Just try and escape "Iron Man"-ia

"IRON MAN" ROUNDUP: The impending release of Marvel's "Iron Man" is generating tons of interest as fans and the industry see the possibility of the first big hit of 2008. In checking out some of the new clips available online, including this one of director Jon Favreau touring the set in a classic Iron Man T-shirt and this clip at Apple, more interesting bits are coming out. I particularly like the twist of Tony Stark naming the computer in the armor "Jarvis." Not only does it give Tony someone to talk to in action sequences, it's a cool way to work in the name of the Avengers' long-suffering butler, Edwin Jarvis. ... Reports have snuck out that Samuel L. Jackson's cameo as Nick Fury has been cut from "Iron Man."

MORE MARVEL: Another pic from "X-Men Origins: Wolverine" shows a worm's eye view of Logan's claws. ... Ed Norton, star and co-writer of "The Incredible Hulk," is downplaying the creative differences he had with Marvel on the film.

"THE SPIRIT," "DARK KNIGHT" AND MORE: The first stills from "Will Eisner's The Spirit" came out at IGN, though they depict Scarlett Johansson as Silken Floss and Samuel L. Jackson as the Octopus rather than Gabriel Macht's titular hero. An image of an action figure based on the lead character has leaked out — as have a bunch of unofficial pics Lionsgate has been quick to take down — show The Spirit's all-black suit with red tie look. ... Check out "The Dark Knight" viral site I Believe in Harvey Dent. ... Pics of action figures from Zack Snyder's forthcoming "Watchmen" have been released, while Snyder himself has lined up the animated "Guardians of Ga'Hoole" as his next film.

DEALS: David DiGilio has been signed to adapt Oni's "The Damned" into a feature film. ... Stan Lee has teamed up with Brighton Partners and Rainmaker Studios to develop "Legion of 5," a new superhero project they plan to turn into a series of CG animated films.

FANBOY DEBATES: A new poll anoints "Batman Begins" as the best superhero movie of all time. ... Is Superman the best superhero or the worst ? Two columnists take sides. ...