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09/10/16 @ 8:07 pm EST
A Writer’s Commentary: Ben Fisher talks The Great Divide #1, on sale now from Dynamite. Grab your copy and follow along. Cover by Mike Henderson and interiors by Adam Markiewicz.  Page 1I knew from the first draft of the script that I wanted to open with a “man runs into a bar” joke. It sets a thematic introductory bookend for the issue and also juxtaposes nicely with the gruesome imagery. This contrast is a technique that we utilize frequently. Page 2-3The Great Divide is a story about deciding to move forward even when all hope is lost, so I didn’t want to spend too much time dwelling in the past. But I did want an establishing shot of the Divide first occurring, which gives us a quick introduction to the deadly effects of physical contact as well as the concept of “riders” (absorbing the consciousness of people you’ve touched). These first few pages build the initial momentum, but also serve to underscore how quickly everything can fall apart in the new world order. This will not be the only panel featuring explode-y eyeballs. Page 4And here we meet Paul Halliday doing what he does best — using humor as a coping mechanism and stealing what he needs to survive. Introducing Paul in mid-theft is important because I didn’t want to cast him in the light of a hero. He’s not evil, really, but his scavenging existence is relatively simple at this point, unburdened and uncomplicated. I sure hope nothing bad happens to this guy. Page 5We establish a time jump by showing the same bar exterior, now covered with bullet holes and odd markings. I prefer using contextual clues like this instead of simply adding a “# Years Later” caption whenever possible. It also sets up the post-Divide barter economy, with porn being a particularly valuable currency.  Page 6-7A danger with any high concept story is getting bogged down with world-building exposition. I decided to use limited captions in the early part of this issue for reasons that I’ll discuss later, and I used Paul’s voice so that we learn as much about his personality as we do about his environment. With respect to the art itself, The Great Divide is an exploration of intimacy and close relationships, and I wanted to visually capture how empty and hollow everything can become when those things are removed from the equation. Page 8-9 Ah, the traditional Hollywood romance of Boy meets Girl, Girl smashes Boy’s face with a crowbar and steals all his stuff. Maria is the other primary protagonist in The Great Divide, and like Paul, she’s no hero. Unlike Paul, she has no problem taking control of a situation. Page 10Look, if you can talk your artist collaborator into drawing a close-up rat face, do it. Page 11One of the quirks that makes The Great Divide an interesting apocalyptic concept for me to explore is that banding together for protection really doesn’t work. In fact, it tends to have the opposite effect. But even so, would people be willing to live solitary lives? Is the herd mentality so hard-wired into our DNA that we’d seek each other out, even at the risk of death? As an aside, the third panel, transitioning Paul’s captions into dialogue, is a meta-joke about the medium. Page 12-13Here we meet Carlos, who’s going to make Paul’s life difficult for a long, long time. These pages also include a few references to “walkabouts” — an unexplained global sleepwalking-like phenomenon that will be explored in future issues. The Vampirella comic is an inside nod to Dynamite. The original script had a few different comic options, to be finalized depending on which publisher we ultimately partnered with.  Page 14-15This first meaningful dialogue between Paul and Maria was important for a number of reasons. It establishes their uneasy relationship, with Maria revealing a bit of vulnerability when she relents to Paul’s begging for gloves. We also get our first bit of character background as Paul drops some medical knowledge. (True fact: what Paul says about the pills is generally true, although his description of tetracyn is a bit over-stated. The more you know!) Page 16-18Sexuality is obviously a recurring theme in The Great Divide. We’ll be tackling it from a few different angles throughout the series including, in this case, how live pornography would be impacted. This scene also briefly hints at one of the side effects that accompanies having a rider: acute dyslexia. Page 19A careful observer will notice lots of “interesting” graffiti on various walls in every issue. Adam and I believed that one of the ways sexual frustration would manifest would be in street art. Page 20-21Now it’s Paul’s turn to show some vulnerability, agreeing to help Maria despite his better judgment when she pleads with him to save Carlos. These moments set the tone for what is going to be a tumultuous relationship between two strangers who will slowly, begrudgingly, grow closer in a world where “letting someone in” is a death sentence.  Page 22I promised more exploding eyes. Page 23-24So a lot is going on here. Paul is caught up in Maria’s heist without having any idea what her actual agenda is, and Carlos is now “trapped” in Paul’s head as a rider. From a lettering perspective, we wanted to do something unique with this concept which is why we decided to use captions earlier in the book. The reader can now see that Paul’s “inner voice” includes Carlos’ thoughts (the latter of which are in his native Colombian). And here we also get Paul telling a joke to bookend with our opening scene. Page 25These chatlogs will be included in every issue, and are an opportunity for anyone interested to learn a bit more about what’s going on outside of Paul and Maria’s limited world view. And who knows, maybe some of the concepts being discussed, and the people discussing them, will play their own part in future issues. (Spoiler: they totally will).If I may be serious for a moment, we are genuinely deeply grateful to everyone joining us on our journey with Paul and Maria. We’ve got some really fun twists and turns looming, and we can’t wait to explore them with you! 05/01/24 @ 2:47 pm EST
The critically acclaimed Giant Generator series The Sacrificers—by The New York Times bestselling writer Rick Remender (Napalm Lullaby, Deadly Class, LOW) and artist Max Fiumara (Amazing Spider-Man, Four Eyes, Lucifer), Shuster award winning colorist Dave McCaig (The Walking Dead Deluxe), and published by Image Comics—will welcome a guest artist André Lima Araújo (A Righteous Thirst for Vengeance) to the team. Araújo will be on deck for the series interiors of issues #10-12, the first of which will kick off a new story arc in July. Early uncolored, unlettered inks from the upcoming The Sacrificers #10 hint at what's to come when Remender and Araújo join forces to tell the tale of Princess Soluna’s fall from grace. After a reversal of fortune tests her resilience, she's brought face-to-face with unimaginable horrors in a search for refuge in a seemingly godforsaken world. "André is one of the greatest talents in comics today and one of those rare people who is not only an incredibly talented and exciting illustrator, but a wonderful storyteller, and a machine that never misses a schedule," said Remender. "On top of that, he's a sweet guy and a lot of fun to work with. We're really lucky to have him come join us on this and become part of this strange little family we've been building." The Sacrificers #10 will be available at comic book shops on Wednesday, July 10: Cover A by McCaig - Lunar Code 0524IM347 Cover B (1:10 copy incentive) by McCaig - Lunar Code 0524IM348 The Sacrificers is available across many digital platforms, including Amazon Kindle, Apple Books, and Google Play.        
... 05/01/24 @ 2:48 pm EST
Following her breakout role as Shin Hati in the hit Star Wars series Ahsoka, Ivanna Sakhno has found her next big role. Deadline is reporting that she has landed a major part in M3GAN 2.0, a sequel to the hit film from Atomic Monster and Blumhouse in association with Divide/Conquer. She joins a cast that includes Allison Williams and Violet McGraw. Plot details on M3GAN 2.0 are unknown, but the original film revolves around a life-like AI doll that is programmed to be a child’s greatest companion and a parent’s greatest ally. Designed by brilliant toy-company roboticist Gemma (Williams), M3GAN can listen, watch and learn as she becomes friend and teacher, playmate and protector, for the child she is bonded to. That film would go on to make $180 million worldwide on a $12 million budget, with a sequel quickly going into development. 04/30/24 @ 11:05 pm EST
Dynamite and Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products' blockbuster ThunderCats comic book series explodes to new heights this July in a brand new story arc reuniting writer Declan Shalvey with ongoing artist Drew Moss that brings an exciting first appearance for the series and more!
Following June's issue #5 with guest artist Stephen Mooney (Half Past Danger, The Rocketeer) and a focus on Cheetara's training of Lion-O, the unstoppable tag team of Shalvey and Moss realign for this exciting next step in the epic journey. With the ThunderCats now more settled on their new home planet of Third Earth, it's time for them to make it their home.
Fans will get to see Drew's new artistic vision of the team's base. Even more exciting will be the debut of the Thundertank into the series! Though Lion-O remains the central figure of the series, this arc will shift a bit from each core character issue to issue, showing their relationship with the young upstart heroic leader. Panthro powers up their iconic vehicle to kick off this new arc with a bang. While on a quest to track down sources of Thundrainium, the warrior recalls back to the days of Thundara before its destruction, Lion-O's time as a cub, but he can't reminisce too much. He'll find himself attacked by Mu'Tants and along the way learn more of the history of Third Earth, its penal colony past and the irony of now using it as a sanctuary.
Beyond Panthro and the Thundertank, another big star of ThunderCats #6 is special guest cover artist Rahzzah! The superstar creator is known for his jaw-dropping work on titles like Ghost Rider, Weapon X, Hulk, Darth Vader, and more. Collectors will not want to miss his stunning cover, an open incentive variant.
Rahzzah is joined by the continuing regular cover contributors of David Nakayama, Lucio Parrillo, Shalvey, Jae Lee, Ivan Tao, and an action figure variant. Nakayama's lead cover shows off the Thundertank in all its glory!
With an approachable largely standalone issue #5, a thrilling new arc in the following #6, and an early release for the first collection with more details coming, it's the perfect time to jump into ThunderCats fandom!
    THUNDERCATS #6 will be solicited in Diamond Comic Distributors’ May 2024 Previews catalog, the premier source of merchandise for the comic book specialty market, and slated for release in July 2024. Comic book fans are encouraged to preorder copies of the book with their local comic book retailers. It will also be available for individual customer purchase through digital platforms courtesy of Comixology, Kindle, iBooks, Google Play, Dynamite Digital, ComicsPlus, and more! ... 04/30/24 @ 3:44 pm EST
Amazon Prime Video‘s upcoming series based on James Patterson’s Alex Cross novels is being renewed for Season 2, Variety reports. The show, which stars Aldis Hodge as Cross, has yet to debut its first season or even set a premiere date. But according to sources, Amazon was impressed enough with what they have seen from the first season to greenlight the second and begin casting. Jeanine Mason (“Roswell, New Mexico,” “Upload”) has reportedly already been cast in Season 2. Reps for Amazon declined to comment. “Cross” is described as a thriller series, while Cross himself is said to be “brilliant, flawed, and full of contradictions. A doting father and family man, Cross is single-minded to the point of obsession when he hunts killers. He is desperate for love, but his wife’s murder has left him too damaged to receive it.” 04/30/24 @ 3:19 pm EST
Dynamite Entertainment is excited to announce a new licensing partnership with Full Moon Features, to produce collectibles and other projects featuring their legendary Puppet Master series of films, in celebration of the franchise's 35th anniversary. With plans to unleash an exciting set of trading cards celebrating the franchise's history across its dozen-plus film entries, fans can stay tuned for further information on this project and the possibility of others in this collaboration. " Puppet Master is one of the most unique and classic franchises in horror," said Nick Barruccci, Dynamite CEO and Publisher. "We're excited to connect with the diehard fans of the films and deliver something truly special for their collections." "The Puppet Master series might just be the most important franchise in our vast Full Moon film universe," said Charles Band, CEO and Founder of Full Moon. "So, it is extremely important to us that our brand be forever in good hands. The Dynamite team have surpassed all of our expectations, creating a collection of cards that exemplify the magic, mystery and visual grandeur of Puppet Master and the iconic characters within. We couldn't be more pleased with this partnership." The Puppet Master series kicked off in 1989 with its eponymous first entry. Anthropomorphic puppets animated by an ancient Egyptian spell wreak havoc, equipped with dangerous devices and weapons and out to threaten people, or even to fight against other puppets. The film is considered one of the key cult hits of the home video and rental era of horror. Its massive success and following led to 10 sequels, a reboot, spinoffs, and crossovers. More details on the first project in this team-up between two purveyors of classic horror stories will come soon! SIGN UP HERE FOR UPDATES ON THE COLLABORATION! ... 04/30/24 @ 12:09 pm EST
The wait is over! Fans will be able to get caught up on the juggernaut new ThunderCats comic this July and add the initial instant classic story arc to their shelf, as Dynamite and Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products announce the first collected edition of the hit series. The first issue of the new ThunderCats title shattered records for Dynamite and dominated the comics industry and community upon its release. With a second printing and third printing selling out, new waves of readers continue to discover the title through great reviews, and especially word of mouth on this viral story. This summer it's all ramping up even more.
ThunderCats #5 is set to feature a special spotlight story on Cheetara with guest artist Stephen Mooney (Half Past Danger, The Rocketeer) joining writer Declan Shalvey. Then the next month Cheetara pounces into her own essential companion series with the release of ThunderCats Cheetara #1 by creator Soo Lee (Disney Villains: Maleficent). That same month, ThunderCats #6 reunites ongoing artist Drew Moss on the book and kicks off a new story arc in the flagship series.
With this exciting whirlwind of developments in the comic series, Dynamite wants fans to be able to jump right in even if they've missed the earlier launch and releases. The ultimate cherry on top and gateway to the mythos releases July 17 as a special trade paperback edition of ThunderCats: Omens will be available exclusively in comic book stores. This Direct Market Special Edition reprints issues #1-5 of the hit series and will be limited to a single printing. Later editions planned as both paperback and hardcover available both in comics stores and other retailers will feature different covers.
Critics have lauded the series to date, as each issue builds on the last.
"Nostalgic and daring, ThunderCats is a thrilling remix of a beloved '80s classic." - AIPT
"Has set the foundation for a promising adventure, and it should only get better from here." - ComicBook.com
"I continue to enjoy the world being created in this series and how it delivers on everything that I loved about the original series and the lore behind it." - The Super Powered Fancast
"A gripping narrative with layers of drama, character conflicts, and mysterious connections. The introduction of Calica [issue #3] injects freshness into the storyline, keeping readers on their toes." - Comical Opinions
THUNDERCATS VOL 1: OMENS DIRECT MARKET SPECIAL EDITION TPB will be solicited in Diamond Comic Distributors’ May 2024 Previews catalog, the premier source of merchandise for the comic book specialty market, and slated for release in July 2024. Comic book fans are encouraged to preorder copies of the book with their local comic book retailers. ... 04/30/24 @ 12:15 pm EST
Netflix has dropped the official trailer for Jurassic World: Chaos Theory, the animated follow-up sequel series to Jurassic World: Camp Cretaceous, and there’s one name that is conspicuously missing. Jenna Ortega, who voiced Brooklynn in Camp Creatceous, is not listed in the voice cast for Chaos Theory, or seen in the trailer. Deadline reports it has confirmed she will not be returning for the new series. Chaos Theory picks up with Brooklynn seemingly killed by a dinosaur attack. According to Ben (Sean Giambrone), she was targeted, and the other members of the Nublar Six are now in danger. Jurassic World: Chaos Theory is slated to debut on Netflix May 24. Trailer: https://youtu.be/bLgUKAAKyQw 04/29/24 @ 9:34 pm EST
Deadline reports that Studiocanal and Editions Albert René have signed an exclusive development agreement for the fifth live action movie inspired by the adventures of French comic strip hero Asterix.The deal comes as French publishing house Éditions Albert René marks the 65th anniversary of the creation of the plucky Gaul warrior Asterix and his sidekick Obelix by René Goscinny and Albert Uderzo in 1959.Since then, 400 million Asterix books in 130 languages and dialects have sold worldwide, with 40 albums of Asterix adventures published since 1961. The Asterix & Obelix comic books are embedded in French culture and have inspired five live-action films to date. No details on the storyline, schedule, cast or director were available as yet. 04/29/24 @ 9:29 pm EST
BOOM! Studios today revealed a first look at MAN’S BEST #3, the next issue of an action-packed sci-fi romp full of heart by Pornsak Pichetshote, writer of the Eisner and Harvey Award-winning The Good Asian, Eisner Award-nominated rising star artist Jesse Lonergan (Miss Truesdale and the Fall of Hyperborea), and letterer Jeff Powell (Infidel). Homeward Bound on an alien world, MAN’S BEST follows three emotional support pets living on the Starship Horizon—a spacecraft searching for a new home to house a humanity compromised by bad decisions and corporate greed, coming to comic shops this May. In the middle chapter of the epic space adventure featuring 3 animal best friends on a quest to save the earth, the splendor of the planet does little to comfort Athos as they feel at fault for the recent tragedy in the midst of searching for their missing comrade. And as they enter a new psychic realm and literally form a much deeper connection than before, what challenges and new discoveries lie ahead as they continue their desperate mission? MAN’S BEST #3 features a main cover by series artist Jesse Lonergan, and variant covers by fan-favorite artists JJ Harrison (New Masters), Paulina Ganucheau (Heartbeat), and Junggeun Yoon (The Expanse: Dragon Tooth). MAN’S BEST is the newest release from BOOM! Studios’ eponymous imprint, home to critically acclaimed original series, including BRZRKR by Keanu Reeves, Matt Kindt, and Ron Garney; Something is Killing the Children by James Tynion IV and Werther Dell’Edera; Grim by Stephanie Phillips and Flaviano; Stuff of Nightmares by R.L. Stine and A.L. Kaplan; Damn Them All by Simon Spurrier and Charlie Adlard; Once Upon a Time at the End of the World by Jason Aaron, Alexandre Tefenkgi, Leila del Duca, and Nick Dragotta; Know Your Station by Sarah Gailey and Liana Kangas; A Vicious Circle by Mattson Tomlin and Lee Bermejo; The Neighbors by Jude Ellison S. Doyle and Letizia Cadonici; Ghostlore by Cullen Bunn and Leomacs; Sirens of the City by Joanne Starer and Khary Randolph; Coda by Simon Spurrier and Matías Bergara; Rare Flavours by Ram V and Filipe Andrade; Underheist by David and Maria Lapham; and Animal Pound by Tom King and Peter Gross. The imprint also publishes popular licensed properties, including Dune: House Harkonnen from Brian Herbert, Kevin J. Anderson, and Michael Shelfer; Mighty Morphin Power Rangers by Melissa Flores and Simona Di Gianfelice; and The Expanse: Dragon Tooth by Andy Diggle and Rubine. MAN’S BEST #3 will be available in comic shops May 22, 2024. It is available for pre-order at your local comic shop. Digital copies can be purchased from content providers, including Kindle, iBooks, and Google Play. Man's Best #3 A Main: MAR240088 Man's Best #3 B Variant: MAR240089 Man's Best #3 C 1:25 INCV: MAR240090 Man's Best #3 D FOC Reveal Var: MAR240091 Man's Best #3 E Unlockable Var: MAR240092 Check out DYNAMIC FORCE'S interview with MAN'S BEST writer PORNSAK PICHETSHOTE by Byron Brewer. https://www.dynamicforces.com/htmlfiles/interviews.html?showinterview=IN02222412024        
... 04/29/24 @ 9:19 pm EST
Greg Berlanti and Netflix are going for a ride in the Mystery Machine.The streaming giant is near a deal for a live-action TV series based on the beloved Hanna-Barbera animated cartoon Scooby-Doo. The project has a script-to-series commitment at Netflix, meaning if the script is well received, it would trigger a straight-to-series order for what is considered a live-action update of the classic cartoon.Reps for Netflix, producers Warner Bros. Television and Berlanti Productions declined to comment, as a deal has not yet formally closed.Josh Appelbaum and Scott Rosenberg — who previously adapted Cowboy Bebop for Netflix and High Fidelity for Hulu — are attached to pen the script and exec produce via their Midnight Radio banner’s André Nemec and Jeff Pinkner. Berlanti and his Berlanti Productions partner Sarah Schechter will exec produce alongside the company’s Leigh London Redman. Berlanti Productions’ Jonathan Gabay and Midnight Radio’s Adrienne Erickson will be credited as co-exec producers. Warner Bros. Television, where Berlanti has been based for years, is the studio as the company owns animation studio Hanna-Barbera. (via The Hollywood Reporter) |
