Artists Assemble- Nightcrawler

A weekly event where members of the Facebook group can submit art based on a specific theme! the art must be your own and match the theme. Celebrating the return of the fuzzy elf this weeks theme is Nightcrawler!

By Brett Buffington

By Adam Bayes

By Jason Graziano

By Lorna Anne Macrae

By Kevin Miller

By Jason Hendrickson

By Christopher Masson

By Thorsten Schmitz

By Jason Graziano

By Joey Mackay

By Adam Bayes

By Richard Chin

By Richard Chin

By Thorsten Schmitz

By Dennis Mendoza

By Brett Buffington

By Rodney Celerio

By Melbert Martin

By Kevin Miller

By Raul

By Si Arden

By Si Arden

By Will Smith

By Corey Proto Kennedy

By Kris Artman Carroll

BIRD IS THE WORD: Psylocke Appreciation

   We continue on in our next big event in Betsy's life. This event came in the 1986 relaunched Captain Britain series, where Betsy Braddock stood in for her brother as Captain Britain, and was rendered blind by the supervillain Slaymaster (Captain Britain, vol. 2 #12–13).

   When the crimelord Vixen secretly usurped S.T.R.I.K.E., she hired Slaymaster to eliminate the Psi-Division before they could expose this. The telepaths fled, but Slaymaster continued to pick them off. Only a handful were left when Betsy sensed Brian's return and called on his help. He defeated Slaymaster and the three surviving psi's, Betsy, Tom and Alison Double, moved into the holographically hidden Braddock Manor. In short succession, this hideout was found by the Special Executive, Captain U.K. and the Fury. As the last of these battled Brian and the Executive, Betsy foresaw a future where superhumans were imprisoned in concentration camps.

   Soon the U.K. became a fascist state ruled by the insane reality warper Sir James Jaspers, with S.T.R.I.K.E. "Beetle" squads rounding up those with powers. While Brian confronted Jaspers, the Beetles found the others' hideout. Tom died trying to buy his friends time to escape. Betsy was in Tom's mind when he died, and was captured. After being freed, she was nursed back to health by fellow camp inmate Victoria Bentley, who taught her to use her experiences to strengthen her powers.

   When Kaptain Briton, Brian's Earth-794 counterpart, tried to rape her, Betsy fried his mind, killing him. The same night, Mastermind informed the twins of their father's non-terrestrial origins, and the Resources Control Executive (R.C.X.) asked them to billet Warpies, children transformed by Jaspers' warp, at the Manor.

   One of the R.C.X. agents was Matthew, now codenamed Gabriel. Betsy overruled Brian and let R.C.X. and the Warpies move in. When Brian went overseas, Gabriel convinced Betsy to become the new Captain Britain, wearing Kaptain Briton's modified costume. Working with Captain U.K. (Linda McQuillan), the duo became public sensations, but after several months Betsy went solo. Vixen lured her into a showdown with Slaymaster, who brutally beat her, then gouged her eyes out. Brian felt her pain, flew to her rescue and killed Slaymaster. Betsy refused R.C.X.'s offer of cybernetic eyes, preferring to rely on her psychic abilities. She and Gabriel got engaged, and went to Switzerland for Betsy to recuperate.

Source: http://marvel.com/universe/Psylocke

Stay tuned in two weeks for Betsy, New Mutants, and Mojo!

Screen Drone #5

This segment is about interesting TV. And sometimes movies. Smashed over the head with an Oz brick.

TMNT 204 - Introducing Casey Jones. YES!

Axe Cop 107-108 - Babies are dumb and Super Axe.

American Horror Story 306 - Introducing the Axe Man.

Modern Family 507 - Guest Starring Peele!

South Park 1707 - The big question X-Box One or PS4 gets a Game of Thrones coating.

Sons of Anarchy 610 - The consequences to Tara's decisions keep imploding on her. Things are not looking good.

Key and Peele 308 - The "that's my shit" guys go back in time 400 years and the return of Meegan.

HIMYM 909 - Challenge unexpected.

Eastbound and Down 407 - KP is out of control. Can he manage to reign it in before he loses everyone?

Comic Book Men 305 - How dare they talk to Aqua Woman like that?? Nerds sometimes....

Bobs Burgers 404 - Lizard anus.

TBBT 707 - Professor Plutonium returns.

Legend of Korra 210 - Korra fucks up again and this time, it may cost a little girl her soul.

Parks and Recreations 606-607 - Double dose this week. Andy comes back for one episode while Tommy and Ron dominate the rest.

Thor: The Dark World - I had a good time in this movie. Entertaining, action packed and even humorous, I left the theatre happy. Slightly disappointed that there was not a single Amon Amorth song featured on the soundtrack. Anyway, the mid credits scene made me squeal in delight! Check this one out for sure.

The Missing and Finished:

This week no Adventure Time (two weeks running now). And I can't seem to be able to find the last few TOP CHEFS anywhere. Also, It's always sunny in Phili wrapped up it's season. The moral of this season: The gang are shittier people then we thought.

FROM THE ASHES: Segment # 10

The Illustrious D

   I am beyond excited to talk about this week's film. Ahh, D. *swoons* Before I lose myself, however, let's paint a picture of this timeless classic : Vampire Hunter D. This 1985 film was directed by the late Tooya Ashida (1944-2011), who was most noted for his work on Fist of the North Star ( both the series and movie), and Vampire Hunter D. The film was produced by Ashi Productions, known for: Machine Robo, Macross 7, Blue Seed, Ultra Maniac, and other series, but singularly Vampire Hunter D for feature films. The score was composed by Tetsuya Komuro (1958-), a very influential figure in Japanese pop in the 1990s. He has also collaborated with a plethora of artists ranging from the Backstreet Boys to Joe Lynn Turner. Speaking of artists, the character designs for this film are brought to life by living legend Yoshitaka Amano. Renowned and beloved, Amano's artwork on character design spans so many great properties, of varying media, some of which are: Angels Egg, The Heroic Legend of Arslan, The Tale of Genji, Sandman: The Dream Hunters, Elektra and Wolverine: The Redeemer, Vampire Hunter D (both the novels and films), and of course the character designs for the first 10 Final Fantasy games. Ok, ok, I can't help myself. Yoshitaka Amano is my favorite artist. Ever. Pretty amazing right? All this awesome, gathered to adapt to film the first in a long line of magnificent novels written by Hideyuki Kikuchi (1949-). Known as a master writer for his works in horror and fantasy, he has been compared to authors like H.P. Lovecraft and Stephen King. Other than D, some of his popular works include: Demon City Shinjuku, Wicked City, Darkside Blues, and the Treasure Hunters series of novels. That's quite a heavy list of credentials, no? Onto the film. 

   From the first moment of the opening sequence, one is beckoned by the soft and haunting score. Sure, it's very "80's" in tone, but still gets the point across. A muted and dark color palette gives but a hint of introduction to the first character, and our leading lady. Very quickly thereafter, an image of a gritty and uncaring world is established. Monsters roam the countryside tearing everything apart by night, and self indulgent and foolish monsters of men rule towns by day. Very easily can one feel alone and outcast in a world such as this. That in itself is one of the large overhead themes of the film; the outcast, and what it's like being on the outside looking in. Other powerful themes such as prejudice, betrayal, lust, pride, and revenge are all interwoven within this story. A tale of a hunted hunter, whose harshest critic is truly himself. Honestly, I could go on for ages. I love D. I greatly admire Hideyuki Kikuchi's novels. I adore Yoshitaka Amano's character designs. This is one of my all time favorite properties. I collect the novels (btw there's over 20), have both feature films on dvd, I collect the manga, and anything else I can get my hands on ( I still need the PlayStation video game). The film is a masterwork, however, it doesn't even begin to scratch the surface of complexity and range of the novel on which it is based, let alone the character of D. Mentioning the changes from novel to film would be utterly pointless, and would also take ages. Still, I'd like to think of the film as a sampler; a positive taste into the deliciousness that is Vampire Hunter D. This film is far from perfect, but that's okay with me. Sometimes the animation can be shotty, and the sound quality a bit grainy. Despite these apparent shortcomings, the film remains endearing, and still represents quality work. As for which voice cast to go with; honestly you could go with either. With the Japanese cast, I felt everyone was good, save for D. And with the English cast, I felt like D alone was great. So, I tend to stick with the English cast. As always, I hope that you give this classic a chance. Its muted nature, tone and pacing may not be to everyone's liking; but its characters, story, and themes are truly timeless. Enjoy! 

From The Ashes, V.~

VALIANT Solicitations for February 2014

       

UNITY #4
Written by MATT KINDT
Art by DOUG BRAITHWAITE
Cover by CLAYTON CRAIN
Variant Cover by RILEY ROSSMO
Variant Cover by CLAYTON HENRY

UNITY divided! 

Here comes heavyweight showdown you've been waiting for! As Harada’s secret machinations come to light, the newly minted UNITY team will be faced with a choice that will change this team forever – and the Valiant Universe along with it. Get ready for a world-shaking battle royale as the final installment of UNITY's first adventure pits X-O Manowar and Toyo Harada against the most dangerous battalion ever united – and each other.

$3.99/T+/32 pgs.
ON SALE FEBRUARY 19th!

X-O MANOWAR #22
Written by ROBERT VENDITTI
Art by DIEGO BERNARD
Cover by LEWIS LAROSA
Variant Cover by WILL CONRAD
Valiant Signature Series Variant by JIM CALAFIORE

UNITY EPILOGUE! When X-O Manowar thought he had finally found peace, he instead found only more war, death, and destruction… 

Now, at his lowest point, Aric of Dacia’s fate rests in the hands with the most unlikely of allies. Will X-O Manowar regain his lost power and seek bloody vengeance on his enemies, or will be forge a new path? The beginning of a brand new era for Valiant's flagship hero starts here.

$3.99/T+/32 pgs.
ON SALE FEBRUARY 26th!

SHADOWMAN #15
Written by PETER MILLIGAN
Art & Cover by ROBERTO DE LA TORRE
Variant Cover by MIKE ALLRED

Shadowman must die!

Jack Boniface is out of control. A monstrous supernatural force known only as Tremble threatens to destroy Shadowman…if the ghosts that haunt Jack don't tear him apart first! Before he cracks, the Abettors — sworn to aid the Shadowman and shield him from the forces of darkness — must take drastic measures to protect the world from Jack's terrible power. Can Jack defeat the evil that's coming to kill him…and save himself from the allies trying to drive a knife into his back?

$3.99/T+/32 pgs.
ON SALE FEBRUARY 5th!

ARCHER & ARMSTRONG: ARCHER #0
Written by FRED VAN LENTE
Art by PERE PEREZ
Cover by CLAYTON HENRY
Pullbox Exclusive Variant by JOE EISMA
Variant Cover by ANDY KUHN

Once upon a time...a baby went into Project Rising Spirit...

Who is Obadiah Archer, where did he come from, and how can he do the incredible things that he can do? (Which is everything, remember?) Fresh off the shocking conclusion of the Sect Civil War, learn the startling truth behind Archer's origin with an exciting look into his secret past by Valiant superstar Fred Van Lente and fan favorite artist Pere Perez!

$3.99/T+/32 pgs.
ON SALE FEBRUARY 5th!

HARBINGER #21
Written by JOSHUA DYSART
Art & Cover by CLAYTON HENRY
Interlocking Variant by ZACHARY MONTOYA

"Resistance" ratchets up the stakes! Peter and the Renegades wanted information to be free, but now they're about to pay a very steep price. 

Once again, the Renegades are on the run with the combined forces of the Harbinger Foundation and Project Rising Spirit closing in on all sides. This time, however, the team's newest member, Ax, has left a trail of leaked classified information that could could win the day – but also put the few loved ones they have into dire peril. And now the moment has come when they must choose between their fate and their families… $3.99/T+/32 pgs.
ON SALE FEBRUARY 12th!

BLOODSHOT AND H.A.R.D. CORPS: H.A.R.D. CORPS #0 
Written by CHRISTOS GAGE & JOSHUA DYSART
Art by CHRISCROSS
Cover by ARTURO LOZZI
Pullbox Exclusive Variant by MIGUEL SEPULVEDA
Variant Cover by LEWIS LAROSA

Remember the '90s?! 

The most elite assets of Project Rising Spirit team up for an early mission together — Bloodshot and the H.A.R.D. Corps, living weapons! But, in the decade of dial-up, the technology is far from perfect and bugs are bound to pop up in the wetware…with disastrous results…

$3.99/T+/32 pgs.
ON SALE FEBRUARY 26th!

BLOODSHOT AND H.A.R.D. CORPS #19
Written by CHRISTOS GAGE & JOSHUA DYSART
Art by BART SEARS
Cover by CLAYTON CRAIN
Variant Cover by BART SEARS

"GET SOME" – Part Two! Bloodshot and H.A.R.D. Corps fight for more than they bargained for!
When a routine rescue mission goes horribly wrong, Director Kozol is taken captive by a group of grizzled psiot mercenaries with a vital key to Bloodshot's past. The team fight to save Kozol's life…and they don't even like him! Duck and cover – because you've just dropped into in the middle of the Arabian Desert for a super-powered gunfight at an exploding oil pipeline! 
$3.99/T+/32 pgs.
ON SALE FEBRUARY 19th!

ETERNAL WARRIOR #6
Written by GREG PAK
Art by TREVOR HAIRSINE
Cover by LEWIS LAROSA
Variant Cover by DIEGO BERNARD

Long live the Eternal Emperor!

The first glimpse into the Valiant Universe in the year 4001 continues here! The Eternal Emperor rules over a blighted landscape, the last hope of a desperate band of survivors. When an enigmatic force appears and threatens to destroy the last remnants of his people, he faces a horrific choice: travel an irradiated landscape in search to kidnap an innocent, or see his people destroyed. Welcome to the Valiant Universe of 4001. 

$3.99/T+/32 pgs.
ON SALE FEBRUARY 12th!

QUANTUM AND WOODY #8 
Written by JAMES ASMUS
Art by MING DOYLE
Cover by TOM FOWLER
Variant Cover by MING DOYLE

CHARGE!

Quantum and Woody vs. Magnum Security…for all the marbles! Who would have suspected that Quantum's employer Mr. Magnum and his private security firm were up to no good? So now the would-be victims of Magnum's violence and greed rally around our unlikely heroes to protect their heavily fortified, heavily armed mountain town. These colors don't run! 

$3.99/T+/32 pgs.
ON SALE FEBRUARY 19th!

HARBINGER VOL. 4: PERFECT DAY TPB
Written by JOSHUA DYSART
Art by BARRY KITSON and CLAYTON HENRY
Cover by BARRY KITSON

Nightmares are just dreams too. 

It’s been a brutal few months for Peter Stanchek and the Renegades, culminating in the harrowing events – and losses – of the Harbinger Wars. But now the members of the team have woken up to the Best. Day. Ever. As Lou Reed sang, it’s just a perfect day, problems left all alone. But for Peter Stanchek – a kid who deserves a good day – something seems off…like all is not what it seems… Collecting HARBINGER #15-19 by New York Times best-selling writer Joshua Dysart (Harbinger Wars) and all-star artists Barry Kitson (Amazing Spider-Man) and Clayton Henry (Archer & Armstrong), start reading here with the mind-bending story arc that Comic Vine calls "an excellent jumping-on point."

$14.99/T+/128 pgs.
TRADE PAPERBACK
ISBN: 978-1-939346-15-5
ON SALE FEBRUARY 5th!

ARCHER & ARMSTRONG VOL. 4: SECT CIVIL WAR TPB 
Written by FRED VAN LENTE
Art by KHARI EVANS with CHRISCROSS
Cover by CLAYTON HENRY

Every enemy. Against each other.

For centuries, the cloak-and-dagger coalition of conspiracies collectively known as The Sect has worked together to bring silent oppression and undercover tyranny to a world that thought it was free. But, now after centuries of profit sharing and uneasy alliances, the factions of The Sect are about to erupt into open conflict…and the only men that can end the insanity are Archer & Armstrong! Too bad they’re fighting for different sides! Why? How? And will either survive? The knockdown, drag-out A&A event of the year starts now – and no conspirator is safe! Collecting ARCHER & ARMSTRONG #14-17 by New York Times best-selling writer Fred Van Lente (Incredible Hercules) and acclaimed artists Khari Evans (Harbinger) and ChrisCross (Superman/Batman), jump into the series that IGN calls "a must read" with an all-new adventure pitching Archer & Armstrong into their biggest battle yet! 

$14.99/T+/112 pgs.
TRADE PAPERBACK
ISBN: 978-1-939346-25-4
ON SALE FEBRUARY 26th!