Meet Mack Turner...

I want to introduce you to my latest comic book character, Mack Turner. Mack is a former big time city cop who was demoted and sent to work in a small town outside the city. One night, after finding out he would be suspended for tasing an old woman, Mack is driving down a dark road when he encounters ZOMBIES!

Yes, I hate zombies. I'm not a fan, but Zombies are hot right now and I'm starting up a small publishing company and our first book will be entitled "Mack Turner: Slayer of the Dead." Now it may all seem pretty generic... but it is not at all. In fact, I've got a few interesting twists to the whole zombie genre that could prove to be interesting.

Now this title is going to be a little cartoony and over the top, but it's a lot of fun to write and I hope readers will enjoy it. The stories will be presented as webcomics and then be available for print purchase. The website is being built as we speak, so in the meantime, here's the character sketch of Mack Turner by the artist, the SUPER talented Israel Gonzalez Silva.

Deadpool is now a Green Lantern

Source: Latino Review



Apparently, Ryan Reynolds, the man who portrayed the fake Deadpool and wants nothing more than to do Deadpool right has won the role of Hal Jordan in the possible Green Lantern flick.

I say possible only because I don't trust Warner Brothers and superhero movies if Batman isn't involved.

Anyways, apparently Reynolds has won the role. Out of the 3 choices, Bradley Cooper, Reynolds and Timberlake, Reynolds is the best choice, although I still would have put my money on Chris Pine.

But Reynolds, the ultimate comic movie actor, could do this right if he plays a character different that his usual comedic bunch, i.e. Van Wilder and Wade Wilson.

Reynolds could pull it off, but it also suggests to me that WB may make an amalgamation of Hal Jordan, Guy Gardner and Kyle Rayner, something that REALLY scares me. I like Ryan Reynolds, I like him a lot and I hope that one day he gets to do a TRUE interpretation of Deadpool, but I don't see that happening until Marvel gets the rights back. (IF)

But Reynolds needs a tent-pole comic flick instead of being a supporting role, and right now Green Lantern seems to be the most feasible as he doesn't really match up with any of the Avengers, except maybe Hawkeye.

But I am wary of not only whether GL will happen but the portrayal of Hal Jordan. The casting of Reynolds, and the consideration of Bradley Cooper leads me to believe this could be terribly wrong. In fact, when Pine was rumored I was really excited because James T. Kirk in a way is just like Hal Jordan, so I thought that was a shoe-in. So I'm afraid Hal will go from a cocky, arrogant and womanizing hot-shot pilot to a over-the-top humorous version of what he really is. The truth of the matter is that Hal Jordan is not a funny character, at all. So I'm curious if they chose Reynolds to have a sarcastic version of Hal or if Reynolds will play Hal as he should be and much of the comedy will be played down and the Hal's humor will be subtle.

Then again, we'll have to see if this movie actually happens. It's also interesting to note that IMDB has Reynolds listed for GL and Deadpool in 2011.

Green Lantern Movie Doomed?

I should have figured. Warner Brothers and DC can't seem to formulate a good movie outside of Batman. What is up with that? What the hell is going on in those studio offices that makes this so difficult?

It's no secret I love Hal Jordan/Green Lantern. At one point I wanted to do NOTHING but write a Green Lantern movie and BE Hal Jordan. But the truth of the matter is that as I've gotten more involved with comics and Hollywood and the inner workings of the business, I'm less and less inclined to Warner/DC and now more on the Marvel side (where as a former intern, I have a great deal of loyalty to them).

But the latest news around Green Lantern is pathetic. First, I've heard it won't be made because of the astronomical budget. That is still in the following report. But now there is talk that it is down to 3 candidates.

Green Lantern Down To Three Laughable Choices

I think the Latino Review headline is on point.

Justin Timberlake? Ryan Reynolds? Bradley Cooper?

Hal Jordan is not a fucking comedian. He's a hot-shot pilot who is cocky, arrogant and does whatever he can to bed a different woman every night.

Let's break this down.

Justin Timberlake? I am trying to figure out how to take this one seriously. This is on par with the TERRIBLE Jack Black idea a few years back.

Ryan Reynolds. I think he's more focused on Deadpool and giving fans and himself, the Deadpool they want.

Bradley Cooper. Again Hal Jordan is not a comedian. Cooper is okay, but his most memorable roles from Wedding Crashers and the Hangover are just too over the top, he's not a good fit for Hal.

My choice? The very first person rumored for the role. A person who is ABSOLUTELY perfect for Hal Jordan. Captain James T. Kirk. Hell yes, I actually got really excited when the Chris Pine rumors surfaced. Then they were shot down and I started to wonder exactly what was going on with this Green Lantern flick. After seeing these terrible casting choices and how it appears they want a funny man or pop star, well I know what's wrong with it now.

It is doomed.

At least there's a really good animated flick coming.

Steel Creek Update

I'm having a lot of fun writing Steel Creek, but I'm still trying to come up with an efficient working schedule. I'd like to do a story a week, but I don't think that's really feasible with the bazillions things going on in my life. But it's a shitload of fun. I don't particularly think that Steel Creek is my best work ever, I really just like the characters and I LOVE the Western genre.

Also because I'm not the greatest proofreader in the world, my buddy Alex edits the stories and he is bogged down with numerous things as well as in on the new publishing house with me. But Steel Creek is fun, it's great, and I think the stories are a solid way to break up monotony for anyone who decides to read.

I've spent much of the early goings introducing the major players and who they are. There are a lot of troubled souls in that town, each looking for a purpose and a direction, or having settled into a life of "randomness" or "freedom" depending on how you look at it. I feel like the characters in Steel Creek embody the West... that is the brutality, the myths, the legendary status quo and of course, more than anything else, I really feel like Steel Creek is a look into human nature, a look into both the moral and immoral, the right and the wrong of what we as human beings truly are. The West was filled with lawlessness, corruption and greed, but it was also filled with opportunity, a new beginning and a new world. That's why I love the West, there's a moral ambiguity and a subtle commentary on the nature of humanity.

There are a few stories in the pipeline which should be entertaining, including the introduction of the lead female, a woman previously mentioned, Rosalina Melendez. She will actually be a spark to the feud that will erupt between Hammer and Colonel Hanover's men. We'll also see the return of Sir William and the revelation of his past. We'll also see more of Milton Grace, the apparent "Holy man." There will also be small appearances from characters from the "sequel" to Steel Creek, the screenplay I wrote that inspired Steel Creek.

It's a lot of fun to write and I hope you read! Tell you friends!

Rise of Cobra Figures

Ugh. G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra looks like PURE SHIT. Seriously. This past week the toys were released, and as a moderate G.I. Joe collector, I was really disappointed. Sure the movie doesn't exactly scream "G.I. Joe" to me, but the figures aren't that much better. Don't get me wrong, there are a few solid figures and I picked up the Sergeant Stone and the Desert Ambush Duke, but the others I could live without. Oh, I will get General Hawk though, Dennis Quaid rules and it's a good looking figure.





Check out COOL TOY REVIEW for more pictures

The other figures in the set are "meeehh" but will definitely be GREAT for customizing. Seriously, every now and then I do like to customize figures, particularly G.I. Joes to either create my own characters or to see what I can come up with.

I just really think a G.I. Joe movie could have been something much greater than what it appears to be.

Still Going Crazy...

Okay, so I'm still failing to get back to updating the blog more often. A lot has been going on I won't lie.

First and foremost, I've got an additional comic series coming up. This is different than the military one I've spoken about in the past, this one is new, fresh and will probably be released first. It's being self-published through a new company my friend Alex (from Exfanding) and I are starting. We are going to do webcomics with print on demand. My first book will be entitled "Mack Turner: Slayer of the Dead," a tongue-in-cheek zombie book that will be a fun read if anything.

My other comic series is slowly coming along as well. Just a lot going on. My birthday is coming up on the 23rd and I got Juan Ferreyra, the artist of Rex Mundi, to do a Moon Knight commission for me, so I am really excited to get it. Hopefully in the next week or so.

Still rockin' UFC Undisputed 2009 and Ghostbusters on the 360, Indiana Jones and Grand Slam Tennis on the Wii. Speaking of Tennis, how AWESOME is Roger Federer? Yeah, dude is GREAT.

I'm actually really intrigued to see "Push," that superpowered secret agent flick that came out a few months back. I heard some solid things and I an generally intrigued.

Seriously though, the blog is becoming a priority again.

Billy Mays...

What the hell, man? Pop Culture just can't catch a break with the loss of Ed McMahon, Farrah Fawcett and the shocking deaths of Michael Jackson and Billy Mays.



I've got to tell you, while I never met the man, I watched him all the time and felt a little empty after I heard he died. Of course, I'm talking about Billy Mays. Here was a guy that wasn't a mega celebrity but he was constantly in our homes with his "projected" voice selling products that weren't necessities, but would make life a hell of a lot easier.

I thought Billy Mays was fantastic. He was super energetic, a great salesman and a very hard worker. I also do a pretty good impression. He reminded me of the type of guy that just inspires yourself to be motivated. The Discovery Channel show "Pitchmen" which chronicled how Billy did his job was awesome, one of the best new shows on TV and continuing Discovery's trend of reality shows that focus more on reality than they do drama. "Pitchmen" showed another side of Billy, not the salesman, and not only the business man, but the man himself.

He had a great personality, his popularity was sky-rocketing and he still stayed grounded in his job, he was forever a salesman. Even his appearance on the Tonight Show was fun and energetic and he and his partner Sully played off of Conan's whack job humor exceptionally well.

It's sad to hear about Billy Mays because Billy wasn't controversial, he didn't have "celebrity-related problems," he was a guy that went out there, did his job, sold his products and then moved on to the next. Even after getting knocked in the head during the rough landing in Tampa, he shrugged it off, but could that rough landing, not the hit in the head, started a chain reaction? I'm not going to speculate, heart disease affects millions and I feel terrible for Billy's family... the world has certainly lost a great salesman and a very great personality.

Michael Jackson.

The King is dead. Long Live the King!



I was a bit saddened and shocked to hear of the tragic and untimely passing of Michael Jackson. Sure the past 10-15 years have been marred in controversy and he was a bit of an oddball, but the man persevered, he proved time and time again that he was the consummate performer and celebrity. When I think of the greatest performers of all time, 3 names come to mind, Elvis Presley, Michael Jackson, Bruce Springsteen.

Michael Jackson is forever important to music, pop culture and the 1900s. I always enjoyed his music, his ability to perform and yes, the way he always stood up in the face of adversity and criticism of his own bizarre behavior.

One night, my freshman year of college, when you are supposed to act like an idiot with your new friends, all of my friends who still remain some of the closest people to me, bonded early in the school year over a Michael Jackson DVD. We put it on in the room in the middle of the hallway and did our best to mimic Michael Jackson, just having a fantastic time. I distinctly remember 8 of us moonwalking and dancing around like idiots to "Billie Jean," one of my all time favorite songs.

A few months later in an Acting class, I had to lip sync and perform a song, as many Acting classes have you do. What did I choose? Billie Jean. I didn't do it justice, but man was it fun.

That's how I will remember him. I'm sure there will be conspiracy theories, as is the case with everything, or rumors he OD'ed or something, but it doesn't matter. Michael Jackson, brilliant, eccentric and controversial will forever be the King of Pop.

And now it is only appropriate I share the exact video my college friends and I danced to...

The Problem With Batman's Current Comic Status

There used to be these old sayings in comics. "You can't change Batman's Identity." "Superman can't have a kid." "Jason Todd will always be dead." "Archie can't decide between Betty and Veronica." "Bucky Barnes will always be dead." and "Uncle Ben will always be dead."

My, how times have changed.

Jason Todd is alive. Bucky is alive. Archie is marrying Veronica. Superman has an adopted son. Batman is not Bruce Wayne (again). At least Uncle Ben is still dead.

Let's run down that list again. How many of these things have worked well. (From here on out I'm ignoring Archie). Jason Todd's return has been craptacular and pointless, Superman's adopted son was so rushed in storylines that I forget that Zod's son is Superman's adopted son, except when the kid calls Lois "mom." And the fact they had him for what seemed like 10 minutes and now he's 18 years old.

But Marvel and Ed Brubaker did it right with Bucky. It worked, it wasn't tacky, it's been going for well over 4 years and it's just been damn good.

So how about Batman. That's what I really want to talk about.

I was NEVER a fan of R.I.P. I thought it was contrived, pointless and poorly executed/written. I like Grant Morrison, I think he's written brilliant material, but I think his recent DC stuff has been lackluster. R.I.P. was also a mash-up of "Knightfall" with shades of "The Prodigal," 2 popular stories in the 90s, featuring Batman's back being broken and a new Batman taking over, and then Dick Grayson becoming Batman, respectively. Knightfall was okay. Looking back at it as I'm older, it was okay. It wasn't great, but it was okay. Personally, I thought Prodigal is one of the top Dick Grayson stories ever. He takes over as Batman, confronts Two-Face to settle his past mistakes as Robin, and then gives up the mantle of the Bat, knowing he couldn't be Batman.

That's one problem I have with this "Reborn" nonsense. Dick Grayson is NOT Batman. He should never be Batman and he has been poorly used as Nightwing over the past few years. Reading the current Batman titles, I have drawn one conclusion. "This is not Batman." It actually feels like a mockery of Batman. We have his wise-cracking adopted son taking over, not nearly as dark and not nearly as great, Bruce Wayne's apparent biological son who is kind of homicidal in a Stewie Griffin sort of way, and his other adopted son who is traveling the world in search of his identity because well, I don't think DC knows what to do with him. Then there's this new Batgirl, who will probably be Stephanie Brown, leaving Cassandra Cain probably still Batgirl but mucking up continuity even more... wow... what a mess.

The problem is that Bruce Wayne is forever Batman. I know, he'll probably be back next summer, but it doesn't sit well with me. With the exception of Green Lantern and a few other mini-series, DC is a mess. Final Crisis was pointless, it had very little effect on the universe, Batman has been horribly mistreated and while Blackest Night sounds awesome... it's just DC Zombies.



The Batman universe doesn't feel like Batman because Batman is indeed not there. There's always been the great debate over Bruce Wayne and Batman. Is Bruce Wayne Batman or is Batman Bruce Wayne? The answer, most of the time is that Batman IS Bruce Wayne... that Bruce Wayne is the shell. Thus, Dick Grayson, or anyone else for that matter, save for Terry McGinnis, does not work as Batman.

Bruce Wayne is not dead, we know this. Gotham City ridiculously fell into chaos because Batman was gone... so instead of martial law being imposed, or other heroes coming to help... which made no sense why they didn't, Gotham burned until Dick Grayson became "Batman." But the truth is it's all a sham. A poor publicity stunt by DC that tarnishes the legacy and will remind us all that Dick Grayson is not Batman. Batman is Bruce Wayne and without him, what should be the core of DC Comics, their most popular character, is falling apart.

The bottom line, and the lesson learned by "Knightfall," "Prodigal" and now "R.I.P./Battle for the Cowl/Reborn" is that Batman IS Bruce Wayne. And until the real Batman returns to his rightful place, the Bat-books will not be the same and DC/WB's greatest character has been neutered in a terrible fashion.

Oh and one more thing... DiDio wrote in his DC Nation column about Dick Grayson becoming Batman, "Who said I wanted to kill Dick Grayson?" Oh, but Mr. D you have shown your hand. Dick Grayson's journey is complete, he is now Batman. Thus how do you effectively bring back Bruce Wayne and return his status? Ahh yes, you kill Dick Grayson. It is seemingly obvious.

The Vengeance of the Moon Knight

Although it poured rain all weekend, it got a little brighter for me when Marvel announced at Heroes Con that Moon Knight is indeed being relaunched. Moon Knight, my favorite and perhaps one of the most underrated characters in the Marvel Universe, is getting a HUGE PR push in the coming months.



He's already made the early waves of the 3 3/4 Marvel Universe figures, he's finally got himself a MiniMate coming, Marvel is putting out a "Moon Knight Saga" freebie, and now all that is left is a SuperHero Squad figure. While I personally hope that the TV series doesn't get anywhere, as I believe MK is not a great TV character, and the little fact that I want to write/take part in writing a film version, I think Moon Knight is definitely getting primed up for Prime Time. Many of my friends also know that one of my major goals is to write Moon Knight in comic form.

"Vengeance of Moon Knight" written by Gregg Hurwitz with art by Jerome Opena kicks off soon and pulls MK out of Mexico and back into NYC to take on Norman Osborn. This is HUGE for the character because he is the one guy that actually gave Osborn a run for his money. It really seems as though Marvel is toning down the "crazy" Moon Knight and playing up the pure bad ass/anti-hero/mercenary that Moon Knight is underneath the mask and hood.

He's even getting an Alex Ross variant... and while I am not the biggest Alex Ross fan... this cover is seriously GORGEOUS!



The series sounds great, here's a link to an interview with Hurwitz and Opena from Newsarama: http://www.newsarama.com/comics/090620-heroes-moon-night.html

I will be conducting my own interview with Hurwitz about the series in the VERY near future. It's very exciting and definitely the news I had been hoping for.

Holy Blog Neglect, Batman

Wow. So I have seriously been neglecting this blog. I don't know why. I constantly update my Facebook, Twitter and the Creator Owned Blog... I am staying busy with the day job and numerous projects, but from some reason this blog, like my personal site, has fallen victim to a bit of neglect. I'm not sure why really... but I really should make an effort to get back on the wagon here.

I do have plenty of things to discuss or ramble about... so I will in a little bit...

Seriously.

Free Iran! Viva La Resistance! Viva La Revolution!

It's no secret that I am on the liberal side of the political spectrum. However, I do indeed love America, I love freedom and I do indeed read the madness that is AboveTopSecret.com because it is fun to read conspiracy theories and the general sense of how no matter what people aren't happy. However, over the last few days I have been paying close attention to the election in Iran and I am completely enthralled in the history that is being made there.

You see, Iran is perceived to be the world's greatest threat, although North Korea's threat of Nuclear War is a bit scary, but Iran is perceived to be hostile, an enemy, the evil religious extremist nation that will bring about the end of days. But this weekend has proved something very important. Iran is not the evil nation that some would perceive it as... instead, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad may indeed be the root of such evil. A man who claimed that the "Gay and Lesbian Phenomenon" did not occur in his country, a man who has one more than one occasion said he wishes to destroy Israel, and a man who constantly pushes the buttons of the United Nations and United States. There are times when Ahmadinejad impresses me with his ability to speak and stand at the front of the world stage, but more often than not I see him as completely batshit crazy.

Adding to the fire of Iran's elections is the fact that rioting and violence has broken out all over the country and finally, after 3 days, the TRUE leader of Iran, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who at first endorses Ahmadinejad, has now renounced his endorsement and has ordered an investigation into the election. Something tells me Ahmadinejad will not come out on top and will attempt a coup d'etat. He was even on the news saying he could not promise the safety of his rival Mir-Hossein Mousavi, a man who 2 hours ago Iran has accused of organizing an illegal rally... http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2009-06/15/content_11546360.htm. Does anyone else get the feeling that Ahmadinejad is trying to remove him before he wins?

I love the passion in young Iranians... I wonder what would have happened in the 200 US Elections if Gore supporters started rioting. But the young Iranians have proven something, they are tired of the same old conservative ways that often fuel hate and have caused their nation to have sanctions and be under constant scrutiny of the rest of the world. They want change, they want a more global Iran, not a nation that is an outcast and considered to be a hate-mongerer.

We are on the verge of a dual Israeli-Palestinian state, something that should have happened a LOOOOONG time ago. (Personally I think Jerusalem should be like the Vatican, but controlled by a Senate-like committee of Christian, Jewish and Muslim people.

If anyone needed proof that America is the greatest nation on the face of the planet, look at Iran. Look at what happened in America, CHANGE came to America, now change is a movement sweeping the world.

Captain America REBORN!

And the return of Steve Rogers begins!


The one true Captain America, Steve Rogers, returns in Captain America Reborn #1
Five-Issue Series Chronicling the Return Begins July 1, 2009

It was the shot heard ‘round the world. Following the most shocking and controversial event in comic book history – the assassination of Captain America in the pages of Captain America #25 – neither the heroes of the Marvel Universe nor the rest of the world have quite come to grips with this most traumatic of losses. From the moment he was taken from us until today, one fact has proven to be true: the world still needs Captain America. And now, the time has come! At long last, the legend, the hero, is back. Steve Rogers makes his triumphant return from the grave in the publishing event of the year: Captain America Reborn, a five part series from Marvel Comics beginning this July.

Long seen as the world’s greatest hero, Captain America made his first appearance in March, 1941, boldly fighting the Nazis in World War II. As a symbol of true patriotism, his popularity soared during the war as he became a nationally revered icon of US efforts to spread freedom around the globe. Serving as the Sentinel of Liberty for nearly 70 years, Cap embodied the spirit of the American people and became one of the world’s most beloved and recognizable characters. His death rocked the entire world, real and fictional, and his return from the grave promises to be a landmark event as well.

The recipient of two Eisner Awards for his tale about the life and death of Captain America, Ed Brubaker joins forces with acclaimed Ultimates artist Bryan Hitch for the landmark Captain America Reborn series. This partnership promises to produce the visually arresting, action packed story that fans around the world have been eagerly anticipating.

A story that captured international attention, Captain America #25 polarized shocked audiences by starkly depicting the murder the cultural icon. On that fateful day when shots rang out on the courthouse steps, Cap’s greatest enemy—the Red Skull-- achieved his greatest ambition—or so it seemed. Since that time, the Marvel Universe has been in chaos, as as the Red Skull has worked towards his true endgame. But now there is a ray of hope in the form of Steve Rogers!

How can Steve Rogers return from the dead, and will his rebirth be enough to stop the global threat of his sworn enemy? Hitting shelves on July 1st, the special five part series Captain America Reborn finally reveals the true scope of the Red Skull’s nefarious plan, and begins Captain America’s triumphant return.

For fans of Captain America and those wanting to own a part of this historic moment in Marvel history, visit your local comic book retailer on July 1, 2009 to purchase Captain America Reborn #1. To learn more about this landmark event, go to www.marvel.com/reborn! To find a comic book retailer near you, visit http://www.comicshoplocator.com/ or call 888-COMICBOOK. And be sure to pick up Captain America #600, on sale this week, as the road to Reborn begins!

Henry Jones Jr. and Moses' Stick

I picked up "Indiana Jones and the Staff of Kings" yesterday. I had read 2 positive reviews, but still I remained skeptical. I felt like this game was coming out of left field, rushed to keep Indy in the hearts and minds of fans and kind of just tossed to the wind while the XBox 360 and PS3 versions are supposedly coming. But I picked up the game on my break from work yesterday and waited patiently through the rest of the day and my fiancee watching TLC before I put it in.



Let me say this off the bat. Indiana Jones and the Staff of Kings is a true Indiana Jones game. In the traditional of the hits "Infernal Machine" and "Emperor's Tomb," Lucasarts once again puts out a solid gaming experience that is sure to make any fan pleased. Personally, I am super excited for the next-gen versions now, but this game is a lot of fun.

For the Wii, I have Wii Sports, Punchout and Iron Chef. A friend recently gave me Clone Wars but when it comes to the Wii, my playtime has been minimal, so I am not 100% well-versed in the art of the Wii Remote. But this game requires you to use it for everything under the sun. One of the first activities has you flying a plane and the Wii Remote has to be used just like a flight stick. You can punch, whip, run, pick up objects, throw objects, bash bad guys into stationary objects... there is very little you can't do in this game and the Wii Controls make it absolutely outstanding!

I wish the Wii had better graphics as that would only enhance the quality of this game (which graphically is one of the best on the Wii) but I will be picking up an S-Video cable to enhance the experience.

I love Indiana Jones and games like this are the reason why... seriously check it out!