New CD, download and vinyl music releases Feb. 15, 2011

Let England Shake
Let England Shake PJ Harvey

Simon Werner a Disparu
Simon Werner a Disparu  Sonic Youth

Come and Get Me: The Complete Liberty and Imperial Singles Volume 2
Come and Get Me: The Complete Liberty and Imperial Singles Volume 2 Jackie DeShannon

Sweet Inspiration - The Songs of Dan Penn & Spooner Oldham
Sweet Inspiration - The Songs of Dan Penn & Spooner Oldham

Horses & High Heels
Horses & High Heels Marianne Faithfull

The Music City Story: Street Corner Doo Wop, Raw R&B and Soulful Sounds from Berkeley, California 1950-1975
The Music City Story: Street Corner Doo Wop, Raw R&B and Soulful Sounds from Berkeley, California 1950-1975

DVD new releases Feb. 15, 2011

Dr Who: A Christmas Carol
Dr Who: A Christmas Carol

Doctor Who: A Christmas Carol [Blu-ray]
Doctor Who: A Christmas Carol [Blu-ray]

The Fugitive: The Fourth and Final Season, Volume One
The Fugitive: The Fourth and Final Season, Volume One

Around the World in 80 Days: The Complete Epic Mini-Series
Around the World in 80 Days: The Complete Epic Mini-Series

He-Man & The Masters of the Universe: Season One
He-Man & The Masters of the Universe: Season One




DC Comics May 2011 solicitations

Some items of interest from DC's list of May offerings:

GREEN LANTERN SUPER SPECTACULAR #1
Written by GEOFF JOHNS, JOHN BROOME and ALAN MOORE
Art by DARWYN COOKE, ETHAN VAN SCIVER, GIL KANE, KEVIN O’NEILL and others
Cover by CARLOS PACHECO and JESUS MERINO

As excitement for the blockbuster Green Lantern movie continues to build, DC Comics collects these GL classics in a new, magazine format Super Spectacular! Don’t miss “Flight,” by Geoff Johns and Darwyn Cooke from GREEN LANTERN SECRET FILES 2005; “Alientated,” featuring Hector Hammond, from writer Geoff Johns and artist Ethan Van Sciver, from GREEN LANTERN #4; “The Secret Origin of The Guardians,” by John Broome and Gil Kane, pulled from GREEN LANTERN #40; and “Tygers,” starring Abin Sur from GREEN LANTERN CORPS ANNUAL #2 by Alan Moore and Kevin O’Neill.

DC COMICS PRESENTS: SON OF SUPERMAN #1
Written by HOWARD CHAYKIN and DAVID TISCHMAN
Art and cover by J.H. WILLIAMS III and MICK GRAY

Reprinting a classic Superman tale featuring the art of J.H. Williams III!
Fifteen years after the disappearance of Superman, a teenage Jon Kent awakens one day to learn that not only is he the son of the Man of Steel, but he has suddenly inherited his powers. Looking to follow in his father’s footsteps, Jon joins a rebel organization that fights against the now completely corrupt U.S. government and their plan for total economic segregation. But by becoming an enemy of the state, the son of Superman instantly becomes a target of the government-run Justice League. Now in order to live up to the legacy of his father, Jon must defeat corrupted and deviant versions of Batman, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern, Aquaman, and The Flash.

DC COMICS PRESENTS: THE FLASH #1
Written by JOHN BROOME and ROBERT KANIGHER
Art by CARMINE INFANTINO, JOE GIELLA and others
Cover by ANDY KUBERT and JOE KUBERT

Spotlighting tales of time travel and the Rogues, these tales from SHOWCASE #4 and 14, THE FLASH #125, 130 and 139 pit The Scarlet Speedster against “The Giants of The Time World,” “The Conquerors of Time,” along with Mirror Master, Captain Boomerang, The Top, Captain Cold, The Trickster and The Reverse Flash!

Tales of the Batman - Gene Colan Vol. 1
TALES OF BATMAN: GENE COLAN VOL. 1 HC
Written by GERRY CONWAY, ROY THOMAS, PAUL LEVITZ and DOUG MOENCH • Art by GENE COLAN and others
Cover by GENE COLAN and DICK GIORDANO

For the first time, DC Comics collects the moody Batman stories drawn by comics legend Gene Colan, with appearances by some of Batman’s greatest foes, including Man-Bat, The Monk, Rupert Thorne and more. Collecting BATMAN #340, 343-345 and 348-351 and DETECTIVE COMICS #510, 512, 517, 528 and 529.

Aquaman: Death of the Prince
AQUAMAN: DEATH OF A PRINCE TP
Written by STEVE SKEATES, PAUL LEVITZ and others
Art by MIKE GRELL, JIM APARO and others • Cover by JIM APARO

Don’t miss this dramatic 1970s tale from ADVENTURE COMICS #435-437, 441-455 and AQUAMAN #57-63! As Aquaman faces his greatest foes, Black Manta plans his ultimate revenge on the Sea King – resulting in the death of Aquaman’s infant son and the dissolution of his marriage.

Superman Chronicles Vol. 9
SUPERMAN CHRONICLES VOL. 9 TP
Written by JERRY SIEGEL
Art by JOHN SIKELA, ED DOBROTKA and LEO NOWAK
Cover by FRED RAY

In this new volume of stories from ACTION COMICS #47-52, WORLD’S FINEST COMICS #6-7 and SUPERMAN #16-17, Superman battles Lex Luthor, Metallo, The Talon and The Human Bomb. With help from Lois Lane, he faces down crooked politicians and slumlords.

The Jack Kirby Omnibus Vol. 1
THE JACK KIRBY OMNIBUS VOL. 1 STARRING GREEN ARROW HC
Written by VARIOUS
Art by JACK KIRBY and others
Cover by JACK KIRBY and MIKE ROYER

In 1957, Jack Kirby returned to DC Comics to draw the Green Arrow feature that ran in ADVENTURE COMICS and WORLD’S FINEST COMICS, pitting the Emerald Archer and his sidekick, Speedy, against a plethora of foes. At the same time, Kirby kept busy with work on DC’s mystery titles. These short tales spotlighted extraterrestrials and earthly monsters, nuclear threats and super-intelligent animals, magic wishes gone wrong and cities lost beneath the seas, challenging Kirby’s ever-fertile imagination in every story.
Now, for the first time, DC Comics collects all of Kirby’s many stories from the pages of HOUSE OF MYSTERY, HOUSE OF SECRETS, TALES OF THE UNEXPECTED, MY GREATEST ADVENTURE, ALL-STAR WESTERN, ADVENTURE COMICS, WORLD’S FINEST COMICS, as well as a trio of 1940s stories from REAL FACT COMICS.

Showcase Presents: Doc Savage
SHOWCASE PRESENTS: DOC SAVAGE TP
Written by DOUG MOENCH and others • Art by JOHN BUSCEMA, TONY DEZUNIGA and others • Cover by ROGER KASTEL
Pulp fiction hero Doc Savage is back in this value-priced title collecting his 1970s black-and-white magazine adventures for the first time.

STRANGE ADVENTURES #1
Written by BRIAN AZZARELLO, SCOTT SNYDER, PETER MILLIGAN and others
Art by EDUARDO RISSO, JEFF LEMIRE, KEVIN COLDEN and others
Cover by PAUL POPE
1:10 Variant cover by MARK BUCKINGHAM

Don’t miss this eighty page collection of science fiction short stories from some of Vertigo’s all-time greats, as well as the hot new talents of tomorrow! From the far reaches of space to the not so distant future, we bring you eight science-fiction stories as only Vertigo can do them. Plus: the Eisner Award-winning 100 BULLETS team of Brian Azzarello and Eduardo Risso reunite to bring you the first chapter of their upcoming new series SPACEMAN!

Name of Spider-Man movie re-boot released -- picture, too

"The Amazing Spider-Man" is the title of movie that aims to re-boot the Spidey franchise for Columbia Pictures/Sony Entertainment. Here's info from the press release:
The film, which is now in production and is being shot entirely in 3D, will be released on July 3, 2012. The film stars Andrew Garfield, Emma Stone, Rhys Ifans, Denis Leary, Campbell Scott, Irrfan Khan, Martin Sheen, and Sally Field. The film is directed by Marc Webb from a screenplay by James Vanderbilt and Alvin Sargent and Steve Kloves based on the Marvel Comic Book by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko. Laura Ziskin, Avi Arad, and Matt Tolmach are producing the Marvel Entertainment production for Columbia Pictures. The executive producers are Stan Lee, Kevin Feige, and Michael Grillo. The film’s official website is http://www.TheAmazingSpiderMan-movie.com.

Hasbro details upcoming Thor and Captain America toys

More movie toys for kids who are too young to see the actual movies...

Here are details from a Hasbro press release detailing it's upcoming Thor- and Captain America-themed offerings:

THOR LIGHTNING HAMMER
(Approximate Retail Price: $19.99; Ages: 5 & up; Available: Spring 2011)
Kids can now pretend to be their favorite Asgardian and summon the power of THOR! Hasbro’s THOR LIGHTNING HAMMER delivers a great role-play experience, allowing fans to recreate the on-screen action of the upcoming film, THOR. The replica of THOR’S signature weapon is fully equipped with electronic battle sounds and a launching projectile. Requires three “AAA” batteries, included.

THOR HELMET
(Approximate Retail Price: $7.99; Ages: 5 & up; Available: Spring 2011)
Helping to complete the THOR role-play experience is Hasbro’s THOR HELMET. Styled after the Asgardian’s iconic wing-tipped helmet, the role-play toy lets kids pretend to be the mighty hero.

THOR FOAM SWORD
(Approximate Retail Price: $14.99; Ages: 5 & up; Available: Spring 2011)
If THOR role-playing fans are disarmed of their mighty hammer, it’s best to make sure that you’re also equipped with the THOR FOAM SWORD! The sword is 27 inches in length and crafted from soft, durable foam.

THOR FOAM HAMMER
(Approximate Retail Price: $9.99; Ages: 5 & up; Available: Spring 2011)
The THOR FOAM HAMMER offers children who wish to role-play as the Asgardian commander of Thunder an item that’s perfect for smaller hands. The hammer’s head is crafted from soft, durable foam.

THOR SHIELD AND SWORD SET
(Approximate Retail Price: $9.99; Ages: 5 & up; Available: Spring 2011)
Every aspiring Asgardian will want the THOR SHIELD AND SWORD role-play set, which features a soft, durable foam sword and shield that are great for younger children.

THOR 3.75” Action Figures
(Approximate Retail Price: $7.99; Ages: 4 & up; Available: Spring 2011)
Kids and collectors alike will feast on Hasbro’s line of THOR 3.75” Action Figures which includes heroes and villains such as THOR, ODIN, LOKI, FROST GIANT and THE DESTROYER. These super-articulated figures are highly stylized in designs depicting the characters from THOR. Each figure sold separately.

THOR DELUXE 3.75” Action Figures
(Approximate Retail Price: $9.99; Ages: 4 & up; Available: Spring 2011)
The THOR DELUXE 3.75” Action Figures lineup includes never-before-seen versions of THOR characters, featuring a wide variety of battle weapons from the world of ASGARD. Each figure in the assortment includes unique snap-on weapons. Each figure sold separately.

THOR Electronic Figure
(Approximate Retail Price: $19.99; Ages: 4 & up; Available: Spring 2011)
The THOR ELECTRONIC FIGURE stands at an impressive 10” tall with its supremely sculpted and detailed design. Featuring electronic phrases and sound effects from the movie THOR, as well as a light up hammer and additional battle accessories, this THOR figure is a great addition to every fan’s collection!

THOR SUPER HERO SQUAD 3-PACKS
(Approximate Retail Price: $9.99; Ages: 3 & up; Available: Spring 2011)
The youngest THOR fans can collect their favorite MARVEL SUPER HERO characters from THOR with Hasbro’s line of THOR SUPER HERO SQUAD 3-PACKS. With a fun, unique style appealing to fans of all ages, each pack includes three SUPER HEROES from the film. In total, three all-new 3-packs will be available in the line, featuring characters such as THOR, ODIN, LOKI, FROST GIANT and THE DESTROYER. Each 3-pack sold separately.

CAPTAIN AMERICA

CAPTAIN AMERICA DISC LAUNCHING SHIELD
(Approximate Retail Price: $19.99; Ages: 5 & up; Available: Spring 2011)
Very few Super Hero symbols have transcended time like CAPTAIN AMERICA’S shield, his signature battle accessory. And now kids can have their very own! The CAPTAIN AMERICA DISC LAUNCHING SHIELD is the premiere role-play item for every CAPTAIN AMERICA fan. It fires miniature foam disks to defend against combatants! The shield has a diameter of 15 inches and comes with five foam discs. Requires four “AA” batteries, not included.

CAPTAIN AMERICA HERO MASK
(Approximate Retail Price: $7.99; Ages: 5 & up; Available: Spring 2011)
Kids can complete their CAPTAIN AMERICA role-play experience by “hiding” their identity, much like STEVE ROGERS when he battles foes as a Super Hero. The CAPTAIN AMERICA HERO MASK is designed in the style of the movie and crafted for comfort and durability.

CAPTAIN AMERICA THROWING SHIELD
(Approximate Retail Price: $7.99; Ages: 5 & up; Available: Spring 2011)
Throw your shield just like CAPTAIN AMERICA with the CAPTAIN AMERICA THROWING SHIELD! This lightweight disc is great for play with friends in fantastic CAPTAIN AMERICA shield styling!

CAPTAIN AMERICA 3.75” Action Figures
(Approximate Retail Price: $7.99; Ages: 4 & up; Available: Spring 2011)
The CAPTAIN AMERICA 3.75” Action Figures lineup features a robust variety of characters and stylings – each in Hasbro’s supremely detailed and articulated fashion – from the film, comic book history, and even never-before-seen concept art. Characters to be featured in the line include various iterations of CAPTAIN AMERICA, CAPTAIN BRITAIN, the villainous RED SKULL, and those menacing HYDRA SOLDIERS. Each figure sold separately.

CAPTAIN AMERICA DELUXE 3.75” Action Figures
(Approximate Retail Price: $9.99; Ages: 4 & up; Available: Spring 2011)
The CAPTAIN AMERICA DELUXE 3.75” Action Figures lineup includes heavily armed and outfitted variations of your favorite American Super Hero, featuring a wide variety of unique battle weapons and accessories. Each figure in the assortment includes snap-on weapons. Each figure sold separately.

CAPTAIN AMERICA STRIKEFIRE TRANSPORT
(Approximate Retail Price: $29.99; Ages: 4 & up; Available: Spring 2011)
It’s only fitting that the world’s greatest soldier be outfitted with the CAPTAIN AMERICA STRIKEFIRE TRANSPORT to take into battle against his enemies. This massive vehicle features launching-projectiles, a motorcycle, and a one-of-a-kind CAPTAIN AMERICA 3.75” ACTION FIGURE unique to this product.

CAPTAIN AMERICA SUPER HERO SQUAD 3-PACKS
(Approximate Retail Price: $9.99; Ages: 3 & up; Available: Spring 2011)
The youngest CAPTAIN AMERICA fans can collect their favorite MARVEL SUPER HERO characters from CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE FIRST AVENGER with Hasbro’s line of CAPTAIN AMERICA SUPER HERO SQUAD 3-PACKS. With a fun, unique style appealing to fans of all ages, each pack includes three SUPER HEROES from the film. In total, two all-new 3-packs will be available in the line, featuring characters such as CAPTAIN AMERICA, BUCKY, RED SKULL and HYDRA SOLDIERS. Each 3-pack sold separately.

CAPTAIN AMERICA Electronic Figure
(Approximate Retail Price: $19.99; Ages: 4 & up; Available: Spring 2011)
The CAPTAIN AMERICA ELECTRONIC FIGURE stands at an impressive 10” tall with its supremely sculpted and detailed design. Featuring electronic phrases and sound effects from the movie, CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE FIRST AVENGER, as well as Cap’s signature shield, this figure is a great addition to every fan’s collection!

CAPTAIN AMERICA CRUISERS
(Approximate Retail Price: $9.99; Ages: 4 & up; Available: Spring 2011)
Speed away with the CAPTAIN AMERICA CRUISERS! Styled after Captain America’s classic motorcycle, this speeder is coupled with his shield and a 3.75” action figure.

Vintage Superman Valentine cards

Velvet Underground video documentary

Via Dangerous Minds, a 1986 British TV documentary on the influential band.

VU from Django's Ghost on Vimeo.