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12/11/13 @ 1:26 pm EST
Walt Flanagan is an average, everyday comic shop manager… that also does a podcast, is on AMC’s Comic Book Men, has drawn Batman for DC Comics multiple times, appeared in multiple movies and has this third creator-owned series with Bryan Johnson on the shelves now. That’s what happens when you go to high school with Kevin Smith and turned him onto comic books in the first place. Flanagan sat down with Mike Raicht to talk about Cryptozoic Man being published by Dynamite Entertainment. MIKE RAICHT: How did Cryptozoic Man come to life for you guys?
WALT FLANIGAN: The Cryptozoic Man design/ idea came from the old 1980s plastic man Saturday morning cartoon. I picked up the entire series on DVD at a close out store for 5 bucks about 2 years ago… on one the episodes plastic man faced off against a villain who was half man half Bigfoot… I thought that was so cool… and if a man who is half Bigfoot is cool? How about A man who is than 1/4 Jersey Devil, a 1/4 Loch Ness Monster as well as part Bigfoot! Even cooler! MR: Following your other two collaborations, Karney and War of the Undead, when did you decide this book was the next book to pull the trigger on?
WF: It’s actually something that took a lot longer to bring to life than I thought it would have…But when the producers on comic book men started saying AMC wanted to see a pitch to a publisher…that’s when the ball really got rolling. MR: You guys were able to launch this title in an amazingly unique way with a televised pitch session with Dynamite. I can’t imagine the pressure of that.
WF: I get nervous enough sending in a pitch over e-mail without having to worry about television cameras in the room. Do you think this type of launch can ramp up the pressure or have you guys remained calm about the whole thing? Yea, I imagine our way of pitching the book to dynamite was the first time in comic book history that a pitch was filmed for a television show.as far as pressure? It was a bit nerve racking in the actual pitch. I certainly didn’t want to hear Dynamite wasn’t interested and that have that seen on national tv. MR: How would you describe launching a brand new title?
WF: It’s so fun when you can create a new character and universe to work in…there are no limits or restrictions. So you get to go crazy a bit! MR: You both have both done this before having launched both Karney and War of the Undead at IDW together. Is there anything you learned from those experiences which you brought to this book?
WF: Not really… The one thing we learned since Karney and War of the Undead were released is we were in a position to market the series in a different way than we did with those other 2 series from IDW. Since the release of War of the Undead, Bryan and I started a podcast along with an old friend named Brian Quinn of the hit TV show impractical jokers called “TELL EM STEVE DAVE” and we have slowly built a very loyal, supportive listener base that really came through for us in ordering the Cryptozoic Man set. We marketed the book substantially through our podcast and sold a lot of comics. I can’t thank those listeners enough who ordered the book in support of Bryan and myself. MR: You guys clearly have a pretty tight relationship to begin with, but from experience, co-writing can have some amazingly fun highs and be complicated and difficult at other times. How is it working as a writing team?
WF: Well, first off there’s no way I can call what I do as co- writing… I just offer some suggestions or more so visual suggestions… Bry does all the writing. I just came in at the beginning and offered more a plot or outline to Bryan… he’s done all the heavy lifting as far as writing goes. MR: How do you guys handle it?
WF: I gave him some character designs, some plot points i wanted to try to get in there and lay out some things i wanted to draw in the series and let Bry go to town. MR: Obviously, with you on art you have the final say, right?
WF: I guess so but if Bry felt strongly about changing something I drew or didn’t draw? I’d do what he asked. MR: I love the out of this world sci-fi, horror mix you have going on in this book. What would each of you consider your main influences while working on this title?
WF: Thanks… Wow. So many things I can point to as influences… From Swamp Thing, to Warlock, to the Animal Vegetable Mineral Man… The list goes on and on… Let’s just say any Marvel comic from the 70s and every DC comic from the 80s is an influence as well as the old television show “In Search Of” MR: What is the best thing Brian brings to your partnership?
WF: His insane, skewed but often very subtle weird outlook… Sometimes the creepiest thing is the most subtle thing he wrote on the page… I love that. MR: How would both of you recommend Cryptozoic Man to those looking for something new to try at the comic shop?
WF: Hmmmm, how about “You looking to take a trip”? Wanna sit in on the strangest tea party the universes have ever seen? Than give the cryptozoic man a go. It’s your ticket to the creepiest cosmic spookshow ever witnessed!” MR: Do you have more Cryptozoic Man planned beyond the initial 4 issue arc or are you going to develop a new property together?
WF: I guess that’s really up to dynamite more than us if we will see more cryptozoic man. http://www.bleedingcool.com/2013/11/25/comic-book-mens-walt-flanagan-on-cryptozoic-man/
05/02/24 @ 11:25 am EST
Todd McFarlane Productions and Image Comics will bring fan-favorite "Baby-Spawn" character 'Spawny' back to shelves in an action-packed, five-issue miniseries, Spawn Kills Every Spawn launching in July. Written by John Layman (Chew) and illustrated by Rob “Sketchcraft” Duenas, with colors by Robert Nugent, this bold story brings a hilarious-yet-deadly twist to the world of Spawn. In Spawn Kills Every Spawn, the character baby of ‘Spawny’ attends Spawn-Con, a convention filled with various Spawns from across the Spawn Universe. Unfortunately for Spawny, he discovers that he’s not even close to being the most popular Hellspawn. Instead, he’s the least liked among that group. To battle his identity crisis, Spawny decides to take drastic action: KILL THEM ALL! What follows is a darkly comedic, action-packed adventure that explores the insanity of a convention full of Hellspawn, and the lengths one very sensitive Spawn will go to in his quest to gain fame and recognition. “From the very outset of our first miniseries starring our adorable little maniac, fans have been bugging me to bring him back once again for another series of mayhem," said Todd McFarlane, creator of Spawn and President at Image Comics. "This time around, the wonderful art by Rob puts so much detail into the pages, I think readers will be going back through each book to find all the visual Easter Eggs he has planted within the story. And Jon Layman has brought his own sense of absurd cuteness to this story so that you are both shocked and smiling at what is unfolding in front of you. The overwhelming support for this tiny, little character has been quite surprising to me.” This new addition to the Spawn Universe is perfect for the life-long SPAWN fan, as well as new readers—make sure to grab your copy and join Spawny as he goes on a killing spree like no other! Spawn Kills Every Spawn #1 will be available at comic book shops on Wednesday, July 24, for the retail price of $2.99. The Final Order Cutoff deadline for comic shop retailers is Monday, July 1: Cover A by Duenas - Lunar Code 0524IM237 Cover B by McFarlane - Lunar Code 0524IM801 Spawn Kills Every Spawn is also available across many digital platforms, including Amazon Kindle, Apple Books, and Google Play.    
... 05/02/24 @ 11:26 am EST
The final season of Netflix’s Cobra Kai will be released in three parts with the first premiering on July 18 followed by Part 2 on November 28. The final installment is more of a mystery as the streamer is only teasing it will drop in 2025. The season picks up with Cobra Kai eliminated from the Valley as senseis and students decide if and how they will compete in the Sekai Taikai — the world championships of karate, according to the official description. (via Deadline) Check out the date announcement and teaser: https://youtu.be/WPUGgxf3tx8 05/01/24 @ 9:08 pm EST
The long gestating, live-action Masters of the Universe film is finally getting a release date. Amazon MGM has dated the Mattel film for a June 5, 2026 worldwide theatrical release.The film will follow, according to its synopsis, “10-year-old Prince Adam who crashed to Earth in a spaceship and was separated from his magical Power Sword—the only link to his home on Eternia. After tracking it down almost two decades later, Prince Adam is whisked back across space to defend his home planet against the evil forces of Skeletor. But to defeat such a powerful villain, Prince Adam will first need to uncover the mysteries of his past and become He-Man: the most powerful man in the Universe!”Travis Knight is directing from a script by Chris Butler. Mattel Films’ Robbie Brenner, and Escape Artists’ Todd Black, Jason Blumenthal and Steve Tisch are producing. (via The Hollywood Reporter) 05/01/24 @ 8:54 pm EST
Chris Stuckmann and Aaron B. Koontz of Paper Street Pictures have added genre specialists Mike Flanagan, Trevor Macy and Melinda Nishioka of Intrepid Pictures as executive producers on their record-breaking Kickstarter-backed horror film Shelby Oaks, which is in post-production.The 2022 Kickstarter campaign for the movie raised $1.39M in under a month, more than doubling the previous record for the most-funded horror film on Kickstarter. A combination of documentary, found footage and traditional film styles, Shelby Oaks centers on Mia’s (Camille Sullivan) frantic search for her sister, Riley (Sarah Durn), who ominously disappeared in the last tape of her investigative series Paranormal Paranoids. As Mia’s obsession grows, she begins to suspect that the imaginary demon from Riley’s childhood might have been real. The cast also includes Brendan Sexton III, Michael Beach, Robin Bartlett and Keith David. There’s no word yet on a release plan. (via Deadline)
05/01/24 @ 8:54 pm EST
BOOM! Studios, together with leading toy and game company Hasbro, revealed a first look at MIGHTY MORPHIN POWER RANGERS: THE RETURN #4, the FINAL issue of the new POWER RANGERS series written by the original Pink Ranger herself, Amy Jo Johnson along with co-writer Matt Hotson and artist Nico Leon (Ms. Marvel), colorist Dono Sanchez-Almara, and letterer Ed Dukeshire. Available in comic shops in May 2024! With the Green Dragon Power Coin in the hands of someone’s identity that will shock the rest of the Power Rangers, a fateful battle on the moon commences! But as climactic events unfold, who will remain to carry on the legacy of the Mighty Morphin Powers Rangers? Will the world still need them? MIGHTY MORPHIN POWER RANGERS: THE RETURN #4 features a main cover by POWER RANGERS fan favorite artist Goñi Montes (Mighty Morphin Power Rangers) and variant covers by David Nakayama (Firefly) and Miguel Mercado (Seven Secrets). MIGHTY MORPHIN POWER RANGERS: THE RETURN 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; Grim by Stephanie Phillips and Flaviano; Stuff of Nightmares by R.L. Stine and A.L. Kaplan; Damn Them All by Simon Spurrier and Charlie Adlard; Once Upon a Time at the End of the World by Jason Aaron, Alexandre Tefenkgi, Leila del Duca, and Nick Dragotta; Know Your Station by Sarah Gailey and Liana Kangas; A Vicious Circle by Mattson Tomlin and Lee Bermejo; The Neighbors by Jude Ellison S. Doyle and Letizia Cadonici; Ghostlore by Cullen Bunn and Leomacs; Sirens of the City by Joanne Starer and Khary Randolph; Coda by Simon Spurrier and Matías Bergara; Rare Flavours by Ram V and Filipe Andrade; Underheist by David and Maria Lapham; and Animal Pound by Tom King and Peter Gross. The imprint also publishes popular licensed properties, including Dune: House Harkonnen from Brian Herbert, Kevin J. Anderson, and Michael Shelfer; Mighty Morphin Power Rangers by Melissa Flores and Simona Di Gianfelice; and The Expanse: Dragon Tooth by Andy Diggle and Rubine. MIGHTY MORPHIN POWER RANGERS: THE RETURN #4 will be available now at your local comic shop on May 29, 2024. Digital copies can be purchased from content providers, including iBooks, Google Play, and Kindle. Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Return #4 A Main: MAR240066 Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Return #4 B Variant: MAR240067 Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Return #4 C 1:10 INCV: MAR240068 Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Return #4 D 1:25 INCV: MAR240069 Fans and readers can purchase copies of MIGHTY MORPHIN POWER RANGERS: THE RETURN SC, collecting the entire four-issue series, in comic shops on December 4, 2024 and in bookstores everywhere December 10, 2024.        
... 05/01/24 @ 2:47 pm EST
The critically acclaimed Giant Generator series The Sacrificers—by The New York Times bestselling writer Rick Remender (Napalm Lullaby, Deadly Class, LOW) and artist Max Fiumara (Amazing Spider-Man, Four Eyes, Lucifer), Shuster award winning colorist Dave McCaig (The Walking Dead Deluxe), and published by Image Comics—will welcome a guest artist André Lima Araújo (A Righteous Thirst for Vengeance) to the team. Araújo will be on deck for the series interiors of issues #10-12, the first of which will kick off a new story arc in July. Early uncolored, unlettered inks from the upcoming The Sacrificers #10 hint at what's to come when Remender and Araújo join forces to tell the tale of Princess Soluna’s fall from grace. After a reversal of fortune tests her resilience, she's brought face-to-face with unimaginable horrors in a search for refuge in a seemingly godforsaken world. "André is one of the greatest talents in comics today and one of those rare people who is not only an incredibly talented and exciting illustrator, but a wonderful storyteller, and a machine that never misses a schedule," said Remender. "On top of that, he's a sweet guy and a lot of fun to work with. We're really lucky to have him come join us on this and become part of this strange little family we've been building." The Sacrificers #10 will be available at comic book shops on Wednesday, July 10: Cover A by McCaig - Lunar Code 0524IM347 Cover B (1:10 copy incentive) by McCaig - Lunar Code 0524IM348 The Sacrificers is available across many digital platforms, including Amazon Kindle, Apple Books, and Google Play.        
... 05/01/24 @ 2:48 pm EST
Following her breakout role as Shin Hati in the hit Star Wars series Ahsoka, Ivanna Sakhno has found her next big role. Deadline is reporting that she has landed a major part in M3GAN 2.0, a sequel to the hit film from Atomic Monster and Blumhouse in association with Divide/Conquer. She joins a cast that includes Allison Williams and Violet McGraw. Plot details on M3GAN 2.0 are unknown, but the original film revolves around a life-like AI doll that is programmed to be a child’s greatest companion and a parent’s greatest ally. Designed by brilliant toy-company roboticist Gemma (Williams), M3GAN can listen, watch and learn as she becomes friend and teacher, playmate and protector, for the child she is bonded to. That film would go on to make $180 million worldwide on a $12 million budget, with a sequel quickly going into development. 04/30/24 @ 11:05 pm EST
Dynamite and Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products' blockbuster ThunderCats comic book series explodes to new heights this July in a brand new story arc reuniting writer Declan Shalvey with ongoing artist Drew Moss that brings an exciting first appearance for the series and more!
Following June's issue #5 with guest artist Stephen Mooney (Half Past Danger, The Rocketeer) and a focus on Cheetara's training of Lion-O, the unstoppable tag team of Shalvey and Moss realign for this exciting next step in the epic journey. With the ThunderCats now more settled on their new home planet of Third Earth, it's time for them to make it their home.
Fans will get to see Drew's new artistic vision of the team's base. Even more exciting will be the debut of the Thundertank into the series! Though Lion-O remains the central figure of the series, this arc will shift a bit from each core character issue to issue, showing their relationship with the young upstart heroic leader. Panthro powers up their iconic vehicle to kick off this new arc with a bang. While on a quest to track down sources of Thundrainium, the warrior recalls back to the days of Thundara before its destruction, Lion-O's time as a cub, but he can't reminisce too much. He'll find himself attacked by Mu'Tants and along the way learn more of the history of Third Earth, its penal colony past and the irony of now using it as a sanctuary.
Beyond Panthro and the Thundertank, another big star of ThunderCats #6 is special guest cover artist Rahzzah! The superstar creator is known for his jaw-dropping work on titles like Ghost Rider, Weapon X, Hulk, Darth Vader, and more. Collectors will not want to miss his stunning cover, an open incentive variant.
Rahzzah is joined by the continuing regular cover contributors of David Nakayama, Lucio Parrillo, Shalvey, Jae Lee, Ivan Tao, and an action figure variant. Nakayama's lead cover shows off the Thundertank in all its glory!
With an approachable largely standalone issue #5, a thrilling new arc in the following #6, and an early release for the first collection with more details coming, it's the perfect time to jump into ThunderCats fandom!
    THUNDERCATS #6 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! ... 04/30/24 @ 3:44 pm EST
Amazon Prime Video‘s upcoming series based on James Patterson’s Alex Cross novels is being renewed for Season 2, Variety reports. The show, which stars Aldis Hodge as Cross, has yet to debut its first season or even set a premiere date. But according to sources, Amazon was impressed enough with what they have seen from the first season to greenlight the second and begin casting. Jeanine Mason (“Roswell, New Mexico,” “Upload”) has reportedly already been cast in Season 2. Reps for Amazon declined to comment. “Cross” is described as a thriller series, while Cross himself is said to be “brilliant, flawed, and full of contradictions. A doting father and family man, Cross is single-minded to the point of obsession when he hunts killers. He is desperate for love, but his wife’s murder has left him too damaged to receive it.” 04/30/24 @ 3:19 pm EST
Dynamite Entertainment is excited to announce a new licensing partnership with Full Moon Features, to produce collectibles and other projects featuring their legendary Puppet Master series of films, in celebration of the franchise's 35th anniversary. With plans to unleash an exciting set of trading cards celebrating the franchise's history across its dozen-plus film entries, fans can stay tuned for further information on this project and the possibility of others in this collaboration. " Puppet Master is one of the most unique and classic franchises in horror," said Nick Barruccci, Dynamite CEO and Publisher. "We're excited to connect with the diehard fans of the films and deliver something truly special for their collections." "The Puppet Master series might just be the most important franchise in our vast Full Moon film universe," said Charles Band, CEO and Founder of Full Moon. "So, it is extremely important to us that our brand be forever in good hands. The Dynamite team have surpassed all of our expectations, creating a collection of cards that exemplify the magic, mystery and visual grandeur of Puppet Master and the iconic characters within. We couldn't be more pleased with this partnership." The Puppet Master series kicked off in 1989 with its eponymous first entry. Anthropomorphic puppets animated by an ancient Egyptian spell wreak havoc, equipped with dangerous devices and weapons and out to threaten people, or even to fight against other puppets. The film is considered one of the key cult hits of the home video and rental era of horror. Its massive success and following led to 10 sequels, a reboot, spinoffs, and crossovers. More details on the first project in this team-up between two purveyors of classic horror stories will come soon! SIGN UP HERE FOR UPDATES ON THE COLLABORATION! ... |
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