Showing posts with label Dave Gibbons. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Dave Gibbons. Show all posts

Saturday, April 23, 2022

#IReadsYou Movie Review: THE KING'S MAN

The King's Man (2021)

Running time: 131 minutes (2 hours, 11 minutes
MPA – R for sequences of strong/bloody violence, language, and some sexual material
DIRECTOR:  Matthew Vaughn
WRITERS:  Matthew Vaughn and Karl Gajdusek; from a story by Matthew Vaughn (based on on the comic book, The Secret Service, by Mark Millar and Dave Gibbons)
PRODUCERS:  Adam Bohling, David Reid, and Matthew Vaughn
CINEMATOGRAPHER:  Ben Davis (D.o.P.)
EDITOR:  Jason Ballantine and Rob Hall
COMPOSERS:  Dominic Lewis and Matthew Margeson

COMEDY/ACTION/SPY/SCI-FI

Starring:  Ralph Fiennes, Gemma Arterton, Djimon Hounsou, Rhys Ifans, Harris Dickinson, Matthew Goode, Tom Hollander, Daniel Brühl, Charles Dance, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, and Stanley Tucci

The King's Man is a 2021 spy and action movie and war drama from director Matthew Vaughn.  It is the third film in the Kingsman film series, and it is a “prequel” to the previous two films, Kingsman: The Secret Service (2015) and Kingsman: The Golden Circle (2017).  All three films are based on characters and elements from the 2012 comic book miniseries, The Secret Service, by Mark Millar and Dave Gibbons.  The King's Man focuses on an aristocrat and his spy network as they try to stop a plot to pit the British, German, and Russian empires against each other in a war that will wipe out millions of lives.

The King's Man introduces British aristocrat Orlando, Duke of Oxford (Ralph Fiennes).  In 1914, Orlando has formed a private spy network consisting of domestic servants employed by the world's most powerful dignitaries.  His own servants, his butler, Shola (Djimon Hounsou), and his maid/nanny, Polly Watkins (Gemma Arterton), are his closest aides and confidants.  The primary objective of Orlando's network is to protect the United Kingdom and the British Empire from the conflagration of the approaching “Great War.”

Orlando's only son, Conrad (Harris Dickinson), is eager to fight, but Orlando forbids him from joining the British Army and uses his connections to keep him from entering service.  Besides, there are other things to keep father, son, and the spy network busy.  Orlando's friend, the Archduke Franz Ferdinand (Ron Cook), and his wife are assassinated.  Orlando learns that the assassin is part of “The Flock,” a group plotting to pit the German, Russian, and British empires against each other in the Great War.

Orlando and his network then engage in a series of adventures to foil the Flock's plans, that includes killing Grigori Rasputin (Rhys Ifans), the priest and mystic who serves the Flock's mysterious leader, “The Shepherd.”  As his personal physician, Rasputin practically controls Tsar Nicholas (Tom Hollander) of Russia.  And if Nicholas does as Rasputin wants, Great Britain may be doomed.  Can Orlando and his network stop The Shepherd and save the British Empire?  And will Conrad remain with his father's network or will he force his way into military service in a war in which young men like him are dying by the thousands?

The King's Man is easily the best of the Kingsman series, thus far.  The villain, “The Shepherd,” is ridiculous, but his motivations will make more sense and is more likely to appeal to British audiences.  For me, The Shepherd is what keeps The King's Man from being a truly great film.

The film's remix of the history of the “Great War” (World War I) seems inappropriate, but the film's inclusion of WWI is what makes it stand out from other films based on comic books.  In fact, The King's Man is grounded in a darker take on that war than another comic book movie, Wonder Woman (2017), which is also largely set during the first World War.  In a way, The King's Man seems like a salute to the men who served and the ones who died in the muck and mud of Europe during “the war to end all wars.”

Ralph Fiennes brings a touch of class and some serious dramatic chops to this film.  It seems as if director Matthew Vaughn and his co-writer, Karl Gajdusek, take this film more seriously than Vaughn did with the previous two films, which were action-spy movies with a strong comic overtone.  The King's Man is a war drama, spy serial, and action-thriller, and Fiennes, as Orlando, the Duke of Oxford, sells this film's seriousness.

Gemma Arterton and Djimon Hounsou are also quite good as Orlando's top lieutenants, Polly and Shola, respectively.  As Rasputin, Rhys Ifans offers a performance that is off-beat, over-the-top, and colorful.  Tom Hollander, with the help of the make-up and hairstyling crew of The King's Man, is credible in three roles, but makes his most potent turn as Britain's King George.  Harris Dickinson as Orlando's son, Conrad, gives the film's most hot-blooded and nuanced performance.

The best way I can describe The King's Man is as being like a serial adventure.  The film's plot is comprised of multiple missions and subplots, which keeps the film's narrative hopping.  The film moves fast, fast enough to keep audiences from focusing on the film's inconsistencies and flaws in logic, but also fast enough to make the story seem like a non-stop, breathtaking adventure.  Like Matthew Vaughn himself, I want to see a fourth film in the series, one that focuses on the characters that make it to the end of this film and on their first decade as the “Kingsman.”  I highly recommend The King's Man to audiences that have watched either of the first two films or both.  They were really a build up to the best of their lot, The King's Man.

A-

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"


The text is copyright © 2022 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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Thursday, March 31, 2022

I Reads You Juniors: March 2022 - Update #95

by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

You can support Leroy via Paypal or on Patreon.

NEWS:

MARVEL - From GamesRadar:  In "The Amazing Spider-Man #93," Spider-Man gets a mysterious new enemy, "Chasm."

EN MEMORIAM - From BleedingCool:  The British comic book artist, Garry Leach, has died at the age of 67, Saturday, March 26, 2022.  He is best known for reviving "Marvelman" with Alan Moore for "Warrior," the magazine published by Dez Skinn's Quality Communications.  With Dave Elliot, Leach started Atomeka Press, best known for the comic book anthology, "A1."

From 2000AD:  The website for "2000AD," the magazine for which Garry Leach made his debut, has put up a tribute page for him.
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MARVEL STUDIOS - From BleedingCool:  According to James Gunn, his Disney+ special, "The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special," will introduce "more than one great new MCU character."

MANGA - From BleedingCoolYen Press announces 9 new manga and prose titles due for September 2022.

MARVEL STUDIOS - From BleedingCool:   "Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings" star, Simu Liu, will not sign "Master of Kung-Fu" comic books.

DC CINEMA - From Variety:  Director Matt Reeves released a deleted scene from his superhero film, "The Batman," featuring Robert Pattinson’s Batman facing off against his classic nemesis, the Joker, played by Barry Keoghan.

BRITISH COMICS - From BleedingCool: Rebellion has announced "Judge Dredd by Mick McMahon Apex Edition."  It will collect the artist's Judge Dredd stories, published in their original size in a deluxe limited edition.

DC TV - From THR:  Actor Misha Collins ("Castiel" on The CW's "Supernatural") has been cast as "Harvey Dent" in The CW pilot for "Gotham Knights," based on the DC Comics characters.

IDW PUBLISHING - From GamesRadar:   IDW is collecting Berkeley Breathed's Pulitzer Prize-winning newspaper comic stip, "Bloom County," in a new edition.  "Bloom County Library: Book One" is scheduled to arrive Fall 2022.

DC TV - From THRThe CW network (which is up for sale) has given an early renewal to seven of its scripted dramas, including "Flash" and "Superman & Lois."

MARVEL - From GamesRadar:  The site has a first look at "Legion of X #1," which is due from Marvel April 20th. The series is written by Si Spurrier and drawn by Jan Bazaldua.

DC TV - From Deadline:  Actors Fallon Smythe and Tyler DiChiara have joined The CW's pilot for the DC Comics-based series, "Gotham Knight."

MANGA - From BleedingCoolTitan Comics will launch its "Titan Manga" line with a new edition of "Afro Samurai Vol. 1" by Takashi Okazaki, on June 26th, 2022.

RUMORS /MARVEL STUDIOS - From ScreenGeek:  A hot rumor is that "Wolverine" will appear in "Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness," but he will not be played by Hugh Jackman, the actor who portrayed the character in Fox's "X-Men" films.

DIGITAL COMICS - From GamesRadar:  "Zestworld," a new digital publishing platform, wants to help comic book writers and artists with creating and maintaining comic book intellectual property.

DC CINEMA - From BleedingCool:  Comedian George Lopez, Academy Award nominee Adriana Barraza, Elpidia Carrillo, and Damián Alcázar joined the cast of Warner Bros.' "Blue Beetle" film, its first starring a Latino character.

MARVEL - From GamesRadarSteve Rogers and Sam Wilson team up for "Captain America #0" and then movie on to their respective "Captain America" titles. "Captain America: Sentinel of Liberty" features Steve Rogers, and "Captain America: Symbol of Truth" returns Sam Wilson to the mantle of Captain America alongside Steve.

MANGA TO ANIME - From BleedingCool:  In celebration of the 25th anniversary of Cartoon Network's "Toonami," a new image from the anime adaptation of Junji Ito's legendary manga, "Uzumaki."

MARK MILLAR - From BleedingCoolMark Millar announces "The Magic Order 3" with Italian artist Gigi Cavenago, with the first issue due in July.

DC COMICS - From Variety:  Actor Paul Dano, who played the "Riddler" in the current hit, "The Batman," will write the comic book, "Riddler: Year One."

DC TV - From DCBlog:  Showrunner Robert Patino talks about his new streaming series, HBO Max's "DMZ," based on the Vertigo comic book series.

DC CINEMA - From Deadline:  "The Batman" crosses the 500 million dollar mark in global box office.

SONY MARVEL U - From DeadlineSydney Sweeney of HBO's "Euphoria" is joining Sony Pictures Marvel Comics character film, "Madame Web."

DC CINEMA - From Deadline:  The mega-hit film, "The Batman," is due to stream on HBO Max on Tuesday, April 19th ... maybe.

SONY MARVEL U - From Variety:  "Morbius" star Jared Leto has made the cover of "Variety" magazine.

MARVEL - From GamesRadar:  "X-Men: Hellfire Gala #1" is supposed to radically change the Marvel Universe. This comic book ships in June.

DC COMICS - From BleedingCool:  Writer G. Willow Wilson and artist Marcio Takara will launch a new "Poison Ivy" comic book this year.

BOOM STUDIOS - From BleedingCool:  Former comic book artist, J. Scott Campbell, will provide a variant cover for the first issue of writer Dan Panosian and artist Giorgio Spalleta's "Alice Ever After" comic book from BOOM! Studios.

DC COMICS - From GamesRadar:  "Flashpoint Beyond #0" will arrive April 5th, but readers can read the first five pages in all DC Comics titles released on March 29th and April 5th.

MARVEL STUDIOS - From GamesRadarSamuel Jackson may have let it slip that Martin Freeman will reprise his role as CIA agent "Everett Ross" in the Disney+ series, "Secret Invasion."

SONY MARVEL U - From GamesRadarJared Leto is starring as Marvel character, "Morbius," and he'd like the vampire to cross over with Tom Holland's "Spider-Man."

DC CINEMA - From GamesRadarThe Batman's secret website, "Rataalada" has a cryptic message teasing the Joker.

DC COMICS - From DCBlog:   Writer Christopher Priest and artist Rafa Sandoval will help DC Comics launch its new "Black Adam" comic book series. "Black Adam #1" arrives Tues., June 21st.

MARVEL - From GamesRadarJessica Jones will return in "The Variants," a new "multiversal" series from Marvel Comics and written by Gail Simone and drawn by Phil Noto.

DARK HORSE TV - From Deadline:  Netflix has given "The Umbrella Academy" Season 3 a teaser, first photos, and a release date (Wed., June 22nd).

DC VIDEO - From DCBlog:  In a video interview, writer James Tynion IV talks about his horror comic book, "The Nice House on the Lake."

MANGA TO TV - From TheWrapNetflix rounds out the cast of its "One Piece" adaptation with six more cast members.

MANGA - From BookRiot: "The Evolution of the Magical Girl in Manga and Anime" by Emily Martin.

MARVEL - From GamesRadar:  Marvel Comics is reprinting Neil Gamain and Mark Buckingham's first six issue of "Miracleman" in "Miracleman: The Golden Age Vol. 1."

DC TV - From DeadlineHBO Max has ordered a miniseries, "The Penguin," based on the villain from "The Batman." Colin Farrell will reprise his role from the film as the character.

DC CINEMA - From WeGotThisCovered:  The DC Comics film, "Shazam! Fury of the Gods" has a new release date.  It is moving from Summer 2023 to Dec. 16, 2022 - the same day as "Avatar 2."

From WeGotThisCovered:  The DC Comics film, "Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom" is moving its release date from Dec. 16, 2022 to March 17, 2023.

From WeGotThisCovered:  DC Comics films are changing release dates:  "DC League of Superpets" moves to July 29, 2022, and "Black Adam" moves to October 21, 2022.

SONY MARVEL U - From Deadline:  Actor Christopher Abbot ("Catch-22") has joined Sony Pictures' Marvel Comics character movie, "Kraven the Hunter," as the film's main villain, "The Foreigner."

DARK HORSE - From THR:  Filmmaker and sometime comic book writer, Kevin Smith, is launching a line of comic books via Dark Horse Comics.  Called "Secret Stash Press," some of the titles will feature characters from some of Smith's films.

THE BATMAN - THR:  "The Batman" opens with an estimated gross of $128.5 million to win the 3/4 to 3/6/2022 weekend box office.

From Here:  I Reads You's (and "Negromancer) review of "The Batman."

From DCBlog:  The DC Comics blog rounds up the "Easter eggs" in "The Batman."

From Variety:  "The Batman" director Matt Reeves says that actor Colin Farrell was NOT supposed to be so unrecognizable as "Penguin."

From Variety:  "The Batman" director Matt Reeves says that ending in Arkham Asylum does not mean that HE will be in the sequel...

From Deadline:  "The Batman" looks at a $250+ million dollar debut at the worldwide box office.

From Variety:  "The Batman" director Matt Reeves could not attend the film's world premiere at Lincoln Center in New York because he tested positive for COVID-19.

From Variety:  "How ‘The Batman’ Director Matt Reeves Made a $200 Million Bet on Robert Pattinson’s Darker Knight,"
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DC CINEMA - From ScreenRant:   Warner Bros. president Toby Emmerich says that the strength of DC Comics movies like "The Batman" lies in their filmmaker-driven approach.

MARVEL/TRAILERS - From GamesRadar:  The Zeb Wells-John Romita, Jr. relaunch, "The Amazing Spider-Man #1," has a trailer.

DARK HORSE - From BleedingCool:  Dark Horse Comics will publish the autobiography of "Watchmen" artist, Dave Gibbons, entitled "Dave Gibbons' Confabulation: An Anecdotal Autobiograhy."  Written by Gibbons and Tim Pilcher, the book will also contain Gibbons' side of his break-up with "Watchmen" co-creator Alan Moore.

BOOM STUDIOS - From PreviewsWorld:  The site interviews television writer-producer LaToya Morgan ("The Walking Dead") about her fantastic comic book miniseries, "Dark Blood."

COMICS - From BleedingCoolAblaze announces two new titles from the Pacific Rim.  There is the Korean Webtoon, "Heavenly Demon Reborn!" and the "Shonen Jump" title, "BLITZ."

COMICS - BleedingCoolAMC Networks has started its own comic book division, MC Networks Publishing.  Metallica guitarist, Kirk Hammett, will be writing one of the debut titles.

SONY MARVEL U - From Deadline:  Hot off her historic win at the 2022 SAG Awards, actress Ariana DeBose has joined the cast of Sony Picture's "Kraven the Hunter" film as the Marvel Comics' character, "Calypso," a voodoo priestess.

BRITISH COMICS - From BleedingCoolAlan Moore and Ian Gibson's "The Ballad of Halo Jones" is comprised of three books. Rebellion will collect them in an omnibus edition due in January 2023.

COMICS - From BleedingCoolLunar Distribution will also distribute titles from Vault Comics, beginning May 2022.  However, Vault will continue its relationship with Diamond Comic Distributors.

MANGA - From ComicBook:  "Fire Force" and "Soul Eater" creator, Atsushi Ohkubo, might not be retiring after all.

THE BATMAN:

From IndieWire:  "The Batman" star Robert Pattinson says that "The Batman" is a "sad movie" and that Bruce Wayne is a "weirdo."

From Variety:  Robert Pattinson guarantees comic book movie fans will know Matt Reeves’ “The Batman” is unlike any other Batman movie ever made as soon as they see the opening shot.

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FEBRUARY 2022 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From BleedingCool:  Ablaze for February 2022
From BleedingCool:  AfterShock Comics for February 2022
From BleedingCool:  Ahoy Comics for February 2022
From BleedingCool:  Antarctic Press for February 2022
From BleedingCool:  Archie Comics for February 2022
From BleedingCool:  AWA for February 2022
From BleedingCool:  BOOM! Studios for February 2022
From BleedingCool:  Dark Horse Comics for February 2022
From BleedingCool:  DC Comics for February 2022
From BleedingCool:  Dynamite Entertainment for February 2022
From BleedingCool:  Heavy Metal for February 2022
From BleedingCool:  Hero Collector for February 2022
From BleedingCool:  IDW Publishing for February 2022
From BleedingCool:  Image Comics for February 2022
From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics for February 2022
From BleedingCool:  Oni Press for February 2022
From BleedingCool:  Rebellion for February 2022
From BleedingCool:  Red 5 Comics for February 2022
From BleedingCool:  Scout Comics for February 2022
From BleedingCool:  Titan Comics for Feburary 2022
From BleedingCool:  Valiant Comics for February 2022
From BleedingCool:  Vault Comics for February 2022

MARCH 2022 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From BleedingCool:  Aardvark-Vanaheim for March 2022
From BleedingCool:  Ablaze for March 2022
From BleedingCool:  AfterShock Comics for March 2022
From BleedingCool:  Ahoy Comics for March 2022
From BleedingCool:  Antarctic Press for March 2022
From BleedingCool:  Archie Comics for March 2022
From BleedingCool:  Behemoth Comics for March 2022
From BleedingCool:  Black Mask for March 2022
From BleedingCool:  BOOM! Studios for March 2022
From BleedingCool:  Dark Horse Comics for March 2022
From BleedingCool:  DC Comics for March 2022
From BleedingCool:  Dynamite Entertainment for March 2022
From BleedingCool:  Heavy Metal for March 2022
From BleedingCool:  Hero Collector for March 2022
From BleedingCool:  Humanoids for March 2022
From BleedingCool:  IDW Publishing for March 2022
From BleedingCool:  Image Comics for March 2022
From BleedingCool:  Kodansha Comics for March 2022
From BleedingCool:  Mad Cave Studios for March 2022
From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics for March 2022
From BleedingCool:  Oni Press for March 2022
From BleedingCool:  Rebellion for March 2022
From BleedingCool:  Scout Comics for March 2022
From BleedingCool:  Titan Comics for March 2022
From BleedingCool:  TOKYOPOP for March 2022
From BleedingCool:  Vertical Comics for March 2022
From BleedingCool:  VIZ Media for March 2022
From BleedingCool:  Yen Press for March 2022
 
APRIL 2022 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From BleedingCool:  Ablaze for April 2022
From BleedingCool:  AfterShock Comics for 2022
From BleedingCool:  Ahoy Comics for April 2022
From BleedingCool:  Antarctic Press for April 2022
From BleedingCool:  Archie Comics for April 2022
From BleedingCool:  Aardvark Vanaheim for April 2022
From BleedingCool:  AWA Studios for April 2022
From BleedingCool:  Behemoth Comics for April 2022
From BleedingCool:  BOOM Studios for April 2022
From BleedingCool:  Dark Horse Comics for April 2022
From BleedingCool:  DC Comics for April 2022
From BleedingCool:  DC Comics Batman's "Shadow War Crossover" for April 2022
From BleedingCool:  Dynamite Entertainment for April 2022
From BleedingCool:  IDW Publishing for April 2022
From BleedingCool:  Image Comics for April 2022
From GamesRadar:   Marvel Comics for April 2022
From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics' "Star Wars" for April 2022
From BleedingCool:  Oni Press for April 2022
From BleedingCool:  Rebellion for April 2022
From BleedingCool:  Red 5 Comics for April 2022
From BleedingCool:  Scout Comics for April 2022
From BleedingCool:  Source Point Press for April 2022
From BleedingCool:  Titan Comics for April 2022
From BleedingCool:  Valiant Entertainment for April 2022
From BleedingCool:  Vault Comics for April 2022

MAY 2022 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From BleedingCool:  Ablaze for May 2022
From BleedingCool:  Action Lab Entertainment for May 2022
From BleedingCool:  AfterShock Comics for May 2022
From BleedingCool:  Archie Comics for May 2022
From BleedingCool:  AWA Upshot for May 2022
From BleedingCool:  Behemoth Comics for May 2022
From BleedingCool:  BOOM! Studios for May 2022
From BleedingCool:  Dark Horse Comics for May 2022
From BleedingCool:  DC Comics for May 2022
From BleedingCool:  Dynamite Entertainment for May 2022
From BleedingCool:  IDW Publishing for May 2022
From BleedingCool:  Image Comics for May 2022
From BleedingCool:  Kodansha Comics for May 2022
From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics "Hulk Vs Thor: Banner of War" for May 2022
From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics "X-Men" solicitations for May 2022
From BleedingCool:  Oni Press for May2022
From BleedingCool:  Opus Comics for May 2022
From BleedingCool:  Rebellion for May 2022
From BleedingCool:  Titan Comics for May 2022
From BleedingCool:  Scout Comics for May 2022
From BleedingCool:  Seven Seas Entertainment for May 2022
From BleedingCool:  Valiant Comics for May 2022
From BleedingCool:  Vault Comics for May 2022
From BleedingCool:  VIZ Media for May 2022
From BleedingCool:  Yen Press for May 2022
From BleedingCool:  Z2 Comics for May 2022

JUNE 2022 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From BleedingCool:  Ahoy Comics for June 2022
From BleedingCool:  Archie Comics for June 2022
From BleedingCool:  Behemoth Comics for June 2022
From BleedingCool:  BOOM! Studios for June 2022
From BleedingCool:  Dark Horse Comics for June 2022
From BleedingCool:  DC Comics for June 2022
From BleedingCool:  Dynamite Entertainment for June 2022
From BleedingCool:  Hero Collector DC Comics Graphic Novels for June 2022
From BleedingCool:  IDW Publishing for June 2022
From BleedingCool:  Image Comics for June 2022
From BleedingCool:  Kodansha Comics for June 2022
From BleedingCool:  Mad Cave Studios for June 2022
From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics for June 2022
From BleedingCool:  Marvel "Banner of War" for June 2022
From BleedingCool:  Marvel "X-Men" for June 2022 
From BleedingCool:  Oni Press for June 2022
From BleedingCool:  Opus Comics for June 2022
From BleedingCool:  Vault Comics for June 2022
From BleedingCool:  Vertical Comics for June 2022

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Thursday, February 17, 2022

#IReadsYou Movie Review: KINGSMAN: The Golden Circle

Kingsman: The Golden Circle (2017)

Running time: 141 minutes (2 hours, 21 minutes)
MPAA – R for sequences of strong violence, drug content, language throughout and some sexual content
DIRECTOR:  Matthew Vaughn
WRITERS:  Jane Goldman and Matthew Vaughn (based on on the comic book, The Secret Service, by Mark Millar and Dave Gibbons)
PRODUCERS:  Adam Bohling, David Reid, and Matthew Vaughn
CINEMATOGRAPHER:  George Richmond (D.o.P.)
EDITOR:  Eddie Hamilton
COMPOSERS:  Henry Jackman and Matthew Margeson

COMEDY/ACTION/SPY/SCI-FI

Starring:  Taron Egerton, Colin Firth, Julianne Moore, Mark Strong, Halle Berry, Pedro Pascal, Channing Taturm, Jeff Bridges, Edward Holcroft, Hanna Alström, Calvin Demba, Thomas Turgoose, Tobi Bakare, Bruce Greenwood, Emily Watson, Elton John, Sophie Cookson, and Michael Gambon

Kingsman: The Golden Circle is a 2017 spy movie and action-comedy from director Matthew Vaughn.  It is a direct sequel to the 2014 film, Kingsman: The Secret Service.  Both films are based on characters and elements from the 2012 comic book, The Secret Service, by Mark Millar and Dave Gibbons.  The Golden Circle focuses on two elite secret organizations that must band together to defeat a common enemy that is holding the world hostage.

Kingsman: The Golden Circle opens a year after Gary “Eggsy” Unwin (Taron Egerton) defeated and killed the diabolical Internet billionaire, Richmond Valentine.  Eggsy has officially joined the independent intelligence agency, Kingsman, and has taken his late mentor, Harry Hart's (Colin Firth) position as agent “Galahad.”  Eggsy is also dating Tilde (Hanna Alström), Crown Princess of Sweden, whom he saved from Valentine.

One night in London, Eggsy is ambushed by Charlie Hesketh (Edward Holcroft), a rejected Kingsman applicant.  Eggsy defeats Charlie, who escapes.  However, Charlie has a new employer, a mysterious organization known as “The Golden Circle.”  Its leader, Poppy Adams (Julianne Moore), the world's largest manufacturer and distributor of illegal drugs and narcotics, launches an attack against the Kingsman that leaves the agency devastated.  The survivors, Eggsy and Merlin (Mark Strong), make contact with “Statesman,” the American counterpart of Kingsman, which uses a Kentucky-based bourbon whiskey business as a front.  [The Kingsman's front is as a Savile Row tailor.]

With the help of the Statesman, Agent Whiskey (Pedro Pascal) and Ginger Ale (Halle Berry), Eggsy tries to stop Poppy Adams' plot to use a toxin in the drugs and narcotics she sells to hold the world for ransom.  She wants her demands met or she will withhold an antidote to the toxin, which means hundreds of millions of people will die.  In order to stop her, Eggsy will have to face many challenges … and a number of surprising reveals.

I enjoyed Kingsman: The Secret Service quite a bit, but it was mostly a substance-free past-time.  As much as I enjoyed the film, I had mostly forgotten about it a few hours after seeing it.  Kingsman: The Golden Circle isn't quite as substance-free as its predecessor.  The bonds and obligations of friendship and love weigh on the characters, especially Eggsy.  He can no longer just live for the job, not when there is a serious relationship commitment in front of him.

I found some of the Statesman characters to be either superfluous or simply boring, with the exception of Halle Berry's Ginger Ale.  I am a longtime fan of Berry's, and she makes the casually smart and calm Ginger an endearing character.  Elton John also makes a surprising and shocking turn as something of a fun and offbeat action hero.

The film also has a wacky-ass and fun soundtrack.  It uses John Denver's 1971 hit, “Take Me Home, Country Roads,” including a poignant version sung by Mark Strong's Merlin.  There are a few Elton John hits, of course, some performed in the film by Elton.  The best song on the soundtrack may be a funky, country rock version of Cameo's “Word Up” by the German musical act “The BossHoss.”

Taron Egerton as Eggsy has star appeal and leading man quality, which is a surprise to me.  I wish the film had given some of the narrative time devoted to the Statesman characters back to Eggsy.  Egerton takes the Kingsman film franchise to the next level.  Kingsman: The Golden Circle is an improvement over the original film, enough of an improvement that I hope to see another sequel.

B+

Wednesday, February 16, 2022


The text is copyright © 2022 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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Wednesday, July 14, 2021

#IReadsYou Review: THE SECRET SERVICE #1

THE SECRET SERVICE #1
MARVEL COMICS/Icon – @Marvel

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: Mark Millar and Matthew Vaughn
WRITER: Mark Millar – @mrmarkmillar
ARTIST: Dave Gibbons
COLORS: Angus McKie
COVER: Dave Gibbons
VARIANT COVERS: Leinil Francis Yu with Sunny Gho
32pp, Color, $2.99 U.S. (June 2012)

Mature Content

The Secret Service created by Mark Miller, Dave Gibbons, and Matthew Vaughn


The Secret Service was a six issue comic book miniseries written by Mark Millar; drawn by Dave Gibbons; and colored by Angus McKie.  The series was created by Millar, Gibbons, and writer/director/ producer Matthew Vaughn (X-Men: First Class) and was published in 2012 by Icon, a pseudo-creator owned imprint of Marvel Comics.  Vaughn directed a film loosely adapted from this comic book and entitled Kingsman: The Secret Service.  [The Secret Service has since been re-branded as Kingsman: The Secret Service to tie-in closer to the film.]

The Secret Service is apparently inspired by “classic” James Bond films and the spy thriller genre in general.  [I must note, dear readers, that I consider the James Bond films from Dr. No to A View to a Kill to be the “classic Bond films.”]  The story focuses on a super-spy and his young and wayward nephew whom he recruits into “the secret service.”

The Secret Service #1 opens in Zermatt, Switzerland where we find Mark Hamill of Star Wars fame in the clutches of mysterious, “middle-Eastern” types.  Later, in Peckham, South London, Gary “Eggsy” London is dealing with another awful night of home life with his mother, Sharon, and her English-white trash husband, Darren, and his rowdy pals.  So Gary decides to have a night of bad behavior with his own pals, but that will land him in trouble.  Once again, it's Gary's Uncle Jack to the rescue, but Jack London is secretly an MI6 agent, and he is ready to redirect his troubled nephew.

I saw Kingsman: The Secret Service on DVD not long after its home media release.  I thought some of it was really good, but most of it was mediocre slash OK.  I got a kick out of Samuel L. Jackson, Sofia Boutella, (that sexy-M.F.) Mark Strong, and Michael Caine (cause there is never enough Michael Caine).  I liked Taron Egerton, but he does not totally sell me on the idea of him being an action hero.  I put up with Colin Firth's character because he is played by Colin Firth.  Did I mention Mark Strong?

Reading The Secret Service comic book for the first time, what surprises me is how matter-of-fact the first issue seems.  It is unassuming and so lacks glamour (unlike the film) that after a few pages I thought The Secret Service was going to be a disaster.  However, I soon picked up on the steady pace, solemn pace.  There is something real and earthy about the interaction between Jack London and his sister, Sharon.  Reading it, I felt like I was eavesdropping on some real-world, old sibling melodrama.

By the end, I wanted to read more.  I'll see the new movie, Kingsman: The Golden Circle, but I hope the new comic book, Kingsman: The Red Diamond, is more like this comic book.

A
8 out of 10

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

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The text is copyright © 2017 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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Monday, December 16, 2019

DC Comics from Diamond Distributors for December 18, 2019

DC COMICS

APR190524    ANIMAL MAN BY JEFF LEMIRE OMNIBUS HC    $99.99
OCT190497    AQUAMAN #55    $3.99
OCT190498    AQUAMAN #55 VAR ED    $3.99
SEP190547    AQUAMAN HC VOL 02 AMNESTY    $24.99
SEP190546    AQUAMAN TP VOL 01 UNSPOKEN WATER    $17.99
OCT190593    BASKETFUL OF HEADS #3 (OF 7) (MR)    $3.99
OCT190594    BASKETFUL OF HEADS #3 (OF 7) VAR ED (MR)    $3.99
SEP190548    BATGIRL TP VOL 06 OLD ENEMIES    $16.99
OCT190503    BATMAN #85    $4.99
OCT190504    BATMAN #85 CARD STOCK VAR ED    $5.99
SEP190478    BATMAN LAST KNIGHT ON EARTH #3 (OF 3) (MR)    $5.99
SEP190479    BATMAN LAST KNIGHT ON EARTH #3 (OF 3) VAR ED (MR)    $5.99
OCT190513    BATMAN SUPERMAN #5    $3.99
OCT190514    BATMAN SUPERMAN #5 CARD STOCK VAR ED    $4.99
MAY190544    BATMAN THE ANIMATED SER BANE AF    $28.00
MAY190546    BATMAN THE ANIMATED SER KILLER CROC AF    $28.00
MAY190545    BATMAN THE ANIMATED SER MR FREEZE AF    $28.00
MAY190543    BATMAN THE ANIMATED SER POISON IVY AF    $28.00
SEP190554    BATMAN TP VOL 11 THE FALL AND THE FALLEN    $17.99
OCT190515    CATWOMAN #18    $3.99
OCT190516    CATWOMAN #18 VAR ED    $3.99
MAY190540    DC BOMBSHELLS MARY SHAZAM STATUE    $125.00
OCT190616    DOLLAR COMICS THE FLASH #164    $1.00
OCT190523    DOOMSDAY CLOCK #12 (OF 12)    $5.99
OCT198400    DOOMSDAY CLOCK #12 (OF 12) BLANK VAR ED    $5.99
OCT190524    DOOMSDAY CLOCK #12 (OF 12) VAR ED    $5.99
SEP190567    FEMALE FURIES TP    $16.99
OCT190529    FLASH FORWARD #4 (OF 6)    $3.99
OCT190530    FLASH FORWARD #4 (OF 6) VAR ED    $3.99
SEP190569    GREEN LANTERN HC VOL 02 THE DAY THE STARS FELL    $29.99
SEP190568    GREEN LANTERN TP VOL 01 INTERGALACTIC LAWMAN    $17.99
SEP190494    HARLEEN #3 (OF 3) (MR)    $7.99
SEP190495    HARLEEN #3 (OF 3) VAR ED (MR)    $7.99
OCT190544    HE MAN AND THE MASTERS OF THE MULTIVERSE #2 (OF 6)    $3.99
OCT190480    INFECTED THE COMMISSIONER #1    $3.99
OCT190601    JOHN CONSTANTINE HELLBLAZER #2 (MR)    $3.99
OCT190547    JOKER KILLER SMILE #2 (OF 3) (MR)    $5.99
OCT190548    JOKER KILLER SMILE #2 (OF 3) VAR ED (MR)    $5.99
OCT190553    JUSTICE LEAGUE #38    $3.99
OCT190554    JUSTICE LEAGUE #38 VAR ED    $3.99
OCT190602    LAST GOD #3 (MR)    $4.99
OCT190559    LEGION OF SUPER HEROES #2    $3.99
OCT190560    LEGION OF SUPER HEROES #2 CARD STOCK VAR ED    $4.99
OCT190469    LOW LOW WOODS #1 (OF 6) (MR)    $3.99
OCT190470    LOW LOW WOODS #1 (OF 6) CARD STOCK VAR ED (MR)    $4.99
OCT190603    LUCIFER #15 (MR)    $3.99
SEP190507    MAD MAGAZINE #11    $5.99
OCT190567    METAL MEN #3 (OF 12)    $3.99
OCT190568    METAL MEN #3 (OF 12) VAR ED    $3.99
OCT190569    NIGHTWING #67    $3.99
OCT190570    NIGHTWING #67 VAR ED    $3.99
OCT190575    SCOOBY DOO WHERE ARE YOU #102    $2.99
OCT190576    SHAZAM #9 (RES)    $3.99
OCT190577    SHAZAM #9 VAR ED (RES)    $3.99
OCT190476    SUICIDE SQUAD #1    $4.99
OCT190478    SUICIDE SQUAD #1 BLANK VAR ED    $4.99
OCT190477    SUICIDE SQUAD #1 CARD STOCK VAR ED    $5.99
OCT190582    SUPERMAN SMASHES THE KLAN #2 (OF 3)    $7.99
JUN190611    SUPERMAN THE GOLDEN AGE OMNIBUS HC VOL 01 NEW ED    $99.99
OCT190583    SUPERMANS PAL JIMMY OLSEN #6 (OF 12)    $3.99
OCT190584    SUPERMANS PAL JIMMY OLSEN #6 (OF 12) VAR ED    $3.99
OCT190585    TEEN TITANS #37    $3.99
OCT190586    TEEN TITANS #37 VAR ED    $3.99
SEP190609    WATCHMEN COMPANION HC    $39.99
SEP190517    WONDER WOMAN #83    $3.99
SEP190518    WONDER WOMAN #83 VAR ED    $3.99
OCT190490    WONDER WOMAN DEAD EARTH #1 (OF 4) (MR)    $6.99
OCT190491    WONDER WOMAN DEAD EARTH #1 (OF 4) VAR ED (MR)    $6.99
SEP190450    WONDER WOMAN GIANT #2    $4.99
OCT190463    YEAR OF THE VILLAIN HELL ARISEN #1 (OF 4)    $4.99
OCT190465    YEAR OF THE VILLAIN HELL ARISEN #1 (OF 4) BLANK VAR ED    $4.99
OCT190464    YEAR OF THE VILLAIN HELL ARISEN #1 (OF 4) VAR ED    $4.99

Thursday, October 31, 2019

I Reads You Juniors October 2019 - Update #102

Support Leroy on Patreon.

Leroy's Amazon Comics and Graphic Novels Page:

My "Joker" review is here.

DC TV - From Variety:  Epix has renewed "Pennyworth" for a second season.  The series is inspired by Batman's butler/partner Alfred Pennyworth.

DC TV - From THR:  TV super-producer, Greg Berlanti, is developing two DC Comics-inspired TV series for WarnerMedia's streaming service, HBO Max.  One is a new take on "Green Lantern" and the other is an anthology series, "Strange Adventures," named after the venerable DC Comics' anthology.

From Newsarama:  February 2020 sees the release of an X-Men/Fantastic Four miniseries.

DC CINEMA - From THR:  "Joker" passes "Deadpool" has the highest grossing R-rated film of all time.

DC TV - From Deadline:  The CW has announced that it has picked up both "Batwoman" and "Catwoman" for an additional 9 episodes which will give both series a full season order of 22 episodes.

From ComicBook:  Alex Ross will launch and curate a new Marvel Comics anthology that will be entitled, simply "Marvel."  Ross and Dan Brereton will provide series covers.

MARVEL TV - From Deadline:  Freeform has opted not to renew "Marvel's Cloak & Dagger."

MANGA TV - From WhatsOn: Netflix will debut it "Original Series" anime "Levius" in November.  The series is based on the manga of the same title.

MARVEL TV - From THR:   It is official (apparently) that Marvel TV head Jeph Loeb will leave the company by Thanksgiving.

MANGA TV - From Newsarama:  Netflix releases a teaser for its new CGI animated series, "Ghost in the Shell: SAC_2045," which is based on characters and situated introduced in the manga, "Ghost in the Shell."

From ANN:  Seven Seas Entertainment announces new manga licenses, including the "Sazan & Comet Girl" manga.

From Newsarama:  Scott Snyder and Rafael Albuquerque are bringing "American Vampire" back for a final volume, via the "Black Label" imprint.

MARVEL TV - From Variety:  The changes at Marvel Studios may mean the end of Jeph Loeb's time as head of Marvel TV.

COMICS CINEMA - From BleedingCool:  This is the first official trailer for "Bloodshot," Sony Picture's adaptation of the Valiant Comics' title, "Bloodshot."  The film stars Vin Diesel.

DC CINEMA - From THR:  Apparently, Jared Leto, who played the "Joker" in the film, "Suicide Squad," tried to sabotage Todd Phillips' recent hit film, "Joker," with Joaquin Phoenix as Joker.

DC CINEMA - From THR:  Troy Patterson of "The New Yorker" reviews HBO's "Watchmen."

DC CINEMA - From THR:  Michael Giacchino, who provided the musical score for both of Marvel Studios' "Spider-Man" films, will provide the musical score for Matt Reeves, "The Batman."

From Newsarama:  DC Comics introduces a new format, "Prestige Plus."

COMICS TV - From Newsarama:  Mike Mignola has announced that he is working on a live-action TV series, "The Forever House," which will features stories based on folklore from around the world.

DC CINEMA - From TheWrap:  Halle Berry, who played Catwoman in 2004, sends new Catwoman, Zoe Kravitz, a shout-out via Twitter.

DC CINEMA - From Variety:  Paul Dano is in talks to play "The Riddler" in "The Batman" film.

From BleedingCool:  Image Comics is planning a line of creator-led imprints, similar to what DC Comics does with "Wonder Comics" (Brian Michael Bendis) and Hill House (Joe Hill).

COMICS TV - From Deadline:  Jeff Smith's comic book, "Bone," will finally get its long-waited animated treatment, as an animated series on Netflix.

DC CINEMA - From Deadline:  Two-time Oscar-nominated actor Jonah Hill is reportedly no longer in talks to play a villain in Matt Reeves' "The Batman."

From Newsarama:  Kevin Feige will oversee a restructured/reunified Marvel Entertainment and Marvel Studios.

From Thrillist:  The 21 Best Science Fiction and Fantasy Book Series Ever, according to Thrillist.

SONY'S MARVEL U - From Deadline:  The female character, Shriek, will join Carnage in Sony's "Venom 2," which is due Oct. 2, 2020.

DC CINEMA - From TheWrap:  Zoe Kravitz has been cast in Matt Reeves' "The Batman" which begins filming in January 2020.

From CBB:  In "Sorry, Not Sorry," writer Philip Schweier talks about the response to comics criticism and reviews.

From PRNewswire:  Saturday, October 26, 2019, fans can get free comics for Halloween from participating comic book shops.  It's "Halloween ComicFest!"

From BBC:  A look at Marvel's past 80 years.

From WABC:  An interview with Marvel Entertainment's Joe Quesada.

From Newsarama:  The site offers a preview of 10 images from "Legion of Super-Heroes #1, which arrives in stores Nov. 6th, 2019.

From Newsarama:  Artist Andre Lima Araujo says that he and writer Brian Michael Bendis are developing a creator owned title for Bendis' "Jinxworld" line, currently at DC Comics.

From ComicBook:  There is yet another "My Hero Academia" manga, "My Hero Academia: Team Up Mission."

From TVLine:  See the first superhero group photo from The CW's "Crisis on Infinite Earths" story line that crosses through the network's superhero TV series, beginning with "Arrow."

From Newsarama:  Veteran inker Mike DeCarlo is in dire financial distress and needs help.

DC COMICS 5G - From BleedingCool:  More gossip about DC Comics "5G" event.  Rumors say Wonder Woman will be the first major hero to die or be replaced.

From BleedingCool:  One of the NYCC 2019 panels was “Comics and Hollywood: What Comic Creators Need to Know Now”.

From Variety:  Actor, comedian, and game show host, Wayne Brady, will have a recurring role on The CW's "Black Lightning."  He will reportedly play a "super-solider" named Tyson "Gravedigger" Spikes.

From Truthout:  The article talks about veteran voice actor, Vic Mignogna (Fullmetal Alchemist, RWBY) who has been accused of sexual misconduct, and the accusations, lawsuits, fan support, and #MeToo implications surrounding him.

From CBR:  Hanna Collins lists 10 things comic books can learn from manga.

DC CINEMA - From Newsarama:  The new film, "Joker," continues to storm October box office records.  It now has the biggest October Monday and Tuesday in terms of money made at the box office on those two days.

From CriticalHit:  The 14 biggest comic book announcements at New York Comic Con 2019.

DC CINEMA - From Deadline:   Peter Bart writes: How Jack Nicholson’s Batman Freak-Out Helped Build The Mythology Behind ‘Joker’

From Newsarama:  Beloved actor and Monty Python alum, John Cleese, will make a rare comic book convention appearance at Planet Comicon Kansas City on March 20th and 21st, 2020.  The convention runs from Friday, March 20th to Sunday, March 22nd, 2020.

Marvel TV - From TheWrap:  Marvel TV is producing a TV series, "Helstrom," based on Marvel Comics' "Helstrom" comic book.  Tom Austen and Sydney Lemmon will star.

From TheAtlantic:  The magazines profiles "Batman: The Killing Joke," the 1988 one-shot comic book by Alan Moore and Brian Bolland that obviously influenced Todd Phillips' "Joker" film.

COMICS TV - From Variety:  Aquaman director James Wan has signed on to co-produce the TV adaptation of the Italian comics series, "Dylan Dog," with Italian comics publisher, Sergio Bonelli Editore.

From Newsarama:  The Society of Illustrators will be highlighting the Marvel artwork of Joe Quesada in an upcoming exhibit at their New York City headqaurters.  The exhibition is scheduled to open October 15, 2019.

DC CINEMA:  From RSN:  Oscar-winning documentary filmmaker, Michael Moore, says Todd Phillips' film is about the America that gave us President Donald Trump.

MCU - From TheGuardian:  Legendary, Oscar-winning director Martin Scorsese says that Marvel Studios films are "not cinema" and likens them to theme park rides.

From THR:  Some directors take issue with Martin Scorsese's "Marvel movies" comments.

NYCC - From BleedingCool:  Writer Benjamin Percy and artist Adam Kubert will relaunch "Wolverine" as part of "Dawn of X" Wave 2.

From Newsarama:  Here is a preview of "Teen Titans: Beast Boy," the follow-up to "Teen Titans: Raven."

NYCC - From Newsarama:  It's official.  Chris Claremont will be doing more work for Marvel in 2020, including a secret X-Men project.

PEANUTS - From TheNewYorker:  From September: "The Debt That All Cartoonists Owe to 'Peanuts'" by Chris War.

HARVEY AWARDS - From Newsarama:  The winners of the 2019 Harvey Awards have been announced.  "Hey Kiddo" by Jarrett J. Krosoczka (Scholastic Graphix) is named "Book of the Year."

COMICS TV - From Variety:  AMC has renewed "The Walking Dead" for an 11th season.  Actress Lauren Cohan ("Maggie Greene") is returning to the series.

NYCC - From Newsarama:  Marvel Comics has announces a new "Star Wars" ongoing series that takes place between the events depicted in "The Empire Strikes Back" and "Return of the Jedi."  Charles Soule will write; Jesus Saiz will draw.

From BleedingCool:  Chris Claremont in talks with Marvel Comics to writer a new "X-Men" project with Salvador Larroca as artist.

From THR:  MSNBC journalist and author, Rachel Maddow, is joining The CW's "Batwoman" in a voice role, that of "Vesper Fairchild," a radio personality.

NYCC - From Newsarama:  2020 will see the launch on a new "Thor" ongoing title from writer Donny Cates and artist Nic Klein.

DC TV - From YahooEntertainment:  When it debuts on Sun., October 6th on The CW, the new comic book TV series, "Batwoman," will feature the first openly gay superhero (Batwoman) played by an openly gay actress (Australia's Ruby Rose).

COMICS CINEMA - From Deadline:  "Black Panther" director, Ryan Coogler, has signed on to produce Legendary's screen adaptation of the Image Comics' title, "Bitter Root."

From Variety:  Dave Gibbons' ("Watchmen," "The Secret Service") comic book, "Treatment," has had its content rights optioned.

DC CINEMA - From WeGotThisCovered:  Emma Tillinger Koskoff, one of the producers of "Joker," says that she cannot watch comic book movies.

From BleedingCool:  Two years after its debut, Batman: Creature of the Night #4 may finally arrive in November 2019.

From Newsarama:  IDW Publishing hires and re-hires five people for its rebuilding phase.

DC TV - From Newsarama:  Ava DuVernay is developing Brian Wood and Riccardo Burchielli's DC/Vertigo comic book, DMZ, for the HBO Max streaming service.

DC CINEMA - From Newsarama:  Warner Bros. releases the first full trailer for "Birds of Prey (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn)."

From TheBeat:  An hour-long video interview with "Love and Rockets'" Jaime Hernandez.

From Newsarama:  Oscar-nominated actress Michelle Pfeiffer thinks that her "Maleficent: Mistress of Evil" co-star, Elle Fanning, would make a good "Catwoman" for Robert Pattinson's "The Batman."

From CBR:  The legend of the 1950s "Batman" comic book (Batman #165) the Kenner Batman action figure line.


OCTOBER 2019 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From Newsarama:  AC Comics for October 2019
From BleedingCool:  Ahoy Comics for October 2019
From BleedingCool:  Albatross Funnybooks for October 2019
From BleedingCool:  Antarctic Press for October 2019
From Newsarama:  BOOM! Studios for October 2019
From BleedingCool:  Dark Horse Comics for October 2019
From Newsarama:  DC Comics for October 2019
From Newsarama:  Hero Tomorrow for October 2019
From Newsarama:  IDW Publishing for October 2019
From BleedingCool:  Image Comics for October 2019
From BleedingCool:  Keenspot Entertainment for October 2019
From Newsarama:  Lion Forge for October 2019
From Newsarama:  Mad Cave Studios for October 2019
From Newsarama:  Marvel Comics for October 2019
From Newsarama:  Oni Press for October 2019
From Newsarama:  Scout Comics for October 2019
From Newsarama:  Titan Comics for October 2019
From Newsarama:  Valiant Comics for October 2019
From Newsarama:  Vault Comics for October 2019
From Newsarama:  VIZ Media for October 2019
From Newsarama:  A Wave Blue World for October 2019
From Newsarama:  Yen Press for October 2019

HALLOWEEN COMICFEST 2019:
From Newsarama:  28 comic book titles for the industry's fall event taking place Saturday, October 26, 2019 at participating comic shops worldwide.

DC's HILL HOUSE COMICS Debut Solicitations:
From Newsarama:  These are the solicitations for DC Comics' "Hill House Comics" group overseen by Joe Hill.  The line is scheduled to kick off October 30, 2019 with "Basketful of Heads #1."

NOVEMBER 2019 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From BleedingCool:  Ablaze for November 2019
From BleedingCool:  Action Lab for Novmeber 2019
From BleedingCool:  Aftershock Comics for November 2019
From Newsarama:  Ahoy Comics for November 2019
From Newsarama:  Archie Comics for November 2019
From Newsarama:  BOOM Studios for November 2019
From Newsarama:  DC Comics for November 2019
From BleedingCool:  Dynamite Entertainment for November 2019
From Newsarama:  Fantagraphics Books for November 2019
From BleedingCool:  Image Comics for November 2019
From Newsarama:  Lion Forge for November 2019
From Newsarama:  Mad Cave Studios for November 2019
From Newsarama:  Marvel Comics for November 2019
From BleedingCool:  Oni Press for November 2019
From Newsarama:  Scout Comics for November 2019
From BleedingCool:  Source Point Press for November 2019
From BleedingCool:  Titan Comics for November 2019
From Newsarama:  Valiant Entertainment for November 2019
From Newsarama:  Vault Comics for November 2019
From Newsarama:  VIZ Media for November 2019

NOVEMBER 2019 "ADVANCED" COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From Newsarama:  DC Comics advanced solicitations for November 2019 (for acetate covers)
From Newsarama:  "Dawn of X" for November 2019
From BleedingCool:  DC Comics for 2019 with some guessing on the site's part


DECEMBER 2019 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From Newsarama:  Antarctic Press for December 2019
From Newsarama:  Archie Comics for December 2019
From Newsarama:  Dark Horse Comics for December 2019
From Newsarama:  DC Comics for December 2019
From Newsarama:  Image Comics for December 2019
From Newsarama:  Marvel Comics for December 2019
From BleedingCool:  Oni Press for December 2019
From Newsarama:  Red 5 for Comics for December 2019
From Newsarama:  Scout Comics for December 2019
From BleedingCool:  Storm King Productions for December 2019
From Newsarama:  Valiant Entertainment for December 2019
From BleedingCool:  VIZ Media for December 2019

JANUARY 2020 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From Newsarama:  Ahoy Comics for January 2020
From BleedingCool:  Amigo Comics for January 2020
From Newsarama:  Antarctic Press for January 2020
From Newsarama:  Archie Comics for January 2020
From Newsarama:  Black Mask Studios for January 2020
From BleedingCool:  BOOM! Studios for January 2020
From BleedingCool:  Dark Horse Comics for January 2020
From Newsarama:  DC Comics for January 2020
From Newsarama:  Dynamite Entertainment for January 2020
From Newsarama:  Fantagraphics Books for January 2020
From Newsarama:  HarperCollins for January 2020
From Newsarama:  Humanoids for January 2020
From BleedingCool:  IDW Publishing for January 2020
From Newsarama:  Image Comics for January 2020
From Newsarama:  Mad Cave Studios for January 2020
From Newsarama:  Marvel Comics for January 2020
From Newsarama:  Oni Press for January 2020
From Newsarama:  Red 5 Comics for January 2020
From Newsarama:  Scout Comics for January 2020
From Newsarama:  Seven Seas Entertainment for January 2020
From BleedingCool:  Source Point Press for January 2020
From Newsarama:  Titans Comics for January 2020
From Newsarama:  Valiant Entertainment for January 2020
From Newsarama:  Vault Comics for January 2020
From Newsarama:  Vertical Comics solicitations for January 2020
From Newsarama:  Yen Press for January 2020

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