Comics, Magazines and Books from Diamond Distributors for October 5, 2022

COMICS & GRAPHIC NOVELS

JUL221854 2000 AD REGEND TP VOL 04 (MR) $16.99

AUG221661 ALCATOE AND THE TURNIP CHILD GN $12.99

AUG221173 ARCHIES HALLOWEEN SPECTACULAR #1 $2.99

AUG222186 ASCENDANCE OF A BOOKWORM PART 2 GN VOL 04 $14.99

MAY222035 BE AFRAID OF INUKI KANAKO GN $12.99

JUL221970 BECOMING FRANKENSTEIN #2 $3.99

JUN221855 BEST OF CAT GIRL TP $18.99

JUL221340 BLACK CARAVAN PREM JONS CLARK SOMETHING JUICY #1 $4.99

AUG221224 BLACKGAS WRAP CVRS BAG SET (6CT) (MR) $19.99

JUN221975 BLADE RUNNER BLACK LOTUS #3 CVR A SPOKES $3.99

JUN221976 BLADE RUNNER BLACK LOTUS #3 CVR B DAGNINO $3.99

JUN221977 BLADE RUNNER BLACK LOTUS #3 CVR C CONCEPT ART $3.99

JUL228748 BLADE RUNNER BLACK LOTUS #3 FOC SPOKES VIRGIN $3.99

APR221839 BLADE RUNNER ORIGINS TP VOL 03 BURNING (MR) $17.99

JUN228693 BLOODBORNE LADY OF LANTERNS #1 2ND PTG KOWALSKI EXC VAR (MR) $3.99

AUG222067 BORUTO GN VOL 15 NARUTO NEXT GENERATIONS $9.99

JUL221890 BY THE HORNS DARK EARTH #5 (MR) $4.99

AUG222167 CANIS DEAR HATTER GN VOL 01 $14.95

FEB221549 CELERY STALKS VOL 02 (MR) $14.99

FEB221719 COWBOY BEBOP #1-4 VIRGIN PACK $19.99

AUG221222 CROSSED FAMILY VALUES DEADLY BEAUTY BAG SET (5CT) (MR) $19.99

MAR221589 DF MOON KNIGHT BLACK WHITE & BLOOD #1 CGC GRADED $75.00

MAY221409 DF SPAWN #1 30TH ANNV BLANK HAESER SGN RMRK $92.00

APR221447 DF SPAWN #327 MCFARLANE CGC GRADED $99.99

AUG222064 DR STONE GN VOL 23 $9.99

JUN221436 EDGAR ALLEN POE CONQUEROR WORM ONE SHOT LTD MONSTAR VAR $19.99

JUN221223 ENCHANTING ESCAPADES OF PHOEBE AND HER UNICORN TP $14.99

JUN221695 ENOLA HOLMES MYCROFTS DANGEROUS GAME GN $17.99

APR221761 ESSENTIAL JUDGE DREDD NECROPOLIS TP (MR) $28.99

AUG222187 FARAWAY PALADIN OMNIBUS GN VOL 04 $19.99

JUN221306 FEARLESS DAWN #1 (OF 4) CVR A MANNION SGN ED $9.99

MAR228787 FREE LIFE FANTASY ONLINE IMMORTAL PRINCESS GN VOL 01 (MR) (C $13.99

JUN222132 GAHICHAN GN VOL 01 (MR) $13.00

JUL221332 GEORGE RR MARTINS CLASH OF KINGS GN VOL 04 $28.99

AUG222198 GRAND BLUE DREAMING GN VOL 17 (MR) $12.99

JUL228419 GUN HONEY BLOOD FOR BLOOD #1 (OF 4) 2ND PTG ARTGERM COPIC VI $3.99

JUN229455 GUN HONEY BLOOD FOR BLOOD #2 (OF 4) FOC CHEW COPIC (MR) $3.99

JUL228033 GUN HONEY BLOOD FOR BLOOD #2 (OF 4) FOC EMILIAN NUDE BAGGED $10.00

JUL221975 GUN HONEY BLOOD FOR BLOOD #2 CVR A CHEW (MR) $3.99

JUL221976 GUN HONEY BLOOD FOR BLOOD #2 CVR B MOLOCEA (MR) $3.99

JUL221977 GUN HONEY BLOOD FOR BLOOD #2 CVR C COSPLAY (MR) $3.99

JUL221978 GUN HONEY BLOOD FOR BLOOD #2 CVR D HOR KHENG (MR) $3.99

AUG221287 GYPSY VISIONS BAG SET (5CT) (MR) $19.99

AUG221282 HELLINA RED HOT BAG SET (4CT) (MR) $19.99

AUG221288 HELLINA SCYTHE BIKINI BAG SET (5CT) (MR) $19.99

JUN222144 HERO LAUGHS PATH OF VENGEANCE SECOND TIME GN VOL 02 $13.00

JUL221951 ILLUSION WITCH #4 (OF 6) CVR A CATRACA $3.99

JUL221952 ILLUSION WITCH #4 (OF 6) CVR B LIMA $3.99

JUN222291 IMAGINARY GN VOL 01 (MR) $13.99

JUN221878 IMPOSSIBLE JONES TP VOL 01 GRIN & GRITTY $19.99

AUG221512 JODOROWSKY LIBRARY HC THE SAGA OF ALANDOR DIOSAMANTE (MR) (C $39.99

JUL221860 JUDGE DREDD LEGENDS OF LAW TP (MR) $24.99

JUL221711 JUNIOR HIGH HORRORS MONSTER SIZED ANNIV SP CVR A KENT $7.99

JUL221712 JUNIOR HIGH HORRORS MONSTER SIZED ANNIV SP CVR B BECK $7.99

JUL221713 JUNIOR HIGH HORRORS MONSTER SIZED ANNIV SP CVR C NIKOLAKAKIS $7.99

JUL221714 JUNIOR HIGH HORRORS MONSTER SIZED ANNIV SP CVR D DONGARRA $7.99

JUL221715 JUNIOR HIGH HORRORS MONSTER SIZED ANNIV SP CVR E ROSENBAUM $7.99

JUL221716 JUNIOR HIGH HORRORS MONSTER SIZED ANNIV SP CVR F POTCHAK $7.99

JUL222205 KAIJU GIRL CARAMELISE GN VOL 06 $13.00

AUG221856 KINGDOM COME DELIVERANCE #3 CVR A WALTER (MR) $3.99

AUG221857 KINGDOM COME DELIVERANCE #3 CVR B NIKO WALTER (MR) $3.99

AUG221858 KINGDOM COME DELIVERANCE #3 CVR C NIKO WALTER (MR) $3.99

AUG221281 LADY DEATH BOOTY BAG SET (5CT) (MR) $19.99

AUG221284 LADY DEATH SIZZLING BAG SET (5CT) (MR) $19.99

JUN221777 LOUD HOUSE HC VOL 16 LOUD AND CLEAR $12.99

JUN221776 LOUD HOUSE SC VOL 16 LOUD AND CLEAR $7.99

JUL221743 MAD CAVE STUDIOS LEGACY BECSTAR #1 $2.99

JUL221744 MAD CAVE STUDIOS LEGACY STARGAZER #1 $2.99

JUL221845 MAX MEOW CAT CRUSADER GN VOL 04 TACO TIME MACHINE $12.99

APR221855 MINIONS VOL 1-4 BOX SET $27.99

AUG221157 MONSTER BAR MITZVAH GN $16.95

AUG222068 MORIARTY THE PATRIOT GN VOL 09 $9.99

AUG222062 MY HERO ACADEMIA GN VOL 32 $9.99

AUG222056 MY LOVE MIX UP GN VOL 05 $9.99

JUL222027 NARWHAL & JELLY HC GN VOL 07 NARWHALICORN AND JELLY $12.99

JUL221154 NATHAN HALES BIGGER BADDER GN UNDERGROUND ABDUCTOR $19.99

JUL221959 NEVERENDER #5 (OF 9) CVR A KRAFT $3.99

JUL221960 NEVERENDER #5 (OF 9) CVR B KRAFT $3.99

MAY228677 NIGHT OF LIVING CAT GN VOL 01 $13.99

AUG221223 NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD ORIGINAL TERROR BAG SET (6CT) (MR) $19.99

AUG221235 NOMADD CITY OF EMPTY TOWERS #4 (OF 6) $4.99

MAR221946 PEANUTS BOXED SET SC $24.99

AUG221289 RAVENING LINGERIE BAG SET (5CT) (MR) $19.99

MAR228061 RENT A GIRLFRIEND GN VOL 14 (MR) $12.99

AUG222055 ROMANTIC KILLER GN VOL 01 $16.99

AUG221616 ROVER AND SPECK GN VOL 01 THIS PLANET ROCKS $14.99

JUL228745 SABRINA ANNIVERSARY SPECTACULAR #1 2ND PTG $2.99

JUL221069 SEAMUS THE FAMOUS ETERNITY RUN GN $9.99

JUN221381 SHEPHERD THE PIT #1 CVR A FONTANILI $4.99

AUG221066 SIDE EFFECTS GN $17.99

JUN221537 SLASH THEM ALL HC (MR) $29.99

MAR228788 SUMMER YOU WERE THERE GN VOL 01 (MR) $13.99

JUN222182 SUNDOME MILKY WAY GN VOL 05 (MR) $14.99

JUL221312 SUZANNE JAZZ AGE GODDESS OF TENNIS GN $24.95

JUL222103 TALES OF TERROR QUARTERLY RISE OF CTHULHU CVR A SPOKES $8.99

JUL222104 TALES OF TERROR QUARTERLY RISE OF CTHULHU CVR B VITORINO $8.99

JUL222105 TALES OF TERROR QUARTERLY RISE OF CTHULHU CVR C RIVEIRO $8.99

JUL222106 TALES OF TERROR QUARTERLY RISE OF CTHULHU CVR D REYES $8.99

MAR228916 THAT TIME I GOT REINCARNATED AS A SLIME GN VOL 20 (MR) $12.99

AUG221659 THIEVES GN $20.99

AUG221663 VICTORY STAND RASING MY FIST FOR JUSTICE GN $17.95

AUG221664 VICTORY STAND RASING MY FIST FOR JUSTICE HC GN $22.95

JUL221961 WALKING WITHOUT A SOUL (MR) $16.99

MAR228065 WANDANCE GN VOL 02 $12.99

AUG221290 WARGODDESS CATFIGHT BAG SET (5CT) (MR) $19.99

JUL221902 WEST MOON CHRONICLES #1 $4.99

JUL221672 WONDER CITY GN VOL 01 $17.99

AUG221175 WORLD OF BETTY & VERONICA JUMBO COMICS DIGEST #19 $8.99

JUL222355 YAKUZA REINCARNATION GN VOL 03 $12.99

MAR222234 YOUNG LADIES DONT PLAY FIGHTING GAMES GN VOL 03 $12.99

MAGAZINES

MAY221811 BACK ISSUE #139 $10.95

JUL221422 COMIC SHOP NEWS (100CT BUNDLE) #1833 $PI

AUG221445 FANGORIA VOL 2 #17 $19.79

MAY221812 JACK KIRBY COLLECTOR #84 $10.95

JUL221905 SCREEM #40 NOSFERATU ED $9.95

JUL221906 SCREEM #40 ROBOT MONSTER ED $9.95

JUL222091 SHUDDER #7 (MR) $6.99

BOOKS

JUN222005 BRITMANIA HC $43.95

AUG222188 BY THE GRACE OF GODS LIGHT NOVEL SC VOL 10 $14.99

JUL221680 CHARMED ILLUSTRATED STORYBOOK HC $19.99

AUG221789 FIGHT MAGIC ITEMS HIST FINAL FANTASY RISE JAPANESE RPG SC (C $17.99

JUN222165 IN THE LAND OF LEADALE LIGHT NOVEL SC VOL 06 $15.00

JUN222162 MAGISTELLUS BAD TRIP LIGHT NOVEL SC VOL 02 (MR) $15.00

AUG221448 MONSTER ART OF BASIL GOGOS HC NEW PTG DRACULA CVR $99.95

AUG221790 MONSTER KIDS HOW POKEMON TAUGHT CATCH THEM ALL $17.99

JUL222214 SASAKI & PEEPS LIGHT NOVEL SC VOL 02 $15.00

AUG222189 SEIREI GENSOUKI SPIRIT CHRONICLES OMNIBUS NOVEL VOL 07 $22.99

AUG221341 STAR WARS HIGH REPUBLIC HC NOVEL PATH OF DECEIT $17.99

MAR221962 TEAM-UP COMPANION $39.95

AUG222190 UNWANTED UNDEAD ADVENTURER LIGHT NOVEL VOL 08 $14.99

AUG222191 WHITE CATS REVENGE PLOTTED DRAGON KINGS LAP LN VOL 05 $14.99

AUG221343 WHO IS CAPT MARVEL DK READER LEVEL 2 SC $4.99

JUL221561 YOURS CRUELLY ELVIRA MEMOIRS OF MISTRESS OF THE DARK SC $17.99

-----------------

DC Comics from Lunar Distributors for August 9, 2022

DC COMICS:

Batgirls #9 (Cover A Jorge Corona), $3.99
Batgirls #9 (Cover B Sweeney Boo Card Stock Variant), $4.99
Batgirls #9 (Cover C Rian Gonzales Card Stock Variant), AR
Batman Urban Legends #18 (Cover A Liam Sharp), $7.99
Batman Urban Legends #18 (Cover B Dike Ruan), $7.99
Batman Urban Legends #18 (Cover C Gerardo Zaffino), $7.99
Batman Vs Robin Road To War TP, $16.99
Blood Syndicate Season One #4 (Of 6)(Cover A Dexter Soy), $3.99
Blood Syndicate Season One #4 (Of 6)(Cover B Juliet Nneka Card Stock Variant), $4.99
Dark Crisis Worlds Without A Justice League Green Lantern #1 (One Shot)(Cover A Fernando Blanco), $4.99
Dark Crisis Worlds Without A Justice League Green Lantern #1 (One Shot)(Cover B Mario Foccillo), AR
Dark Crisis Worlds Without A Justice League Green Lantern #1 (One Shot)(Cover C Fernando Blanco Foil Variant), AR
DCeased War Of The Undead Gods #1 (Of 8)(Cover A Trevor Hairsine), $3.99
DCeased War Of The Undead Gods #1 (Of 8)(Cover B Kael Ngu Acetate Card Stock Variant), $4.99
DCeased War Of The Undead Gods #1 (Of 8)(Cover C Dan Mora Homage Card Stock Variant), $4.99
DCeased War Of The Undead Gods #1 (Of 8)(Cover D Francesco Mattina Body Bag Card Stock Variant), AR
DCeased War Of The Undead Gods #1 (Of 8)(Cover E Francesco Mattina Card Stock Variant), AR
DCeased War Of The Undead Gods #1 (Of 8)(Cover F Sun Khamunaki Card Stock Variant), AR
DCeased War Of The Undead Gods #1 (Of 8)(Cover G Dan Mora Homage Virgin Card Stock Variant), AR
DCeased War Of The Undead Gods #1 (Of 8)(Cover H Jay Anacleto Card Stock Variant), $4.99
Deathstroke Inc. Volume 1 King Of The Super-Villains HC, $29.99
Fourth World By Jack Kirby Box Set, $120.00
Future State Gotham #16 (Cover A Simone Di Meo), $3.99
Future State Gotham #16 (Cover B Mike Bowden Card Stock Variant), $4.99
Harley Quinn #19 (Cover A Jonboy Meyers), $3.99
Harley Quinn #19 (Cover B Derrick Chew Card Stock Variant), $4.99
Harley Quinn #19 (Cover C Ryan Sook Homage Card Stock Variant), $4.99
Harley Quinn #19 (Cover D Jimbobox Card Stock Variant), AR
I Am Batman #12 (Cover A Christian Duce), $3.99
I Am Batman #12 (Cover B David Baldeon Card Stock Variant), $4.99
I Am Batman #12 (Cover C Jorge Molina Card Stock Variant), AR
Jurassic League #4 (Of 6)(Cover A Daniel Warren Johnson), $3.99
Jurassic League #4 (Of 6)(Cover B Brett Booth Card Stock Variant), $4.99
Kamandi By Jack Kirby Volume 1 TP, $39.99
Naomi Season 2 #6 (Of 6)(Cover A Jamal Campbell), $3.99
Nubia Queen Of The Amazons #3 (Of 4)(Cover A Khary Randolph), $3.99
Nubia Queen Of The Amazons #3 (Of 4)(Cover B Juliet Nneka Card Stock Variant), $4.99
Nubia Queen Of The Amazons #3 (Of 4)(Cover C Derrick Chew Swimsuit Card Stock Variant), $4.99
Sandman #1 Special Edition, AR
Superman Son Of Kal-El #14 (Cover A Travis Moore), $3.99
Superman Son Of Kal-El #14 (Cover B Rafael Sarmento Card Stock Variant), $4.99
Superman Son Of Kal-El #14 (Cover C Travis Mercer & Danny Miki Card Stock Variant), AR
Wonder Woman #790 (Cover A Yanick Paquette), $4.99
Wonder Woman #790 (Cover B Paul Pope Card Stock Variant), $5.99
Wonder Woman #790 (Cover C W. Scott Forbes Swimsuit Card Stock Variant), $5.99

----------------------

#IReadsYou: Movie Review: THOR: Love and Thunder

Thor: Love and Thunder (2022)

Running time:  119 minutes (1 hour, 59 minutes)
MPAA – PG-13 for intense sequences of sci-fi violence and action, language, some suggestive material and partial nudity
DIRECTOR:  Taika Waititi
WRITERS: Taiki Waititi and Jennifer Kaytin Robinson; from a story by Taika Waititi (based on the Marvel Comics)
PRODUCERS:  Kevin Feige and Brad Winderbaum
CINEMATOGRAPHER:  Barry Idoine (D.o.P.)
EDITORS:  Peter S. Elliot, Tim Roche, Matthew Schmidt, and Jennifer Vecchiarello
COMPOSERS:  Michael Giacchino and Nami Melumad

SUPERHERO/FANTASY/ACTION and COMEDY/DRAMA

Starring:  Chris Hemsworth, Christian Bale, Tessa Thompson, Taika Waititi (voice) Jaimie Alexander, Chris Pratt, Dave Bautista, Karen Gillan, Pom Klementieff, Vin Diesel (voice), Bradley Cooper (voice), Kieron L. Dyer, Idris Elba, Brett Goldstein, and Russell Crowe and Natalie Portman

Thor: Love and Thunder is a 2022 superhero fantasy and action-comedy directed by Taika Waititi and produced by Marvel Studios and distributed by Walt Disney Pictures.  It is the fourth film in Marvel's Thor film series, which began with Thor (2011).  Thor is a Marvel Comics character that first appeared in the comic book, Journey into Mystery #83 (cover dated: August 1962), and is based on the Norse mythological deity of the same name.  In Love and Thunder, Thor reunites with his ex-girlfriend to fight a being who plans to make the gods extinct.

Thor: Love and Thunder finds Thor (Chris Hemsworth), using his second enchanted hammer, “Stormbreaker,” is fighting the bad guys of the galaxy with the Guardians of the Galaxy:  Star-Lord (Chris Pratt), Mantis (Pom Klementieff), Drax the Destroyer (Dave Bautista), Nebula (Karen Gillan), Groot (voice of Vin Diesel), and Rocket (voice of Bradley Cooper).  Thor is at a crossroads in his life and is unsure of what to do next.

Back on Earth, Thor's ex-girlfriend, the astrophysicist Dr. Jane Foster (Natalie Portman), is battling stage four cancer.  Seeking medical treatment, Jane travels to New Asgard.  There, she has a strange encounter with Thor's broken hammer, Mjolnir.

Meanwhile, Thor has answered a distress signal from one of Asgard's warriors, Sif (Jaimie Alexander).  She warns him of Gorr the God Butcher (Christian Bale), a being who possesses the god-killing weapon, “the Necrosword.”  When Gorr attacks New Asgard, Thor returns to join the battle.  Much to his shock, he discovers that Mjolnir has reforged and bonded with Jane Foster, transforming her into another Thor.

Now, Valkyrie (Tessa Thompson), King of Asgard, and Korg (voice of Taika Waititi), the rocky Kronan warrior, join Thor and Thor on a journey to fight Gorr.  But are they enough to fight a being that has already killed many gods?

The last year's worth of Marvel Studios films, five including Thor: Love and Thunder, have been different, even offbeat, much to the chagrin of some critics and fans.  People complained that Marvel's films were too much alike, and now that the studio has given us five films that are quite different from the first 11 years of films, they still aren't happy.

Anyway, I want to make it clear that there is plenty of “thunder” in Thor: Love and Thunder.  Director Taika Waititi offers some action set pieces that are either unusual or have an unusual angle to them.  As Gorr, Christian Bale gives a multi-layered performance full of pathos, humor, and maniacal glee.  It is a seemingly effortless performance from one of the best actors of the last quarter-century.  So, this superhero movie has a great villain, one who can match both Thors and is genuinely vengeful, a vengeance grounded in love.

Still, Waititi wants Thor to be something really different.  The films trades in themes of love, death, and change.  Thor Odinson and Jane Foster-Thor are both in crisis.  The Odinson is having a sort of mid-life crisis.  If he is no longer the rascally young heir to the throne of Asgard or the Avenger's lightning, thunder, and muscle, then, what is he?  Jane Foster is facing an existential crisis; her cancer is really terminal.  Should she quietly accept her fate or should she go out with a bang and some thunder as Thor, fighting their enemy to death, if need be?

Thor: Love and Thunder is a perfect film for this time.  It chooses love over despair.  It is a post-breakup movie in which Thor and Jane Foster find their way back to one another.  Although death is an end, it can also mean change, and that is what can be in store for Thor and Thor and for King Valkyrie, Korg, and a few other characters.

I love what director Taika Waititi has created in his two Thor films, this and the earlier Thor: Ragnarok (2017).  Thor: Love and Thunder finds the humor in every situation, even the dark and dangerous ones, which might put off some of its audience.  However, I like that Thor: Love and Thunder is a film made of joy, color, and wonder that travels across the galaxy and into different realms.  But no matter where it goes, Thor: Love and Thunder full of thunderous sounds and furious love.

[This film as two scenes that occur during the credits, one in the middle and one at the end.]

A
★★★★ out of 4 stars

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


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

-----------------------

#IReadsYou Movie Review: NEXT AVENGERS: Heroes of Tomorrow

Next Avengers: Heroes of Tomorrow (2008)

Running time:  78 minutes (1 hour, 18 minutes)
MPAA – PG-13 for sci-fi action violence and some mild language
DIRECTORS:  Jay Oliva and Gary Hartle
WRITERS:  Christopher Yost; from a screen story by Greg Johnson and Craig Kyle (based on the Marvel Comics characters)
PRODUCER:  Gary Hartle
EDITOR: George P. Rizkallah
COMPOSER: Guy Michaelmore
ANIMATION STUDIO:  The Answerstudio Col, Ltd.

ANIMATION/SUPERHERO/SCI-FI/ACTION with elements of drama

Starring:  (voices) Noah Crawford, Brenna O'Brien, Aidan Drummond, Dempsey Pappion, Adrian Petriw, Tom Kane, Shawn Macdonald, Ken Kramer, Nicole Oliver, Michael Adamthwaite, and Fred Tatasciore

“Marvel Animated Features” was a line of eight direct-to-DVD animated superhero films made by MLG Productions.  MLG was a joint venture between Marvel Animation (then called Marvel Studios) and Lions Gate Entertainment to produce direct-to-DVD animated films for the home entertainment market.  The first film in the series was Ultimate Avengers: The Movie, which was released to DVD in February 2006.

Next Avengers: Heroes of Tomorrow is a 2008 straight-to-video animated superhero film directed by Jay Oliva and Gary Hartle.  It was the fifth entry in the “Marvel Animated Features” line.  The film is based on the classic Marvel Comics franchise, the Avengers, which debuted in 1963 and was created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby.  Next Avengers focuses on the children of the Avengers as they hone their powers and face the enemy that was responsible for their parents' demise.

Next Avengers: Heroes of Tomorrow is set on a world in which its mightiest superheroes:  Captain America, Iron Man, Thor, Giant Man, Wasp, Black Panther, Hawkeye, and Vision came together to protect Earth from its greatest threats.  They were “The Avengers.”  But one day, the Avengers fell before the might of the maniacal, mechanical foe, Ultron (Tom Kane), a robot.

Before they were defeated, the Avengers sent billionaire bachelor Tony Stark (Tom Kane) into hiding their children.  Twelve years later, at a hidden location, the son of Steve Rogers/Captain America, James Rogers (Noah Crawford); the daughter of Thor, Torunn (Brenna O'Brien); the son of Black Panther, Azari (Dempsey Pappion); and the son of Giant Man and the Wasp, Pym (Aidan Drummond); train under the tutelage of Tony.  The children, however, are growing restless, and their curiosity causes them to do something that brings them to Ultron's attention.

With their new ally, Hawkeye/Francis Baron (Adrian Petriw), the son of the original Hawkeye, these children of the Avengers will take on their parents' greatest adversary.  But will the children fall before this robot menace as their parents did?

Next Avengers: Heroes of Tomorrow is an entertaining superhero action-fantasy.  The action is engaging, and the plot is good, although it is not as well executed as it could be.  The resolution undersells the potential of the characters, as if the main purpose of this movie is just to quickly as possible wrap up the story even if it wastes the potential of both the children and the story.

The animation is good, not great.  The character design, especially the children, looks good and recalls the work of animation legends such as Bruce Timm and Don Bluth.  Not all the character are well designed; for instance, the Hulk (Fred Tatasciore) looks awful.  The environments are well designed, especially Ultron's city, “Ultra City.”

The best things about Next Avengers: Heroes of Tomorrow are the children, the “Next Avengers.”  They are especially well written and their personalities, doubts, struggles, conflicts, desires, and goals all seem genuine.  James Rogers' desire to know his father, Captain America, and Torunn's prayerful pleas for the return of her father, Thor, are powerful and poignant.  Azari's cautiousness belies the fierce fighting spirit that dwells within him, and Pym's playful nature provides good comic relief.  Hawkeye is brave and bold and witty; he could carry his own film.  Obviously, the voice actors sell the dimensions of the character drama, and like the young characters, the actors keep Next Avengers: Heroes of Tomorrow from being mediocre.

Next Avengers: Heroes of Tomorrow isn't great, but the children of the Avengers are great characters.  Thus, it is a shame that this animated film is, after 14 years (as of this writing), the only film in which they appear.  I recommend that fans of animated superhero films and television series that feature Marvel Comics characters try Next Avengers: Heroes of Tomorrow.

B

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


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

------------------------------

Comics, Magazines and Books from Diamond Distributors for March 16, 2022

COMICS & GRAPHIC NOVELS

JAN221327 1956 MOVIE STAR GN $12.99

JAN221606 2000 AD REGENED TPB VOL. 3 $15.99

NOV211050 21ST CENTURIONS #8 $5.95

SEP211242 ALIAS BLACK & WHITE #3 (OF 7) $3.99

JAN221786 ALICE IN BORDERLAND GN VOL 01 (MR) $19.99

JAN221214 ARCHIE JUMBO COMICS DIGEST #328 $8.99

JAN221479 ASPHALT BLUES (MR) $34.99

OCT211804 AZIMUT HC (RES) (MR) $39.99

JAN221876 BATTLE ANGEL ALITA GN VOL 05 $12.99

JAN221800 BEASTARS GN VOL 17 $12.99

JAN221877 BEAUTY AND BEAST OF PARADISE LOST GN VOL 04 $12.99

OCT211479 BETA TESTING THE ONGOING APOCALYPSE HC $24.99

OCT211130 BIG MAN PLANS EXTENDED ED GN (MR) $17.99

JAN221187 BIG NATE BEWARE OF LOW-FLYING CORN MUFFINS TP $11.99

AUG211973 BLACK MAX TP VOL 02 $19.99

JAN221670 BLADE RUNNER ORIGINS #10 CVR A STRIPS (MR) $3.99

JAN221671 BLADE RUNNER ORIGINS #10 CVR B LOPEZ (MR) $3.99

JAN221672 BLADE RUNNER ORIGINS #10 CVR C HACK (MR) $3.99

OCT211795 BLADE RUNNER ORIGINS TP VOL 02 SCRAP (MR) $17.99

DEC201820 BLUE PERIOD GN VOL 03 $12.99

OCT211110 BUNNY MASK TP VOL 1 CHIPPING OF THE TEETH $16.99

JAN221131 BYLINES IN BLOOD #3 $4.99

NOV211637 CARRIERS #3 CVR B RIVERA & ZALDIVAR $3.95

SEP211240 CAT SHIT VOL 03 #2 (OF 3) $3.99

JAN221639 CATALYST GN $19.99

NOV211324 CHARLIES SPOT #4 CVR A ALPI & LAXTON (MR) $3.99

NOV211325 CHARLIES SPOT #4 CVR B LAXTON (MR) $3.99

JAN221809 CHILDREN OF WHALES GN VOL 19 $12.99

JAN221904 CHILLIN ANOTHER WORLD LEVEL 2 SUPER CHEAT POWERS GN VOL 03 ( $12.99

OCT211085 CITIZEN TP $14.99

AUG211820 COMPLETE DC COMICS PHANTOM HC VOL 02 (OF 3) $50.00

JAN221609 COMPLETE SCARLET TRACES TP VOL 03 $19.99

SEP211241 COOKIE & KID VOL 02 #5 (OF 5) $3.99

JAN221247 CRIMSON CAGE #4 (OF 5) (MR) $3.99

OCT211430 DF AMAZING SPIDERMAN #79 JURGENS SGN $49.99

DEC211542 DF AMAZING SPIDERMAN #85 MOMOKO VAR CGC GRADED $89.99

DEC211541 DF BEN REILLY SPIDERMAN #1 JURGENS SGN $39.99

JUL211587 DF HULK #1 CGC GRADED $79.99

OCT211429 DF HULK #1 JURGENS SGN $49.99

DEC211528 DF SILVER SURFER REBIRTH #1 JURGENS SGN $39.99

DEC211525 DF SILVER SURFER REBIRTH #1 MARZ SGN $29.99

DEC211526 DF SILVER SURFER REBIRTH #1 MARZ SGN PLUS 1 $55.00

DEC211527 DF SILVER SURFER REBIRTH #1 MARZ SILVER SGN $66.00

NOV211357 DF STRAY DOGS DOG DAYS #1 CVR A CGC GRADED $89.99

NOV211359 DF STRAY DOGS DOG DAYS #1 CVR B HORROR HOMAGE CGC GRADED $89.99

NOV211362 DF STRAY DOGS DOG DAYS #1 FORSTNER FLEECS VAR CGC GRADED $79.99

NOV211365 DF STRAY DOGS DOG DAYS #1 FORSTNER FLEECS VIRGIN VAR CGC $89.99

JUL211588 DF VENOM #1 CGC GRADED $79.99

JAN221858 DO YOU LIKE BIG GIRLS GN VOL 03 (MR) $13.99

JAN221912 DRUGSTORE IN ANOTHER WORLD CHEAT PHARMACIST GN VOL 04 $12.99

OCT211186 EXCITING COMICS #19 $4.99

DEC212064 FARAWAY PALADIN OMNIBUS GN VOL 02 $19.99

JAN221615 FICTIONAUTS #2 $3.95

JAN221799 FIST OF THE NORTH STAR HC VOL 04 $19.99

DEC211812 FRANK AT HOME ON THE FARM TP NEW PTG $14.99

JAN221917 GIRL IN ARCADE GN VOL 01 (MR) $13.99

JAN221367 GIRLS HEIST OUT GN (MR) $14.99

DEC212026 GOBLIN SLAYER SIDE STORY YEAR ONE GN VOL 06 (RES) $13.00

JAN221920 HAUNTED BOOKSTORE GATEWAY TO PARALLEL UNIVERSE GN VOL 01 $12.99

JAN221728 HEATHEN VAULT RESERVE ED #2 $7.99

JAN221269 HEAVY METAL DRUMMER #2 (OF 6) CVR A VASSALLO (MR) $3.99

JAN221270 HEAVY METAL DRUMMER #2 (OF 6) CVR B VASSALLO (MR) $3.99

JAN221271 HEAVY METAL DRUMMER #2 (OF 6) CVR C VASSALLO (MR) $3.99

JAN221641 HELL PHONE GN VOL 01 $14.99

JAN221802 HELLS PARADISE JIGOKURAKU GN VOL 13 (MR) $12.99

JAN221921 HIDDEN DUNGEON ONLY I CAN ENTER GN VOL 05 (RES) $12.99

JAN221896 I BELONG TO BADDEST GIRL AT SCHOOL GN VOL 03 $12.95

DEC211814 IMPOSSIBLE JONES #4 (OF 4) $3.99

DEC212103 INVINCIBLE SHOVEL GN VOL 03 (MR) $12.99

JAN221885 ISLAND IN A PUDDLE GN VOL 01 (MR) $12.99

JAN228074 JLA AVENGERS TP HERO INITIATIVE VAR $29.99

DEC212029 KAKEGURUI COMPULSIVE GAMBLER GN VOL 14 (RES) $15.00

SEP211243 KAMEN AMERICA FOUNDING FIGHTERS ONE SHOT $9.99

JAN221925 KARATE SURVIVOR IN ANOTHER WORLD GN VOL 03 $12.99

JAN221926 KINGDOMS OF RUIN GN VOL 04 (MR) $12.99

JAN221128 LAND OF LIVING GODS #2 $3.99

DEC219659 LAND OF THE LIVING GODS #1 2ND PTG $4.99

NOV211781 LAST BOOK YOULL EVER READ #6 CVR A LEIZ (MR) $3.99

NOV211782 LAST BOOK YOULL EVER READ #6 CVR B HICKMAN (MR) $3.99

NOV211783 LAST BOOK YOULL EVER READ #6 CVR C BLACK BAG VAR (MR) $5.99

JAN221424 LIFE OF CHE HC $19.99

JAN221078 LIFE ZERO #2 CVR A CHECCHETTO (MR) $3.99

JAN221079 LIFE ZERO #2 CVR B CHECCHETTO WRAPAROUND VAR (MR) $3.99

JAN221080 LIFE ZERO #2 CVR C MILTON (MR) $3.99

JAN221081 LIFE ZERO #2 CVR D CASAS (MR) $3.99

OCT211716 LOCUST TP VOL 01 $14.99

OCT218086 LOVE & ROCKETS MAGAZINE #11 5 COPY HERNANDEZ FOC VAR (MR) $4.99

DEC212073 LOVE AND LIES GN VOL 11 (RES) (MR) $12.99

JAN221801 MAISON IKKOKU COLLECTORS EDITION GN VOL 07 $24.99

MAR211220 MERCY SPARX OMNIBUS HC VOL 01 $44.99

MAR211221 MERCY SPARX OMNIBUS HC VOL 02 $44.99

DEC211630 MR WOLFS CLASS GN VOL 05 SNOW DAY $9.99

DEC211631 MR WOLFS CLASS HC GN VOL 05 SNOW DAY $24.99

JAN221931 MY DEER FRIEND NOKOTAN GN VOL 01 $12.99

JAN221544 MY LIFE BEYOND AUTISM GN $8.99

JAN221934 MY WANDERING WARRIOR EXISTENCE GN $14.99

OCT212078 NECROMANCE GN VOL 02 $12.99

JAN221935 NEW GAME GN VOL 12 (RES) $13.99

JAN221280 NO HOLDS BARD #4 (OF 6) CVR A KARI (MR) $3.99

JAN221281 NO HOLDS BARD #4 (OF 6) CVR B KARI (MR) $3.99

JAN221803 OOKU INNER CHAMBERS GN VOL 19 $12.99

JAN221791 OROCHI PERFECT ED GN VOL 01 $26.99

DEC211977 OTHERWORLDLY IZAKAYA NOBU TP VOL 10 $14.99

OCT211112 OUT OF BODY TP $16.99

JAN221251 OUT TP (MR) $9.99

JAN221599 PACEY PACKER UNICORN TRACKER GN VOL 03 MERMAIDS VS. UNICORNS $12.99

JAN221602 PAWS GN VOL 01 GABBY GETS IT TOGETHER $12.99

JAN221603 PAWS HC GN VOL 01 GABBY GETS IT TOGETHER $20.99

DEC212076 PENGUIN & HOUSE GN VOL 01 $12.99

DEC211817 PLAYTHINGS #1 $3.99

SEP211691 PRE CODE CLASSICS BEYOND SOFTEE VOL 4 $26.99

JAN221272 QUAD #3 CVR A SANTOS (MR) $3.99

JAN221273 QUAD #3 CVR B FERIGATO (MR) $3.99

JAN221274 QUAD #3 CVR C SCHAAL (MR) $3.99

JAN221275 QUAD #3 CVR D SANTOS (MR) $3.99

DEC211818 RAD WRAITH #1 CVR A DIBARI $3.99

DEC211635 RAINA TEIGEMEIER SISTERS GN NEW PTG $12.99

DEC211638 REMA CHRONICLES GN VOL 01 REALM OF BLUE MIST $12.99

DEC211639 REMA CHRONICLES HC GN VOL 01 REALM OF BLUE MIST $24.99

DEC212078 RENT A GIRLFRIEND GN VOL 11 (MR) $12.99

JAN221555 RICK AND MORTY PRESENTS MORTYS RUN #1 CVR A PUSTE $4.99

JAN221556 RICK AND MORTY PRESENTS MORTYS RUN #1 CVR B FEISTER $4.99

SEP211840 ROBOTECH ARCHIVES SENTINELS TP VOL 02 $29.99

JAN221793 ROSEN BLOOD GN VOL 02 $9.99

OCT211722 SAM & HIS TALKING GUN TP $14.99

JAN221891 SEVEN DEADLY SINS FOUR KNIGHTS OF APOCALYPSE GN VOL 02 $10.99

DEC212023 SEX EDUCATION 120 PERCENT GN VOL 03 (RES) (MR) $13.00

JAN221718 SHADOWMAN (2020) #7 CVR A HUNT $3.99

JAN221719 SHADOWMAN (2020) #7 CVR B BRERETON $3.99

DEC211261 SNELSON COMEDY IS DYING (MR) $17.99

DEC212014 SO IM A SPIDER SO WHAT KUMOKO SISTERS GN VOL 02 (RES) $13.00

JAN221846 SONG OF YOU & ASA GN $14.95

JAN221941 SORRY FOR MY FAMILIAR GN VOL 09 (RES) $12.99

DEC211640 SPARKS GN VOL 03 FUTURE PURRFECT $14.99

DEC211641 SPARKS HC GN VOL 03 FUTURE PURRFECT $26.99

NOV211196 STEALING OZ #1 (OF 4) $4.99

JAN221782 STEINS GATE COMP MANGA SC STD ED $29.99

DEC211513 TIME ZONE J (MR) $29.95

JAN221418 TOPS COMP CHARLES BIRO HC $49.99

DEC212030 TRIAGE X GN VOL 22 (RES) (MR) $14.00

SEP211245 VALKYRIE SAVIORS TP VOL 01 $12.99

NOV211331 WARLOCK 5 OMNIBUS HC (MR) $39.95

JAN221895 WHEN WILL AYUMU MAKE HIS MOVE GN VOL 04 $12.99

NOV211793 WRASSLE CASTLE BOOK 02 RIDERS ON THE STORM $9.99

MAGAZINES

OCT211832 ALTER EGO #174 $10.95

OCT211833 BACK ISSUE #133 $10.95

OCT211834 BRICKJOURNAL #72 $10.95

SEP211850 COMIC BOOK CREATOR #27 $10.95

JAN221358 COMIC SHOP NEWS (90CT BUNDLE) #1804 $PI

JAN221226 HI FRUCTOSE MAGAZINE QUARTERLY #62 $10.95

OCT211835 JACK KIRBY COLLECTOR #82 $10.95

JAN221529 LOCUS #734 $8.99

OCT211836 RETROFAN MAGAZINE #19 $10.95

JAN221741 SHUDDER #4 (MR) $5.95

DEC219046 STAR WARS INSIDER #209 FOC COBB VANTH CVR $9.99

DEC219047 STAR WARS INSIDER #209 FOC JABBA CVR $9.99

JAN221692 STAR WARS INSIDER #209 NEWSSTAND ED $9.99

JAN221693 STAR WARS INSIDER #209 PX ED $9.99

SEP211846 TRIPWIRE WINTER SPECIAL 2021 $13.99

NOV211460 WARHAMMER 40K IMPERIUM MAGAZINE #1 (OF 80) $6.95

DEC211644 WARHAMMER 40K IMPERIUM MAGAZINE #2 (OF 80) $13.95

DEC211645 WARHAMMER 40K IMPERIUM MAGAZINE #3 (OF 80) $13.95

DEC211646 WARHAMMER 40K IMPERIUM MAGAZINE #4 (OF 80) $13.95

BOOKS

JAN221945 ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF DUKES DAUGHTER NOVEL SC VOL 04 $14.99

DEC212065 ASCENDANCE OF BOOKWORM LIGHT NOVEL PT 3 VOL 4 $14.99

DEC212066 BANNER OF THE STARS COLLECTORS ED HC VOL 02 VOL 4-6 $29.99

OCT212005 BOND & BOOK LONG LONG GOODBYE LAST BOOKSTORE NOVEL HC $20.00

DEC212034 CHITOSE KUN RAMUNE BOTTLE LIGHT NOVEL SC VOL 01 (RES) $15.00

JUL212354 CLASSROOM OF ELITE LIGHT NOVEL SC VOL 10 $13.99

DEC211914 CONCISE DICTIONARY OF COMICS SC $25.00

DEC212037 DEMON LORD 2099 LIGHT NOVEL SC VOL 01 (RES) $15.00

JUL211445 FANTASTIC COMIC ART TECHNIQUES OF PAUL DAVIDSON SC $30.00

DEC212036 HAZURE SKILL LEGENDARY ASSASSIN NOVEL SC VOL 03 (RES) $15.00

JAN221951 IM THE EVIL LORD OF AN INTERGALACTIC EMPIRE LN VOL 02 $14.99

DEC212067 INVADERS OF ROKUJOUMA COLL ED VOL 11 $29.99

DEC212046 LAST CRUSADE RISE NEW WORLD LIGHT NOVEL SC VOL 08 (RES) $15.00

JAN221368 LIONS OF LENINGRAD GN $19.95

NOV211706 MAGIC MIRROR OF MC ESCHER HC $40.00

JAN221103 MARVEL HEROINES NOVEL SC BLACK CAT DISCORD $16.95

OCT211590 MOONSTONE DOUBLE SHOT PROSE NOVEL SC $5.49

DEC212069 MY NEXT LIFE AS VILLAINESS ROUTES LEAD DOOM SC VOL 09 $14.99

JAN221104 TOM CLANCYS SPLINTER CELL FIREWALL SC $16.95

JAN221961 TRAPPED IN DATING SIM WORLD OTOME GAMES NOVEL SC VOL 05 $14.99

DEC212068 UNWANTED UNDEAD ADVENTURER LIGHT NOVEL VOL 04 $14.99

JAN221792 UZUMAKI COLORING BOOK SC $14.99

DEC212042 WANDERING WITCH JOURNEY ELAINA LIGHT NOVEL SC VOL 07 (RES) ( $15.00

DEC212047 YOUTH ROMANTIC COMEDY WRONG EXPECTED NOVEL SC VOL 13 (RES) ( $14.00

---------------

DC Comics from Lunar Distributors for January 18, 2022

DC COMICS:

Absolute Fourth World By Jack Kirby Volume 2 HC, $150.00
Aquaman The Becoming #5 (Of 6)(Cover A David Talaski), $3.99
Aquaman The Becoming #5 (Of 6)(Cover B Khary Randolph Card Stock Variant), $4.99
Batman The Knight #1 (Of 10)(Cover A Carmine Di Giandomenico), $4.99
Batman The Knight #1 (Of 10)(Cover B Greg Capullo & Jonathan Glapion Card Stock Variant), $5.99
Batman The Knight #1 (Of 10)(Cover C Gerald Parel Card Stock Variant), AR
Batman The Knight #1 (Of 10)(Cover D Greg Capullo & Jonathan Glapion Foil Variant), AR
Batman The Long Halloween Dark Victory The Deluxe Edition HC, $49.99
Batman Vs Bigby A Wolf In Gotham #5 (Of 6)(Cover A Yanick Paquette), $3.99
Batman Vs Bigby A Wolf In Gotham #5 (Of 6)(Cover B Brian Level & Jay Leisten Card Stock Variant), $4.99
Black Manta #5 (Of 6)(Cover A Jorge Fornes), $3.99
Black Manta #5 (Of 6)(Cover B Sanford Greene Card Stock Variant), $4.99
Blue And Gold #5 (Of 8)(Cover A Ryan Sook), $3.99
Blue And Gold #5 (Of 8)(Cover B Simone Di Meo Peacemaker Card Stock Variant), $4.99
Catwoman #39 (Cover A Jeff Dekal), $3.99
Catwoman #39 (Cover B Jenny Frison Card Stock Variant), $4.99
Catwoman #39 (Cover C Sozomaika Card Stock Variant), AR
Crime Syndicate TP, $17.99
Detective Comics #1049 (Cover A Dan Mora), $4.99
Detective Comics #1049 (Cover B Lee Bermejo Card Stock Variant), $5.99
Detective Comics #1049 (Cover C Jorge Fornes Card Stock Variant), AR
Green Lantern #10 (Cover A Bernard Chang), $4.99
Green Lantern #10 (Cover B Alan Quah Card Stock Variant), $5.99
Icon And Rocket Season One #5 (Of 6)(Cover A Taurin Clarke), $3.99
Icon And Rocket Season One #5 (Of 6)(Cover B Doug Braithwaite Card Stock Variant), $4.99
Looney Tunes #264 (Cover A Derek Fridolfs), $2.99
Nightwing #88 (Cover A Bruno Redondo), $3.99
Nightwing #88 (Cover B Jamal Campbell Card Stock Variant), $4.99
Nightwing #88 (Cover C Bruno Redondo Card Stock Variant), AR
Nubia And The Amazons #4 (Of 6)(Cover A Darryl Banks), $3.99
Nubia And The Amazons #4 (Of 6)(Cover B Brittney Williams Card Stock Variant), $4.99
Robins #3 (Of 6)(Cover A Baldemar Rivas), $3.99
Robins #3 (Of 6)(Cover B Marcus To Card Stock Variant), $4.99
Suicide Squad King Shark #5 (Of 6)(Cover A Trevor Hairsine), $3.99
Suicide Squad King Shark #5 (Of 6)(Cover B Siya Oum Card Stock Variant), $4.99
Suicide Squad King Shark #5 (Of 6)(Cover C Kaare Andrews Peacemaker Card Stock Variant), $4.99
Supergirl Woman Of Tomorrow #7 (Of 8)(Cover A Bilquis Evely), $4.99
Supergirl Woman Of Tomorrow #7 (Of 8)(Cover B Nicola Scott), $4.99
Superman Son Of Kal-El #7 (Cover A John Timms, $3.99
Superman Son Of Kal-El #7 (Cover B Travis Moore Card Stock Variant), $4.99
Wonder Woman #783 (Cover A Terry Dodson & Rachel Dodson), $4.99
Wonder Woman #783 (Cover B Will Murai Card Stock Variant), $5.99
Wonder Woman Evolution #3 (Of 8)(Cover A Mike Hawthorne), $3.99
Wonder Woman Evolution #3 (Of 8)(Cover B Juliet Nneka Card Stock Variant), $4.99

------

#IReadsYou Film Review: ETERNALS

Eternals (2021)

Running time: 157 minutes (2 hours, 37 minutes)
MPAA – PG-13 for fantasy violence and action, some language and brief sexuality
DIRECTOR: Chloé Zhao
WRITERS:  Chloé Zhao, Chloé Zhao & Patrick Burleigh and Ryan Firpo & Kaz Firpo; from a screen story by Ryan Firpo & Kaz Firpo (based upon the Marvel Comics by Jack Kirby)
PRODUCERS: Kevin Feige and Nate Moore
CINEMATOGRAPHER: Ben Davis (D.o.P.)
EDITORS:  Dylan Tichenor and Craig Wood
COMPOSER: Ramin Djawadi

SUPERHERO/DRAMA/ACTION

Starring:  Gemma Chan, Richard Madden, Kumail Nanjiani, Barry Keoghan, Lia McHugh, Bryan Tyree Henry, Lauren Ridloff, Don Lee, Harish Patel, Haaz Sleiman, Esai Daniel Cross, and David Kaye (voice) with Salma Hayek, Kit Harringston, and Angelina Jolie

Eternals is a 2021 superhero film directed by Chloé Zhao and produced by Marvel Studios and Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures.  It is the 26th film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) series.  The film is based on the Marvel Comics stories and characters created by Jack Kirby and first appearing in the comic book, The Eternals #1 (cover dated: July 1976).  Eternals the movie focuses on a race of immortal beings who have lived on Earth for millennia, protecting and shaping its people.

Eternals begins with the story of the “Celestials,” the great beings that created the universe.  They also created a race of immortals, known as “Eternals,” to do their bidding.  Seven thousand years before the present day (5000 BC), ten of these Eternals arrive on Earth from their home planet, Olympia.  They are Sersi (Gemma Chan), Ikaris (Richard Madden), Kingo (Kumail Nanjiani), Sprite (Lia McHugh), Phastos (Brian Tyree Henry), Makkari (Lauren Ridloff), Druig (Barry Keoghan), Gilgamesh (Don Lee), Thena (Angelina Jolie), and Ajak (Salma Hayek), their leader.  They are human-like and have super-powers.

The most powerful Celestial, Arishem (David Kaye), has sent these Eternals to Earth to protect humanity from monsters known as “Deviants.”  Over several millennia, the Eternals protect humanity from the dangers posed by Deviants, but they are not allowed to interfere in the development of the humans and their civilizations.  In 1500, after believing that they have killed off the last Deviants, the Eternals break apart as a group because they have different opinions on what their responsibility is towards humans going forward.

In the present day, Sersi and Sprite live together in London.  One night, they are attacked by a Deviant, but the powerful Eternal, Ikaris, arrives to drive the creature away.  Sersi, Sprite, and Ikaris decide to reunite their group in order to be prepared for the renewed threat of the Deviants.  However, not all the members are willing to reunite as some have new lives and others hold old grudges.  Meanwhile, dark secrets from their past and about their future hinder the Eternals ability to deal with “The Emergence,” an event that threatens to destroy the world.

Eternals is Marvel Studios most unique film to date.  For all the talk of there being a formula to Marvel's films, Eternals is like nothing else that Marvel has done and like no other superhero film, for that matter.  The costumes, special effects, technology, art direction, and graphic design are key to creating a film that is part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but also feels separate from it, in a way.

Eternals co-writer and director Chloé Zhao won two Oscars for her work on the 2020 film, Nomadland, a film filled with characters that are fiercely independent, unique, and contrary.  Eternals is a film about a group of ten people who essentially form a family, but these ten are individually disparate people.  After their mission is complete, the Eternals discover that they have very little in common.  They know enough, however, as they saying goes, to hurt the ones they love.

Zhao deals with the ramifications of being a hero confronted by the question of which is more important in a mission – the orders or doing the right thing.  Zhao reveals that it is not so easy because individuals have differing views on the mission and what it means to “do the right thing.”  Zhao also delves into the complicated nature of a family unit, how the bittersweet can become downright sour when there are secrets and lies and also betrayal.  Eternals is a film about difficult relationships and about the heartache and pain that can come when differences cannot be bridged.

Some may find Eternals too long and boring.  There may not be enough action for fans used to the humongous action set pieces of the Avengers films.  Also, the film's ostensible lead, Gemma Chan's Sersi, is a female superhero that is nuanced in ways not seen in superhero films, especially compared to Marvel heroines like Black Widow, The Wasp, and the Dora Milaje.  Chan creates a Sersi that is beautifully gentle and compassionate, while being vulnerable in a way that makes her a better hero.  Even Angelina Jolie's Thena, an elite warrior, is as vulnerable as she is fierce and violent.

That is not the formula for girl-hero kick-ass and that is fine by me.  I find Eternals endlessly fascinating, and while I watched it, I always wanted more of it.  After all, each Eternal has 7000 years worth of stories to tell, and that's just what happened before they arrived on Earth.  Whether there is another Eternals film or not, Eternals 2021 is important to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, simply because it is the kind of entry that will stand out and show that there can be truly different things in that cinematic universe.  Eternals is one of the year's best films.

9 of 10

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


The text is copyright © 2021 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for syndication rights and fees.

-------------------

I Reads You Juniors: September 2021 - Update #98

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

You can support Leroy via Paypal or on Patreon.

NEWS: 

MARVEL - From BleedingCool:   Ike Perlmutter, the Chair of Marvel Entertainment, is among three men accused of breaking the law by Democrats in the U.S. House of Representatives. This involves Perlmutter's stint under former President Trump as an advisor to the United States Department of Veterans Affairs.

DC COMICS - From GamesRadar:  Writer Tom King and artist Greg Smallwood's upcoming 12-issue series, "The Human Target," is a "whodunit."

EN MEMORIAM - From ANN:  Takao Saito, the creator of the long-running manga, "Golgo 13," has died at the age of 84.  Saito died Friday, September 24, 2021 from pancreatic cancer.  Saito launched "Golgo 13" in 1968 and it went on to become the oldest manga still in manga still in production.  Saito reportedly wanted the series to continue after his death.

COMICS TO FILM - From Deadline:   Alice Waddington ("Paradise Hills") is set to direct Netflix’s adaptation of "Dept. H," which is based on the popular Dark Horse Comics comic book series. Mike Richardson, Keith Goldberg and Paul Schwake of Dark Horse Entertainment will produce.

COMICS - From BleedingCool:  There are apparently problems with printing and distribution in the comic book industry.

COMICS TO ANIMATION - From YouTube:  This is a teaser trailer for Netflix's anime, "Super Crooks," based on the Mark Millar comic book.  The trailer is in Japanese, and the anime is produced Japan's "Studio Bones."

COMICS TO TELEVISION - From Deadline:  Amazon Studios has given a formal series greenlight to a YA spinoff from the Emmy-nominated superhero drama "The Boys," produced by Sony Pictures Television.

COMICS - From Bloomberg:  An article about the dispute between comic book artists and Marvel and DC Comics over NFTs (non-fungible tokens).

STAN LEE - From WeGotThisCovered:   Marvel has filed five lawsuits against the families of Steve Ditko, Gene Colan, and Stan Lee, claiming that the superheroes they created are ineligible for copyright termination as they were created as works for hire on a contractual basis.

MARVEL COMICS - From BleedingCool:   On August 26th, 2021, Patrick S Ditko, a relative of the comic book writer-artist, Steve Ditko, and administrator of his estate, registered two notices of copyright termination against Marvel Entertainment for the first appearances of Doctor Strange and Spider-Man, two characters Ditko co-created, in comic books.

DC COMICS - From GamesRadar:  Here is a preview of "Batman: The Imposter #1."

COMICS - From BleedingCool:  Jason Pearson is promising the return of his "Body Bags" comic book ... again ... this time for 2022 ... although he took nearly $40,000 in Kickstarter money from fans in 2015 ...

MARVEL - From BleedingCool:   Science fiction author, Victor LaValle, is writing a "Sabertooth" comic book for Marvel Comics.  The first issue is due in December.

DYNAMITE - From BleedingCool:  Writer Scott Lobdell and artist Ariel Medal are launching a new "Evil Ernie" comic book for Dynamite Entertainment's "Chaos Comics" line.

From BleedingCool:  Vampirella and Dracula unite for "Vampirella/Dracula: Unholy!," a new comic book series by Christopher Priest and Donny Hadiwidjaja and Dynamite Entertainment.

---------------------

JACK KIRBY - From BleedingCool:  Chuck Rozanski, owner of Mile High Comics, has obtained a copy of the manuscript of "The Horde," an unpublished novel by the late comic book legend, Jack Kirby.

MANGA TO FILM - From THR:  "Pacific Rim: Uprising" actor, Mackenyu, and Madison Iseman, as well as Sean Bean, Famke Janssen, Nick Stahl, Diego Tinoco and Mark Dacascos, are among the cast of "Knights of the Zodiac," a live-action adaptation of the 1980s manga and anime series, "Saint Seiya," being made by Toei Animation and Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions.

MANGA - From OtakuStudy:  Seven Seas Entertainment announces several new manga acquisitions for 2022.

COMICS - From WTXL:  Florida State University’s Strozier Library is missing thousands of comic books and literature. Most of the books missing are from the 1950s and 1970s. They were part of the Robert M. Ervin Jr. Collection.

MARVEL - GamesRadar: Marvel Comics' current "Guardians of the Galaxy" comic book series just ended with the publication of its 18th issue.

MARVEL - From GamesRadar:   The sites talks about "Avengers Forever," which features a "multiversal" Avengers team.

IMAGE COMICS - From BleedingCool:  The site has a first-look at Geoff Johns and Bryan Hitch's "Redcoat," which debuts in the "Geiger 80-Page Giant #1," which is due Nov. 24th.

IMAGE COMICS - From GamesRadar:  Artist Greg Capullo's cover for Todd McFarlane's "The Scorched #1" has been revealed.  The comic book is due Dec.15th.

DC COMICS - From GamesRadar:  Batgirl/Barbara Gordon hits the streets in a new costume in "Nightwing #84."

MARVEL - From BleedingCool:  There will not be any "Predator" comic books from Marvel Comics in 2021.

MARVEL - From BleedingCool:  Scholastic Books offers a preview of art from its Marvel graphic novel, "Captain America: The Ghost Army."  Written by Alan Gratz and drawn by Brent Schoonover, it is due August 2022.

#BATMANDAY - From GamesRadar: Will Brian Michael Bendis be writing DC's flagship, "Batman."

From DCBlog:  Meet the new Batman, "Jace Fox."

From DCBlog:  Get the details on the upcoming DC Black Label, three-issue comic book, "Batman: The Imposter."

MARVEL/IDW - From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics has withdrawn IDW Publishing's license to produce "Marvel Action," a line of comic books featuring Marvel characters, but aimed at "All-Ages and middle-grade readers.

IDW - From BleedingCool:  IDW Publishing and Penguin Random House Publisher Services  today announced an exclusive worldwide multi-year sales and distribution agreement for IDW's newly published and backlist comic book periodicals, trade collections, and graphic novels to the Direct Market comic shops beginning June 1, 2022. 

ARCHIE COMICS - From BleedingCool:  Archie Publications and WEBTOON's first collaboration is "Big Ethel Energy."  The first three episodes of this webcomic will debut Sept. 21, 2021.

MARVEL TV - From PinkNews:  According to the showrunner, Freeform's planed "New Warriors" TV series was cancelled because one executive thought it was "too gay."

IMAGE COMICS - From BleedingCool:  Artist Denys Cowan is drawing "Nocterra Special: Blacktop Bill," which is being written by "Nocterra" co-creator and writer, Scott Snyder.

DC COMICS - From BleedingCool:   Jeff Lemire will write and Doug Mahnke will draw "Swamp Thing: Green Hell," a three-issue miniseries for DC Comics' "DC Black Label" imprint.

DC COMICS - From BleedingCool:   Becky Cloonan, Michael Conrad and Jorge Corona are launching a new "Batgirls" series from DC Comics.  It will star Cassandra Cain and Stephanie Brown as the Batgirls, with Barbara Gordon as Batgirl Prime/Oracle, guiding their paths.

DC COMICS - From BleedingCool:  Writer Robert Venditti and artist Michael Avon Oeming are reviving the classic DC Comics title, "World of Krypton."

MARVEL COMICS - From BleedingCool:   Marvel Comics reveals some details about its Daredevil event, "Devil's Reign."

COMICS - From BleedingCool:  Matt Wagner's classic comic book character, Grendel/Hunter Rose," and his story will become an eight-episode, live-action TV series via Netflix.  Wagner and Dark Horse Entertainment (Grendel's current publisher) will be among the series' executive producers.

VIZ MEDIA - From ScreenRant:   This is an article about "Ultimo," the manga the late Stan Lee created with Hiroyuki Takei, the creator of the manga, "Shaman King."

BOOKS -  From MentalFloss:   Here is a list of 11 classic books that were adapted into graphic novels, including "A Wrinkle in Time."

MARVEL - From TheWrap:   A near-mint copy of “Amazing Fantasy #15, which featured the debut appearance of Spider-Man, was auctioned for $3.6 million, breaking the sales record for a comic book previously held by "Action Comics #1" (1939), which featured the first appearance of Superman.

DARK HORSE - From BleedingCool:   Mike Mignola will write and draw his first full-length comic book since "Hellboy in Hell" (2016). "Sir Edward Grey: Achero" is scheduled to arrive in December.

DC COMICS - From BleedingCool:  Here is a preview of "Titans United #1."

MARVEL - From GamesRadar:   Marvel spokesman tells "Newsarama" that artist Joe Bennett will not be working with the company on "any future Marvel projects."

DC COMICS - From BleedingCool:   The site is reporting that DC Comics will launch a new series, "Batman Beyond: Neo Year" in April 2022.

DISNEY+ - From TheDirect:   Today (Mon., Sept 13th) is supposedly the day in which a trailer for the Disney+/Marvel Studios series, "Hawkeye," will debut.

MARVEL STUDIOS - From ShadowandAct:   Fans, Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige, and "Blade" reboot director (Bassim Tariq), aren't having it with the erasure of the importance of "Blade" 1998 to 21st century superhero movies.

COMICS - From BleedingCool:   The superstar team of writer Ed Brubaker and artist Sean Phillips has turned down an "Substack Pro" offer.

DC COMICS - From BleedingCool:   "Batman: Wayne Family Adventures," the first WEBTOON series based on DC Comics characters, has made its debut.

MARVEL - From BleedingCool:   Marvel has released a trailer and preview art for "Amazing Spider-Man #75."  That issue apparently sees Peter Parker leaving the starring role in the series.

COMICS - From CBR:  Jeff Lemire announces "Fishflies," his first comic book series for "Substack," the online newsletter platform.

DC COMICS - From GamesRadar:   Meet Marvel Comics' weirdest pet hero, Jeff the Land Shark.

MARVEL - From BleedingCool:   Artist Joe Bennett has been dropped as one of the artists on Marvel Comics' "Timeless" one-shot.  Because of  his anti-Semitic controversies, Marvel may no longer associate with Bennett.

COMICS - From BleedingCool:   Mirage Studios, the original home and publisher of the "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles," is ceasing business this month.

COMICS - From GamesRadar:  "Batman Day 2021" (Sept. 18th) plans revealed.

MARVEL TELEVISION - From ComicBook:   One of the Marvel Comics series that almost had a TV series was "New Warriors," which was being developed for Freeform, but the pilot was cancelled and the series could not find another home.  Series creator Kevin Biegel has provided a look at the costume for Doreen Green/Squirrel Girl, who was to be played by actress Milana Vayntrub.

BOOKS - From BleedingCool:   "Hellboy" creator Mike Mignola is illustrating a new edition of Carlo Collodi's "Pinocchio."

KODANSHA - From BleedingCool:   Kodansha will publish "Akira: The Art of Wall" in June 2022, which will collect the "Akira" collage art of series creator Katsuhiro Otomo and artist Kosuke Kawamura.

MANGA TO LIVE-ACTION TV - From CrunchyRoll:   A live-action TV drama adaptation of Wataru Hinekure (story) and Aruko (art)'s shoujo manga "Kieta Hatsukoi / Vanishing My First Love" is set to be aired on Japanese terrestrial stations in October 2021.

MANGA TO ANIME - From ANN:   Sakuya Kuroda's "Rich Police Cash" (Rich Kaikan Cash) manga will have an anime that will debut on the "Coro Coro Channel" YouTube channel this fall.

MARVEL - From GamesRadar:    Miles Morales' new Spider-Man suit profiled in Chase Conley design variant for "Miles Morales: Spider-Man #30."

SONY MARVEL U - From Deadline:  In the wake of the huge box office success of Marvel Studios' "Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings," Sony has moved up the release date on its "Venom" sequel, "Venom: Let There Be Carnage," from October 15th to the new release date, October 1st.

Inverse's Eric Francisco on "SHANG-CHI": 

PART ONE:  How Marvel's Shang-Chi had to "destroy" its own racist origins

 

PART TWO: Shang-Chi was your favorite superhero’s favorite superhero. (Here's why he vanished.)

 

PART THREE: How Asian American internet trailblazers gave new life to Shang-Chi - The final story in a series on Shang-Chi’s origins, rise, fall, and rebirth.

-----------------------------------

MARVEL STUDIOS - From BleedingCool:   Bassam Tariq, the director of Marvel Studios' reboot of the "Blade" film franchise, may be suggesting that the next Blade film will not follow the comic books.

DC CINEMA - From Deadline:   On Instagram, "Aquaman" star Jason Momao has revealed two costumes from the upcoming sequel, "Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom."

COMICS - From BleedingCool:  Rich Johnston gives Bryan Seaton of problematic publisher, Action Lab Comics, a chance to do some explaining about the complaining of his comics creators.

comiXology - From BleedingCool:  The "comiXology" website will shut down this coming fall.  Visitors will be redirected to a digital comics section at Amazon.com.

IMAGE COMICS - From BleedingCool:   Italian comic book artist, Matteo Scalera, will draw Mark Millar's "King of Spies," a comic book spinoff of a movie that Mark Millar created for Netflix.

COMICS - From BleedingCool:  Grammy Award-winning recording artist, Alicia Keys, will join co-writer Andrew Weiner and artist Brittney Williams for a young adult graphic novel, "Girl on Fire."

MARVEL - From BleedingCool:   "Timeless" is a Marvel Comics initiative which will see several times published in 2021 and 2022 that celebrate the publication of Marvel Comics #1 in 1939.

MARVEL - From BleedingCool:   Legendary X-Men comic book writer, Chris Claremont, is reportedly writing a new comic book series featuring a member of the X-Men that he co-created, Gambit.

COMICS TO FILM - From Deadline:   Disney is reviving one of its cult favorite properties, "The Rocketeer" (1990), with a new Disney+ movie titled "The Return of the Rocketeer."  David and Jessica Oyelowo are producing under their Yoruba Saxon banner.  The project, written by Ed Ricourt, will also be a possible starring project for David Oyelowo, who starred in "Selma."

DC TV - From Variety:   The CW's “Batwoman” has cast actress Bridget Regan as the iconic DC Comics supervillain, "Poison Ivy," for the show’s third season.

CANADA - From TVO:   Here is the story behind Canada's very first comic book, "Better Comics #1," from Maple Leaf Publishing.

MARVEL - From BleedingCool:   Former Marvel Comics Editor-in-Chief Jim Shooter talks about signing away "Secret Wars" and "Venom" for $10,000.

------------------------------------------

SEPTEMBER 2021 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:

From BleedingCool:  Ablaze Publishing for September 2021

From BleedingCool:  Action Lab for September 2021

From BleedingCool:  Archie Comics for September 2021 

From BleedingCool:  AWA for September 2021

From BleedingCool:  Black Mask for September 2021

From BleedingCool:  BOOM Studios for September 2021

From BleedingCool:  Dark Horse Comics for September 2021

From BleedingCool:  DC Comics for September 2021

From BleedingCool:  Dynamite Entertainment for September 2021 

From BleedingCool:  Heavy Metal Magazines for September 2021

From BleedingCool:  IDW Publishing for September 2021

From BleedingCool:  Image Comics for September 2021

From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics for September 2021

From BleedingCool:  Oni Press for September 2021

From BleedingCool:  Scout Comics for September 2021

From BleedingCool:  Source Point Press for September 2021

From BleedingCool:  Titan Comics for September 2021

From BleedingCool:  Valiant Comics for September 2021

From BleedingCool:  Vault Comics for September 2021

From BleedingCool:  VIZ Media for September 2021

OCTOBER 2021 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:

From BleedingCool:  Aardvark Vanaheim for October 2021

From BleedingCool:  Action Lab for October 2021

From BleedingCool:  AfterShock Comics for October 2021

From BleedingCool:  Ahoy Comics for October 2021

From BleedingCool:  Antarctic Press for October 2021

From BleedingCool:  AWA Studios for October 2021

From BleedingCool:  Behemoth Comics for October 2021 

From BleedingCool:  Black Masks for October 2021

From BleedingCool:  BOOM! Studios for October 2021

From BleedingCool:  Dark Horse Comics for October 2021

From CBR:  DC Comics for October 2021

From BleedingCool:  Dynamite Entertainment for October 2021 

From BleedingCool:  Heavy Metal Magazine for October 2021

From BleedingCool:  Hero Collector for October 2021

From BleedingCool:  IDW Publishing for October 2021

From BleedingCool:  Image Comics for October 2021

From CBR:  Marvel Comics for October 2021

From BleedingCool: Oni Press for October 2021

From 2000AD:  Rebellion for October 2021

From BleedingCool:  Titan Comics for October 2021

From BleedingCool:  Valiant Entertainment for October 2021

From BleedingCool: VIZ Media for October 2021

NOVEMBER 2021 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:

From BleedingCool:  Ablaze for November 2021

From BleedingCool:  AfterShock Comics for November 2021

From BleedingCool:  Archie Comics for November 2021

From BleedingCool:  Bad Idea Corp for November 2021 

From BleedingCool:  Behemoth Comics for November 2021

From BleedingCool:  Black Mask for November 2021

From BleedingCool:  BOOM Studios for November 2021

From BleedingCool:  Dark Horse Comics for November 2021

From BleedingCool:  DC Comics for November 2021

From BleedingCool:  Dead Good Comics for November 2021

From BleedingCool:  Dynamite Entertainment for November 2021

From BleedingCool:  IDW Publishing for November 2021 

From BleedingCool:  Image Comics for November 2021

From BleedingCool:  Kodansha Comics for November 2021

From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics for November 2021

From BleedingCool:  Oni Press for November 2021

From BleedingCool:  Rebellion for November 2021

From BleedingCool:  Red 5 Comics for November 2021

From BleedingCool:  Scout Comics for November 2021

From BleedingCool:  Silver Sprocket for November 2021

From BleedingCool:  Titan Comics for November 2021

From BleedingCool:  TOKYOPOP for November 2021

From BleedingCool:  Valiant Comics for November 2021

From BleedingCool:  Vault Comics for November 2021

From BleedingCool:  VIZ Media for November 2021

From BleedingCool:  Yen Press for November 2021

DECEMBER 2021 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:

From BleedingCool:  Ablaze artbooks and manga for December 2021

From BleedingCool:  AfterShock Comics for December 2021

From BleedingCool:  BOOM! Studios for December 2021

From BleedingCool:  Dark Horse Comics for December 2021

From BleedingCool:  DC Comics for December 2021

From BleedingCool:  Dynamite Entertainment for December 2021

From BleedingCool:  IDW Publishing for December 2021

From BleedingCool:  Image Comics for December 2021

From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics for December 2021

From BleedingCool:  Oni Press for December 2021

----------------------