November Art Ephemera

New Comic Review: New Avengers: Illuminati #5

This mini-series was probably the best thing to come out of all the Initiative books that in turn had already spun out of Marvel's Civil War event. For those who may have passed on these five issues, the simple version is that way back during the Kree-Skrull War, several major players of the Marvel Universe quietly came together as a group known as the Illuminati to monitor and influence potentially catastrophic situations (and persons). The members were Black Bolt of the Inhumans, Doctor Strange Master of the Mystic Arts, Iron Man of the Avengers, Mister Fantastic of the Fantastic Four, Professor Xavier of the X-Men and Namor the Sub-Mariner. Not a group to be sneezed at by any means!

Throughout the mini-series we've been treated to the Illuminati's early warning to the Skrull Empire (back to this in a minute) in the wake of the aforementioned Kree-Skrull War, their encounter with the Beyonder from Secret Wars, their recovery of the powerful Infinity Gems, etc. The final issue follows up on recent events within the Marvel Universe, from the discovery that Earths superhuman community has been infiltrated by Skrulls, who are perpetrating a massive invasion of the planet, to Captain America's death and the fallout from World War Hulk.

Just as in the New Avengers title, where Elektra was found to be a Skrull, yet another stunning "reveal" occurs in this issue. Jim Cheung's art has been a real highlight of the series and Brian Michael Bendis finally makes good on most of what he's been teasing about over the last couple of years.

Pick it up. You'll be glad that you did.

Star Trek XI casts Capt. Pike & Spock's Mother!

51-year-old Canadian actor Bruce Greenwood ("John From Cincinnati") has been cast as Captain Christopher Pike in J.J. Abrams upcoming Star Trek XI!

Christopher Pike, captained the Enterprise before James T. Kirk. The character was featured in the original series episode "The Menagerie", which actually incorporated the previously unaired 1st pilot that had starred Jeffrey Hunter as Pike. Due to crippling injuries suffered in a Delta Ray exposure/accident, Pike remained on the forbidden planet of Talos IV, where he was taken by former crewmate Mr. Spock. There he could experience the illusion of an active life under the care of its mentally advanced inhabitants.

Winona Ryder (Bram Stoker's Dracula, The Age of Innocence) has also joined the cast of 'Lost' creator JJ Abrams' 'Star Trek' movie, and will play Spock's human mother, Amanda Grayson.

The film, which stars Leonard Nimoy, Eric Bana, Chris Pine, Karl Urban and Simon Pegg, tells the story of the early years of the crew of the Starship Enterprise. 'Heroes' star Zachary Quinto will play the young Spock in the film. The new 'Star Trek' film began shooting this week and is due out at Christmas 2008.

Rachel Nichols (Alias) too, will board the starship Enterprise. News broke last week that Nichols was joining the cast of the uber-secretive project. Current speculation is leaning towards her portraying Yeoman Janice Rand.

Albus Dumbledore is GAY?

Last month in front of a full house of hardcore Harry Potter fans at Carnegie Hall in New York, British author J.K. Rowling, sitting on the stage on a red velvet and carved wood throne, read from her seventh and final book, "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows," then took select questions. One young fan asked whether Albus Dumbledore, headmaster of the series Hogwarts School of Wizardry and Witchcraft, had ever loved anyone. Rowling smiled. "Dumbledore is gay, actually," replied Rowling as the audience erupted in surprise. She added that, [in her mind] , Dumbledore had an unrequited love affair with Gellert Grindelwald, Voldemort's predecessor who appears in flashback during the seventh book. After several minutes of prolonged shouting and clapping from astonished fans, Rowling added. "I would have told you earlier if I knew it would make you so happy."

But that's the point, Ms. Rowling. You didn't tell us earlier!

In no way, shape or form, throughout seven wildly successful & popular novels, is it EVER stated or implied that the benevolent headmaster (& mentor) to Harry Potter, well ..... swings that way. This seems like nothing more than a stunt that was perpetrated by Rowling, in response to some unreported criticism about the absence of homosexual characters in her Potter stories; which for the most part, were effectively as diverse a cross section of races, beings, etc. as one could find in pop fiction.

I do NOT doubt that Rowling envisioned dear Albus that way all along, but she chose not to depict this aspect of the character in her Potterverse and doing so in this manner seems TACKY. It doesn't really add anything to the books and since the media has been so ardently trumpeting this aspect, frankly it comes across as a bit lurid and creepy. Living in the "Bible Belt" of the Southern United States, I was curious about the "smearing" of the Harry Potter books upon their initial publication, by zealous evangelicals and religious right puritans who denounced the books for espousing witchcraft and mysticism, so I read them in tandem with my oldest daughter (pictured; and now in college) as each one was released.

Suffice to say that the naysayers were completely off base with their stupid theories and they pretty much missed out on a great adventure epic that at its heart, was about family, friendship and the heroic lengths one person will reach to protect same. So, per Ms. Rowling, Albus Dumbledore is gay (yay). I however, prefer the novels without this tacked on implication; or in other words, how they were written in the first place.

1970's Flashback: The Man Called Nova

Richard Rider was chosen at random by the alien Rhomann Dey, last surviving Nova Centurion of the planet Xandar's elite Nova Corps, to inherit his power and succeed him in the rank of Nova Prime following the destruction of his world by the intergalactic pirate Zorr. Having been mortally wounded in the battle that tore Xandar apart, Dey succeeded in tracking Zorr to Earth, but he was unable to exact vengeance due to the extent of his injuries. At death's door, Dey had little choice but to transfer his power to an unsuspecting human on the planet below, praying that whomever he found would take up his cause. In becoming a reluctant member of the Nova Corps (Xandar's intergalactic police force), Richard Rider gained enhanced strength, flight, injury resistance, and a uniform with life support. The character was originally created by Marv Wolfman and John Buscema in Nova #1, 1976, however the series lasted only 25 issues. Big John's brother, Sal Buscema, provided the bulk of the terrific interior art on the series after John pencilled the first issue.

Nova has been revived several times over the years and the character is currently a major player in Marvels Annihilation crossover event.

TV Buzz: "GHOST WHISPERER"

Ghost Whisperer is a tv fantasy-thriller that premiered on CBS in 2005. The series was created by John Gray. It stars Jennifer Love Hewitt, David Conrad, and Camryn Manheim. Ghost Whisperer airs on Friday nights at 8/7c.
The title is a reference to lead character Melinda Gordon (portrayed by Jennifer Love Hewitt) who lives in the fictional town of Grandview, along with her husband Jim, and has the ability to see and communicate with the dead. Although initially the show seemed somewhat akin to such prior series as Highway to Heaven & Touched By An Angel, whose premise had supernatural characters aiding the living. Ghost Whisperer pulled a reversal on this theme and has Melinda Gordon assisting lost or confused spirits in the afterlife in “crossing over” to an eternal existence. No surprise when you consider that actual spirit communicator James Van Praagh is a co-executive producer on the series.

During its second season, the show took a darker turn by establishing an opposing evil force that attempts to prevent Hewitt’s character from fulfilling her other worldly calling. If you haven’t seen the show, it is definitely worth a look and maybe you’ll find something that will entertain you. And now for a brief word about Jennifer Love Hewitt …. HOT-AS-A-PISTOL! If Jennifer suffered from loose morals and poor taste; then buddy, I’d be in life Flynn. Sadly, the universe hasn’t seen fit to throw the two of us together. I am sure our love would be one for the ages, or that's my story and I'm sticking to it!

The Rock opts for Black Adam!

Wrestler-turned-actor Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson has decided that he would be better off playing the villainous Black Adam, if the supposed movie version of golden age great (and current DC Comics staple) Captain Marvel (Shazam!) ever gets off the ground. A recent internet fan poll offering a choice between hero or villain heavily "suggested" that fans preferred Johnson as Adam. The Rock was under consideration for both roles.

In Memoriam: Paul Norris

Aquaman co-creator Paul Norris has passed away at age 93. Norris, who had been hospitalized after a series of strokes, also wrote and drew the Brick Bradford comic strip for 35 years.

A native of Greenville, Ohio, Norris worked after college as an illustrator and cartoonist for the Dayton Daily News, but he moved to New York in 1940, where he got a job at Prize Publications, creating the comics ‘Power Nelson, Futureman’ and ‘Yank and Doodle’ before being hired by DC Comics. There, in 1941, he launched Aquaman with editor-writer Mort Weisinger.

Norris worked on several King Features comic strips, including Flash Gordon, Secret Agent X-9 and Jungle Jim. In 1952, he took over Brick Bradford, and wrote and drew the strip until it ended in 1987.

Creator profile: Matt Baker

Clarence Matthew Baker (1921 - 1959) was a comic book artist best remembered for the costumed crime-fighter Phantom Lady and as the medium's first known African-American artist; he was active as early as the 1930s-40s Golden Age of comic books. Baker penciled what is arguably the first graphic novel, St. John Publications' digest-sized "picture novel" It Rhymes with Lust (1950). His speciality was drawing "good girl art", a comics sub-genre for which his available work is in high demand with collectors. Baker's career was launched at the Iger Studio, one of many 1940s "packagers" who provided outsourced comics on demand for eager publishers entering the new medium. Through Iger, Baker produced work for various publishers including St. John, Fiction House, Fox, and Quality Comics.

The Phantom Lady (created by Arthur Peddy in 1941) was a Quality Comics feature supplied by the Iger Studio. After Quality dropped her feature in Police Comics, Iger supplied her to Fox Comics, which had also requested a sexy costumed adventuress. Matt Baker redesigned the character into her best-known incarnation, and she debuted in Fox's Phantom Lady #13 (Aug. 1947), the premiere issue after taking over the numbering of the canceled comic Wotalife. Baker's Phantom Lady also appeared as a backup feature in All Top Comics #9-16.
His other notable work includes military-humor title Canteen Kate, Tales of The Mysterious Traveler; the feature "Sky Girl" in Fiction House's Jumbo Comics, the jungle adventures of "Tiger Girl"; "Flamingo", "South Sea Girl", "Glory Forbes", "Kayo Kirby"; and "Risks Unlimited". He also produced Flamingo [above, right] as a syndicated comic strip from 1952 through 1954.

He really hit his stride drawing romance titles prolifically for St. John Publications in the 1950’s. Love Romances, My Own Romance, and Teen-Age Romance; and Wartime Romances. His untimely passing in 1959 cut short what might have been a very lucrative period for Baker as the silver age of comics was really getting underway.

1970's Flashback: The Secret Society of Super-Villains

The Secret Society of Super-Villains #1 was published in May, 1976. It is the precursor of such contemporary spins on villainous teams like the modern version of the Suicide Squad, and the Society that is currently forming around Lex Luthor in DC's Justice League of America title.

Originally organized by Darkseid, the Secret Society of Super-Villains (who operated out of the Sinister Citadel) was plagued by internal power struggles. Lex Luthor, the Wizard, and Funky Flashman all jockeyed for control of the powerful team; heroes Manhunter and Captain Comet, on the other hand, sought to divert the villains' evil ways into a more positive channel by infiltrating the group to usurp its leadership. After such dissembling caused some initial confusion over the true purpose of the team, the SSoSV fully dedicated itself to evil and found a primary nemesis in Captain Comet. After the "bad guys" discovered the true identity of their alien benefactor, they rebelled against Darkseid. To quash the uprising, Darkseid dispatched Mantis and Kalibak. At the conclusion of the battle ,Manhunter sacrificed himself to stop Darkseid. Following this action, the entire team splintered, with Luthor and Flashman heading up competing groups of villains. However, it was the Wizard who proved to be the most successful, by stealing leadership away from Flashman's group and creating the definitive incarnation of the SSoSV.

Creator Profile: Ernie Chan

Ernesto "Ernie" Chan (born 1940) is a noted Filipino comic book artist. For several years, he was forced to work under the name "Ernie Chua" as that name had been mistakenly entered on his immigration documents, but he was later credited under his actual given name. Chan is particularly known for his classic work on the Marvel Comics version of Conan the Barbarian, although he has also worked for other publishers such as DC Comics. Chan studied with the great John Buscema, and often worked with him as the inker on Conan during the 1970s. He also inked the art of Buscema's younger brother Sal on The Incredible Hulk.

Later, Ernie himself pencilled several issues of Conan, and also for Marvel Comics he worked on Doctor Strange, Kull the Destroyer in 1977 and Power Man in the 1980s. For DC Comics, he later drew the sword & sorcery series Claw the Unconquered. Chan was also a regular cover artist.

Ernie Chan was a reliable artistic presence, whose work often appeared in one-shots or fill-in issues in lieu of the regular art team, or during transitions of creative personnel on select titles. He dutifully applied the lessons that he had learned from "Big John" Buscema, yet he channeled his own unique twist on the characters on which he worked. As one of several Filipino artists who successfully broke into the American comics market in the 70's, Chan made a name for himself that stands out from many of of his peers. He's been retired since 2002.

1970's Flashback: Isis

And you thought that Lynda Carter's Wonder Woman was the only "hottie" superheroine from the disco decade. Actress Joanna Cameron was equally appealing in the Saturday morning live-action kids show - The Secrets of Isis - which was broadcast by CBS for a single year, running from September 1975 to October 1976.

Thousands of years ago, Egyptian Queen Hatchupset was given an amulet by her Royal Wizard. This amulet empowered the queen with the powers of the goddess Isis; to command the elements of sky and earth. Flash forward to present time (1970's that is) young science teacher Andrea Thomas found this lost amulet while on an archaeological dig. She found that she was heir to the "Secrets of Isis." By bearing the necklace that had the amulet, and calling out the phrase "OH MIGHTY ISIS" Andrea was transformed into Isis. As Isis, she could "soar as the falcon soars, run with the speed of gazelles, and command all the elements of sky and earth." In order to invoke her powers, she had to recite incantations. Her most famous incantation - "Oh zephyr winds which blow on high, lift me now so I can fly" - assisted her in taking flight. She also had control of animals, fire, water, etc. Her powers were usually used to help teach young people she came in contact with, a moral lesson. Her associates, Rick Mason, Cindy Lee, Dr. Barnes, and later, Rennie Carroll, were oblivious to her dual identity. Isis was seen as the female counterpart to Shazam (Captain Marvel) and they had a few crossover episodes to each other's shows.

Isis' first appearance in comics was in Shazam! #25 (Sept-Oct. 1976). She later received her own TV tie-in book the following month, the series ran for two years. The eight issue run by DC Comics began in October (1976) and ended January (1979). All stories featured the Andrea Thomas character from theFilmation tv series; the comic book was written by Jack C. Harris and drawn by Mike Vosburg.