All Star Comic Shop

By Marc Bowker

Comic books have been published in America for nearly 100 years, but they didn’t hit their stride until the 1940s when characters like Superman and Batman were introduced. Now, over 60 years later, comic book movies have become staples of the summer movie season. This year saw the release of “Spider-Man 3,” “Fantastic Four 2” and “Ghost Rider, “(all based on Marvel comic book characters). Plus, the surprise hit of 2007, the Spartan epic, “300,” was based on Frank Miller’s acclaimed 1998 comic book series. These four movies alone have made over $700 million for the bean counters in Hollywood. Not bad for characters that appear in $3 comic books each month.

2008 may be the best year so far for comic book movies, with Will Eisner’s (the father of the American graphic novel) “The Spirit” due in January, “Watchmen,” directed by 300’s Zack Snyder due in March, Robert Downey Jr. as “Iron Man,” Ed Norton as “The Incredible Hulk” and Christian Bale back as Batman facing off against Heath Ledger as The Joker in “The Dark Knight.”

Why have comic book movies become so big in the last decade? “Two reasons,” says Marc Bowker, owner of Alter Ego Comics, a comic book store in Lima, OH. “First, special effects technology has finally caught up with the imaginations of comic book artists.” The Spider-Man films are a perfect example of movies that could not have been done well without the advances in effects technology. (Want proof? Check out “The Chinese Web,” a Spider-Man TV movie made in the 1970s.) The second reason, according to Bowker, “Hollywood has run out of original ideas.” Most of the best films of the last 10 years have been based on existing material – novels, comic books, musicals, etc. Many comic book characters have 25-50 years worth of stories to choose from that would make excellent films.

Movie studios have taken over the biggest comic book convention in the world, The San Diego Comic Con, where they buy up the rights to comic book characters, big and small. The studios also use San Diego to make major casting announcements for comic-related movies and start building buzz around those films. At the 2007 San Diego Comic Con held in July, Zack Snyder was officially announced as the director of “Watchmen,” and key cast members were revealed. Warner Bros. also held a scavenger hunt to promote the 2008 release of the new Batman film, “The Dark Knight.”

The relationship between Hollywood and comic books shows no signs of ending anytime soon. There are dozens of movies based on comic books in active development, including non-super hero comics like Vertigo’s “Y: The Last Man,” and this fall’s “30 Day’s of Night.” As long as the comic book industry keeps creating memorable characters with great stories, Hollywood will be waiting to bring those stories to the big screen.

Sideshow Collectibles and Master Replicas

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Marc_Bowker

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By Gavin Roberts

In the year of 1941, the world was introduced to Captain America Comics. Nearly seventy years later, Marvel has continued to share Captain America Comics with the world. An estimated two hundred million copies of this famous comic book has been sold in nearly one hundred countries around the world. Captain America Comics was created by Mr. Jack Kirby and Mr. Joe Simon.

These two men have been recognized as two of the most amazing comic book creators of all time. Apart from Captain America, these two men have also brought us the wondrous creations of famous characters such as Manhunter, Sandman, and aided in the creation of the Incredible Hulk, the X-Men, and numerous others.

Captain America Comics rose to fame at the time of publication due to the politics and wars of the time in which this particular character emerged. Dubbed “American” and fighting for justice, Captain America emerged proclaiming to assist America in a time of war and desperation. His costume was creatively designed by using the Flag of America as its main theme.

The shield, which was said could not be destroyed, could be used as a defense and as a weapon. Captain America was created due to the fact that the man behind the mask, Steve Rogers, was issued an experimental drug. This drug provided a weak man with amazing strength and accurate reflexes.

While Captain America Comics was created due to the political tensions that were occurring in the world during that time, not everyone viewed this comic creation favorably. Many people felt that the creation was generally stereotypical of the hate and prejudice that they felt was the reason for the political complications of the time.

However, despite these low blows, Captain America Comics continued to grow in popularity with the United States. Some say that this creation by Captain America Comics gave them relief and hope in a time where fear and desperation were common elements throughout society.

Throughout the history of Captain America Comics, this superhero played alongside of many popular superheroes. These include the “Iron Man”, the “Golden Girl”, as well as the “Human Torch””. The interaction between Captain America’s character and these additional superheroes was the fuel that lit the fire of the flame that increased interest among comic book fans.

Famous comic book egos such as Stan Lee, Otto Binder, Bill Finger, and Alex Ross have played, and will continue to play an essential role in the development of the three dimensional character and tales that surround the story as originated by Captain America Comics.

In the year of 2008, the world will be introduced to the new and improved Captain America Comics. This particular series will work on the notion that Captain America is a time traveler. Captain America Comics will pose that the character has been brought from the past to the future.

Returning with Captain America in this popular comic book series will be his team that is often referred to as “the Invaders”. This is sure to be a true adventure in the Captain America Comic book series for the die-hard fans.

In conclusion, Captain America Comics has a rich history of protecting the very foundation of American philosophy. While they have not always been commended on doing so, they still manage to deliver a powerful punch that makes them exceptionally popular. Captain America Comics will continue to favor forces to the United States of America through riveting political story lines and beliefs.

Gavin Roberts has grown up with comic books and has compiled a massive comic book collection. He has also created an Online Comic Book Store that showcases thousands of constantly updated comic books. Check out some Captain America Comics or any other of your favorite comics at http://onlinecomicbookstore.net

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gavin_Roberts

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