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07/18/15 @ 1:07 pm EST
This is a Writer’s Commentary for Reanimator #4 by Keith Davidsen. Here he focuses on the first seven pages of the issue that wraps up the miniseries based on the work of H.P. Lovecraft and features the classic character Dr. Herbert West.  PAGE 1: SUSAN’S VOICE Whenever narration appears throughout the REANIMATOR series, it’s always from the point of view of Susan Greene, the young assistant working for Herbert West. It’s an intentional nod to the original source material, H.P. Lovecraft’s “Herbert West – Reanimator,” which is told from the point of view of an unnamed male assistant.Originally, I thought about having Herbert West be the narrator, to really get inside the head of this cold, calculating man… but part of the fun of this series, I think, comes from the fact that no one really knows what the Reanimator’s ends are until the third and fourth issues. If you get inside his head too early, you lose the big reveal that he’s been manipulating everything from Day One.PAGE 1: BONE DADDYSamedi, the Voodoo-practicing hitman who serves as Dice’s lieutenant, is based on Baron Samedi, the skull-faced Loa (spirit) of Haitian Vodou – or, more accurately, the popular perception of the traditional figure.What would eventually become the REANIMATOR series originally began as a brainstorming session at the Dynamite home office. The staff had wanted to get a weekly event series off the ground, and I’d recommended that we’d do a horror-themed crossover in the month of February, coinciding with Mardi Gras. The pitch involved one-shots dedicated to Vampirella, Reanimator, Evil Ernie, and Eva: Daughter of the Dragon, with each of them fighting a different New Orleans-based villain. The supernatural Baron Samedi was going to be one of the key villains, and as the project changed and became more focused as the REANIMATOR series, he changed from Loa himself to a fearsome individual assuming his namesake.Samedi appears for the first time in REANIMATOR #4 wearing the face (and body) paint that’s so closely tied to the traditional Baron Samedi look. He’d had a moment of inspiration in issue #3, when Samedi came across paint at Big Will’s convenience store. War paint is cool, y’know? PAGE 1: ELDRITCH KREWE VS. GRIS-GRIS BOYZ I’ve always loved stories where the protagonist is targeted by several different parties, and the climactic battle involves those various parties showing up in the same place and going to war. Intentionally or accidentally, when the protagonist pits his enemies against each other, it’s fun to watch.The Eldritch Krewe is a criminal organization whose name combines something very Lovecraftian with something very Louisianan. “Eldritch” is perhaps one of Lovecraft’s favorite words, referenced so frequently in his stories that it’s either irritating or charming, depending on your appreciation of his work. It simply means “spooky” or “weird”. Meanwhile, a “Krewe” is an organization dedicated to creating a parade, which ties back into my original Mardi Gras-themed crossover pitch.I wanted a drug war to feature in the REANIMATOR series, so I needed to create two sides that were visually and philosophically different. While the Eldrith Krewe was elitist and tied to the Cthulhu cult, the Gris-Gris Boyz were more street-level, with Haitain ties. “Gris-Gris” is a reference to the type of charms or amulets used in traditions of Vodou and African religion. I wanted this gang to feel more like those that currently operate in the United States, so giving it a name like “posse” or “familia” seemed right. I settled on “Boyz” despite how it made me think of very dated 1990s hip hop.    PAGES 2-4: KING OF THE ZOMBIES Herbert West’s original intent – as conceived of by H.P. Lovecraft – was never to create zombies. He wants to restore the dead to perfect life, to undo the very act of death. Let’s say you’re fine one day, but you die the next. In his perfect vision of the world, the Reanimator would then injects you with his solution, and by Day Four, you’d be fine again. Shambling corpses were the by-products of his failed experiments. In the original “Herbert West – Reanimator”, he eventually starts performing rather unnecessary experiments. As Lovecraft put it, “his once normal scientific zeal for prolonging life had subtly degenerated into a mere morbid and ghoulish curiosity and secret sense of charnel picturesqueness. His interest became a hellish and perverse addiction to the repellently and fiendishly abnormal; he gloated calmly over artificial monstrosities.”Because we’re making comics, I wanted Herbert West, the Man of Science (if not Reason), to have several moments as an unexpected Man of Action. With a shotgun in his hand, facing down the Krewe lackies who’d dared to enter his laboratory… it’s a very “hero” thing to do. However, while he did on occasion shoot people in this series, I did try more often than not to create alternatives to direct violence. He’s a puppet master, so it’s fitting that he “cuts the strings” on his zombie hordes, letting them drop on his enemies, rather than shooting the enemies himself.  PAGE 5: CTHULHU REX Croceus Rex, the drug-addicted elitist who runs the Eldritch Krewe, appears in all his mutated glory on this page. “Croceus” means “yellow” or “gold”, and “Rex” is Latin for “king”. While Lovecraft had been a fan of Robert W. Chambers’ “The King in Yellow” and referenced it throughout the Cthulhu mythos, I wish I could say that this Lovecraft fact informed the naming of this villain, but the name came from a completely different line of thought. The traditional colors of Mardi Gras are purple, gold, and green – which represent justice, power, and faith. Croceus Rex cares nothing for justice, and while he is a devotee of Cthulhu, his faith is really more about positioning himself for the acquisition of power than anything else.Over the course of the series, Croceus Rex has increasingly used Herbert West’s Eunique drug, which the Reanimator warned would have negative side effects. Overindulgence had made Rex “psychically hypersensitive”, a phrase coined by Lovecraft in his classic tale, “The Call of Cthulhu”, and therefore the villain was susceptible to the dream-like influence of the Elder God. In issue #3, Rex then acquired and injected a sample of West’s blood… and ever since, his body had mutated into more and more of an abomination. It’s important to note that the upper and lower halves of his metamorphic body have very different physical attributes. His torso, arms, and head are covered in writhing tentacles, while his legs are tumorous. There’s a very distinct reason for that, revealed a little later in the issue. PAGE 6: THE AGONY FONT It’s a subtle change, but when Croceus Rex says, “This… is… agony”, there’s a font switch for that last word. Throughout the remainder of the issue, all of his dialogue reflects the new font, a visual cue to the character’s continuing physical changes. He’s still transforming into something inhuman, inside and out. PAGE 7: SUSAN GREENE, REANIMATOR Susan Greene wears a practically identical outfit to Herbert West in this issue, assuming his trademark lab coat and satchel. As revealed in the third issue, everything that has happened in this series has been carefully orchestrated by the Reanimator to groom Susan into his perfect assistant. She’s his experiment. It’s important that here, in the final issue, we can see that his experiment has been largely successful, and that visually she’s become much more like him.Susan still needs to cross certain moral boundaries, however. When she confronts Dice, the gangster who murdered her fiancé, she says, “I came out here to see you dead.” That’s a pretty clear indication that she’s willing to cast ethics aside. However, she’s driven by a need for justice or revenge, where West could kill coldly as a means to an end (which, in his case, is to further his scientific pursuits, as anyone who dies here becomes a body to perform experiments on). Still, forsaking the moral path is a slippery slope… one which West hopes to exploit. 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.  11/15/25 @ 12:49 pm EST
A new Star Trek film is in the works and Paramount is tapping the team of Jonathan Goldstein and John Frances Daley to write, produce and direct. This news comes shortly after David Ellison, founder of Skydance who recently purchased the studio, told investors that the next Star Trek film would not be a sequel to the Chris Pine/ Zachary Quinto lead series of films. While this hasn’t been 100% confirmed, word is that the new film will be focused on new characters and not directly tied to any previous film or television series. Goldstein and Daley have a good track record when it comes to revitalizing franchises having written Spider-Man: Homecoming for Marvel Studios and wrote and directed Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves which was very well received by fans and critics.  11/15/25 @ 12:32 pm EST
With The Fantastic Four: First Steps having moved to Disney+, the Pedro Pascal and Vanessa Kirby lead team is now first in fans minds. But one person still thinks about the First Family of Marvel presented a decade ago and what went wrong. Miles Teller, who played Reed Richards in Josh Trank’s 2015 version of the property, still thinks about the project and how he believes the problems all came down to one person. Teller was on Sirius XM’s Radio Andy show said, “You saw the movie, right? Your eyes were working during that time? I think it’s unfortunate because so many people worked so hard on that movie. And, honestly, maybe there was one really important person who kind of f***ed it all up.” While Teller didn’t say who that was, he was referring to the person who made the final cut on the film, which was not director Trank. Teller said that he wanted a superhero film on his resume to help show him as a serious leading man, but after seeing the final cut recalled, “I remember talking to one of the studio heads, and I was like, ‘I think we’re in trouble.'” The 2015 version made $167 million worldwide compared to this year’s version which made $521 million. He stopped short of calling for a director’s cut of the film.  |
