Before and after, we actually prefer the before...

(Yahoo) – When “Wonder Woman” announced that Adrianne Palicki had been cast in the title role, buzz on the superhero show quickly shot through the roof. But then fans got a look at the ill-advised costume. Outrage quickly ensued. And hell hath no fury like a comic fan outraged.

The anger stemmed from Wonder Woman’s shiny, rubber-like pants and high heels. It looked like a cheap version of a “sexy” Halloween costume. Fans cried out, this is no way for a superhero, especially one of the most beloved of all time, to dress.

The blogosphere immediately went into cynical overdrive. Commenters on EW’s article speculated that the show would be canceled in a matter of weeks. SlashFilm wrote that the outfit did little to inspire confidence in the show’s prospects.

Apparently the producers of the show were listening. Some photos of the actress on the set have surfaced, and eagle-eyed fans quickly spotted the changes to Wonder Woman’s threads. The shiny pants have been replaced by a more natural-looking fabric. Her footwear has gone through a transformation as well. The bright boots, which were once blue, are now red. And, even more important, no more high heels.

But even though some of Wonder Woman’s outfit has changed, much of it remains the same. The red bustier is still intact as are her trademark tiara and lasso of truth. Time will tell if these modest changes to Wonder Woman’s threads have a positive effect on the show when it premieres on NBC this fall.

Chris Evans as The First Avenger

(Gamespot) – Captain America: The First Avenger is scheduled for release on July 22, and it will see Fantastic Four actor Chris Evans stepping into the superheroic boots of a new masked champion. Making use of its Marvel Entertainment license, Sega expects to release a game tie-in for the film, and the publisher announced today that the live-action star will also lend his voice and likeness to the publisher’s adaptation, Captain America: Super Soldier.

Super Soldier will be based on the Captain America film, which also stars Tommy Lee Jones (No Country for Old Men) and Samuel L. Jackson (Iron Man 2). Hearkening back to the comic franchise’s roots, Nazis will be the target of Captain America’s ire, as the shield-wielding hero squares off against his archnemesis, Red Skull, in an effort to stop the evil machinations of the scientist Arnim Zola.

Beginning during the height of WWII, the third-person action adventure will be set in a sprawling castle complex and will feature foes from the comic books, including the Iron Cross and members of the terrorist group HYDRA. Gameplay will have an emphasis on hand-to-hand combat involving the superhero’s indestructible shield as well as platforming sequences.

You know, I have to hand it to modern television. It’s come a long way. Particularly in the realm of science fiction. You have almost anything Joss Whedon creates which becomes well written, thought out and executed (and ultimately cancelled) you have various shows like “Lost” and others which captures the imagination and keeps you guessing. Yes… it seems like anything from Aliens to space to horror-ish stuff has had a pretty successful life with TV the last ten years or so… except for one genre…

Superheroes.

TV just cant get them right. The closest they came was to the first season of “Heroes” and that’s really only because they weren’t super heroes, they were regular people being hunted by a really bad villain. But with the exception of some well done cartoons, live action superhero shows… well… they suck.

Case in point: 2 recent shows to hit the last year…

#1 No Ordinary Family. Ugh. This show looked stupid to begin with. I don’t know why I bothered to tune in. This is obviously drivel that is spewed out to the masses because of the success of “family super hero programs” like the Fantastic Four movies, The Incredibles, etc. The synopsis? Take a family (wow) that is on the verge of being dysfunctional (you dont say) and give them super powers. But… we use the same old tired sitcom family setup… You know… bumbling overweight dad who is a little dumb but has a heart of gold… his wife who is too hot for him, so it really shows off his nice guy personality, and two teenagers who don’t care for their parents or each other. See… at least “The Incredibles” was animated and I could watch for that… this well, it offers nothing.

#2 THE CAPE. The Cape is the newest awful show to hit the airwaves. At first I got excited because I heard Summer Glau was going to be in it. Then I realized after watching the trailer… that not even the beautiful Summer could save this. The Cape centers around a cop who is framed and believed dead. He adopts the role as a fictional comic book super hero to avenge himself and prove to his son that “one person can make a difference.” In truth if one person could make a difference, I wish one executive would have actually gone to a comic book store and read ONE freakin comic book to know that this is absolute crap. The show looks like it’s a 90′s WB sci fi show (You know what I’m talking about) and the script is wooden and the plot lame… (get this kids… his cape is made of *snicker* spider silk… and is stronger than Kevlar…hahahaha). The Cape lives in a world where bad guys are just evil.And I guess that would be fine if I was reading a comic book in the fifties. But folks a strange thing has happened the last 60 years of comic books… They became well written and fans became smarter….

People arent evil just to be evil. They dont fight wars because they are bad guys, the fight wars because they believe they are right. A villain has reasons for being a villain. Not because he just wants to be a bad guy. A super hero probably wouldnt want his family in on the business… these are all things we have to think about before we sign our names on a show that everyone sees.

I know I’m being a jerk, but honestly, I didn’t get into comics because it was trendy, I was reading these when being a nerd wasn’t chic. You got uninvited to a party if you talked about spiderman in my day… So it’s weird to see people only celebrate nerd culture when it’s popular to do so. As a result we will continue to see half ass produced TV shows given to the masses.

Chew on that space boy.

(Gamespot) – Sony Online Entertainment’s massively multiplayer online role-playing game DC Universe Online is proving to be a massive success for its maker. According to the publisher, the title has used its superhuman strength to become SOE’s fastest-selling game ever.

The news comes via the Twitter post of SOE president John Smedley, who said the game is evaporating from store shelves.

“Working on out-of-stock problems for DCUO,” he said. “It’s out [sic] fastest selling game ever. Should have more inventory in Monday.”

Smedley also used the social networking space to tout Steam sales figures. Smedley said DC Universe Online was #1 in sales on Steam last week. He did not offer further specifics as to how well the PS3 iteration is selling.

Set within the DC Comics world, DC Universe Online lets players create a superhero or villain and fight alongside or against iconic comic book characters, such as the Joker, Batman, Superman, and others. It was developed under the creative direction of famed comic book artist Jim Lee.

(Gamespot) – Comic book-loving gamers got some good news yesterday, when Sony Online Entertainment announced a hard release date for DC Universe Online. The PlayStation 3 and PC massively multiplayer role-playing game will ship on January 11 in North America, with a European release date three days later. The game is currently in a closed beta on both platforms.

The game will retail for $50 on the PC and $60 for the PlayStation 3. Also available is a $100 collector’s edition, which contains a batman figurine, an art book, a Geoff Johns-penned prequel comic, and the first issue of a new DC Universe Online comic book. In terms of subscription, DC Universe Online will cost $15 per month, although the first 30 days of play are included in the game’s purchase price..

Previously scheduled to launch last month, DC Universe online was delayed in October by SOE. Set within the DC Comics world, the game will let players create a superhero or villain and fight alongside or against iconic comic book characters, such as the Joker, Batman, Superman, and others. It was developed under the creative direction of famed comic book artist Jim Lee.

Deathwish Dena - October Gamette 2010

It’s only fair to warn our readers that most of our Gamettes could likely kick your ass. It might be at video games or comic book knowledge but it’s a fair bet that they all have the goods when it comes to getting down and nerdy. It’s also a fair bet that October’s Gamette, Deathwish Dena, could not only out-trivia you in the horror movie genre but would probably put a beatdown on you if you were to take her on while wearing roller skates.

Dena is the kind of girl who can dress sexy one minute and then take to the ring with her skates to put a hip check on you that would have you wondering which way was up. Schooled in the nuances of old school NES gaming, a love of Steampunk, and with a healthy amount of knowledge in regards to the Caped Crusader, Dena is just the type of Gamette we all love to see grace our page.

And so, without further ado, say hello to the sexy skater known as Deathwish Dena.

Tell us why you’re awesome in twenty words or less.
I am the perfect mixture of horror, combat, and fantasy with hours of enticing game play.

Who’s the hottest Batman? Keep in mind we haven’t dressed up as Batman (yet) so the obvious answer is right out.
Well I guess since you have yet to be unmasked as the next Bruce Wayne. For now I will have to go with Christian Bale minus the I am trying to hid who I really am grunt whispers. If he is bringing that to the bedroom I am leaving in a fit of laughter.

You get to be any character *but* Batman. Villain, sidekick, or hero, from the comics or the various movies. Who is it and why?
Two-face. He is human and monster. I love that he can be totally nuts and want to see something get completely destroyed enjoying every minute of it but shed a tear over a lover or friend. Also he goes hand in hand with me being utterly indecisive.

Who shot first?
Deep in my heart I want Han to have shot first. But I think it is more fun for it to be a never ending murder mystery game of Clue. To bad Lucas opened up that manilla envelope and tell us all it was Mr. Green in the Billiards Room with the Pistol.

Tell us what makes a geeky guy sexy. Extra points if you describe us to a tee.
Geek guys who are social are sexy to me. I want some one who wants to go out and do nerdy things, like costume parties, movie premieres, cons, star/ufo
gazing. Also any guy who can teach me ANY new geeky thing makes me smile.

Click here to read Dena’s full interview and see her complete pictorial!

Sega announces comic book hero will return to his propaganda roots to fight Nazis on Xbox 360, PS3, PSP, Wii, and DS next year

Super Soldier Captain American will be facing off against his nemesis, the Nazi agent Red Skull in 2011 on your consoles. Set during the height of WWII, the third-person action adventure will be laid out in a sprawling castle complex that will feature foes from the comic books, including the Iron Cross and members of the terrorist group HYDRA. Gameplay will have a heavy emphasis on hand-to-hand combat involving the Cap’s indestructible shield as well as platforming sequences.

Sega is taking the shield-wielding hero back to his WWII beginnings in the forthcoming game Captain America: Super Soldier. The game is based on the eponymous film, which stars Chris Evans (Fantastic 4), Tommy Lee Jones (No Country for Old Men), and Samuel L. Jackson (Iron Man 2). The movie has been titled Captain America: First Avenger.

Let’s hope next year is not too soon for our favorite Amercian hero, we’d hate to see another horrible ‘movie-to-game massacre’.

(Gamespot.com) – Today, the Supreme Court case that may determine whether states can criminalize sales of games to minors grew a bit more complicated. That’s because a legal lobby supporting the comic book industry has thrown its support behind the game industry by filing a “friend of the court” brief in the case, officially titled Schwarzenegger vs. the Entertainment Merchants Association.

According to a copy of the brief obtained by the Los Angeles Times, the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund asked the Supreme Court to reject the law on the grounds that it “would undermine more First Amendment principles in a single case than any decision in living memory.”

Robert Corn-Revere, an attorney with the law firm representing the CBLDF, expanded on the brief to the Times. “The first amendment is indivisible,” he said. “If it’s weakened for one medium, it’s weakened for all. If a precedent is established for the censorship of games, it will be used for everybody else. You’ll see a lot of support for our position from different quarters.”

The Times expects those “quarters” to be some of the leading lobbies and organizations of the media and entertainment world, including the Reporters Committee for Freedom, the Radio Television News Association, the Recording Industry Association of America, and the Motion Picture Association of America.

The Supreme Court will hear arguments in Schwarzenegger vs. the Entertainment Merchants Association on November 2. At issue in the case is California Assembly Bill 1179, which was signed into law by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger in 2005 but challenged in court before it could take effect.

Penned by California state assemblyman Leland Yee (D-San Francisco), CAB1179 sought to ban the sale or rental of “violent video games” to children. A “violent” game was defined as a “game in which the range of options available to a player includes killing, maiming, dismembering, or sexually assaulting an image of a human being.” If it becomes law, retailers that sold such games would be subject to a $1,000 fine.

The bill would also have required “violent” video games to bear a 2-inch-by-2-inch sticker with a “solid white ’18′ outlined in black” on their front covers. That’s more than twice the size of the labels that currently adorn game-box covers and display the familiar Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) rating.

‘Mad Men’s’ January Jones Joins the Cast of ‘X-Men: First Class’

(Yahoo.com) – It’s official, January Jones will be playing a mutant in “X-Men: First Class” who, unlike her character Betty Draper from “Mad Men,” isn’t afraid to wear white after Labor Day.

As Deadline first reported (and a source has confirmed to Yahoo!), Jones will be stepping into the role of Emma Frost. In the comic series, Frost was a onetime foe of the X-Men who eventually joined the team of uncanny mutants. The telepathic Frost, always dressed in white, can read minds, alter memories, and turn her skin into diamonds, granting her incredible strength.

Also joining the cast is Zoe Kravitz, daughter of rocker Lenny Kravitz, as Angel Salvadore (not to be confused with the majestically winged, original X-Man named Angel), a relatively new character who debuted in 2001. In the comic books, this newer Angel, whose housefly-like physiology allows her to fly, doesn’t particularly get along with her fellow X-Men, especially Emma Frost.

Jones and Kravitz are being added to an already impressive line-up. They will join Michael Fassbender as Magneto, James McAvoy as Professor Xavier, Nicholas Hoult as Beast, Rose Byrne (reportedly still in negotiations for the part) as Moria MacTaggart and Oliver Platt as The Man in Black.

Kevin Bacon has been cast as the film’s main villain. Rumors persist that he will be playing the role of Sebastian Shaw, leader of the New York branch of the underground society, the Hellfire Club, whose membership once included Emma Frost.

To date, there is still no casting information concerning two staples of the earlier X-Men films, Cyclops and Jean Grey, furthering speculation that these two original members of the mutant team may not be a part of “X-Men: First Class.”

“X-Men: First Class,” which is set before the first “X-Men” film, is scheduled to start production on August 23. It’s being produced by the director of the well-received first two “X-Men” films, Bryan Singer. Matthew Vaughn, best known for helming “Layer Cake” and “Kick-Ass,” will be directing, with the film set for a June, 2011, release.

Great Odin's raven!

He may be the God of thunder… but he needs a new agent.
Marvel was really excited to release a picture for their upcoming THOR movie… which for the fist time showed Thor, Odin, and Loki in full costume. So when I clicked to look on it… I got… well…. this picture.

Don’t get me wrong… this looks fine… if I was going to see a movie called “X-men” (which by the way sucked) and I’m only tolerating it because The X-men are little more than a boy band of Superhero teams, and don’t try to sugarcoat it either… they guest in more comics than Jay-Z does songs two years ago. The movie always looked a little cheesy. I always just blamed the fact that Marvel sold their rights away to another movie house and that’s why X-men looked like… well… crap. I mean, I guess if I liked my superheroes in generic sportcycle leather hugging outfits with no personality it would be fine… but c’mon man… I READ comics… I’m not Joe Dumbass. (Right now Wolverine fans are fluffing up their muttonchops to write me a bunch of hate mail… feel free suckers..)

So where was I? Oh right… so now Marvel comes and puts out Iron Man.. which was amazing.. and it looks like things are going ok. Then they put out The Incredible Hulk… which was a little lacking, but still not too bad… then they put out Iron Man 2 which was like that girl in high school… just a big tease, all hype and no follow through. So Marvel has slowly been letting me down….

Then THIS picture comes out. And instead of a cool movie about a Thunder God living among mortals… I have visions of… Well Odin with a golden eyepatch (that better be real bling.. he’s freakin Odin) and a suit of armor that looks… plastic.

Sure it’s only a picture. I know I may be overreacting, but c’mon… you can’t tell me from this picture alone, this looks to be on par with Iron Man.