Gizmodo: Comics

Lois Is Just Too Slow for Superman

Mark Wilson — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 18:40:00 EDT

"Microwaves Are Just Too Slow" is a new T-shirt over at Threadless this week. Capturing the futility of technology in the face of superheroics, Superman doesn't have time to waste while Lois messes around with the microwave. What the picture does not show, however, is the less charming, more grotesque result of the morning that Lois "took too long" shaving her legs. Needless to say, she's a pants-wearer now and Superman will be heating dinner for one for many years to come. [Threadless]

Violent Comic iPhone App Murderdrome Banned From App Store, Authors Want a Rating System

John Mahoney — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 09:45:00 EDT

When the guys at Infurious Comics created Murderdrome (Death Race without the cars, looks like) and submitted it to the App Store as a free download, Apple told them that it did not "satisfy their 'community standards.'" Apparently, a super-cartoony depiction of someone getting decapitated and having his head used as a handball was enough to ban the app from the store for being too "adult." And now, the comic's creators want something that makes a lot sense—a content rating system for iPhone apps.

While it may not make sense to rate every calculator app or variation on Breakout with an "ok for all ages" badge, as App devlopers continue to evolve what the definition of an iPhone app is (here, an 8-panel, episodic comic), for Apple to effectively censor content with their shadowy app approval process is not going to make a lot of people happy. Gadget Lab makes a great point that there are a ton of adult themed podcast floating around in the iTunes store, also free—why can't an iPhone comic be a bit more risque? [Infurious Comics, Tech Radar, Gadget Lab via CNET]

Ghostface Killah's Iron Man Cameo Finally Sees the Light Of Day

John Mahoney — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 10:00:00 EDT

When Ghostface Killah aka Pretty Toney aka Tony Starks popped up on IMDB with a cameo in Iron Man as an arms dealer in Dubai, we rejoiced. When we saw the movie and realized there was no Ghost, we were saddened. But now here he is, all 10 seconds of him (skip to the halfway point). He's around just long enough to maybe fake some kind of accent and hand off some flygirls, but now we can finally rest having seen Ghost in Iron Man. Stick around til the end for, well, just stick around for the end. [Access Hollywood via NYMag]

Someone Tell Me What the Hell is Going On in the New Spirit Trailer

Adam Frucci — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 17:54:48 EDT

OK, so Frank Miller is a famous comic book turned movie guy, who wrote such famous books as 300 and Sin City, the latter of which he turned into a cool movie. Now, the studios have let him off his leash and are letting him make what appears to be an insane disaster of a movie called The Spirit. The newest trailer is below, and if anyone can explain to me just what the hell is going on with Samuel L. Jackson in this thing I would really appreciate it. Thanks Jason Chen for the lovely graphic.

Guy Makes a Comic to Try to Justify Acting Like a Jackass at the Apple Store

Adam Frucci — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 16:17:20 EDT

Jim Dougan wanted to install an Airport Card in his wife's MacBook. He realized that a normal screwdriver wouldn't open the case to allow him to do so. A Google search would have shown him that he required a Torx Wrench #8. He did not make a Google search. Instead, he made a fool out of himself in the Apple Store, yelling and screaming at the Genius Bar employees. He was clearly in the wrong, but to make himself feel better and get internet sympathy, he made a comic about his experience.

Really dude, I know it must have been annoying to see the wrench you needed behind the Genius Bar, but when they say they can't let you repair your own stuff at the bar for liability issues, they aren't just messing with you. They'd lose their jobs.

I know the comic would have been way more boring if you had Googled, ordered the wrench and then made a legit complaint about the non-standard screws on the MacBook, but then again you also wouldn't have made a spectacle of yourself in public. [The Chemistry Set]

The Joy of Tech Takes on iPhone 3G Shoppers

Mark Wilson — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 09:15:00 EDT

The Joy of Tech has taken a shot at those of us digging through the couch cushions and begging mommy and dad for the latest Apple product. Because, let's face it. It's expensive to be this geek-trendy and some of us don't have jobs. Only one thing we can't figure out...

Which one's Frucci? [JoyofTech]

Iron Man and Dark Knight Collectibles Are Super-Detailed Comic Book Hotness

Jack Loftus — Sat, 21 Jun 2008 17:30:00 EDT

Ok, so the disembodied, interchangeable heads on these super-detailed Hot Toys Iron Man and Batman collectibles are a bit weird, but that's the only downside I can see so far. They're 1/6th-scale, and were on display today at the 2008 Tokyo Toy Show. If you thought Batman sculpt looked cool, just wait until you see his whips.

[Slashfilm]

Computer Love is a Beautiful Thing

Mark Wilson — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 18:10:00 EDT

At the risk of sounding less than 100% diesel masculine, I'll admit that I absolutely adore this comic strip on computer love. Click the link for the whole story, but I found this panel alone somewhat poignant in a it's-late-afternoon-so-I'm-searching-for-life's-meaning sort of way. [See Mike Draw via Super Punch]

Sesame Street Isn't So Sure About the Internet

Mark Wilson — Fri, 30 May 2008 12:45:00 EDT

C is for cookie, that's good enough for me
C is for cookie, that's good enough for me
C is for cookie, that's good enough for me
Oh, cookie, cookie, cookie starts with C

[gen gen via Super Punch]

Marvel's Comics On Mobile Phones = Win

Brian Lam — Tue, 27 May 2008 18:05:10 EDT

Marvel Comics wants to port their comics to mobile phones. Seems like a perfect thing to read while you're supposed to be paying attention to what's going on around you, but sure how you're going to get through full page spreads while maintaining text readability on 3-inch screens.

...View digital distribution of our comics as an area of great growth potential...and also soon in mobile distribution...so they can read our new comic books on their mobile device...

I've been using Marvel's online subscription for a month now and the flash based player is a bit wonky at times, but overall, 10,000 back issues for $5-$10 a month isn't something to complain about. [IESB via PopSyndicate]

Iron Man, Now Powered By LED Arc Reactor

Mark Wilson — Tue, 20 May 2008 14:20:00 EDT

We know way better than to actually buy this 1:6 scale Iron Man "Fine Art Statue" that is coming this September, but we can't help but ogle a bit. The model is a tiny replica of the Mark III armor according to Marvel's specifications, and it will feature an LED-powered Unibeam, along with glowing LED eyes and Repulsor Ray palms. We hope you understand what we mean when we say that this thing isn't worth $179.99, but it's totally worth $179.99. [Entertainment Earth via Nerd Approved]

Marvel Already Dates Iron Man 2

Mark Wilson — Mon, 05 May 2008 11:40:00 EDT

It looks like Marvel wanted to test the waters before stating the obvious, but Iron Man 2 will be hitting theaters April 30, 2010. HOW CAN WE POSSIBLY WAIT TWO YEARS, you ask? Simple. Just remember what happened to The Matrix.

For those not just interested in the tech-based superheroes, Marvel also announced dates for Thor, The Avengers and a Captain America standalone. Hit the jump for the full press release.

Feature Film Slate Update:
Marvel today updated its feature film slate strategy and plans for the next three years, locking in key release windows for its character franchises. In order to focus its attention on maximizing the success of an Iron Man sequel and the launch of Thor in the summer of 2010 and because Marvel believes that the summer is the optimal time to launch a new property, the Company will not release a self produced film in 2009. Marvel plans to launch its 2010 film slate with the release of the sequel, Iron Man 2, on April 30, 2010, followed by the launch of Thor on June 4, 2010. Additionally, Marvel is planting its feature film stakes for summer 2011 with an Avengers-themed summer - a two-picture project which will debut on May 6, 2011 with The First Avenger: Captain America (working title), followed by The Avengers in July 2011.

Marvel's Chairman, Morton Handel, commented, "Adjusting for the strong year-ago contribution from the Spider-Man JV, Marvel's Q1 2008 operating results continued to demonstrate strong global demand for consumer products based on the Company's portfolio of characters. Marvel's self-produced feature film slate launched this past weekend with a performance that firmly establishes Iron Man as a major new film franchise, and the Company eagerly awaits the June premiere of The Incredible Hulk, Marvel's second self-produced film. In addition, Marvel has been investing in other important areas of growth such as the Internet where, to lead the Company's newly formed Global Digital Media Group, Marvel recently announced the hiring of Ira Rubenstein. Marvel has a strong foundation to build from, and the Company is adding infrastructure to maximize these opportunities."

[via Maxconsole]

Two-Panel Cartoon Accurately Displays Progress of TVs, Your Waistband

Adam Frucci — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 17:10:00 EDT

Well, this just about sums it up. Now, the real question: to laugh or cry? [Clubic]

Iron Man's First Flight Shows Jet-Like HUD, Every Boy's Fantasy

Jason Chen — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 14:01:56 EDT

Just like every man under the age of 30 still believes that with enough discipline, training, and working out there's the possibility that he could in fact become the Batman, every man thinks that with the right suit he could fly up and shoot rockets at tanks.

There's a certain truth to that, as evidenced by this clip from the Iron Man movie where Tony takes his first flight in a medieval knight-inspired suit. However, if you look at the HUD that the suit throws in his face, you can tell that flying around isn't quite as simple as pointing your hands and feet in the same direction and praying you don't poop your pants this time. You'll have to have at least played Microsoft Flight Simulator or Ace Combat 6. [Apple Trailers]

Mr. T Versus Dracula, Dinosaur-Man (Who's Also a Detective)

Jason Chen — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 18:30:00 EDT

Who do you think is gonna win? Mista T or some punk ass fool who sleeps all day and nibbles on people's necks? That's right. His mouth is gonna meet my fist, and my fist makes a good first impression sucka. Once I'm through with him, I'm gonna move on to this Dinosaur-Man chump. What kinda fools is gonna put pants and a tie on a dinosaur for Jeebus sakes! He's a dinosaur that's also a detective. Let's see if he can detect this move. What time is it fool? Time for me to sock you in the dino teeth, T style. [Mohawk Media]

Batcave Home Theater is an Ideal Location to Make Out With Catwoman

Haroon Malik — Sat, 19 Jan 2008 12:00:00 EST

Q: What could possibly be better than making out with Catwoman? A: Making out with Catwoman in a Batcave inspired home theater. Although the guys at Elite HTS may not be able to help you pinpoint Catwoman, they have done a hell of a job at recreating the Batcave for your movie viewing/making out pleasure. We don't have any details at present, hell, we don't even know if there is a screen behind that huge, make-me-moist Batman shield, but who cares? Just look at it; it's perfection itself. Jump in for another beautifully batty image.

This effort makes our previous favorite Batcave look like a tragic mess, and although we are so excited, we are, at present, spontaneously generating 2.5A of electric current from our toes, we are also saddened immensely. Why so? Well, the chances of us ever having the Batcave home theater are slimmer then us falling asleep, waking up as Will Smith and then filming The Pursuit of Happyness only to have it trash talked by film critics the world over. The chances are very slim. Oh, the torment. [Elite HTS (click through to gallery), via Slippery Brick]

Free Comic Book Day

Mark Wilson — Sat, 05 May 2007 12:42:00 EDT

[Shameless plug for my Gadget Guide to Becoming a Superhero]

Oh, and you can get free a free comic book today at retailers nationwide. Hit the link for a search engine that will find participating stores based upon zipcode.

[Another shameless plug for my Gadget Guide to Becoming a Superhero]

– Mark Wilson

FCBD Store Locater [via make]

Penny-Arcade on CES: Part 1

Travis Hudson — Tue, 16 Jan 2007 14:43:00 EST

Gabe may have wanted to rub his penis all over Sharp's 108-inch LCD, but a lot of you folks would have rather seen our own Jason Chen put that huge beast in his pants. Regardless, enjoy all 108 inches however you see fit. –Travis Hudson

Penny-Arcade

Post-Traumatic Apple Event Disorder

Travis Hudson — Wed, 01 Mar 2006 15:30:01 EST

So, the Apple "Fun" Event could be considered a bust by many, so we are here to offer our support to the Post-Traumatic Apple Event Disorder sufferers out there. Seriously Apple, how "Fun" is a $350 stereo with an iPod dock and a $99 leather iPod case? We'll admit the Mac Minis were kind of cool, but still. Maybe it should have been called the Apple "Mediocre, at Best" Event.

This comic excerpt properly describes the pain many of us are going through today. Check out the full Joy of Tech comic here and if those funnies aren t able to cure your anguish, we suggest checking into a clinic.

Feeling the effects of Post-Traumatic Apple Even Disorder [MacMerc]