Stan Lee Dead at 95

Comic Book Legend Stan Lee Dies at 95

Stan Lee,  Marvel Comics Legend

Legendary comic book Writer and Publisher Stanley "Stan Lee" Lieber died Monday, November 12th 2018 after being rushed to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. 

Stan Lee started his career at Marvel before there was a Marvel. In 1939 Timely Comics Publisher Mark Goodman, on the word of Stans uncle Robbie Solomon, took a chance on a young Stan Lee making him an assistant at the new Timely comics division of his pulp publishing empire. By the early 1960's Marvel Comics was formed and Stan Lee was its head writer, writing some of the greatest stories ever told by Marvel and illustrated by masters of the comic book craft. 

Along with names like Jack "The King" Kirby, John Romita Sr., Steve Ditko, Don Heck, Bill Everett and Joe Maneely, Stan Lee created some of the biggest books in the Marvel Universe.

An official cause of death has yet to be released but we can expect more details to be forthcoming in the coming hours and days. 

The comic book world has lost one of its original heros, sparking imaginations for generations and becoming the de facto embassador of Comics worldwide. Excelsior.

Marvel Drops Prices on Hardcovers to Retailers.

Marvel is liquidating Hardcovers to Retailers

Marvel Comics is liquidating part of its Hardcover book selection to Retailers to thin down its inventory and hopefully drive up the prices for its other titles. With these books going to retailers for rock bottom prices the deals should be passed on to consumers. Below is a list of the books being made available to retailers. More books are expected to be made available in the near future. 

Marvel 75th Anniversary Omnibus

AGENTS OF ATLAS TURF WARS PREM HC
ANT-MAN SEASON ONE PREM HC
ART OF SPIDER-MAN CLASSIC HC
ASTONISHING X-MEN NORTHSTAR HC WEAVER CVR
AVENGERS ACADEMY FINAL EXAMS PREM HC
AVENGERS BY BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS PREM HC VOL 03
AVENGERS BY BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS PREM HC VOL 04 AVX
AVENGERS BY BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS PREM HC VOL 05
AVENGERS PREM HC VOL 03 PRELUDE TO INFINITY
AVENGERS PREM HC VOL 04 INFINITY
AVENGERS VS X-MEN HC COMPANION AVX
CAPTAIN AMERICA PREM HC VOL 01 CASTAWAY DIMENSION Z BK 1 NOW
CAPTAIN AMERICA AMERICAN NIGHTMARE PREM HC
CAPTAIN AMERICA FOREVER ALLIES HC
CAPTAIN AMERICA HC DEATH CAPTAIN AMERICA PROSE NOVEL
CAPTAIN AMERICA THEATER OF WAR HC
CAPTAIN BRITAIN HC VOL 02 SIEGE OF CAMELOT
CATACLYSM HC ULTIMATES LAST STAND
DAKEN DARK WOLVERINE PRIDE COMES BEFORE FALL PREM HC
DAREDEVIL BY MARK WAID HC VOL 02
DAREDEVIL BY MARK WAID HC VOL 03
DAREDEVIL HC END OF DAYS
DISNEY KINGDOMS SEEKERS OF WEIRD HC
DR STRANGE PREM HC INTO DARK DIMENSION
FANTASTIC FOUR BY JONATHAN HICKMAN PREM HC VOL 05
FANTASTIC FOUR BY JONATHAN HICKMAN PREM HC VOL 06
FANTASTIC FOUR SEASON ONE PREM HC WITH FR DIG CDE
FEAR ITSELF YOUTH IN REVOLT PREM HC
FF BY JONATHAN HICKMAN PREM HC VOL 04
FIRST X-MEN PREM HC
HAWKEYE HC VOL 01
HULK BOILING POINT PREM HC
HULK WORLD WAR HULKS HC
INCREDIBLE HULK BY JASON AARON HC VOL 02
INCREDIBLE HULKS FALL OF HULKS HC
INDESTRUCTIBLE HULK PREM HC VOL 01 AGENT OF SHIELD NOW
INDESTRUCTIBLE HULK PREM HC VOL 03 SMASH TIME
INHUMANITY HC
INVINCIBLE IRON MAN HC VOL 02
IRON AGE HC
IRON MAN PREM HC VOL 03 SECRET ORIGIN OF STARK BOOK 2
IRON MAN INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION PREM HC
IRON MAN SEASON ONE PREM HC
MARVEL 75TH ANNIVERSARY OMNIBUS HC
MMW ATLAS ERA JUNGLE ADVENTURE HC VOL 02
MMW ATLAS ERA JUNGLE ADVENTURE HC VOL 03
MMW ATLAS ERA VENUS HC VOL 01
MMW CAPTAIN AMERICA HC VOL 01 NEW PTG
MMW DAREDEVIL HC VOL 01 NEW PTG
MMW GOLDEN AGE ALL WINNERS HC VOL 04
MMW GOLDEN AGE HUMAN TORCH HC VOL 02
MMW GOLDEN AGE MARVEL COMICS HC VOL 04
MMW GOLDEN AGE MARVEL COMICS HC VOL 06
MMW GOLDEN AGE MARVEL COMICS HC VOL 07
MMW GOLDEN AGE SUB MARINER HC VOL 02
MMW GOLDEN AGE USA COMICS HC VOL 01 NEW ED
MMW GOLDEN AGE YOUNG ALLIES HC VOL 02
MMW RAWHIDE KID HC VOL 02
MMW SGT FURY HC VOL 04
MMW AVENGERS HC VOL 01 NEW PTG
MMW FANTASTIC FOUR HC VOL 01 NEW PTG
MMW INVINCIBLE IRON MAN HC VOL 07
MMW MIGHTY THOR HC VOL 01 NEW PTG
MMW X-MEN HC VOL 01 NEW PTG
MARVEL SUPER HEROES SECRET WARS PROSE NOVEL HC
MARVEL ZOMBIES DESTROY HC
MARVEL ZOMBIES COVERS HC

The Avengers by Brian M. Bendis Vol 3

DC Comics Publisher Jim Lee shares his rejections on Twitter

#SHAREYOURREJECTION is a trend on Twitter and Jim Lee shares his.

Credit DC Comics Icons Jim Lee

Iconic artist and present day co-publisher at DC Comics Jim Lee took to Twitter earlier this morning to share a few of his past rejections. In recent days the hashtag "shareyourrejection" has been something of a trend on twitter, and the comic book legend posted four of his from 1986. He eventually got hired at Marvel in 1987 and the rest is comic book history. 

Credit @JimLee Tweet from 8/18/2018

Jim Lee has since become a force is the comics industry. Many consider his Batman and Superman to be the definitive look for the iconic characters. Lee also was part of a group of creators who shook up the comics world in the early 90s, breaking away from the Big 2 and forming Image Comics. In doing so paving the way for indie creators and giving them an outlet for their books while retaining the rights to their characters.

There certainly is a lesson to all up and coming creators in the industry. Even the Legends started out as unknowns, but a perserverance and dedication to your craft might lead you to the very top.

Stan Lee's message for fans.

Stan Lee has message for fans after concern over hand injury.

Stan "The Man" Lee took to Twitter earlier today to address an issue with his hand. Many had recently noticed he was not using his left (his dominant) hand and worried over his health. It was also recently announced that Lee would no longer be making his famed public appearances or doing his regular autograph signings. 

Now into his mid-90s, and after a very public split from his personal manager, he is retiring to a more private life. He still however maintains a strong social media connection with his fans. In his latest video for fans, Lee explains that his left hand is feeling fine now, though, there does seem to be something wrong with his right hand! Lee lifts his hand to reveal a giant Hulk hand poking fun and easing worried minds. 

Cast of GOTG send open letter for James Gunn.

Guardians of the Galaxy cast write open letter for Director James Gunn.

credit Marvel Studios

     Earlier this month Marvel Studios whos parent company is Disney, cut ties with Guardians of the Galaxy vol. 3 Director James Gunn. The firing came after the revelation of some ill themed jokes made by Gunn via Twitter from about a decade ago. Since his firing many in the industry have come to Gunn's defence and have called for his reinstatement as director of the hit Marvel franchise.

     Today the cast of Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy have put out an open letter calling for his reinstatement as well. While they do not defend the jokes that were made they do defend the man who made those jokes and his character. Here is the full letter put out by the cast...

Open letter from the cast of Gardians of the Galaxy.

    Whether or not James Gunn will be reinstated remains to be seen, though there does seem to be support for this in the Industry. 

Walter Simonson previews new Fantastic Four cover.

Fantastic Four cover by Walter Simonson

credit Marvel Entertainment

     In a tweet earlier this morning Artist and Writer Walter Simonson previewed the cover for the new Fantastic Four series by Dan Slott and Sara Pinchelli.

@WalterSimonson 7/18/18

     This cover will be a variant cover for the new Fantastic Four #1 hitting stands on August 8.

credit Walter Simonson. Fantastic Four #1 variant cover

IDW and Marvel team up for middle-grade comics.

IDW and Marvel team up for new Spider-Man Project

IDW Publishing

Marvel Entertainment

Press Release-

SAN DIEGO, CA AND NEW YORK, NY (July 17, 2018) – Marvel Entertainment and IDW Publishing announced today that the two companies will develop middle-grade comic books designed for younger readers. Featuring some of Marvel’s most popular characters, the monthly issues and trade paperback collections, published by IDW, will be available for sale at local comic book shops and book retailers across the country, expanding opportunities for the next generation of Super Heroes to experience the Marvel Universe.

Credit IDW Publishing . Cover for new Spider-Man middle grade comic.

“From Iron Man to Captain Marvel, from the Hulk to Shuri — the Marvel pantheon has something for everyone,” says John Barber, editor-in-chief of IDW. “With this team-up, Marvel and IDW aim to bring exciting, all-new comics to a generation growing up in a Marvel world.”

Launching in November 2018, the Marvel and IDW collaboration will kick off with a Spider-Man series featuring both Peter Parker and Miles Morales, followed by an Avengers series beginning in December and a Black Panther series in January 2019. Each of these titles will serve as an easily-accessible jumping-on point for younger readers to follow the adventures of their favorite characters.

“Marvel is excited to work with IDW to share these brand-new stories with our younger fans,” said C.B. Cebulski, editor-in-chief of Marvel. “Characters like Spider-Man, Black Panther, and the Avengers inspire us through their strength and determination, but they resonate with readers because of the struggles they face and the challenges they overcome. We want to share their journeys with our younger fans first-hand.”

“Marvel is committed to delivering unique and accessible content for our younger audiences and fans,” said Sven Larsen, director, licensed publishing of Marvel. “As one of our most valued partners, IDW is the right fit to help us feature some of our most popular characters and publish stories created especially for the next generation of Super Heroes.”

“This partnership reflects the true spirit of collaboration at work,” said Greg Goldstein, president and publisher of IDW. “As comic book publishers, IDW and Marvel are able to produce high-quality visual storytelling experiences for fans both young and old. By combining our efforts, along with Marvel’s ever-increasing presence in popular culture, the results will be spectacular.”

Story details and creative teams for the new line of middle-grade comic books will be announced at a later date.

Comics Legend Steve Ditko passes away at age of 90

Spider-Man co-creator Steve Ditko dies at 90.

Self portrait by Steve Ditko

     The comic book world is stunned at the news of the passing of one of the greats. Comic book Legend Steve Ditko passed last week. According to the Hollywood Reporter, New York City Police were conducting a wellness check on Ditko on June 29, 2018 when his body was discovered. It  appears as though he may have been dead as many as two days prior. 

SDCC on the passing of Steve Ditko

     Ditko is most widely known as the co-creator of Spider-Man along with Stan Lee in 1961 while working at Marvel Comics. He later helped create Dr. Strange in 1963 as well as various of the Spider-Man villians. His time at Marvel was seminal in the early days and helped propel that company and inspire many future comic book artist and writers to come.

     In later years Ditko also worked for DC Comics and a few smaller presses as well. He eventually made his way back to Marvel and one of his last creations was Squirrel Girl. He retired from comics in the '90s after four decades in the comics industry. He was inducted into the Jack Kirby Hall of Fame in 1990 and into the Will Eisner Award Hall of Fame in 1994.

the Amazing Spider-Man #33 by Steve Ditko

     As word of his passing goes out, he his remembered by many in the industry. Many of his fellow comic book creators have shared stories and their sadness at his loss.

      Many creators have felt the passing of one of the true Legends of the Comic Book Industry. Though his work and his Influence will long stay with us.

Diamond starts " pop up a spinner rack " program

Diamond's" Pop up a Spinner Rack" Program

Diamond Comic Distributors, Inc. 

          June 19, 2018-  With its March debut, Diamonds 44 pocket comic spinner rack (JAN188004) has seen a strong reaction from Retailers. The $299 spinner rack (which has free shipping in the continental United States) has sold hundreds of units and had positive feedback on the units in store footprint and the quality of the construction. 

     Now, Diamond and Premier publishers, along with Diamond Select Toys are encouraging comic retailers to "pop up a spinner rack" in other "complementary businesses" in their area by offering incentives to retailers who purchase a spinner rack for placement in other businesses.

Diamond 44 pocket spinner rack.

     "We're thinking about stores with the kind of clientele that would be interested in comics," said Diamond Executive Director of Sales Mike Schimmel, regarding what qualifies as a complementary business. " The book, record, toy, or game store around the corner, the hospital gift shop down the street, drug stores, convience stores, movie theaters, you name it. Since there really are comic books for everyone, there are lots of possibilities, and each retailer will know best what might work in their communities."

     For every rack purchased and every rack agreement sent over to Diamond, publishers will be provided the following limited edition variants and free goods to offset costs:

• Marvel: A 1 in 1000 Variant Comic TBD at time of redemption
• DC: MAY178593 DARK NIGHTS METAL #1 B&W MIDNIGHT RELEASE VAR B plus a second limited edition comic TBD at time of redemption
• Image: Retailer's choice of 50 in-stock Image Firsts, plus a 2017 Retailer Appreiation Variant (while supplies last)
• Dark Horse: JUL168360 V LEGENDS OF ZELDA ART & ARTIFACTS HC & JAN080090 V HELLBOY TP VOL 08 DARKNESS CALLS
• IDW:  SEP170487 TMNT  GHOSTBUSTERS II #1 INCV
• Dynamite: A high perceived retail value item TBD at time of redemption
• Boom: CGC books & assorted Limited Edition Incentives TBD at time of redemption
• Diamond Select Toys: Retailer's choice of one In-stock Gallery PVC Figur

     Retailers qualify by reaching a signed agreement with another business to allow them to place and maintain a spinner rack of comics in their stores for a minimum of six months. Agreements can be reached on a buy-sell or consignment basis with quantities, margin splits, payment terms, and other details being at the discretion of the parties. " There are lots of ways to structure and agreement," said Schimmel. "We've provided a couple of templates that retailers can adapt as they see fit. The program is also flexible in that there are no requirements in terms of the titles or quantities retailers put on the racks."