Deadline reports that actor Colin Donnell has been hired to play Tommy Merlyn, described in previously released character breakdowns as follows: “28 years old and devil-smooth, Tommy is a trustafarian like Oliver, a spectacularly rich young man whose life revolves around parties, clubs, liquor and lots of anonymous sex. Unlike Oliver, he can’t seem to understand his former best friend’s sudden change of lifestyle and direction.”

Merlyn is one of Green Arrow’s most identifiable enemies. MTV News’ very own Ryan Rigley described the villain’s comic book counterpart as “the inspiration for Oliver Queen to take up archery back when he was but a young man.” In the show, however, Merlyn and Queen will start off as peers, former best friends who find themselves at an impasse with each other. Exactly how that dynamic plays out in future episodes is something we’re very much looking forward to.

With Donnell’s casting, the main cast for the “Arrow” pilot is largely complete. Stephen Amell stars as Oliver Queen, David Ramsey is Oliver’s bodyguard John Diggle, Susanna Thompson is Queen matriarch Moira with “O.C.” veteran Willa Holland playing her daughter Thea, while “Melrose Place” breakout star Katie Cassidy is taking on the iconic role of Black Canary.

In this episode I compare, contrast, and review two original graphic novels from the DC & Marvel. First, Superman: Earth One (DC), followed by Fantastic Four: Season One (Marvel), then suggestions for better origin stories. Spoilers!

Brosgol, Vera — Anya’s Ghost
Hill, Joe — Locke & Key, Volume 4
Jensen, Jeff — Green River Killer
Maberry, Jonathan — Marvel Universe vs. Wolverine
Mignola, Mike and Golden, Christopher — The Plague Ships
Moore, Alan — Neonomicon

You’re probably more familiar with the Mignola/Golden entry as Baltimore: The Plague Ships.

The (fan-based) Hugo Awards have had a comics category for a few years now.  It wouldn’t surprise me if the Edgars (Mystery Writers of America) added a comics category one of these years, since they recognize the format.

The Hollywood Reporter reports that a sequel will be directed by Dean Parisot, who was previously in charge of flicks like “Fun With Dick and Jane” and “Galaxy Quest.” He’s not quite known for his strong visuals, but with his experience in action-meets-slapstick, it’s safe to say that “Red 2″ probably won’t get too serious.

Bruce Willis and Morgan Freeman, who starred in the first one, are also expected to return, though details haven’t been finalized. Presumably, the movie will start shooting later in the year, after Willis is done with “A Good Day To Die Hard.” The script will also be written by Erich and Jon Hoeber, who were in charge of the first one.

Let’s not forget about long time writer Phil Hester and artist Romano Molenaar as they conclude their epic run on the series as Darkness bearer, Jackie Estacado comes face-to-face with the source of his power and misery – the Darkness itself! And only one of them will walk away…

Let’s get a word from the man himself, Phil Hester:

“Why couldn’t they have hired someone else? Anyone else? I’ve been successfully pulling the wool over Darkness readers’ eyes for years now, and the second they get a look at what David Hine is up to they’re going to forget all about my dog and pony show. Don’t believe me? Crack open Hine and Kane’s BULLETPROOF COFFIN and see one of tomorrow’s classics while it’s fresh, then get in line behind me for The Darkness #101.”

And remember: if you’re in Los Angeles area, head on over this Saturday, February 18th to Emerald Knights and celebrate 100 issues with Marc Silvestri!

We’re going to have a special 100th issue limited edition variant for you to purchase before all your friends! That’s TWO WEEKS before the issue comes out! How awesome is that?

No Pick Of The Week, but we do have a very strong female filled Fast Five. Picks include Wonder Woman #6 (DC), Glory #23 (Image), Batman #6 (DC), Daredevil #9 (Marvel), and Catwoman #6 (DC). Spoilers!

Episode 200 is next week! That’s like AroundComics-type numbers!

The Book of the Month for February 2012 is none other than Baltimore: The Plague Ships (Dark Horse) written by Mike Mignola & Christopher Golden, and art by Ben Stenbeck.

A creepy tale featuring vampires, plagues, and action galore!

Click here to read the written review!

Remember these comments can be directed at all the readers, not just me.

ALSO. You can use this space to re-ask me questions you asked me before that I failed to answer because I was too busy.

AND you can use this space to comment on posts that are old enough that no one is reading the comments threads anymore.

WRITING FOR THIS BLOG. If I see a big free form comment that deserves more attention, I will pull it and make it its own post. I am always looking for reviews of games, tv, movies, music and books. So feel free to contact me if you want to write for The Furnace.

Batman #6 by Greg Capullo

“I’m a monster!” -Buster Bluth, Arrested Development

The New Avengers #21 by Mike Deodato & Rain Beredo

While Mike Deodato isn’t one of those old school, legendary comic book artists, he can sure make a cover look like it stepped out from an era gone-by. To me, the coloring  really gives it that dated look and feel, but the shading keeps it current. The style reminds me slightly of of Walt Simonson, Barry Windsor-Smith, and even a little Gene Colon thrown in there. Very beautiful stuff.

Star Trek / Legion Of Super-Heroes #5 by Mike Allred

Look how dreamy Kirk looks right there; worth the price of admission alone! Allred definitely delivers the goods with this cover, adding a groovy ingredient to this sci-fi stew. Everyone’s uniform looks superb, and the layering of the characters fills out the cover quite nicely. Makes me want to go back and re-watch some Star Trek: The Original Series ASAP!

Wonder Woman #6 by Cliff Chiang

Myself being a big fan of Greek mythology growing up, I always loved the beasts of legend the most. Cerberus was always a favorite of mine, and I was slightly disappointed with the interpretation of him in the first Harry Potter film (to be honest, the CGI wasn’t the best at the time). This cover however, does my dawg justice; vicious pointy teeth, evil red eyes, and such a lovely gray coat. Doesn’t look like he’s in complete control though, seeing how Wonder Woman’s lasso is dancing around the cover. Great illustration by Chiang, and I’d love to eventually own a poster or print of it.

X-Factor #232 by David Yardin

“…And if you go chasing rabbits
And you know you’re going to fall
Tell ‘em a hookah smoking caterpillar
Has given you the call
To call Alice, when she was just small…“

-White Rabbit, Jefferson Airplane

And be sure to watch Episode 8 as well. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fPh4NB9lFE0

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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AkLDrAxjHfE