Hulk, Scooby-Doo, Black Cat dominate December

Here we are, smack in the middle of the holiday season. And there is lots of stuff happening in the world of comics, movies and television.

So without further ado, let's check it out.

Hulk Alpha artist in town tomorrow to sign comics

Paul Pelletier, artist of the new Hulk Alpha comic, will be signing books from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5 at Yancy Street Comics, 9409 U.S. 19, inside the Gulf View Mall in Port Richey.

Fans will have a chance to win rare variant covers to Hulk Alpha.

For more information, call www.yancystcomics.com

'Fall of the Hulks'

Speaking of the Hulk, Marvel this month is about to straighten out the confusion with the character. In case you didn't hear, the Hulk is not only green anymore. He comes in different colors and different personas.

It all comes to a head in the "Fall of the Hulks" storyline.

For a peek, visit http://marvel.com/news/comicstories.10245.FIRST_LOOK~colon~_Fall_of_the_Hulks_Gamma

McAdams tabbed for Black Cat role in Spidey movie

Rumor has it that Rachel McAdams will play the role of Black Cat, in the fourth Spider-Man movie due out in May 2011.

McAdams, 31, known to many for her role in "The Time Traveler's Wife," would play the villainess who falls for Peter Parker.

In the comics, Peter and Black Cat have maintained a love-hate relationship so it should be interesting to see how the movie version plays this out.

Of course, Tobey Maguire and Kirsten Dunst will be back as Peter and (his other love interest) Mary Jane.

Stan Lee to turn 87

Happy Birthday to Stan Lee. He will turn 87 on Dec. 28.

Hard to believe this comic book legend, who co-created the Fantastic Four and Spider-Man and re-imagined the genre, is that old.

But can Stan ever age? To his fans, he's still "The Man."

Or maybe reading comics just keeps us young.

Blackest Night translates into sales for DC

DC's mega-crossover event, "Blackest Night" is a certified hit.

Six of the Blackest Night tie-ins made the top sales spots for October and edged DC Comics closer to Marvel in overall comics sold.

Apparently, fans love this storyline that features a slew of DC superheroes rising from the dead.

Let's see if DC can continue the momentum when this is all over sometime early next year.

Scooby-Doo is back

The Cartoon Network will show new episodes of the classic Scooby-Doo cartoon this month.

Join Scooby, Velma, Shaggy, Fred and Daphne as they solve spooky mysteries. For a list of new shows air dates and times, visit www.cartoonnetwork.com/tv_shows/scooby/index.html

This was one of my favorite cartoons as a boy and I still enjoy the characters. Also, in case parents don't know, DC does publish a Scooby-Doo comic book for youngsters so check that out.

Happy Holidays to my readers

Wishing you all the best this holiday season. Don't forget, comic books and trade paperbacks make excellent gifts!

Join me here on Jan. 1 for my New Year's Day column.