Happy 2nd Annual Ultimate Hulk Vs. Wolverine Day!
Once again, just like last year, I’m observing Ultimate Hulk Vs. Wolverine Day on New Comics Day rather than the actual date (Feb. 22nd), since it seems a little more fitting that way.
But, yes, as hard as it is to believe, it has been two full years since Ultimate Wolverine Vs. Hulk #2 was unleashed upon the comics buying public, leaving us with four issues to go.
When the television writers strike occurred, there was a brief moment of wide-eyed optimism, that perhaps the TV writer in question responsible for this series would be able to find the time to script four more issues of Hulk and Wolverine beating the tar out of each other…but I haven’t heard anything about it. Okay, granted, I haven’t really been looking, but I imagine if there was any real news about it, I wouldn’t have been able to avoid it. (EDIT: Here’s a report from July about the writer’s alleged progress — thanks, Kevin!)
So, I don’t know what more I can add about the absolute ridiculousness of the lateness of this book that I didn’t say last time. Minor delays here and there are one thing…a two year delay in the middle of a six issue mini is whole ‘nother problem entirely. There’s apparently a rumor going around that DC Comics may be instituting a policy to avoid problems like this, though it remains to be seen how well that sort of thing would work out. I’d settle for a “no year-long gap between issues on an alleged monthly” policy.
Oh, well. So, will I be celebrating the 3rd Annual Ultimate Wolverine Vs. Hulk Day next year? Pop by then and find out!
In other news;
- Okay, all that stuff I said about Sergio Aragones, Mark Evanier, and Mike Ploog taking over The Spirit for the last issue, which in fact wasn’t the issue they were taking over? The issue being released today is the issue they’re on, so reread what I said before, and apply it to the new issue. Got it? Good.
- Crud…forgot where I originally saw the link, but here’s a story about the creator of the Perry Bible Fellowship strip going into “semi-retirement.” Nothing on the PBF site about it, it seems, and apparently the news comes from a letter sent to papers carrying the strip.
Also, the above-linked story summarizes the cartoonist’s appearance on a Fox News show, which sounds sort of embarrassingly amusing.
- Via Dirk, Simpsons producer Matt Selman discusses the episode featuring Alan Moore, Dan Clowes, and Art Spiegleman. Spiegleman wearing the Maus mask was apparently his idea, not the Simpsons writers’, which may be one of the greatest things I’ve heard today.
That was part 3 of the annotations for this episode…here are 1 and 2. And you can actually watch the whole episode here.
- Internet pal Chris Sims must have bumped his head something fierce, because he’s devoting his site to the greatness that is…the Bring It On series of films. That means cheerleaders, cheerleaders, cheerleaders, and more cheerleaders. In case you’re unfamiliar with the films in question, Mr. Sims thoughtfully provides a brief summary for your perusal.
- This Metafilter post on whether video games will ever become a respected method of storytelling features this quote from the game designer who thinks they never will: “I’ll bet you that fifty years from now they’ll be just as mature and well-respected as comic books are today.” (Though the designer in question is sympathetic toward comics, and details the public perceptions and problems that comics and video games share.)
The following discussion debates the worthiness of comics currently held as classics, primarily Dark Knight Returns and Watchmen (with at least one person desperately misunderstanding the latter). Interesting for the perceptions of funnybooks from folks who aren’t necessarily among the converted, like you and me.
EDIT: Just noticed Dylan had a few words about that same game designer’s post.
- I have no explanation for yesterday. Sometimes, beauty demands to be released.