#IReadsYou Movie Review: KRAVEN THE HUNTER

Kraven the Hunter (2024)

Running time:  127 minutes (2 hours, 7 minutes)

MPA – R for strong bloody violence, and language

DIRECTOR:  J.C. Chandor

WRITERS:  Richard Wenk, Art Marcum, and Matt Holloway; from a story by Richard Wenk (based on the Marvel Comics)

PRODUCERS:  Avi Arad, David B. Householter, and Matt Tolmach

CINEMATOGRAPHER:  Ben Davis (D.o.P.)

EDITORS:  Chris Lebenzon and Craig Wood

COMPOSERS:  Evgueni Galperine, Sacha Galperine, and Benjamin Wallfisch

SUPERHERO/FANTASY/ACTION

Starring:  Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Ariana DeBose, Fred Hechinger, Alessandro Nivola, Christopher Abbott, Levi Miller, Billy Barratt, Tom Reed, Diaana Babnicova, Yuri Kolokolnikov, Damola Adelaja, and Russell Crowe

Kraven the Hunter is a 2024 action movie and superhero film from director J.C. Chandor.  The movie is based on the Marvel Comics character, Sergei Kravinoff/Kraven the Hunter, that was created by writer Stan Lee and artist Steve Ditko and first appeared in The Amazing Spider-Man #15 (cover dated: August 1964).  This is also the sixth film in “Sony's Spider-Man Universe” (SSU) series.  The film focuses on a hunter of men and his complex relationship with his father, a ruthless Russian crime lord, which starts him down the path to becoming the greatest hunter of men in the world.

Kraven the Hunter opens in Northern Russia at a prison.  Of particular interest is Prisoner #0864, but soon, prison security and imprisoned Russian gangster, Semyon Chorney (Yuri Kolokolnikov), will learn that this prisoner is really a legendary assassin known as “The Hunter.”  Who is “The Hunter?”

He is really Sergei Kravinoff (Aaron Taylor-Johnson), the elder son of brutal Russian crime lord, Nikolai Kravinoff (Russell Crowe).  Sixteen years before The Hunter killed Chorney, Nikolai took Sergei and his younger son, Dmitri, on a hunting expedition in Northern Ghana.  A terrible accident leaves Sergei near death until a local young woman intervenes in a manner that changes Sergei in ways he never imagined.

In the present day, Sergei goes by the name “Kraven.”  His activities as “The Hunter” have earned him the ire of many criminals.  Kraven has a kill-list, and once someone is on it, they don't get off until he kills them.  Kraven reunites with Calypso (Ariana DeBose), the young woman who saved him sixteen years earlier.  Now, an adult, Calypso is an attorney, and Kraven asks her to assist him in his activities as “The Hunter” by finding information on his targets.

However, Kraven himself is now being hunted.  Wannabe Russian crime boss, Aleksei Sytsevich (Alessandro Nivola), and his ally, “The Foreigner” (Christopher Abbott), have targeted Kraven's brother, Dmitri (Fred Hechinger), now an adult, as a way to trap their prey.  Kraven will have to prove to his enemies that he is indeed the world's greatest hunter and also its most dangerous apex predator.

Kraven the Hunter is sixth film in “Sony's Spider-Man Universe” line of films.  It follows Venom (2018), Venom: Let There Be Carnage (2021), Morbius (2022), Madame Web (2024), and the recently release, Venom: The Last Dance (2024).  This film series stars characters and properties commonly associated with Marvel Comics' character, Spider-Man.  Sadly, media reports indicate that Kraven the Hunter will be the last entry in Sony's Spider-Man Universe, and that's a shame because Kraven the Hunter deserves a sequel.

Most movie actors could not have saved Kraven the Hunter, if it did indeed need saving, as industry and fan gossip indicated.  If we accept those arguments, dear readers, that Kraven the Hunter needed saving, then Aaron Taylor-Johnson is indeed this film's savior.  Taylor-Johnson is a talented young actor, and he can certainly portray the tough-guy hero or antihero in a way that seems genuine, if not outright real.

Without Taylor-Johnson, I think Kraven the Hunter would still be a really entertaining film.  The screenplay, regardless of whatever number of writers contributed to it, intrigued me.  Director J.C. Chandor deftly weaves the film's story across continents and through shifts in plot that keeps things so interesting and involved that I didn't have time to search for plot holes and inconsistencies.  Also, Russell Crowe as Nikolai Kravinoff makes his scenes with Taylor-Johnson's Kraven feel ultra edgy and especially dangerous.

With Taylor-Johnson, however, Kraven the Hunter, is not only a really entertaining film, but it is also an exceptional superhero spin-off comic book film.  As comic book and superhero movies go, Kraven the Hunter is kind of like a B-movie or, at least, a B-list film, but you, dear readers, don't have to be a comic book fan to enjoy the film or its star.  As Kraven, Taylor-Johnson has such animal magnetism; I wanted to see him be in action-mode and be violent.  Taylor-Johnson has true movie star qualities, such as charisma and presence, and girl, the camera absolutely loves him.  Seriously, Taylor-Johnson carries Kraven the Hunter past what most other actors would have done – all the way to whatever kind of cinematic glory a Spider-Man-adjacent film can have.

Marvel Comics fans will likely enjoy the fact that several Spider-Man-related characters appear in the film, some of them surprisingly so.  Still, this film is about Kraven the Hunter, and Aaron Taylor-Johnson makes every subplot, setting, and the other character bow down to his “king of the jungle” performance.  Kraven the Hunter is good, surprisingly and shockingly good, because its leading man knows how to be a beast.

A

★★★★ out of 4 stars

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

The text is copyright © 2024 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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Marvel Comics from Diamond Distributors for November 27, 2024

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#IReadsYou Movie Review: DEADPOOL & WOLVERINE

Deadpool & Wolverine (2024)

Running time:  127 minutes (2 hours, 7 minutes)

MPA – R for strong bloody violence and language throughout, gore and sexual references

DIRECTOR:  Shawn Levy

WRITERS:  Rhett Reese & Paul Wernick, Ryan Reynolds, Shawn Levy, and Zeb Wells (based on Marvel Comics characters)

PRODUCERS:  Kevin Feige, Shawn Levy, Ryan Reynolds, and Lauren Shuler Donner

CINEMATOGRAPHER:  George Richmond (D.o.P.)

EDITORS:  Shawn Reid and Dean Zimmerman

COMPOSER:  Rob Simonsen

SUPERHERO/COMEDY/ACTION

Starring:  Ryan Reynolds, Hugh Jackman, Emma Corrin, Matthew Macfayden, Jon Favreau, Rob Delaney, Morena Baccarin, Karan Soni, Brianna Hildebrand, Shioli Kutsuna, Aaron Stanford, and Leslie Uggams with Chris Evans, Jennifer Garner, Dafne Keen, Ray Parks, Channing Tatum, Blake Lively, Matthew McConaughey, and Wesley Snipes

Deadpool & Wolverine is a 2024 American superhero film and action-comedy directed by Shawn Levy and produced by Marvel Studios.  It is the 34th entry in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.  It is also the third entry in the Deadpool movie franchise.

The film is based on two Marvel Comics characters.  The first is Deadpool, a character created by artist Rob Liefeld and writer Fabian Nicieza, and that first appeared in New Mutants #98 (cover dated: December 1990).  The second is Wolverine, a character created by writer Len Wein and artists John Romita and Herb Trimpe and that first fully appeared in the comic book, The Incredible Hulk #181 (cover dated: November 1974).  In Deadpool & Wolverine the movie, a space-time organization has set Deadpool on a mission to save his own universe, so he brings in Wolverine to help him.

Deadpool & Wolverine basically begins on March 14, 2018.  That is the day that Wade Wilson/Deadpool (Ryan Reynolds), the smart-mouthed mutant mercenary, approaches the Avengers organization about becoming a member of the Avengers.  It doesn't work, and Wade falls into a deep depression that takes a toll on his relationship with his beloved Vanessa Carlysle (Morena Baccarin).  It's also time to celebrate Wade's birthday, and his friends gather at the apartment he shares with Blind Al (Leslie Uggams).

In the middle of the revelry, agents of the “Time Variance Authority” (TVA) arrive to take Wade into custody.  At TVA headquarters, project head, Mr. Paradox (Matthew Macfayden), informs Deadpool that his own Earth/universe, Earth-10005, is scheduled for destruction, but that he can live in another universe.  Determined to save his world, Deadpool rejects the offer and goes rogue.  He travels throughout the multiverse searching for a version of Wolverine that can help him save his Earth.  Eventually, Deadpool finds a variant of Wolverine (Hugh Jackman) with a tragic past.

Deadpool and Wolverine spend more time cursing, fighting, and stabbing each other than they do world-saving.  However, they end up in a place called the “Void,” where they face its leader, the murderous and ultra-powerful mutant, Cassandra Nova (Emma Corrin).  Now,  Deadpool and Wolverine are forced together to save a universe, but luckily, they will find themselves joined by an unexpected, but familiar quartet of heroes.

In preparation for Deadpool & Wolverine, I decided to watch the earlier films:  Deadpool (2016), Logan (2017), and Deadpool 2 (2018), that lead up to the new film, to one extent or another.  However, viewers may find such films as Blade (1998), X-Men (2000), Elektra (2005), and Fantastic Four (2005) to be of most use, although Deadpool & Wolverine also references other films and television series based on Marvel Comics characters.

Deadpool & Wolverine is very much an R-rated comedy like the earlier Deadpool films, but there is more harshly explicit language and profanity galore.  There seems to be more gross sexual language in Deadpool & Wolverine than there has been in any other film ever distributed by the Walt Disney Company.  At times, it is a bit too much, but only a bit.

As he does in the other Deadpool films, Ryan Reynolds makes the comedy in Deadpool & Wolverine work, via his schtick.  Still, one must say that Reynolds' repertoire of clowning, buffoonery, and jestering have become a refined work of comic performance art.  I can honestly say that I never feel as if I have had too much of Reynolds as Deadpool.

On the other hand, in Deadpool & Wolverine, Hugh Jackman as Wolverine is the dramatic balance to Ryan as Deadpool.  Without spoiling anything, Jackman has some deep, emotional moments that require tears in his eyes.  Jackman also gets to be powerful, dark, edgy, and grieving as Wolverine without treading on the mournful Logan/Wolverine he gave us in the film, Logan.

There are some excellent supporting performances in Deadpool & Wolverine.  Emma Corrin is maniacally, gleefully wicked and evil as Cassandra Nova, and Matthew Macfayden is perfectly sleazy as the sinfully ambitious TVA functionary, Mr. Paradox.  The actors that comprise the quartet which assists Deadpool and Wolverine in their crucial assault on Nova's base are a delight, and one of them proves that his is the defining version of the superhero for whom he is most famous.  Many of us want to see him again, Disney.

Deadpool & Wolverine is Marvel Studios' funniest “Multiverse Saga” entry.  It is not without its faults, and it isn't the best Marvel multiverse film because that belongs to Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021).  However, Marvel does with Deadpool & Wolverine what it should have done with some of its post-pandemic films:  have more substantial guest appearances from classic MCU characters and stars.  Most of the heroic things that Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman do in Deadpool & Wolverine are done better with friends. 

A

★★★★ out of 4 stars

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

The text is copyright © 2024 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint or syndication rights and fees.

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

#IReadsYou Movie Review: DEADPOOL 2

Deadpool 2 (2018)

Running time:  119 minutes (1 hour, 59 minutes)

MPAA – R for strong violence and language throughout, sexual references and brief drug material

DIRECTOR:  David Leitch

WRITERS:  Rhett Reese & Paul Wernick and Ryan Reynolds (based on Marvel Comics characters)

PRODUCERS:  Ryan Reynolds, Simon Kinberg, and Lauren Shuler Donner

CINEMATOGRAPHER:  Jonathan Sela (D.o.P.)

EDITORS:  Craig Alpert, Elisabet Ronaldsdottir, and Dirk Westervelt

COMPOSER:  Tyler Bates

SUPERHERO/COMEDY/ACTION

Starring:  Ryan Reynolds, Josh Brolin, Julian Dennison, Morena Baccarin, Zazie Beetz, T.J. Miller, Karan Soni, Brianna Hildebrand, Leslie Uggams, Eddie Marsan, Shioli Kutsuna, Jack Kesy, Michasha Armstrong, and Stefan Kapicic

Deadpool 2 is a 2018 American superhero film and action-comedy from director David Leitch.  It is a spin-off film in 20th Century Fox’s X-Men film series and is the eleventh film overall in the series.  It is a direct sequel to Deadpool (2016) and is also the second entry in the Deadpool movie franchise.  The film is based on the Marvel Comics character, Deadpool, that was created by artist Rob Liefeld and writer Fabian Nicieza, and first appeared in New Mutants #98 (cover dated: December 1990).  Deadpool 2 finds the wisecracking Deadpool trying to protect a fiery young mutant from a time-traveling cyborg.

Deadpool 2 finds Wade Wilson/Deadpool (Ryan Reynolds), the smart-mouthed mutant mercenary, doing what he likes to do – brutally slaughter bad guys.  However, his violent activities catch up with him at home, and tragedy befalls his beloved Vanessa Carlysle (Morena Baccarin).  Deep in grief and depression, Deadpool tries to kill himself, but is rescued by Colossus (voice of Stefan Kapicic), the giant mutant who has a body of organic steel.  Colossus still wants Deadpool to changes his ways and also wants him to join the X-Men – as a trainee.

On his first mission as a trainee, Deadpool and the X-Men, which includes Negasonic Teenage Warhead (Brianna Hildebrand) and her girlfriend, Yukio (Shioli Kutsuna), travel to the “Essex House for Mutant Rehabilitation.”  There, they find one angry teenager, Russell Collins (Julian Dennison), in crisis.  He is a young mutant with pyrokinetic power, and he has given himself the unfortunate code name of “Fire Fist.”  Deadpool's attempt to save the young man has disastrous results, and now, Deadpool has to save Russell from Cable (Josh Brolin), a time-traveling cyborg who has arrived in the present determined to kill the teen.  So Deadpool forms his own X-team, called “X-Force,” with tragically hilarious and hilariously tragic results.

We are nearing the release of the latest Disney/Marvel Studios blockbuster movie, Deadpool & Wolverine (2024).  I decided to watch and review the previous X-Men films:  Deadpool, Logan (2017), and Deadpool 2, that lead up to the new film.

Deadpool is humorous and silly, but it was primarily an action movie with drama and humor.  It heavily leans into brutally strong violence, frequent profane language, and explicit sexual references.  Deadpool 2 also has brutally strong violence, constant profane language, and some explicit sexual references.  However, Deadpool is a comedy, and everything serves the comedy, including the drama, superhero action, and even much of the killing.

As he does for Deadpool, Ryan Reynolds makes Deadpool, a film that could not exist without his schtick.  He is the spine of this film's comedy and is the reason so much of it works when it would be disastrous for other performers.  The supporting cast is good, but not great.  Josh Brolin has his moments as Cable, but the Cable is more of a prop than a persona.  Zazie Beetz creates moments for Domino to shine which otherwise wouldn't be there.  Julian Dennison is mostly convincing as the angry young mutant, Russell Collins, especially in the second half of the film.

I find Deadpool 2 a definite, delightful surprise. I never expected much of it because I really did not care for what I had previously seen.  Now, a full and patient viewing makes me think that Deadpool 2 is an occasion when the sequel surpasses the original.

A-

★★★½ out of 4 stars

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

The text is copyright © 2024 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint or syndication rights and fees.

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#IReadsYou Movie Review: DEADPOOL

Deadpool (2016)

Running time:  108 minutes

MPAA – R for strong violence and language throughout, sexual content and graphic nudity

DIRECTOR:  Tim Miller

WRITERS:  Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick (based on Marvel Comics characters)

PRODUCERS:  Ryan Reynolds, Simon Kinberg, and Lauren Shuler Donner

CINEMATOGRAPHER:  Ken Seng (D.o.P.)

EDITOR:  Julian Clark

COMPOSER:  Tom Holkenborg

SUPERHERO/ACTION/COMEDY

Starring:  Ryan Reynolds, Monica Baccarin, T.J. Miller, Ed Skrein, Karan Soni, Brianna Hildebrand, Gina Carano, Leslie Uggams, Stan Lee, and Stefan Kapicic (voice)

Deadpool is a 2016 American superhero film and action-comedy from director Tim Miller.  It is a spin-off film in 20th Century Fox’s X-Men film series and is the eighth film overall in the series.  It is also the first entry in what would become the Deadpool movie franchise.  The film is based on the Marvel Comics character, Deadpool, that was created by artist Rob Liefeld and writer Fabian Nicieza, and first appeared in New Mutants #98 (cover dated: December 1990).  Deadpool the movie focuses on a wisecracking costumed antihero who seeks revenge against the man who left him hideously scarred after a series of experiments.

Deadpool introduces Wade Wilson (Ryan Reynolds), a smart-mouthed mercenary and former special forces operative (“the merc with a mouth”).  Wade's life takes a dramatic turn when he meets and falls in love with Vanessa Carlysle (Monica Baccarin), a prostitute.  However, after a whirlwind romance, Wade discovers that he has terminal cancer, but as he is preparing to accept death, he learns of a lab run by the mysterious Ajax (Ed Skrein).  Ajax promises to not only cure Wade's cancer, but to also give him powers and make him a superhero.  Unfortunately, Ajax is a lying monster.

Although the experiments leave his face and body hideously disfigured, Wade is rendered virtually immortal when his mutant power activates and gives him incredibly accelerated healing powers.  Taking the name, “Deadpool,” Wade goes on a mission of revenge.  On the other hand, Colossus, the mutant who has a giant organic steel body, wants Deadpool to join the X-Men and become a superhero.  Will Deadpool become a good guy, or will he simply keep piling up dismembered and bullet-riddled bodies on the way to his reunion with Ajax?

We are nearing the release of the latest Disney/Marvel Studios blockbuster movie, Deadpool & Wolverine (2024).  I had seen Deadpool and Deadpool 2, previously, but I had never reviewed them.  I decided that now is the time to foist my opinions upon you, dear readers.  I'm also going to watch and review, Logan (2017), the one X-Men movie I have been unable to finish. 

Gleefully profane in language and sexual content, Deadpool was a surprise to movie audiences upon its February 2016 original theatrical release.  It was an R-rated superhero movie, and it was proud of it.  At the time, movie audiences had seen plenty of movies featuring superheroes, ordinary heroes, and anti-heroes, in which the lead character brutally kills his adversaries.  None of those films had done it like Deadpool, although 2013's The Wolverine, had tried.

The foul language is in such abundance in Deadpool that there are moments when it all seems like too much, but even in those moments, I started laughing after being repulsed for a few seconds.  I think a movie has to be doing something right when it has even Emmy and Tony-winning actress, Leslie Uggams (as Blind Al), dropping F-bombs.

For all the credit I give director Tim Miller and film editor, Julian Clark, for this film's fast action and eye-popping dances of violence, actor Ryan Reynolds makes Deadpool work.  Yeah, the sex scenes are a bit too long and too over-the-top, but it never seems as if Wade Wilson/Deadpool is talking too much.  Reynolds makes Deadpool different and unique; he makes it work.  Eight years after its original theatrical release, Deadpool and its superhero cinema blasphemy still seem fresh.

B+

★★★½ out of 4 stars

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

The text is copyright © 2024 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint or syndication rights and fees.

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Marvel Comics from Diamond Distributors for Marvel 6, 2024

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

Titan Comics Book, Magazine and Comic Book Solicitations for March 2024

TITAN COMICS MARCH 2024 SOLICITS (JANUARY 2023 PREVIEWS)

COMICS

BLADE RUNNER 2039 #11 (Of 12)

Writer: Mike Johnson

Artist: Andres Guinaldo

Colorist: Marco Lesko

Publisher: Titan Comics

FC, 32pp, $3.99

On sale: March 14, 2024

IT'S THE PENULTIMATE CHAPTER IN THE STORY OF THE BLADE RUNNER KNOWN AS ASH! 

With her sights set on bringing down Niander Wallace, Ash must find a way to get close enough to the reclusive industrialist to finish the job... or will Luv, the Replicant Blade Runner, hunt down Ash first? 

COVER A: JESUS HERVAS (JAN240459)

COVER B: HARVEY TOLIBAO (JAN240460)

COVER C: SYD MEAD (JAN240461)

BLITMAP #5 (Of 6)

Writer(s): Jack Timmer

Artist(s): Matias Basla 

Distributor: Titan Comics

FC, 32pp, $4.99

On sale: May 1, 2024

A THRILLING NEW SCI-FI SERIES SET IN A BREATHTAKING SOLARPUNK METROPOLIS!

In an epic battle across dimensions, relentless knights emerge as formidable foes, pushing the Nauts and Logos to discover hidden power. Just when the tide appears to turn, Hawk faces a heart-wrenching decision that only he can make. As the story unfolds, the true purpose of The Static gradually comes into focus, setting the stage for an electrifying adventure!

COVER A: SUP (JAN240458)     

CONAN THE BARBARIAN #9

Writer(s): Jim Zub 

Artist(s): Roberto De La Torre 

Colorist: Dean White 

Publisher: Heroic Signatures & Titan Comics

FC, 32pp, $3.99 

On sale: March 27, 2024

BEYOND FLESH. BEYOND DEATH. BEYOND TIME.

Conan has traveled far and seen much in his legendary journeys, but nothing he has experienced thus far can prepare him for a quest to lands beyond to answer dark riddles of the past. Unexpected allies await, fierce enemies loom, and the strange power of the Black Stone stirs in THE AGE UNCONQUERED! 

COVER A: MIKE DEODATO JR (JAN240436) 

COVER B: E.M GIST (JAN240437)

COVER C: ROBERTO DE LA TORRE (JAN240438)

COVER D CHRIS MORENO (JAN240439)

COVER E: BLANK SKETCH VARIANT (JAN240440)

DARK SOULS: THE WILLOW KING #3

Writer: George Mann

Artist: Maan House

Publisher: Titan Comics

FC, 32pp, $3.99

On sale: March 27, 2024

VENTURE BACK INTO THE FALLEN DECAYING WORLD OF DARK SOULS WITH AN ALL- NEW TITAN COMICS SERIES!

The mighty king USTRAD OF UTHREL linked the flame, after his servant Herad failed and was consumed by the fire, reduced to ashes. Now, the time has come to link the fire again, but Ustrad now refuses to do his duty to his kingdom. HERAD, resurrected as unkindled, returns to unite three mighty warriors to venture into the WILLOW KING’S domain, and do what needs to be done.

COVER A: TIFFANY TURRILL (JAN240451)     

COVER B: NICK MARINKOVICH (JAN240452)   

COVER C: ALAN QUAH (JAN240453)

GUMAA: THE BEGINNING OF HER #4

Writer(s): Jeehyung Lee

Artist(s): Jeehyung Lee & Nabetse Zitro 

Publisher: Titan Comics

FC, 40pp, $4.99

 On sale: March 6, 2024

YOUNG KHALIDA escapes from a drug syndicate and discovers an ancient blade in a long-abandoned temple. Using its power, she becomes the GODDESS OF THE CITY, controlling the citizens through dark magic and fear. But events are being manipulated against her from the shadows, targeting Khalida. 

COVER A: SOZOMAIKA (JAN240462)

COVER B: JEEHYUNG LEE (JAN240463)

COVER C: JEEHYUNG LEE (CONCEPT ART VIRGIN COVER) (JAN240464)

LIFE IS STRANGE: FORGET-ME-NOT #4

Writer: Zoe Thorogood 

Artist: Claudia Leonardi

Colorist: Andrea Izzo

Publisher: Titan Comics 

FC, SC, 32pp, $4.99

On sale: March 27, 2024

EISNER - WINNING CREATOR ZOE THOROGOOD JOINS LIFE IS STRANGE 

Alex and Steph were touring across the States until they found another lost soul on the side of the road – Lily, a girl with the ability to take on the painful memories of others. Since then, the three have been retracing Lily’s steps to make her whole. Now, there's one last chance to save Lily from a life of loneliness - but it means her finally going home. Surrounded by feelings of guilt, grief, and sorrow, will Alex be able to find Lily hope for the future? 

COVER A: KELSEY RAMSAY (JAN240454)     

COVER B: ZOE THOROGOOD (JAN240455)

COVER C: CATHY KWAN (JAN240456)

LIFE IS STRANGE: FORGET-ME-NOT #1-4 ZOE THOROGOOD PACK

Writer: Zoe Thorogood 

Artist: Claudia Leonardi

Colorist: Andrea Izzo

Publisher: Titan Comics 

FC, SC, 5*32pp, $24.99

On sale: May 22, 2024

AN UNMISSABLE SPECIAL COLLECTOR'S PACK! 

COLLECTS ISSUE #1-4 Features a bonus #1 VIRGIN VARIANT exclusive to this pack! 

LIMITED TO 300 COPIES!

COVERS 1-4: ZOE THOROGOOD (JAN240457)      

REBEL MOON HOUSE OF THE BLOODAXE #3

Story: Zack Snyder

Writer: Mags Visaggio

Artist: Clark Bint

Publisher: Titan Comics

FC, 32pp, $3.99

On sale: March 13, 2024

COMIC BOOK PREQUEL TO THE HIGHLY ANTICIPATED NETFLIX MOVIE, REBEL MOON! STORY BY ACCLAIMED DIRECTOR ZACK SNYDER (300, MAN OF STEEL, AND ARMY OF THE DEAD) AND WRITTEN BY AWARD-WINNING COMICS WRITER MAGS VISAGGIO.

As war is looming on the horizon on the planet Shasu, the reluctant ruler of the Bloodaxe family is conflicted between living up to his father’s domineering legacy and maintaining the peace. It is up to him to settle the conflicts within himself, and his family, before the entire planet erupts in war.

COVER A: ROD REIS (JAN240448)  

COVER B: ANGELA WU (JAN240449)  

COVER C: DIEGO YAPUR (JAN240450)  

GRAPHIC NOVELS 

CONAN THE BARBARIAN: THE ORIGINAL COMICS OMNIBUS VOL.1

Writer: Roy Thomas 

Artist: Barry Windsor-Smith 

Publisher: Heroic Signatures & Titan Comics

HC, FC, 776pp, $125.00 (US), $163.00 (CA), £125.00 (UK)

ISBN: 9781787740822 (REG), 9781787740839 (DM)

On Sale: March 6, 2024

CONAN’S ORIGINAL COMIC ADVENTURES ARE BACK AND LOOKING BETTER THAN EVER! 

This is the definitive collection of classic 1970s Conan the Barbarian. Created by the famous Roy Thomas and Barry Windsor-Smith, who introduced the sword and sorcery genre to comic books. Features high quality color restoration work, to make the strips feel as close to the original experience as possible!  

Collecting Conan the Barbarian (1970) #1-26 and material from Savage Tales (1971) #1 and #4.

REG: BARRY WINDSOR-SMITH (JAN240441) 

DM EDITION: BARRY WINDSOR-SMITH (JAN240442)

CONAN: THE BARBARIAN VOL. 2 THRICE MARKED FOR DEATH

Writer: Jim Zub

Artist: Doug Braitwaite 

Colorist: Diego Rodriguez

Publisher: Heroic Signatures and Titan Comics 

SC, FC, 112pp

REG: $17.99 (US), $23.99 (CA), £14.99 (UK)

DM: £19.99 (US), $25.99 (CA), £25.99

ISBN: 9781787740150 (REG), 9781787742864 (DM: LEE), 9781787742857 (DM: SHARP)

On Sale: 12 June 2024 (Reg), 6 June 2024 (DM)

FILLED WITH HIGH ADVENTURE, SAVAGE COMBAT AND ROLLICKING TWO-FISTED ACTION! 

After adventures on the high seas, CONAN returns to shore to find himself haunted by his memories of BELIT captain of the Tigress and Queen of the Black Coast. Can a high-stakes heist draw him out of his tortured past, or will it plunge him deeper into the chaos that has always been waiting for him?

REG: ROBERTO DE LA TORRE (JAN240445)

DM EDITION: JAE LEE (JAN240446)

DM EDITION: LIAM SHARP (JAN240447)

DON COPPOLA 

Writer/Artist: Amazing Ameziane

Publisher: Statix Press (A Titan Comics imprint)

SC, FC, 228pp, $24.99 (US), $33.99 (CA), £21.99

ISBN: 9781787743236

On sale June 12, 2024

From the creator of Quentin by Tarantino and Muhammad Ali, comes Volume 2 of his Cine Trilogy of graphic novels.

Based on the lives and films of acclaimed cinema icons, this book focuses on the legendary Francis Ford Coppola of The Godfather fame.

Following the story of the man behind the movie, Don Coppola shows the insight behind the critically acclaimed director Francis Ford Coppola and takes a look at both the impact of his movies and his life from a cinematic narrative.

Created and illustrated by Amazing Ameziane, Don Coppola is the second instalment in the author’s Cine Trilogy, illustrating the behind-the-scenes stories of some of Hollywood’s biggest hits.

Cover: AMAZING AMEZIANE (JAN240428)

THE SAVAGE SWORD OF CONAN: THE ORIGINAL COMICS OMNIBUS VOL.1 Writer: Roy Thomas 

Artists: Barry Windsor - Smith, John Buscema

Publisher: Heroic Signatures & Titan Comics 

HC, B&W & FC, 1040pp 

$150.00 (US), $195.00 (CA), £125.00 (UK)

ISBN: 9781787740860 (REG), 9781787740877 (DM)

On Sale April 3, 2024

COLLECT THE ICONIC BLACK AND WHITE STORIES FROM THE MAGAZINE FORMAT SAVAGE SWORD OF CONAN! 

The dark and gritty tales within are perfect for Conan fans looking for that extra bit of bloody violence! Featuring writing and art by the classic Conan the Barbarian team of Roy Thomas and Barry Windsor - Smith, with additional art by legend John Buscema! 

Collecting Conan’s adventures from Savage Tales (1971) #1 - 5 and The Savage Sword of Conan (1974) #1 - 12. 

REG: BORIS VALLEJO (JAN240443)

DM EDITION: JOHN BUSCEMA (JAN240444)

MANGA 

SPEED GRAPHER VOL. 1

Artist/Writer: Tomozo

Publisher: Titan Manga (Titan Comics imprint)

SC, B&W, 192pp, $12.99, (US), $16.99 (CA), £9.99 (UK)

ISBN: 9781787742505

On sale: April 24, 2024

Adapted from the hit GONZO anime of the same name, a violent, white-knuckle thrill-ride through a strange world of superpowers!

In the seedy underworld of a supernatural Tokyo, a troubled former war photographer attempts to save a gifted fifteen-year-old girl from a sinister cabal that wants to exploit her powers.

The first volume in the hit GONZO anime of the same name, in the seedy underbelly of near future Tokyo, the famous Roppongi Club is shadowy hall of secrets. When photojournalist Saiga manages to infiltrate this elite association he discovers Kagura, a young girl whose touch bestows incredible and horrific powers. Now, anyone Saiga captures on film is doomed to die: the click of the shutter as sure as a trigger pull!

COVER: TOMOZO (JAN240468)

MAGAZINES

STAR WARS INSIDER #224

Writer: Titan Magazines

Publisher: Titan Magazines

SC, FC, Magazine, 82pp, $9.99

On sale: February 27, 2024 

FEATURING:

YOUNG JEDI ADVENTURES: Interview feature with Lucasfilm’s Josh Rimes, showrunner Michael Olson, and writers Christian Streaty, Katie Kaniewski, and Cavan Scott. 

'HIT IT MAX': Insider speaks to the original cast members of The Max Rebo Band. 

WHO'S THE BOSS? From Jabba to the Emperor, to Moff Gideon, different leaders have taken control of aspects of galactic affairs. Who were they, where were they from, and what was their impact.

FOIL VIRGIN ($19.99) (JAN240465)

NEWSSTAND (JAN240466)

PX ED (JAN2404667)

BOOKS

DOCTOR STRANGE: DIMENSION WAR

Writer: James Lovegrove 

Publisher: Titan Books

HC, 320pp, $26.99 (US), $35.95 (CA), £18.99 (UK)

ISBN: 9781803362571

On sale: March 27, 2024

FROM NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR JAMES LOVEGROVE.

The mind-bending original adventures of Doctor Strange, are brought to life for a new era.

SEA OF THIEVES: THE COOKBOOK

Writer: Kayce Baker 

Publisher: Titan Books

HC, FC, 160pp, $34.95 (US), $45.95 (US), £24.99 (UK)

IBSN: 978180336507

On sale: March 20, 2024

POP-CULTURE COOKBOOK FEATURING FOOD AND DRINKS INSPIRED BY THE BEST-SELLING MULTIPLAYER PIRATE VIDEO GAME, SEA OF THIEVES.

Bursting with delicious fish, meat, vegetarian and vegan dishes that are sure to inspire sea-faring chefs of all skill levels, this cookbook is the perfect culinary companion for your plundering adventures.

STAR WARS INSIDER: THE HIGH REPUBLIC: TALES OF ENLIGHTENMENT 

Publisher: Titan Magazines

HC, FC, 96pp, $19.99 (US) /$25.99 (CA), £14.99 (UK)

ISBN: 9781787741713

On sale: March 20, 2024

A hard cover collection of STAR WARS: THE HIGH REPUBLIC stories from the pages of STAR WARS INSIDER. 

A collection of tales set centuries before the birth of Anakin Skywalker, featuring Jedi Knights during the era of the glorious High Republic. In addition to six original stories, this collection also includes behind - the - scenes interviews with authors as well as a guide to Phase II of The High Republic publishing initiative, and one bonus story by George Mann.

COVER: TITAN MAGAZINES (JAN240469)

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

Marvel Comics from Diamond Distributors for December 13, 2023

MARVEL COMICS

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

#IReadsYou Movie Review: THE MARVELS

The Marvels (2023)

Running time:  105 minutes (1 hour, 45 minutes)

MPAA – PG-13 for action/violence and brief language

DIRECTOR:  Nia DaCosta

WRITERS:  Nia DaCosta, Megan McDonnell, and Elissa Karasik

PRODUCER:  Kevin Feige

CINEMATOGRAPHER:  Sean Bobbitt (BSC)

EDITORS:  Catrin Hedström and Evan Schiff

COMPOSER:  Laura Karpman

SUPERHERO/SCI-FI/ACTION with elements of comedy

Starring:  Brie Larson, Teyonah Parris, Iman Vellani, Zawe Ashton, Gary Lewis, Park See-joon, Zenobia Shroff, Mohan Kapur, Saagar Shaikh, Leila Farzad, Abraham Popoola, Lashana Lynch, and Samuel L. Jackson, Tessa Thompson, Hailee Steinfeld, and Kelsey Grammer

The Marvels is a 2023 superhero film directed by Nia DaCosta and produced by Marvel Studios.  The film is the 33rd entry in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) and is also a direct sequel to 2019's Captain Marvel.  The Marvels is also a continuation of the Disney+/Marvel Studios television miniseries, "Ms. Marvel" (2022).

The film is headlined by the Marvel Comics character, Carol Danvers, who first appeared in the comic book, Marvel Super-Heroes #13 (cover dated: March 1968), and who later became Captain Marvel.  In The Marvels, Captain Marvel gets her powers entangled with two other similarly-powered individuals, forcing the trio to work together to save the universe.

The Marvels opens with a focus on Hala, the capital planet of the Kree Empire.  The collapse of the empire's “Supreme Intelligence” leads to a civil war among the Kree on their home world of Hala.  The result is that the planet is becoming barren as it loses its natural resources and its sun is rapidly going dark.  Dar-Benn (Zawe Ashton), the new leader of the Kree, retrieves one of two “Quantum Bands.”  She hopes to harness its power and to pair it with her staff, “the Universal Weapon,” as part of her scheme to save Hala.

On Earth, specifically in a home in Jersey City, New Jersey, teenager Kamala Khan (Iman Vellani), who is also the superhero, “Ms. Marvel,” is dealing with teenage and family issues.  Kamala also happens to possess the other half of the Quantum Bands.

Meanwhile, above the Earth, Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson), now residing at the S.A.B.E.R. space station, has detected a “jump point” (which allows for hyperspace travel) anomaly caused by Dar-Benn.  Nick Fury calls in Carol Danvers/Captain Marvel (Brie Larson) and Monica Rambeau (Teyonah Parris), an astronaut who has the ability to manipulate all wavelengths of the electromagnetic spectrum, to investigate the jump point anomaly near S.A.B.E.R.

When Monica touches the jump point at the same time as Captain Marvel, it causes a reaction in which Monica, Carol, and Kamala switch places through teleportation.  Now, this reaction brings the three young women together in order to stop Dar-Benn from destroying several worlds in order to save her home world, Hala.  And Kamala thinks that she, Carol, and Monica can best do this as a team, a super-team she names “The Marvels.

In addition to being a sequel to the 2019 film, Captain Marvel, and being a continuation of the Ms. Marvel TV series, The Marvels includes story elements that appear in the Disney+ Marvel Studios miniseries, “WandaVision” (2021) and “Secret Invasion” (2023).  There are also elements from Avengers: Infinity War (2018) and Avengers: Endgame (2019).  At this point, I wonder if watching Marvel movies means having to be familiar with what has happened in too many previous films and television series.  There is also a scene that runs in the middle of the end credits that references other movies based on Marvel Comics characters.

Still, I love The Marvels.  I have not subscribed to Disney+, and I only saw the fifth and sixth episodes of the Ms. Marvels miniseries when it was aired on the ABC broadcast network in early September (2023).  I love The Marvels because I can figure out what is going on without having seen everything else it references.  If I really want to know more, I can read Wikipedia summaries of the Disney+ series that I have not seen.

The Marvels is marvelously enjoyable.  It is a science fiction adventure comedy that makes a comedy of physical errors out of every fight.  It's more like Guardians of the Galaxy (2014) and Thor: Ragnarok (2017) than it is like any other Marvel film.  Director Nia DaCosta and her co-writers take time to develop the relationship between Carol Danvers/Captain Marvel, Monica Rambeau, and Kamala Khan/Ms. Marvel.  Also, giving so much time to Kamala family:  her mother, Muneeba Khan (Zenobia Shroff); her father, Yusuf Khan (Mohan Kapur); and her older brother, Aamir Khan (Saagar Shaikh), gives the film a human element that keeps the sci-fi, outer space weirdness of The Marvels from entirely taking over the narrative.  Yes, the plot is a bit scattershot, but The Marvels is kinetic and packs a lot energy in its fight and action scenes.

The Marvels also gives us a lighter, funnier side of Nick Fury, and, the delights of Goose, the cat-like “Flerken” alien is multiplied this time.  Dar-Benn turns out to be one of the more ruthless and interesting of the MCU's recent villains.  And if that isn't enough, The Marvels has one of the MCU's best (if not the best) extra credit scenes.  The Marvels is refreshingly short, and while it is more loose than cohesive, it does remind me of one thing.  Every trip to the world of Marvel Studios' films is an out of this world experience.

[The film includes one extra-credits scenes that takes place during the middle of the credits (mid-credits).]

A

★★★★ out of 4 stars

Friday, November 10, 2023

The text is copyright © 2023 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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#IReadsYou Movie Review: "GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY VOL. 3"

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (2023)

Running time:  150 minutes (2 hours, 30 minutes)

MPAA – PG-13 for intense sequences of violence and action, strong language, suggestive/drug references and thematic elements

DIRECTOR:  James Gunn

WRITER:  James Gunn (based on the Marvel Comics characters)

PRODUCER:  Kevin Feige

CINEMATOGRAPHER:  Henry Braham (D.o.P.)

EDITORS:  Fred Raskin and Greg D'Auria

COMPOSER:  John Murphy

SCI-FI/FANTASY and ACTION/ADVENTURE/COMEDY

Starring:  Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista, Karen Gillan, Pom Klementieff, Chukwudi Iwuji, Sean Gunn, Will Poulter, Nico Santos, Miriam Shor, Elizabeth Debicki, Sylvester Stallone, Nathan Fillion, Michael Rooker, Gregg Henry, and the voices of Linda Cardellini, Seth Green, Maria Bakalova, Bradley Cooper, and Vin Diesel

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 is a 2023 science fiction, comedy, and action-adventure film written and directed by James Gunn and produced by Marvel Studios.  It is the third film in Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy film series, following 2014's Guardians of the Galaxy and 2017's Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2.  It is also the 32nd film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).  Vol. 3 finds the Guardians fighting to save one of their members from his creator, a mission that may destroy the Guardians whether they are successful or not.

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 opens on Knowhere, the strange space station where the Guardians of the Galaxy have established their headquarters.  Their leader, Peter Quill/Star-Lord (Chris Pratt), mourns the loss of his girlfriend, Gamora (Zoe Saldana).  The alien warlord, Thanos, killed Gamora (as seen in Avengers: Infinity War), but an alternate universe version of her appeared (as seen in Avengers: Endgame).  This new Gamora does not love Peter, and she associates with The Ravagers, which was once essentially Peter's surrogate family.

The group has bigger troubles ahead.  The Guardians are being targeted by the “Sovereign” empress Ayesha (Elizabeth Debicki), someone with a grudge against them (as seen in Vol. 2).  She sends her son, Adam Warlock (Will Poulter), to attack the Guardians, and he grievously wounds Rocket (voice of Bradley Cooper).  To save Rocket, Peter and his fellow Guardians:  Drax the Destroyer (Dave Bautista), Groot (voice of Vin Diesel), Mantis (Pom Klementieff), Nebula (Karen Gillan), and a reluctant Gamora, must confront The High Evolutionary (Chukwudi Iwuji), the Counter-Earth scientist who created Rocket.

The original Guardians of the Galaxy was one of the surprise hits of 2014, if not the surprise hit of the year.  Vol. 2 was a fun sci-fi-action movie and a surprisingly thoughtful character melodrama.  Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 does everything the first two films did well and amplifies that.  Vol. 3 is the series' funniest film, and I found myself laughing throughout it.  That still surprises me because this movie has some pretty dark moments, especially concerning The High Evolutionary, who is superbly played with volcanic intensity and unremitting cruelty by the most excellent Chuckwudi Iwuji.

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 is one of Marvel Studios' best films in years.  I think it works for three reasons.  First, the film's production values and special effects are impressive.  The CGI-created environments, backdrops, sets (interiors and exteriors), space-ways, worlds, etc. are so dazzling in scope, color, and imagination that they surpass the impressive work of the first two films, especially the second film.  The entire entire “Orgoscope” sequence is an eye-popping collection of inventiveness.  Even the menagerie of people, creatures, and robots exceeds the first two film, probably combined.

The acting is quite good, and that makes me want to engage the characters even more.  Chris Pratt gives his best tern as Peter Quill/Star-Lord – drama, pathos, big emotions, and the sarcasm and quips are still here – but with edginess.  This is the first time that I really hoped that Star-Lord would be a long term MCU character.  It is so shocking that Zoe Saldana can convince me that she is a different Gamora.  Karen Gillan as Nebula and Pom Klementieff as Mantis do superb work with the character arcs that the story gives them.  As Drax the Destroyer, Dave Bautista makes the character seem not extraneous for the first time.  Vin Diesel and Bradley Cooper as always are winning in their voice roles as Groot and Rocket, respectively, with Diesel bringing some extra to Groot this time.

The third reason Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 is so damn good is writer-director James Gunn.  This is Gunn at the peak of his powers.  Honestly, I liked Vol. 2 so much that I didn't think he could top himself, but he does with this third film.  I did find Vol. 3 a little dry and too dark in the beginning, but once it grabbed me, it would not let go.

This film has a heart – a center that is about the struggle to help a friend or family member no matter how bad his or her troubles might be or even if he or she resists and rejects the help.  In Vol. 3, Gunn makes all the characters unique individuals with wants, needs, goals, conflicts, and melodrama.  However, the best thing that Gunn does is accept that even the most intense relationships change, so he lets some of the characters move on.  The result is a last act for the ages and a closing sequence that recalls the beginning of the original film and leaves the viewer with the warmest feelings.

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 opens in the U.S. today, May 5, 2023.  That is 15 years and a few days after the release of the first MCU film, Iron Man (2008).  Vol. 3 exemplifies something that I just realize runs throughout Marvel Studios' film.  In almost all of them, a dominant theme is the formation of surrogate families.  Friends, enemies, heroes, and sometimes even the villains come together in a unit that is more than just a group of friends; they are family.  In Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, James Gunn gives us the end of one version of the family as it evolves into something larger.  What makes Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 an amazing film is that it is as heartwarming as it is exciting and thrilling.  Yes, there are big, mesmerizing action set pieces, but by the end, I really believe that these guys love one another.  I could watch it forever.

9 of 10

★★★★+ out of 4 stars

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

The text is copyright © 2023 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for syndication rights and fees.

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