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03/08/15 @ 7:05 pm EST
Cullen Bunn, writer of Army of Darkness #4, talks with Troy Brownfield about Blood Queen vs. Dracula #1, both on sale now! Covers by Fabiano Neves and Jay Anacleto  CULLEN BUNN: Tell me, how did this project come about for you?TROY BROWNFIELD: Blood Queen vs. Draculahappened as sort of a logical extension of two other projects that I did: last year’s Blood Queen series, and the Prince Dracula novel I wrote for Dynamite. As the first Blood Queen series was closing out, Nick [Barrucci] and I talked about different things that we could do for another mini or one-shot. The first thing that occurred to me, having had Dracula on the brain for so long for the novel, was a meeting between the two. Dynamite has done some different versions of Dracula before, so it seemed like a pretty natural fit. CB: What do you think sets your version of Dracula apart from others we’ve seen?TB: The two things that I really wanted to emphasize with my take on Dracula in this time period were his roles as both patriot and leader. In the original novel, there’s a segment where Dracula talks proudly of having the blood of Attila in his veins and how his people fought to keep the Turks out of their lands. I chose to make the ongoing Ottoman conflict a focus, since that would have been a historical concern for both Vlad and Elizabeth Bathory. To that end, it also gave me the ability to depict Dracula in a kind of war-leader setting. To his own people, Vlad was a hero, a staunch defender of Transylvania. Granted, he was a real bastard (one does not accidentally acquire the nickname “The Impaler”), but there’s evidence that his subjects loved him for fighting the Ottoman Empire. I thought that incorporating these notions of beloved leader and patriot would change things up from some of the typical depictions. CB: A centerpiece of the story is Dracula’s encounter with Leandra. Have we seen the last of her?TB: We’ve seen the last of Leandra, unfortunately, but she’s not the last of Elizabeth’s students to appear in the story. The first issues also carries a reference to some of the young women joining Helena’s Rebellion. Helena was a character from the first Blood Queen series, and I wanted those regular readers to know that she survived Elizabeth’s rise to power and that she’s still out there fighting. If we’re fortunate enough to do more Blood Queen in the future, that’s something I’d definitely get back to.  CB: How much research into folklore and legends did you do for this story?TB: I’ve done A LOT of reading about Dracula and Elizabeth in the past couple of years. I started on both Blood Queen and Prince Dracula in 2013, so I’ve amassed a lot of notes. I already had quite a few books in my own library that I could use (books on vampires, horror history, Stoker’s books and the annotated Dracula, and so on). For Blood Queen vs. Dracula, artist Kewber Baal and I did some specific research on weapons and arms of the time. The cannon is right out of museum photos. The Ottoman outfits are taken from a combination of then-contemporary paintings, museum sites, and other locations. If I’m setting a story in a particular year, I want to be as accurate as possible. Kewber’s done a terrific job. He ran basically every design and sketch for everything by me so that we could double-check each other. He deserves a lot of praise for his commitment to this book. CB: Will the ratio of horse explosions to beheadings remain constant throughout the series?TB: Who knew that so many people would mention the exploding horse? In the script I simply wrote “The Mounted Ottoman and his horse take the full brunt of the blast”, and Kewber ran with it. When I saw the panel for the first time, I actually laughed because it’s really just . . . damn. However, I believe that’s the only animal explosion, so the beheading ratio will be uneven. If you were to ask about the ratio of beheading to neck-biting . . . I’d have to go back and count. Dracula’s not nearly done on that score.
04/03/25 @ 9:41 pm EST
It looks like someone finally turned in his homework on time. James Cameron’s “Avatar: Fire and Water,” the third and only installment in the saga that hasn’t been plagued by endless release date delays, unveiled the very first trailer on Thursday afternoon at CinemaCon, the annual gathering of movie theater owners in Las Vegas. (To be fair, Cameron shot the follow-up films back-to-back, so the rest of the otherworldly sci-fi series should arrive on time). CinemaCon attendees were given 3D glasses to watch the trailer, which hasn’t been released to the general public. The dazzling footage begins on Pandora and introduces two new Na’vi clans — the Wind Traders, who soar in the sky using what resemble highly stylized hot air balloons, and their adversaries, the Fire People, who arrive by riding Ikran flying creatures. As a battle begins in the skies, one Na’vi is shot with a flaming arrow and killed. “Avatar” follows the clan of Jake Sully (Sam Worthington) and Neytiri (Zoe Saldaña) on the alien moon of Pandora. “Avatar: Fire and Ash” picks up moments after the events of “The Way of Water,” which charts the conflict between the blue-skinned humanoids known as the Na’vi against the villainous Resources Development Administration.“Avatar: Fire and Ash” will hit theaters ahead of Christmas on Dec. 19. Meanwhile, “Avatar 4” is scheduled for Dec. 21, 2029 and “Avatar 5” is slated for Dec. 19, 2031. (via Variety) 04/03/25 @ 1:42 pm EST
The highly-anticipated ALL-NEW VENOM #5 hit stands yesterday, revealing that the new host of Venom is Mary Jane Watson! With the mystery behind Al Ewing and Carlos Gómez’s hot new run finally brought to light, the spoiler variant cover for ALL-NEW VENOM #7, on sale this June, can be unveiled! Drawn by acclaimed artist David Baldeón, the cover pays homage to Peter Parker and Mary Jane’s iconic wedding in a twisted recreation of John Romita’s classic Amazing Spider-Man Annual #21 cover. Surrounded by Dylan Brock, Paul Rabin, and former All-New Venom suspects, MJ and and Venom celebrate their new commitment to each other as symbiote and host—till death do they part! Baldeón’s cover will also be available as a virgin variant cover. From strutting down runways as a high fashion model to fighting supervillains as the super hero Jackpot, Mary Jane’s life has taken some unpredictable turns—but never like this! Now that she’s been unmasked, the REAL mystery begins—how and why did she become ALL-NEW VENOM?! Stay tuned for answers in upcoming issues of ALL-NEW VENOM #6 as MJ’s adventures as a symbiote hero kick into high gear! On his decision to take Spider-Man’s greatest love in this bold new direction, Ewing explained, “We hooked readers in with the big mystery - albeit with a little misdirection thrown in - but now the cat's out of the bag, we can really get into the unlikely interaction of MJ and Venom. Unlike previous hosts, these two aren't together by choice, but their odd-couple energy makes for a bubbling pot of old-school soap opera thrills. If you've enjoyed this lighter take on Venom, there's a lot more on the way -- as well as some darker directions to come." Check out the new cover and pick up issues of ALL-NEW VENOM at your local comic shop today! 
... 04/03/25 @ 1:15 pm EST
CinemaCon has gotten a major first look at Masters of the Universe. Amazon MGM Studios took the veil off the anticipated film from director Travis Knight by showing off a sizzle reel of the cast and creative collaborators on set, offering the first time they’ve been seen in their costumes. The views that hit the big screen featured massive London sets with intricate backdrops, swords and accessories and He-Man in his full blonde glory with his hair blowing in the wind. The film based on the popular toy line — from Mattel Films and Escape Artists — stars Nicholas Galitzine as He-Man, Camila Mendes, Alison Brie, James Purefoy, Morena Baccarin, Jóhannes Haukur Jóhannesson and Charlotte Riley, with Jared Leto (as Skeletor, not shown tonight) and Idris Elba (who was shown in his costumed glory). Plot details have not been revealed though it’s known that Knight is directing from a screenplay by Chris Butler based on a story by Aaron Nee, Adam Nee and Dave Callaham. Masters of the Universe is scheduled to hit theaters next summer on June 5, 2026. Mattel launched the Masters of the Universe franchise with a line of action figures in 1982. A year later, an animated series He-Man and the Masters of the Universe premiered in syndication and was followed by video games and other merchandise. (via THR) 04/03/25 @ 1:07 pm EST
Amazon MGM Studios is getting down to work on Bond. Courtenay Valenti, head of Film, Streaming and Theatrical, and global marketing chief Sue Kroll, announced at CinemaCon, the annual gathering of theater owners in Las Vegas, that producers Amy Pascal and David Heyman are currently in London moving forward with a new 007 at long last. After paying up to gain creative control of the franchise, Amazon MGM recently brought them on to produce the next 007 installment. The big step forward on Bond was made possible by a deal in February with longtime James Bond producers and creative masters Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli, who relinquished control of the beloved spy franchise and handed the reins to the new owners. (via Deadline) 04/03/25 @ 12:56 pm EST
Deadline is reporting a date for the return of Phineas and Ferb. The previously announced revival series will premiere June 5 on Disney Channel and June 6 on Disney+. Also, there is a first look by way of a new trailer which you can see below. The first two episodes will drop on Thursday, June 5 at 8 pm on Disney Channel and Disney XD. The first episode also will be available same day on Disney Channel YouTube. The first 10 episodes of the season will premiere on Disney+ in the U.S. and select international markets on Friday, June 6, with additional markets to follow later this year. The episodes will also be available to stream on Disney Channel on Demand. A special sneak peek will debut on Monday, May 26, at 11:35 am on Disney Channel, Disney XD and Disney Channel YouTube. Per Disney, in the new season, “Phineas, Ferb and the crew tackle another 104 days of summer and are set for exciting new adventures featuring some unforgettable milestones. The boys will break several world records, Candace will take her driver’s license test, and Perry will finally make a trip to the vet!” Trailer: https://youtu.be/pj7aDHPfzZU 04/02/25 @ 5:02 pm EST
Artists Federico Vicentini and Iban Coello earlier today shared a first look at IMPERIAL, a new comic series launching this June that’s set to revolutionize the cosmic side of the Marvel Universe! The four-part event series is written by visionary writer Jonathan Hickman, known for his transformative work on Fantastic Four, X-Men, Avengers and Marvel’s new Ultimate line, and drawn by both Vicentini and Coello, two of Marvel’s elite Stormbreaker artists. IMPERIAL lays the foundation for an entire new landscape of interconnected space-set comic series coming later this year, making it the must-read comic book of the summer! IMPERIAL kicks off with the elimination of several prominent intergalactic leaders. Nature abhors a vacuum, and as empires fall, rulers are overthrown and power is seized, a new galactic order is born! The saga delivers groundbreaking developments for various groups in the Marvel Universe, including HULKS, BLACK PANTHERS, NOVAS, GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY, and, as revealed last week in X-Manhunt Omega #1, mutants! The finale of the X-Men’s latest milestone crossover, X-Manhunt, saw Professor X depart to the stars to rescue his daughter, Xandra, deposed Majestrix of the Shi’ar Empire. The new IMPERIAL preview spotlights two main story threads. Coello’s pages depict Hulk, She-Hulk and Brawn returning to the savage planet Sakaar, where Hulk raged and conquered in the epic “Planet Hulk” storyline. Meanwhile, Vicentini’s pages tease both hope and corruption as Star-Lord recruits Nova to help guard the galaxy against the coming turmoil—while his father J’Son plots how to take advantage of it! Both sets of pages feature spectacular new characters designs, showcasing the immense amount of creative energy these acclaimed artists are bringing to this all-new era of storytelling! Asked about his design process, Vicentini said, “When creating the costumes, I wanted to go back a bit to the past, such as bringing back Star-Lord’s helmet, giving Nova an aviator-style jacket, and taking inspiration from classic heroes like Flash Gordon.” "Usually Jonathan Hickman gives me a general idea of the character’s look in the script, and I work based on that,” Coello said. “Tying the new look with the personality of the characters and having it make sense in this new era they’re entering. I think that She-Hulk is the one who underwent the biggest change.” Check out the new artwork and preorder IMPERIAL #1 at your local comic shop today!         
... 04/02/25 @ 4:39 pm EST
The first footage from the upcoming season of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds teases new genre-twisting episodes that give Star Trek takes on a murder mystery, a romantic comedy and a documentary-style episode. The stunt episodes build on the Paramount+ sci-fi show’s second season, which made headlines with a musical episode. The new season will consist of 10 episodes and debut sometime this season. The official description: “In season three when we reconnect with the crew of the U.S.S. Enterprise, still under the command of Captain Pike (Anson Mount), they face the conclusion of season two’s harrowing encounter with the Gorn. But new life and civilizations await, including a villain that will test our characters’ grit and resolve. An exciting twist on classic Star Trek, season three takes characters both new and beloved, to new heights and dives into thrilling adventures of faith, duty, romance, comedy and mystery with varying genres never before seen on any other Star Trek.” (via THR) Trailer: https://youtu.be/PjAWSIJCcmY 04/02/25 @ 4:31 pm EST
In an unprecedented 4×4 order, Fox has picked up four 20th TV Animation series for four seasons each, renewing animated stalwarts The Simpsons, Family Guy and Bob’s Burgers for four more years and confirming American Dad!‘s return to the network after an 11-year break, also with a four-season order. Solidifying its status as the top linear home of adult animation, the network called the pact with Disney TV Studios, which had been in the works for months, a “meganimation deal.” It will take all four animated comedies through the 2028-29 broadcast season. The term is not arbitrary. It matches the length of the $1.5B extension Fox signed with Disney streamer Hulu in November that also runs through 2029. It was that deal, which includes in-season streaming rights to Fox’s slate, that paved the way for the network and 20th TV Animation parent Disney TV Studios to hammer out the blockbuster multi-series, multi-year pickup. (Hulu and sibling Disney+ are already the exclusive global streaming home of the four series’ collective library of all 2,000 episodes, with Family Guy, Bob’s Burgers and American Dad! on Hulu and The Simpsons on Disney+ in the U.S.) According to sources, the four pickups are all for 15 episodes a season each. While that is below the standard 22-episode orders, broadcast networks, including Fox, have been increasingly favoring shorter runs for scheduling and financial reasons. The Simpsons, Family Guy and Bob’s Burgers have already been airing fewer than 22 episodes a season for the last couple of years. (via Deadline) ... 04/02/25 @ 4:24 pm EST
 Calling all Beltalowda (and Inners and OPA)! BOOM! Studios proudly presents THE EXPANSE: A LITTLE DEATH, which picks up the story where the groundbreaking events of THE EXPANSE: DRAGON TOOTH left off! This BOOM! Direct Reserve campaign will feature exclusive variants of each comic, available in single-issue, softcover and hardcover collections, plus slipcased editions and sets available nowhere else. These variants will be limited to this BOOM! Direct Reserve Campaign, never to be printed again! Under the direct supervision and creative guidance of THE EXPANSE creator, James S.A. Corey, THE EXPANSE: A LITTLE DEATH is an in-canon sequel story following the events of THE EXPANSE: DRAGON TOOTH. Alongside Corey and TV studio Alcon Television Group, superstar actor Wes Chatham (Amos Burton, The Expanse) makes his comic book writing debut, joining forces with returning stars writer Andy Diggle (The Expanse: Dragon Tooth, The Losers) and artist Francesco Pisa (The Expanse: Dragon Tooth). Together, they will weave together the threads of the show, answer lingering questions, and take readers and viewers alike far beyond the stellar horizon in this monumental 4-issue comic book series. The epic, immersive universe of THE EXPANSE has captured the imaginations of science fiction fans around the globe for over a decade – first in the Hugo and Dragon Award winning novel series and then in critically acclaimed, Saturn Award winning television series (now streaming on Amazon Prime) – instantly entering the highest echelon of genre-defining Sci-Fi. The Hugo award winning series, based on the hugely popular science fiction novels by James S.A. Corey, was developed and scripted by the Academy Award nominated writing duo Mark Fergus and Hawk Ostby who executive produce the series alongside Naren Shankar, Andrew Kosove, Broderick Johnson, Laura Lancaster, Sharon Hall, Sean Daniel, Jason Brown, Daniel Abraham, Ty Franck and Dan Nowak. Shankar serves as showrunner for all seasons. The Expanse is produced by Alcon Television Group. Following the fallout of THE EXPANSE: DRAGON TOOTH, the Rocinante crew is plunged into a high stakes conspiracy when an old acquaintance of Amos Burton’s comes to him for aid. Set in the same 30 year period between Babylon's Ashes (Book 6) and Persepolis Rising (Book 7) and after the conclusion of The Expanse Season 6, THE EXPANSE: A LITTLE DEATH continues the story, available in single issue or graphic novel format. THE EXPANSE: A LITTLE DEATH will be available in one of five slipcased hardcover sets along with THE EXPANSE, and THE EXPANSE: ORIGINS. Fans can secure exclusive variants of all three collections available only through this BOOM! Direct Reserve campaign, never to be printed again. “It’s an absolute joy to be able to publish more stories in this world and have such an incredible creative team come together to expand the universe of THE EXPANSE,” said Deputy Publisher, Bryce Carlson. “Fans better buckle up and get ready.” THE EXPANSE: A LITTLE DEATH BOOM! Direct Reserve campaign will run for 30 days, with special surprises, exciting product reveals, and hidden stretch goals unveiled throughout the month. Plus, for the first 24 hours, fans who pre-order any physical tier will automatically receive an exclusive Expanse Dog Tag as a special Early Bird Bonus! ... 04/02/25 @ 4:25 pm EST
Like father, like daughter! Wolverine and Deadpool are teaming up again this July in a new comic series—and this time, they’re bringing their daughters along for the ride! Get ready for a double dose of the iconic duo in WOLVERINES & DEADPOOLS, a three-issue limited series by writer Cody Ziglar and artist Rogê Antônio. During their acclaimed run on Deadpool, Ziglar and Antônio reintroduced Wade’s daughter Ellie, who stepped up as the all-new Deadpool following Wade’s death (he got better!). In this exciting evolution of the series, a new threat brings the whole family together as both Deadpools join forces with both Wolverines—Logan and Laura—for some quality time slashing and shooting their way through the Marvel Universe! CLAWS & MUTANTS. MERCS & MOUTHS. WOLVERINES & DEADPOOLS! What’s better than THE BEST THERE IS partnered up with the MERC WITH THE MOUTH? How about adding daughters Ellie Camacho and Laura Kinney to the mission as they go up against a classic X-VILLAIN? Wolverines & Deadpools, baby! “ The past 15 issues I’ve spent writing Wade and Ellie have been a dream come true,” Ziglar shared. “Getting to finish out their journey with two of the coolest mutants is just a cherry on top—I can’t explain just how much I look forward to exploring the father-daughter dynamics with these four!” Check out the main cover by Rogê Antônio along with a variant cover by Taurin Clarke and preorder WOLVERINE & DEADPOOLS #1 at your local comic shop today!  
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