Pak and Rosemann talk “War Machine”

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Newsarama and Comic Book Resources have posted new interviews with writer Greg Pak and editor Bill Rosemann about the new “War Machine” comic book series, which debuts in December with pencils by Leonardo Manco.
From the CBR article:

“Remember that awesome scene in the Iron Man movie where Tony rocketed to that small village and took out all the thugs that were threatening the innocent families? That’s the tone we’re aiming for,” Rosemann said. “It’s like when you’re watching the evening news and see a story about Darfur or Chechnya or Myanmar and you want to reach through your TV screen and smack some dictator upside the head. ‘Why isn’t anyone doing something about this?’ you ask. Well, War Machine is! (If only he existed in our world.)”
Pak had always been a fan of James Rhodes, so when Rosemann offered him the new ongoing “War Machine” series the writer eagerly accepted. “This new hook fits right in with his past history while taking him to the next level,” the writer remarked. “I couldn’t stop thinking about it from the minute I heard Bill’s pitch.”

From the Newsarama article:

With the first issue not set to debut until December, the team is loathe to discuss what’s coming up in specifics, but hey, this is comics, and the tease is this industry’s bread and butter. So what will people going to be saying after reading the first issue?
Rosemann: “Hopefully you’ll be talking about how much Greg and Leonardo ‘get’ James Rhodes as a character – and how crazy the twists and turns his life is once again taking. It’s time to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of Rhodey’s first appearance…with a big blow-out!”
Pak: “Holy Hannah… I can’t believe they actually let them do that!”

Marvel announces “War Machine” ongoing written by Greg Pak

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During yesterday’s Mondo Marvel panel at the San Diego Comic-Con, Marvel announced that writer Greg Pak will be penning a new series launching in December that stars Jim Rhodes, aka War Machine, the character played by Terrence Howard in the recent “Iron Man” movie. The book will be penciled by Leonardo Manco and edited by Bill Rosemann.
Marvel.com has posted an interview with Pak about the new series. Here’s an excerpt:

“I was hooked by Jim Rhodes the first time I ever saw him in the funny books,” the writer confesses. “He wasn’t ever just the other guy in the Iron Man armor; he brought a brand new perspective as a kid who grew up fighting bullies in South Philly and developed a whole new angle on the use of force through his military training.
“For better or for worse, War Machine will go places few other Marvel heroes dare,” Pak adds. “And that makes for explosive, high stakes stories that we’re champing at the bit to tell.”

Click here to read the whole thing.

2008.07.24 – 07.27 – UPDATED! – Greg Pak at the San Diego Comic-Con

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Comic book writer Greg Pak will attend the 2008 San Diego Comic-Con from July 24 to July 27. His schedule will include the following signings and panels recently announced at Marvel.com:

Thursday, July 24
*** UPDATE: Due to airline delays, Greg Pak will NOT be able to attend the Thursday signing at 3 pm. He should, however, still be arriving in time for the 4:45 Mondo Marvel Panel. ***
WHAT: Signing
WHEN: 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm
WHERE: The Marvel Booth
WHAT: Mondo Marvel Panel
WHEN: 4:45 pm – 5:45 pm
WHERE: Room 6A
THE 411: 2008 has already been a huge success for Marvel in all corners of the Universe. Now, join the industry’s top editors and creators like Greg Pak (SKAAR, SON OF HULK), Matt Fraction (INVINCIBLE IRON MAN), Ed Brubaker (CAPTAIN AMERICA), Jeff Parker (AGENTS OF ATLAS), C.B. Cebulski (LONERS), Warren Simons (Editor), Mark Paniccia (Editor), Jim McCann (Publishing) and special guests to find out what’s to come for Iron Man, Hulk, Daredevil, cosmic, the FF, and all things Marvel!
Friday, July 25
WHAT: Signing
WHEN: 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
WHERE: The Marvel Booth
Saturday, July 26
WHAT: Signing
WHEN: 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
WHERE: The Marvel Booth
WHAT: Secret Invasion Panel
WHEN: 4:30pm – 5:30pm
WHERE: Room 6A
THE 411: The best-selling event of 2008 is at its midpoint. Come get your first look at what’s in store and what’s to come in the Marvel U when the dust settles…assuming there is a Marvel Universe when it’s all done! Guests include Joe Quesada (Editor-In-Chief), writers Greg Pak (INCREDIBLE HERCULES), Chris Gage (AVENGERS: THE INITIATIVE), Chris Yost (SECRET INVASION: RUNAWAYS/YOUNG AVENGERS), Daniel Way (DEADPOOLl) and more!
Sunday, July 27
WHAT: Signing
WHEN: 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
WHERE: The Hero Initiative Booth

The PULSE interviews Pak about Skaar

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Jen Contino has interviewed writer Greg Pak about his new ongoing series “Skaar: Son of Hulk.” An excerpt:

THE PULSE: Solicits called the first issue a “epic fever dream,” so does that mean this story is “imaginary” or does that just mean you were very sick when you wrote the first arc?
PAK: Sick? No, just cra-a-a-azy-y-y!
So the story’s imaginary in that it came out of my head. But it’s as real as anything in comics and, eventually, may just have a massive impact on the Marvel Universe proper.
THE PULSE: Got it. So aside from insanity, what did inspire you to take Skaar in this direction?
PAK: I’m perpetually compelled by the central themes of the Hulk, by exploring the price of anger and that sometimes vanishing line between a hero and a monster. “Planet Hulk” and “World War Hulk” gave us an epic field on which to run with these ideas. But Skaar gives us the chance to raise the stakes. Deep down inside, the Hulk is Bruce Banner. Which means he’s a fundamentally decent human being from Dayton, Ohio. But deep down inside, who’s Skaar? A savage manchild born in fire and raised by monsters. The character will let us explore — and challenge — this fantasy of heroic savagery in the most hardcore way possible.

Click here to read the whole thing. And check your local store for the “Skaar” #1 reprints, which arrived yesterday, and “Skaar” #2, which hits shelves July 30.

2008.07.16 – “Incredible Hercules” #119

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“Incredible Hercules” #119 hit comic book stores yesterday — and it’s already nabbed another rave from IGN. Here’s an excerpt:

Very easily one of the most solid performers in the Marvel catalogue.

Click here to read the whole thing.
“Incredible Hercules” #119 was written by Greg Pak and Fred Van Lente with pencils by Rafa Sandoval. Ask your local store to hold a copy for you today!

2008.07.16 – Greg Pak moderates AAIFF Works-In-Progress program featuring “Give Up Tomorrow”

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From the official announcement:

Award-winning filmmaker Greg Pak (ROBOT STORIES, AAIFF05) leads our annual WORK IN PROGRESS program guiding filmmakers through the process of molding an unfinished work into the final cut. This year, Pak will be leading a workshop featuring GIVE UP TOMORROW by directing team Marty Syjuco and Michael Collins.
On a stormy night in July 1997, two young girls waiting for a ride at a shopping mall disappear without a trace… Simultaneously a murder-mystery and an exposé of endemic corruption in the post-Marcos Philippines, GIVE UP TOMORROW centers on the trial of Paco Larrañaga, a young Mestizo (of Spanish descent) accused of killing two Chinese-Filipino sisters on the island of Cebu. Capturing how a rapacious media circus stoked ethnic and class hatred to prejudice public perception, the film reveals the extraordinary judicial violations that resulted in Paco’s death sentence. Secret filming from Paco’s cell exposes the appalling conditions of Filipino prisons, where thousands like him languish without fair trial. This story is intensely personal with far-reaching global implications: Paco’s case was eventually championed by international human rights groups, including the UN; their efforts eventually led to the abolishment of capital punishment in the Philippines, saving hundreds of inmates whose possible innocence may have been disregarded by flawed judicial and social systems.
A reception sponsored by Tribeca All Access will follow the screening.
*FREE and open to the public. For tickets, please RSVP to hospitality[at]asiancinevision[dot]org.
At Tribeca Cinemas, 54 Varick Street @ Laight Street.
WED JUL 16 630PM