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10/25/16 @ 7:15 am EST
Source: Bleeding Cool | Categories: Dynamite


A Writer’s Commentary: Amy Chu talks KISS #1 with additional commentary by Kewber Baal, on sale now from Dynamite. Cover by Goni Montes with interiors by Kewber Baal.

Hi there, readers, putting together this behind-the-scenes look in the wee hours so bear with me. I had a crazy but wonderful night in New York City signing KISS #1 at Midtown Comics. I do think it’s really important that readers know how much work goes into the making of a monthly comic like this one. A comics script goes through multiple revisions between writer and editor, before it gets to the artist, then the art goes to the writer for another script revision before going to the letterer so the dialogue and captions can be adjusted to fit the art better. And ALL this needs to happen within the month, every month.

kiss01covamontesdemon-1I think most of you know that script comes first, but after that writing process and styles can differ wildly. In my case, I’m more of a “Marvel” method writer than full script. I like collaborating with artists, especially when they are such huge KISS fans like Kewber and Schimerys Baal, and the letterer Troy Peteri. In the end I think everyone has a better time and you get a better book. Plus, everyone gets to put their Easter eggs in, so watch out for those!

[Note: Look for comments by artist Kewber Baal at the end of this Chu commentary.]

Page 1

Establishing shot. The city was actually more of a town in my mind, but Kewber really added a lot more into this page. This was the first page of art I saw, and I knew immediately that the Baals were going to rock these pages for the rest of the issue.

Pages 2-3

These next pages were critical for establishing some of the history, world-building and mood and also the last pages that were done. I am sure Kewber’s least favorite! For print comics, the odd number pages are the page turn pages so the bottom right corner is an important page turn. I try to make sure there’s a solid one right there.

Pages 4-5

Here we have the introduction of the twins Noa and Eran and their childhood friends Adi and Alex. Talking with Kelly Sue Deconnick, a HUGE KISS fan, cemented the idea that KISS were rock GODS, and as GODS they were timeless. So rather than focusing on them, I decided to create some new relatable characters. I wanted to make this story is for KISS fans, but also accessible to new readers.

kiss001int1

Pages 6-7

The Four discover a way out of the city. The idea for the city of Blackwell came from the song Mr. Blackwell in the Elder album. So much of this issue came out of this album. If you listened to the album when it came out in 1981 and didn’t like it then, I really hope you revisit it now.

Pages 8-9

Aspiring artists — a good test for visual storytelling is if you take away all the dialogue and you can see what’s going on you’re doing an A+ job. That’s what Kewber and Schymirys did here. I kind of want to just take out all the dialogue here…

Pages 10-11

This turned into my favorite scene when the artwork came back. Especially where Adi hugs the tree. The kids are trying to reach the surface but they discover something entirely unexpected here. At this point I think I started cutting out a lot of unnecessary dialogue.

Pages 12-13

Can you tell Kewber likes splash pages?! There is a certain rhythm to structuring a comic — conventional wisdom says 5-7 panels per page, and splash pages every 4-5 pages or so, but there is no hard or fast rule.

Pages 14-15

“Only you have the answers.” Kewber added a lot of detail here that wasn’t in the script, taking full advantage of the double page spread opportunity here. I don’t tend to give much layout direction to someone like Kewber because I think he has a better sense of where he wants to take it. The downside, of course, is it’s going to be harder to read in the digital edition but hey, you can’t make everyone happy…

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Pages 16-17

For the artists I work with, I usually set up a folder on Pinterest for photo references. I really dislike embedding them in the script, and this way it’s easier to collaborate on ideas. Here they really came in handy with the monastery. I found a bunch of real monasteries that Kewber used.

Pages 18-19

Big no-no in comics is endless talking heads so I really tried to keep things going while building the world. Fortunately Kewber had a lot of visual tricks — he had a nice idea of adding a cape for Noa. I didn’t really think much about it at the time, but I think it came out quite nice visually.

Page 20

Last page and first one I think about when scripting. Most of my stories I work backwards to make sure I’ve got good pacing and reveals and this is no exception. It’s got to tie up the issue, but also be enough to get you to #2 where we explain about the Elders and Morpheus.

Now that the script and art is complete, this is where I go back and think about comics journalist Heidi MacDonald’s “satisfying chunk” theory. Did you guys feel like you got a satisfying chunk of story for your time and dollars? Do you want more of the story at this point?And there you go! Hope you found this deep dive into my sleep-deprived brain interesting. Shout out to my super cool editors Anthony Marques and Joe Rybandt for basically saying, sure, sci-fi, robots, computers, why not?!, and to my kids for reading it pre-press and giving it the thumbs up.

I’m hoping your store has ordered it, but to be sure put this series on your pull list!

kiss001int4

Comments from artist Kewber Baal:

Q: What was your favorite page or scene to draw in the first issue?

Kewber: It was the double spread page, when the kids are running away into the tunnels, and they see the KISS band, painted on the walls, for the first time. This was a scene that made me turn sad when I finished it; I wanted to spend more time on it.

Q: Who is your favorite character?

Kewber: This is an unfair question! Each character is developing its own personality, and I am enjoying working on each one a lot. For now, on KISS #1, I think my favorite character is Eram, he is the determined guy who wants to explore new things, and he does not believe everything people say. But I’m sure in the next chapters, my opinion will change!

Q: Which was the most difficult page/scene for you to draw?

Kewber: Definitely the first page. It was a big establishing shot for the entire series, the city, the mood, KISS, and I was drawing all of this for the first time. Everything still was new for me, I was still realizing I will draw a KISS series, and I felt I should define the style of the book, and prepare the readers for the story, in only one splash page. Well, I really hope I achieved that!

03/29/24 @ 8:36 am EST
Source: Marvel | Categories: Marvel

This May, an all-new three-part, globe-spanning saga starring the most intensely mismatched team-up in pop culture begins in DEADPOOL & WOLVERINE: WWIII #1. Deadpool and Wolverine’s latest joint adventure comes courtesy of two of the pair’s most legendary storytellers—formative Deadpool writer Joe Kelly and iconic Wolverine artist Adam Kubert. Together, they’ve crafted a relentlessly explosive and deliciously violent series that’s both a must-have for comic fans and a perfect entry point for newcomers. Featuring never-before-seen artwork, the all-new DEADPOOL & WOLVERINE: WWIII trailer shows just how deadly the situation Wade and Logan find themselves in this time. The series kicks off when the pair is targeted by Delta, an all-new super villain with the power to amplify a person’s abilities, strength, and savagery to their ultimate limit! Taken to the ends of the earth by this new foe, Deadpool and Wolverine must embrace radical change and manage to work together to survive and bring down a twisted group of individuals bent on seeing them rip each other to shreds—THOSE WHO WATCH. The action-packed trailer provides a first look at this villainous group and the weaponry at their disposal, but fans will have to wait till later in the series to behold the Delta’s fury! On the action he and Kubert will be delivering, Kelly said. “We've seen both guys get put through the physical ringer in many ways, and part of the fun is trying to one-up the next person, or whoever played with these characters before you, but always in service of the story. And I think in this case, my hope at least, is that we came up with a way to use these guys' very, very unique abilities in a way that reflects what's going on with them emotionally.” Check out the trailer and preorder DEADPOOL & WOLVERINE: WWIII #1 at your local comic shop today!

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03/28/24 @ 4:16 pm EST
Source: Marvel | Categories: Spider-Man

In 1984, Spider-Man discovered a mysterious black costume during the original Secret Wars. Adopting it as new suit, it became one of Spidey’s signature looks before it dramatically revealed itself as the Venom symbiote! It’s impact on the Spidey mythos cements it as one of the most significant super hero costume changes in comic book history, and this year, Marvel Comics is celebrating 40 years of the Black Costume with facsimile editions of Spider-Man’s early adventures wearing the costume, and the launch of new BLACK COSTUME VARIANT COVERS this May! Across 23 covers on some of Marvel’s hottest current series, see your favorite heroes suit up in sleek all-black looks! Featuring all-new designs by Marvel’s most acclaimed artists, these pieces give a glimpse into universes where Captain America, Iron Man, Ms. Marvel, and more came across symbiote suits of their own and slowly discovered its sinister secrets.

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03/28/24 @ 4:07 pm EST
Source: Deadline | Categories: MIsc

Tatiana Maslany, Elijah Wood, Christian Convery, Colin O’Brien, Rohan Campbell and Sarah Levy

Clockwise L-R: Tatiana Maslany, Elijah Wood, Christian Convery, Colin O’Brien, Rohan Campbell and Sarah Levy

Horror movie The Monkey, the adaptation of the Stephen King short story, wrapped shooting a week ago and Deadline is reporting that lead cast joining Theo James (The White Lotus) includes Tatiana Maslany (SheHulk: Attorney at Law), Elijah Wood (The Lord Of The Rings), Christian Convery (Sweet Tooth), Colin O’Brien (Wonka), Rohan Campbell (The Hardy Boys) and Sarah Levy (Schitt’s Creek).As was previously reported, the team behind the movie includes genre supremo James Wan, creator of the The Conjuring Universe and co-creator of the Saw and Insidious franchises.In The Monkey, when twin brothers Hal and Bill discover their father’s old monkey toy in the attic, a series of gruesome deaths starts occurring all around them. The brothers decide to throw the monkey away and move on with their lives, growing apart over the years. But when the mysterious deaths begin again, the brothers must reunite to find a way to destroy the monkey for good before it takes the lives of everyone close to them.

03/28/24 @ 4:01 pm EST
Source: Skybound | Categories: Skybound

Today Skybound and Image Comics, in collaboration with leading toy and game company Hasbro, revealed new variant covers for Duke #5 from writer Joshua Williamson (DC’s Superman, Dark Ride), artist Tom Reilly (The Thing) and colorist Jordie Bellaire (W0rldtr33). The series finale of the Energon Universe’s acclaimed limited series arrives in comic book shops on April 24, 2024. Duke has been betrayed by his allies and hunted by new enemies. The time has come for Duke to start fighting for something bigger than his country. Bigger than he ever could have imagined. Get ready for the last page shocker than no one will see coming! Duke #5 will feature a main cover by Reilly, along with a stacked lineup of variant covers by Mateus Santolouco, Tyler Boss & Jason Wordie, Brian Level, and Dustin Nguyen. One of four action-packed G.I. JOE miniseries that introduce the iconic characters of the G.I. JOE and Cobra factions to the Energon Universe, Duke is running concurrently with Cobra Commander from writer Joshua Williamson, artist Andrea Milana (Impact Winter: Rook) and colorist Annalisa Leoni (Oblivion Song). These miniseries set the stage for a fresh new take on G.I. JOE, Cobra and the iconic characters that you only think you know in a shared universe with TRANSFORMERS and Void Rivals! The Energon Universe officially began last summer with the surprise first appearance of iconic TRANSFORMERS character Jetfire in Void Rivals #1 from Robert Kirkman (Invincible, The Walking Dead) and Lorenzo De Felici (Kroma), introducing the historic new collaboration between Hasbro and Skybound, with TRANSFORMERS and G.I. JOE comics finding a new home with the publisher. Then TRANSFORMERS from writer/artist Daniel Warren Johnson (Extremity, Do a Powerbomb, DC’s Wonder Woman: Dead Earth) and colorist Mike Spicer (Stillwater, Murder Falcon) kicked off a brand-new era for the iconic franchise. The Energon Universe recently expanded with the launch of Duke and Cobra Commander. Beginning in June 2024, limited series Scarlett, from writer Kelly Thompson (Black Widow, Birds of Prey) and artist Marco Ferrari (Frontiersman) and Destro, from writer Dan Watters (Loki, Universal Monsters: Creature from the Black Lagoon Lives!) and artist Andrei Bressan (Dark Ride, Birthright), will round out the lineup of action-packed G.I. JOE miniseries that introduce the iconic characters of the G.I. JOE and Cobra factions to the Energon Universe. Fans should expect can’t-miss moments from every issue of the Energon Universe, as secrets are unveiled along the path to answering the BIG questions. Duke #5 (of 5) (Lunar Codes Below $3.99) will be available at comic book shops and digital platforms including Amazon Kindle, Apple Books, comiXology, and Google Play on Wednesday, April 24, 2024.

The full list of variant covers is below:

Duke #5 Cover A by Tom Reilly (Lunar Code 0224IM262)

Duke #5 Cover B by Mateus Santolouco (Lunar Code 0224IM263)

Duke #5 Cover C (1:10 Copy Incentive) (Connecting) by Tyler Boss & Jason Wordie (Lunar Code 0224IM264)

Duke #5 Cover D (1:25 Copy Incentive) by Brian Level (Lunar Code 0224IM265)

Duke #5 Cover E (1:50 Copy Incentive) by Dustin Nguyen (Lunar Code 0224IM266)





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03/28/24 @ 10:45 am EST
Source: ComicBook | Categories: Star Trek

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The Star Trek franchise continues to grow with the addition of Star Trek: Starfleet Academy, and the new series is gearing up for filming. Star Trek received a breath of fresh air on Paramount+, with Star Trek: Discovery, Star Trek: Lower Decks, Picard, and Star Trek: Strange New Worlds all finding success. Even more content is on the way, most notably in the form of a young adult series titled Star Trek: Starfleet Academy. What sets Starfleet Academy apart from its predecessors is it takes place in the 32nd century, meaning it shouldn't have to worry about continuity as much. Now, we have an idea of when Starfleet Academy production kicks off. Variety reports production on Star Trek: Starfleet Academy will begin this summer, with the show sporting "the largest single set ever created for Star Trek on TV." A description of the series states Starfleet Academy "will follow the adventures of a new class of Starfleet cadets as they come of age in one of the most legendary places in the galaxy." The newest season of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds is currently in production, and Michelle Yeoh's Section 31 movie has wrapped filming, so there's a lot for Star Trek fans to look forward to. (via ComicBook.com)

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03/28/24 @ 10:31 am EST
Source: Deadline | Categories: MIsc

Following his breakout role in 1923, Brandon Sklenar looks to have found his next feature film project as he is set to join Christoper Landon’s film Drop from Platinum Dunes and Blumhouse. Meghann Fahy is also on board with Landon directing. The film’s logline is being kept under wraps, but it’s said to be a fast-paced thriller. Jillian Jacobs and Chris Roach penned the script, with Michael Bay, Jason Blum, Brad Fuller and Cameron Fuller — who brought the script in to Platinum Dunes — producing. Sam Lerner is an executive producer. The film is a Platinum Dunes and Blumhouse production for Universal. The partnership between the two production companies has delivered huge results from its Purge franchise that includes five films with the sixth on the way as well as a TV series. (via Deadline)

03/27/24 @ 7:46 pm EST
Source: Deadline | Categories: MIsc

L-R: Dan Stevens, Liv Hewson and Kimiko Glenn join 'Among Us' animated series

L-R: Dan Stevens, Liv Hewson and Kimiko Glenn

Dan Stevens (Downton Abbey), Liv Hewson (Yellowjackets) and Kimiko Glenn (Orange Is The New Black) have joined the cast of Among Us, an animated series based on the highly popular game, from CBS Studios, Innersloth, and creator Owen Dennis (Infinity Train). They join previously announced Randall Park, Ashley Johnson, Yvette Nicole Brown and Elijah Wood. CBS Studios‘ animation arm Eye Animation Productions is currently developing the project in partnership with Innersloth, the independent studio behind the game.The series is created and executive produced by Dennis, who is under an overall deal at CBS Studios. No network or streamer is currently attached.Per the logline, the series is based on the game’s premise: “Members of your crew have been replaced by an alien shapeshifter intent on causing confusion, sabotaging the ship, and killing everyone. Root out the ‘Impostor’ or fall victim to its murderous designs.” (via Deadline) For character details and more, click here.

03/27/24 @ 7:40 pm EST
Source: Deadline | Categories: MIsc

Julianne Hough

Julianne Hough has landed a role in The Bride!, writer-director Maggie Gyllenhaal‘s follow-up to her Academy Award-nominated drama The Lost Daughter.A Warner Bros title steeped in the Frankenstein lore, the film also stars Christian Bale, Jessie Buckley, Peter Sarsgaard, Annette Bening and Penelope Cruz, as previously announced. Details as to Hough’s role are under wraps. Slated for release in IMAX on October 3, 2025, The Bride! sees a lonely Frankenstein travel to 1930s Chicago to seek the aide of a Dr. Euphronius in creating a companion for himself. The two reinvigorate a murdered young woman and the Bride is born. She is beyond what either of them intended, igniting a combustible romance, the attention of the police and a wild and radical social movement. (via Deadline)

03/27/24 @ 7:36 pm EST
Source: BOOM! Studios | Categories: MIsc

BOOM! Studios today revealed a first look at ORCS!: THE GIFT #3, the next issue of the third and final chapter of the critically acclaimed comic book series by cartoonist Christine Larsen (Adventure Time, By Night), in the world of the beloved misfit ORCS! Available in April 2024. As the Orcs hurtle towards the final issue of The Gift, Pez struggles to control her chaotic magical powers. Back in the caves meanwhile, a mysterious specter is seemingly haunting the entire tribe... Who (or what?!) could it be? What unfinished business do they have with the Orcs? And why do these things always seem to happen when the Wise Woman is away? Answers to all of these questions (and more!) await readers in the penultimate issue of Christine Larsen's latest ORCS! adventure! ORCS! THE GIFT #3 features a main cover by Christine Larsen, with variants by Gus Allen (Lumberjanes). ORCS! THE GIFT is the latest release from BOOM! Studios’ award-winning KaBOOM! imprint, home to comics for middle grade and younger readers including original series Mech Cadets by Greg Pak and Takeshi Miyazawa; Just Beyond by R.L. Stine, Kelly & Nichole Matthews, and Irene Flores; ORCS! By Christine Larsen; The Princess Who Saved Herself by Greg Pak, Jonathan Coulton, and Takeshi Miyazawa; Forever Home by Jenna Ayoub; Jo & Rus by Audra Winslow, Hex Vet by Sam Davies; Drew and Jot by Art Baltazar; and Hotel Dare by Terry Blas and Claudia Aguirre.

ORCS! The Gift #3 A Main: DEC230191

ORCS! The Gift #3 B Variant: DEC230192

ORCS! The Gift #3 C 1:10 INCV: DEC230193

ORCS! THE GIFT #3 will be available in comic shops April 24, 2024. It is available for pre-order at your local comic shop. Digital copies can be purchased from content providers, including iBooks, Google Play, and Kindle.

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03/27/24 @ 10:27 am EST
Source: Hollywood Reporter | Categories: Disney

Pirates Of The Caribbean producer Jerry Bruckheimer would 'love' to have Johnny Depp return Daily Mail Online

Jerry Bruckheimer has revealed that the next installment of Pirates of the Caribbean will be a reboot of the beloved franchise. The legendary producer said in an interview with ComicBook.com that they’re working on a Pirates of the Caribbean sequel as well as Top Gun 3, but noted that the latter is going to take longer to develop since it involves coordinating schedules with several A-list actors, such as Tom Cruise, Miles Teller and Glen Powell. “You don’t know how they come together. You just don’t know,” Bruckheimer said. “Because with Top Gun you have an actor who is iconic and brilliant. And how many movies he does before he does Top Gun, I can’t tell you. But we’re gonna reboot Pirates, so that is easier to put together because you don’t have to wait for certain actors.” Disney seemingly starting from scratch with Pirates may come as a surprise to some fans, as there have already been ideas swirling in recent years about the franchise’s future — some that involve Margot Robbie and others that see Johnny Depp returning. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Bruckheimer said that he “would love to have” Depp in another movie.

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