Showing posts with label Marvel Studios. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Marvel Studios. Show all posts

Sunday, December 15, 2024

#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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Friday, August 23, 2024

Titan Publishing Comics, Magazine and Book Solicitations for October 2024

TITAN COMICS OCT 2024 SOLICITS (AUG 2024 PREVIEWS)

COMICS

RUNESCAPE: UNTOLD TALES OF THE GOD WARS #1 (of 4)
(W) Ryan O'Sullivan
(A) Sid Kotian, Daniel Bayliss
Format: Comic
Publisher: Titan Comics
FC, 48pp, $4.99, On Sale October 9, 2024

THE COMIC DEBUT OF SEMINAL FANTASY MMORPG RUNESCAPE EXPANDS ON THE FAN-FAVORITE GOD WARS DUNGEON QUESTLINE. 

Delve into the TEMPLE OF LOST ANCIENTS during the catastrophic and iconic  GOD WARS, as four warring armies fight for control of the GODSWORD: the only weapon capable of killing a deity. Trapped in the center of the conflict is MARO, who dreams of breaking free of his master's clutches...

Exclusive code for 200 RuneCoins inside the issue. 

COVER A: ALAN QUAH
COVER B: IVAN SHAVRIN
COVER C: DAVE BARKER (RUNESCAPE LEAD CONCEPT ARTIST)
COVER D: SID KOTIAN
COVER E: ALEX MOORE

MINKY WOODCOCK: THE GIRL CALLED CTHULHU #1 (OF 4)
(W/A) Cynthia von Buhler 
Format: Comic
Publisher: Hard Case Crime / Titan Comics 
FC, 32pp, $3.99, On Sale October 16, 2024

THE PLUCKY DETECTIVE RETURNS WITH AN OCCULT HORROR TWIST! Sensational artist, author, and playwright, CYNTHIA VON BUHLER melds her glorious illustrations with the eldritch elements of HP LOVECRAFT and ALEISTER CROWLEY.

Inspired by a true WWII maritime operation, shocking satanic events, monstrous men, and one salacious sea creature, this third series tells the tale of Minky’s encounter with legendary horror writer H.P. LOVECRAFT, creator of the dreaded CTHULHU.

COVER A: CELINA
COVER B: PHOTO
COVER C: CYNTHIA VON BUHLER
COVER D: CLAUDIA IANNICIELLO NUDE BAGGED ($13.99)
COVER E: ALISON SAMPSON 

CONAN THE BARBARIAN: BATTLE OF THE BLACK STONE #2 (OF 4)
(W) Jim Zub
(A) Jonas Scharf
Format: Comic
Publisher: Heroic Signatures and Titan Comics
FC, 32pp, $3.99, On Sale October 2, 2024

CONAN OF CIMMERIA IS HAUNTED BY SHADOWS, LIVING NIGHTMARES CONNECTED TO A MYSTERIOUS EYE SYMBOL ETCHED IN BLACK STONE. 

An unspeakable evil looms over the Hyborian Age and every age connected to it... and it will take more than a lone barbarian to stop its relentless march upon time, space, and sanity.

BATTLE OF THE BLACK STONE, an epic new CONAN EVENT from Heroic Signatures and Titan Comics, begins HERE, from Jim Zub (Conan the Barbarian, Dungeons & Dragons) and artist Jonas Scharf (Dark X-Men, Basilisk)!

COVER A: ROBERTO DE LA TORRE
COVER B: NICK MARINKOVICH
COVER C: PATCH ZIRCHER
COVER D: MAX VON FAFNER

CONAN: THE BARBARIAN #16 (ONGOING)
(W) Jim Zub
(A) Doug Braithwaite 
Format: Comic
Publisher: Heroic Signatures and Titan Comics
FC, 32pp, $3.99, On Sale October 30, 2024

AFTER LEAVING CIMMERIA FILLED WITH WANDERLUST, A YOUNG CONAN HEADS NORTH IN SEARCH OF GLORY. 

What he finds in that cold climate will change his outlook forever, setting him on the path that will make him a LEGEND.

The triumphant new era of Conan continues in this tale of brutal heroic adventure from acclaimed creators JIM ZUB (Avengers, Dungeons & Dragons) and DOUG BRAITHWAITE (Punisher, Justice)!

COVER A: COLLEEN DORAN
COVER B: JAKUB ROZALSKI
COVER C: DOUG BRAITHWAITE

THE SAVAGE SWORD OF CONAN #5 (ONGOING)
(W) Jason Aaron, Michael Kogge 
(A) Geof Isherwood, Dan Parsons 
Format: Magazine
Publisher: Heroic Signatures & Titan Comics
B&W, 64pp, $6.99, On Sale October 30, 2024

A NEW KING CONAN ARC BEGINS BY JASON AARON! THE SAVAGE SWORD OF CONAN CONTINUES ITS TRIUMPHANT RETURN FROM HEROIC SIGNATURES AND TITAN COMICS!

Featuring the first chapter of an epic KING CONAN two-part comic from Eisner Award-winning writer JASON AARON and artist GEOF ISHERWOOD, a YOUNG CONAN tale from writer MICHAEL KOGGE and artist DAN PARSONS, colossal covers from JOE JUSKO and ALEX HORLEY, astonishing art pin-ups, and more!

COVER A: JOE JUSKO
COVER B: ALEX HORLEY

CONAN THE BARBARIAN #13-16 DOUG BRAITHWAITE PACK
(W) Jim Zub
(A) Doug Braithwaite
Format: Comic
Publisher: Heroic Signatures and Titan Comics

FC, 5 x 32pp, $19.99, On Sale December 4, 2024

AN UNMISSABLE SPECIAL COLLECTOR'S PACK!

COLLECTS ISSUE #13-16 - Features a bonus #13 DOUG BRAITHWAITE exclusive to this pack! LIMITED TO 750 COPIES!

BLADE RUNNER: TOKYO NEXUS #4 (OF 4) 
(W) Kianna Shore 
(A) Mariano Taibo 
Format: Comic
Publisher: Titan Comics
FC, 32pp, $3.99, On Sale October 23, 2024 

TOKYO 2015: TWO KALANTHIA SURVIVORS FIGHT FOR THEIR LIVES IN A WORLD WHERE BLADE RUNNERS ARE THE LEAST OF THEIR PROBLEMS 
Following a failed mission Off-World, the only two survivors of a combat squad, ex-marine Mead and Replicant combat model Stix, have returned to Tokyo to search for the traitor who left them to die. 

Now working as unlicensed detectives while hunting their betrayer, Stix and Mead find themselves in the middle of a deadly conflict between rival Yakuza clans, Tyrell Corp special operatives, and Cheshire, an enigmatic rival to Tyrell with its own version of Replicant technology. 

COVER A: JAKUB REBELKA 
COVER B: ANGELA WU 
COVER C: MARIANO TAIBO 

HUGE DETECTIVE #3 (OF 4) 
(W) Adam Rose 
(A) Magenta King 
Format: Comic
Publisher: Titan Comics
FC, 32pp, $3.99, On Sale October 2, 2024 

After a race of giants emerged from deep sleep beneath the earth, a bloody conflict ensued in what became known as THE OMEGA EVENT. Eventually, a treaty is resolved and the state of Brobdingnag is created, allowing humans and giants to co-exist harmoniously. 

Yet tragedy threatens to shatter the peace, and an unlikely partnership is formed between DETECTIVES TAMAKI AND GYANT. 
As the pair attempt to stop the criminal AT LARGE, they find themselves involved in a mystery BIGGER than either could imagine. 
 
COVER A: BRUNO SELIG 
COVER B: MAGENTA KING 
COVER C: MARCELO COSTA 

BLADE RUNNER: TOKYO NEXUS #1-4 MARIANO TAIBO PACK
(W) Kianna Shore
(A) Mariano Taibo
Format: Comic
Publisher: Titan Comics
FC, 5x32pp, $19.99, On Sale November 13, 2024 

AN UNMISSABLE SPECIAL COLLECTOR'S PACK! COLLECTS ISSUE #1-4. Features a bonus #1 BLACK AND WHITE VIRGIN VARIANT exclusive to this pack! LIMITED TO 500 COPIES!


GRAPHIC NOVELS/OMNIBUS

KING CONAN: THE ORIGINAL COMICS OMNIBUS VOL. 1
(W) Roy Thomas, Doug Moench and Alan Zelenetz 
(A) John Buscema and Marc Silvestri 
Format: Omnibus
Publisher: Heroic Signatures and Titan Comics
HC, 7.25" x 10.875", 776pp, $125.00,  On Sale February 5, 2025 

CONAN THE BARBARIAN, THE THIEF, THE MERCENARY, AND NOW… CONAN THE KING! 

From the battlefield to the throne room, from barbarian to legendary monarch, the timeless saga of Conan reaches the era when he became KING! Collecting issues #1-19 of King Conan (1980-1983). 

REGULAR: JOHN BUSCEMA 
DM COVER: MARC SILVESTRI 

DOCTOR WHO: THE FIFTEENTH DOCTOR TP 
(W) Dan Watters
(A) Kelsey Ramsay
Format: Graphic novel
Publisher: Titan Comics
FC, 128pp, $17.99, On Sale March 19, 2025

ENTER A NEW AGE OF THE WHONIVERSE WITH AN INCREDIBLE ADVENTURE STARRING THE FIFTEENTH DOCTOR!

THE FIFTEENTH DOCTOR and RUBY are just starting out on their adventures together and it’s going to be an exhilarating ride!

With a new sonic screwdriver, a new TARDIS and a new companion, the Doctor is ready to explore all of time and space once more. But is he ready to face his greatest fears…?

COVER: STANLEY 'ARTGERM' LAU

HIGH ON LIFE TP 
(W) Alec Robbins 
(A) Kit Wallis, JP Jordan 
Format: Graphic novel
Publisher: Titan Comics
FC, 112pp, $17.99, On Sale January 15, 2025 

NEW GUN. NEW THREATS. THE BOUNTY HUNTER IS BACK. 

A tale of REDEMPTION, REVENGE, and the LOST LOVE between sentient alien guns against the backdrop of gooey galactic hilarity.  Set between the events of the video game and its latest HIGH ON KNIFE DLC, the BOUNTY HUNTER - with new gatlian HARPER in hand - must step up to save humanity as a new enemy guns directly for our hero. 

COVER: BALDEMAR RIVAS 

MARTIN SCORSESE 
(W/A) Amazing Amèziane 
SC, FC, 384pp, $29.99, On Sale November 13, 2024 

BASED ON THE LIVES AND FILMS OF ACCLAIMED CINEMA ICONS, THIS BOOK FOCUSES ON THE LEGENDARY DIRECTOR MARTIN SCORSESE OF GOODFELLAS FAME. 

In this first-person graphic novel, MARTIN SCORSESE, totally possessed by his love of cinema, tells the story of the journey of the asthmatic little boy from Little Italy who went on to become one of the world's greatest directors 

GIRL REBELS 
(W) Laurent Hopman, Fabien Morin, Julien Derain 
(A) Gijé, Brett Parson, Jocelyn Joret, Rebecca Traunig, Vittoria Macioci 
Format: Graphic novel
Publisher: Titan Comics
FC, HC, 144pp, $19.99, On Sale December 11, 2024 

FOLLOW THE STORIES OF INCREDIBLE WOMEN IN MODERN HISTORY, INCLUDING 
GRETA THUNBERG, EMMA ‘X’ GONZALEZ AND MALALA YOUSAFZAI AMONG OTHERS. 

Beautifully illustrated by a diverse, international creative team, fans of extraordinary real-life stories will love this! 


MS.TREE FALLEN TREE
(W) Max Allan Collins
(A) Terry Beatty
Format: Graphic novel 
Publisher: Hard Case Crime / Titan Comics 
SC, FC, 224pp, $34.99, On Sale November 13, 2024

THE SIXTH SENSATIONAL INSTALLMENT IN THE HARD CASE CRIME BOOKS OF MS. TREE!

Join Michael Tree, the 6ft, 9mm carrying private detective on her thrilling adventures. No case is too small, no violence too extreme, just as long as it gets the job done.

PEANUTS: YOU'RE THE GREATEST CHARLIE BROWN 
(W/A) Charles M. Schulz
Format: Graphic novel
Publisher: Titan Comics 
B&W, SC, 128pp, $7.99, On Sale November 20, 2024 

THIS TIMELESS CLASSIC COMIC STRIP IS BELOVED BY FANS OF ALL AGES, AND CONTINUES TO FIND NEW FANS ALIKE. 

The latest edition in the hugely popular PEANUTS FACSIMILE series sees the release of the 16th volume in the series, FEATURING 126 PAGES OF CLASSIC PEANUTS daily newspaper strips from 1963 and 1964. 

PEANUTS BOXED SET: PEANUTS REVISITED, PEANUTS EVERY SUNDAY, GOOD GRIEF MORE PEANUTS
(W/A) Charles M. Schulz
Format: Graphic novel
Publisher: Titan Comics 
B&W, BS, 384pp, $24.99, On Sale September 4, 2024 

THE SECOND CLASSIC PEANUTS COLLECTION! A timeless classic comic strip beloved by fans of all ages! Over pages of classic PEANUTS DAILY AND SUNDAY NEWSPAPER comic strips to enjoy. INCLUDES THREE ART CARDS!

MICHAEL MOORCOCK'S ELRIC VOL. 4: THE DREAMING CITY DELUXE EDITION
(W) Michael Moorcock, Julien Blondel & Jean-Luc Cano 
(A) Julien Telo & Robin Recht
Format: Graphic novel
Publisher: Titan Comics
FC, HC, 80pp, $29.99, On Sale October 23, 2024

A STUNNING COMIC ADAPTATION OF THE CLASSIC ELRIC OF MELNIBONÉ NOVELS BY FANTASY LEGEND MICHAEL MOORCOCK!

Collected in a super-sized deluxe edition, this final volume concludes the first cycle of Elric stories with a dramatic showdown against his lost love Cymoril

MANGA

ALPI THE SOUL SENDER VOL. 5
(W/A) Rona
Format: Manga
Publisher: Titan Manga
B&W, SC, 176pp, $12.99, On Sale November 6, 2025

AFTER A DEADLY ENCOUNTER, THE YOUNG SOUL SENDER STRIKES BACK OUT INTO THE WORLD

When Ashmarte the curator turns out not to be the ally Alpi thought him to be, she is left with an enemy for life. 

Striking back out into the world, the young Soul Sender goes back to what she does best, but this time with new allies to help organize the sacred rites!

SOMALI AND THE FOREST SPIRIT VOL.1
(W/A) Yako Gureishi
Format: Manga
Publisher: Titan Manga
B&W, SC, 192pp, $12.99, On Sale November 13, 2024

ADAPTED INTO A HIT ANIME! AIRING ON CRUNCHYROLL

THE WORLD IS RULED BY GOBLINS, SPIRITS, GOLEMS, AND ALL TYPES OF STRANGE CREATURES… BUT NOT HUMANS

When a golem, a guardian of the forest, chances across a young girl lost in the woods, he vows to take care of her… despite his life coming to an end. He must find other humans for her to live with, but in a world that despises them, is that even possible?

THE ELEGANT COURTLY LIFE OF THE TEA WITCH VOL.1 
(W) Ameko Kaerudo 
(A) Yorifuji 
Format: Manga
Publisher: Titan Manga
B&W, SC, 192pp, $12.99, On Sale November 27, 2024 

THE STORY OF REMY, THE LOWLY TEA WITCH, USING HER MAGIC TO BREW THE FINEST CUP OF TEA FOR THE NOBLE LORDS AND LADIES! 

All she really wants is a quiet life creating gorgeous displays for shop window. However, she is slowly drawn into a world of intrigue as her incredible powers of transformation make her the gossip of the court and the object of affection for a naïve princess 

SPEED GRAPHER VOL 3
(W/A) Tomozo
Format: Manga
Publisher: Titan Manga
B&W, SC, 192pp, $12.99, On Sale February 19, 2025

DIVE INTO THE CHAOS OF A NEAR-FUTURE WORLD! 

In this gripping culmination of terrors and action, Saiga and Kagura’s race against time heats up, with the Roppongi Club hot on their heels. Their investigation leads them down a frightening path, as they unravel the secrets of Kagura’s mother’s past, and delve into the mystery of her father’s identity. 

CORRUPTION, SUPERNATURAL SECRETS, AND DEVASTATING BATTLES COLLIDE IN TOMOZO’S EPIC ENDING TO THE SPEED GRAPHER TRILOGY!

ADAPTED FROM THE HIT GONZO ANIME  OF THE SAME NAME! 

MY NAME IS ZERO VOL 2
(W/A) Hana Shinohara
Format: Manga
Publisher: Titan Manga
B&W, SC, 192pp, $12.99, On Sale October 23, 2024

THE SECOND VOLUME IN AN EPIC MANGA ABOUT LIFE AND DEATH! Kanazaki Rei is an avid gamer, but his debts are mounting up as the expensive medical treatments for his sister don’t come cheap. In a fit of desperation, he follows a link in a mysterious email promising help, only to find himself transported into the dangerous world of his favorite videogame! 

MAGAZINES

STAR WARS INSIDER #228
Format: Magazine
Publisher: Titan
SC, 84pp, $9.99, On Sale October 16, 2024 

FEATURING: THE MANDALORIAN: FIFTH ANNIVERSARY -INSIDER explores how the hit Disney+ series has been filling in the history of the Star Wars galaxy between the original and sequel trilogies and resolving long-standing plotlines along the way.

PHANTOMS OF THE SPACE OPERA - From Darth Vader's Frankenstein body horror to the Shakespearean Witches of Dathomir, INSIDER investigates the spookier side of Star Wars characters and locations.

THE BAD BATCH: SEASON THREE COMPANION - With behind-the-scenes trivia! AND MORE!

COVER: GLOW IN THE DARK ($19.99)
COVER: NEWSSTAND
COVER: PX ED

STAR TREK EXPLORER #13
Format: Magazine
Publisher: Titan
SC, 100pp, $9.99, On Sale October 8, 2024

STAR TREK SECURITY SPECIAL- We celebrate the brave souls who've done more to keep Starfleet safe than any others! AN EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH JONATHAN FRAKES- Star Trek's very own William Riker chats about his behind-the- scenes work as a director. 

THE KELVIN MOVIES- A definitive guide!

COVER: EXCLUSIVE
COVER: NEWSSTAND

ARTBOOKS & NOVELS

STAR WARS INSIDER: THE HIGH REPUBLIC: STARLIGHT STORIES DIGEST EDITION
(W) Justina Irealand, Cavan Scott, Charles Soule 
Format: Digest
Publisher: Titan
SC, 96pp, $12.99, On Sale October 16, 2024

EXPERIENCE THE GALAXY CENTURIES BEFORE THE STRUGGLE OF THE REBEL ALLIANCE AGAINST THE GALACTIC EMPIRE!

A compendium of short stories from the High Republic era, collected from the pages of STAR WARS INSIDER in a new digest-sized edition! Characters such as Joss and Pikka Adren, Chief of Security Ghal Tarpfen, Administrator Velko Jahen, and Jedi Master Sskeer feature in a variety of tales aboard STARLIGHT BEACON.


MARVEL STUDIOS' THE INFINITY SAGA THOR: THE DARK WORLD – THE ART OF THE MOVIE 
Format: Book
Publisher: Titan Books
HC, FC, 278pp, $40.00, On Sale September 18, 2024 

THE OFFICIAL ART BOOK FOR THE MARVEL MOVIE THOR: THE DARK WORLD 
Packed with exclusive content, this fully illustrated tome is a comprehensive behind-the-scenes look at the creative process of bringing a god and his worlds to life on the big screen. 

Follow the film’s complete artistic evolution, featuring concept artwork, behind-the-scenes photographs, production stills and in-depth interviews with the cast and crew. 

MARVEL STUDIOS' THE INFINITY SAGA CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE WINTER SOLDIER - THE ART OF THE MOVIE 
Format: Book
Publisher: Titan Books
HC, FC, 238pp, $40.00, On Sale October 30, 2024 

THE OFFICIAL ART BOOK FOR THE MARVEL MOVIE CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE WINTER SOLDIER 

Follow the artistic evolution of MARVEL STUDIOS' CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE WINTER SOLDIER from a selection of concept designs for characters and costumes, to behind-the-scenes insights into the  making of the movie. 

LOKI: JOURNEY INTO MYSTERY PROSE NOVEL
(W) Katherine Locke
Format: Book
Publisher: Titan Books
SC, 336pp, $17.99, On Sale October 2, 2024
THE GOD OF LIES HAS BEEN REBORN. CAN YOUNG LOKI BE ASGARD'S SAVIOR?

This truly epic adaptation of Kieron Gillen’s Loki series spans the nine realms as the reborn trickster struggles to walk the hero’s path and save the universe from an epidemic of fear.

THE FANTASY WORLDS OF IRWIN ALLEN
(W) Jeff Bond
Format: Book
Publisher: Titan Books
HC, 612pp, $89.99, On Sale October 16, 2024 
TAKE A VISUAL JOURNEY THROUGH THE MIND AND CAREER OF THE MASTER OF DISASTER, PRODUCER OF THE POSEIDON ADVENTURE AND THE TOWERING INFERNO, ILLUSTRATED WITH OVER 2,000 EXCLUSIVE IMAGES.

The ultimate guide to the productions of Irwin Allen, legendary creator of Lost in Space, Land of the Giants, Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea, and The Time Tunnel. 

STAR TREK EXPLORER: A YEAR TO THE DAY THAT I SAW MYSELF DIE AND OTHER STORIES
(W) Walter Koenig, Una McCormack, Jake Black, David Mack and Greg Cox
Format: Book
Publisher: Titan
HC, 96pp, $24.99, On Sale November 13, 2024
EXPLORE THE STAR TREK UNIVERSE IN THIS ANTHOLOGY OF 14 FULLY ILLUSTRATED SHORT STORIES COLLECTED FOR THE FIRST TIME! 

Includes an adventure written by Walter Koenig , who played Pavel Chekov in the original classic series and seven feature films. Also featuring stories by Una McCormack, Greg Cox and Chris McAuley. 
This incredible collection features stories starring iconic characters from Star Trek series including Star Trek: The Original Series, Star Trek: The Next Generation, Star Trek: Voyager, and Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. 

GODZILLA: THE OFFICIAL COOKBOOK 
(W) Kayce Baker 
Format: Book
Publisher: Titan Books
FC, HC, 160pp, $34.95, On Sale October 30, 2024

GET READY TO UNLEASH THE CULINARY POWER OF MONSTROUS FLAVORS WITH GODZILLA: THE OFFICIAL COOKBOOK! 

The official cookbook inspired by the Toho Godzilla movies and creatures, featuring a wide variety of fun, kaiju-themed food and drink recipes to suit all tastes and skill levels, including the scrumptious Guaczilla, the delicious Gigan’s Wings and the awesome Mechagodzilla Head cake! 

Embark on a gastronomic journey like never before, exploring a menu as vast as the Pacific Ocean. From fiery drinks that erupt with flavor to starters that capture the essence of destruction, every recipe is crafted to unleash your inner food monster. 

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Monday, July 29, 2024

Marvel Comics from Diamond Distributors for July 31, 2024

MARVEL COMICS

MAY240732 AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #54 $4.99
MAR247118 AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #54 50 COPY INCV DELLOTTO CONNECTING VIR $4.99
MAY240733 AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #54 DEADPOOL KILLS MARVEL UNIVERSE VAR $4.99
MAY240734 AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #54 FEDERICA MANCIN VAR $4.99
MAR247115 AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #54 GABRIELE DELL OTTO CONNECTING VAR $4.99
MAY240780 ANNIHILATION 2099 #5 $3.99
MAY240781 ANNIHILATION 2099 #5 KEN LASHLEY 2099 FRAME VAR $3.99
MAY240696 BLACK WIDOW VENOMOUS #1 $4.99
MAY240698 BLACK WIDOW VENOMOUS #1 DEADPOOL KILLS THE MARVEL UNIV VAR $4.99
MAY240700 BLACK WIDOW VENOMOUS #1 DERRICK CHEW BLACK WIDOW VAR $4.99
MAY240699 BLACK WIDOW VENOMOUS #1 INHYUK LEE VAR $4.99
MAY240649 BLOOD HUNT #5 $5.99
MAY240656 BLOOD HUNT #5 DAVID BALDEON FANGS VAR $5.99
MAY240654 BLOOD HUNT #5 MAHMUD ASRAR VAR $5.99
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Friday, July 26, 2024

#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.

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Wednesday, July 24, 2024

#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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Sunday, July 21, 2024

#IReadsYou Movie Review: LOGAN

Logan (2017)

Running time:  137 minutes (2 hours, 17 minutes)
MPAA – PG-13 for strong brutal violence and language throughout, and for brief nudity
DIRECTOR:  James Mangold
WRITERS:  James Mangold & Scott Frank and Michael Green; from a story by James Mangold (based on the characters and stories appearing in Marvel Comics)
PRODUCERS:  Simon Kinberg, Hutch Parker, and Lauren Shuler Donner
CINEMATOGRAHER: John Mathieson (D.o.P.)
EDITORS:  Michael McCusker and Dirk Westervelt
COMPOSER:  Marco Beltrami
Academy Award nominee

SUPERHERO/ACTION/DRAMA

Starring:  Hugh Jackman, Patrick Stewart, Dafne Keen, Boyd Holbrook, Stephen Merchant, Elizabeth Rodriguez, Richard E. Grant, Eriq La Salle, Elise Neal, Quincy Fouse, Jason Genao, and Bryant Tardy

Logan is a 2017 American drama, action film and superhero movie from director James Mangold.  Starring Hugh Jackman in the title role, it is the tenth film in 20th Century Fox's X-Men movie franchise and is also the third entry in the Wolverine film series.  Logan is based on the Marvel Comics character, Logan/Wolverine, that was created by writer Len Wein and artists John Romita and Herb Trimpe and first fully appeared in the comic book, The Incredible Hulk #181 (cover dated: November 1974).  Logan the movie focuses on a legendary mutant trying to save a mutant child from the evil people determined to capture her.

Logan opens in the year 2029.  Mutants are nearly extinct, and no new mutants have been born in 24 years.  The aging and ailing Logan (Hugh Jackman) works as a limousine driver in El Paso, Texas.  Once upon a time, he was known as “Wolverine,” and he was a member of the legendary band of mutants, the “X-Men.”  Now, he and the elderly founder of the X-Men, Charles Xavier (Patrick Stewart), live in hiding. Xavier suffers from a degenerative brain condition, and he sometimes has telepathic seizures that render anyone in the vicinity virtually helpless.  A mutant known as “Caliban” (Stephen Merchant) helps Logan care for Charles.

Logan has plans for escape, but a complication arrives in the form of a small girl named Laura (Dafne Keen), also known as test subject “X23.”  She is a mutant and her abilities are remarkably similar to those of Wolverine's.  However, she is being hunted by Donald Pierce (Boyd Holbrook) and his band of killers, the “Reavers.”  They are in service of the research institute, Alkali Transigen, and the scientists there want her back no matter what it costs in terms of lives.  Will Logan become the hero Wolverine, again, and help Laura get to a place called “Eden?”  Or will he run away from his fate, again?

Having seen the first two Wolverine films, X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009) and The Wolverine (2013), I did not go to the theater to see Logan when it was originally released in 2017.  [In my defense, I was knee deep in catastrophic family drama at the time.]  With the impending release of the upcoming Marvel Studios film, Deadpool & Wolverine, I decided it was time.

My was I missing an excellent film.  Logan is by far the best of the Wolverine films, and at the time of its release, it was the best X-Men since 2011's X-Men: First Class.  Truthfully, Logan would end up being the last really good X-Men film produced by 20th Century Fox.

Logan, which was rated “R” by the MPAA, is one of the most violent superhero films that I've ever seen.  Logan, Laura, and a surprise character called “X24” disembowel, dismember, behead, eviscerate, stab, and chop up what seems like a small town's worth of deserving men of various stripes.  Although I can sometimes be a prude about what I see as gratuitous violence in cinema, I love the brutal violence of Logan.  In fact, all the action scenes in Logan are brilliant, from the standoffs to the fights and car chases.

However, director James Mangold, a filmmaker with a hugely diverse filmography, makes Logan turn on dramatic storytelling and performances.  It is obvious that Hugh Jackman as Logan and Patrick Stewart as Charles Xavier would give fine performances.  Still, actor and comedian, Stephen Merchant, is simply wonderful in the important supporting role of Caliban, bringing pathos and depth to a role that could have ended up being an extraneous freak character.

Boyd Holbrook also brings range and a variety of moods to Donald Pierce, another character that could have been a generic mercenary type.  Dafne Keen matches the rage and range of Jackman as Logan.  Laura could have been lost in the hurricane that is Logan/Wolverine's story in this film, but Keen makes Laura a force of her own.  Also, I would be remiss if I didn't mention that Eriq La Salle makes the most of his short time on screen as Will Munson.

Logan is a mournful film.  It really is not a sequel to the earlier Wolverine films so much as it is the completion of Logan/Wolverine's tragic, but heroic story arc that buttressed the earlier films.  Logan is both an ending and a beginning, and I wish that the care and effort put into this film had been put into some of the other X-Men films.


A
★★★★ out of 4 stars

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


NOTES:
The mock X-Men comic books that appear in this film were produced by writer Joe Quesada and artist Dan Panosian.


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

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Wednesday, July 17, 2024

#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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Wednesday, February 28, 2024

I Reads You Juniors: February 2024 - Update #52

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

You can support Leroy via Paypal or on Patreon.

Amazon wants me to inform/remind you that any affiliate links found on this page are PAID ADS, but I technically only get paid (eventually) if you click on affiliate links like these, BOOKS PAGE, GRAPHIC NOVELS, or MANGA PAGE and BUY something(s).

NEWS:

MARVEL - From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics is apparently committing to a $3.99 price point on more of its comic books.  Currently, about half are $3.99 and half are $4.99.

EN MEMORIAM - From BleedingCool:  Comic book artist, Ramona Fradon, has died at the age of 97, Saturday, February 24, 2024.  Fradon was best known for drawing the Aquaman comic in "Adventure Comics for over 100 issues over a period from 1951 to 1961.  She penciled just about every issue of the "Super Friends" comic book (1977-81).  Fradon created the DC Comics' superhero, "Metamorpho," and she drew the "Brenda Starr, Reporter," newspaper comic strip from 1982 to 1995.  Fradon's career began in 1950 and lasted until her recent retirement in January 2024.

DC ANIMATION - From YouTube:  DC Comics has released an official trailer for the animated film, "Justice League: Crisis on Infinite Earths Part Two."

DARK HORSE - From THRDark Horse Comics will publish an eight-issue comic book adaptation of Neil Gaiman's 2005 novel, "Anansi Boys."  The adaptation will be written by Marc Bernardin and drawn by Shawn Martinbrough.

EC COMICS - From NewYorkTimesOni Press is reviving EC Comics.

From BleedingCoolLee Bermejo, Jason Aaron, and Rodney Barnes are among the first creators to join Oni Press' EC Comics revival.

From BleedingCool: The new partnership that is reviving "EC Comics" is being overseen by Oni Press President & Publisher Hunter Gorinson and Editor-in-Chief Sierra Hahn alongside Cathy Gaines Mifsud and Corey Mifsud, the daughter and grandson of legendary EC Publisher William M. Gaines and administrators of William M. Gaines Agent, Inc.  Writer Brian Azzarello is the latest big name creator to join the revival.

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SONY/MARVEL - From AwardsWatch:  At the 51st Annie Awards, "Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse" wins in all six categories in which it was nominated, including "Best Feature."

TOP SHELF/BOOK NEWS - From BleedingCoolAlan Moore and the late Steve Moore's long, long-awaited book, "The Moon and Serpent Bumper Book of Magic," will finally arrive in October 2024.  Co-published by Top Shelf Productions and Knockabout LTD (UK), the book will be 352 pages in length at a cost of $49.99.  It is available to preorder from several outlets including Amazon.

DC COMICS - From DCBlog:  Artist Shawn Martinbrough speaks about his new series, "Red Hood: The Hill."  Martinbrough will write and Sanford Greene will draw the series.  "Red Hood: The Hill #1" is now in stories and available digitally.

COMICS TO HOLLYWOOD - From Forbes:  Bestselling comic book writer, James Tynion IV, announced a new business venture, "Tiny Onion." The company is billed as a “full stack production house” for the development, packaging, marketing and cross-platform promotion of new creator-owned work. Media-oriented venture capital firm, Lyrical Media, has stepped forward with a low seven-figure investment in Tiny Onion’s seed round.

DARK HORSE TO TV - From DeadlineNetflix's "The Umbrella Academy," which is based on Gerard Way's comic book series, will begin its fourth and final season on August 8, 2024.

EN MEMORIAM - From BleedingCool:  British comic book artist, writer, and editor, Paul Neary, has died at the age of 74, Saturday, February 10, 2024.  Neary was editor-in-chief at Marvel UK from 1990 to 1993; wrote scripts for "Doctor Who Weekly;" and penciled Marvel Comics' 1988 Nick Fury vs. S.H.I.E.L.D. miniseries.  However, Neary was best known for his work as an inker, inking Alan Davis' pencils, most notably on Marvel's "Excalibur comic books (1988-90).  His most famous work as an inker may be inking Bryan Hitch's pencils over the better part of a decade, beginning in 1999.  Neary inked Hitch on "The Authority" (1999) and "The Ultimates" and "The Ultimates 2" (from 2002 to 2007).

MARVEL STUDIOS - From THRMarvel Studios has found its "Fantastic Four." Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, and Joseph Quinn will star as the heroes in the "Fantastic Four" feature.

From JoBlo:  The site gives up everything that it knows about Marvel Studios' long-in-development "Blade" film which is set to star Oscar-winner Mahershala Ali in the title role.

MARVEL/DC COMICS - From BleedingCoolMarvel and DC confirm that they will publish two Omnibuses reprinting all DC/Marvel crossovers and their Amalgam comics line.  The collections are set to release on August 6th, 2024, with rich content listings.  The two books are "DC Versus Marvel Omnibus" and "DC/Marvel: The Amalgam Age Omnibus."

From BleedingCoolMarvel and DC Comics will reunite to republish their "Amalgam" line of crossovers and also other iconic crossover comic books.

MARVEL STUDIOS - From YouTube:  "Deadpool & Wolverine" have a trailer and is due in theaters July 26th.  Deadpool declares himself "Marvel Jesus" in the film.

From Variety:  An article about the first "Deadpool & Wolverine" trailer.

SONY SPIDER U - From Deadline:  At the 28th Art Directors Guild Awards, Patrick O'Keefe, the production designers of "Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse," wins in the "Animated Feature Film" category.

EUROCOMICS - From BleedingCool:  "BleedingCool" gathers some impressive statistics about the French comic book industry from an article in "The Guardian."

From TheGuardian:  Here is that article: "France's comic book tradition is hitting new heights"

MARVEL - From BleedingCoolThe Punisher hunts Nick Fury in "Get Fury," a Marvel MAX miniseries from writer Garth Ennis and artist Jacen Burrows.

From ComicBook:  "Venom: Separation Anxiety" is another retro-set series like 2022's 
"Venom: Lethal Protector."  It will be written by "Lethal Protector's" scribe David Micheline and is set in Venom/Eddie Brock's early days.

COMICS - From GamesRadar:  Sabir Pizada was one of the writers of Marvel Studios' "Moon Knight" streaming series, and he is co-writing the current adventures of Ms. Marvel Kamala Khan for Marvel Comics.  Now, he is making his debut in creator-owned comics with "Dandelion," a one-shot anthology of sci-fi stories all written by Pirzada with each story drawn by a different artist. 

ART - From BleedingCool:  Apparently a large number of comic book artists who were represented by art sales agency, Cadence Comic Art, are departing the company.

BOOKS - From BleedingCool:  In a recent social media post, author George R.R. Martin ("A Game of Thrones") says, "Now social media is ruled by anti-fans who would rather talk about the stuff they hate than the stuff they love and delight in dancing on the graves of anyone whose film has flopped."  He is certainly talking about a subset of comic book and superhero fans.

DC COMICS - From DCBlog:  Author N.K. Jemisin talks about her return to the world of her 12-issue miniseries, "Far Sector" (2019-2021, drawn by Jamal Campbell), in a short story for "DC Power 2024" one-shot special.

IMAGE - From BleedingCoolJim Valentino, comics creator and publisher, wants to set the record straight about his time at Image Comics.

MARVEL - From BleedingCoolMarvel Comics reportedly launch a new "2099" series Summer 2024.

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JANUARY 2024 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From BleedingCool:  Ablaze for January 2024
From BleedingCool:  Ahoy Comics for January 2024
From BleedingCool:  Antarctic Press for January 2024
From BleedingCool:  Archie Comics for January 2024
From BleedingCool:  Band of Bards for January 2024
From BleedingCool:  Blood Moon Comics LLC for January 2024
From BleedingCool:  BOOM Studios! for January 2024
From BleedingCool:  Dark Horse Comics for January 2024
From BleedingCool:  DC Comics for January 2024
From BleedingCool:  Dynamite Entertainment for January 2024
From BleedingCool:  IDW Publishing for January 2024
From BleedingCool:  Image Comics for January 2024
From BleedingCool:  Image Comics Energon Universe for January 2024
From BleedingCool:  Keenspot Entertainment for January 2024
From BleedingCool:  Kodansha Comics for January 2024
From BleedingCool:  Mad Cave Studios for January 2024
From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics for January 2024
From BleedingCool:  Massive/Whatnot for January 2024
From BleedingCool:  Oni Press for January 2024
From BleedingCool:  Rebellion 2000 AD for January 2024
From BleedingCool:  Scout Comics for January 2024
From BleedingCool:  Valiant Comics for January 2024
From BleedingCool:  VIZ Media for January 2024
From BleedingCool:  Yen Press for January 2024
From BleedingCool:  Zenescope Entertainment for January 2024

FEBRUARY 2024 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From BleedingCool:  Archie Comics for February 2024
From BleedingCool:  AWA Studios for February 2024
From BleedingCool:  Blood Moon Comics for February 2024
From BleedingCool:  BOOM! Studios for February 2024
From BleedingCool:  Dark Horse Comics for February 2024
From BleedingCool:  DC Comics for February 2024
From BleedingCool:  Dynamite Entertainment for February 2024
From BleedingCool:  Fantagraphics Books for February 2024
From BleedingCool:  1First Comics for February 2024
From BleedingCool:  IDW Publishing for February 2024
From BleedingCool:  Image Comics for February 2024
From BleedingCool:  Mad Cave Studios for February 2024
From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics for February 2024
From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics "X-Men" titles for February 2024
From BleedingCool:  Massive for February 2024
From BleedingCool:  Oni Press for February 2024
From BleedingCool:  Rebellion/2000AD for February 2024
From BleedingCool:  Scout Comics for February 2024
From BleedingCool:  10 Ton Press for February 2024
From BleedingCool:  Titan Comics for February 2024
From BleedingCool:  Valiant Comics for February 2024
From BleedingCool:  Vault Comics for February 2024

MARCH 2024 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From BleedingCool:  Ablaze for March 2024
From BleedingCool:  Ahoy Comics for March 2024
From BleedingCool:  Antarctic Press for March 2024
From BleedingCool:  Archie Comics for March 2024
From BleedingCool:  AWA Studios for March 2024
From BleedingCool:  Blood Moon Comics for March 2024
From BleedingCool:  BOOM! Studios for March 2024
From BleedingCool:  CEX Publishing for March 2024
From BleedingCool:  Dark Horse Comics for March 2024
From BleedingCool:  DC Comics for March 2024
From BleedingCool:  DC "Batman" comics for March 2024
From BleedingCool:  Dead Sky Publishing LLC for March 2024
From BleedingCool:  Dstlry for March 2024
From BleedingCool:  Dynamite Entertainment for March 2024
From BleedingCool:  IDW Publishing for March 2024
From BleedingCool:  Image Comics for March 2024
From BleedingCool:  Image Comics "Energon Universe" titles for March 2024
From BleedingCool:  Image Comics "Spawn" titles for March 2024
From BleedingCool:  IPI Comics for March 2024
From BleedingCool:  Keenspot Entertainment for March 2024
From BleedingCool:  Kodansha Comics for March 2024
From BleedingCool:  Mad Cave Studios for March 2024
From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics for March 2024
From BleedingCool:  Marvel "X-Men" from Marvel Comics for March 2024
From BleedingCool:  Marvel "Fall of the House of X" and "Rise of the Powers of X" from Marvel Comics for March 2024
From BleedingCool:  Massive/WhatNot for March 2024
From BleedingCool:  Oni Press for March 2024
From BleedingCool:  Rebellion/2000AD for March 2024
From BleedingCool:  Scout Comics for March 2024
From BleedingCool:  Titan Comics for March 2024
From BleedingCool:  Vault Comics for March 2024
From BleedingCool:  VIZ Media for March 2024
From BleedingCool:  Yen Press for March 2024

APRIL 2024 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From BleedingCool:  Ablaze for April 2024
From BleedingCool:  Ahoy Comics for April 2024
From BleedingCool:  Archie Comics for April 2024
From BleedingCool:  AWA Studios for April 2024
From BleedingCool:  Billy Tucci for April 2024
From BleedingCool:  Blackbox Comics for April 2024
From BleedingCool:  Blood Moon Comics LLC for April 2024
From BleedingCool:  BOOM! Studios for April 2024
From BleedingCool:  Dark Horse Comics for April 2024
From BleedingCool:  DC Comics for April 2024
From BleedingCool:  DC Comics' "Batman" titles for April 2024
From BleedingCool:  DC Comics' Superman's "House of Braniac" titles for April 2024
From BleedingCool:  Dstlry for April 2024
From BleedingCool:  Dynamite Entertainment for April 2024
From BleedingCool:  Fantagraphics Books for April 2024
From BleedingCool:  IDW Publishing for April 2024
From BleedingCool:  Image Comics for April 2024
From BleedingCool:  Image Comics' Todd McFarlane titles for April 2024
From BleedingCool:  Kodansha Comics for April 2024
From BleedingCool:  Mad Cave Studios for April 2024
From BleedingCool:  Magma Comix for April 2024
From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics for April 2024
From BleedingCool:  X-Men & Avengers crossover from Marvel for April 2024
From BleedingCool:  "The Fall of The House of X" and "The Rise of The Powers of X" from Marvel Comics for April 2024.
From BleedingCool:  Massive/WhatNot/Summerian for April 2024
From BleedingCool:  Oni Press for April 2024
From BleedingCool:  Rebellion/2000 AD for April 2024
From BleedingCool:  Scout Comics for April 2024
From BleedingCool:  Titan Comics for April 2024
From BleedingCool:  TOKYOPOP for April 2024
From BleedingCool:  Udon Entertainment for April 2024
From BleedingCool:  Valiant Comics for April 2024
From BleedingCool:  Vault Comics for April 2024
From BleedingCool:  VIZ Media for April 2024

MAY 2024 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From BleedingCool:  Free Comic Book Day 2024 for May 4, 2024
From BleedingCool:  DC Comics for May 2024
From BleedingCool:  DC Comics' Amanda Waller for May 2024
From BleedingCool:  DC Comics' "House of Brainiac" for May 2024
From BleedingCool:  Image Comics "Spawn" for May 2024
From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics for May 2024
From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics "Blood Hunt" crossovers for May 2024
From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics' "X-Men" for May 2024
From BleedingCool:  Yen Press for May 2024


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