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10/23/16 @ 9:20 pm EST
James Robinson talks to Byron Brewer about Grand Passion #2, on sale in December from Dynamite. Cover by John Cassaday.  BYRON BREWER: James, in your new series, Grand Passion, with issue #2 on sale in December, the character of Mac seems to have his share of survivor’s guilt. His wife having died and him still being around, he’s not a happy camper, obviously. Tell us how this affects this character, and how it plays into his “romance” with Mabel.JAMES ROBINSON: Mac is emotionally lost. He feels guilt that he’s still alive, but his feelings are further conflicted in ways we’ll learn as the series progresses. Mabel is a blast of love, passion and insanity that Mac needs. It’s something lurking within him that’s been waiting his whole life to emerge. BB: In In Cold Blood, Truman Capote wrote about the real-life murder of the Clutter family in 1959 Holcomb, Kansas. Capote always maintained the perpetrators would never have done the deed alone, but each fed off the other. Is Mabel’s company similar in its effect on Mac?JR: Mac and Mabel’s path together takes them in a different direction where the violence is more of them surviving together against forces even greater than their own. However, Mac does get awakened by something in Mabel and then his presence is the steadying factor that Mabel needs. So, yes, in a way they do feed off each other. BB: There is a scene in issue #2 that is really revealing on Mabel’s character, and also damn funny! She encounters this … well, a guy who is not at all glad about his lot in life. Are these little gems conceived by you first (or afterward) outside the main plotting and then inserted as the story allows for dark humor, to catch our collective breath, or do they just naturally flow as the story comes?JR: A bit of both. As I recall, the sequence you’re referring came to me in a flash. Partly to show that Mabel can handle herself and also to show the potential threat/menace in Mabel if you cross her. BB: Can you tell us any more at all about some of those curious characters at the police station? Some who might become of more import as Grand Passion unfolds?JR: Wait and see. BB: You were originally going to do strictly a romantic comic for Dynamite, before the crime element was added. Can you give us any elevator pitch for THAT comic? If Mac and Mabel were characters, how would they be different? (I’m guessing Mabel would not be a professional criminal, lol.)JR: I’m afraid it didn’t really get that far. I know there was the germ of something, but I don’t recall it. Being who I am, the crime element came pretty quickly. BB: John Cassaday has done a couple of great covers for this series thus far. How do you feel about the covers as to what mood they establish for this bullet-riddled romance?JR: John really gets into the design, but not purely the aesthetic. He talked to me about the facial designs of the characters and who they were as people. He really gets beyond the line on the page. Super thrilled and honored to be working with him. For more information on Grand Passion #2, click here.
09/07/25 @ 1:37 pm EST
The first three episodes of Peacemaker season two has led to a lot of speculation about the “Best Dimension Ever” as Chris Smith calls it and just what might be the big twist coming up later in the season. And while we are not getting into the spoiler game, we thought it would be helpful to explain what everyone is talking about. So possibly spoilers if everyone is guessing right. Leave now if you don’t want to know. Still here? Okay. In DC Comics’ multiverse, few alternate Earths are as haunting and politically charged as Earth-X. First introduced in Justice League of America #107 (1973), Earth-X imagines a world where Nazi Germany won World War II, plunging the planet into a totalitarian nightmare. Earth-X is a parallel universe within DC’s Pre-Crisis Multiverse. Unlike Earth-One or Earth-Two, Earth-X is defined by its alternate historical trajectory: the Axis powers emerged victorious in WWII, and the Nazi regime continues to dominate global affairs well into the 20th century. Some of the unique things about the dimension is that there were no native superheroes originally existed on Earth-X. The planet’s defenders are immigrants from Earth-Two, led by the patriotic spirit Uncle Sam. The world is locked in a perpetual struggle between fascist control and scattered resistance movements. To combat the oppressive regime, Uncle Sam formed the Freedom Fighters, a ragtag team of heroes from other Earths who chose to stay and fight that includes: The Ray, Phantom Lady, Black Condor, Doll Man, Human Bomb, and Red Bee. Doll Man was mentioned in season one of Peacemaker. These characters came from DC’s acquisition of Quality Comics similar to how Peacemaker was part of DC’s acquisition of Charlton Comics. If this is the direction James Gunn is going in season two, and the clues so far do point in this general direction, this would not be the first time we’ve seen Earth X represented in live action. The Arrowverse did a crossover event called Crisis on Earth-X which introduced us to variations of characters like Green Arrow and Supergirl and brought the Ray to television screens. While this remains to be just speculation, the reality that Peacemaker is visiting does have a few oddities to it that are leading fans to this idea including how Chris along with his dad and brother are revered when Auggie was an over-the-top racist in the main DCU. And then if you look closely when Chris is in that reality you’ll notice an extreme lack of diversity among the background actors where Gunn is known for the opposite in his other projects. While this may not end up being Earth-X, it does feel like Gunn is setting up a twist that will pull the rug out from under Peacemaker.  ... 09/07/25 @ 1:09 pm EST
The first night of the 2025 Creative Arts Emmy Awards lit up the Peacock Theater in downtown Los Angeles with a celebration of television’s behind-the-scenes brilliance and standout guest performances. While the Primetime Emmys are still a week away, this precursor event honored the artisans, designers, and guest stars who bring depth and texture to the small screen. Here’s a breakdown of the biggest winners and standout moments from Night One: 1. The Studio (Apple TV+) – 9 Wins Apple TV+’s satirical drama The Studio dominated the evening, taking home nine trophies. Among its accolades: <!--[if !supportLists]-->· <!--[endif]--> Outstanding Contemporary Costumes for a Series <!--[if !supportLists]-->· <!--[endif]--> Production Design for a Narrative Contemporary Program <!--[if !supportLists]-->· <!--[endif]--> Guest Actor in a Drama Series – Bryan Cranston 2. The Penguin (HBO) – 8 Wins HBO’s gritty crime drama The Penguin followed closely with eight awards, showcasing its technical prowess: <!--[if !supportLists]-->· <!--[endif]--> Contemporary Makeup (Non-Prosthetic) <!--[if !supportLists]-->· <!--[endif]--> Prosthetic Makeup <!--[if !supportLists]-->· <!--[endif]--> Contemporary Costumes for a Limited Series <!--[if !supportLists]-->· <!--[endif]--> Hairstyling <!--[if !supportLists]-->· <!--[endif]--> Sound Editing and Mixing <!--[if !supportLists]-->· <!--[endif]--> Special Visual Effects 3. Severance (Apple TV+) – 6 Wins The psychological thriller Severance continued its critical streak: <!--[if !supportLists]-->· <!--[endif]--> Production Design <!--[if !supportLists]-->· <!--[endif]--> Guest Actress in a Drama Series – Merritt Wever 4. Arcane (Netflix) – 4 Wins The animated series Arcane impressed with: <!--[if !supportLists]-->· <!--[endif]--> Outstanding Animated Program <!--[if !supportLists]-->· <!--[endif]--> Character Voice-Over Performance – Julie Andrews <!--[if !supportLists]-->· <!--[endif]--> Background and Color Design Notable Guest Acting Wins <!--[if !supportLists]-->· <!--[endif]--> Bryan Cranston ( The Studio) – Guest Actor in a Drama Series <!--[if !supportLists]-->· <!--[endif]--> Julianne Nicholson ( Hacks) – Guest Actress in a Comedy Series <!--[if !supportLists]-->· <!--[endif]--> Shawn Hatosy ( The Pitt) – Guest Actor in a Comedy Series <!--[if !supportLists]-->· <!--[endif]--> Merritt Wever ( Severance) – Guest Actress in a Drama Series Craft and Design Highlights <!--[if !supportLists]-->· <!--[endif]--> Bridgerton dazzled with a win for Outstanding Period Costumes <!--[if !supportLists]-->· <!--[endif]--> House of the Dragon earned recognition for Fantasy/Sci-Fi Makeup <!--[if !supportLists]-->· <!--[endif]--> Andor took home awards for Costumes, Production Design, and Picture Editing With Night Two set to continue the celebration of television’s finest in writing, casting, and editing, the Creative Arts Emmys have already set a high bar. And with The Studio, The Penguin, and Severance leading the charge, the Primetime Emmys promise a thrilling showdown.  ... 09/06/25 @ 1:40 pm EST
The DC Universe is expanding rapidly, and with James Gunn’s announcement of Man of Tomorrow—the next chapter in the Superman Saga—fans are dissecting every social media breadcrumb for clues. One of the most intriguing reactions came from Lanterns star Aaron Pierre, whose subtle comment has ignited speculation that his portrayal of John Stewart may leap from HBO Max to the big screen. James Gunn revealed Man of Tomorrow will hit theaters on July 9, 2027, featuring returning stars David Corenswet as Superman and Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor. Though Gunn clarified it’s not a direct sequel to Superman (2025), the film is expected to be a major ensemble piece, continuing the “Superman Saga” with a broader Justice Gang presence. Aaron Pierre, who is set to debut as John Stewart in HBO’s Lanterns next year, responded to Gunn’s Instagram post with a simple but tantalizing comment: “Yes, indeed!”. While brief, the timing and context of the comment—especially as a reply to Hawkgirl actress Isabela Merced’s “See you soon”—suggest Pierre may be hinting at his involvement in Man of Tomorrow. Fans immediately latched onto the exchange, interpreting it as a soft confirmation that Stewart will join Superman, Hawkgirl, and potentially other Justice Gang members in the upcoming film. Given Stewart’s prominence in DC lore and his longstanding partnership with Superman in animated series like Justice League Unlimited, the move would make narrative sense. Pierre’s portrayal of John Stewart is already generating buzz ahead of Lanterns, where he stars opposite Kyle Chandler’s Hal Jordan and Nathan Fillion’s Guy Gardner. Stewart is expected to be the emotional anchor of the series, and many believe he’s being positioned as the DCU’s flagship Green Lantern. Pierre’s comment joins a wave of social media teases from other cast members. Isabela Merced, Rachel Brosnahan, and Skyler Gisondo have all hinted at their return, while rumors swirl around appearances by Supergirl, Peacemaker, and even Lobo. Though Gunn has yet to confirm Pierre’s involvement, the director has stated that Man of Tomorrow will feature “a group of characters we’ve already met”—a description that fits Stewart perfectly.  ... 09/06/25 @ 1:31 pm EST
Marvel fans have been buzzing for weeks, dissecting every cryptic post and offhand comment from Ryan Reynolds in hopes of confirming Deadpool’s involvement in the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday. Now, Reynolds has finally addressed the rumors—and in true Deadpool fashion, he’s left us with more questions than answers. It all began with a seemingly innocuous Instagram post: Reynolds shared an image of the Avengers logo spray-painted with a red “A,” igniting speculation that Deadpool would join the MCU’s biggest ensemble since Endgame. The timing was suspicious—just weeks after Marvel unveiled the Doomsday cast, notably without Reynolds’ name. During a press tour for his new documentary John Candy: I Like Me, Reynolds was asked point-blank about his involvement in Avengers: Doomsday. His response? “There’s four [John Candy Easter eggs] that I’ve got in there. Of course, I’ve written them all at home in my PJs, and nobody’s seen ’em nor have I stepped foot on set. But, yeah, that’s about as far as I’ll go on that one.” It’s a classic Reynolds dodge—playful, vague, and just enough to keep fans guessing. In a separate interview, Reynolds clarified that the red “A” logo wasn’t a tease for Doomsday, but rather a variant flag design from Deadpool & Wolverine that didn’t make the final cut. He explained: “That was just a flag. I came across it and thought, ‘Oh yeah, I loved that flag. The red and black vibe.’” Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige has hinted that not all cast members have been revealed, leaving the door wide open for Reynolds to make a surprise appearance. While Reynolds remains coy, insiders suggest that even if Deadpool doesn’t appear in Doomsday, he may play a pivotal role in Avengers: Secret Wars, the Phase 6 finale. With a solo X-Men project reportedly in development, the Merc with a Mouth isn’t going anywhere.  ... 08/31/25 @ 1:37 pm EST
It’s a weird weekend at the box office as Weapons returns to first place on its fourth weekend with $12.4M for the four-day stretch. A re-release of the classic Jaws takes second with $9.8M while the two new releases Caught Stealing ($9.5M) and Roses ($8M) take third and fifth respectively. Also on it’s fourth weekend, Freakier Friday pulls in $8.3M for fourth place. The big summer superhero films are hanging on with the Fantastic Four making $6M for seventh place and Superman swooping up another $3.28M even though it has already been released on home consumption. Not quite breaking into the top ten is the Toxic Avengers finally getting a theatrical release and earning $2.2 million over the holiday weekend.  08/31/25 @ 1:12 pm EST
With the new season of Peacemaker underway, DC fans have been wondering about the announced series set to focus on Amanda Waller, former head of ARGUS and Taskforce X. While on-line scoopers have called the series dead, co-head of DC Studios, James Gunn says that Viola Davis lead series is still in the works. The writer/director of Superman told People, “We’re working on it, so we’ll see what happens. Some things have moved faster than others. Waller’s not been the fastest. But I can’t wait to see Viola put on their Waller pants again.” The series was originally planned to run prior to the second season of Peacemaker, but Gunn has admitted that Waller has been a difficult series to crack and that he wrote the second season of Peacemaker quickly, which is why it came out first. The most recent update had Christal Henry from Watchmen and Doom Patrol creator Jeremy Carver on board to write the series, but those announcements were made a few years back.  08/30/25 @ 1:58 pm EST
Fans eager to return to the blood-soaked arenas of Outworld will have to wait a little longer. Warner Bros. has officially delayed the release of Mortal Kombat II, moving the highly anticipated sequel from its original October 24, 2025 slot to May 15, 2026. According to studio insiders, the decision wasn’t due to production issues—the film is reportedly completed and has already screened for press. Instead, Warner Bros. is making a strategic play, aiming to capitalize on the lucrative early summer box office window. The move mirrors the success of Final Destination: Bloodlines, which opened in mid-May and raked in over $50 million. An official post from the studio teased, “The tournament demands a new time and place, worthy of its spectacle”—a fittingly dramatic justification for the shift. The sequel introduces Karl Urban as Johnny Cage, a fan-favorite character who was notably absent from the 2021 reboot. Urban has described the film as “a significant level-up,” comparing it to how The Road Warrior elevated the Mad Max franchise. The trailer, which broke records with over 106 million views in 24 hours, showcases the franchise’s signature fatalities and brutal choreography. Directed by Simon McQuoid and written by Jeremy Slater, Mortal Kombat II promises to deliver the full tournament fans craved in the first film. This time, Earthrealm’s champions will face off against interdimensional foes in a no-holds-barred battle to stop the dark reign of Shao Kahn. The new release date places the film between The Devil Wears Prada 2 (May 1) and The Mandalorian & Grogu (May 22), giving it a prime spot to dominate the box office.  08/30/25 @ 1:45 pm EST
At today’s Destination D23 presentation, Marvel Studios pulled back the curtain—just slightly—on one of its most anticipated projects: Avengers: Doomsday. In a pre-recorded video message from the set in London, directors Joe and Anthony Russo addressed fans with palpable excitement, calling the film “the biggest movie they’ve ever made”. The Russo Brothers, known for helming Avengers: Infinity War and Endgame, are back in action, this time tackling a multiversal crisis of unprecedented scale. Filming is underway at Pinewood Studios and other international locations, including Bahrain and Windsor Great Park. The directors were joined in the video by Paul Rudd, who playfully interrupted their message, blocking the camera and turning the update into a light-hearted moment that delighted fans. Rudd added, “We’re surrounded by jaw-dropping sets and some truly incredible talent… Bringing this story to the big screen means the world to us, and we couldn’t do it without your support”. The film is co-written by Stephen McFeely and Michael Waldron (creator of Loki), with cinematography by Newton Thomas Sigel ( Bohemian Rhapsody, X-Men: Days of Future Past) and production design by Kasra Farahani. The plot centers on the collapse of the multiverse, with Earth’s Mightiest Heroes racing to stop catastrophic incursions—collisions between realities that threaten existence itself. At the heart of the chaos is Victor Von Doom, played by none other than Robert Downey Jr., marking a dramatic shift from his iconic role as Tony Stark. Doomsday is slated for release on December 18, 2026, followed by its sequel Avengers: Secret Wars on December 17, 2027.  08/24/25 @ 1:40 pm EST
When Marvel Studios tapped Terry Matalas to helm Vision Quest, the upcoming Disney+ series centered on the synthezoid Avenger, it wasn’t just a smart hire—it was a signal. A signal that Marvel is ready to embrace deeper storytelling, character introspection, and genre-bending ambition. Matalas, best known for revitalizing Star Trek: Picard with its critically acclaimed third season, brings a unique blend of emotional intelligence, sci-fi pedigree, and serialized storytelling expertise that makes him the ideal architect for Vision’s next chapter. Vision’s arc has always been about identity. Created by Ultron, powered by the Mind Stone, and shaped by love and loss, Vision is a being caught between machine and man. After WandaVision, the original Vision was gone, and the “White Vision”—a blank-slate version with restored memories but no emotional context—was left to wander in search of purpose. This existential journey echoes the themes Matalas explored in Picard, where legacy, memory, and humanity were central. In fact, Matalas has openly stated that Vision’s arc in Vision Quest will mirror Spock’s journey in Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home, where the Vulcan grapples with his own resurrection and fragmented identity. It’s a bold, cerebral approach that fits Vision perfectly. Before Picard, Matalas created and ran 12 Monkeys, a time-travel series praised for its intricate plotting and emotional depth. He’s a showrunner who understands how to balance high-concept science fiction with grounded character drama. That’s exactly what Vision needs—a story that can explore artificial intelligence, memory, and morality without losing sight of the heart. Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige reportedly sought Matalas out after watching Picard Season 3, calling it “incredible” and wanting to find the person responsible. That kind of endorsement speaks volumes, especially in an era where Marvel is scaling back its Disney+ output to focus on quality over quantity. Matalas isn’t just continuing Vision’s story—he’s expanding it. Vision Quest will introduce new characters like Paladin (played by Picard alum Todd Stashwick) and a reimagined F.R.I.D.A.Y. AI (played by Orla Brady). James Spader returns as Ultron, promising a “unique” role that could redefine the character’s legacy. These additions suggest a layered narrative that blends Marvel lore with fresh sci-fi ideas. And Matalas is bringing his Star Trek crew with him. The production team is reportedly full of Trek veterans, creating a shorthand that allows for ambitious storytelling and thematic depth. It’s a fusion of Marvel’s superhero ethos with the philosophical weight of classic science fiction. Marvel’s early Disney+ shows often felt like extended films. But with Vision Quest, Marvel is embracing a more traditional TV model—complete with a dedicated showrunner, longer development cycles, and serialized arcs. Matalas thrives in this format. His ability to weave long-term character development with episodic intrigue makes him the perfect fit for a series that needs to rebuild Vision from the ground up. Set to premiere in 2026, Vision Quest marks Marvel’s first new live-action series pickup in nearly two years. It’s part of Phase Six of the MCU and represents a shift toward more thoughtful, character-driven storytelling. With Matalas at the helm, Vision’s journey promises to be more than just a superhero tale—it’s a philosophical odyssey through memory, identity, and what it means to be alive. In a universe filled with gods, monsters, and multiverses, Terry Matalas is the rare showrunner who can make us care about a synthetic soul searching for meaning. And that’s exactly what Vision—and Marvel—needs right now.  ... 08/24/25 @ 1:24 pm EST
Peacemaker Season 2 has officially kicked off with a bang—and a surprise. Among the new faces in James Gunn’s irreverent DC series is David Denman, best known for his role as Roy in The Office. But this time, Denman isn’t playing a hot-headed warehouse worker—he’s suiting up as a superhero. And not just any hero: Denman plays Captain Triumph, a name that might ring a bell only for the most die-hard comic book historians. Captain Triumph first appeared in Crack Comics #27 back in 1943, created by Alfred Andriola. The original character was a pair of twin brothers—Michael and Lance Gallant—who shared a mystical bond. After Michael’s death, his spirit merged with Lance, granting him powers like flight, invisibility, and near invulnerability. The character was later absorbed into DC Comics but remained largely obscure, popping up occasionally in titles like Animal Man, Titans, and Harley Quinn. In Peacemaker Season 2, Gunn reimagines Captain Triumph entirely. Denman plays Keith Smith, Peacemaker’s long-lost brother, who was tragically killed in Season 1 due to their abusive father’s twisted games. But in the Season 2 premiere, “The Ties That Grind,” Peacemaker stumbles into an alternate reality where Keith is alive—and a superhero. Denman’s Keith is part of a crime-fighting trio with Peacemaker and their father Auggie, forming the “Top Trio” in this alternate dimension. Unlike the original Captain Triumph, Gunn’s version doesn’t involve ghostly twins or mystical birthmarks. Denman confirmed in an interview that Gunn opted for a fresh take: “I actually went to James and was like, ‘Is there any of that?’ and he goes, ‘No. This is a whole new character’”. This twist adds a poignant layer to the show’s emotional core. Peacemaker, haunted by guilt over Keith’s death, now faces a world where his brother thrives—and where their family is functional. It’s a dreamscape that forces Chris Smith to confront what he’s lost and what he might still become. Denman’s performance as Keith/Captain Triumph is already being praised for its emotional resonance. The character’s presence could reshape Peacemaker’s arc, offering a glimpse into the life he might have had—and perhaps a path toward healing.  ...
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