[UPDATE: I began responding to reader comments, and when my comment block started filling with text I decided instead to put it up top here. For about two seconds I felt really bad about Aaron Poehler's insinuation that I was asking stupid, shallow questions--but then I remembered the function this column serves and wanted to really explore that a little in this space.]

I see this column (and the similar work I’ve done with Savage Dragon, Young Liars, Echo and The Life and Times of Savior 28) as a kind of running commentary for the individual issues, not unlike what you get on a DVD. Occasionally, especially around big, landmark issues, the commentary might reach out into the deeper, more profound and important thematic elements of the series–but for the most part this is a visceral, immediate opportunity for me to ask the questions that occur to me about the issue and for the writers to clarify some points, tease some upcoming beats and elaborate on where an individual issue falls in the grand scheme of the title and the character’s history.

Honestly, the “director’s commentary” nature of The Gold Exchange column doesn’t always allow or demand a lot of answers from the subject or for me to be too very clever. I used to be a lot more in-depth and analytical when doing commentaries for the trades, but DC recently stopped providing me comp copies and so I now tend to pick them up whenever I pick them up, rendering those interviews rather moot.

A source of real frustration, if there is one, when dealing with DeMatteis isn’t what he won’t or can’t answer but what he doesn’t know. Because his scripts happen over Keith’s outlines, he’s often only an issue or two ahead of us (if that). It makes for a strange and exciting writing process for him, but it also makes it harder for the pair of us to look at the long-term ramifications of the individual issues and to assess where any 21-page tale might play into the grander scheme. Additionally, the Giffen/DeMatteis team have a lot less affection for subtle references, in-jokes and continuity porn than the Johns/Katz/Jurgens/Rapmund gang did. It makes the commentary-track nature of these things come off a little flat at times, I think, because we’re more used to Jurgens, who has a Grand Master Plan in place for Booster. Honestly I think the biggest issue at play is that DeMatteis doesn’t have a ton to say about Booster that isn’t there on the page…and there’s nothing inherently wrong with that.

Certainly there is an element of showing a creator the respect he’s due, too. I try to broach topics like a silly, campy villain in Hit Point in such a way that it doesn’t alienate J.M., make him feel attacked or hurt. Because frankly you never can be certain when someone’s writing is intentionally or unintentionally campy. And the recurring, monthly nature of this column means that the writers’ feelings are something I have to consider. I can’t just say whatever I want or ask whatever I want in the service of a single story. And while DeMatteis and I get along very well, I’ve been friends with Jurgens for ten years (I met him over the phone for the first time on the very first day of my internship at the late Wizard magazine in 1999). Every so often I’ll say that something in the art reminds me of some old story from the ’80s or something and instead of engaging, J.M. will ask, “Can we remove that? I don’t want the artists to misinterpret it as a dig.” That wouldn’t ever happen with Jurgens because over the course of the time we’ve known each other I think I can safely say that he’s learned the strange way that my brain works to some degree.

Booster Gold has been a title where Ted Kord and the characters’ history with the Justice League International has played a big role ever since the title started, but since Keith Giffen and J.M. DeMatteis took over, that relationship has been on full display, on the covers and pages of the book. This month’s Booster Gold #40 is the first issue in quite some time that doesn’t revel in the past—and it takes little time in sending Booster back to the future. What went into that decision? We talked to co-writer J.M. DeMatteis about the issue and what to look forward to for the rest of the story that started two weeks ago.

Gold Exchange: So, first thing’s first–what’s the deal with the green noggin?

J.M. DeMatteis: Ask the colorist! (more…)

Remember all of Marvel’s talk last summer about how important vampires were going to become to the Marvel Universe? Or the news that Dracula was going to play a role in the company’s 2011 event series, Fear Itself?

Looks like they’re continuing to build on that promise, releasing a teaser image Monday afternoon for April’s Throne of Blood: Birth Of a Vampire comic book written by Victor Gischler (architect of much of Marvel’s vampire material in the Death of Dracula one-shot and the “Curse of the Mutants” arc on X-Men) and illustrated by Goran Parlov, which did not appear in Marvel’s solicitations for that month that were released last week. The teaser image shows a vampire surrounded by various Marvel Universe trophies — including Thor’s hammer, Captain America’s shield, Iron Man’s gauntlet, Dr. Doom’s mask and Magneto’s helmet — with accompanying text promising “a game changer in Fear Itself.”

The full press release — and image — follows after the jump.

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Though nothing official has come through from Wizard or owner Gareb Shamus, there are multiple reports, including Bleeding Cool, saying the magazine has shuttered.

Our own calls to Wizard’s listed public relations phone number go unanswered, and their “bullpen website” is down, listed as under maintenance mode. The Subscriptions page on WizardUniverse.com gives a 404 error as well.

Johnston speculates ToyFare and the multitude of Wizard conventions will continue on. Shamus has come under heavy fire in the last several years, with reports of non-payment of freelancers, mail fraud from the Wizard store, and hefty layoffs, all while purchasing more comic book conventions in his own name.

UPDATE

We’ve just received a Press Release from Gareb Shamus announcing his intent to launch a digital magazine called “Wizard World” in February 2011, and a 12-city convention tour. While there’s no explicit mention of the print magazine in the release, this serves as functional confirmation of the print monthly’s end. Full Press Release follows:

GAREB SHAMUS UNDERTAKES PUBLIC COMPANY WIZARD WORLD, INC. AND LAUNCHES NEW ONLINE PUBLICATION ‘WIZARD WORLD’

New York, NY (January 24, 2011) – Gareb Shamus, recently appointed President and CEO of public company Wizard World, Inc. (“Wizard World”) (OTC: GOEE.PK), today announced that the Comic Con Tour, which consists of pop culture conference events that provide high visibility marketing opportunities to pop culture brands and companies in multiple venues throughout the year, is now being produced by public company Wizard World. The Wizard World Comic Con Tour intends to cover 12 cities in 2011, including major cities such as New York City, Boston, Chicago, Philadelphia, Austin and New Orleans. The Tour will include sponsors ranging from major movie studios and TV networks to gaming and toy companies to content publishers.

In addition, Wizard World plans to launch in February 2011 an all-new digital magazine called ‘Wizard World’ that will appeal to pop-culture fans, the same audience to which Mr. Shamus has catered to, for over 20 years. Wizard World digital magazine will provide coverage of the world of comic books, toys and superheroes, and the personalities behind them.

“This is a very exciting day for Wizard World and the industries it serves,” said Shamus. “Having the Tour produced by a public company provides additional opportunities to expand and grow the Tour. The new digital magazine Wizard World will give consumers the content they want in a magazine format with which they are familiar, but distributed in a form that is always available at any time on any device. It is a natural evolution for us in this market.”

Wizard World Comic Con will begin its North American tour at New Orleans Comic Con held from January 29 to 30, 2011. The full event schedule can be found at www.wizardworld.com.

UPDATE #2

Albert here. Just got an e-mail from Jerry Milani at Wizard World PR, confirming that ToyFare is also ending publication:

Wizard Entertainment is ceasing publication of the print magazines Wizard and ToyFare.  Wizard World, Inc. will begin production of the online publication “Wizard World” beginning in February.   We feel this will allow us to reach an even wider audience in a format that is increasingly popular and more readily accessible.

“Oh, I am Zee Sad Supair Villain, No?”: Evan Dorkin pities The Gray Gargoyle; Chris Butcher hosts. Maybe sorta NSFW-ish…?

“Star-spangled, earnest, and totally a product of World War II. That description could be referring to either Captain America or Wonder Woman…”: Writing for i09.com, Charlie Jane Anders meditates on the similarities between Cap and Wondy, and ponders why the former is getting his movie made, while the latter’s had trouble even getting a TV show off the ground. Also, “Why this wrestler guy you’ve never heard of the new Batman villain?”

How did they narrow it down to just eight?: “The 8 Most Awkward Sexual Moments in Comic Book History”

“My biggest comics thought in the last week has been about Deadpool”: At Comics Comics, Dan Nadel shares a few negative thoughts about DeadpoolMax, and shares Jog’s attempts to sell him on the book.

“But, dear readers, a fact: Batman is fun. Batman is so much fun, and that is why everyone makes comics about him”: That’s from Kate Beaton’s explanation for why she did a half-dozen, three-panel gag strips featuring Batman under the title “The Adventures of Sexy Batman.” Sometimes I feel a little weird linking to Beaton’s comics like, every single week. But come on, Kate Beaton + Batman x Sexy…what linkblogger could resist that formula? If I ever found a lamp containing a genie that wanted to grant me three wishes, I think my second wish would be that DC had a one-issue revival of their Solo series just so Kate Beaton could draw a whole comic book’s worth of her take on various DC heroes. So far we’ve seen Wonder Woman, Aquaman and Sexy Batman.

Get ready for gold…Booster Gold.

Earlier this week, both KryptonSite and popular soap site Soaps.com reported and confirmed that soap star Eric Martsolf (Days Of Our Lives) will take up the role of everybody’s futuristic hero/showboat, Booster Gold. The episode, appropriately called “Booster”, is written by DC’s CCO, Geoff Johns, and directed by Tom Welling.

It’s also been confirmed that Jaime Reyes, the current Blue Beetle, will appear in the episode as well, played by actor Jaren Brandt Bartlett. As for what else there is to expect from the episode, Johns says we’ll see Blue Beetle’s origin, Booster’s first meeting with Clark and Lois, and “maybe a cameo by someone from Kord Industries.” After that tease, it was revealed that Ted Kord (Blue Beetle II) will be in the episode in some way, played by Sebastian Spence

Please and thank you.

Freaky Friday? After widespread reports earlier this month that NBC passed on David E. Kelley’s Wonder Woman adaptation, Deadline reported late Friday that the network has indeed ordered a pilot. It’s among several pick ups made today by Bob Greenblatt, the network’s new head of entertainment. (more…)

As first seen on MTV’s Splash Page blog, here’s a new photo from the set of the 2012 Spider-Man film. And unlike the officially released costume picture from last week, this one — given the red eyes and silver booties — looks like it may be more of a stunt costume, and not necessarily representative of how the outfit will look in the movie. (more…)

Remember last week, when everybody was talking about DC’s Flashpoint teasers? We haven’t seen any more teasers for the 2011 Geoff Johns/Andy Kubert event, but now we know when we’ll first see a preview, as first announced on The Source: in DC’s Free Comic Book Day offering, billed back in December as “A SPECIAL TOP SECRET PROJECT TOO BIG TO ANNOUNCE!”

The comic will also include a reprint of Green Lantern #30, part of Green Lantern: Secret Origin and clearly timed to build on interest for the Green Lantern feature film.

This year’s Free Comic Book Day is on May 7, and the cover for DC’s free comic is after the jump.

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After her parents were gone and she was separated from her sister, Selina Kyle found herself abused by the woman who ran the orphanage she was staying in. After surviving an attempt on her life that involved her being trapped in a bag and thrown into a river, the young girl got victory over her “warden,” leaving her to the police after first forcing the women to wipe out all of Selina’s records.

Selina learned how to survive on her own, picking up thievery and karate. Living in Gotham’s East End, different circumstances led to her being trained by the martial artist known as the Armless Master, as well as the retired superhero Ted Grant AKA Wildcat (who had also trained a young Bruce Wayne). When Selina heard stories about the new vigilante Batman and then personally saw the Dark Knight evade and embarrass the police who tried to capture him, she was inspired to follow to his example… but in her own style, of course. Donning a feline costume, Selina Kyle became Catwoman, expert thief of Gotham City, often robbing corrupt people and well-known gangsters. The fact that she never endangered innocents or targeted people gave Batman reason to go easy on her and the two quickly realized an attraction to each other.

With her new money, Selina began a new life for herself, leaving the streets and entering the social circles of high society, even dating Bruce Wayne for a while. After several years of operating secretly as a thief and occasionally operating alongside more violent super-villains, Catwoman eventually shifted gears and tried to become a protector of the women of Gotham’s East End. Her new focus brought new trust from Batman and the hero revealed his identity to her.

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In today’s not-surprising-at-all news: this summer’s Captain America: The First Avenger will simply be titled “The First Avenger” in South Korea, Russia and the Ukraine, according to the LA Times. (more…)

Who doesn’t like free? You know what’s even better? When the free thing you’re getting is quality awesome. Top Shelf announced today they’ll be offering Colleen Coover and Paul Tobin’s new graphic novel Gingerbread Girl online at Top Shelf 2.0 for FREE!

Top Shelf 2.0 is the company’s dedicated webcomics site where they also released the Eisner-nominated graphic novel Super Spy by Matt Kindt and publish several other titles. Gingerbread Girl, the most recent title, will be serialized with a new mini-chapter appearing each Monday and Friday.

You may know Colleen Coover & Paul Tobin from the fabulous talking-monkey adventure Banana Sunday, the adorably erotic Small Favors, or the wonderful work they’ve done with Marvel superheroes. But here’s your chance to get in on the ground floor of the newest project by this dynamic duo!

But hey, you ask, what’s it about? Gingerbread Girl is the story of one adorable and bewildering girl, Annah Billips, and the exasperated attempts by everyone around (boyfriends, girlfriends, neighbors, bystanders, passing animals) to figure out what makes her tick. That’s all we can tell you – for more, you’ll just have to read the story!

The story is set in Portland, Oregon and from the official summary, sounds completely wacky and fun. “There are plenty of established facts concerning 26-year-old Annah Billips. She likes sushi and mountains, but hates paper cuts and beer breath. She dates girls and boys, and loves to travel. She may have a missing sister, or she might be insane.” Sounds like my kind of book. All of the chapters will be eventually be released as a hardcover in the Spring which is available for pre-order or you can start reading now!

From Sesame Street to Avenue Q to the “Smile Time” episode of Angel, puppets have been known to make everything better — though they’re making Zatanna’s life harder in her title’s current story arc, continued in next week’s Zatanna #9. Courtesy of DC Comics, a preview follows after the jump.

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Back in July, we interviewed Atomic Robo co-creator Brian Clevinger on his newest Marvel project, an all-ages Cap series in the vein of Thor: The Mighty Avenger called Captain America: The Fighting Avenger. At the time, we asked, “What can you say about the format of the book?” and he gleefully responded, “It’s ongoing! My first ongoing title with Marvel. My plan is to drive it like I stole it so we’ll have had a great time with the title before they realize what a horrible mistake they’ve made!”

Plans changed — in this week’s Marvel April solicitations was clearly listed as a one-shot. Lest you think that’s just a clerical error, Clevinger clarified on his blog:

You may recall that this was intended to be an on-going series. It was downgraded to a four issue mini-series and then two issues — you get both of ‘em in this one-shot.

It’s not totally surprising for a couple of reasons: there’s a lot of Captain America material out there now as is, and with the critically beloved Thor: The Mighty Avenger canceled, a comic intended to be essentially performing the same function probably didn’t stand much of a chance long-term. Further in the post, though Clevinger makes it clear that he understands that this kind of thing happens given the nature of freelance work, he’s a bit bummed about the message it sends for the future of Marvel’s all age comics:

Captain America: The Fighting Avenger will be one of the last “all ages” issues of anything Marvel will produce for quite a while. Because they “aren’t profitable.”

What I mourn here is the largest comics publisher in America giving up on fun and accessible comics.

Both covers of Captain America: The Fighting Avenger — one by interior artists Gurihiru, one by Barry Kitson — are after the jump.

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Wolverine may be out of Hell, but that doesn’t mean his problems are nearly over — courtesy of Marvel Comics, here’ s a first look at February’s Wolverine #6.

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“At a reported 5-foot-8, Hathaway apparently would be Hollywood’s tallest Catwoman since the ’60s”: The Washington Post‘s Michael Cavna discusses  this week’s big casting news—a pretty and talented lady is going to be in a superhero movie—and finds some strange angles.

It’s hard out there for a unicorn: Check out Lizz Lunney’s The Magical Unicorns of Keith the Wizard, running as part of Top Shelf’s Top Shelf 2.0 online comics feature thing.

Today I really missed Dirk Deppey: The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) released their annual list of media award nominees and, as usual, the comics category is depressingly narrow, focused mainly on superhero comics fromMarvel Comics and DC Comics (and the latter’s imprints). Actually, this year’s list of five nominees only includes two or three super-comics (depending on how picky you want to be about assigning Buffy The Vampire Slayer to a particular genre), and notes books from Dark Horse and Archie Comics, in addition to the Big Two. I guess that’s progress, right? The GLAAD list used to occassion an annual scolding from Deppey, until he himself got sick of scolding them. Now that Deppey’s Journalista is no more, let’s look to Christopher Butcher for criticism of the GLAAD awards.

Do you have any questions about Wolverine?: If so, you won’t by the time you get to the end of this post by Bully.

Usagi Yojimbo: The Special Edition
Written & Illustrated by Stan Sakai
Published by Fantagraphics

If you’ve been reading my musings for a while now, you’ll know this: Usagi Yojimbo is my favorite comic book of all time.  Ever since it was announced, I’ve been jonesing for Fantagraphics’ Usagi Yojimob: The Special Edition – a two-volume, slipcased hardcover collection of the first seven Usagi trade paperbacks. Nearly 1200 pages of Stan Sakai story-and-art goodness, with an extensive color art gallery (the first time I’ve seen most of those early covers in color), sketches and short-story odds-n’-ends. So my saintly wife gave me this striking tome for Christmas. Yes, I am a hell of a lucky guy.

Among the highlights of The Special Edition is the ease of witnessing Sakai’s growth as a writer, artist and storyteller. While the illustration in the earliest chapters is already solid, Sakai’s linework grows visibly more assured and looser, giving the pages a liveliness not seen in many comics. Similarly, the layouts evolve to capture the quiet elegance of the Japanese countryside, the gut-turned terror of Jei (comics’ best villain) or the kinetic ballet of a samurai duel in pitch-perfect fashion.

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Fantastic Four #587, the much-hyped “death” issue where one of the founding members of the team will allegedly lose their life, will be available in stores on Tuesday of next week — one day earlier than the usual New Comic Book Day. (more…)

In the vein of comic creators Art Spiegleman, Alan Moore, and Daniel Clowes, comic writer and contemporary literary legend, Neil Gaiman, will voice himself on The Simpsons in an upcoming episode.

Last week, Gaiman posted a few pictures on this twitter feed giving hints on what he was doing that day.

First hint:

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NEW AVENGERS #8
Written by BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS
Pencils & Cover by STUART IMMONEN
Epic in scale and fraught with danger at every turn, Luke Cage and Jessica Jones face their most challenging adventure yet…a date?! Plus: another illustrated chapter of the oral history of the Avengers!
32 PGS./Rated A …$3.99

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A Black Panther film is once again in motion at Marvel Studios, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Documentarian Mark Bailey has been hired to write the screenplay.

The character has been in and out of various stages of early development as a feature since 1992, when actor Wesley Snipes announced intentions to star as the title character. Snipes, who played fellow Marvel character Blade in three movies, was attached to the character for years. Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige announced Black Panther as part of the company’s development slate back in 2007, though talk had died down in recent years.

Bailey’s credits include documentaries Pandemic: Facing AIDS and Ghosts of Abu Ghraib. His most recent project is an adaptation of non-fiction book The Last of the Tribe: The Epic Quest to Save a Lone Man in the Amazon, to be helmed by The Bourne Identity director Doug Liman. The film rights to Black Panther were acquired by Marvel in 2005.