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01/16/16 @ 12:25 pm EST
 This is a bittersweet commentary for me to put together, since I'm covering John Carter: Warlord of Mars #14, the final issue of the current series. As I've said before, this is a series, and a set of characters, that I've wanted to write since I first discovered the original Edgar Rice Burroughs Mars series when I was a kid. I'm disappointed that we've come to the end of the run, but I've loved every minute of this job.  PAGE 1It's not unusual for me to open an issue with some kind of cinematic sequence, something to draw the reader into the story. In this case, the story literally comes to the reader as John Carter and Dejah Thoris draw near in their flyer over a series of panels.  PAGES 2-3This is probably not the kind of double-page spread that artists dream about: "Draw a whole city!" But I felt like we needed a shot to convey the scope -- and emptiness -- of Helium, which is deserted in this story. Artist Ariel Medel admirably rose to the challenge of a thankless task and provided the lines, with Nanjan Jamberi adding the color. This spread contains a huge amount of work, created over painstaking hours. I hope readers spend some time poring over and appreciating the artwork here.  PAGE 5The four panels here are intended to give the reader a sense that John and Dejah explore various areas of Helium, finding all of them deserted. In the script I requested four horizontal panels, each the same size, so the visuals have an even, measured rhythm to them. No panel is given more or less importance than another, each is a snapshot of a different place and moment. Ariel did a nice job of varying angles, and using John and Dejah's figures to move to reader's eye around the page. PAGE 6Drawing monthly comics is a brutal grind, especially if you're penciling and then inking yourself. Ariel Medel nailed every deadline since he took over the series with issue #7, eight issues in a row without a fill-in. That's a hell of an accomplishment, especially for someone working on his first U.S. series, especially when each issue is 22 pages, rather than the now-standard 20 pages. Obviously, Ariel has a tremendous work ethic. He's also very smart about utilizing shortcuts where he can. This page is a great example of choosing wisely to save time and stay ahead of deadline doom as it rockets down the tracks. Panel 1 features a long shot and small figures, relatively quick to draw once the perspective is figured out. Dropping the background in panel 2 saves time, and also serves to really pop the figures of John and Dejah. Panel 3 doesn't waste effort on background that was going to be covered by balloons anyway. Panels 4 and 5 crop John and Dejah's figures effectively, both heightening the intensity of the scene, and making for less to draw. All together, it's a visually appealing page, as well as a smart one. PAGE 10You'll often see comic pages that contain figures of relatively the same size in most if not all of the panels. Pull out a comic, flip to random page. Are most of the heads on that page about the size of your thumb print? If so, the artist -- and by extension, the writer -- constructed the page poorly (unless there's a specific cinematic effect at play). Comics are visual documents. A page should be visually enticing to the reader, and one way to do that is varying angles and figure sizes. There's some great acting on this page as John and Dejah come to grips with what's happened to them. The choice of extreme close-ups in panels 3 and 4 really lends variety to the page. And I adore the shot of John and Dejah with their foreheads touching in panel 5. PAGES 12 & 13These two pages cut back and forth between tight shots and long shots, panel for panel. I love the beat-for-beat rhythms that comics offers creators. Here we alternate between scope and human drama, until they come together in a literally explosive moment. PAGE 14The story changes abruptly here, and so does the color palette. Nanjan brings a darker sensibility to this sequence, subtly communicating that the story has taken an drastic turn. We start the page with a close-up of John, inviting the reader to experience the shocking transition as John does, then pulling back in panel 2 to reveal more of the surroundings. PAGE 19When Ian and I kicked around the idea of revealing John and Dejah had been trapped in an evil mastermind's dream world, I wanted to leave open to the reader's interpretation exactly what was real and what wasn't. I like stories that don't provide pat answers, and leave something for the audience to ponder. That's the intent here; you're free to decide how much or how little was "real." PAGE 22We come to the end, with John, Dejah, Tars Tarkas, Kantos Kan, and of course Woola turning to face the future. There are always more stories to tell. I hope I get the chance someday. There's a long list of people who deserve Barsoomian thanks: my co-writer Ian Edginton; artists Abhishek Malsuni, Ariel Medel, Zsolt Garisa, Nanjan Jamberi and Roberto Castro; the many cover artists who have graced the series; my editor, Joe Rybandt; and Dynamite publisher Nick Barrucci. I have been dreaming of Mars since I was a boy, and all of you helped that dream come true. 06/18/25 @ 4:18 am EST
DC Studios has officially found its Clayface. Welsh actor Tom Rhys Harries has been cast as the titular character in the upcoming standalone film. The announcement was made by DC Studios co-head James Gunn, who praised Harries’ performance as “blowing us away” after what he described as a long and exhaustive search. The film, slated for release on September 11, 2026, will be directed by James Watkins and penned by horror maestro Mike Flanagan, with additional script work by Oscar-nominated writer Hossein Amini. Rather than a traditional superhero flick, Clayface is being developed as a psychological horror tale. The story centers on a struggling B-movie actor who injects himself with a mysterious substance in a desperate bid to stay relevant—only to transform into a shape-shifting creature made entirely of clay. Harries, best known for roles in Suspicion, White Lines, and The Gentlemen, beat out a competitive shortlist of British talent including Jack O’Connell and George MacKay. This marks his first major lead in a blockbuster franchise. While Clayface has traditionally been a Batman villain—first introduced as Basil Karlo in Detective Comics #40 in 1940—this film will reportedly stand apart from the Caped Crusader’s storyline. Gunn has confirmed that Clayface will not appear in The Batman Part II, despite early speculation. Production is set to begin this fall in the UK at Warner Bros. Leavesden Studios. With Superman launching the new DCU this summer and Supergirl following in 2026, Clayface will be the third film in the studio’s ambitious reboot of its cinematic universe.  06/14/25 @ 12:24 pm EST
Amazon Prime Video’s hit action-thriller Reacher is officially returning for a fourth season, and fans are eager to see what’s next for Jack Reacher. Based on Lee Child’s bestselling novel series, the show has captivated audiences with its intense storytelling and gripping action sequences. Season 4 will adapt Gone Tomorrow, the 13th book in Lee Child’s Jack Reacher series. The story follows Reacher as he gets caught in a deadly conspiracy after a chance encounter with a stranger on a train. While the novel is set in New York City, early reports suggest the show’s adaptation may shift the setting to Philadelphia. Alan Ritchson returns as Jack Reacher, leading a cast that includes several new faces: Sydelle Noel as Philadelphia PD detective Tamara Green, Jay Baruchel as small-town policeman Jacob Merrick, Kevin Weisman as journalist Russell Plum, Marc Blucas as U.S. Congressman John Samson, Kathleen Robertson as Elsbeth Samson, Kevin Corrigan as Detective Docherty, Anggun as Amisha Hoth and Agnez Mo as Lila Hoth. Filming for Season 4 is set to begin in mid-2025, with a projected release in early to mid-2026.  06/14/25 @ 12:14 pm EST
Fans of Minecraft can soon enjoy its blockbuster film adaptation from the comfort of their homes. Warner Bros. Discovery has announced that A Minecraft Movie will begin streaming on Max on June 20 and will also air on HBO on June 21 at 8:00 PM EST. Directed by Jared Hess and starring Jack Black and Jason Momoa, A Minecraft Movie has been a massive hit, grossing over $951 million worldwide. The film follows a group of misfits who find themselves transported into the cubic world of Minecraft, where they must navigate its challenges and uncover its secrets. With its impressive box office performance, discussions about a sequel are already underway. Director Hess has hinted at exciting possibilities for expanding the Minecraft universe in future films.  06/14/25 @ 11:54 am EST
Matthew McConaughey is stepping into the shoes of one of literature’s most iconic detectives—Mike Hammer. The Oscar-winning actor is set to star in a new film adaptation of Mickey Spillane’s hard-boiled detective series. Hammer is a tough-as-nails private investigator with a penchant for justice—often delivered with his fists. McConaughey’s previous work in True Detective showcased his talent for playing gritty, introspective roles, making his transition into classic noir feel like a natural evolution. Mike Hammer first appeared in Spillane’s 1947 novel I, the Jury, quickly becoming one of the most recognizable figures in detective fiction. His brutal, no-nonsense approach to crime-solving set him apart from other private eyes of the era. Over the years, Hammer has been portrayed by various actors, including Darren McGavin, Armand Assante and Stacy Keach. The film is being developed by Skydance, with Nic Pizzolatto—creator of True Detective—penning the screenplay. Pizzolatto’s knack for weaving psychological tension and moral ambiguity into his stories promises a fresh yet faithful take on Hammer’s legacy. The production team includes industry heavyweights such as David Ellison, Dana Goldberg, and Don Granger, alongside Max Allan Collins, a key figure in the Mike Hammer literary canon. 
06/08/25 @ 12:47 pm EST
Marvel Comics has taken a surprising turn with its latest storyline in Marvel Knights: The World to Come, introducing a new Black Panther who is—unexpectedly—white. This revelation has sparked intense debate among fans, as the character of Black Panther has long been synonymous with Wakanda’s rich African heritage. The new Black Panther, named Ketema, is introduced in a six-issue limited series written by Christopher Priest and illustrated by Joe Quesada. The story begins with the death of T’Challa, the longtime ruler of Wakanda, setting the stage for a battle over his legacy. Ketema, who claims to be T’Challa’s son, challenges him for the throne and ultimately defeats him. However, the shocking twist comes when Ketema removes his mask—revealing that he is white. The revelation of Ketema’s identity has left many readers questioning how a white character could be the biological son of T’Challa. One theory suggests that Ketema may not actually be the son of Monica Lynne, T’Challa’s former love interest, but rather Nicole Adams, another past romantic connection of the Wakandan king. Some speculate that genetic engineering, cloning, or alternate realities could play a role in this unexpected lineage. Christopher Priest, the writer behind the series, has remained tight-lipped about the deeper implications of Ketema’s introduction, stating that the story is more about how Wakanda arrived at this point rather than the immediate controversy surrounding the new Black Panther.  06/08/25 @ 12:37 pm EST
In a surprising turn of events, Amazon Prime Video has decided to cancel Étoile after just one season, despite its initial two-season order. The ballet drama, created by Amy Sherman-Palladino and Daniel Palladino, followed the lives of dancers and artistic staff from two prestigious ballet companies in New York and Paris. The series was envisioned as a love letter to the art of ballet, but its journey was cut short due to a combination of performance metrics and production costs. The show was filmed on location in New York and Paris, featuring elaborate choreography and a cast of top-tier ballet dancers. Despite its artistic ambition and an 85% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, Étoile struggled to gain traction with audiences. The decision to cancel Étoile was largely driven by its performance versus cost. While the series had a dedicated fan base, it failed to chart on Nielsen’s weekly Top 10 for Originals and quickly dropped from Prime Video’s own rankings. The show's expensive production—filming in historic locations and creating an original ballet company—made it a costly endeavor.  06/08/25 @ 12:20 pm EST
There’s a lot of buzz for the new Netflix series Dept. Q, based on the Danish-noir novel series by Jussi Adler-Olsen. With an 83% critics’ score and a 94% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, the question of a second season is already being asked by fans and even the cast. Star Matthew Goode, previously known for Downton Abbey and The Watchmen, talked with Deadline about being the only English person in an almost all Scottish cast and if he would be interested in returning to the character of DCI Carl Morck. “This is such a wonderful company of actors. Even though I was the only English one, and they could have easily hated me, obviously with that lovely Scottish-English situation, it wasn’t the case. And such great personalities, such great talent. And obviously I’m central to the story, so I get to work with everyone. I’d wanted to work with Shirley Henderson—‘ Shenderson’—for years. And Kelly Mcdonald, and then this fairly relatively new actress, Leah Byrne, who is a revelation in this show. It’s very difficult to be talking about some of the things that she has to talk about and make them hilarious. It’s quite a staggering… Well, it’s writing and talent, where they meet, I suppose. I love them all. That’s why we’re desperate to do a second season.” When asked about how many seasons he would be willing to do, Goode said: “I don’t know. There’s 10 books now. It is quite a modern phenomenon, really, as an actor, that you would get to sit in something for time. And now I think I’m at the right age that I’d like to have a character that I can come back to that has great, exciting, dark, hopefully funny stuff happening within the story, but also, how’s this man going to change? Is he going to change? What will be something that will change him? Even if it’s by minutia, there will be certain changes. Even if it’s just my hair color or the girth of my beard.” The beard may be the only downside to the character as Goode explained, “My wife didn’t come near me for six months because she hates beards. Absolutely hates them.” Dept. Q season one is available now on Netflix.  ... 06/07/25 @ 1:07 pm EST
The Merc with a Mouth is making his way into virtual reality, and this time, he’s voiced by none other than Neil Patrick Harris. Marvel’s Deadpool VR, developed by Twisted Pixel Games and Oculus Studios, is set to launch exclusively on Meta Quest 3 and 3S in late 2025. The game promises an original storyline packed with Deadpool’s signature humor, fourth-wall-breaking antics, and over-the-top action. Unlike previous Deadpool games, this VR experience throws players directly into Wade Wilson’s chaotic world. The story kicks off when Deadpool is pulled through a portal into Mojoworld, a twisted media-centric universe ruled by the villain Mojo. After signing a shady contract (without reading the fine print, of course), Deadpool embarks on a multiverse-hopping quest for riches, battling classic Marvel villains along the way. Players will step into Deadpool’s shoes—literally—using dual pistols, katanas, kunai, and parkour-style movement to navigate the game’s action-packed environments. The combat system is designed to reflect Deadpool’s unpredictable personality, allowing for absurd and exaggerated attacks. Expect to punch enemies while holding grenades, throw severed limbs as weapons, and even shove heads into propellers. While Ryan Reynolds has become synonymous with the character, Neil Patrick Harris is bringing his own spin to the wisecracking antihero. Harris, known for his voice work in Spider-Man: Shattered Dimensions, delivers a portrayal that is said to capture Deadpool’s manic energy, self-awareness, and comedic timing, making the VR experience even more immersive. Marvel’s Deadpool VR is slated for release in late 2025, exclusively on Meta Quest 3 and 3S.  06/07/25 @ 12:59 pm EST
Dakota Johnson is setting the record straight on the disappointing box office performance of Madame Web. The Fifty Shades star, who played Cassandra Webb in Sony’s Marvel spinoff, has opened up about why the film failed to connect with audiences—and she’s placing the blame on studio interference. In a recent interview with the Los Angeles Times, Johnson explained that Madame Web started as one thing but ultimately became something else due to executive meddling. "It wasn’t my fault," she stated. "There’s this thing that happens now where a lot of creative decisions are made by committee. Or made by people who don’t have a creative bone in their body. And it’s really hard to make art that way". She noted that Madame Web underwent drastic changes after she signed on, leaving her "just sort of along for the ride". Released in early 2024, Madame Web was expected to be a fresh addition to Sony’s Marvel universe. However, the film grossed only $100 million worldwide against a rumored budget of $80–100 million, making it a financial disappointment. It also received overwhelmingly negative reviews, earning a 11% Rotten Tomatoes score and sweeping the Razzie Awards, including Worst Picture and Worst Actress for Johnson. Despite the backlash, Johnson remains unfazed. "Bigger-budget movies fail all the time," she said, adding that she doesn’t regret taking on the role but probably won’t return to the superhero genre anytime soon. 
06/07/25 @ 12:47 pm EST
The Star Wars universe is expanding once again, and this time, it’s bringing in a fresh face to the galaxy far, far away. Acclaimed actress Mia Goth, known for her standout performances in Pearl, X, and MaXXXine, has officially joined the cast of Star Wars: Starfighter, the upcoming film directed by Shawn Levy. Goth will take on the role of the movie’s primary villain, facing off against Ryan Gosling’s lead character. Announced at Star Wars Celebration in Tokyo earlier this year, Star Wars: Starfighter is set five years after the events of Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker. Unlike previous entries, this film will not be connected to the Skywalker Saga, instead introducing a brand-new adventure with original characters. Director Levy, best known for Deadpool & Wolverine, has been developing the project since 2022 alongside screenwriter Jonathan Tropper. The film promises to explore uncharted territory in the Star Wars timeline, offering fans a fresh perspective on the galaxy’s post-Skywalker era. While details about Goth’s character remain scarce, reports indicate that she will play one of the antagonists pursuing Gosling’s character and his young nephew. The role was initially offered to Oscar winner Mikey Madison, who reportedly passed on the opportunity due to salary negotiations. Goth’s casting marks another major milestone in her career, as she continues to take on high-profile roles. In addition to Star Wars: Starfighter, she is set to appear in Guillermo del Toro’s upcoming Frankenstein adaptation alongside Oscar Isaac and Jacob Elordi. Filming for Star Wars: Starfighter is expected to begin later this year, with a theatrical release scheduled for May 28, 2027.  |
