One of the best parts of going to conventions is discovering out of print classics. One such classic is “The Raven Banner: A Tale of Asgard”. Written by Alan Zelentz and illustrated by Charles Vess, “The Raven Banner” was originally published in 1985 as the 15th installment of Marvel’s original graphic novel line. These graphic novels were original works and were published in a storybook sized format, rather then the dimensions of a standard comic book. And the quality showed, especially in “The Raven’s Banner”.  

Mad Max debuted on the German metal scene in 1982, delivering a brilliant combination of hard rock and heavy metal. Throughout the years the band managed to record eight full-length albums and one EP, with each release proving their amazing musical skills. This exclusive set of re-released early Mad Max albums – “Mad Max”, “Rollin’ Thunder”, “Stormchild” and “Night of Passion” – brings back one of the most underrated German rock legends ever to walk the face of this planet…  

D.O.A. Canada’s punk legends and the originators of hardcore punk pummel you with a great new album, Kings of Punk, Hockey and Beer. A short time ago, Canadian punk godfather JOE SHITHEAD KEITHLEY was sourly contemplating the namby-pamby-ness of the new National Hockey League style, as he reached for the solace of a beer, it occurred to him, “Hey, damn this corporate NHL crap! Let’s give the people some real rough and tumble on the ice! The D.O.A. way!” So that’s what this is, D.O.A. go back to their roots. They invented the “HOCKEY ROCK” genre with their break though Taking Care of Business video in 1987, that featured BTO guitarist RANDY BACHMAN. (Of course all due credit... 

With their first new studio album in three years, ‘Somewhere on the Other Side of Nowhere,’ just released (via Mighty Loud!/Fontana), Powerman 5000 is gearing up to come back in a big way. The first step was to recently film a eye-popping new video for the album’s lead-off single, “Super Villain,” which as you’ll soon see, features some ultra-cool “space masks” in the clip. And starting October 12th, fans will be able to enter in a contest to win their very own robot mask that was used in the video, by visiting harddriverradio.com.  

Erik Kluiber, one of the gifted guitarists in the Los Angeles traditional metal act, WHITE WIZZARD will be releasing a series of instructional guitar videos on YouTube over the coming weeks. Kluiber, an accomplished professional guitar teacher in his spare time, will be sharing the secrets behind some of the most iconic riffs, licks, leads and solos in the world of hard rock and heavy metal.  

Nashville based hard rockers Day Of Fire’s latest release, Losing All, is set to hit stores on January 26th 2010. The album features 13 ambitious, high energy rock songs, including the first single, “Lately.” The song was the # 2 Most Added at Active Rock Radio this week and the band has an interview confirmed with HARD DRIVE set to air November 14th (airs on 125 stations nationally).  

They haven’t released their album yet, but I can already tell it will be a candidate for album of the year. Last week, Them Crooked Vultures made their New York debut at Roseland Ballroom with a phenomenal performance that is one of the best shows I’ve ever been to. Then again what else should I expect from a supergroup composed of  drummer Dave Grohl (Nirvana, Foo Fighters, Probot), lead guitarist and vocalist Josh Homme (Queens of the Stone Age), rhythm guitarist Alain Johannes (Queens of the Stone Age), and bassist, keyboardist, and legend, John Paul Jones (Led Zeppelin).  

Los Angeles, CA – October 14, 2009 — Two icons of rock have joined forces to create a new rock bar and performance space in Las Vegas. Alice in Chains guitarist/vocalist Jerry Cantrell and Anthrax guitarist Scott Ian plan to launch the venue, Dead Man’s Hand, in November.  

This past weekend, Wizard sponsored the 2009 Big Apple Comic Con at Pier 94 in New York City. The show had many highs and many lows, but like most conventions, is only as good as you make it.  

Walking Dead’s Robert Kirkman spoke exclusively with www.metalmachine.net about The Walking Dead TV show, his new project Haunt with Todd McFarlane and Image United. Who knew kirkman was such a cut up. Check it out below.  

It’s the most anticipated reunion since the original Guns N Roses, at long last the ‘big three’ Avengers, Captain America, Thor, and Iron Man are reuniting to bring an end to the ‘Dark Reign’ cast over the Marvel Universe in an event entitled, “Siege”. “Siege”, which will be written by Brian Michael Bendis and drawn by Oliver Coipel is a four issue mini series that promises to bring the biggest changes to the Avengers franchise since ‘Avengers:Disassembled’ in 2004. It will also tie together plot lines that have been brewing since Bendis’ “Secret War”. And it all kicks off in December with the “Siege: The Cabal” one shot,... 

In one of World Wrestling Entertainment’s more inspired moves Monday Night RAW is going to be hosted by a man whose notoriety eclipses that of Vince McMahon, Ozzy. Unlike other celebrity hosts such as Jeremy Piven or Reverend Al Sharpton, Ozzy is a perfect fit for the world of professional wrestling. (Or sports entertainment as it’s supposedly referred to in WWE Headquarters) Their creative team has tried for years to come up with characters that are just like Ozzy. Unfortunately, you can’t beat the genuine article. And to make matters even better, this isn’t Ozzy’s first foray into the WWE. Long time fans like myself know he managed the British Bulldogs (Davey Boy Smith and the Dynamite...