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08/07/14 @ 2:14 pm EST
“Writing Their First Interaction Was Incredibly Delicious” – Del Col And McCreery Talk Sherlock Holmes vs Harry Houdini Posted on August 4, 2014 by Dan Wickline An idea that I’m surprise if no one has ever done before. The great detective Sherlock Holmes meets the escape artist Harry Houdini. The new series from Dynamite is being written by Kill Shakespeare writers Anthony Del Col and Conor McCreery, and Byron Brewer sat down to talk to the pair of creators about the project. BYRON BREWER: First, Anthony, what did it feel like to have your work, Kill Shakespeare, nominated for a Harvey Award? Pretty cool.ANTHONY DEL COL: Pretty cool? Actually, pretty freakin’ cool! It was completely unexpected as this was the first series that Conor and I had ever done. The Harveys are voted on by fellow members of the industry so it made us feel that we had been accepted by the community. CONOR MCCREERY: Weirdly enough at that Harvey Awards dinner we sat beside Nick Barrucci. I remember thinking he was a very sarcastically funny guy and that he seemed to have a great head on his shoulders for the business and that it would be great to work with him one day.And they say dreams don’t come true. BB: Can you describe the process of how you and co-writer Conor McCreery work as a team?C: It’s a fluid thing – like for H&H Anthony took it on himself to bring all these amazing ideas to our first story meeting. I didn’t even open my notebook to mention any of the thoughts I had – his were that amazing! After that we worked together on “breaking” the story and figuring out what the five issues will be. Writing-wise what we usually do is one guy is “lead” writer on an issue and the other guy story-edits and does a pass at the end. A: And then if we have any disagreements we resort to Rock-Paper-Scissors to determine whose idea sees the light of day. We both competed in the first-annual World Rock-Paper-Scissors Championships a number of years ago so we’re both good. Okay, alright, we both throw the same moves so it ends up as a stalemate… C: Anthony’s being modest – he actually was a quarterfinalist and lost to the eventual World Champion. So, given THAT skill set I have an excellent incentive to compromise when I’m being stubborn – GRIN. BB: Have you ever written an adventure of the legendary detective Sherlock Holmes before?A: I’ve always thought that Holmes was an amazing character but never had the nerve or gumption to tackle writing an adventure with him before. I’m so glad that Dynamite has given us the opportunity – he’s a blast to write for! I feel like I’m getting smarter just by trying to get in his mind. C: See, and writing Holmes just makes me feel dumb… wait… that was all the “research” I did for Holmes’ character flaw. BB: How does our master sleuth become involved with the great performer Houdini?C: Well I’d like to say that Holmes is naturally drawn to other people who display excellence and that he seeks out Houdini as a way to test out another exceptional talent. I’d LIKE to say that, but the truth is, well, Holmes is in a bit of trouble when he first meets Harry. I can’t say anything more though. I don’t want to spoil the fun. A: Writing their first interaction was incredibly delicious. Here we have two accomplished, smart and arrogant men in the same room, trying to test the other person. It really felt like scripting a boxing match but instead of punches they’re throwing verbal jabs and witticisms. And everyone else in the room just stands back and watches these two titans go at it. BB: Can you tell us at what point in Houdini’s career this piece takes place? He was a very different man at different points during his career. A: Our story is set in 1900, which is when Houdini is starting to blow up internationally as the master of escape. It’s his first tour of London (the centre of Europe) and he’s hoping to really draw in huge crowds and become an international superstar. It’s interesting that most people think of him as American (and he pretty much believed it to be true) but he was actually born in Europe. C: We’ve also drawn heavily on a couple of other elements of Houdini’s life and sort of planted the seeds in this story. One is his love of film, and the other was his later-life obsession in “outing” spiritualists – who he felt were at best irresponsible, and at worst out and out crooks, for suggesting that there are powers beyond our understanding at work in the world.It’s that viewpoint that’s going to get HARRY in trouble in our story… BB: And the big-bad is … ?C: Oh you can’t expect we’ll tell you that! For shame, well-oiled Dynamite marketing machine! For shame! A: Conor’s right – trying to get us to reveal the big bad this early would be even harder than escaping from one of Houdini’s tricks. We really wanted to come up with a character that was smart as well as physically imposing, and we think we’ve come up with just the right fit… BB: Are you a student of magical history or a fan of the late performer?A: For myself, it’s only lately that I’ve started to become really intrigued by magic. I had the fortune to meet magician Jon Armstrong (who actually created a comic series, Smoke & Mirrors, with IDW) and see a couple of his shows and left each one shaking my head at how he did it. What’s interesting is that when we went last month I could already guess at some of their techniques because of research for Holmes vs. Houdini. C: Do we count liking Gob from Arrested Development as being a “student of magical history?” Then yes. Yes, I am. BB: What would you say about the art of Carlos Furuzono?A: Well, I was disappointed at first that my original pitch of doing the entire series in my poorly-drawn stick figures wasn’t approved… But seriously, Joe, Nick and the team at Dynamite did a great job finding and recruiting Carlos to work on this series. The early pages that I’ve seen are amazing and I think he’s a real talent ready to make it to the next level. C: I was also disappointed about the stick figures… For more on Sherlock Holmes vs Harry Houdini #1, click here. 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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