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03/30/21 @ 5:49 am EST
 Thundercats are on the move, again. Godzilla vs. Kong director Adam Wingard is attached to helm a computer-animated adaptation of the beloved 1980s Rankin Bass animated series Thundercats for Warner Bros., from a script Wingard will write with frequent collaborator Simon Barrett ( You’re Next, The Guest). Dan Lin of Rideback and Roy Lee of Vertigo, who produced Wingard’s film Death Note, were already attached to produce the film with a script by David Coggeshall when Wingard signed on, but Wingard and Barrett are starting fresh. The original series, which aired from 1985 to 1989, was revived for a single season Cartoon Network in 2011, and then again in 2020 under the title Thundercats Roar. But as a feature film, Thundercats has been a tricky project to crack for the studio, which has hired a small parade of screenwriters and producers since at least 2007 to bring a movie to life. The underlying story is at once relatively simple — a team of humanoid cat-people (or cat-like humans) like Lion-O, Panthro, and Cheetara fight the evil wizard Mumm-Ra on the planet of Third Earth — and surprisingly complicated, with a mix of technological space sci-fi and swords-and-sorcery fantasy. There’s the mystical blade that holds the Eye of Thundera and the Ancient Spirits of Evil, and then antagonistic aliens like the Mutants of Plun-Darr and the Lunataks. Wingard has made clear he is not interested in making a Cats-style live-action version of Thundercats, and wants instead to take a CGI-approach to the visuals that would embrace the “’80s aesthetic” of the original series. (via Variety) 07/26/24 @ 1:53 pm EST
Bob Hearts Abishola co-creator and star Gina Yashere has joined the cast of Star Trek: Starfleet Academy in a recurring role. Yashere will play an Academy instructor in the Paramount+ series. She joins previously announced cast Holly Hunter, Kerrice Brooks, Bella Shepard, George Hawkins, Karim Diané, Zoë Steiner and Paul Giamatti. Production is set to begin next month. Star Trek: Starfleet Academy introduces viewers to a young group of cadets who come together to pursue a common dream of hope and optimism. Under the watchful and demanding eyes of their instructors, they discover what it takes to become Starfleet officers as they navigate blossoming friendships, explosive rivalries, first loves and a new enemy that threatens both the Academy and the Federation itself. (via Deadline) 07/26/24 @ 10:51 am EST
Dynamite's industry-shaking partnership with Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products has brought fans explosive new tales of fabled franchises and some of the most impactful, bestselling titles in the industry. For the first time ever at a major comics convention, fans can attend a panel to hear from the luminary creators behind these acclaimed comics!
This panel will take place on Friday, July 26 from 2:30 PM to 3:30 PM in room 10.
Dynamite's Executive Editor Joe Rybandt leads a powerhouse panel of writers and artists from across the Warner Bros. titles including Declan Shalvey (ThunderCats), David Pepose (Space Ghost), Soo Lee (ThunderCats: Cheetara), and Joe Casey (Jonny Quest).
The Warner Bros. comics revolution has only just begun, but it started with a big bang. ThunderCats #1 by virtuoso writer Declan Shalvey (Moon Knight, Alien) and perfectly paired artist Drew Moss (Gargoyles: Dark Ages) pounced onto store shelves and readers minds as the highest selling comic launch in Dynamite's two decades of publishing. The beloved franchise that fans first got to know in the 1980s has gone through several eras and iterations, with Declan and Drew's new take appealing to all fans and newcomers.
The ThunderCats return to comics has been so fierce and warmly received by fans that writer Soo Lee (Carmilla: The First Vampire) has now begun chronicling the solo stories of breakout star Cheetara in her own series, which has only just begun to claw into the hearts of fans.
That momentum continued with the skyrocketing success of Space Ghost, a modernized yet classics-revering approach to the superhero from super-fan David Pepose (Punisher, Savage Avengers) and longtime Dynamite heavy hitter artist Jonathan Lau (Green Hornet, Vampirella).
Fan-favorite scribe Joe Casey's Jonny Quest will also be discussed, with Casey joining the panel to discuss his take on another beloved Hanna-Barbera series. The title will launch this August, shortly following the convention, and following a brilliant preview release on Free Comic Book Day in May.
The panel will also touch on the hit new The Powerpuff Girls title that launches right before the convention, and teases for what may be around the corner.  
 
   
... 07/26/24 @ 10:44 am EST
Dynamite Entertainment announces a new series of franchises that will be coming to comics soon in 2024 and beyond through its partnership with Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products (WBDGCP). There are five major new titles to announce that are in the pipeline for new comics right now. These include Ben 10, Captain Planet and the Planeteers, Thundarr the Barbarian, The Herculoids, and Dynomutt & Blue Falcon.
 Dynamite is excited to announce the first creator attached to one of these properties, as beloved writer Tom Sniegoski takes on The Herculoids. Sniegoski is a veteran of comics for over three decades. His major breakout work was spearheading the Vampirella franchise in 1993. Since then he's returned to the character multiple times, and worked on other big titles like Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Hellboy, Bone, Star Trek, Punisher, and more.
"I know this is gonna sound stupid, but ever since I was a little Sniegoski-ling, I've been in love with these characters forever," said writer Tom Sniegoski. "I can't tell you how excited I am for this project and can't wait to show the fans what I've got planned."
The Herculoids is a unique mix of science fiction and fantasy, featuring a "space barbarian" family of father Zandor, mother Tara, and son Dorno alongside their eponymous giant pet Herculoids. These include Zok, a giant dragon able to shoot lasers; the rhinoceros Tundro; an ape formed of rocks named Igoo; and last but not least the shape-shifting Gloop and Gleep. Together this ragtag team fights off robots, evil scientists, and a stream of other foes who threaten their planet and way of life. The classic Hanna-Barbera show spotlights the boundless creative vision and unique character designs of legendary animation and comics artist Alex Toth.
Thundarr the Barbarian and Dynomutt, Dog Wonder (featuring Blue Falcon) also come from the prestigious vaults of the Hanna-Barbera and Ruby Spears animation masterpieces, a bit later than Space Ghost and Herculoids, as these two shows originally ran in the late 1970s and early 80s.
Thundarr is set in a post-apocalyptic wasteland vision of Earth, which has devolved into a barbarian state. The principal creator of the series was Steve Gerber, known for many comics contributions over the years.
Though often giving Blue Falcon first billing from fans, Dynomutt is actually more focused on the titular robotic canine companion and his bumbling attempts to help his superhero master with his haphazard abilities and tools afforded by his mechanical body.
One of the most exciting new announcements in this lot is the first entry of the Ben 10 franchise in comic books. This is a full circle moment for Ben, as the beloved character and world were created and developed by the Man of Action Entertainment collective. This group was founded by four comic book luminaries in Joe Kelly, Joe Casey, Steven T. Seagle, and Duncan Rouleau.
Captain Planet and the Planeteers left an indelible mark on the imaginations and worldviews of children who grew up with it originally in the 1990s and those who have gone back to it via reruns. The show took an inclusive and trailblazing approach to its cast and premise, as five children from diverse backgrounds come together with the ability to summon Captain Planet in addressing crises facing the Earth such as environmental pollution, and so much more.
Since Dynamite and WBDGCP originally announced their partnership at New York Comic-Con in 2023, the debut of ThunderCats from writer Declan Shalvey and artist Drew Moss has exploded to be one of the biggest and most hyped titles in the industry. Space Ghost by David Pepose and Jonathan Lau followed hot on those heels, with a critically acclaimed and fan-favorite take on the character and superhero genre. Then Jonny Quest by Joe Casey and Sebastian Piriz is about to make a huge splash this August, following a glowingly received preview chapter released for Free Comic Book Day. Dynamite is excited to maintain this momentum and keep bringing incredible stories and top creators to fans featuring some of their favorite franchises.
More exciting information will be shared on these projects soon, including creative teams, details of their stories, formats, and release dates. ... 07/26/24 @ 10:41 am EST
San Diego Comic Con is known for its big and surprising announcements, and this year another one is coming. Additionally with 2024 marking Dynamite's 20th anniversary, this is an exciting one! Fan-favorite actor Sean Gunn (Guardians of the Galaxy) is bringing a story like no other to fans through an upcoming original graphic novel, Shepherds! In a near-future vision of our world with humans seemingly missing in action, Shepherds turns its spotlight to a society of canines trying to survive in their new harsh world. Readers will be brought to The Arena, a camp in an old stadium populated by domesticated dogs, a few wolves and their pups. The settlement is guarded and led by Queen Guadalupe, a melanistic wolf who is fascinated by human art and poetry and inspired by the curious human values of compassion and kindness. She wants to raise a new generation of wolfdogs, a hybrid species built to last.
Everything Guadalupe has built and strived for will soon be in jeopardy. A platoon of vicious Canidae, composed of wolves, coyotes, foxes, and jackals are making their way to The Arena to overtake it. They are soldiers fresh from fighting a war against bears and crocodiles and they have no use for the “pets”, the weaker pooches and mutts from a bygone world. As Guadalupe prepares to evacuate her pack, a wrench is thrown into the plan when a battle-worn German Shepherd they recently found reveals herself to be the former police dog called Blackberry, fabled among their society for her heroic past.
What follows is an adventure with many more heartfelt characters, exciting action, and dizzying lore that reveals mysteries spanning back to the beginning of time.
“Shepherds is a story I’ve been envisioning for years," said Sean Gunn. "It’s a timely twist on the post-apocalyptic genre, exploring human themes through the eyes of our proverbial best friends. I can’t wait to share it with an audience. Dynamite Entertainment has a history of telling unique stories in creative and daring ways, and they are the perfect partners to help bring Shepherds to readers. It’s thrilling to be working with them on this project that means so much to me, and artistically challenging in the best way.”
Shepherds comes from the mind of Sean Gunn, known for his acting across a wide range of projects. His character Kirk Gleason was an eccentric fan favorite through the run of Gilmore Girls. Moviegoers of all ages will recognize him from his role as Kraglin in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, principally in the Guardians of the Galaxy franchise. He also played Weasel and Calendar Man in The Suicide Squad, and will be seen portraying Maxwell Lord next summer in Superman.
"Sean is not only a great actor, but a wonderful guy with a keen mind and fertile imagination," said Nick Barrucci, Dynamite CEO and Publisher. "Every time anyone sees him on screen, his presence instantly captures and puts a smile on your face. Fans have known him as an actor in a myriad of films and shows, but now they'll get to know him as a writer. When we first spoke with him in our initial meeting, his passion for this project was incredible. Sean is bringing this story to fruition and we're honored to be a part of it. We're excited to share with fans another angle of his work, and an incredible story as well."
The release avenue, timing, and further creative information about Shepherds will be revealed soon!
Sean Gunn is represented by Charles Ferraro and Jonathan Beckerman at United Talent Agency, Mitch Clem of Mitch Clem Management, and Andrew Hurwitz of Frankfurt Kurnit Klein & Selz.
Nick Barrucci and Dynamite Entertainment are represented by Charles Ferraro at United Talent Agency, Ford Gilmore of Illuminati Entertainment, and Michael Lovitz of Lovitz IP Law. 
... 07/25/24 @ 4:10 pm EST
Todd McFarlane has been touting the upcoming Spawn movie for years, and he admits that it’s been a challenge for the gung ho comic book creator to be patient as the process unfolds. But now one key portion of its development hell phase is ending, and a new chapter is beginning for the project, based on the Image Comics books centering on a former black-ops agent who makes a deal with a demon after being betrayed and killed. King Spawn now has a completed script, one that McFarlane and producer Jason Blum’s Blumhouse have enough confidence in to start meeting with directors for the movie. The news comes two years after they commissioned a script from rising scribe Matt Mixon, Falcon and the Winter Soldier creator Malcolm Spellman and Joker Oscar nominee Scott Silver. After finding a director, the team will then approach studio partners. It’s unclear if Jamie Foxx, who has long been attached to star, will still be involved, as the eventual director will also have their own vision for the project. McFarlane says it is expected to be a mid-budget movie (not a $200 million tentpole), but also heftier than the budgets of a typical Blumhouse movie. (via THR) 07/25/24 @ 4:00 pm EST
Marvel Comics’ Trick-Or-Read titles return this October, and this year, there’ll be an extra treat! The three Trick-Or-Read titles set in the Marvel Universe will contain a bonus FANTASTIC FOUR backup story written by current Fantastic Four scribe Ryan North and drawn by the legendary Alan Davis. Titled FANTASTIC FOUR: YESTERDAY, these two superstar creators revisit the Fantastic Four’s thrilling early days in a way that invites new readers and astounds longtime fans! The story will detail the team’s origin, making it a perfect entry point for readers who want to get acquainted with the characters and the FF mythos. This is also the perfect time to jump into this incredible FF story ahead of Marvel Studio’s highly anticipated Fantastic Four film, arriving in theaters next summer! TRICK-OR-READ is the popular program that gives fans a chance to grab special reprints of recent stories starring today’s hottest characters. In the same spirit as Free Comic Book Day, participating local comic shops can give these comics to customers during the Halloween season. The issues are selected to offer spellbinding trips to the Marvel Universe that anyone can enjoy. From the latest adventures of the Fantastic Four to breakout character Spider-Boy’s headlining debut—this year’s selections feature something for every reader including newcomers and young children! Check out the covers for the three Trick-Or-Read titles that will contain FANTASTIC FOUR: YESTERDAY and inquire with your local comic shop regarding availability!   
... 07/25/24 @ 12:19 pm EST
This fall, Dynamite is proud to present an unprecedented graphic novel peek into the real-life thrills and tragedies of organized crime in the heart of America, and a pivotal figure and father at the center of it all. San Diego Comic-Con brings further details on the upcoming Last of the Gladiators from writer James M. LaRossa Jr. and company.
From the 1960s until the turn of the century, New York City was the focal point of organized and white-collar crime across the world. Through four fretful decades, the most fearsome mob bosses, assassins, cheating stockbrokers, money launderers and corrupt bankers and more, sought legal counsel with the famous Jimmy LaRossa, a prosecutor turned defense attorney, who was the lawyer of last resort when fighting prosecution before the all-mighty U.S. Government.
Last of the Gladiators is an adaptation of the prose memoir of the same title written by Jimmy's son. James LaRossa Jr. and his dearly departed father spent the last five years of the latter's life getting to know each other even more, sharing and recording the untold tales and history that Jimmy found himself wrapped up in through his career.
The memoir also taps into the son’s own upbringing, and journey of self-discovery navigating his identity as the son of such an outrageously successful and impactful figure. Last of the Gladiators is a family saga, in more ways than one.
“After I ‘snuck’ my father out of a New York hospital to prevent his certain death, I never imagined that the five years we spent together in Southern California would be so momentous," said writer James M. LaRossa Jr. "While I cooked him his favorite Italian meals, we shared the intimate stories of our lives, including the secrets to a generation of the most colorful criminals imaginable. After he died, I walked the beach aimlessly until the themes of Last of the Gladiators began to form. This is where the graphic novel begins.”
LaRossa comes over to the comic medium to adapt his own work, with co-writing assistance by comics mainstay Jonathan Vankin. Previously a longtime senior editor at DC Comics' acclaimed Vertigo imprint, through his editing and writing Vankin has taken on many stories of crime and family drama. They're joined by artist Giorgio Pontrelli, tasked with bringing these complicated tales to the page visually. Last but certainly not least, legendary artist Butch Guice handles the stunning cover for the book.
    The book was originally announced as in development at last year's San Diego Comic-Con, and now after the collaborative efforts of all the creators and editors involved, it is ready for the hands of readers this October.
Dynamite also possesses the media rights for the property. Dynamite and Nick Barrucci are repped by their agent Charlie Ferraro of UTA and manager Ford Lyttle Gilmore of Illuminati Entertainment.
LAST OF THE GLADIATORS will be solicited in Diamond Comic Distributors’ August 2024 Previews catalog, the premier source of merchandise for the comic book specialty market, and slated for release in October 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! ... 07/25/24 @ 11:21 am EST
IFC Films and Shudder have acquired North American rights to Azrael, a new action horror thriller from director E.L. Katz (Cheap Thrills), which stars Samara Weaving (Ready or Not) and Nathan Stewart-Jarrett (Femme). Hailing from Republic Pictures, the film will release exclusively in theaters via IFC on September 27, making its debut on AMC Networks’ genre streamer later in the year. Written by Simon Barrett (You’re Next), Azrael takes place in a world in which no one speaks, watching as a mysterious, devout community hunts down a young woman named Azrael (Weaving) who has escaped their imprisonment. Recaptured by its ruthless leaders, she is to be sacrificed to pacify an evil which resides deep within the surrounding wilderness — but Azrael will stop at nothing to ensure her own freedom and survival. Billed as a gritty, relentless parable of sacrifice and salvation, the film world premiered at SXSW 2024 and is set to make its Canadian premiere at the Fantasia Film Festival in August. (via Deadline) 07/25/24 @ 11:07 am EST
For San Diego Comic Con, Dynamite Entertainment, Kyle Allen, Anders Ravenstad, writer Dennis Culver, artist Geoffo, and all others involved are excited to announce and tease details about an upcoming epic tale and franchise titled Fiberglass, set to initially debut soon.
Fiberglass is a gut-wrenching, brain-melting, lovestruck tale of the world that exists just beyond our sight and just out of our reach. The ambitious project will juggle an eye-widening visual style, memorable heartfelt characters, and an intricate lore. In the midst of this world we meet CORY SALAMANCA as one bad day throws them into the ancient and complicated web of crime that the city was secretly built upon. Cory’s only chance at survival is the covert group of operatives known as FIBERGLASS who are desperately trying to keep the gangs of the UNDERGROUND EMPIRE in check. Even if that means sacrificing Cory in the process!
Set in a unique vision of New York City that crashes through a neon labyrinth of back alleys and hidden passageways filled with graffiti and heartbreak, Fiberglass will drag you kicking and screaming into the secret lore of the City, where power waits to be taken and history is written in BLOOD.
"Seven years of endlessly wandering New York City researching and reimagining it’s histories and mysteries, brought together by a truly incredible partnership with Anders Ravenstad, then cue about six false starts, countless rewrites," said writer Kyle Allen. "Mix in the incredible team at Dynamite, the course-correcting wisdom of Dennis Culver, the visual super stardom that is Geoffo, and a literal village of dear friends contributing ideas and urging us not to give up…. that all brings you Fiberglass. Which is special to me not because I made it up, but because I can no longer tell which parts I made up. The theme of the story is how the story was made. 'It’s only impossible when we do it alone.'"
Anders Ravenstad adds, “Kyle and I are creatives formed by our love of comics and introducing readers to our world through this medium is an absolute privilege. This is an insane, colorful, complex story and the tireless efforts made by Dennis, Geoffo, and the Dynamite Team to help bring this vision to life is nothing short of monumental. When I think of people devouring our comics in the same way I did so many others in my local comic shop Fantasy Books and Games I don’t know what to do with myself. Now that we’ve found our way to the other side of the page I’m overjoyed to finally say: Welcome to Fiberglass.”
Fans will know Kyle Hamilton Allen for his diverse acting roles. His breakout performance came in the Hulu series The Path, alongside Aaron Paul and Michelle Monaghan. He has also appeared in the hit American Horror Story: Apocalypse, as the Jets gang member Balkan in Steven Spielberg's acclaimed modern adaptation of West Side Story, and most recently in Kenneth Branagh's A Haunting in Venice.
His key creative partner on Fiberglass is indie director/producer Anders Jay Ravenstad, a longtime friend and film industry colleague specializing in worldbuilding and story development.
Rising star Dennis Culver (Unstoppable Doom Patrol, Crone) joins them on the project adapting their incredible story for comics. He’s joined by his longtime Burnouts and Future State: Gotham collaborator Geoffo (Spider-Gwen, Time Before Time) whose electric art brings the dazzling world of Fiberglass to life! "I’m incredibly thrilled to work with Kyle and Anders on Fiberglass!," said writer Dennis Culver. "During the development of this book we discovered by some magical stroke of luck that the three of us lived mere blocks from each other. It’s been an absolute pleasure meeting face to face and making comics together in our living rooms. And just when I thought I couldn’t be any happier about this book, we brought in Geoffo on art! Geoffo and I have been great friends since we worked together on a book for Marvel, so much so that we've kept making books together! Having the chance to once more create comics with him makes my heart soar! Fiberglass is going to blow you away. We’re all pouring our hearts into this one so make sure you check it out!"
"Kyle and Anders are such passionate and talented young creative forces, and we were brought together to discuss how we could collaborate on this incredible vision they have," said Nick Barrucci, Dynamite CEO and Publisher. "Comics are the perfect medium and platform to introduce everyone to Fiberglass, and the bounds of this world and characters on and off the page are limitless. They have created a rich and exciting world, wanted to bring it to comics first and foremost, and to work alongside strong creators just as passionate about their craft, which is where Dennis Culver and Geoffo came into the picture. Altogether it's an incredible team for a thrilling story, and we can't wait for readers to experience it!"
More information about the format, release timing, creators involved, and the intricate lore of Fiberglass will be revealed soon!
Kyle Allen and Anders Ravenstad are represented by Brian Nossokoff of United Talent Agenecy, Beau Swayze of Entertainment 360, and Huy Nguyen of HJTH.
Nick Barrucci and Dynamite Entertainment are represented by Charles Ferraro at United Talent Agency, Ford Gilmore of Illuminati Entertainment, and Michael Lovitz of Lovitz IP Law.
 
 
... 07/24/24 @ 7:07 pm EST
Eisner Award winning writer Derek Kirk Kim (The Last Mermaid, Same Difference) and rising star artist Jacob Perez (Tales of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles) team up for an all-new, mind-bending crime caper in the upcoming hardcover Royals. This standalone, original graphic novel is slated to hit shelves in April 2025 from Image Comics. Set in the shadowy back alleys of Seoul, South Korea, Royals follows twin brothers Paul and Castor who have crafted the perfect poker hustle using their uncanny telepathic connection. Perfect, that is, until they’re caught red-handed by the most ruthless criminal syndicate in Seoul. To pay them back, the brothers must pull off a daring heist and use their gift for something bigger than themselves for the first time in their lives…but only if they don’t wind up killing each other first! "As a lifelong fan of crime capers and Jackie Chan films, this is a dream project come true for me," said Kim. "And having it brought to glorious life by Jacob Perez with his vivid, dynamic art is an absolute honor!" Perez added: “Royals has been such a fun and wild ride as my first journey into the world of graphic novels. Derek Kim’s script carries this book from beginning to end!” The Royals hardcover (ISBN: 9781534389045) will be available at local comic book shops on Wednesday, April 9, 2025 and independent bookstores, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books-a-Million, Indigo, and Waterstones on Tuesday, April 22, 2025. Royals will also be available across many digital platforms, including Amazon Kindle, Apple Books, and Google Play. |
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