th Century Fox did still have some rights in Watchmen.
Now, according to the Hollywood Reporter, 20th Century Fox is looking to get an injunction to delay the scheduled March 6 release date of the Watchmen movie. On the other hand, Warner Bros. seems to have no interest in settling and plans to go to trial or to appeal the ruling. What this spells for comic book fans is that the Watchmen movie release will likely be delayed.
Think of the Starving/Addicted/Abused/Illiterate Children! Memorable “Cause” Comics
If you were ever a child of the 80’s or 90’s, have a passing familiarity with Diff’rent Strokes or can remember some bizarre After School Special, then the concept of a “cause” episode or showcase is certainly not foreign. The ‘very special episode’ was a time for sitcoms to put aside the usual yuks and teach us all a valuable lesson about drugs, being illiterate or the dangers of a cameo by Nancy Reagan.
As hokey as these shows sometimes were, and let’s face it, After School Specials were no showcase of solid acting chops usually themselves, they often brought attention to causes or needs that may have been overlooked by the target demographic; the molestation episode of Diff’rent Strokes, for example, is often credited with helping raise awareness about the warning signs of a pedophile. Kids, a big part of that show’s audience, certainly benefited from this sort of portrayal.
Top 10 Most Memorable Comic Book Movie Trailers
For big screen comic book adaptations, fanboy word of mouth can be a double-edged sword. Everything is speculated on, from the possible casting of big-name celebs to play seminal villains or heroes right up to the possibilities of what might happen in the sequel. If there’s a hint of bad casting, constant script revisions or even the dreaded delay, a project can be dead in the water before the viral campaign can even begin.
With this much scrutiny on a project, the trailer for the film is key. An effective trailer piques interest, has great visuals, doesn’t give too much away and gives fans and those curious about the film just enough to make them talk about what they’ve just seen with others. With that in mind, please consider the following ten great trailers, all of which were able to do what they were designed to do; get you to care about seeing this film, whether or not the film was a turkey or a soaring eagle!
Wolverine’s History Presented In New Graphic Novel
Marvel Comics has announced an all-new hardcover graphic novel that will present Wolverine’s history. Of course this is not the first time that Wolverine’s history has been revealed, but Marvel Comics is promising that it will be revealed in a way that comic fans have never seen before.
The Wolverine graphic novel will cover Wolverine’s life from his days as a wimpy kid up through how he become one of Marvel’s deadliest heroes. If the cover by Todd Nauck is any indication, I don’t think Marvel is kidding about this being a unique take on Wolverine’s history. The cover looks to be one of the best Wolverine covers ever.
Fringe – Power Hungry Episode
On a repeat of the “Power Hungry” episode of Fringe, a man’s energy has drastic and deadly effects. After it is discovered a man has the ability to harness electricity, it leads to dangerous and deadly occurrences.
Olivia Dunham, Peter Bishop, and Walter Bishop investigate this unusual occurrence. Also, Olivia is shaken up by a blast from her past. In order to help solve the case, Dr. Bishop utilizes homing pigeons.
Street Fighter Animated Comic DVD Sneak Preview
Eagle One Media and CAPCOM are producing a line of animated comic DVDs based on the popular video game Street Fighter. In the DVD series, the Street Fighter comics that were published by Udon Studios will be utilized and presented as a direct adaptation.
The Perfect Christmas Gift: A Mr. T Necktie
I was just recovering from the excitement of learning that A-Team and Rocky star Mr. T was back and starring in his own comic book, when I found out that a whole passel of Mr. T merchandise has become available. It’s time to redo the Christmas list. Personally, I’m thinking about picking up a Mr. T necktie and wearing it to my next job interview. There’s nothing that says senior management potential like a Mr. T necktie.
Mr. T merchandise is available at on-demand merchandise manufacturer, Zazzle. The merchandise is being made available through a deal with British publisher Mohawk Media, the same company that is producing the Mr. T graphic novel. The products include Mr. T posters, mouse pads, key rings, mugs, real US postage stamps, and yes, even a “T-Tie.”
The Simpsons, The Hills, The Griffins And The Smiths Reveal New Year’s Resolutions
Even animated cartoon characters have New Year’s resolutions. In order to make way for the year 2009, FOX has announced the New Year’s resolutions for their Sunday night animated families. Without further ado, here are the 2009 New Year’s resolutions of The Simpsons, The Hills, The Griffins and The Smiths.
The Simpsons airs on Sundays from 8:00 PM to 8:30 PM ET/PT on FOX.
Homer Simpson: In 2009, I will finally get around to voting for President.
Marge Simpson: I’ll try to be more assertive if it’s okay with everyone else.
Bart Simpson: I plan to raise a family of skunks in Principal Skinner’s car.
Lisa Simpson: I will make the world a colder, greener, jazzier place.
Grampa Simpson: Let’s just make this the best 1933 we can.
