08/11/15 @ 6:54 pm EST

Source: Comic Vine | Categories: Dynamite

Mark Waid, writer of Justice Inc.: The Avenger #3, talks with writer Gail Simone about Swords of Sorrow #4, both on sale August 12th!

MARK WAID: You now know more about these legendary comics characters than I do, and that’s saying something. How daunting was the research on this project?

GAIL SIMONE: It was incredibly daunting. We've spoken of this a lot, Mark, but I was raised in the boonies on a farm, and access to the source material of many of these characters was just something I never had. My knowledge of comics is pretty deep, but there are huge gaps, and my knowledge of some of the other media these characters appeared in is a lot more spotty. So that was indeed a daunting task.But the research did turn out to be one of the most fun aspects, in the end. I kept finding out all these amazing things--I had no ideaMiss Fury was such a trailblazing character; an anti-hero, by a female creator, that inspired many characters to follow, that started in the Golden Age, not in comics but in comic strips? I had no knowledge of any of that. It was a joy to include her, I felt a real connection to her creator, Tarpe Mills. I mean, here was a kick-ass woman adventurer, created, written and drawn by a woman, in 1941 ... it's kind of astounding that in 2015 we are still having a conversation about women creating comics and comics featuring women. 1941! And then several of these characters, I had sort of misjudged. I looked at Jungle Girl and just thought, "Ah, a cheesecake Sheena rip-off," but then reading the book, you find these interesting themes and ideas, and the character of Jana herself is really charismatic and charming.So all of this was a lot of discovery. I've said it before, but the most exciting thing for me is how we are bringing in ass-kicking women from all forms of adventure media fiction: comic strips, radio drama, black and white horror magazines, adventure literature, pulp fiction, comic books, and more. I even like that the “bad girl” period of comics is represented in the Chaos characters.We put all the toys in the bag and shook them up, and that was a metric HELLton of work, but it was also very much a dream job, just ridiculously fun. Dejah Thoris getting on Red Sonja's nerves whileJennifer Blood shoots at Kato, it was just all too fun.



MW: Have the characters surprised you in any way as you’ve gone along?

GS: Yeah, I ended up really enjoying writing all of them. I thought I would have some favorites, like Red Sonja (of course), but what happened is almost every character showed their voice, even with limited panel space. It was as fun to write Black Sparrow and Lady Zorro as it was to write Dejah Thoris and Vampirella, whom I was a lot more familiar with.Great characters want to be known, I think. And someone poured their heart into each of these characters, I am delighted to give them a chance to shine. I've said this a lot, I've had a lot of assignments, this might be the most pure fun I've had. If I want to put a dinosaur in, or a robot, I can do that, it just has to make sense. Also, I have to say, I had a lot of preconceptions about the Chaos characters, but a couple of them have really started to speak to me.

MW: Which of them has been your favorite to write? Which one has a voice that’s been hardest to grasp?

GS: Any chance I get to write Red Sonja, I am delighted, but what's fun in this book is who she is interacting with. Sonja hates royals, so she has an instant dislike of Dejah Thoris. And she has almost a big sister relationship with Jana, the Jungle Girl. All of that's a blast. It took a bit to find a voice for Masquerade, I was sort of faking it with her for a bit, but I think I came around to her.



One of the nicest things about this crossover is, I got to have a bunch of amazing writers writing fun tie-in books. I went and chose some of my favorite writers who were doing new things with female characters. People likeMarguerite Bennett, Nancy Collins, G.Willow Wilson, Mikki Kendall,Mairghread Scott, Emma Beeby, Erica Schultz, and Leah Moore, just all writers whose stuff I love to read. So some of the characters get a little more panel time in those books, as well.

MW: What has artist Sergio Davila brought to the book?

​GS: Just an inhuman level of dedication and commitment. Here's a guy, and he's being asked to do a book with several main characters and a couple dozen supporting characters, and he just never skimps, he never takes the shortcut. I have asked for pages with all the characters, and he draws it. I asked for him to draw a huge map of the new fantasy world created in the story, and he drew it. I can ask for ninjas or Martians or gorillas, he draws it all, and draws it beautifully. I feel very lucky to have him. Dynamite gave me a long list of potential artists, and for me, it was Sergio, hands down. I adore the guy. He also draws the women with dignity. They're beautiful, but they're fun and flawed and they're not just there to be drooled on. It's lovely.

MW: Fill in the blank: “Readers who like ______________ will really dig Swords of Sorrow!”​

GS: Funnel cakes!Or, gorgeous and dangerous women, 1940's radio dramas, science fiction, swords and sorcery, high adventure, cheap laughs, lightning-fast Martian dogs, gun-toting pulp crime fighters, snarky vampire queens, jungle adventures, it's all in there. We have been called the “best event book of the summer” by a LOT of critics, I'm very proud of that, but above all, we're having a party and we want you to be invited!

12/03/24 @ 5:34 pm EST

Source: ComicBook | Categories: MIsc

The Simpsons is coming to Disney+ later this month with a brand new Christmas special, and now fans have gotten the first look at what to expect from this exclusive new episode. The Simpsons is currently working through Season 36 of the long running animated series, and it will actually be celebrating the 35th anniversary of its original debut broadcast. This is all going to be coming full circle with a new, exclusive Christmas special coming to Disney+ that will be releasing on the anniversary of the very first episode of The Simpsons overall. It’s going to be a great time for the holidays.

The Simpsons will be airing a new Christmas special episode on Disney+ this December 17th, and it will be a double sized episode titled “O’Cmon All Ye Faithful.” While it’s yet to be fully revealed what Homer will be up to in the coming special as of the time of this publication, Disney+ has shared the first look at this new special teasing Homer doing his best to be Santa with Ralph hilariously coming along. It’s not clear if this will be directly seen in the coming episode itself, but it’s certainly a fun tease that you can check out more of below. (via ComicBook.com)

12/03/24 @ 5:32 pm EST

Source: Dynamite | Categories: Thundercats

Dynamite Entertainment and Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products announce the live launch of an exciting BackerKit crowdfunding campaign, offering ThunderCats fans the chance to reserve the first ever comprehensive collections of the original tie-in comic book series from the 1980s. The campaign is live now!

The beloved ThunderCats franchise will be celebrating four fun-filled decades in 2025, and one of its most popular and vibrant eras in years. Dynamite's new lineup of comic book tales from top creators like Declan Shalvey, Ed Brisson, Soo Lee, Drew Moss, George Kambadais, and more continues to claw its way up the charts each month. The flagship series debut made a huge impact on fans, followed by direct spinoffs and the upcoming sister series SilverHawks.

ThunderCats comics didn't start in 2024 though — they go all the way back to the era of the original animated TV show. Originally published through a different company, the earliest four-color fables for the franchise amounted to 24 issues. These are now all being scanned and remastered, then compiled into new graphic novel editions to bring them back into print, easy to read, and accessible on everyone's shelves. The original back issues from the series can be expensive and hard to find in the aftermarket, and now readers of all generations can enjoy these old school classics through this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

A wide range of top tier and cult classic creators of the "Bronze Age" of comic books are featured within the pages of the books being offered now on BackerKit. Contributing writers include David Michelinie, Gerry Conway, Tom DeFalco, Dwight Jon Zimmerman, and original show writer Stephen Perry. They're joined by a legion of great artists like Jim Mooney, Jose Delbo, Ernie Colon, Dwayne Turner, Al Williamson, Brett Breeding, and others.

This classic material is being made available directly to fans through BackerKit in two key editions. Either are perfect cornerstones of any ThunderCats collection and ideal additions to every comic reader's shelf, but the crown jewel is the single-volume, complete, oversized hardcover. Alternatively, readers can pick up the same contents across two paperbacks. Options are also available for digital readers. Signed editions are also options for everyone's hauls, featuring Lion-O voice actor Larry Kinney.

A range of extras and add-ons can be opted for, like a lovingly recreated "facsimile" edition of the first issue from the series, collections of the current hit ThunderCats titles from Dynamite, rare variant covers, and more.

CLICK HERE TO PLEDGE FOR YOURS NOW!

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12/03/24 @ 12:13 pm EST

Source: BOOM! Studios | Categories: MIsc

BOOM! Studios today revealed a first look at THE CREEPING BELOW #2, the next issue of the new original series by Harvey and Eisner-Award winning, New York Times bestselling author Brian Azzarello, along with acclaimed artist Vanesa Del Rey (The Empty Man, Redlands), colorist Hilary Jenkins (Black Badge, Grass Kings), and letterer AndWorld Design (Something is Killing the Children). Discover a revenge story about black metal, magic, and Norse mythology come to life in the beautiful and brutal new series, coming December 2024.

In the primordial forests of Norway, a young photographer investigates a grisly ritualistic murder-- her own. In the black metal occult underground, she discovers gods-- ancient and older, that may be pulling the strings, the puppeteers of humanity. And she may be one of the ancients herself.

THE CREEPING BELOW #2 features main cover art by Vanesa Del Rey, and variant covers by highly acclaimed illustrators Brian Level (The Department of Truth), Yanick Paquette (Damn Them All) with Nathan Fairbairn, and Tula Lotay (Hello Darkness).

THE CREEPING BELOW is the newest release from BOOM! Studios’ eponymous imprint, home to critically acclaimed original series, including BRZRKR by Keanu Reeves, Matt Kindt, and Ron Garney; Something is Killing the Children by James Tynion IV and Werther Dell’Edera; bestselling horror anthology Hello Darkness; Grim by Stephanie Phillips and Flaviano; Stuff of Nightmares by R.L. Stine and A.L. Kaplan; A Vicious Circle by Mattson Tomlin and Lee Bermejo; Ghostlore by Cullen Bunn and Leomacs; Rare Flavours by Ram V and Filipe Andrade; Underheist by David and Maria Lapham; Animal Pound by Tom King and Peter Gross; Minor Arcana by Jeff Lemire; Vicarious by Ryan Parrott and Eleonora Carlini; and the upcoming Bronze Faces by Shobo, Shof, and Alexandre Tefenkgi; and In Bloom by Michael W. Conrad and John J. Pearson. The imprint also publishes popular licensed properties, including Dune: House Corrino from Brian Herbert, Kevin J. Anderson, and Simone Ragazzoni; Power Rangers Prime by Melissa Flores and Michael YG; and The Expanse: Dragon Tooth by Andy Diggle, Rubine, and Francesco Pisa.

THE CREEPING BELOW #2 will be available in comic shops December 25, 2024. It is available for pre-order at your local comic shop. Digital copies can be purchased from content providers, including Kindle, iBooks, and Google Play.

Creeping Below, The #2 A Main: SEP240068

Creeping Below, The #2 B Variant: SEP240069

Creeping Below, The #2 C 1:10 INCV: SEP240070

Creeping Below, The #2 D 1:25 INCV: SEP240071

Creeping Below, The #2 E FOC Reveal Variant: SEP240072

Creeping Below, The #2 F Unlockable Variant: SEP240073

...

12/03/24 @ 12:03 pm EST

Source: Deadline | Categories: MIsc

A Day to Die and Call Her King filmmaker Wes Miller has set the legal thriller Wildcards as his next feature and has cast Leon (Swarm, Five Heartbeats), Elise Neal (All of Us), Aries Spears (Mad TV), and Stakiah Lynn Washington (Angel City) in lead roles.

Blacklight (Call Her King) is financing with Andrew van den Houten, Wes Miller, Joseph O’Connor and Leon producing. Lloyd Watts is co-producing with Jessie Jalee, Chad Ghiron, and Elise Neal serving as executive producers. Also starring in the film are Crew Morrow (The Bold and the Beautiful), Courtney Grace, Samantha Walkes (Orphan: First Kill), and Robert Catrini (Jack Reacher: Never Go Back).

Wildcards follows a jury deliberating the case of Theodore Sterling (Morrow), a privileged young man accused of sexual assault of a 20-something African-American woman (Lynn Washington). The prosecution is led by Assistant State Attorney James Jones (Spears), an overworked yet determined prosecutor, who faces off against Greg Sims (Leon), a veteran defense attorney with an unbroken 25-year winning streak. (via Deadline)

12/03/24 @ 11:55 am EST

Source: Variety | Categories: Disney

The new trailer for Disney’s live-action remake of “Snow White” has officially released, showcasing more of Rachel Zegler’s vocals, the seven dwarfs and Gal Gadot’s villainous turn as the evil queen.

The film is directed by Marc Webb (“500 Days of Summer,” “The Amazing Spider-Man”) and is the latest Disney remake. Following the 1937 animated classic “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs,” this newest iteration of the story follows Snow White after the jealous wicked queen, who also happens to be her mother, orders her murder. Snow White runs away into a forest and discovers the magic of the seven dwarfs in a cottage.

The film is set to release in theaters March 21, 2025. (via Variety)

Trailer: https://youtu.be/iV46TJKL8cU

12/02/24 @ 2:13 pm EST

Source: BOOM! Studios | Categories: Labyrinth

To celebrate Cyber Monday, BOOM! Studios is launching its last BOOM! Direct Reserve Campaign of the year on Gamefound, celebrating the legacy of Jim Henson’s seminal and final feature film, Labyrinth, with the Complete Jim Henson’s LABYRINTH Graphic Novel Collection campaign.

Jim Henson’s visionary musical fantasy starring David Bowie and Jennifer Connelly has inspired and captivated audiences of all ages for nearly 40 years. Now, for the first time EVER, BOOM! Studios in partnership with The Jim Henson Company proudly presents the beloved original novelization by A.C.H. Smith adapted into a fully illustrated graphic novel written by Kyla Vanderklugt and illustrated by Giorgio Spalletta featuring covers by fan favorite cover artist Miguel Mercado (Magic, Dune: House Atreides).

In addition to the new graphic novel adaptation, available in both hardcover and slipcased hardcover editions, BOOM! Studios is also offering all of its’ previously published LABYRINTH sequential stories in a pair of complete deluxe editions with COMPLETE LABYRINTH: CORONATION and COMPLETE LABYRINTH: BEYOND THE GOBLIN CITY.

Complete Jim Henson’s LABYRINTH Graphic Novel Collection BOOM! Direct Reserve Campaign will continue from December 2, 2024 and will end December 30, 2024 at 11:00 AM PT.

12/02/24 @ 2:04 pm EST

Source: ARS Technica | Categories: Marvel

Hollywood is coming off a record-breaking Thanksgiving weekend, thanks to the winning trifecta of Moana 2, Gladiator II and Wicked Part 1. Can other upcoming releases ride that wave? Perhaps that's why Sony Pictures has released the first eight minutes of its much-delayed Kraven the Hunter, which opens in 10 days.

Comic book fans are well acquainted with Kraven as one of Spider-Man's most formidable foes, a founding member of the Sinister Six. He's a Russian immigrant with an aristocratic background who fled his home country when Tsar Nicholas II's reign collapsed in 1917. He's a big-game hunter with enhanced abilities thanks to ingesting a mysterious potion made from jungle herbs. He's very hard to injure and has super-human strength and enhanced sight, hearing, and smell, and he's a good tactician with excellent hand-to-hand combat skills.

The film version appears to be an origin story. (via ARS Technica)

First 8 minutes of Kraven: https://youtu.be/i-nAetWvYa8

12/02/24 @ 2:00 pm EST

Source: Deadline | Categories: MIsc

AMC was celebrating Monday morning that the No. 1 circuit pulled in an all-time attendance record of 8.8 million people around the world over the Wednesday through Sunday span due to Disney’s Moana 2, Universal’s Wicked and Paramount’s Gladiator II. As a result of this, the circuit is claiming that they also saw notable highs for admissions revenue and concessions revenue. All these records per the circuit surpassed the previous Thanksgiving records set during the previous Thanksgiving high of 2018.

Comscore yesterday reported that the 5-day Thanksgiving holiday in U.S./Canada generated a record $420M, outstripping 2018’s which made $315.6M. Disney’s Moana 2 came in with a 5-day of $225.2M, Universal’s Wicked posted $118.3M, while Paramount’s Gladiator II as of this AM is $44.3M.

Of note, Friday, Nov. 29, was AMC’s second highest total revenue day – admissions revenue plus food & beverage revenue – in history (this was behind Avengers: End Game opening weekend Saturday, April 27, 2019). Thursday, Nov. 28 was the busiest Thanksgiving Day in the company’s history, based on attendance and admissions revenue. (via Deadline)

12/01/24 @ 10:28 am EST

Source: Twitter | Categories: MIsc

Toonami shared a clip from the upcoming Creature Commandos animated series from DC Studios. The scene shows the team on an airplane heading for a mission as Rick Flag Sr. (Frank Grillo) tries to address them. The scene includes The Bride (Indira Varma), Nina Mazurksy (Zoe Chao), Dr. Phosphorus (Alan Tudyk), G.I. Robot and Weasel (Sean Gunn). The scene gives us a bit of their personalities showing Nina is shy and quiet, the Bride doesn’t want to be bothered, Phosphorus is a liar, Robot is obsessed with killing Nazis and Weasel is the same character that appeared in the Suicide Squad as we get a reference to his last mission. The series debuts on Max on December 5th.  

12/01/24 @ 10:12 am EST

Source: TV Line | Categories: MIsc

We’re about to see the debut of the new Disney+ series, Star Wars: Skeleton Crew from Spider-Man: No Way Home director Jon Watts. In a recent interview with TV Line, Watts explained just how the Jude Law led series got started. “It started as just a simple pitch, which is a group of kids that don’t really know that they’re in the Star Wars galaxy, get lost in the Star Wars galaxy and try to find their way home. And I pitched it a long time ago. I pitched it right after the first Spider-Man [Homecoming] movie. It was initially pitched to Lucasfilm as a film, and then I had to go make two Spider-Man movies, because the first one did all right. Over time, [Jon] Favreau made The Mandalorian and Disney+ came into existence, so it evolved, as the Spider-Man movies were being made, into a show, and that gave us more time to explore the galaxy and get into this world of piracy and have a little bit more fun with it. And once I finished the third Spider-Man movie [No Way Home], we could finally get to work making it.” Watts went on to share one of the things he loves about the franchise. “What I like about Star Wars — and Andor did so much with this, which I really loved — is you can take any moment or any character in Star Wars, and because it feels like such a dense, complex, real galaxy, you can follow them home. Like, I’m so curious to know the life of everyone in the cantina band. Where did they come from? How did they meet? Do they play any other gigs? Are they there all the time?” Two episodes of Skeleton Crew premiere on December 2nd.