"Powers" Pilot Not Picked Up

As we reported last year, FX greenlit a pilot based on Powers, a police procedural comic created by Brian Michael Bendis and Michael Avon Oeming.  Last we heard, the series had cast its leads and shot the pilot episode, but we hadn't heard anything since.

However, during the TCA press tour today, FX president John Landgraf stated outright, "We didn't pick the pilot of Powers up."  Not dropping the series outright, the network requested a "substantial rewrite."  Writer Chris Eglee complied, but the rewrite would require a re-shoot.  According to Landgraf, they are currently in the process of decided if the re-shoot is worth it.

This is a little surprising, considering that I would think Powers would fall right into a slice of television that would be pretty popular.  It's a police procedural (an admittedly glutted genre, but people keep watching them), complete with some superhero-type fantasy and a hint of film noir.  That, by all rights, should work out fairly easily, but of course the network has final say.

Here's hoping that Bendis's series gets its just due.  Perhaps they thought it too similar to a certain other police procedural-slash-superpower show airing later tonight?

Bendis to Leave "The Avengers"

After a seriously impressive eight year run, Brian Michael Bendis will be ending his time as head writer for The Avengers in 2012.

In an interview with CBR, Bendis revealed his plans to move onto other projects, but is "very, very proud" of the work he has done with Earth's Mightiest Heroes.  Don't leave yet though, Bendis fans, because he's got plenty of huge things cooking for his final issues.

"It's a good time to move on to other things. Before I go, though, I'm ending things big. I'm in countdown mode. You know when you're watching a show like 'Breaking Bad,' and every episode feels like the second to last episode? That's where I'm at."

Brian Michael Bendis has been heralded as one of the best writers to ever tackle the flagship superhero team and with good reason.  Whatever he moves onto next will, no doubt, be worth keeping an eye on.

Check out the full, lengthy interview on CBR, where he discusses all things H.A.M.M.E.R.!

Community's Donald Glover Inspired New Ultimate Spider-Man

If you've been paying attention to the comic world, you've probably heard that long-time hero Peter Parker is dead (in the "Ultimate" universe, anyway.)  While we were, uh, not terribly interested in the news (death, after all, means pretty much nothing in comics), it is intriguing to see a newcomer take the role.

And that newcomer is Miles Morales: a biracial (African-American/Latino) teenager that seeks to fill the void left by Peter Parker's death.

His design, according to legendary writer Brian Michael Bendis, is based partly on comedian, rapper, and Community star Donald Glover.

Bendis, in an interview with USA Today, gives Glover "mucho credit" for inspiring the character design of the new Spidey, after seeing the actor wearing Spider-Man pajamas in an episode of NBC's Community (which was itself an inside joke stemming from the actor's campaign to play the webhead in the upcoming movie - a role that eventually went to Andrew Garfield.)

We're certainly not complaining that there's a little more color in a predominantly white superhero universe, but let's see how this news plays out - especially in light of the announcement that Laurence Fishburne is the new Perry White.

'Powers' Pilot Casts Its Leads

Remember that television adaption of "Powers" that FX greenlit back in February?  Turns out it's alive and well! 

The two lead characters have been cast, and Detectives Deena Pilgrim and Christian Walker will be portrayed by actors Lucy Punch (Bad Teacher) and Jason Patric (Speed 2: Cruise Control), respectively.

Created by writer Brian Michael Bendis and artist Michael Avon Oeming, "Powers" follows the exploits and investigations of the aforementioned detectives, who specialize in superhero-related homicides.  The comic hit shelves in 2004 and was published by Image Comics.  Currently, the series is put out by Marvel's Icon Comics imprint.

While this is Punch's first foray into the world of comics, Patric previously appeared in 2010's The Losers, the film adaptation of the Vertigo series.

On a personal note, I was actually pulling for Kyle Chandler (Super 8) and Katee Sackhoff (Battlestar Galactica) when their names had been thrown out as possible choices to play Walker and Pilgrim.  But alas, fan casting calls rarely come true.

Filming for the pilot is due to take place this summer in Chicago.

FX Greenlights 'Powers' Pilot

If you have not read Brian Michael Bendis and Michael Avon Oeming's "Powers", you should.  If you want to wait for it to show up on TV, you might get your wish.  

According to BMB's Twitter page, FX has ordered a pilot based on the superhero detective series.  Bendis simply had this to say:

"It's official! your window of reading Powers while it was still cool is running out."

Rumors of a television adaptation of the comic surfaced last year, with Kevin Falls ("Journeyman") penning a pilot script.  Another name previously associated with the rumors was Michael Dinner ("Kidnapped") who may be tapped to direct.

Don't expect an over-the-top comic book show like "The Cape" if this pans out.  Bendis himself has the best description.

For those comparing powers to other super hero shows, it's not a super hero show... It's a cop show with a superhero element. Big difference.

So yes, "Law & Order" with superheroes.

Review: Avengers #1

After nearly a decade of turmoil The Avengers are back to normal, mostly.  The big three of Iron Man, Thor, and Captain America are back except Bucky Barnes is now the man behind the shield. Add Spider-Man, Wolverine, Spider-Woman, and Hawkeye and you’ve got a hell of a team. I’m pretty excited about this line-up. Wolverine and Spider-Man are pretty blatant popularity moves but bringing Hawkeye and Spider-Woman back into the mix lends a nice touch. The best part of all of this is that they are under the command of Steve Rogers, the new top cop in the Marvel Universe.  So with this cast of characters, were Bendis and Romita Jr. able to deliver? Avengers Assemble!

When I first heard that John Romita Jr would be penciling this series I was pretty nervous. I’ve always liked his style but I didn’t think it would be a good fit for The Avengers.  I couldn’t have been more wrong. Romita Jr.’s pencils bring with them a classic youthful feel that has been missing from the more recent marvel books. Combine this with Klaus Janson’s inks and Dean White's bright colors and you’ve got an art style that takes you right back to the early days of Marvel.

And speaking of the classic days of Marvel, Bendis reaches deep into the sack-o-villains to bring us our antagonist for this premier issue. Who would be worthy to oppose the Avengers in there grand return? Kang the Conqueror. It’s a genius move on Bendis’ part, really. Kang is as classic a villain as it comes and his entrance is nothing short of Monarch worthy. I loved every second he was on the page. Bendis also ties in the Next Avengers animated film from two years ago. I thought this was a great move on his part. The movie was actually pretty fun, and I always thought that universe needed to be expanded. The best part of Bendis’ script focuses on the lingering awkwardness between Tony Stark and Steve Rogers. I’m really glad this didn’t get glossed over. The rift between those two old friends is deep and I can’t wait to see the journey to mend it.

Bendis and Romita Jr. have hit it out of the park with this premier Avengers issue. This is a great time to hop on board with the Marvel Universe so you owe it to yourself, whether a hardcore fan or a casual reader, to pick up this issue.