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05/27/16 @ 11:21 pm EST
David F. Walker has brought one of the iconic characters of the seventies back to the spotlight with his first Shaft mini-series for Dynamite. He continues that work with the latest series, Shaft: Imitation of LIfe and we have his writer’s commentary for issue #4 that came out this week. The cover below was done by Matthew Clark and interiors byDietrich Smith.
Page 1
The first issue of Shaft: Imitation of Life started with a sequence from the original Shaft novel by Ernest Tidyman, and I wanted to make sure that this final issue of the story made some kind of passing reference to where it all started. Hence, the flashback in Panel 3. This actual scene never occurred in the book (or the movie), but I needed a way to explain how Shaft would have so much cash on hand, and it made sense (at least while I was writing it).It’s also important to note that in every issue of Shaft, his first person narration was an integral part of the story. But with this issue, it was very difficult for me. The first draft had no narration, and I struggled with what to have Shaft say, because it just felt like this issue didn’t need him blabbering on an on. But at the same time, the precedent had been set, and not have him narrate would be weird. Some of you may notice that there is less narration in this issue.
Page 2
The supporting character of Tito didn’t start out as important as he ended up being. In fact, in the original outline, he was only in the first two issues, but as the story grew and evolved, so did the character. I specifically asked Dietrich to draw a Volkswagen Beetle for this scene, because it seems like the least badass car Shaft could be driving. I find it funny, but I don’t know if anyone else will appreciate the humor.
Page 3
I loved working with Dietrich Smith on this series. He had an incredible way of bringing my scripts to like, but the thing I like best is the way he captured the little details that were very important. On this page, the single most important detail is that Tito is taking the gun from the bag. There is nothing else that the reader absolutely has to know, but they need to know this, and they need to know that Shaft doesn’t know. Dietrich made this one bit of information truly sing.
Page 4-5
In the original script, there was only dialog in the giant panel. After seeing Dietrich’s art, I felt that there were missed opportunities on this page, if I left the remaining panels silent. I struggled with what to have the characters say. I knew I wanted Tito talking to himself in Spanish. The problem was that the character is Puerto Rican, and I wanted to make sure that what I had him saying “sounded” right for someone from Puerto Rico, because not all Spanish-speaking languages say things the same way. I think (or hope) that I got it right. If it is wrong, I apologize. As for what Shaft says, I just wanted to play around with the idea that he knows this case was a bad move.
Page 6
This mini-series has an odd history. Originally, I had written a self-contained Shaft story that was supposed to be some kind of annual, but it never got published. When Dynamite asked for a second story-arc, I decided to use material from that other script, and combine it into a second story. Essentially, Shaft: Imitation of Life is a combination of a one-shot style story, that was repurposed and combined with a second story. What we are seeing here is one of the few scenes from that original one-shot that made it into this series completely unaltered. There’s actually a certain amount of symbolism on this page, mostly in the last panel, as it represents Shaft about to enter a very absurd world.
Page 7
To the best of my knowledge, this was not how porn movies were made in the 1970s. To be honest, I have tried to keep Shaft somewhat grounded in fact, and with this, my tenth issue of the character, I have ventured into a complete and total land of make believe. That’s part of why this series is called Imitation of Life.
Page 8
If you’ve been reading this story from the start, you know that Shaft was originally hired to find this kid, Mike Prosser. The case involving Mike, and the introduction of Tito, was all part of secondary story that came about when the one-shot story was expanded. The original one-shot story was nothing more than Shaft working as a film consultant. This particular scene was never in that story, because the character of Mike wasn’t in that story. I needed away to bring both of those cases together, and thanks to the sleazy world or porn…here it is.
Page 9
The character of Lou “Lollipop” Peraino is fictional. In real life, however, there was a mobster name Anthony “Big Tony” Peraino, who was a huge player in the porn industry. Big Tony was part of the Columbo crime family, and he financed the porn film Deep Throat, which changed the world of pornography. In the world of Shaft, Lollipop Peraino is the nephew of Big Tony, which is how he got into porn.
Page 10
I try to give my artists reference material for when they have to design key characters. I don’t expect them to make the characters look exactly like the reference, but it helps the artist to get an idea of what a character can look like. For Lollipop Peraino, I sent Dietrich photos of several actors, including John Saxon, Jack Palance, and Henry Silva. To me, Peraino looks like a cross between Palance and Silva.
Page 11
It’s hard to believe that originally, Tito was a throwaway character that only appeared in the first two issues. At some point, I grew attached to him, recognized that he had a lot of potential, and even came to understand that this story is as much about him as it is Shaft.
Page 12
This scene is wrong on so many levels, and I wrestled with keeping it. I knew it would offend some people. And then I thought, “Well…f*ck ‘em.” I always wanted to take this story someplace outrageous, sleazy, over-the-top, and exploitative. I wanted to evoke the balls-to-the-wall aesthetic of some of the more outrageous grindhouse films of the 1970s, and this is how I decided to do it. I love this page. I love this scene. Dietrich captured it all beautifully.
Page 13
Of all the things in this issue that I could be worried about, this is the page that concerns me the most. I worry that people will miss the fact that Shaft is reaching for his gun in the bag, and that is not there. Perhaps I should be concerned that we are implying that Shaft is about to anally assaulted with a sausage, but that doesn’t matter to me. I just want people to realize the gun is missing.
Page 14
I love how Dietrich brought the action to life on this page. As I pointed out, there is much less narration in this issue, and I knew that at some point Shaft would have to start telling his story again. The point of the narration has always been to give the reader insight into Shaft that works either in conjunction with what is on the page or, in some cases, beyond what is on the page.
Page 15
And here we are essentially where Issue #2 started. This scene is directly from the original one-shot that never got published.
Page 16
Here we see the two different cases of this story coming together, but also a bit more than just that. Once again, Shaft: Imitation of Life was originally supposed to be a self-contained one-shot. It was the story of Shaft working as a film consultant, and was meant to be absurd, over-the-top, and, quite possibly, a bit offensive. The second storyline, the one that came about when I was asked to write another series, was the missing persons case involving Mike Prosser. That story was about Shaft failing on the case, with someone else finding the person he was looking for. That story went through many changes—especially considering that Mike was originally a teenage girl, and the character of Tito didn’t exist. But things change and stories evolve, and in some cases, two stories come crashing together in more ways than one.
Page 17
I don’t do much lettering (because I’m not that good at it, and because I don’t have the time). But I love lettering Shaft, because it allows me to play with the dialog (and even the story) up until the very last moment. This page is pretty much as I wrote, except for the second panel. The dialog was slightly different, and when I saw the emotions on the characters’ face as Dietrich had drawn them, I saw a great opportunity to add just a bit more to the story.
Page 18
I absolutely love what Dietrich did with this page. In the original one-shot story, I never showed how Shaft and Rockman escaped. But when the story expanded, and Tito was brought in, I had to have some kind of action-packed ending. I also love the use of Volkswagen. Much of this story was in response to the announced Shaft film reboot, which was announced last year, and was reported to be comedic in nature. I don’t think Shaft should be done as a comedy. But if it is going to have comedic elements, it should be him killing a warehouse full of pornographers, then jumping out of a window, and landing on the hood of VW. That is comedic gold, my friends.
Page 19
This is what we call an “expository dump.” You’ve gotta wrap up a story some way. I just wanted to end on a note that held some kind of promise of more adventures with Tito. Honestly, I’d love to write a story just about him.
Page 20
Here we have not one, but two homages. The first is to the film Midnight Cowboy. The second is to Taxi Driver. In my own twisted mind, this entire story is a bizarre mash-up of Midnight Cowboy and Taxi Driver, starring John Shaft. No one else may see it, but I know that it is there.
Page 21
This page may or may not be some kind of thinly veiled commentary on the upcoming Shaft film, or it may be some kind of deeper commentary on how film portrays black masculinity, or it just may be the end of the story.
Page 22
I love this page. I really do. At the same time, I recognize that I used the character of Honee in a way that was lacking in originality or complexity, which is a sign of my shortcomings as a writer. If there is one thing about this story that I look back on with any regret, it’s the fact that I didn’t try harder to make Honee more than just a sex object. Unfortunately, sometimes you don’t see these things until after they are done, and then all you can do is work to grow as a writer, so that next time, you don’t do it again. That said, I really love this page.
07/26/24 @ 10:33 pm EST
The status quo of the Marvel Universe is about to dramatically shift, as its heroes at long last submit to Doctor Doom. One of the greatest villains in comic book history, Doctor Doom has long sought great power, leading him to conquer his home country of Latveria. Now, at long last, Doom will achieve his goal in next year’s One World Under Doom event. Marvel revealed One World Under Doom today at the “Next Big Thing” panel at San Diego Comic-Con. While the publisher did not reveal any plot details, creative teams or a release date beyond a vague 2025, it did unveil a cryptic teaser image. The red-toned picture, by an unidentified artist, shows various Marvel heroes, such as Captain America, Iron Man, the Hulk and Scarlet Witch, all kneeling before Doctor Doom, who stands triumphant above them. Marvel did reveal that the events of One World Under Doom would spin directly out of the events of Blood Hunt. (via Screen Rant) 07/26/24 @ 10:12 pm EST
DC Comics chief Jim Lee debuted a new logo for DC Studios on Friday at San Diego Comic-Con that returns to the design the company used from 1976 to 2005, replacing the logo first adopted in 2016. Starting in 1976, the comics publisher’s logo — which appeared in the top left corner of virtually every issue — was a circular badge with its two letters surrounded by a thick black circle, inside of which contained four white, five-pointed stars. In 2005, DC updated the logo to a more modern looking design: a single star swirling around slanted DC letters. In 2012, the logo was changed again, turning the “D” into a page peeling back to reveal the “C” — a somewhat controversial design that was replaced in just four years to the most recent version, which simplified the logo to block DC letters surrounded by a simple circle. That logo was also put in front of DC’s feature film adaptations, which will reboot with James Gunn’s “Superman” in 2025. (via Variety) 07/26/24 @ 10:04 pm EST
Deadpool is dead—long live Deadpool! It was previously revealed that Wade Wilson will meet his end at the hands of new super villain Death Grip this October in DEADPOOL #6. Following this shocking turn of events, his daughter, Ellie Camacho, will step up as the all-new Deadpool starting in November’s DEADPOOL #7! Just revealed at the Diamond Retailer Lunch at San Diego Comic-Con, Ellie’s new role is the latest twist in what’s been writer Cody Ziglar’s roller coaster of a run. To welcome the new Merc with a Mouth, Ziglar will be joined by guest artist Andrea Di Vito and co-writer Alexis Quasarano in her Marvel Comics debut. Wade has fallen, and his daughter Ellie has taken up the mantle! Taskmaster continues her mercenary training, but what she really wants is vengeance. And to get that, she’ll need Princess’ help. Preorder DEADPOOL #7 at your local comic shop today and stay tuned in the days ahead for more San Diego Comic-Con announcements!  
07/26/24 @ 9:58 pm EST
The universe of The Boys is expanding again. At Comic-Con on Friday, Prime Video announced that it’s ordered a prequel series called Vought Rising that will star Jensen Ackles and Aya Cash, reprising their roles from the flagship series. Ackles made an appearance onstage at Hall H in San Diego to thunderous applause, and Cash announced the series in a video. Vought Rising joins The Boys‘ college-set spinoff Gen V and the animated show The Boys Presents: Diabolical in Prime Video’s franchise. The 1950s-set series takes place in New York City and, as Ackles said at Comic-Con, will track the “humble yet diabolical” beginnings of Vought. (via THR) 07/26/24 @ 1:53 pm EST
Bob Hearts Abishola co-creator and star Gina Yashere has joined the cast of Star Trek: Starfleet Academy in a recurring role. Yashere will play an Academy instructor in the Paramount+ series. She joins previously announced cast Holly Hunter, Kerrice Brooks, Bella Shepard, George Hawkins, Karim Diané, Zoë Steiner and Paul Giamatti. Production is set to begin next month. Star Trek: Starfleet Academy introduces viewers to a young group of cadets who come together to pursue a common dream of hope and optimism. Under the watchful and demanding eyes of their instructors, they discover what it takes to become Starfleet officers as they navigate blossoming friendships, explosive rivalries, first loves and a new enemy that threatens both the Academy and the Federation itself. (via Deadline) 07/26/24 @ 10:51 am EST
Dynamite's industry-shaking partnership with Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products has brought fans explosive new tales of fabled franchises and some of the most impactful, bestselling titles in the industry. For the first time ever at a major comics convention, fans can attend a panel to hear from the luminary creators behind these acclaimed comics!
This panel will take place on Friday, July 26 from 2:30 PM to 3:30 PM in room 10.
Dynamite's Executive Editor Joe Rybandt leads a powerhouse panel of writers and artists from across the Warner Bros. titles including Declan Shalvey (ThunderCats), David Pepose (Space Ghost), Soo Lee (ThunderCats: Cheetara), and Joe Casey (Jonny Quest).
The Warner Bros. comics revolution has only just begun, but it started with a big bang. ThunderCats #1 by virtuoso writer Declan Shalvey (Moon Knight, Alien) and perfectly paired artist Drew Moss (Gargoyles: Dark Ages) pounced onto store shelves and readers minds as the highest selling comic launch in Dynamite's two decades of publishing. The beloved franchise that fans first got to know in the 1980s has gone through several eras and iterations, with Declan and Drew's new take appealing to all fans and newcomers.
The ThunderCats return to comics has been so fierce and warmly received by fans that writer Soo Lee (Carmilla: The First Vampire) has now begun chronicling the solo stories of breakout star Cheetara in her own series, which has only just begun to claw into the hearts of fans.
That momentum continued with the skyrocketing success of Space Ghost, a modernized yet classics-revering approach to the superhero from super-fan David Pepose (Punisher, Savage Avengers) and longtime Dynamite heavy hitter artist Jonathan Lau (Green Hornet, Vampirella).
Fan-favorite scribe Joe Casey's Jonny Quest will also be discussed, with Casey joining the panel to discuss his take on another beloved Hanna-Barbera series. The title will launch this August, shortly following the convention, and following a brilliant preview release on Free Comic Book Day in May.
The panel will also touch on the hit new The Powerpuff Girls title that launches right before the convention, and teases for what may be around the corner.  
 
   
... 07/26/24 @ 10:44 am EST
Dynamite Entertainment announces a new series of franchises that will be coming to comics soon in 2024 and beyond through its partnership with Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products (WBDGCP). There are five major new titles to announce that are in the pipeline for new comics right now. These include Ben 10, Captain Planet and the Planeteers, Thundarr the Barbarian, The Herculoids, and Dynomutt & Blue Falcon.
 Dynamite is excited to announce the first creator attached to one of these properties, as beloved writer Tom Sniegoski takes on The Herculoids. Sniegoski is a veteran of comics for over three decades. His major breakout work was spearheading the Vampirella franchise in 1993. Since then he's returned to the character multiple times, and worked on other big titles like Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Hellboy, Bone, Star Trek, Punisher, and more.
"I know this is gonna sound stupid, but ever since I was a little Sniegoski-ling, I've been in love with these characters forever," said writer Tom Sniegoski. "I can't tell you how excited I am for this project and can't wait to show the fans what I've got planned."
The Herculoids is a unique mix of science fiction and fantasy, featuring a "space barbarian" family of father Zandor, mother Tara, and son Dorno alongside their eponymous giant pet Herculoids. These include Zok, a giant dragon able to shoot lasers; the rhinoceros Tundro; an ape formed of rocks named Igoo; and last but not least the shape-shifting Gloop and Gleep. Together this ragtag team fights off robots, evil scientists, and a stream of other foes who threaten their planet and way of life. The classic Hanna-Barbera show spotlights the boundless creative vision and unique character designs of legendary animation and comics artist Alex Toth.
Thundarr the Barbarian and Dynomutt, Dog Wonder (featuring Blue Falcon) also come from the prestigious vaults of the Hanna-Barbera and Ruby Spears animation masterpieces, a bit later than Space Ghost and Herculoids, as these two shows originally ran in the late 1970s and early 80s.
Thundarr is set in a post-apocalyptic wasteland vision of Earth, which has devolved into a barbarian state. The principal creator of the series was Steve Gerber, known for many comics contributions over the years.
Though often giving Blue Falcon first billing from fans, Dynomutt is actually more focused on the titular robotic canine companion and his bumbling attempts to help his superhero master with his haphazard abilities and tools afforded by his mechanical body.
One of the most exciting new announcements in this lot is the first entry of the Ben 10 franchise in comic books. This is a full circle moment for Ben, as the beloved character and world were created and developed by the Man of Action Entertainment collective. This group was founded by four comic book luminaries in Joe Kelly, Joe Casey, Steven T. Seagle, and Duncan Rouleau.
Captain Planet and the Planeteers left an indelible mark on the imaginations and worldviews of children who grew up with it originally in the 1990s and those who have gone back to it via reruns. The show took an inclusive and trailblazing approach to its cast and premise, as five children from diverse backgrounds come together with the ability to summon Captain Planet in addressing crises facing the Earth such as environmental pollution, and so much more.
Since Dynamite and WBDGCP originally announced their partnership at New York Comic-Con in 2023, the debut of ThunderCats from writer Declan Shalvey and artist Drew Moss has exploded to be one of the biggest and most hyped titles in the industry. Space Ghost by David Pepose and Jonathan Lau followed hot on those heels, with a critically acclaimed and fan-favorite take on the character and superhero genre. Then Jonny Quest by Joe Casey and Sebastian Piriz is about to make a huge splash this August, following a glowingly received preview chapter released for Free Comic Book Day. Dynamite is excited to maintain this momentum and keep bringing incredible stories and top creators to fans featuring some of their favorite franchises.
More exciting information will be shared on these projects soon, including creative teams, details of their stories, formats, and release dates. ... 07/26/24 @ 10:41 am EST
San Diego Comic Con is known for its big and surprising announcements, and this year another one is coming. Additionally with 2024 marking Dynamite's 20th anniversary, this is an exciting one! Fan-favorite actor Sean Gunn (Guardians of the Galaxy) is bringing a story like no other to fans through an upcoming original graphic novel, Shepherds! In a near-future vision of our world with humans seemingly missing in action, Shepherds turns its spotlight to a society of canines trying to survive in their new harsh world. Readers will be brought to The Arena, a camp in an old stadium populated by domesticated dogs, a few wolves and their pups. The settlement is guarded and led by Queen Guadalupe, a melanistic wolf who is fascinated by human art and poetry and inspired by the curious human values of compassion and kindness. She wants to raise a new generation of wolfdogs, a hybrid species built to last.
Everything Guadalupe has built and strived for will soon be in jeopardy. A platoon of vicious Canidae, composed of wolves, coyotes, foxes, and jackals are making their way to The Arena to overtake it. They are soldiers fresh from fighting a war against bears and crocodiles and they have no use for the “pets”, the weaker pooches and mutts from a bygone world. As Guadalupe prepares to evacuate her pack, a wrench is thrown into the plan when a battle-worn German Shepherd they recently found reveals herself to be the former police dog called Blackberry, fabled among their society for her heroic past.
What follows is an adventure with many more heartfelt characters, exciting action, and dizzying lore that reveals mysteries spanning back to the beginning of time.
“Shepherds is a story I’ve been envisioning for years," said Sean Gunn. "It’s a timely twist on the post-apocalyptic genre, exploring human themes through the eyes of our proverbial best friends. I can’t wait to share it with an audience. Dynamite Entertainment has a history of telling unique stories in creative and daring ways, and they are the perfect partners to help bring Shepherds to readers. It’s thrilling to be working with them on this project that means so much to me, and artistically challenging in the best way.”
Shepherds comes from the mind of Sean Gunn, known for his acting across a wide range of projects. His character Kirk Gleason was an eccentric fan favorite through the run of Gilmore Girls. Moviegoers of all ages will recognize him from his role as Kraglin in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, principally in the Guardians of the Galaxy franchise. He also played Weasel and Calendar Man in The Suicide Squad, and will be seen portraying Maxwell Lord next summer in Superman.
"Sean is not only a great actor, but a wonderful guy with a keen mind and fertile imagination," said Nick Barrucci, Dynamite CEO and Publisher. "Every time anyone sees him on screen, his presence instantly captures and puts a smile on your face. Fans have known him as an actor in a myriad of films and shows, but now they'll get to know him as a writer. When we first spoke with him in our initial meeting, his passion for this project was incredible. Sean is bringing this story to fruition and we're honored to be a part of it. We're excited to share with fans another angle of his work, and an incredible story as well."
The release avenue, timing, and further creative information about Shepherds will be revealed soon!
Sean Gunn is represented by Charles Ferraro and Jonathan Beckerman at United Talent Agency, Mitch Clem of Mitch Clem Management, and Andrew Hurwitz of Frankfurt Kurnit Klein & Selz.
Nick Barrucci and Dynamite Entertainment are represented by Charles Ferraro at United Talent Agency, Ford Gilmore of Illuminati Entertainment, and Michael Lovitz of Lovitz IP Law. 
... 07/25/24 @ 4:10 pm EST
Todd McFarlane has been touting the upcoming Spawn movie for years, and he admits that it’s been a challenge for the gung ho comic book creator to be patient as the process unfolds. But now one key portion of its development hell phase is ending, and a new chapter is beginning for the project, based on the Image Comics books centering on a former black-ops agent who makes a deal with a demon after being betrayed and killed. King Spawn now has a completed script, one that McFarlane and producer Jason Blum’s Blumhouse have enough confidence in to start meeting with directors for the movie. The news comes two years after they commissioned a script from rising scribe Matt Mixon, Falcon and the Winter Soldier creator Malcolm Spellman and Joker Oscar nominee Scott Silver. After finding a director, the team will then approach studio partners. It’s unclear if Jamie Foxx, who has long been attached to star, will still be involved, as the eventual director will also have their own vision for the project. McFarlane says it is expected to be a mid-budget movie (not a $200 million tentpole), but also heftier than the budgets of a typical Blumhouse movie. (via THR) 07/25/24 @ 4:00 pm EST
Marvel Comics’ Trick-Or-Read titles return this October, and this year, there’ll be an extra treat! The three Trick-Or-Read titles set in the Marvel Universe will contain a bonus FANTASTIC FOUR backup story written by current Fantastic Four scribe Ryan North and drawn by the legendary Alan Davis. Titled FANTASTIC FOUR: YESTERDAY, these two superstar creators revisit the Fantastic Four’s thrilling early days in a way that invites new readers and astounds longtime fans! The story will detail the team’s origin, making it a perfect entry point for readers who want to get acquainted with the characters and the FF mythos. This is also the perfect time to jump into this incredible FF story ahead of Marvel Studio’s highly anticipated Fantastic Four film, arriving in theaters next summer! TRICK-OR-READ is the popular program that gives fans a chance to grab special reprints of recent stories starring today’s hottest characters. In the same spirit as Free Comic Book Day, participating local comic shops can give these comics to customers during the Halloween season. The issues are selected to offer spellbinding trips to the Marvel Universe that anyone can enjoy. From the latest adventures of the Fantastic Four to breakout character Spider-Boy’s headlining debut—this year’s selections feature something for every reader including newcomers and young children! Check out the covers for the three Trick-Or-Read titles that will contain FANTASTIC FOUR: YESTERDAY and inquire with your local comic shop regarding availability!   
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