Second Comics Collection Cover

Hermes Press have unveiled the cover image for Dark Shadows: The Complete Series Volume 2, which features a great vintage rendering of Barnabas Collins stalking a victim. Click on the thumbnail for a larger view.

The book is the second in a series of deluxe hardback reprints of the classic 1960s Dark Shadows comic books from Gold Key, and is due out on July 29 2010, priced $49.99. Amazon are currently offering the book at a 30% discount, and it can be pre-ordered by clicking here.

Michael Currie: 1928-2009

The Portland Press Herald has reported the death of actor Michael Currie, who played Sheriff Jonas Carter in the early episodes of Dark Shadows. Michael died on December 22 at his home in Freeport, Maine, aged 81. His other work included appearances on M*A*S*H, Soap, Dallas and Cheers. For a full obituary, click here.

Conard Fowkes: 1933-2009

Theatermania has reported the death of actor Conard Fowkes, who played lawyer Frank Garner in the early episodes of Dark Shadows. Conard died on December 14 at the age of 76.

His career included roles on Broadway, stints on Secret Storm and As The World Turns, plus a long-serving position working for the Actor's Equity council, which he held until earlier this year. To read a full obituary, click here.

Final Judgement Due in January

Big Finish's next Dark Shadows audio drama is out on CD and download in January. Final Judgement is an all-new audio drama starring Lara Parker and Kathryn Leigh Scott in an exciting story that sees Angelique and Josette fighting for survival. Here's a teaser synopsis:

"Do you swear to reveal to this jury of your peers, the truths you’ve withheld from your lord and master?"

In the afterlife, Josette has made a pact with the Dark Lord to try Angelique for crimes against true love. But Josette’s time spent as a restless spirit has taken its toll. Is she strong enough to take on her old adversary? If Angelique is convicted, then her soul is forfeit, restoring Josette to life and beauty. If not...

"I received an email from Lara Parker saying that she'd always wanted to do something where she and Kathryn Leigh Scott could really go at it,” reveals author Debbie Smith. "I immediately thought that was a wonderful idea."

Final Judgement is the second release in the new series of Dark Shadows Dramatic Readings, following on from September’s Curse of the Pharaoh. From January-May 2010, there will be five new stories, including scripts by Stephen Mark Rainey and Torchwood novelist James Goss. To order online, click here.

Dark Shadows Movie Confirmed for 2010

It's been a long time coming, but SciFiWire reports that Dark Shadows has been confirmed as Tim Burton's next film. The big budget feature film will begin shooting in late 2010, starring Johnny Depp as Barnabas Collins. 

The project had previously been delayed by director Tim Burton's ongoing commitments on his current project, Alice in Wonderland. Dark Shadows producer Graham King, updated the production's status at a recent press conference for The Young Victoria, revealing that pre-production is underway:  

"We've been working on the script a lot... John August wrote the first screenplay. We're making some changes, but the film's going to be in production [by] September or October of next year."

Second Volume of Gold Key Reprints Announced

Hot on the heels of the announcement of the first volume of 1960s Dark Shadows comic book reprints, Hermes Press has confirmed the release of a second volume, due out in Summer 2010. The publisher plans to issue the entire series in five hardcover books.

Dark Shadows: The Complete Collection Volume 2 is due out on July 29 2010 and includes digitally restored strips, plus bonus content and other features. To pre-order the book at a 30% discount from Amazon, click here. Volume 1 is still due out on March 29 2010 and can be pre-ordered by clicking here.