Superman Homepage - News

November 20, 2009: Superman Homepage "Speeding Bulletin" News Video

Here's the "Speeding Bulletin" video report for the week November 13-19, 2009.

The "Speeding Bulletin" is your weekly Superman news video, recapping the latest events in the world of Superman. It also includes the "Bailey Planet" rant, Neal Bailey's thought of the week, brought to you in his own infamous style.

November 13-19, 2009 (or YouTube version)

Subscribe to the "Speeding Bulletin" vodcast via iTunes or your favorite Podcatcher.

Merchandise seen in this episode:

Steve is wearing a Superman Tribal Chrome Adult T-Shirt from SupermanSuperstore.com
Purchase this week's Superman comics from TFAW.com
Purchase "Speeding Bulletin" and "Bailey Planet" merchandise from CafePress.com.

November 20, 2009: Sneak Peek at "Superman #694"

DC's "The Source" gives us a 5 page sneak peek at next week's issue of "Superman #694".

Kicking off a new 5-issue storyline, writer James Robinson sets the stage for the monumental SUPERMAN #700, with some help from artist Javier Pina. Mon-El makes his triumphant return to Metropolis with a new look and a determined manner just in time to combat the unstoppable fury of Bizarro. But with his powers phasing in and out, will the new Mon-El be able to save his city even with the help of the Guardian and Metropolis's Science Police?

Check out the cover artwork and all 5 sneak peek pages at "The Source" blog. Look for "Superman #694" to hit shelves on November 25th.

November 20, 2009: Audio Interview with Allison Mack

SciFiTVZone.com has posted an audio interview with Allison Mack, who plays Chloe Sullivan on "Smallville".

This season on Smallville, Allison Mack's Chloe Sullivan is taking on a more prominent role than ever as "Watchtower," who will ultimately play an integral role in bringing the fledgling Justice League together. In this interview with the actress, conducted at Comic-Con, she discusses her role as Chloe and, in turn, Chloe's role in bridging the mythos between Smallville and Superman.

You can listen to the interview at the SciFi TV Zone website.

November 20, 2009: From Crisis to Crisis: A Superman Podcast

Welcome to the 27th episode of From Crisis to Crisis: A Superman Podcast! This podcast has a simple premise; examine just about every Superman comic published between Man of Steel #1 in 1986 to Adventures of Superman #649 in 2006 in an informative and hopefully entertaining format.

Part index. Part commentary. Part history lesson. All podcast.

Michael and Jeffrey begin their discussion of what is quite possibly the most important storyline to hit the Superman books since MAN OF STEEL. The Supergirl Saga Parts 1 and 2 went down in the books with the cover date September 1988 and while it marked the beginning of the end of the John Byrne era of Superman it also marks the beginning of one of the bests runs of Superman ever.

Yes, we're biased here.

In addition to giving you the lowdown on just who the mysterious Supergirl that has been popping over the past few months and calling back to the story that went down in Superman #8 and Action Comics #591 Mike and Jeff also give in to listener demand and somewhat begrudgingly discuss Superman: The Earth Stealers.

No e-mails this week but they will return next time.

You can subscribe to the show in two ways. First there is the RSS Feed and there is also the iTunes link. You can also download the episode directly.

If you want to comment on the show or contact the hosts you can always private message Mike and Jeff, leave comments here or email them at fromcrisistocrisis@gmail.com. All questions, concerns, fears, trepidations and cheap shots are welcome.

November 20, 2009: Superman on TV - November 21-27

By Barry Freiman

Happy Turkey!

Last weekend on the comments under some news item or another, I tried to list all the DC Universe properties who/that have shown up or been referred to on "Smallville". Here's who I can come up with just off the top of my head - if you can add to the list in the comments below you will be rewarded with special mention in next week's column.

Clark Kent. Lex Luthor. Lana Lang. Ma Kent. Pa Kent. Pete Ross. Jor-El. Lara. Zor-El. Krypto. Supergirl. Lois Lane. Jimmy Olsen (or not). Perry White. Morgan Edge. Ben Hubbard. Maggie Sawyer. Dan Turpin. Professor Emil Hamilton. Green Arrow. Aquaman. Cyborg. Black Canary. Zatanna. Impulse. Martian Manhunter. Plastique. Livewire. Parasite. Bizarro. Brainiac. General Zod. Maxima. Nam-Ek. Faora Hull. Metallo. Toyman. Doomsday. Bridget Crosby. Claire Foster. The Daily Planet. The Fortress of Solitude. The Watchtower. The Phantom Zone. Krypton. Kryptonite. Metropolis. Smallville. Star City. Speedy. Roulette. Amanda Waller. Dr. Fate. Hawkman. Stargirl. Cosmic Boy. Lightning Lad. Saturn Girl. The Persuader. Hiram Kent. Brainiac 5. Corta Maltese. Sam Lane. Lucy Lane. Belle Reve. The Inquisitor. George Taylor. Mr. Mxyzptlk. Inspector Henderson. Zan. Jayna. Gleek. LuthorCorp. Kandor. Kryptonopolis. Argo City. Barry Allen. Jay Garrick. Wally West. John Zatara. Smallville High. Met U.

Who/what-ever I missed, please fill in the blanks below. Now onto this Thanksgiving week's listings.

It's the day after Thanksgiving and, no surprises here, time for a rerun of "Smallville". Catch Clark catch a train in the opening minutes of the season premiere encore showing of "Smallville", titled "Savior". It airs Friday at 8 PM on the CW. "Smallville" reruns air through the week on HD-Net.

2006 biopic "Hollywoodland" airs on HBO Signature Sunday at 11:45 AM and Thursday at 1:55 AM.

Monday at 2 AM on the DXD, it's part one of "Little Girl Lost", which brought Supergirl into the animated universe fold. This episode of "Superman: The Animated Series" also features Granny Goodness and her Female Furies.

"Superman/Batman: Public Enemies" continues to run on pay per view and on demand channels. Check with your cable or satellite provider for information.

Click "Read More" below to view Barry's complete "Superman on TV" column.

November 19, 2009: New Love Interest for Chloe on "Smallville"

EW's "Ausiello Files" has some juicy SPOILER details regarding a new love interest for Chloe Sullivan in Season 9 of "Smallville".

Question: Any new bits on Chloe's love interest on Smallville?

Ausiello: Three bits. The character's name is Steven Swift, his alias is Warrior Angel, and he's being played by Carlo Marks. Does that actor sound familiar? He should. He also played Chloe's "what if" fiancé in the season 7 episode "Apocalypse." I'm thinking this Marks dude is either really good friends with the Smallville casting director, or the show's writers are screwing with us.

Read the complete "Ausiello Files" column at EW.com.

November 19, 2009: Retro Review - "Adventures of Superman" Episode Review

Superman Homepage reviewer James Lantz continues reviewing episodes of the 1950s "Adventures of Superman" TV series.

Check out his review of "Drums of Death", in which Superman saves Jimmy and Perry White's sister from a supposed voodoo death in Haiti.

November 18, 2009: "Society" & "Legends" Becomes "Smallville: Absolute Justice"

EW's Michael Ausiello reports that what was once a double episode made up of "Society" and "Legends" is now a fully-fledged actual movie to be known as "Smallville: Absolute Justice".

Sources confirm to me exclusively that The CW has jettisoned the separate titles that were initially assigned to each of the two episodes - "Society" and "Legends," respectively - in favor of the singularly sensational (and far more marketable) Smallville: Absolute Justice.

What's more, I hear the movie - which marks the debut of Michael Shanks as Hawkman (pictured) - will air as a seamless two-hour event with only one set of credits.

Originally set down for January 29th, "Smallville: Absolute Justice" will now air on The CW on Friday, February 5th at 8.00pm.

November 18, 2009: "Smallville" Season 9, Episode 9 - "Pandora" Webclip

The CW has released another preview webclip for this week's episode of "Smallville".

Titled "Pandora", this episode is scheduled to air on The CW on Friday, November 20 at 8.00pm.

November 18, 2009: Big Tease Spoiler on Alia the Ninja on "Smallville"

Fancast.com's "Big Tease" column has a "Smallville" scoop regarding Clark and Alia, the ninja Kandorian seen in the Season 9 premiere episode...

We haven't had many 'Smallville' spoilers regarding Clark. Where does Alia fit in with the whole future story?

Alia, the "ninja" who in the season opener warned Clark that he would one day betray and even destroy (!) his home world, can be seen again in this week's episode, "Pandora." I'd count on learning a bit more about the badass' agenda as Lois uncovers her memories from that grim future.

You can read the complete "Big Tease" column and Fancast.com.

November 18, 2009: More Krypto in Superman Comics?

Newsarama.com conducted another "10 Answers and 1 Question" session with Dan DiDio, and there were a few Superman related questions. Here's what he had to say in regards to Krypto...

Newsarama: Krypto seems to be mostly featured in Adventure Comics. Now that the Legion of Super-Heroes is taking over that title when Paul Levitz becomes the regular writer next year, what will happen to Krypto?

DiDio: There's a really good chance you'll be seeing more of Krypto in Superman. James Robinson is a huge supporter of the character. He's already used the dog a couple of times in the series. And I imagine he'll probably touch upon Krypto a little more, because James is a bit of a dog lover himself.

You can read the complete Q&A at Newsarama.com.

November 18, 2009: Superman Homepage Caption Contest

Welcome to the Superman Homepage Caption Contest! The rules are simple. Just click on the Comments link below to leave a caption for the following image.

Leave as many captions as you can think of, but keep it family friendly. Captions deemed to be outside our Caption Contest Guidelines will be deleted at our discretion.

In the end, there can be only one winner. The winner will be decided by Jeffrey Taylor, your Caption Contest compere.

The Caption Contest will be updated fortnightly. The winner will be announced when the next new Caption Contest is posted. While there's no physical prize, the winner will gain the praise and admiration of their fellow Superman fans.

Speaking of which, the winner of the previous Caption Contest was:

s-shield:

Yeah, but I still don't do windows.

Check out the Caption Contest Archives to see the list of runners-up.

Note: You need to be a member of the Superman Homepage to leave a comment, but it's free, so sign up and join the fun!

November 18, 2009: The 2009 SHIELD Awards - Voting Reminder

The Superman Homepage Indicator of Excellence in Literature and Design Awards

A quick reminder that the voting booths for our 9th annual awards ceremony for the world of Superman are still open. The SHIELD Awards give you, the fans, the opportunity to voice your opinions about comics with a 2009 cover date, Superman related TV shows, and Superman merchandise released in 2009.

By voting in the 2009 SHIELD Awards, you automatically go into the draw for a chance to win a $100 Gift Certificate from SupermanSuperstore.com.

Voting, which is open to members and non-members alike, ends midnight December 1st 2009.

VOTE NOW!

November 18, 2009: Joe Kubert Artwork For Sale

The New York Times reports that artist Joe Kubert will be selling a series of his original artwork in an auction to take place this Friday, November 20th.

Joe Kubert, a comic book artist since 1938, has little interest in the accumulated work of his last seven decades; his focus is on new projects, he said recently. But comic book fans who feel differently about this celebrated illustrator will have a chance to peruse and even own some of that older work this week, when 18 covers and interior pages, published from the 1940s to 1990, are put up for sale.

Mr. Kubert, 83, has turned over a large trove of his original work to Heritage Auctions in Dallas, which will hold the first of several auctions, live and online, on Friday.

You can read the complete article, which has a detailed history of Joe Kubert's career, at the NYTimes.com website.

Visit the Joe Kubert Collection at Heritage Auction's website.

November 17, 2009: Superman Comics Shipping This Week

Diamond Comics has released the list of comic books and other items shipping this week. Here are the Superman related items in that list...

Shipping This Week: November 18, 2009

The following products are expected to ship to comic book specialty stores this week. Note that this list is tentative and subject to change. Please check with your retailer for availability.

Click on the magnifying glass icon () next to a comic's title to view a sneak peek at the pages within.

ADVENTURE COMICS #4 (BLACKEST NIGHT)
SUPER FRIENDS #21
SUPERGIRL #47
SUPERMAN/BATMAN #66 (BLACKEST NIGHT)
BLACKEST NIGHT: SUPERMAN #1 (OF 3) 3RD PTG
BLACKEST NIGHT: SUPERMAN #3 (OF 3) 2ND PTG
BLACK LIGHTNING: YEAR ONE TP
JSA - THY KINGDOM COME: PART 2 - VOL 03 TP
SHOWCASE PRESENTS: DC COMICS PRESENTS - SUPERMAN TEAM-UPS VOL 01 TP
TRINITY BOOKENDS

November 17, 2009: "Smallville" Episode Guide and Review Update

Peter McDermott has updated the "Smallville" Episode Guide with his summary of the most recent season 9 episode: "Idol".

Neal Bailey and Douglas Trumble have written their reviews for this same episode in the Smallville: Episode Reviews.

Check them out!

November 17, 2009: "Smallville" Season 9, Episode 9 - "Pandora"

The 9th episode of Season 9 (and final episode for 2009) of "Smallville" is scheduled to air in the U.S. at 8.00pm on Friday, November 20th on The CW. Titled "Pandora", here is the official (spoiler-filled) description for the episode...

BACK TO THE FUTURE - Tess (Cassidy Freeman) kidnaps Lois (Erica Durance) to find out where Lois went after she disappeared for weeks. Lois' memory of the future depicts a Metropolis under Zod's (Callum Blue) rule and Clark (Tom Welling) powerless under the red sun, while Chloe (Allison Mack) forms a resistance group with Oliver (Justin Hartley). After learning of these future events, Clark makes an important decision about Zod.

Morgan Beggs directed the episode written by Drew Landis & Julia Swift.

The CW has released 9 images, an episode trailer (also available via YouTube), and a Preview Webclip (available via YouTube) for this episode.

Meanwhile, TV Guide has the following description for this same episode...

Lois is kidnapped by Tess and forced to reveal what she learned during the weeks of her disappearance. She witnessed a future with Metropolis controlled by Zod and Clark left without his powers because of the red sun. With this information, Clark makes a big decision about Zod.

November 17, 2009: Stan Berkowitz Receives WGAW Lifetime Award

Hollywood Examiner reports that Emmy-winning writer Stan Berkowitz received the Writers Guild of America, West Animation Writers Caucus' twelfth annual Animation Writing Award, recognizing his prolific career and creative contributions to the craft of film and television animation writing, as well as his efforts to organize animation on behalf of the Writers Guild.

"While Stan has built an acclaimed writing career bringing superheroes to the screen, he's a real-life superhero to the animation writing community - not only helping to raise the profile of animation writers through his many creative gifts, but also by playing a lead role in the Guild's ongoing efforts to organize animation writing," said WGAW President John Wells.

A two-time Daytime Emmy winner (shared for Batman Beyond in 2001 and The New Batman/Superman Adventures in 1998, Outstanding Special Class Animated Program), seven-time Daytime Emmy nominee, and one-time Primetime Emmy nominee, Berkowitz has most recently served as Story Editor for the upcoming animated superhero series, The 99, which was written under a Writers Guild contract.

Berkowitz's many animated TV writing and/or co-writing credits include Legion of Super Heroes, The Batman, Transformers: Animated, Superman, Spider-Man, Justice League, The New Batman/Superman Adventures, Batman Beyond, Static Shock, Ben 10, The Brave and the Bold, and Friends and Heroes, a WGA-covered animated series for the BBC on which he served as Story Editor for 39 episodes.

Earlier this year, Berkowitz adapted Jeph Loeb and Ed McGuinness' Superman/Batman: Public Enemies graphic novel into an animated direct-to-DVD feature for Warners Animation, which debuted in September. Berkowitz's previous adaptation of Darwyn Cooke's graphic novel, Justice League: The New Frontier, became a best-selling direct-to-DVD animated feature last year.

You can read the complete report at Examiner.com.

November 17, 2009: "DC Universe Online" Animation Contest on Facebook

Sony Online Entertainment (SOE) and Mass Animation today announced the DC Universe Online (DCUO) Animation Contest. The DCUO Animation Contest is version 2.0 of the acclaimed Mass Animation Facebook application and will give DC Comics fans, gamers and animators a chance to animate heroes and villains from the DC Universe Online game currently in development by Sony Online Entertainment, and to collaborate in creating a CGI trailer and in-game character animations. The DCUO/Mass Animation contest is scheduled to launch on December 7, 2009.

"The DCUO/Mass Animation contest takes a part of the game out of the development studio and puts it in the hands of fans, an empowering opportunity for our community," said John Smedley, president of SOE. "Players will have a chance through qualified contest submissions to be involved with the game's development at a deeper level than ever before by animating actions for in-game heroes and villains."

Click "Read More" below to read the complete Press Release.

November 17, 2009: Dynamic Forces Fans Lucky 21 Set

Latest DF Specials Brings Back the Classic Comic Collectors' Pack

From Dynamic Forces... For one day one only..... 21 cool collectibles for just $10. The set includes two signed editions, foil editions and a collection of new, old, classic and out of print comics and collectibles starring fan favorites such as Batman, Superman, The X-Men, Spider-Man, Wolverine, The Hulk, the Justice League of America, Star Wars, Tomb Raider, The Planet of the Apes, Highlander, Transformers, Angel, Buffy and a host of comics and characters from across the various comic book universes.

DF Daily Specials start at noon each day, and run untill 11AM the following day (unless they sell out, in which case, once they are gone they are gone forever).

The Lucky 21 set, begins at noon on November 16th and is one of the best DF sets to date. 21 cool comics, collectibles and out of print comics, all for $10.00!! That's right, 21 cool comics, collectibles and out of print comics AND ALL for $10.00! This is a pre-Black Friday sale for our special fans!

Click "Read More" to see the complete details on this special offer.

November 16, 2009: First Look at Hawkman on "Smallville"

TVGuideMagazine.com gives us our first look at Hawkman on "Smallville", in an interview with actor Michael Shanks. Here's a portion of the interview...

How's your flying been going?

Today's my practice day. There's no stunt guy, so I need to ace this so I don't make Hawkman look like a goofball. It's traditional wire work that involves strapping on this harness so that large men with giant arms can lift me up and manipulate me. I'm also swinging around Hawkman's giant mace as a weapon.

Are you exposing your chest as Hawkman did?

No nudity. The way the harness is designed they needed to create a bronze chest plate. The helmet is also more of a bronze-tone than a big yellow gold thing. My whole upper torso becomes a big immobile object.

Read the full interview at the TV Guide Magazine website.

Thanks to JosephCAW for the lead on this interview.

November 16, 2009: DC Comics February 2010 Solicitations

Check out the DC Comics February 2010 solicitations for all the Superman-related comics and products soon to be released.

November 16, 2009: Voting Open for 2009 Project Fanboy Awards

The 2009 Project Fanboy Awards is now open for voting, with the Superman Homepage nominated in the "Best Fansite" category.

The annual awards consist of twenty-two different annual categories. Winners of the 2009 awards are scheduled to be announced Sunday, March 14th 2:30 pm - 3:10 pm in Room 222A at the MegaCon comic book convention in Orlando, Florida. Click here to vote on the 2009 nominees in the following categories.

1. Best Writer

2. Best Artist

3. Best Title

4. Best Indy Writer

5. Best Indy Artist

6. Best Indy Title

7. Best Character

8. Best Hero

9. Best Indy Villain

10. Best Indy Character

11. Best Indy Hero

12. Best Villain

13. Best Storyline

14. Best Publisher

15. Best Comic Book Related Novel

16. Best Graphic Novel

17. Best Black & White Title

18. Best Rookie Title

19. Best Comic Book News Source

20. Best Webcomic

21. Best Comic Book Website

22. Best Fansite

Mild Mannered Reviews - Action Comics #883

Mild Mannered Reviews - Action Comics #883

Scheduled to arrive in stores: November 11, 2009

Cover date: January 2010

"Divine Spark" - Part One

Writer: Greg Rucka with Eric Trautmann

Penciller: Pere Perez

Inker: Pere Perez

Cover: cafu with Santiago Arcas

Reviewed by: Adam Dechanel

November 16, 2009: Joanne Siegel Wins Lulu Award

Joanne Siegel won the prestigious Woman of Distinction Award by the Friends of Lulu.

The Lulu Awards recognizes people and projects that helped to open eyes and minds to the amazing comic and cartooning work by and/or about women.

The "Woman of Distinction" category is for women who work in the comic industry in non-creator roles such as editing, publishing, reporting, or retail.

The Superman Homepage congratulates Joanne Siegel on winning this well-deserved award.

November 16, 2009: Superman Comic Strip Humor

Bizarro

Thanks to Jimmy Mac for the lead on this comic.

November 14, 2009: Superman Homepage Parody on "Smallville"

The latest episode of "Smallville" (titled "Idol") saw Chloe Sullivan showing Clark Kent fan websites dedicated to the Blur. Chloe showed Clark a website called "The Blur Homepage" which had an appearance very much like that of the Superman Homepage!

The website's logo was very similar to our own, with similar red-boxed links across the top of the page, similar to our own Timeline menu.

Thanks to Patrick McKee and Gordie Hartel for bringing this to my attention. Thanks to Freddie Crespo for the clearer image.

November 14, 2009: Big Plans for Chloe on "Smallville"

TV Guide Magazine spoke with "Smallville" executive producer Brian Peterson about what plans they have in place for Chloe Sullivan in Season 9 of the series. Here's an excerpt from the interview...

As for her role this year, she has stepped out of the sidekick shadows and she has owned Watchtower and she is taking it upon herself while Clark is busy with Kandorians and Lois and being the Blur. She's started to create the fledgling group that will eventually become the Justice League. So she's basically in some ways running the show behind the scenes.

I think that's the problem...she's in the background.

And we will start to unveil more and more of that as the season progresses. Chloe is a huge part of the back section of the season.

Read the complete interview at TVGuideMagazine.com.

November 14, 2009: Bryan Q. Miller Talks Zatanna on "Smallville"

MTV's SplashPage caught up with writer Bryan Q. Miller to talk to him about Zatanna appearance in "Smallville". Here's a portion of the interview...

"Magic is always hard on our show," Miller said. "On the page, not just from a budget standpoint like on TV, you can do anything with magic. When you have real people walking around on TV - fictional characters - you have to somehow ground what's happening. Magic can just be limitless, and if it's limitless, where does the conflict come from? How do you stop Zatanna when something goes wrong?"

"When we saw [Zatanna] in 'Hex,' she was just getting a handle on her magic - that was kind of our approach to [solving] that," the writer added. "She wasn't totally, totally awesome [at magic] yet, which made it a lot easier to wrangle what she could and couldn't do. It's a matter of skewing it and handicapping it a little bit so that you can wrap a story around it."

You can read the entire interview at MTV's website.