Second Annual Long Beach Comic Con will bring Tron and the Punisher

Originally published in the Oct. 13, 2010 edition of the Coast Report
By Parker Shannon, Staff Writer

Illustration courtesy of Google

If you missed out on the San Diego Comic-Con this year, you’re in luck because there is another comic book convention coming up right in your backyard.

Marvel and DC to lower comic book prices

 Illustration courtesy of Google

In a move that probably have surprised many people, myself included, both Marvel and DC announced at the New York Comic-Con that they were lowering the prices on a number of their titles from $3.99 to $2.99 starting in January 2011—but it’s a mixed bag.

Great Krypton! Superman has found its director and villain

Photo courtesy of Google

“Watchmen” and “300” director Zack Snyder will be directing the new Superman film from Warner Bros. with Christopher Nolan as a producer.

Get a taste of the new 'Avengers' cartoon *UPDATED*

Photo courtesy of Marvel.com

Lately, the folks at Marvel have been posting micro-episodes online that features characters from their upcoming cartoon, “The Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes,” which will debut Oct. 20 on Disney XD.

After the break, read my thoughts on the micro-episodes and watch the ones that are currently out.

Author to guest-star on 'Arthur'

Image: ©2010 WGBH / Cookie Jar Entertainment Inc.

Well this is going to happen. During the week of Halloween, English sci-fi and fantasy author Neil Gaiman (“Coraline” and “The Sandman”) will make a special visit to Elwood City on the Oct. 25 episode of “Arthur.”

Reach for ‘Halo’ Tuesday

Originally published in the Sept. 8, 2010 issue of the Coast Report
by Parker Shannon

Photo courtesy of Google

The latest installment of “Halo” will be released on Sept. 14.

Gamers the world over will be shirking responsibilities to play “Halo: Reach” when it’s released on Tuesday, Sept. 14.

The latest installment in Microsoft’s behemoth game franchise is set to be one of the year’s biggest releases. Those picking the game up at launch will get everything they’ve come to expect from a “Halo” title as well as several new features and game modes to enjoy.

AMC's Walking Dead Trailer

Here's some bits and pieces from the official press release:

New York, NY - August 2010 - AMC's newest original series, "The Walking Dead," will premiere on Halloween night, Sunday, October 31 at 10 PM ET. The Sunday night series will debut with a 90-minute premiere episode, airing at 10 PM, October 31st. Subsequent episodes will be one-hour long presentations.

"The Walking Dead" is based on the comic book written by Robert Kirkman and published by Image Comics. The six-episode series tells the story of life following a zombie apocalypse. It follows a group of survivors, led by police officer Rick Grimes, played by Andrew Lincoln ("Love Actually," "Teachers," "Strike Back"), traveling in search of a safe and secure home. Jon Bernthal ("The Pacific," "The Ghost Writer") plays Rick's sheriff's department partner before the apocalypse, Shane Walsh, and Sarah Wayne Callies ("Prison Break"), is Rick's wife, Lori. Supporting cast include Laurie Holden ("The Shield"), Jeffrey DeMunn, Chandler Riggs and Steven Yeun.

Three-time Academy Award-nominee Frank Darabont ("The Shawshank Redemption," "The Green Mile") serves as writer, director and executive producer. Chairwoman of Valhalla Motion Pictures, Gale Anne Hurd ("The Terminator," "Aliens," "Armageddon," "The Incredible Hulk"), creator of the original comic series, Robert Kirkman, and David Alpert from Circle of Confusion serve as Executive Producer. Charles "Chic" Eglee ("Dexter," "The Shield," "Dark Angel") and Jack LoGiudice ("Sons of Anarchy," "Resurrection Blvd") are Co-Executive Producer.

Check out the trailer after the jump.