Secret Identity--What's New? -

TempleCon 2015 This Weekend!

1/31/2015

by Matman

This Thursday begins TempleCon 2015 in Warwick, Rhode Island. I have never been to this show and I have been told it is heavy in steampunk... and fun!

I will be there in the Plaza Foyer Thursday, Friday and Saturday with Sunday being tentative.

On Thursday I will be joined by my travel buddy and brilliant artist, Ron Leary, Jr. and doing one panel.

On Friday I will be bringing one of the star artists from THE UNOFFICIAL DOCTOR WHO COMPANION, Luis Ramos and doing two panels.

On Saturday I will be sharing space with Keith Gleason and Amy Kukta and having some fun, fun times... as usual.

At the show i will have my usual Doctor Who stuff as well as prints from my upcoming book MONKEY SEE.. SEA MONKEY and a proof copy to look through!

http://templecon.org/15/index.php?option=com_content&view=featured&Itemid=176

Special Edition: NYC is Back! Tickets Go on Sale Wednesday 2/4!!

1/31/2015

by Brian LeTendre

Talk about a show worth getting excited for! When Matt and I went to Special Edition: NYC last year, we had no idea what to expect. It was the first run for the comic-focused show that spun out of New York Comic Con, and it was being held in what we know to be NYCC's Artist Alley.

Well, the show ended up being an absolute blast, and out favortie thing about it was how creator-focused the show turned out to be. The atmospehre was very laid back, and fans got tpo spend some real quality time with their favorite comic creators.

Matt and I ended up getting some of our best interviews of the year there--Joe Kelly, Marguerite Bennett, James Tynion IV, Jamie S. Rich, Enrica Jang, Kurt Busiek and more.

So you can bet your bottom dollar we'll be heading back to New York for this year's show, which is going to be held at Pier 94, which is a really cool venue (you may remember we went to Wizard's Big Apple con there in 2009). We can't wait to see what ReedPOP has in store for the new location, and they have a very solid foundation to build on from last year.

So, head over to www.specialeditionnyc.com this Wednesday to get your tickets for the show, and let us know if you're going, because we'll see you there!

The Whitesnake Story!

1/30/2015

by Matman

My friend and writing inspiration Martin Popoff is at it again!

Just a few months ago he released a book
about Brian's favorite band Megadeth (that I
still haven't read) and in the past wrote amazing books about some of my favorite
bands including UFO, Black Sabbath, Judas
Priest, RUSH, Rainbow, Scorpions, Ted Nugent
and Deep Purple!

Well Martin is back with his latest must read entitled SAIL AWAY: WHITESNAKE'S FANTASTIC VOYAGE!

Here is the official word on the book...

"In Sail Away: Whitesnake’s Fantastic Voyage—the first ever full biography of the band—top music writer Martin Popoff tells the tale of rock legend David Coverdale, from his Deep Purple roots to the two distinct incarnations of his mega-popular creation.

Whitesnake began life as a UK-based blues rock outfit, until the lad from England ’s chilly east coast transported the act to America ’s sunny west coast in search of fame, fortune, big videos and even bigger hair. Coverdale found them all, and 1987’s self-titled album went eight times platinum in the US alone before the band’s bright star waned in the face of grimy grunge.

In this book—his 45th—Popoff conducted 30 interviews of major characters, including Coverdale himself, to piece together the band’s roller-coaster history. He follows their story through the hirings and firings, the splits and reunions and the image changes which have enabled Coverdale, through his Whitesnake vehicle, to position himself firmly within the pantheon of hard rock greats. If you’ve rocked out to anthems like “Here I Go Again,” “Fool For Your Loving,” “Still Of The Night” or “Slow An’ Easy,” this is essential reading.

"Yes, for the job at hand, I interviewed David Coverdale, Bernie Marsden, Neil Murray, Micky Moody, Adrian Vandenberg, Steve Vai, John Kalodner, Doug Aldrich, Keith Olsen, Ian Paice and many others, and did my usual album by chapter, ever song touched down upon, job on ‘er. So what are you waiting for... Come An Get It!"

For anyone interested in this book, or the rest of Martin's fantastic works you can go to his website at www.martinpopoff.com.

Get a Taste of Wyatt Earp for FREE!

1/29/2015

by Brian LeTendre

Our pal Joltin' Joe Caramagna and artist Scott Koblish have teamed up to explore what happened to famous lawman Wyatt Earp after the Gunfight at the OK Corral. The Further Travels of Wyatt Earp follows Wyatt's adventures after law enforcement, and if you listened to our review of the first issue, you know that Caramagna and Koblish have crafted one heck of a Wild West tale with this one.

But you don't have to take our word for it, because the boys have released a mammoth preview of The Further Travels of Wyatt Earp for FREE up on NoiseTrade! You can download the eBook right here for absolutely nothing.

So go check it out, and spread the word about Wyatt! You can keep up with the project on its official Tumblr page.

Getting Ready for the NFL Superbowl ...With NFL Super Pro!

1/28/2015

by Matman

As we are less than a week away from my beloved New England Patriots playing in the Super Bowl I decided to pull out a comic book series that celebrated everything that makes
comic books and football so awesome. But since I couldn't find
anything like that, I pulled out my collection of NFL SUPER PRO and read some 'interesting'comics.

Created as a way to combine the popularity of comic books, cards and sports, NFL SUPER PRO from Marvel told the story of Phil Grayfield, a can't miss football prospect that destroyed his knee (and ultimately his sports career) saving a child from a fall.

Written by Fabian Nicieza, the series was filled with silly sports cliches and seemed even then that this was just a cash grab like many of the comic books released in the 1990's.

But as reread the series (all 12 issued and a special) I found it to be not only enjoyable and a tad cringe-worthy, but a series with a little bit of heart and a whole lotta fun.

Licensed by the NFL, SUPER PRO would battle crime wearing a superhero version of the typical NFL uniform. He would battle villains like Instant Replay and Sanction and would always end a story with a football inspired line like "his wave of crime ended with a fumble" or "you just ran out of time".

Many have considered this series the worst comic of all time (Chicago Sports Review in 2005) and Nicieza still hears this from fans, but when i read it again I found as fun as 90's comics like MARRIED WITH CHILDREN and NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK. They won't ever be mistaken for MARVELS or WATCHMEN, but they capture a unique time in comics.

Secret Identity Podcast Issue #643--Conan-Red Sonja and The Secret of Kells

1/26/2015

With the impending Snowpocalypse that is making its way to the Northeast right now, this could the last you hear of Secret Identity for a bit. Good thing we have an extra-sized episode to hold you over (or get you through shoveling 1-3 feet of snow).

Here's the rundown:

News:
Spider-Man in Avengers: Infinity War? (http://www.latino-review.com/news/marvelous-da7e-78-the-fates-of-cap-thor-and-spidey)
Co-Op Critics YouTube and G+ pages (www.co-opcritics.com)
ReedPOP acquires Emerald City Comicon
Kyle Maclachlan back for Twin Peaks
Image Direct
Cruisin’ Together (hatterentertainment.com/cruisin/)

Reviews:
Dr. Who: The 10th Doctor #6
Conan/Red Sonja #1

Getting Animated with Sarah:
The Secret of Kells

Creator Spotlight: Angie Roberts
Brian spoke with the games writer and one of the hosts of Gamer Chat Weekly at ConnectiCon 2014. You can head over to ugrgaming.com to check out the podcast and follow Angie on twitter at twitter.com/Dantes_Angel.

You can listen to the episode right here in the player above, or grab us on iTunes, Stitcher or your favorite podcast app. Thanks for listening!

Why I Love The Flash TV Series

1/25/2015

by Matman

OK, time for some good old fashion 'fan boy' ranting! Both Brian and I Have been raving about the quality and enjoyment that The Flash has brought us.

But talking to friends and comic fans, we are NOT the only ones feeling this! But last week's episode really made me remember why The Flash is such a special character. And you don't need to look any further than the bad guys!

In last weeks episode we had the return of Captain Cold and the introduction of Heat Wave. Two villains that are on opposite ends of the 'element spectrum' but fit in nice and cozy with Flash's collection of baddies known as the Rogues Gallery.

No hero; not Batman, Captain America or Daredevil have a more colorful or eclectic collection of enemies than the Flash. And when seen on the small screen (and soon the big screen), Cold and Heat Wave came across like i would expect. And with the mention of Golden Glider (tee hee) in the last episode they just keep adding my gratitude and praise.

If you are not watching THE FLASH than you need to fix that by WATCHING IT!

Marvel's SECRET WARS to Reboot the Entire Marvel U

1/24/2015

by Brian LeTendre

Well, it doesn't get much bigger than that, does it? At their Secret Wars Live event from Midtown Comics this week, Marvel announced that the Secret Wars summer event is essentially the end of the old Marvel universe and the start of something completely new. When the even begins, all that was before is gone, except for what remains in Battleworld. And what comes out of Battleworld will be the new Marvel universe moving forward.

You can watch the entire event in the player above, where Tom Breevort and Axel Alonso provide some more details as to what fans can expect. It was also announced that the Marvel Free Comic Book Day release will be Secret Wars #0, which will lead directly into the first issue that some out the following Wednesday.

We're still digesting the news--what do you think?

NINJAK #1 Kicks Off "Valiant Next"

1/23/2015

Press Release

Every master spy...had to start somewhere. This March, the past and future of MI-6's deadliest operative collide in the pages of an all-new ongoing series from VALIANT NEXT!

Valiant is proud to present an advance preview of NINJAK #1 – the FIRST ISSUE of the long-awaited VALIANT NEXT ongoing series by New York Times best-selling writer Matt Kindt (THE VALIANT, Mind MGMT), and superstar artists Clay Mann (Gambit) and Butch Guice (Captain America)!

On March 11th, the search for the Shadow Seven starts here as Ninjak begins an international manhunt for the secretive figureheads behind the Webnet terror network…and unearths their classified connection to his own never-before-revealed origin and training! Then: meet inexperienced MI-6 recruit Colin King on his first mission in the field as he learns the basics of spycraft and counterintelligence, and develops a volatile relationship with his first handler. Now: Colin King is Ninjak, the world’s foremost intelligence operative, weapons expert, and master assassin. And he’s hunting the Shadow Seven – a secret cabal of shinobi masters with mysterious ties to his training and tragic past.

Beginning with NINJAK #1, each 40-page issue of Ninjak's debut solo series begins with a full-length lead tale by Matt Kindt & Clay Mann, followed by a new chapter of Ninjak's never-before-told origin by Kindt & Butch Guice monthly! Featuring shelf covers by Lewis LaRosa (BLOODSHOT), Clay Mann (X-Men), Dave Johnson (100 Bullets), and Marguerite Sauvage (Sensation Comics), start reading here on March 11th as VALIANT NEXT unleashes an all-new introduction to the fearless life and times of the world’s deadliest master spy, only in NINJAK #1!

Plus: don't miss each essential new series from VALIANT NEXT, beginning with THE VALIANT #1 (of 4) by superstar creators Jeff Lemire, Matt Kindt, and Paolo Rivera in December! Then, VALIANT NEXT continues with five blockbuster new series in 2015, starring Valiant’s biggest, most-demanded heroes alongside all-new, never-before-seen characters:

•   IVAR, TIMEWALKER #1 by Fred Van Lente and Clayton Henry in January •   DIVINITY #1 (of 4) by Matt Kindt and Trevor Hairsine in February •   IMPERIUM #1 by Joshua Dysart and Doug Braithwaite in February •   NINJAK #1 by Matt Kindt, Clay Mann and Butch Guice in March •   BLOODSHOT REBORN #1 by Jeff Lemire and Mico Suayan in April

For more information, visit Valiant online at Facebook.com/ValiantComics, Twitter.com/ValiantComics, and ValiantUniverse.com. For Valiant merchandise and more, visit ValiantStore.com.

Review--Spider-Man 2099 #7 (Marvel)

1/22/2015

by Brian LeTendre

If you would have told me when we started Secret Identity in 2006 that I would be reading a Spider-Man 2099 series in 2014, I would have kissed you and called you crazy. And after the abomination that was the Timestorm 2099-2099 miniseries, I thought the closest thing I’d get to seeing Miguel O’Hara done properly was the "World Tour" arc of the Exiles from 2005.

But here we are, with Peter David writing the new adventures of Miguel, who not only has become a part of the 616 proper, but is part of perhaps the biggest Spidey-event ever.

Spider-Verse has been an absolute blast so far, and it’s seen Miguel make a return to his own time, along with Lady Spider, the spider totem of earth 803. Together they’ve managed to capture Daemos, one of the Inheritors using Alchemax tech and some reluctant assistance from Tyler Stone himself. This issue revolves around their efforts to unlock the secret of the Inheritors’ immortality before Deamos can escape.

But he does escape (so to speak). And when he does, that’s when things get really awesome. Because Miguel calls in a little help from my second-favorite character of the the 2099 universe--

Jake. Freaking. Gallows.

Boom.

Not only does Peter David nail the tone of Gallows, but Will Sliney’s version of him is simply fantastic. I want that full page as a poster.

At this point, the book could get canceled tomorrow and I’d be thankful for what us 2099 fans have been given. But I hope it goes on for at least a little longer, because the more time David and company get to play with the 2099 characters, the more new readers will see how awesome they really are. And who knows what could happen then.

As far as this book, and the "Spider-Verse" event in general, you should be reading it. All of it. And if you can track down the old issues of Punisher 2099, you absolutely should, as he’s even more twisted than Frank Castle, and that book gets increasingly crazy as it goes on. Great stuff.

<<Previous

TempleCon 2015 This Weekend!

Special Edition: NYC is Back! Tickets Go on Sale Wednesday 2/4!!

The Whitesnake Story!

Get a Taste of Wyatt Earp for FREE!

Getting Ready for the NFL Superbowl ...With NFL Super Pro!

Secret Identity Podcast Issue #643--Conan-Red Sonja and The Secret of Kells

Why I Love The Flash TV Series

Marvel's SECRET WARS to Reboot the Entire Marvel U

NINJAK #1 Kicks Off "Valiant Next"

Review--Spider-Man 2099 #7 (Marvel)

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