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01/09/15 @ 10:14 pm EST
As voted on by retailers in the comic book direct market, the Diamond Gem Awards, in full, with nominations
2014 Comic Book Publisher of the Year – Over 4% – Image Comics
Also nominated:
Dark Horse Comics
DC Comics
IDW Publishing
Marvel Comics
2014 Comic Book Publisher of the Year – Under 4% – BOOM! Studios
Also nominated:
Archie Comics
Avatar Press
Dynamite Entertainment
Oni Press
Titan Comics
Valiant Entertainment
VIZ Media
Zenescope Entertainment
2014 Backlist Publisher of the Year – DC Comics
Also nominated:
Dark Horse Comics
IDW Publishing
Image Comics
Marvel Comics
VIZ Media
Zenescope Entertainment
And a non voteable award for 2014 Top Dollar Comic Book Publisher
Of The Year to Marvel Comics
2014 Comic Book of the Year – Under $3.00 – Ms. Marvel #1 – Marvel
Also nominated:
Afterlife With Archie #6 – Archie Comics
Batgirl #35 – DC Comics
Outcast by Kirkman & Azaceta #1 – Image Comics
The Devilers #1 – Dynamite Entertainment
Whedon Three Way One-shot – Dark Horse Comics
2014 Comic Book of the Year – Over $3.00 – Thor #1 – Marvel Comics
Also nominated:
Big Trouble in Little China #1 – BOOM! Studios
Bunker #1 – Oni Press
Crossed +100 #1 – Avatar Press
Hellboy and the BPRD #1 – Dark Horse Comics
Life with Archie #36 – Archie Comics
Little Nemo: Return to Slumberland #1 – IDW Publishing
Low #1 – Image Comics
Multiversity #1 – DC Comics
The Valiant #1 – Valiant Entertainment
Another non-voteable award, 2014 Top Dollar Comic of the Year – Amazing Spider-Man #1
2014 Licensed Comic of the Year – Serenity: Leaves on the Wind #1 – Dark Horse Comics
Also nominated:
Bob’s Burgers #1 – Dynamite Entertainment
Figment #1 – Marvel Comics
Scribblenauts Unmasked: Crisis of Imagination #1 – DC Comics
Star Trek/Planet of the Apes #1 – IDW Publishing
2014 Best New Comic Book Series – Outcast by Kirkman and Azaceta – Image Comics
Also nominated:
Django/Zorro – Dynamite Entertainment
Doctor Who – Titan Comics
Grayson – DC Comics
Lumberjanes – BOOM! Studios
Rai – Valiant Entertainment
Rocket Raccoon – Marvel Comics
Serenity Leaves On the Wind – Dark Horse
The Bunker – Oni Press
2014 Original Graphic Novel of the Year – Batman: Earth One TP – DC Comics
Also nominated:
Adventure Time Original GN Vol. 3: Seeing Red – BOOM! Studios
Battling Boy: The Rise of Aurora West GN Vol. 1 – First Second Books
Blacksad: Amarillo HC- Dark Horse Comics
Nemo: Roses of Berlin HC- Top Shelf Productions
Noah HC – Image Comics
Seconds: A Graphic Novel – Ballantine Books
Sisters GN/HC – Graphix
Thanos: The Infinity Revelation OGN HC- Marvel Comics
2014 Indie GN of the Year – Andre the Giant: Life & Legend GN – :01 First Second Books
Also nominated:
Bumperhead HC – Drawn & Quarterly
Charles Burns’ Sugar Skull GN – Pantheon Books
Hip Hop Family Tree GN Vol. 02 – Fantagraphics
Strong Female Protagonist GN Book 01 – Top Shelf Productions
2014 Reprint TP or HC of the Year – Batman: Death of the Family Book & Joker Mask Set- DC Comics
Also nominated:
Afterlife with Archie TP Vol. 01: Escape from Riverdale PX Ed. – Archie Comics
Cannon: Wally Wood HC- Fantagraphics Books
Guardians of the Galaxy by Abnett and Lanning Complete Coll. TP Vol. 01- Marvel Comics
Saga Deluxe Edition HC Vol. 01 – Image Comics
Scott Pilgrim Color HC Vol. 05 – Oni Press
Steranko: Nick Fury, Agent of SHIELD Artist’s Ed. HC- IDW Publishing
The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen III: Century HC Complete Ed. – Top Shelf Productions
The True Lives of the Fabulous Killjoys TP- Dark Horse Comics
2014 Licensed TP or HC of the Year – Avatar: The Last Airbender – The Search Library Ed. HC – Dark Horse Comics
Also nominated:
Disney Rosa Duck Library HC Vol. 01: Uncle Scrooge: Son of the Sun – Fantagraphics Books
Disney’s Frozen Cinestory – Joe Books Inc.
He-Man and the Masters of the Universe TP Vol. 03 – DC Comics
Kingdom Hearts 358 /2 Days GN Vol. 02 – Yen Press
Lego: Legends of Chima GN Vol. 01: High Risk – Papercutz
Revenge: The Secret Origin of Emily Thorne Prem. HC – Marvel Comics
Skylanders: The Kaos Trap – IDW Publishing
2014 Anthology of the Year – Dark Horse Presents 2014 #1 – Dark Horse Comics
Also nominated:
CBLDF Presents Liberty HC – Image Comics
Complete Zap Comix HC Box Set – Fantagraphics Books
Original Sins #1 – #5 – Marvel Comics
Spera Ascension of the Starless HC Vol. 01 – BOOM! Studios
Vertigo Quarterly #1 Cyan – DC Comics
Witzend HC Box Set: Wally Wood – Fantagraphics Books
2014 Best All-Ages Series – My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic – IDW Publishing
Also nominated:
Adventure Time – BOOM! Studios
Avatar the Last Airbender – Dark Horse Comics
Donald Duck Minis – Fantagraphics Books
Figment – Marvel Comics
Howtoons Reignition – Image Comics
Lego: Legends of Chima – Papercutz
Scooby Doo, Where Are You? – DC Comics
Skyward – Action Lab Entertainment
2014 Best Free Comic Book Day Book – FCBD 2014 Guardians of the Galaxy – Marvel Comics
Also nominated:
FCBD 2014 Archie Digest #1 – Archie Comics
FCBD 2014 Bongo Free-for-All – Bongo
FCBD 2014 DC The New 52: Futures End Spec. Ed. – DC Comics
FCBD 2014 DH Avatar/Hellboy/Juice Squeezers – Dark Horse Comics
FCBD 2014 Hello Kitty Surprise – Perfect Square
FCBD 2014 KaBOOM! Summer Blast – BOOM!
FCBD 2014 Mighty Morphin Power Rangers – Papercutz
FCBD 2014 Rise of the Magi – Image Comics
FCBD 2014 SpongeBob Freestyle Funnies- United Plankton Pictures
FCBD 2014 Transformers vs. GI Joe – IDW Publishing
FCBD 2014 Walt Disney’s Uncle Scrooge/Donald Duck: Gravity – Fantagraphics Books
2014 Manga Publisher of the Year – VIZ Media
Also nominated are:
Dark Horse Comics
Fantagraphics Books
Kodansha Comics
Seven Seas Entertainment
Vertical Inc.
Yen Press
2014 Manga TP of the Year – Attack on Titan: Before the Fall GN Vol. 01 – Kodansha Comics
Also nominated:
Deadman Wonderland GN Vol. 01 – Viz Media
Naruto GN – Viz Media
New Lone Wolf and Cub TP Vol. 01 – Dark Horse Comics
Nijigahara Holograph HC – Fantagraphics Books
Sword Art Online: Fairy GN Vol. 01 – Yen Press
2014 Magazine of the Year – MAD Magazine – DC Comics
Also nominated:
Bleeding Cool Magazine – Avatar Press
DC Masterpiece Figure Collection Magazine Batman 75th Anniversary Set – Eaglemoss Publications
Doctor Who: Essential Guide to 50 Years – Panini Publishing Ltd.
Fangoria Presents Scream Factory Special – Starlog Group
Marvel 75th Anniversary Magazine Special Ed. – Marvel Comics
The Walking Dead Magazine – Titan Publishing
2014 Trade Book of the Year – The Overstreet Comic Book Price Guide Vol. 44 – Gemstone Publishing
Also nominated:
75 Years of Marvel: From the Golden Age to the Silver Screen HC – Taschen America L.L.C.
Attack on Titan Guidebook SC – Kodansha Comics
Comics Journal Library TP Vol. 09 Zap Interviews – Fantagraphics Books
Goodnight Darth Vader HC – Touchstone
Hellboy: The First 20 Years HC – Dark Horse Comics
Marvel Masterworks: Famous Firsts 75th Anniversary Slipcase Set 2nd Ed. – Marvel Comics
Paul Pope: Monsters & Titans – Battling Boy Art on Tour SC – Image Comics
Transformers Legacy: The Art of Transformers Packaging HC – IDW Publishing
2014 Game Manufacturer of the Year – Wizards of the Coast
Also nominated:
Cryptozoic Entertainment
Fantasy Flight Publishing
Paizo Publishing
WizKids/NECA
2014 Game Product of the Year – Marvel Dice Masters: Uncanny X-Men Starter Set
Also nominated:
DC Deck Building Game Crisis Expansion Pack 1
Dungeons & Dragons Next Starter Game Set
Pathfinder RPG Advanced Class Guide
Star Wars RPG Age of Rebellion Core Rulebook
2014 Toy Manufacturer of the Year – Funko
Also nominated:
DC Collectibles
Diamond Select Toys
Good Smile Company
Monogram International
2014 Toy Product of the Year – DC Comics Super Villains Harley Quinn AF – DC Collectibles
Also nominated:
Arkham Asylum: Joker PX Bust Bank – Monogram
DC Comics Designer Series 1: Capullo Batman AF – DC Collectibles
Game of Thrones Figure: Daenerys – Dark Horse Comics
Legend of Zelda Skyward Sword Link Figma AF – Max Factory
Marvel Select: Classic Hawkeye AF – Diamond Select Toys
X-Men Legends 6” AF 8-pc. Asst. – Hasbro
2014 Toy Line of the Year - Batman Animated – DC Collectibles
Also nominated:
Breaking Bad – Mezco
DC Comics Variant Play Arts Kai – Square Enix
Game of Thrones Figures – Dark Horse Comics
Marvel Select – Diamond Select Toys
Walking Dead TV Series 5 – TMP
2014 Collectible Statue of the Year – Batman Black & White: Harley Quinn 2nd Ed. Statue – DC Collectibles
Also nominated:
DC Comics Bombshells: Black Canary Statue – DC Collectibles
Marvel Comics Avengers NOW: Hulk ArtFX+ Statue – Koto Inc.
The Walking Dead: Rick Grimes Resin Statue – TMP Toys /McFarlane Toys
07/05/25 @ 1:54 pm EST
In a twist worthy of a Hollywood script, Ryan Coogler’s breakout horror film Sinners—a 2025 box office juggernaut—owes part of its haunting aesthetic to a Marvel movie that never made it to set. The film’s eerie, period-perfect costumes were originally designed for Marvel Studios’ long-delayed Blade reboot, which remains in production limbo. According to Sinners producer Sev Ohanian, the film’s costume designer, Oscar-winner Ruth E. Carter ( Black Panther), had been working on Blade when the project was shelved indefinitely. That version of Blade, starring Mahershala Ali, was once envisioned as a 1920s-set vampire thriller—eerily similar in tone and era to Sinners. When Sinners was greenlit on a tight schedule, Carter had a warehouse full of unused, period-appropriate costumes. Marvel, in a rare behind-the-scenes collaboration, allowed Coogler’s team to purchase the wardrobe “at price”. While the main cast including Michael B. Jordan, Hailee Steinfeld, and others wore custom-designed costumes tailored specifically for their characters, many of the extras in Sinners were dressed in the repurposed Blade costumes, giving the film a rich, textured authenticity without the usual prep time. First announced in 2019, Marvel’s Blade reboot has faced repeated delays due to creative changes, director exits, and industry strikes. The film was removed from Disney’s release calendar in 2024 and remains without a confirmed production date. Despite the setbacks, Mahershala Ali has expressed continued interest in the role, recently telling reporters, “Call Marvel. I’m ready”.  07/05/25 @ 1:29 pm EST
Nearly 50 years after One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest became a cinematic landmark, a new television spinoff is in the works—this time told through the eyes of the character who saw everything but said very little: Chief Bromden. Producer Paul Zaentz, nephew of the original film’s producer Saul Zaentz, revealed on the CK Café podcast that he has signed an agreement with the widow of author Ken Kesey to develop a TV series based on the 1962 novel. The first season will be told entirely from the perspective of Chief Bromden, the towering half-Native American patient who pretended to be deaf and mute in the original story. Zaentz explained that the series will begin within the psychiatric hospital, as in the original, but will then follow Chief’s journey after his dramatic escape—territory the original film never explored. While Milos Forman’s 1975 film adaptation won five Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Actor for Jack Nicholson, it famously diverged from Kesey’s novel by shifting the narrative focus from Chief Bromden to Randle McMurphy. Kesey was openly critical of this change. The upcoming series aims to restore the novel’s original point of view and delve deeper into the Chief’s inner world. Chief Bromden’s character—played by Will Sampson in the film—was a symbol of silent resistance and eventual emancipation. The new series promises to explore his backstory, his psychological trauma, and his life beyond the institution. It’s a chance to reframe the narrative around Indigenous identity, mental health, and the long shadow of institutionalization.  07/05/25 @ 1:20 pm EST
Julian McMahon, the charismatic Australian actor known for his iconic roles in Nip/Tuck, Charmed, and the Fantastic Four films, has passed away at the age of 56 following a private battle with cancer. His wife, Kelly McMahon, confirmed that he died peacefully on July 2, 2025, in Clearwater, Florida. Born in Sydney on July 27, 1968, McMahon was the son of former Australian Prime Minister William McMahon. He began his career as a model before transitioning to acting in Australian soaps like The Power, The Passion and Home and Away. His move to Hollywood led to breakout roles in Profiler and Charmed, where he played the complex and seductive demon Cole Turner. But it was his portrayal of Dr. Christian Troy in FX’s Nip/Tuck that cemented his status as a television icon. The role earned him a Golden Globe nomination and showcased his ability to balance charm, darkness, and vulnerability. He later brought gravitas to the role of Victor Von Doom in the Fantastic Four films, becoming one of Marvel’s earliest cinematic villains. McMahon’s career spanned decades and genres. He starred in FBI: Most Wanted as Jess LaCroix, appeared in Hulu’s Runaways, and most recently played the Australian Prime Minister in Netflix’s The Residence—a poignant nod to his real-life heritage. McMahon is survived by his wife Kelly and his daughter Madison, whom he shared with ex-wife Brooke Burns. In her statement, Kelly described him as a man who “loved life… and whose deepest wish was to bring joy into as many lives as possible”.  07/01/25 @ 3:12 pm EST
Jim Shooter was a towering figure in the comic book industry—both literally and professionally. He began his career at just 14 years old, writing for DC Comics, where he made a splash with stories for the Legion of Super-Heroes. His early creations included characters like Karate Kid, Ferro Lad, and Princess Projectra, as well as the villain group Fatal Five. Here’s a snapshot of his legacy: <!--[if !supportLists]-->· <!--[endif]--> DC Comics: Started as a teenage writer, contributing to Adventure Comics and Action Comics. <!--[if !supportLists]-->· <!--[endif]--> Marvel Comics: Rose to become Editor-in-Chief from 1978 to 1987. Under his leadership: <!--[if !supportLists]-->o <!--[endif]-->Oversaw iconic runs like Uncanny X-Men by Claremont & Byrne, Daredevil by Frank Miller, and Thor by Walt Simonson. <!--[if !supportLists]-->o <!--[endif]-->Introduced creator royalties and launched the Epic imprint for creator-owned work. <!--[if !supportLists]-->o <!--[endif]-->Created the first major crossover event: Secret Wars. <!--[if !supportLists]-->· <!--[endif]--> Valiant Comics: Co-founded the publisher in the early '90s, bringing characters like Solar: Man of the Atom and Harbinger to life. <!--[if !supportLists]-->· <!--[endif]-->Also founded Defiant Comics and Broadway Comics, though both were short-lived. Shooter was known for his strict editorial style, which helped Marvel stay on schedule but also led to clashes with many creators. Despite the friction, his tenure is credited with revitalizing Marvel during a critical period. Jim Shooter passed away on June 30, 2025, at the age of 73. His influence on comics—both in storytelling and industry practices—remains profound. 
07/01/25 @ 2:50 pm EST
In the ever-watchful world of fandom sleuthing, even a simple Instagram follow can ignite a firestorm of speculation. That’s exactly what happened when filmmaker and DC Studios co-head James Gunn followed actress Adria Arjona on Instagram—a move that fans quickly interpreted as a hint she might be cast as the next Wonder Woman. But Gunn was quick to clarify: “ I followed Adria on Instagram, but everybody came out, ‘He just followed her, that means she’s Wonder Woman!’” he said in a recent interview with Extra. “ She’d be a great Wonder Woman, by the way. But she was in a movie that I made seven years ago. We’ve been friends and have known each other since that time. I followed her then, I didn’t just follow her.” The film Gunn referred to is The Belko Experiment (2016), which he produced and in which Arjona appeared. Their professional relationship and friendship date back to that project, making the social media follow less of a casting clue and more of a long-standing connection. Still, Gunn’s comment that Arjona “ would be a great Wonder Woman” has only fueled fan enthusiasm. With a new Wonder Woman film currently in development and the DC Universe undergoing a major reboot, speculation remains high—even if Gunn insists fans shouldn’t read too much into his Instagram activity.  06/28/25 @ 2:09 pm EST
In a move that blends personal branding with practical necessity, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia star and co-creator Rob McElhenney has officially filed to change his name to Rob Mac. The decision, confirmed by McElhenney himself, marks a significant shift for the actor, writer, and entrepreneur whose surname has long been a source of confusion—and comedy. McElhenney, whose last name has famously stumped fans and media alike (despite Ryan Reynolds’ musical pronunciation tutorial), cited global business expansion as the primary reason. As his company, More Better Industries, continues to invest internationally—including ventures in Colombia and Mexico—he found that “McElhenney” was often mispronounced or misunderstood. “As our business and our storytelling is expanding into other regions of the world and other languages in which my name is even harder to pronounce, I’m just going by Rob Mac,” he told Variety. Interestingly, the name “Mac” isn’t just a simplification—it’s also a nod to his iconic Always Sunny character, known simply as Mac. It’s a full-circle moment that blends his personal identity with his pop culture persona. The name change is already being reflected in FX press materials for both It’s Always Sunny and Welcome to Wrexham, the Emmy-winning docuseries chronicling McElhenney and Reynolds’ ownership of Wrexham AFC.  06/28/25 @ 1:59 pm EST
ABC has officially pulled the plug on Doctor Odyssey, the high-concept medical drama from prolific creator Ryan Murphy, after just one season. The show, which followed a team of doctors navigating emergencies aboard a luxury cruise ship, will not return for a second voyage. Premiering in fall 2024, Doctor Odyssey starred Joshua Jackson as Dr. Max Bankman, alongside Phillipa Soo, Sean Teale, and Don Johnson. The series blended medical drama with high-seas spectacle, drawing comparisons to The Love Boat with a modern, campy twist. Its trailer broke records with 77.8 million views in 48 hours, and the premiere drew 13.6 million cross-platform viewers. Despite the flashy debut and a loyal cult following, the show struggled to maintain momentum. Ratings dipped over the season, and its linear performance lagged behind other ABC dramas. While ABC has yet to issue a formal cancellation statement, the cast contracts are expiring on Monday with no sign of renewal and the sets are being dismantled. And while the ship has sailed on ABC, Ryan Murphy retains creative control and could potentially revive the series elsewhere, such as Hulu, where it performed well on streaming platforms.  06/27/25 @ 2:45 pm EST
Is The Batman Part II script finally done? It appears so. Writer/Director Matt Reeves just posted to social media a blurry picture of himself and co-writer Mattson Tomlin that shows the title page for a script with the logo from The Batman and appears to have the title "The Batman: Part II". Co-head of DC Studios James Gunn said recently that he was expecting to get the script soon but denied that the deadline had already passed. If the script is complete and ready to move forward, it is still in plenty of time to make the current release date of October 2027. This should be good news to fans of the director and franchise and also to actor Robert Pattinson who had commented recently that he was worrying he was going to age out of the role if it took too much longer.  06/26/25 @ 3:35 pm EST
Prime Video’s hit action-thriller Reacher is shaking things up for its fourth season, and one of the most notable changes is the addition of Christopher Rodriguez-Marquette to the cast. The Barry actor steps into the role of Jacob Merrick, a small-town policeman, in a recasting that follows the departure of Jay Baruchel due to personal reasons. Rodriguez-Marquette’s casting came together at lightning speed—he was reportedly selected the same day the role breakdown was released and flown to set within days. His character, Merrick, is said to play a significant role in the upcoming season, which adapts Lee Child’s 13th Jack Reacher novel, Gone Tomorrow. The story kicks off with a tense encounter on a train that spirals into a deadly conspiracy involving powerful enemies. Season 4 also welcomes a host of new faces, including Sydelle Noel, Agnez Mo, Anggun, Kevin Corrigan, Kevin Weisman, Marc Blucas, and Kathleen Robertson. Alan Ritchson returns as the titular Jack Reacher, with Maria Sten reprising her role as Frances Neagley. Rodriguez-Marquette brings a diverse résumé to the series, with recent appearances in Barry, Mozart in the Jungle, and indie films like Grind and Fear, Inc..  06/26/25 @ 3:28 pm EST
In a move that’s sending ripples through both Hollywood and Her Majesty’s Secret Service, acclaimed filmmaker Denis Villeneuve has officially been named the director of the next James Bond movie. This marks the first 007 installment under Amazon MGM Studios’ creative leadership, following their acquisition of the franchise’s rights in 2022. Villeneuve, the visionary behind Dune, Arrival, and Blade Runner 2049, brings a reputation for cerebral storytelling and breathtaking visuals. His appointment signals a bold new chapter for the Bond saga—one that may blend the franchise’s signature espionage thrills with a deeper, more atmospheric tone. “Some of my earliest movie-going memories are connected to 007,” Villeneuve said in a statement. “I grew up watching James Bond films with my father, ever since Dr. No with Sean Connery. I’m a die-hard Bond fan. To me, he’s sacred territory. I intend to honor the tradition and open the path for many new missions to come”. The film will be produced by Amy Pascal and David Heyman, with Villeneuve also serving as executive producer alongside Tanya Lapointe. While no release date has been announced, production is expected to begin after Villeneuve completes work on Dune: Part Three, slated for release in late 2026. As for who will don the tuxedo next, speculation continues to swirl. Aaron Taylor-Johnson remains a frontrunner, but no official casting has been confirmed.  |
