Happiness is a Warm Frog

Yaayyyyy!!!!

Variety reports a new Muppet movie is in the works. The guys behind it sound pretty interesting and I have high hopes after being let down by Muppets From Space and everything after! I hope it helps those Muppet comics that were going to be produced for Disney Adventures Comics see the light of day!

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part I?

So the rumor I heard a few months back is true. Entertainment Weekly reports that Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows will be split into two movies, one released in November 2010 and the second in May 2011. Apparently the movies will be called simply "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part I" and "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part II."

This is pretty exciting because Deathly Hallows may be my favorite Potter book, right behind Prison of Azkaban. I wonder what the big cliffhanger will be and if they'll have to move some stuff around (a la The Two Towers) to make the movie narrative work.

And I'll almost be 34 when the final Harry Potter movie comes out...that's creepy.

Little Tidbits

Wow. DC Comics released a statement saying that, beginning on March 19, their single issue comics will carry a $2.99 cover price in both the U.S. and Canada:

Please note that beginning with items arriving in Direct Market stores on March 19, DC Comics periodicals will feature a single price for both U.S. and Canada. As an example, the price on the cover of ACTION COMICS #863, scheduled to arrive in stores on March 26, reads “$2.99 US/Can.

It is a sad day for the American economy when this happens. Congrats, Canucks!

The new Beauty and the Geek debuted last night. I haven't seen it yet but I am sure it a train wreck as always. This season mixed things up by pitting the geeks against the girls. I thought the point of the show was to teach people to move past this???

The website for the new Punisher movie is up as well as our first look at the new Frank Castle. I hope it is better than the first movie but I have my doubts.

Dave Stevens 1955-2008

Great comic book artist/painter Dave Stevens has passed away after a long bout with cancer.



He was the creator of the Rocketeer.



Damn.

New Comics Out March 11

Here are some comics of note coming out this week:

Serenity: Better Days #1

Joss Whedon returns to the Firefly universe with this new three-issue series published by Dark Horse Comics. Along with co-writer Brett Matthews and artist Will Conrad, this series is another story of the loveable space cowboy crew. The events occur between the television series and the movie. The first miniseries, Those Left Behind, was very good and ties up loose strings from the TV series. I am curious to see where this one goes. $2.99.

Justice League International HC

I have to say, I really don't see the purpose of DC collecting this late 1980s, Justice League series in their new hardcover format. Don't get me wrong. It is a great series. Some of the funniest and most enjoyable comics that Keith Giffen and J.M. DeMatteis have ever written (with beautiful art by Kevin Maguire). I just don't see much of a need for this in the market. Anyway...if you love funny Justice League stories and missed out on this series originally (this contains, "the punch."), then pick it up. It collects the first seven issues of the series for $24.99.

Last Defenders #1

Quite an interesting line up in Marvel Comics' new Defender title. This six-issue series boasts Colossus, She-Hulk, the Blazing Skull and Nighthawk. Joe Casey supplies the story with pencils by Jim Muniz. I think I'll get the trade paperback collection when it comes out and pass on the singles. $2.99.

Locke and Key #2

There has been a lot of talk on the blogosphere about IDW Publishing's newest comic, Locke & Key. The buzz may be because it is written by Stephen King's son, Joe Hill. Issue one was an exceptional tale that started with some young kids terrorizing a family. The book quickly changed gears as our lead characters move into their old family home and begin to unlock the mystical secrets that lie within. Gabriel Rodriguez's art is outsanding and truly conveys a sense of desolation and grief. $3.99.