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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Thursday, August 22, 2024

#IReadsYou Movie Review: THE CROW (1994)

The Crow (1994)

Running time:  102 minutes (1 hour, 42 minutes)
MPAA – R for a great amount of strong violence and language, and for drug use and some sexuality
DIRECTOR: Alex Proyas
WRITERS:  David J. Schow and John Shirley (based on the comic book series and comics strip created by James O'Barr)
PRODUCERS:  Jeff Most and Edward R. Pressman
CINEMATOGRAPHER:  Dariusz Wolski (D.o.P.)
EDITORS:  Dov Hoenig and M. Scott Smith
COMPOSER:  Graeme Revell

SUPERHERO/FANTASY/ACTION/CRIME

Starring:  Brandon Lee, Michael Wincott, Ernie Hudson, Rochelle Davis, Bai Ling, Sofia Shinas, Anna Thomson, David Patrick Kelly, Angel David, Laurence Mason, Michael Massee, Tony Todd, Jon Polito, Bill Raymond, Marco Rodriguez, and Kim Sykes

The Crow is a 1994 American superhero and dark fantasy film from director Alex Proyas.  The movie is based on The Crow comic book series and on the character that first appeared in the comic book, Caliber Presents #1 (cover dated: January 1989), all created by James O'Barr.  The Crow the movie focuses on a musician who returns from the dead a year after he and his girlfriend were brutally murdered to seek vengeance against their murderers.

The Crow is infamous for the death of its lead actor, Brandon Lee (1965-1993), the son of film icon, Bruce Lee.  On March 31, 1993, Lee was fatally wounded by a discharge from a prop gun.  At that point, Lee had completed almost all his scenes for the film.  Through the use of special effects, digital face replacement, stunt doubles, and rewrites, Proyas was able to finish the film, and it was released in May 1994.

The Crow is set in a crime-ravaged and decrepit city that is like Detroit, Michigan, and the story opens on October 30th, Devil's Night (an infamous celebration in Detroit).  It introduces rock musician, Eric Draven (Brandon Lee), and his fiancée, Shelly Webster (Sofia Shinas).  They are going to be married on Halloween.  Instead, Eric is beaten and murdered.  Shelly is brutally beaten and raped and later dies of her injuries.

One year later, Eric Draven rises from the grave as an avenging spirit, The Crow (Brandon Lee).  He has returned to killed the men who murdered him and Shelly:  T-Bird (David Patrick Kelly), Funboy (Michael Massee), Tin Tin (Laurence Mason), and Skank (Angel David).  Sarah (Rochelle Davis), a young girl who was Eric and Shelly's friend, and Albrecht (Ernie Hudson), and an outcast police officer, become personally involved in Eric's return as The Crow.  Waiting in the background, however, is Top Dollar (Michael Wincott), the crime lord who is connected to what happened to Eric and Shelley and who sees The Crow's rampage as a threat to his criminal empire.

Despite the notoriety it gained because of the onset tragedy, The Crow should also be known as a really good film.  It was Alex Proyas first major directorial effort, and that shows in the occasional clumsiness in the flow of the narrative.  However, Proyas unleashes a film that is highly-stylized and drenched in darkness that has a painterly quality.  In other films, this darkness would merely be a case of a poor lighting and mediocre cinematography.  Here, the film's production values and contributions from the cinematographer, production design/art direction team, hair and make-up crew, and film editors contribute to the creation of dark and gloomy cinematic art.

Proyas finds the film's substance in Eric Draven/The Crow's quest for revenge.  In this film, retribution has depth, weight, feel soul; in that, The Crow is like its comic book source material.  Proyas finds power and vulnerability in his lead character the way he finds power and juice in the violence that must happen before Draven can return to his grave.

Proyas, who would go on to direct Will Smith in I, Robot (2004), gets fine performances from a number of supporting actors, especially Ernie Hudson, Michael Wincott, and Rochelle Davis.  He gets the most out of his star, Brandon Lee, who was likely on the verge of blowing up.  In this film, Lee has his own charisma and presence, different from that of his father, Bruce Lee, who made his most charismatic turn in Enter the Dragon (1973).  Was The Crow going to be Brandon's Enter the Dragon?  I don't know, but Brandon makes The Crow feel solid in its slightest moments and grander in its biggest and most violent moments.

The Crow is a flawed jewel, but not a heavily flawed jewel.  Also, I imagine that it is a lot more influential than movie buffs realize.  I can see bits and pieces of it in later films like Blade (1998), The Matrix (1999), and The Dark Knight (2008).  The on-set death of its star cast a melancholy mood over The Crow, but the determination of the filmmakers, cast, and crew eventually brought it out to the public.  The Crow is not a morbid curiosity.  It is more like a rose that survived a deluge of misfortune.

A

Thursday, August 22, 2024


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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Tuesday, August 20, 2024

#IReadsYou Review: BIG GAME #4

BIG GAME #4 (OF 5)
IMAGE COMICS/Netflix

STORY: Mark Millar
ART: Pepe Larraz
COLORS: Giovanna Niro
LETTERS: Clem Robins
EDITOR: Sarah Unwin
COVER: Pepe Larraz with Giovanna Niro
VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Matteo Scalera; Pepe Larraz
28pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. (October 2023)

Rated M / Mature

Big Game is a new five-issue comic book event miniseries from writer Mark Millar and artist Pepe Larraz.  Big Game is a crossover event series that pulls together all the franchises that are part of Millar's company/imprint, “Millarworld.”  That includes Kick-Ass, Kingsman, Nemesis, and The Magic Order, to name a few.  Colorist Giovanna Niro and letterer Clem Robins complete the series' creative team.

Big Game is a sequel to the first Millarworld comic book miniseries, Wanted (2003-04).  The stars of that series, The Fraternity, the super-villains that secretly rule the world, defeated their superhero adversaries in 1986.  Now, this entity is concerned about the reemergence of superheroes, so it unleashes it new superhero killer, Nemesis (from Nemesis: Reloaded), on a hero-assassination spree.

Big Game #4 opens in the world of the series, Empress (before the events of that series).  Hit-Girl (Mindy McCready) has ridden a dead Chrononaut far, far into Earth's deep history.  Now, she's face to face with Princess Aine, the daughter of King Morax.  The King himself has conquered space, so he is shocked to realize that millions of years in the future – from where Hit-Girl hails – his Empire does not exist and no one remembers it.  Now, he believes that time travel can change this unpleasant future reality, but where does that leave Mindy?

Meanwhile, a gathering of superheroes is unaware that they are sitting ducks for Nemesis.  So where are The Magic Order and Kick-Ass?

THE LOWDOWN:  I have been receiving PDF review copies of Netflix/Millarworld's comic book titles since late 2021.  Big Game #4 is the latest.

Big Game #4 is an excellent Empress comic book, especially considering that the long-awaited second series is still long-awaited.  Still, I like the manner in which writer Mark Millar is fitting all his series together; Big Game makes Millarworld really feel like an actual comic book world.

All along, series artist Pepe Larraz has unleashed his beautiful and brutal graphical storytelling.  Big Game #4 allows him to offer a different tone.  Yes, there is still the slaughter, but Larraz's ability to depict multiple worlds and settings gets to impress here.  Giovanna Niro makes it all pop with her rich colors, giving the narrative an epic scope.

Big Game #1 had me curious to see what was next.  Big Game #2 blew the doorway to my imagination off its hinges.  Big Game #3 felt like the story wasn't finished pounding me.  Big Game #4 promises to be a blast.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of Mark Millar and especially of his Millarworld titles will want to read Big Game.

A+

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


https://www.mrmarkmillar.com/
https://twitter.com/ImageComics
https://twitter.com/mrmarkmillar
https://twitter.com/netflix
https://twitter.com/themagicorder
http://www.millarworld.tv/
www.imagecomics.com


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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Monday, August 19, 2024

BOOM! Studios from Diamond Distributors for August 21, 2024

BOOM! STUDIOS

JUN240146 BLOW AWAY #5 (OF 5) CVR A WU $4.99
JUN240147 BLOW AWAY #5 (OF 5) CVR B BOSS $4.99
JUN240154 BRIAR #8 (OF 8) CVR A LINS $3.99
JUN240157 BRIAR #8 (OF 8) CVR D FOC REVEAL VAR $3.99
JUN247501 BRZRKR A FACEFUL OF BULLETS #1 2ND PTG MANNA (MR) $9.99
APR240033 BRZRKR SHORT COMIC BOX (BUNDLE OF 5) $69.99
JUN240133 CROCODILE BLACK #4 (OF 5) CVR A SORRENTINO (MR) $4.99
APR240124 FIREFLY THE FALL GUYS HC (C: 0-1-2) $24.99
FEB240112 HUNT FOR THE SKINWALKER TP (C: 0-1-2) $17.99
JUN240137 LAWFUL #3 (OF 8) CVR A KHALIDAH $4.99
JUN240138 LAWFUL #3 (OF 8) CVR B MERCADO $4.99
JUN240087 POWER RANGERS INFINITY #1 CVR A GANUCHEAU (C: 1-0-0) $7.99
JUN240088 POWER RANGERS INFINITY #1 CVR B BRANDT&STEIN (C: 1-0-0) $7.99
JUN240089 POWER RANGERS INFINITY #1 CVR C FOIL VAR MONTES (C: 1-0-0) $9.99
APR240076 SLOW BURN TP (C: 0-1-2) $19.99

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DC Comics from Lunar Distributors for August 21, 2024

DC COMICS:

Absolute Power Task Force VII #4 (Of 7)(Cover D Stephen Platt Card Stock Variant), $4.99
Batman Superman World's Finest #30 (Cover A Dan Mora), $3.99
Batman Superman World's Finest #30 (Cover B Puppeteer Lee Card Stock Variant), $4.99
Batman Superman World's Finest #30 (Cover C Lucio Parrillo Card Stock Variant), $4.99
Batman Superman World's Finest #30 (Cover D Jorge Jimenez Batman 85th Anniversary Card Stock Variant), $4.99
Batman Superman World's Finest #30 (Cover E Daniel Bayliss Card Stock Variant), AR
Batman Volume 2 The Bat-Man Of Gotham TP (2022), $16.99
Crisis On Infinite Earths #5 (Facsimile Edition)(Cover A George Perez), $3.99
Crisis On Infinite Earths #5 (Facsimile Edition)(Cover B George Perez Foil Variant), $5.99
Crisis On Infinite Earths #5 (Facsimile Edition)(Cover C Blank Variant), $4.99
Dark Knights Of Steel Allwinter #2 (Of 6)(Cover A Tirso Cons), $4.99
Dark Knights Of Steel Allwinter #2 (Of 6)(Cover B Mona Finden Card Stock Variant), $5.99
Dark Knights Of Steel Allwinter #2 (Of 6)(Cover C Dan Panosian Card Stock Variant), $5.99
Dark Knights Of Steel Allwinter #2 (Of 6)(Cover D Qistina Khalidah Card Stock Variant), AR
Elseworlds Justice League Volume 1 TP (2024 Edition), $34.99
Gotham City Sirens #3 (Of 4)(Cover A Terry Dodson), $3.99
Gotham City Sirens #3 (Of 4)(Cover B W. Scott Forbes Card Stock Variant), $4.99
Gotham City Sirens #3 (Of 4)(Cover C Jeehyung Lee Card Stock Variant), $4.99
Gotham City Sirens #3 (Of 4)(Cover D Guillem March Connecting Card Stock Variant), $4.99
Gotham City Sirens #3 (Of 4)(Cover E Guillem March Connecting Prismatic Gloss Variant), $6.99
Gotham City Sirens #3 (Of 4)(Cover F Natacha Bustos Card Stock Variant), AR
Green Lantern By Geoff Johns Volume 1 TP (2024 Edition), $24.99
Green Lantern War Journal #12 (Cover A Montos), $3.99
Green Lantern War Journal #12 (Cover B Mark Spears Card Stock Variant), $4.99
Green Lantern War Journal #12 (Cover C Jason Geyer & Alex Saviuk DC Super Powers Card Stock Variant), $4.99
Jenny Sparks #1 (Of 6)(Cover A Jeff Spokes), $4.99
Jenny Sparks #1 (Of 6)(Cover B Guillem March Card Stock Variant), $5.99
Jenny Sparks #1 (Of 6)(Cover C Homare Card Stock Variant), $5.99
Jenny Sparks #1 (Of 6)(Cover D Saowee Card Stock Variant), AR
Nightwing #117 (Cover A Bruno Redondo), $4.99
Nightwing #117 (Cover B Bruno Redondo Card Stock Variant), $5.99
Nightwing #117 (Cover C Stevan Subic Card Stock Variant), $5.99
Nightwing #117 (Cover D Jason Geyer & Alex Saviuk DC Super Powers Card Stock Variant), $5.99
Nightwing #117 (Cover E Belen Ortega Swimsuit Card Stock Variant), $5.99
Nightwing #117 (Cover F Serg Acuna Card Stock Variant), AR
Nightwing #117 (Cover G Nicola Scott Beetlejuice Card Stock Variant), $5.99
Superman #17 (Cover A Jamal Campbell)(Absolute Power), $4.99
Superman #17 (Cover B Tony S. Daniel Card Stock Variant)(Absolute Power), $5.99
Superman #17 (Cover C Stjepan Sejic Card Stock Variant)(Absolute Power), $5.99
Superman #17 (Cover D Guillem March Card Stock Variant)(Absolute Power), $5.99
Superman #17 (Cover E Jason Geyer & Alex Saviuk DC Super Powers Card Stock Variant)(Absolute Power), $5.99
Superman #17 (Cover F Elizabeth Torque Swimsuit Card Stock Variant)(Absolute Power), $5.99
Superman #17 (Cover G Mikel Janin Resistance Card Stock Variant)(Absolute Power), $5.99
Superman #17 (Cover H Chuma Hill Card Stock Variant)(Absolute Power), AR
Superman #17 (Cover I Chris Bachalo Beetlejuice Card Stock Variant)(Absolute Power), $5.99
Swamp Thing By Nancy A Collins Omnibus HC (2024 Edition), $125.00
Swamp Thing By Rick Veitch Volume 1 Wild Things TP, $29.99
Titans #14 (Cover A Lucas Meyer), $3.99
Titans #14 (Cover B Chris Samnee Card Stock Variant), $4.99
Titans #14 (Cover C Mattia De Iulis Card Stock Variant), $4.99
Titans #14 (Cover D Jason Geyer & Alex Saviuk DC Super Powers Card Stock Variant), $4.99
Titans #14 (Cover E Saowee Swimsuit Card Stock Variant), $4.99
Titans Beast World Tour TP, $29.99
Titans Beast World TP, $29.99
Wonder Woman #12 (Cover A Daniel Sampere)(Absolute Power), $4.99
Wonder Woman #12 (Cover B Julian Totino Tedesco Card Stock Variant)(Absolute Power), $5.99
Wonder Woman #12 (Cover C Tony S Daniel Card Stock Variant)(Absolute Power), $5.99
Wonder Woman #12 (Cover D Guillem March Swimsuit Card Stock Variant)(Absolute Power), $5.99
Wonder Woman #12 (Cover E Mikel Janin Resistance Card Stock Variant)(Absolute Power), $5.99
Wonder Woman #12 (Cover F Jorge Fornes Card Stock Variant)(Absolute Power), AR
Wonder Woman #12 (Cover G Elizabeth Torque & Sabine Moss Beetlejuice Card Stock Variant)(Absolute Power), $5.99

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Dynamite Entertainment from Diamond Distributors for August 21, 2024

DYNAMITE

JUN230713 DARKWING DUCK FOWL PLAY HC DEIBERT SGN (C: 0-1-2) $39.99
MAY240187 HERCULES #4 CVR E RANALDI LTD VIRGIN (C: 0-1-2) $50.00
FEB240257 JUSTICE DUCKS #5 CVR A LEE $4.99
FEB240258 JUSTICE DUCKS #5 CVR B LANGRIDGE $4.99
FEB240259 JUSTICE DUCKS #5 CVR C TOMASELLI $4.99
FEB240260 JUSTICE DUCKS #5 CVR D FORSTNER COLOR BLEED $4.99
MAY240173 POWERPUFF GIRLS #1 CVR I ROMERO METAL PREMIUM (C: 0-1-2) $100.00
JUN247691 POWERPUFF GIRLS #1 CVR T BLUE BLANK AUTHENTIX $4.99
JUN247692 POWERPUFF GIRLS #1 CVR U GREEN BLANK AUTHENTIX $4.99
JUN240219 POWERPUFF GIRLS #2 CVR A ROMERO $4.99
JUN240220 POWERPUFF GIRLS #2 CVR B GANUCHEAU $4.99
JUN240221 POWERPUFF GIRLS #2 CVR C DARBOE $4.99
JUN240222 POWERPUFF GIRLS #2 CVR D BALDARI $4.99
JUN240274 SPACE GHOST #4 CVR F CHO LTD VIRGIN (C: 0-1-2) $50.00
MAY240241 THUNDERCATS #6 CVR I NAKAYAMA METAL PREMIUM (C: 1-1-2) $100.00
JUN240292 THUNDERCATS #7 CVR A NAKAYAMA (C: 1-0-0) $4.99
JUN240293 THUNDERCATS #7 CVR B PARRILLO (C: 1-0-0) $4.99
JUN240294 THUNDERCATS #7 CVR C SHALVEY (C: 1-0-0) $4.99
JUN240295 THUNDERCATS #7 CVR D LEE & CHUNG (C: 1-0-0) $4.99
JUN240296 THUNDERCATS #7 CVR E TAO (C: 1-0-0) $4.99
JUN240297 THUNDERCATS #7 CVR F PARRILLO FOIL (C: 1-1-2) $9.99
JUN240298 THUNDERCATS #7 CVR G PARRILLO FOIL VIRGIN (C: 1-1-2) $29.99
JUN247679 THUNDERCATS #7 CVR S FOC BONUS MANIX ORIGINAL (C: 1-0-0) $4.99
JUN247680 THUNDERCATS #7 CVR T FOC BONUS KEN HAESER ORIGINAL (C: 1-0-0 $4.99
JUN247852 THUNDERCATS #7 CVR ZC FOC MOSS ACTION FIGURE ORIGINAL (C: 1- $4.99
JUN240213 THUNDERCATS CHEETARA #2 CVR I LIERIX LTD VIRGIN (C: 0-1-2) $50.00
JUN240258 VAMPIRELLA DARK REFLECTIONS #3 CVR G PARRILLO LTD VIRGIN (C: $50.00

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Image Comics from Diamond and Lunar Distributors for August 21, 2024

IMAGE COMICS

DIAMOND DISTRIBUTORS:
APR240434 INVINCIBLE TP VOL 04 NEW EDITION $14.99
MAY240469 KILLADELPHIA DLX ED HC VOL 02 (MR) $39.99
JUN240490 SATELITE SAM COMPENDIUM TP $29.99
JUN240493 SPAWN COMPENDIUM TP VOL 06 NEW EDITION $59.99

LUNAR DISTRIBUTORS:
Bear Pirate Viking Queen TP, $19.99
Black Cloak #7 (Cover A Meredith McClaren), $3.99
Blood Squad Seven #4 (Cover A Paul Fry), $3.99
Blood Squad Seven #4 (Cover B Chris Mooneyham), $3.99
Blood Squad Seven #4 (Cover C Dustin Nguyen), AR
Blood Squad Seven #4 (Cover D Jim Rugg), AR
Destro #1 (Of 5)(Cover K Andrei Bressan & Adriano Lucas SDCC 2024 Previews Exclusive Black & White Variant, AR
Destro #3 (Of 5)(Cover A Andrei Bressan & Adriano Lucas), $3.99
Destro #3 (Of 5)(Cover B Karl Kerschl), $3.99
Destro #3 (Of 5)(Cover C Nikola Cižmešija Connecting Variant), AR
Destro #3 (Of 5)(Cover D Mico Suayan & Rex Lokus), AR
Destro #3 (Of 5)(Cover E Eric Canete), AR
G.I. Joe A Real American Hero #309 (Cover A Andy Kubert & Brad Anderson), $3.99
G.I. Joe A Real American Hero #309 (Cover B Andy Kubert Black & White Variant), $3.99
G.I. Joe A Real American Hero #309 (Cover C Brad Walker & Francesco Segala), AR
Houses Of The Unholy Hardcover Bookplate (per Diamond Distribution), AR
Image Firsts Die #1 (2024 Printing), $1.00
Image Firsts Low #1 (2024 Printing), $1.00
Local Man #13 (Cover A Tony Fleecs & Tim Seeley), $3.99
Local Man #13 (Cover B John Stinsman & Brian Reber), $3.99
Local Man #13 (Cover C Tony Fleecs & Allen Passalaqua Trencher Homage Variant), $3.99
Plastic Death And Dolls #3 (Of 5)(Cover A Daniel Hillyard & Michelle Madsen), $3.99
Plastic Death And Dolls #3 (Of 5)(Cover B Daniel Hillyard & Michelle Madsen Throwback Variant), $3.99
Rat City #5 (Cover A Fede Mele), $2.99
Rat City #5 (Cover B Kevin Keane), $2.99
Redcoat #1 (Cover F Bryan Hitch Original Art Convention Sketch Variant), AR
Redcoat #5 (Cover A Bryan Hitch & Brad Anderson Wraparound Variant), $3.99
Redcoat #5 (Cover B André Lima Araújo & Chris O’Halloran), $3.99
Redcoat #5 (Cover C André Lima Araújo & Chris O’Halloran Foil Variant), AR
Rook Exodus #2 (2nd Printing Cover A Jason Fabok), $3.99
Rook Exodus #3 (2nd Printing Cover A Jason Fabok), $3.99
Satellite Sam Compendium TP, $29.99
Self Help #3 (Of 5)(Cover A Marianna Ignazzi), $3.99
Self Help #3 (Of 5)(Cover B Stephen Byrne), $3.99
Spawn Compendium Volume 6 TP (New Edition), $59.99
Spawn Kills Every Spawn #1 (Of 5)(Cover D Rob Sketchcraft Duenas SDCC 2024 Previews Exclusive Black & White Variant, AR
Standstill #1 (Of 8)(Cover A Andrew Robinson), $4.99
Standstill #1 (Of 8)(Cover B Matteo Scalera & Lee Loughridge Wraparound Variant, AR
Standstill #1 (Of 8)(Cover C Cary Nord), AR
Walking Dead Deluxe #95 (Cover A David Finch & Dave McCaig), $3.99
Walking Dead Deluxe #95 (Cover B Charlie Adlard & Dave McCaig), $3.99
Walking Dead Deluxe #95 (Cover C Sean Phillips & Jacob Phillips Connecting Variant), $3.99
Walking Dead Deluxe #95 (Cover D Arthur Adams & Dave McCaig), $3.99
Witchblade #1 (2024)(Cover I Marc Silvestri Black & White Virgin Signed Variant), AR
Witchblade #1 (2024)(Cover J Marc Silvestri Original Art Sketch Variant), AR
Witchblade #2 (2024)(Cover A Giuseppe Cafaro & Arif Prianto), $3.99
Witchblade #2 (2024)(Cover B Joëlle Jones), $3.99

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