|
06/12/15 @ 8:54 am EST
Writer’s commentary by David Avallone for Legenderry: Vampirella #5Legenderry: Vampirella was my first series as a comic book writer, and I have to thank Allison Baker, Chris Roberson, Bill Willingham and Joseph Rybandt for pushing me to do it, recommending me for it, and having the faith that I could pull it off. I hope they were satisfied with the results. And so here we find ourselves in the final issue. In Chapter Four I tried to set up all the elements for the climax, and now the curtain rises on my (hopefully) Grand Finale. What follows will have some MAJOR spoilers, including the really big twist I’ve been building up to: this is best read AFTER you’ve read Legenderry Vampirella Chapter Five.  Page 1: Mercy and Rudolf Rassendyll riding to the rescue of Vampirella, and arriving to see her handiwork. On the one hand I always want to stress that Vampirella doesn’t want anybody’s assistance. On the other… we could all use a little help from our friends.  Page 2 & 3: A beautiful two-page splash from David Thomas Cabrera. I take every chance I get to say nice things about DTC, because his work on this book has been extraordinary. He’s used every piece of photo reference I threw at him, and graciously accepted my occasional small tweaks on framing and layout. The title of this issue is HEARTS OF LIGHT AND DARKNESS: the reference to Jospeh Conrad (already present in the “Kurtz” character) is obvious. The reference to Roger Zelazny’s craziest novel is a little more obscure. The last page of the previous issue teased this issue’s title as THE VAMPIRE STRIKES BACK, but that was a joke.  Page 4: Vampirella has been previously established (long before I started writing her) as invulnerable. But… she’s made of matter, and a disintegrator (or “demolecularizer”, as my characters like to call them) is going to disintegrate matter. The glancing blow here isn’t quite enough to make her disappear in a puff of smoke, though. The sizzling glow where the beam hit is her body replacing cells at almost the same speed that the beam is burning them off. It’s worth mentioning here that in Chapter Three I tried to make it clear that I favor her original “Planet Draculon” sci-fi origin story, in all of its insane glory. No Biblical hoo-hah here.  Page 5: In my first drafts, I rarely gave the Clones any lines. When I see David’s art I am invariably moved to give them something to say. They’re pawns, and what’s really going on is always above their pay grade. Still, they see what’s happening and react like any confused pawn does when the important pieces start moving (and wiping them out.) Page 6, Panel 5: Doing a book set in a world populated by legends, you want to work with iconic characters. Bill Willingham, when he created the world of “Legenderry”, brought together a fantastic group of the Dynamite Comics characters and reimagined them in fun and interesting ways. When I was asked to spin-off a series with Vampirella, I was given a lot of freedom to add new characters to this setting. Working with turn-of-the-century public domain characters is not a new idea, and Alan Moore worked these fields rather thoroughly in his LEAGUE OF EXTRAORDINARY GENTLEMEN, so I had to take to my shelves to find characters I loved and wanted to write, given this opportunity. (I also took a moment to check with the irreplaceable Jess Nevins that Alan had not exploited any of these characters already in his books.) In this panel you see three at once: Kurtz, The Emperor Jones, and Rupert of Hentzau. In this “alternate universe” of Legenderry, I postulate that MY Kurtz – rather than dying – opens a trade route to the Jungle and becomes a very rich man, with some of the personality traits of a certain other famous billionaire whose initial is “K”. Likewise, the Emperor Jones survives his nightmarish flight from revolution, and finds refuge in the Council. The Devil-may-care Hentzau is much as he was at the end of The Prisoner of Zenda: out of a job, and pretty pissed off at Rudolph Rassendyll. I have loved writing these three guys, and hope I get a chance to use them again. Page 6, Panel 6: Valcallan returns, with an electro-rifle. We all know who the “mad old Sikh” is, right?  Page 8: I intended these panels to mirror each other, but left that out of the script. I thought the framing wouldn’t work. David Cabrera read my mind and did it anyway. Rassendyll is probably flashing back to his desperate assault on Zenda. His memory is hazy, though… because… (spoiler!) he’s not really Rassendyll. Page 9: The constable is named Sennett. Of course he is. Later, this man will go on to form the Keystone Kops, klearly. Page 10: I hate to send Mercy away from the big finale, but that’s how it worked out. She’s based on a pulp character from the late fifties, but I won’t say who… maybe next time.  Page 12: I love the “climbing the airship tow-rope” action beat. So did the producers of A VIEW TO A KILL. I think we’re BOTH ripping it off from a 1971 Michael York WWI movie called ZEPPELIN. And here’s a little more chatter from the Clones, for laughs. I think they’d definitely be talking about the death toll this one lady has racked up among their ranks. Page 14-15: Here we go. I’m genuinely curious if this worked… if people saw it coming. Naturally, Rupert figures it out before everyone else.  Page 16: It could be argued that Black Mass saving Vampirella here is a deus ex machina moment… but I did my best to set it up. It’s not random. Black Mass has been there all along, and he saves her because he loves her. It’s a love story. I’m pretty sure in the solicits for the first issue I mentioned that. You just forgot, in all the violence and fun. Page 17: The moment in the previous issue, where Rassendyll is looking at himself quizzically in the mirror, should come to mind here. Black Mass lost himself for a bit. The disguise was too perfect, including susceptibility to knock-out drugs. Page 18: This is a good time to mention Dave Lanphear, letterer and Robby Bevard, colorist. Like a bad movie director, all I told Dave about anything in this series was “it would be nice if there was a cool lettering treatment” (when Kurtz is orating, or Black Mass is speaking). I didn’t give him a single useful idea other than “make it cool”, and he did. In this issue, it was Robby Bevard’s idea to have the sun slowly setting, and the sky turning colors, as the story progressed. A perfect idea, beautifully pulled off, that helps the story – indeed TELLS the story – magnificently. Robby’s work on the whole series has been stunning, and always in service of the narrative. Page 19: In issue one, the story began on the airship platform of Kurtz tower. It ends there, too. I like that sort of thing.  Page 20: Last issue, Kurtz said “Exterminate the brutes!” Here he gets to use his most famous catchphrase. Page 21: Vampirella hasn’t had a reason (or a chance) to extend her wings in this series… I thought it would be lovely to do it here, at the end. I always listen to music when I write, and soundtrack nerds might find it interesting that I listened to “Taarna Forever” from Elmer Bernstein’s score for Heavy Metal when I was writing this sequence. (No one else will care.) Page 22: Our story ends, for now, with a joke from Citizen Kane, a hopeful ending not unlike Here Comes Mr. Jordan and the final payoff of the running gag about Rudolf’s silly name. I hope you enjoyed the ride… For more on Legenderry: Vampirella #5, click here.
01/03/26 @ 1:19 pm EST
Deadline is reporting that Mike Flanagan is working on a new adaptation of Stephen King’s The Dark Tower series. Flanagan said his plan is to adapt the beloved franchise into a five-season series that would then be capped off by two stand-alone movies. The acclaimed horror director recently told Empire Magazine, “We’ve got a lot of scripts done for it. It’s the first priority.” He also made it clear that he doesn’t want the 2017 Idris Elba/ Matthew McConaughey film to be the final word on the property. That adaptation has a 16% critic rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Though Flanagan and Intrepid Pictures have a deal with Amazon, the rights to the Dark Tower were specifically carved out of their arrangement and could end up with another studio, but Amazon is also a possibility. Flanagan is known for his work on films like Gerald’s Game, Doctor Sleep and the Life of Chuck as well as series like The Fall of the House of Ushers, The Midnight Club and Midnight Mass. He also came up with the initial story and script for the upcoming Clayface movie that was so strong that James Gunn and Peter Safran has to greenlight a body horror film starring a B-level Batman villain as the third film released in their new DCU.  01/03/26 @ 12:45 pm EST
Now that we’re in 2026, we need to keep an ear out for casting news for the two big DC Studios films shooting this year, Man of Tomorrow and The Batman Part 2. The Superman follow-up is the one going first and we already got the casting announcement for the main villain, Brainiac with the addition of German actor Lars Eidinger to the cast. There have been rumors that there was a female role being cast for a potential hero that many have assumed was going to be this universe’s Wonder Woman, and while that has not been confirmed, John Rocha of the Hot Mic podcast says his sources confirm that James Gunn is looking to cast the Amazon warrior for the film. That would make sense with the idea that DC is pushing Wonder Woman for a new film with Supergirl scribe Ann Nogueira said to be working on the script. This still falls into the rumor category, but Gunn has not debunked the story as of yet. With the film expected to begin production in the spring, more casting news is expected in the next few weeks/months, and we know that if the “scoopers” have it right, DC likes to get the news out their themselves as they did with Eidinger. So I wouldn’t trust any of the rumored castings as of now.  12/20/25 @ 12:26 pm EST
James Gunn took to social media this morning to welcome Lars Eidinger to the DCU and Man of Tomorrow in the role of Brainiac. Eidinger, while not a household name, is best known for his roles in Clouds of Sils Maria and Personal Shopper but also appeared in the recent Netflix film Jay Kelly. Gunn talked about a worldwide search for the iconic Superman villain led to Eidinger rising to the top. He will join David Corenswet, Nicholas Hoult and Rachel Brosnahan as the film is expected to begin shooting in the spring of 2026 for a release in July of 2027. There have been multiple attempts to use Brainiac in a Superman film, but each attempt has fallen to the wayside, and his only live-action appearance so far was in the short-lived SciFi series Krypton where he was played by Blake Ritson. 
12/20/25 @ 11:25 am EST
After having begun production in August of this year, director Destin Daniel Cretton revealed that Spider-Man: Brand New Day has wrapped filming as of Friday. The film, which is set to premiere July 31st, 2026, features the return of Tom Holland as Peter Parker and is the first in the MCU franchise to not be directed by Jon Watts. Cretton wrote on Instagram, “I’m so deeply grateful for the people who walked with me through the biggest, most rewarding film I’ve ever been a part of. To our amazing cast, for breathing so much life into these beloved characters and moving us every day. To our unbelievable crew, who worked tirelessly with unmatched creativity and craftsmanship, who made me laugh so hard my stomach never stopped hurting. I love you all so much and can’t wait for the world to see your stunning work on the big screen. And of course, to @tomholland2013, for your kind, generous leadership on and off screen, for your relentless work ethic, your fearless performances, and for your friendship. That’s a wrap on Spider-Man: Brand New Day!” This is Cretton’s second MCU film after having helmed Shang Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings. He has also produced the Wonder Man series set to debut on Disney+ next month.  12/06/25 @ 2:03 pm EST
Scarlett Johansson is said to be in negotiations to join the cast of the highly anticipated sequel, The Batman Part 2. While Warner Bros. has not officially revealed which character Johansson would portray, speculation is rife across social media and film forums. Many fans are hoping she will take on the role of a major antagonist or perhaps bring a new dimension to an existing character from the Batman lore. Johansson’s acclaimed work in action and drama—especially her iconic run as Black Widow in the Marvel Cinematic Universe—positions her as a compelling choice for a complex role in Gotham’s shadowy streets. The Batman Part 2 is currently in pre-production, with filming scheduled to commence in May of next year. The film is targeted for a theatrical release in 2026, although official dates may be subject to change. Director Matt Reeves returns to helm the sequel, ensuring continuity in the vision and tone that made the first installment a critical and box office success. Johansson’s addition is expected to boost the already stellar lineup led by Robert Pattinson as Bruce Wayne/Batman. Within hours of the announcement, social media platforms lit up with enthusiastic posts and trending hashtags. Speculation is running rampant with guesses of her role ranging from villains like Poison Ivy and Harley Quinn to love interests like Silver St. Cloud and Vickie Vale. One of the more popular suggestions is that Johansson could be playing Andrea Beaumont, a love interest and antagonist from the hit animated film Mask of the Phantasm. The casting has not been confirmed and neither the studio nor Reeves has commented since the story broke. 
12/06/25 @ 1:50 pm EST
In a dramatic shift for the entertainment industry, Netflix has announced its acquisition of Warner Bros, one of Hollywood's most iconic studios. This unprecedented deal marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing evolution of media and streaming services. Netflix, already a leader in streaming content, has been searching for ways to expand its library and production capabilities. Warner Bros, with its vast catalog of beloved films and television franchises—including the Harry Potter, DC, and Looney Tunes properties—represents a treasure trove of content and creative resources. The acquisition signals Netflix's commitment to not only dominating streaming but also to strengthening its influence in theatrical releases and television programming. Though Netflix has been against theatrical releases in the past, in a recent statement they said they planned to continue them for Warner Bros films just with a shorter release window. By purchasing Warner Bros, Netflix gains access to a library of classic and highly profitable intellectual properties. This move allows Netflix to offer exclusive streaming rights to blockbuster franchises, while also leveraging Warner Bros’ production infrastructure. The deal also positions Netflix to compete more directly with other major studios and streaming platforms, such as Disney and Amazon. Industry analysts predict that this acquisition will accelerate the consolidation trend within the entertainment sector. Other studios and streaming services may seek mergers or partnerships to remain competitive. Audiences can likely expect a surge in new content, including reboots, spin-offs, and original productions drawing from Warner Bros' legacy. For Netflix subscribers, the platform could soon become the go-to destination for both new releases and classic favorites. While some industry veterans express concern about further consolidation of media power, others see this as an opportunity for innovation and greater investment in high-quality storytelling. Only time will tell how this landmark deal reshapes Hollywood and the global entertainment landscape.  ... 11/29/25 @ 11:47 am EST
If you’re of a certain age, then you realize that Peter Hammond was not the first live-action Spider-Man to appear on television screens. That honor goes to Jim Hensen puppeteer Danny Seagren who was a regular on both Sesame Street and The Electric Company. Seagren was both a puppeteer and puppet maker and was the right hand of Ernie along with putting on the Big Bird suit on several occasions including an appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show. He was also the web slinger on the show that started the careers of Rita Moreno and Morgan Freeman as both shows fell under the Children’s Television Workshop. He went on to create puppets for other series like Curiosity Shop, Captain Kangaroo and Who’s Afraid of Opera. “Danny will be greatly missed by his family, friends and those throughout the community he loved living in,” his family said in his obituary. Seagren died on November 10th at the age of 81.  11/29/25 @ 11:31 am EST
Director Shawn Levy has officially hired renowned composer Thomas Newman to craft the score for his upcoming Star Wars: Starfighter film. The collaboration marks a significant moment for the celebrated sci-fi franchise, as Newman steps into a universe long defined by the iconic music of John Williams. His distinguished career includes memorable scores for films such as The Shawshank Redemption, Finding Nemo, and 1917, brings a fresh perspective to the Star Wars saga. Over the years, Newman has earned an impressive 15 Oscar nominations, a testament to his exceptional talent and enduring impact on the film industry. Levy, celebrated for his work on blockbusters like Free Guy and Deadpool and Wolverine, and the hit series Stranger Things, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership. He highlighted Newman's ability to blend sweeping orchestral moments with subtle, character-driven motifs—a style well-suited to the expansive and adventurous spirit of Star Wars. While plot details remain under wraps, Levy and Newman’s collaboration promises a thrilling and emotionally resonant cinematic experience.  11/16/25 @ 12:48 pm EST
While most of the focus over at Marvel Studios is currently on the pair of upcoming Avengers films, Ryan Coogler is ready to return to Wakanda for a third Black Panther film. We’d heard of the possibility of the film originally from Denzel Washington who, while speaking of his potential retirement, mentioned the film as one of his future projects and then when Nate Moore left Marvel last year, he said he would be back producing the third Black Panther film. Now, Coogler himself said while on stage talking about his film Sinners, that Black Panther 3 would be his next movie. The series kicked off with Chadwick Boseman as T’Challa, king of the African Nation of Wakanda and while he reprised the role in Avengers: Infinity War and Endgame, he sadly passed away shortly after. The sequel dealt with the characters death and passed the mantle on to his sister Shuri played by Letitia Wright who is expected to reprise the role in the upcoming Avenger films, but with talks of a potential soft reboot of the MCU, it’s unclear who will be wearing the mask for the third film.  11/16/25 @ 12:31 pm EST
The most recent news on the DCU has to do with Jimmy Olsen. Variety is reporting that Skyler Gisondo will reprise his role from Superman in a true-crime docuseries style show that focuses on villains in the universe starting with the Flash rogue, Gorilla Grodd. Tony Yacenda and Dan Perrault are set to write and showrun with James Gunn and Peter Safran joining them as executive producers. The show is planned for HBO Max and will be a mockumentary style similar to Yacenda and Perrault’s previous series like American Vandal and Players. In the original report, Variety claimed the series would be called DC Crime, something Gunn took to social media to debunk, saying there had never been any project in production called DC Crime, he then added that his saying that doesn’t mean that the rest of the report is false. This sounds like a pretty good confirmation to me.  |
