From The Vault - Spiderman No More

When people think of deaths in comic books, they tend to do so with tongues firmly in cheek. Despite giving a guaranteed boost in sales major publishers are often unwilling to kill off major money makers, meaning any character that is killed off is likely to return to life within a few issues. While this has been the norm for a number of years, it appears Marvel comics are now looking to buck the trend. Following the death of Johnny Storm in Fantastic Four, the big M recently decided that, in order to relaunch their Ultimates line, Peter Parker must give up the mantle of Spiderman in a fairly terminal fashion. What followed was a story arc that resonated beyond comic fans and into the mass media. Now, with the Ultimates reboot well underway, this is the ideal opportunity to go back and relive the shocking events that lead to the untimely death of everyone’s favourite wall crawler.

Comic Guru currently has all six issues of this story in stock, including variant covers on the first three issues. In addition we also have an exclusive San Diego Comic Con issue one variant that you will hard pressed to find anywhere else. But if Spidey isn’t your thing then head over to the website and check out our full back catalogue. There’s a good chance you’ll find something you like!

http://www.thecomicguru.co.uk/new_stock.php?sessionid=783706033

Dexter's Half Dozen signing this Saturday at 12pm

The next in our series of 8^th anniversary celebration events is scheduled for this Saturday and will see local comic talents Jamie Lambert and David Clifford signing copies of their highly successful independent series Dexter Half Dozen.

Set in the mist of the Second World War, the story follows a crack team of soldiers who have been tasked with preventing the Nazi’s manipulation of the occult for their own nefarious purposes. The series already has a loyal following and with a trade paperback in the works this is an ideal time to get in with the series. We currently have issues 1-6 of Dexter’s Half Dozen in store now, should you feel the need to get yourself acquainted with Sergeant Freeman and the rest of the squad ahead of the signing.

The signing starts at 12pm sharp.

This Week In Geek (19/09/2011)

Given the hectic nature of the modern human, it’s natural that things will slip through the net from time to time. Appointments, meetings and anniversaries are all common dates that can slip the mind and lead to unwanted aggravation (and in the case of the anniversary, actual physical pain). So with that in mind, Comic Guru is proud to announce its latest feature ‘This Week In Geek’!

Each week we will scan the release schedules and bring you a few choice dates to mark in your diaries. DVD, films, comics and video games will all be covered, as well as any events in the Cardiff area that we think might take your fancy. So grab your planners and start noting these dates!

Monday 19^th

Attack the Block (DVD)

- Joe Cornish’s horror comedy Attack the Block is released on DVD and Blu Ray

A town called Eureka (DVD)

- One of America’s premier scifi shows which is now on its fifth season stateside. Check out season four of the Emmy nominated series on DVD from today

Tuesday 20^th

Gears of War 3 (Video Game)

- The final instalment of the award winning Gears of War trilogy is released today for Xbox 360.

Wednesday 21^st

Latest DC reboot titles (Comics)

- This week’s batch of new DC releases see Batman, Birds of Prey and the Green Lantern make their comic ‘debuts’

The Boys: Butcher, Baker, Candlestick maker #3 (Comics)

-The latest chapter in the back story of Billy Butcher, the Boys’ violent and enigmatic leader.

Friday 23^rd

Jurassic Park (Cinema)

- To coincide with the release of the Jurassic Park trilogy Blu Ray box set on October 24^th Cineworld are giving you the chance to relive the magic of the first JP film on the big screen. The run is only for two weeks so catch it while you can.

Saturday 24^th

Dexter’s Half Dozen signing @ Comic Guru (Event)

- Head on down to Comic Guru in Cardiff and attend our signing with DHD creators Jamie Lambert and Dave Clifford. The signing starts at 12pm, but the full back catalogue is on sale in store if you want to come down sooner.

Doctor Who (TV)

- The Doctor pays a farewell visit to his old friend, Craig, but somewhere close, the Cybermen are waiting... Tardis based high jinks on BBC1 at 7.10pm

Upcoming events at Comic Guru!

With our 8^th Anniversary celebrations well underway, I decided now would be an excellent time to let people know of the upcoming events we have scheduled for the upcoming weeks. While all dates are set unforeseen circumstances could lead to changes. When in doubt, please either check the blog or head over to our Facebook page, a link to which is at the bottom of this post.

September 24^th

Dexter’s Half Dozen Signing with Jamie Lambert and Dave Clifford

The writer/artist team behind this tale of the occult, set in the Second World War, will be in store and signing copies of their comic. Comic Guru currently has all six issues in stock, so head on over to the shop early if you want to read this story before attending the signing.

October 4^th

The official eighth anniversary of Comic Guru

Yes, your favourite comic store is turning eight and we want you the members to come and celebrate with us! Kristian is currently planning some special surprises for you all, so keep checking in every so often for more information.

October 29^th

Songs from Spider Street signing with Mark Howard Jones

In the run up to Halloween local author Mark Howard Jones will be signing copies of his unsettling and unforgettable book 'Songs From Spider Street' from mid-day on Saturday, October 29th.

In addition we are in talks with Simon Wyatt about a signing for his new graphic novel Unbelievable: The Man Who Ate Daffodils, and will let you know the date once we have one confirmed. More information about each of the signings will be made available as they draw closer, but this will at least give you the chance to mark the dates in your diaries!

Our Facebook page, please take a look and give us a Like!

http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Comic-Guru/105622975220

Friday Video Club - Dr Strange

In the 1970s Marvel comics released a slew of live action films and pilots featuring some of their biggest products. While many people will remember Lou Ferrigno’s turn as the Hulk or the cringe inducing Spiderman series, there were a few efforts which slipped under the radar. One of these was the 1978 Dr Strange TV movie, a title which only ever saw rental release in this country. Starring Peter Hooten, Jessica Walters and John Mills, the film was heralded for its grounded take on the Dr Strange tale (given the fantastical subject matter) and features a surprisingly good soundtrack.

Below is the link for the entire film. The copy quality is pretty good but it is subtitled in Portuguese. I hope you enjoy the film as much as Comic Guru’s own Kristian Barry, who has been pushing for me to post this video since I started!

http://youtu.be/-RS9wi0xdd0

From The Vault - X factor

This week’s From The Vault sees us pulling out a slice of mutant based loveliness in the form of Marvel’s X Factor series. Debuting in 1986, the original X Factor line up consisted of the same members as the original X men (Angel, Beast, Iceman, Cyclops and Jean Grey), who formed X factor after Magneto took over leadership of the X men. The series was much darker than we had seen in previous X men stories, featuring storylines such as Angel’s attempted suicide following the loss of his wings. The series was also famous for the first appearance of Apocalypse, who would go on to become one of the best known comic villains of all time.

Comic Guru currently has a near full run of the first 80 issues in stock, including issue 1 and issue 6 (first appearance of Apocalypse), as well as a variety of other issues. Feel free to hop on over to the Comic Guru website to check out the full back catalogue, as well as seeing what other goodies we have in stock. Alternatively take a trip down to Wood Street and see us in person.

http://www.thecomicguru.co.uk/new_stock.php?sessionid=783706033