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07/26/14 @ 9:44 am EST
In the first mini-series since Gail Simone relaunched Red Sonja for Dynamite, Frank Tieri takes the She-devil with a Sword to the Black Tower. Byron Brewer caught up with the writer to discuss his turn with the red-headed warrior.  BYRON BREWER: Like Conan, Tarzan and John Carter, Red Sonja has had a myriad of comic book stories. Is this miniseries an adaptation of a Robert E. Howard story or an original story, and is that difficult to do for such a traveled literary character?FRANK TIERI: Original story, definitely. And a very different one than what one might expect from a Sonja story, I’d say. To your point about her being such a well-traveled character, I wanted to make sure we weren’t covering ground that’s already been traveled upon with her. I didn’t want her just fighting another wizard or barbarian… that’s not to say there’s not some of that stuff in here, just that there’s a lot more to it going on. If I was going to do this, I wanted to tell a Sonja story unlike anything we’ve ever seen, and with BLACK TOWER, I believe that we have. BB: Frank, tell us your take on the She-Devil with a Sword.FT: Simply put… she’s the baddest motherfucker in her world.I think of her sort of as the female Hyborean version of Eastwood’s Man With No Name. She walks into a town or a bar or whatever and every man, woman and child shits their pants. (Or tunic, if you prefer) They all just pray to their gods that whoever she’s there for, whoever she has a problem with, it’s not them. Because if it is… they’re already dead.  BB: Are you a follower of Howard’s Sonja? Roy Thomas? Others along the way?FT: Not so much the Howard stuff (And really, Sonja with a J is a very different character than Howard’s Sonya with a Y, ya know?) but I was a big time Conan comic book guy growing up. And the issues where Sonja showed up, those were the special ones. You’d wait for those. Because in that whole fucked up universe of theirs, Sonja was the one person who could hang with Conan. She was one of the only people that could look him in the eye that he might have a second thought about fucking with.Plus, they had such a great dynamic together. If you were reading Conan back then and a part of you didn’t always hope they’d eventually end up together, then you’re dead to me. BB: Tell us a bit about the world and situation that Sonja finds herself in during this limited series.FT: The Black Tower just shows up one day. People are scared… they don’t know where this thing came from and what the hell’s going to happen now that it’s here. And what tends to happen when people are scared? They mob up, get their pitchforks and torches out and start doing some stupid violent shit to each other. That’s the situation Sonja finds herself when she hits town… so she pretty much hits the ground running.The story will actually take place over a number of years, with each issue representing a time jump. In issue 1, the Tower arrives and the stage is set. But fans won’t actually have long to wait to see it open because something comes out by the end of issue 2. What emerges is something unlike anything Sonja has faced before and going forward, it’s what she has to contend with for the rest of the series.  BB: I know this sounds like a strange question, but having worked with a character like Marvel’s Wolverine, how does that warrior compare to a swashbuckler like Red Sonja?FT: It’s not all that strange. In fact, it’s probably expected considering all the work I’ve done with Wolverine. And if you think about it, they have a lot more in common than you might think. They’ve both got that “lone wolf” thing going. They’ve both got a tremendous sense of honor, a code if you will. And they’re both pretty much the alphas of their respective universes.The big difference? Sonja’s got her shit together waaaay better than Wolvie. I mean, deep down…Wolvie’s fucking nuts. He’s got demons to fight that Sonja just doesn’t have. The demons she fights are, ya know… actual demons. BB: Does it make you feel a bit better on this mini to work with an artist like Cezar Razek, who has drawn the red-tressed warrior woman before?FT: Cezar’s really brought his A game to this, I’m happy to say. I mean, his Sonja just looks like Sonja should look, ya know? I’ve got some pretty violent stuff going on and he hasn’t shied away from any of it, which I like in an artist. Honestly, I may be a bit biased but I really think it’s the best stuff the guy’s ever done.  Plus we’ve also got the lovely Amanda Conner on covers which is worth the price of admission alone. We were down in Baltimore Comic Con last year when me and Nicky met to talk about me doing the book and Amanda was there and immediately volunteered to do covers. Let me tell you… that didn’t get a “yeah” from me, that got a “fuck yeah!”. And of course, she’s killed it as usual. BB: Is there any inspiration (beyond the obvious) for this particular tale?FT: You might be surprised when I say this but Stephen King, believe it or not. And for readers of the Dark Tower series—which I am a huge fan of – yes, the name of our series is a nod to that ( That said, I can promise you that what’s in our tower is NOT the center of the universe.). King often has these things show up in his stories out of nowhere—towers, talismans… even a buick 8—and as the story unravels you start to uncover where this thing came from and what does it all mean. Our story is very much like that. BB: Would you be interested in working with this character in a future book, and how do you see Red Sonja among the females who are heading regular comics these days?FT: Sure, I’d be open to more Sonja in the future. Hopefully this series does well enough and it opens the door for more because honestly, this story was a blast to write.As for Sonja and how she fits among her fellow female comic book compatriots… I’m always a bit surprised she’s not bigger, ya know? I mean, Sonja’s sort of the original “bad girl” character if you think about it. Before Electra and Painkiller Jane and Shi, etc… there was Sonja. To me I’d rank her right up there with a lot of those other female comic book icons and it would be cool for her to eventually get the props she deserves. 04/22/24 @ 10:10 pm EST
The Bluey-mania continues.The series’ first special, titled “The Sign,” made its Disney+ debut on April 14. After seven days of viewing, the episode drove 10.4M views globally, according to the streamer.In fact, the company says that’s the largest seven-day premiere audience for any Disney Junior episode — and any episode of Bluey — ever on Disney+.Disney+ rarely releases viewership figures, and this is the first time the streamer has done so for Bluey. However, the company did reveal Monday that it is consistently among the top five series on Disney+ by monthly views. (via Deadline) 04/22/24 @ 10:05 pm EST
Multiple Eisner, Shuster, and Harvey award winning writer/artist Chip Zdarsky (Batman, Newburn) will kick off a new story arc to the Eisner Award winning series Public Domain this July. This new chapter in the beloved comic book series will begin with issue #6 and hit shelves from Image Comics. “Public Domain is the most personal work of mine to date, so I’m incredibly happy to be putting more issues of it out into the world again," said Zdarsky. "I’m writing, drawing, coloring, lettering and desigining every element of the book, so it’s as pure a form of 'Chip Zdarsky' as there can be! Is that a good thing? I’ll let history judge." Zdarsky will also be teaming with fan-favorite artist Rachael Stott (Fantastic Four, Dr. Who) and stellar colorist Eren Angiolini (Justice League: Last Ride) to bring fans the in-universe comic book at the center of the Public Domain—The Domain—this July as well for double the Public Domain impact. In Public Domain #6, Dallas Comics is up and running! But can Syd put aside his feelings and make a Domain comic for a new generation before Jerry Jasper and Singular Comics beat him to it? And who is the mysterious British hunk, Carter Dusk? Nobody knows, but it’s his first appearance, so you better buy this issue and get it graded just in case! Public Domain follows Syd Dallas, the legendary comic book artist responsible for pop culture’s greatest hero: The Domain! But his sons Miles and David have a complicated relationship with both the creation and their creator. Can they come together and create a comic worthy of Syd’s legacy? This thought provoking series shines a light on the all-too-common battle between creators and corporations in a world where the billion-dollar creations dominate the cultural landscape. Public Domain #6 (Lunar Code 0524IM245) will be available at comic book shops on Wednesday, July 3. The Domain #1 will be available at comic book shops the following week, on Wednesday, July 10: Cover A by Stott - Lunar Code 0524IM229 Cover B by Angiolini - Lunar Code 0524IM230 Both Public Domain and The Domain will also be available across many digital platforms, including Amazon Kindle, Apple Books, and Google Play.     
... 04/22/24 @ 1:05 pm EST
The bickering duo of Marvel are at it again: The trailer for Deadpool and Wolverine dropped today, and finds Ryan Reynolds‘ Deadpool and Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine doing what they do best. “Hi peanut,” Deadpool says to a drowning-his-sorrows Wolverine. “I’m going to need you to come with me right now.” The trailer contains enough quips, fights, insults and R-rated verbiage to satisfy a universe, Marvel or otherwise. It's alll set to the tune of Madonna’s “Like A Prayer.” (via Deadline) Trailer: https://youtu.be/cen0rBKLuYE 04/22/24 @ 12:55 pm EST
 Dynamite and Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products invite fans to pounce into the big new companion comic book series for the smash-hit ThunderCats mythos, as Cheetara rockets into her own title led by the stellar Soo Lee (Carmilla: The First Vampire).
In a historic first for the franchise, the fierce feline warrior famous for her lightning-fast speed is being showcased in a multi-issue story of her own. Writer/artist Soo Lee is joined by rising artist Domenico Carbone on ThunderCats: Cheetara, with the first issue releasing this July!
Before the founding of Third Earth, before the destruction of Thundera, Cheetara was a young woman with secrets. Now, for the first time, these secrets will be revealed. Wrapped in a stifling life of Thunderian nobility, she seeks to find her place in an unsure universe, and to understand why she's experiencing alarming visions of both the ancient past and the near future...
"There are some very cool things about Cheetara that have been overlooked in the original cartoon, things that I really want to make the center of her story," said writer Soo Lee. "She's also iconic and very strong, it makes sense she gets her own series. It's a look into one of the most important supporting characters.
  The new era of ThunderCats comics have been blazing up the charts, with fans hotly anticipating each new issue in the flagship series by Declan Shalvey and Drew Moss. For the new series spotlighting Cheetara, Soo Lee has been following the title and collaborating with Shalvey, alongside some binging of the original show and fandom resources to guide her own tales. All that said, this is a separate series that fans can jump right into and not worry about tight chronology with the preceding ongoing.
Lee also contributes a stunning cover to the series in her style. She's joined by superstar Sozomaika, Lesley "Leirix" Li, Rebeca Puebla, and Edwin Galmon.
No matter how fast Cheetara can run, she can never outrun her own past!    
THUNDERCATS: CHEETARA #1 will be solicited in Diamond Comic Distributors’ May 2024 Previews catalog, the premier source of merchandise for the comic book specialty market, and slated for release in July 2024. Comic book fans are encouraged to preorder copies of the book with their local comic book retailers. It will also be available for individual customer purchase through digital platforms courtesy of Comixology, Kindle, iBooks, Google Play, Dynamite Digital, ComicsPlus, and more! ... 04/22/24 @ 12:50 pm EST
Dynamite and Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products are excited to announce sugar, spice, and everything nice! Three of the most powerful superheroes are back together for new comic stories starting this summer from a team of superstar creators in Kelly Thompson and Paulina Ganucheau!
Professor Utonium added a little extra to that famous recipe, when some Chemical X was thrown into the concoction. And lo, The Powerpuff Girls were born! Since that day, Blossom, Bubbles, and Buttercup have dedicated their lives to fighting evil in all its forms. Their awesome powers and teamwork tirelessly defend their idyllic city from the likes of petty criminals, marauding monsters, and diabolical super-villains alike.
They're sweet, they're petite, and they can't be beat! Eisner Award-winner Kelly Thompson is one of the biggest names in comics and she's the perfect match for this trio of fearless heroes. She is known for DC's critically acclaimed Birds of Prey, acclaimed runs on Captain Marvel, Black Widow, Hawkeye, Deadpool, and contributions to both Spider-Man and X-Men. Thompson has also knocked it out of the park on other franchises from television and animation like Jem and the Holograms and Mighty Morphin Power Rangers.
Taking the reins on artwork, Paulina Ganucheau is acclaimed for her brilliant "Adventures of Young Diana" feature in issues of DC's Wonder Woman. She's also contributed to titles like My Little Pony, Zodiac Starforce, and Rainbow Brite. The duo's shared grasp on superheroics and balancing their storytelling for diverse ages fits the Powerpuff Girls to a tee — topped off only by their passions for the franchise!
"I have to say, I am a very big fan of The Powerpuff Girls," said writer Kelly Thompson. "So much so that when I was young — just out of art school — I even wrote a few short stories and began to storyboard them in hopes I could get a job on the show! So this just feels… exactly right. I was over the moon to get the offer."
Artist Paulina Ganucheau added, "I grew up obsessed with them. Had my own PPG OC and everything. I was on a Powerpuff Girls oekaki board way back in the day where all we did was draw in that style. I remember calling into Cartoon Network for PPG merch giveaways even. So yeah, safe to say: very exciting!"
Editor Nate Cosby added, "I was like, y’know who’d write an unbelievably awesome Powerpuff Girls story? Probably Kelly “Eisner-Freaking-Award-Winner” Thompson. And then I was like, y’know what artist’d blow people’s minds drawing The Powerpuff Girls? Probably Paulina “Eventually-Will-Be-An-Eisner-Winner-Too” Ganucheau. And after seeing what KT/PG have cooked up, I can confirm that my “probably’s” have turned into “definitely’s.""
In talking about the series, Thompson made sure to emphasize that just like the show, this comic is aimed at both younger and older audiences. The comic is aiming to capture a magic mix of heart and fun, with clever self-awareness that makes it rewarding for everyone. While artistically, the show's iconic designs and popping colors translate perfectly to the comics page. Uniquely rare today in comics, stories will be done in one so fans can pick up any issue and enjoy!
Fans can of course look forward to seeing plenty of the titular super-trio, as well as their father Professor Utonium, the Mayor of Townsville, Miss Keane, and iconic villains like Mojo Jojo, HIM, Fuzzy Lumpkins, Sedusa, the Rowdyruff Boys, and perhaps even more as the series goes on!
Ganucheau delivers the lead cover, an eye-catching vision of the girls taking on several of their infamous foes. Thompson's Birds of Prey and Hawkeye collaborator Leonardo Romero contributes a cover. Two more from Karen S. Darboe and Nicoletta Baldari round out the colorful classics on the first issue.
Dynamite has even more surprises in store for this series that fans will not want to miss!
  
POWERPUFF GIRLS #1 will be solicited in Diamond Comic Distributors’ May 2024 Previews catalog, the premier source of merchandise for the comic book specialty market, and slated for release in July 2024. Comic book fans are encouraged to preorder copies of the book with their local comic book retailers. It will also be available for individual customer purchase through digital platforms courtesy of Comixology, Kindle, iBooks, Google Play, Dynamite Digital, ComicsPlus, and more! ... 04/21/24 @ 2:23 pm EST
One of my favorite scenes in Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, and yes, I liked the film, was when Hank Pym showed up with his ant friends to save the day. I’ve been a Hank Pym fan since I was a kid, never really happy with what comics did to him later on, but really liking Michael Douglas’ performance as the character. That was Hank’s hero moment, and I was all there for it. Douglas has since said that he would only return to the character if he was going to be killed off. Turns out, Douglas wanted that to happen in Quantumania. He was on The View promoting his new series Franklin and said: “[Getting killed off] actually was my request for the third one. I said I’d like to have a serious [death], with all these great special effects. There’s got to be some fantastic way where I can shrink to an ant size and explode, whatever it is. I want to use all those effects. But, that was on the last one. Now, I don’t think I’m going to show up [for a fourth].” It’s unclear what the future of the Ant-Man franchise will be with the poor performance of the most recent film, but Kevin Feige never forgets about characters, and you never know just where he might show up again if Douglas is willing.  04/21/24 @ 1:48 pm EST
Skybound Entertainment is getting ahead of a potential scandal. The studio created by Robert Kirkman and home of titles like The Walking Dead and Invincible put out a statement this morning addressing concerns that they might be working with a North Korean company. They explain that there is an unconfirmed report of a cloud storage server connected to a North Korean IP address and that it contains an Invincible animation sketch. It was followed by an official statement that reads: “We do not work with North Korean companies, or any affiliated entities, and have no knowledge of any North Korean companies working on our animation. Our policies strictly prohibit any subcontracting to any third-party without our express prior written consent, which, in this case, was neither sought nor granted. We also mandate that all our service providers fully comply with all applicable rules and regulations and prohibit disclosures of materials by our service providers to third parties. Skybound Entertainment takes these allegations seriously and has initiated a thorough internal review to verify and rectify any potential issues. We have also notified the proper authorities and are cooperating with all appropriate bodies.” The sanctions on North Korea would prohibit Skybound from using animation studios based in North Korea, hence the company wanting to nip these rumors in the bud.  04/21/24 @ 1:33 pm EST
This morning James Gunn posted a simple image to Threads and of course multiple articles were written about it. What did the writer/director of the upcoming Superman movie post to get this quick a reaction? The original Superman logo, the simple red “S” on the yellow badge that Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster first put on the early sketches of the character in 1936. It appeared in Action Comics #1 in 1938 but would change to a triangle shape with red borders quickly that same year. The logo changed a lot in the first few years and wouldn’t settle on the most recognized version until 1944. We already know that the logo for his Superman is going to be similar to the one created by Alex Ross for Kingdom Come but with yellow instead of black. Many of the articles posted try to figure out what Gunn is trying to say by the post. There’s no text with it, he just posted the first logo. It’s possible that Gunn isn’t trying to send a message with this anymore than he was with the picture he shared of his cat the day before. The people who follow these films and the websites that cover them are always looking for clues and Easter Eggs and that’s mainly because the people that produce these films love teasing their fans… but sometimes what Sigmund Freud said is true, sometimes a cigar is just a cigar.  04/20/24 @ 2:20 pm EST
When word came out that the upcoming Joker: Folie à Deux was going to be a “jukebox musical” a lot of fans of the original Todd Phillips film became nervous. The original 2019 Joker was extremely gritty and dark, so the idea of the sequel having the main characters bust into popular songs didn’t sit too well with a few people. Now director Phillips is setting the record straight, saying, "We've never really talked about it like that but it's a movie where music is an essential element and, to me, it doesn't veer to far from the first film." He went on to say that this fits with the character introduced in the first film, "Yeah, Arthur is weird and aloof...but he has music in him." This does go against the original report that the film was going to have 15 covers of popular songs from the recent past, but it also said that the film would break the mold of traditional musicals. The Joaquin Phoenix lead Joker made over $1 billion and Warner Bros is hoping that the sequel, with addition of Lady Gaga, will do just as well when released this October.  04/20/24 @ 2:00 pm EST
One of the big, rumored cameos associated with the upcoming Deadpool & Wolverine is the potential of megastar Taylor Swift appearing in the film as the mutant/singer Dazzler. The character has an extremely interesting creation, having been a collaboration between Marvel and Casablana Records as a multi-media disco star that could appear in comics, make music, and eventually go into film. Where the idea originated is debated, but the initial design was based on singer/actress Grace Jones at first, but when John Derek showed interest in doing the movie, Dazzler’s look changed to appear very similar to John’s wife Bo Derek who was coming off the film 10. The movie never happened, but Dazzler had her own solo series, and she would eventually be retconned into being a mutant, her powers to turn sound into light, and would work with the X-Men. There have been rumors floating around for some time about Swift being part of the movie because of her friendship with star Ryan Reynolds and his wife, actress Blake Lively. We move to yesterday’s release of Swift’s new album, The Tortured Poets Department, which was a surprise double album, and one of the songs, Clara Bow, ends with the line: “The future is bright, dazzling.” While it might seem like a stretch to see that as a tease for her potential role, we know that Swift loves to put “Easter Eggs” into her album and the Deadpool & Wolverine is believed to have a bunch of surprise cameos, so who knows. This one could be true.  |
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