Verbinski talks about the Lone Ranger; James Franco is in demand; More Marvel deaths to come?; MARVELS pair re-unite to do Genesis


In an interview with Coming Soon, director Gore Verbinksi talks about the Lone Ranger project...

"It's sort of 'Don Quixote' told from Sancho Panza's point of view," said Verbinski of the Justin Haythe script, indicating that Depp's Tonto will actually be the main character, "...But it's coming along really great...[It] wouldn't shoot until next year, probably, because Johnny's doing 'Dark Shadows.'"
Well, that it explains why Depp is involved if Tonto is the lead, but the "Don Quixote" angle has me concerned. After the whole Jonah Hex debacle, you would think they would keep it a straight western. Sigh...

As if James Franco's plate isn't full enough, JustJared is reporting that the Oscar nominated actor is in talks to star in the live action Akira film. The film is set in futuristic Manhattan where a biker gang member named Shotaro Kaneda has to stop his best friend from releasing Akira, a person with the power to completely destroy the entire city.Wow! Talk about a workaholic!

At the ComicsPro retailer summit (which was held here in Dallas, TX), David Gabriel, Senior Vice President of Sales at Marvel Comics has announced that as a result of the Fantastic Four sales and media coverage, Marvel is going to kill a main character every quarter. He also added “this is not a joke”. Gabriel did however specify that these storylines are NOT about killing characters.  What’s key is what comes AFTER the deaths.  For example, after the Human Torch death, Spidey joined the team and the concept of “FF” got an entirely new focus as Future Foundation.


I am sorry, but if you have to kill someone off all the time to start a story line or move it along, you need to get out of the business, because you ain't that good! That's my $.02.

Alex Ross and Kurt Busiek re-team to do Kirby:Genesis. This marks the first time they are together since the Marvels mini series back in 1993. From the press release from Dynamite ...

KIRBY: GENESIS BEGINS THIS MAY!

You marveled at Kurt Busiek and Alex Ross' Marvels!  Now, prepare to be blown away by Kirby: Genesis!
February 10, 2011, Runnemede, NJ - Coming this May from Dynamite, Kurt Busiek will be re-teaming with Alex Ross for Kirby: Genesis, their first full collaboration since 1993's Marvels!  With Kirby: Genesis, Busiek and Ross are primed to expand on the vision of the legendary Jack Kirby with the same dynamic and unique perspective on superheroes that made Marvels such an original and successful story, allowing a new generation of comic book readers to become acquainted with the genius that is Jack Kirby!

Dynamite Entertainment is proud to announce that Alex Ross is not only co-plotting and laying out pages, but working with Kurt and Jack Herbert for special interior painted pages in the series.

The Kirby Event of the new millennium begins here, brought to you by the best-selling and award-winning creators of Marvels! The Pioneer 10 space probe carried a message to the stars. Now an answer's on the way -- but not one we expected! When it arrives, the lives of three ordinary people -- and the entire world -- will be changed forever. Featuring Captain Victory, Silver Star and more of Jack Kirby's greatest concepts, with finished art (from Alex's layouts) by Jack Herbert (Black Terror). Don't miss this tantalizing prelude to Kirby -- a bold, explosive adventure debuting a universe of wild Kirby creations!  This is the beginning.  This is THE Genesis!

This 32-page book with original story and art as well as additional bonus material will have a $1.00 Suggested Introductory Price!

"I'm delighted to see how the artwork's developing, from Kirby's designs to Alex's layouts to Jack Herbert's artwork. Jack's a terrific draftsman and storyteller, and he's doing a really sweet job bringing the story to life," says writer Kurt Busiek.  "His work also meshes well with Alex's, which goes beyond just layout, since there are various sequences in the story where Alex is doing fully painted art, including some where Jack's line art and Alex's painting are merged together. It's a terrifically effective combination."

"Working with Jack Herbert is an absolute thrill," says legendary artist Alex Ross.  "I've been so knocked out by his recent work on Black Terror, and now we will work side by side on Kirby: Genesis.  I'm satisfying my desire to get inside the story more by doing some full pages, panels, layouts, and even some figures that will only be seen as paintings by me.  The excitement is that much greater when you're working with such an amazing artist as Jack.  His stuff is just beautiful."

"I'm very honored to be able to be part of this project. It's such a huge honor for me, who grew up seeing the King's art," says artist Jack Herbert. "Not to mention the opportunity to work with such talented Comics masters as Alex & Kurt. I hope that with this series the new generation of comic-readers fall in love with such amazing universe of characters that only the fruitful mind of Jack "The King" Kirby could create. It's gonna be a wild and unique ride, gang!"

"Alex is so excited about the project that he wants to work hand in hand with Jack to paint as many interior pages as possible, which thrilled us all to no end," says Dynamite President and Publisher Nick Barrucci.  "Having Kurt and Alex together again collaborating on one of Dynamite's most important projects to date is nothing short of amazing.  Alex is making time in his schedule by turning down other work to make time to ensure that every page he paints be the best it can be.  Fans will be impressed with this series.  Jack Kirby's memory and work will be remembered by his fans and thanks to the creative team involved, will be brought to a new generation of comics fans."

"Having worked with Alex for the last several years, on a variety of projects, has been a personal high point in my professional career," says Dynamite Editor Joe Rybandt. "Now, adding Kurt to the mix takes it up from the fantastic to the incredible. The work these two men are doing, with the able help of Jack Herbert, is unparalleled in the world of pop culture... and Kirby defines - and now re-defines - pop culture."