News from San Diego ComicCon 2010.

While I am still in the middle of my relocation I have been trying to keep on top of the news related to this obsession...er... hobby of mine - and the various characters that warm my heart's cockles.

Here's what news is new from the SDCC (San Diego ComiCon) as found on the CBR site [HERE]:

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DOCTOR STRANGE
(and the ILLUMINATI):

"Illuminati will show up in Avengers #7," Bendis said, "they will be outed to the world for doing something even worse than they did last time."

Great.
Instead of trying to redeem what could have been an interesting secret society of super-heroes, instead they are continued to be portrayed as bumbling, incompetents and guilty of screwing up prety much everything they set their hand to.

Truthfully, when first revealed several years back, I kinda liked the concept of the Illuminati... a little.
I took offense at their portrayal from their first appearance, but only because they were being used to set up several massive blunders (Planet/ World War Hulk, Secret Invasion, perhaps parts of the Beyonder's SECRET WARS II stuff..., etc...), but the basic kernel of the idea really popped for me.

Instead of a cool, conspiracy-oriented bunch of stories of mystery and intrigue, we'll continue to get the 6 STOOGES (Yes. "6 Stooges"... even the 3 Stooges weren't just the 3 Stooges. There were Larry, Moe, Curly, Shemp, Ted Healy, Joe Besser, Curly Joe DeRita, Emil Sitka...).

*Sigh*
Why can't I have nice things?

No word what will happen to DR. STRANGE (or DR. VOODOO) after this mess currently going on in NEW AVENGERS.

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ROM - SPACEKNIGHT:

In keeping with his promise of wanting to work with ROM SPACEKNIGHT (as first blogged back in April of 2009 - HERE), Brian Michael Bendis seems to be following through.

When asked about the character, Bendis said "you will see [Rom] Space Knight show up in a future Avengers story."

Unfortunately, but necessary due to legalities, that will mean a redesign of ROM's armor (unless they have him appear in human form, as he has in the past), they won't be able to actually call him by name (ROM), and BENDIS - while seemingly into the character, will undoubtedly have "Space Knight" speaking in a pattern unrecognizable to ROM and fans of the character.

For all of us who have wanted to see a return of ROM, this will most likely fall into the category of: "Beware what you wish for... you just might get it."

Still, if they can find a way to make it work, there is a hint that ROM will be featured in the next AVENGERS title.

Lanning asked, "Who would be interested in a 'Cosmic Avengers' book?" Lots of applause.

Will there still be an ongoing cosmic title after "Thanos Imperative?" "Stay tuned," McCann said.

So... with the DIRE WRAITHS still running around (as seen in recent issues of FANTASTIC FOUR and DARKSTAR and the WINTER GUARD), having ROM resurface was inevitable.

I'm staying tuned.

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MAN-THING
(And Marvel HORROR):

Will more horror characters come back? Several: "Yes."

"Satana will be showing up in the upcoming 'Women of Marvel' digital miniseries," Horwitz said.

I know Son of Satan (Damien Hellstrom) is featuring pretty largely recently (New Avengers being the most recent starring profile), and he and his sister SATANA will both be getting BOWEN mini-busts soon as well.

With her appearances here and there over the past few years, SATANA is ready for a return.

As for MAN-THING, no mention that I could find, but he's been doing well thus far in THUNDERBOLTS, so... if that's all he gets lately, it's all good.

(Although, the looooong-awaited Man-Thing graphic novel, written by former Man-Thing scribe; Steve Gerber - penned before his death, and illustrated by Kevin Nowlan - has been hinted at a release in the near future. Whether it remains in graphic novel format or is broken into a mini-series is anyone's guess.)

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ASSORTED:

Marvel has announced a STRANGE TALES II, follow-up anthology mini-series, since the previous one (with all independent / underground comic creators) proved itself to be a hit.

While DOC was featured in the previous series', aside from the usage of his original comic's title, there's no telling if he will appear in this next foray.

But for MORE info on this series, with specific creators and plans mentioned, check out the story being updated on CBR [HERE].

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That's all for now.

If I see anything else interesting, I'll try to pop it on here.