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01/16/16 @ 12:25 pm EST
 This is a bittersweet commentary for me to put together, since I'm covering John Carter: Warlord of Mars #14, the final issue of the current series. As I've said before, this is a series, and a set of characters, that I've wanted to write since I first discovered the original Edgar Rice Burroughs Mars series when I was a kid. I'm disappointed that we've come to the end of the run, but I've loved every minute of this job.  PAGE 1It's not unusual for me to open an issue with some kind of cinematic sequence, something to draw the reader into the story. In this case, the story literally comes to the reader as John Carter and Dejah Thoris draw near in their flyer over a series of panels.  PAGES 2-3This is probably not the kind of double-page spread that artists dream about: "Draw a whole city!" But I felt like we needed a shot to convey the scope -- and emptiness -- of Helium, which is deserted in this story. Artist Ariel Medel admirably rose to the challenge of a thankless task and provided the lines, with Nanjan Jamberi adding the color. This spread contains a huge amount of work, created over painstaking hours. I hope readers spend some time poring over and appreciating the artwork here.  PAGE 5The four panels here are intended to give the reader a sense that John and Dejah explore various areas of Helium, finding all of them deserted. In the script I requested four horizontal panels, each the same size, so the visuals have an even, measured rhythm to them. No panel is given more or less importance than another, each is a snapshot of a different place and moment. Ariel did a nice job of varying angles, and using John and Dejah's figures to move to reader's eye around the page. PAGE 6Drawing monthly comics is a brutal grind, especially if you're penciling and then inking yourself. Ariel Medel nailed every deadline since he took over the series with issue #7, eight issues in a row without a fill-in. That's a hell of an accomplishment, especially for someone working on his first U.S. series, especially when each issue is 22 pages, rather than the now-standard 20 pages. Obviously, Ariel has a tremendous work ethic. He's also very smart about utilizing shortcuts where he can. This page is a great example of choosing wisely to save time and stay ahead of deadline doom as it rockets down the tracks. Panel 1 features a long shot and small figures, relatively quick to draw once the perspective is figured out. Dropping the background in panel 2 saves time, and also serves to really pop the figures of John and Dejah. Panel 3 doesn't waste effort on background that was going to be covered by balloons anyway. Panels 4 and 5 crop John and Dejah's figures effectively, both heightening the intensity of the scene, and making for less to draw. All together, it's a visually appealing page, as well as a smart one. PAGE 10You'll often see comic pages that contain figures of relatively the same size in most if not all of the panels. Pull out a comic, flip to random page. Are most of the heads on that page about the size of your thumb print? If so, the artist -- and by extension, the writer -- constructed the page poorly (unless there's a specific cinematic effect at play). Comics are visual documents. A page should be visually enticing to the reader, and one way to do that is varying angles and figure sizes. There's some great acting on this page as John and Dejah come to grips with what's happened to them. The choice of extreme close-ups in panels 3 and 4 really lends variety to the page. And I adore the shot of John and Dejah with their foreheads touching in panel 5. PAGES 12 & 13These two pages cut back and forth between tight shots and long shots, panel for panel. I love the beat-for-beat rhythms that comics offers creators. Here we alternate between scope and human drama, until they come together in a literally explosive moment. PAGE 14The story changes abruptly here, and so does the color palette. Nanjan brings a darker sensibility to this sequence, subtly communicating that the story has taken an drastic turn. We start the page with a close-up of John, inviting the reader to experience the shocking transition as John does, then pulling back in panel 2 to reveal more of the surroundings. PAGE 19When Ian and I kicked around the idea of revealing John and Dejah had been trapped in an evil mastermind's dream world, I wanted to leave open to the reader's interpretation exactly what was real and what wasn't. I like stories that don't provide pat answers, and leave something for the audience to ponder. That's the intent here; you're free to decide how much or how little was "real." PAGE 22We come to the end, with John, Dejah, Tars Tarkas, Kantos Kan, and of course Woola turning to face the future. There are always more stories to tell. I hope I get the chance someday. There's a long list of people who deserve Barsoomian thanks: my co-writer Ian Edginton; artists Abhishek Malsuni, Ariel Medel, Zsolt Garisa, Nanjan Jamberi and Roberto Castro; the many cover artists who have graced the series; my editor, Joe Rybandt; and Dynamite publisher Nick Barrucci. I have been dreaming of Mars since I was a boy, and all of you helped that dream come true. 04/17/24 @ 10:24 pm EST
Following blockbuster series launches—ULTIMATE SPIDER-MAN, ULTIMATE BLACK PANTHER, and ULTIMATE X-MEN—the highly anticipated next title in Marvel’s new Ultimate Universe arrives this June: ULTIMATES! Directly spinning out of Jonathan Hickman’s foundation for the new Ultimate line, ULTIMATES will be written by Deniz Camp, known for his thought-provoking and socially relevant work on titles like Children of the Vault and 20th Century Men, and drawn by rising superstar Juan Frigeri, known for his acclaimed work on Invincible Iron Man. The series will introduce the all-new super hero team that will usher in the next wave of bold storytelling within the new Ultimate Universe. Months ago, Tony Stark sent Peter Parker a radioactive spider to set him back on the course to become Spider-Man. Since then, Iron Lad (Stark), Captain America, Doom, Thor, and Sif have begun to do the same for other lost heroes, building a network of super-powered heroes hungry for change… Over two years, they must band together to destroy the Maker’s Council and restore freedom and free will to a world ruled from the shadows. Fans can see their opening efforts in the all-new ULTIMATES #1 trailer, featuring never-before-seen artwork from both ULTIMATES #1 and FREE COMIC BOOK DAY 2024: AMAZING SPIDER-MAN/ULTIMATE UNIVERSE #1. "The new Ultimates line is the most exciting super hero comics event in years, and it’s humbling to be a part of it!" Camp shared. “We are reinventing these classic characters and archetypes to be as surprising and vital as when they were first introduced. Our Ultimates is an evolution not just of the Avengers, but of the whole super hero team concept; from the grand and operatic to the small and personal, THE ULTIMATES will feel like no Avengers or Ultimates comic ever before! That's our ambition, anyway; tune in to find out if we succeed.“ In 2002, Mark Millar and Bryan Hitch’s mega influential ULTIMATES series revolutionized the super hero epic, and its impact is still felt today! Now, 20 years later, Camp and Frigeri return the ULTIMATES to greatness with a modern take for a new world and a new generation of readers! The time has come for an ULTIMATE plan of action! Check out the trailer and preorder ULTIMATES #1 at your local comic shop today! 
... 04/17/24 @ 10:18 pm EST
New York Times bestselling writer C.S. Pacat and lauded artist Johanna the Mad return to the high stakes world of Fence with FENCE CHALLENGERS: LONG SHOT, the next chapter in the Fence saga. The Kings Row fencers are fresh off of Halverton Training Camp and ready for State Championships, bringing with them the burden and blessing of a brand-new reputation as the underdog champions. As attraction rises between Nicholas and Seiji, the team will face old training rivals in their first match, but MacRob has a secret strategy that turns the tide… “The State championship begins! Everything the boys of Fence have fought for is on the line. Get ready for some epic showdowns–this is my favorite volume yet!” said bestselling author C.S. Pacat. “Kings Row heads on to a new challenge and they will need a lot more than just skill!” said series artist Johanna the Mad. “I hope readers enjoy diving into this new chapter as much as we do creating it!” FENCE CHALLENGERS: LONG SHOT #1 will be available in comic shops July 24, 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. FENCE CHALLENGERS: LONG SHOT is the latest release from BOOM! Studios’ award-winning BOOM! Box imprint, home to groundbreaking original series such as Lumberjanes by Shannon Watters, Grace Ellis, Gus Allen, and ND Stevenson; Juliet Takes a Breath by Gabby Rivera and Celia Moscote; Giant Days by John Allison, Lissa Treiman, and Max Sarin; Mamo by Sas Milledge; Save Yourself! by Bones Leopard and Kelly and Nichole Matthews; Specter Inspectors by Bowen McCurdy and Kaitlyn Musto; The Last Witch by Conor McCreery and V.V. Glass; Ghosted in LA by Sina Grace and Siobhan Keenan; The Avant-Guards by Carly Usdin and Noah Hayes; Fence by C.S. Pacat and Johanna the Mad; Goldie Vance by Hope Larson and Brittney Williams; Hollow by Shannon Watters, Branden Boyer-White, and Berenice Nelle; Getting Dizzy by Shea Fontana and Celia Moscote; and the educational series Seen: True Stories of Marginalized Trailblazers.     
... 04/17/24 @ 3:35 pm EST
Comedy Central has handed a 10-episode order to Golden Axe, a new animated series based on the popular Sega video game. Produced by CBS Studios in association with Sony Pictures Television and Original Film, Golden Axe voice cast is led by Emmy winner Matthew Rhys (The Americans), Danny Pudi (Mythic Quest), Lisa Gilroy (Jury Duty), Liam McIntyre (Spartacus) and Carl Tart (Grand Crew).Described as a hilarious and loving homage to Sega’s 1989 video game series, Golden Axe, from exec producers Mike McMahon and Joe Chandler, follows veteran warriors Ax Battler, Tyris Flare and Gilius Thunderhead as they once again battle to save Yuria from the evil giant Death Adder who just won’t seem to stay dead. Fortunately, this time they have the inexperienced and underprepared Hampton Squib on their side.McMahan (Star Trek: Lower Decks) and Chandler (American Dad!) will co-write the first episode and executive produce the series, with Chandler serving as showrunner. (via Deadline) 04/17/24 @ 3:23 pm EST
This summer, Werewolf By Night embarks on new adventures so violent and bloody, it can only be told in Marvel’s new Red Band format! WEREWOLF BY NIGHT, Jack Russell’s new solo ongoing series, will be written by Jason Loo, writer of the upcoming Werewolf By Night: Blood Hunt one-shot, and drawn by artist Sergio Dávila, known for his bold work on titles like Venom and Thor. Marvel’s premier horror icon will undergo a startling transformation during Blood Hunt that will cause his upcoming battles and hunts to be too graphic for some readers. Labeled with a Parental Advisory and polybagged to keep those weak of heart from experiencing its intensity, WEREWOLF BY NIGHT will mark a new chapter in the character’s 50-year storytelling history as Jack gets his claws, fangs, and fur blood-soaked like never before! FULL MOON RISE – WEREWOLF KILL! Jack Russell has been trying to live a simple life – but in the deadly and dramatic wake of the Blood Hunt, his life is about to be turned upside down in ways he never imagined! With new enemies hoping to extract a (literal) pound of flesh and Jack unsure if he can be trusted around old allies and a lost love, the original WEREWOLF BY NIGHT is in for the fight of his life…and he’s in it alone! “I give Jack Russell a taste of the life he wants before the Blood Hunt event rips it away and leaves blood on his hands,” Loo shared. “His new journey is to find redemption while figuring out his new lycanthropic transformation. No one is safe when the full moon is out. But luckily, Elsa Bloodstone is around to keep him in check.” “Our team is delivering a very metal, monster comic and we’re not holding back,” Loo continued. “I’m both shocked and impressed at myself for conjuring up these gruesome scenes from the dark recesses of my mind, then seeing them come to life with every gory detail thanks to penciler Sergio Dávila and inker JP Mayer, as our editors keep giving us the thumbs up of approval. This is literally our smash room in a Red Band comic.” “This has been a great experience,” Dávila added. “Jason Loo is writing a very wild Werewolf By Night and I’m having a lot of fun with the character. I’ve always enjoyed taking characters to the extreme and Werewolf By Night is someone very much tormented by his inner self, so this is a book full of intense action and lots of blood!” Check out E.M. Gist’s cover and preorder WEREWOLF BY NIGHT #1 at your local comic shop today! 
... 04/17/24 @ 3:18 pm EST
Krakoa may fall, but the world is still mutantkind’s for the taking in NYX! Announced last week, the new series set in the upcoming From the Ashes era will explore how mutants navigate returning to the big city. Written by Collin Kelly and Jackson Lanzing and drawn by Francesco Mortarino, NYX won’t shy away from reflecting the harsh realities of life as a mix of iconic and fan-favorite mutants reenter a world filled with bigotry, mistrust, and misinformation. Without the X-Men’s guidance and Krakoa’s protection, they’ll shut out the noise and overcome the hate by doing what they do best—EVOLVING. But if you can count on anything, it’s that mutants are never all in agreement, and some are having a really hard time letting Krakoa go… Today, fans can see a new assortment of variant covers for the debut issue! Brought to you by acclaimed artists Rogê Antônio, Stanley “Artgerm” Lau, and Todd Nauck, the three new pieces spotlight Laura Kinney, AKA Wolverine, who made her comic book debut in the groundbreaking original NYX series as X-23. Throughout the new series, watch her do what she does best as she hunts down violent anti-mutant oppressors in the darkest corners of the city! Check out all three new covers now and preorder NYX #1 at your local comic shop today!   
04/16/24 @ 9:01 pm EST
Elektra isn’t done with the Daredevil mantle just yet! Spinning out Saladin Ahmed and Aaron Kuder’s thought-provoking run of Daredevil, Elektra will embark on an all-new solo adventure this July in DAREDEVIL: WOMAN WITHOUT FEAR. The series will mark writer Erica Schultz’s return to the character, following her work on Daredevil: Gang War. Schultz will be joined by her Hallows’ Eve collaborator Michael Dowling. Elektra as Daredevil has been a celebrated evolution of the character, and her latest mission promises to be her most intense yet as she heads to the deadly streets of Madripoor to take on Crossbones, the new Punisher, and more. Readers will learn what pushes Elektra towards this quest in July’s DAREDEVIL #11, a show-stopping issue where Matt and Elektra’s will have a brutal showdown with Bullseye and Kingpin! After the stunning events of DAREDEVIL #11, Daredevil’s allies are left more vulnerable than ever before. If they’re able to survive, it will fall to Elektra and Matt Murdock to not only save their city as Daredevil, but also protect the people they love the most as they’re targeted by some of the most dangerous, violent elements the Marvel Universe has to offer! “To say that I am excited about writing Daredevil again is an understatement, Schultz shared. “I love the mantle of Daredevil, but I really love Elektra as Daredevil. Having written both Matt and Elektra wearing the red DD, I kind of lean toward the latter now!” Check out the covers for both DAREDEVIL #11 and DAREDEVIL: WOMAN WITHOUT FEAR #1 now and preorder them at your local comic shop.  
04/16/24 @ 8:56 pm EST
James Gunn’s “Superman” has cast veteran character actor Pruitt Taylor Vince as Jonathan Kent aka Pa Kent, TheWrap is reporting. Jonathan Kent is Superman’s adopted father who finds the superhero when he first arrived on Earth as an infant in a Kryptonian spaceship in the fields of Kansas. The role was previously played by Kevin Costner in the 2013’s “Man of Steel,” and Glenn Ford in 1978’s “Superman.” “Superman” is the inaugural DC Studios film which is currently in production, which is part of “Chapter One: Gods and Monsters” of the relaunch of the new DC Universe. “Superman” will be released on July 11,2025. 04/16/24 @ 2:24 pm EST
Skybound and Image Comics today unveiled a chilling first look at Dark Ride #12, the epic series finale from the iconic Birthright team of writer Joshua Williamson (Duke, DC’s Superman), artist Andrei Bressan (DC’s Justice League Incarnate), colorist Adriano Lucas (DC’s Nightwing), and letterer Pat Brosseau (Creepshow). The finale of the acclaimed amusement park horror series arrives in comic book shops on May 15, 2024. "Thank you to everyone who bought the Dark Ride series,” said Joshua Williamson. “It has been great to find so many readers who were looking for a series that mixed two things that I'm obsessed with...horror and amusement parks. From the start the series was about horror and sacrifice, but it was really about family and letting go. Andrei, Adriano and Pat have done fabulous work on this series, and this is our second go around with doing a book from start to finish together. They are a team that I would ride a rollercoaster into hell with, and I look forward to our next projects together. Keep your arms and legs inside the ride vehicle, because this last issue is a dangerous one." Arthur Dante’s most haunting creation yet is brought to life, and a final sacrifice must be made to take control of Devil Land. But who will it be? Dark Ride #12 concludes the impressive variant cover lineup that has run throughout the series. In addition to the main cover by Andrei Bressan and series colorist Adriano Lucas, Dark Ride’s Cover B variant features a frightening collage of Halloween and Danny D. Evil with an issue #12 cover by Caspar Wijngaard (Home Sick Pilots), while Cover C spotlights Devil Land’s femme fatale and horror aficionado, Halloween, by Luana Vecchio (Lovesick). Additionally, megastar creator Tony Fleecs (Stray Dogs, Star Wars Adventures) continues art directing the classic homage poster variant program that has run throughout the course of the series. The 1:25 incentives now span the Cover D slot of Dark Ride’s third arc, with Jay Fosgitt (Star Trek) at the helm for issue #12. "I can’t wait for readers to take one final ride and finish our saga at Devil Land!” said series editor, Amanda LaFranco. “From the very beginning, Josh has been weaving a tale of family horror and laying down the pieces for this big finale, from Arthur’s very first deal with the Devil, to the sacrifice now placed in the hands of each member of the Dante family. The entire creative team has been on fire for this final arc, and Josh, Andrei, Adriano, and Pat have been hellishly delighting on every page. I’m excited for readers to see what we’ve been building to.” Dark Ride #12 (Lunar Codes below SRP: $3.99) will be available at comic book shops and digital platforms including Amazon Kindle, Apple Books, comiXology, and Google Play on Wednesday, May 15, 2024. The full list of covers is below: Dark Ride #12 CVR A by Andrei Bressan and Adriano Lucas (Lunar Code 0124IM243) Dark Ride #12 CVR B by Caspar Wijngaard (Lunar Code 0124IM244) Dark Ride #12 CVR C by Luana Vecchio (Lunar Code 0124IM245) Dark Ride #12 CVR D (1:25 Incentive) by Jay Fosgitt & Tony Fleecs (Lunar Code 0124IM246) 
  
... 04/16/24 @ 2:19 pm EST
Warner Bros Pictures Animation is heading to the Discovery vault to adapt its Animal Planet series Meerkat Manor into an animated feature. Think Happy Feet: That George Miller-hatched franchise, which centered around tap-dancing penguins, raked in over a half-billion dollars at the global box office.Warner Bros. Discovery’s Animal Planet first aired Meerkat Manor in 2005, with the series becoming the network’s highest-rated show over its four seasons. The Emmy-nominated series reached 204 million households in more than 160 countries on the Animal Planet platform alone.The docuseries followed the Whiskers, a family of meerkats, as they struggled to survive in South Africa’s Kalahari Desert. Similar to Happy Feet, Warner Bros Pictures Animation will use photoreal animation to capture the Whiskers for their feature film debut.The Meerkat Manor movie will be produced by Seth Green and Tracy Falco of The Green Room. The film’s EPs are original series creator Caroline Hawkins as well as Clare Birks of Oxford Scientific Films. OSF is owned by ITV Studios. (via Deadline) 04/16/24 @ 2:15 pm EST
In the X-Men’s upcoming From the Ashes era, one of the team’s most crucial members goes solo! Announced last week, Jean Grey will become a galaxy-traversing super hero in Stephanie Phillips and Alessandro Miracolo’s PHOENIX. Emerging from the explosive finale of Krakoa with renewed purpose, Jean embraces what was always hers: the breathtaking power of the Phoenix Force. Alone in space, she not only must do what no one else can: she yearns to. Whatever Jean does – or fails to do – will bring darkness to the universe and haunt her in ways she can scarcely imagine… Today, fans can see her reborn on an assortment of new variant covers for the debut issue! Best-selling cover artists Aka and Rose Besch spotlight Jean’s new Phoenix costume, designed by series artist Miracolo. Both pieces will also be available as virgin variant covers. In addition, iconic Phoenix artist Greg Land reminds readers how terrifying the Phoenix can be with an incredible depiction of Dark Phoenix. Check out all three covers now and preorder PHOENIX #1 at your local comic shop today!   
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