Friday, April 30, 2021

I Reads You Juniors: April 2021 - Update #103

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

You can support Leroy via Paypal or on Patreon.

NEWS:

DC FILMS - From Deadline:  "Young Rock" actor, Uli Latukefu, who plays the college football era Dwayne Johnson on the NBC hit series, is reuniting with the action star for New Line/DC’s "Black Adam."

DC FILMS - From BleedingCool:  Voice actress, Stana Katic, talks about the new animated DVD film, "Justice Society: World War II," and the character she plays in the film, Wonder Woman.

DC FILMS - From BleedingCool:  Voice actress, Elysia Rotaru, talks about the new animated DVD film, "Justice Society: World War II," and the character she plays in the film, Black Canary.

DC COMICS - From DCBlog:   The blog details the big changes coming to the Superman line of titles in July.

MARVEL - From GamesRadar:   After being a colorist at DC Comics for 28 years, Alex Sinclair has decided to branch out to other publishers, while still coloring comics for DC.  His first outside work is as the regular colorist for "The Amazing Spider-Man" beginning with this month's issue #63.

MARVEL - From GamesRadar:   Marvel Comics is offering two comic books for Free Comic Book Day 2021, "Avengers/Hulk" and "Spider-Man/Venom."  Free Comic Book Day 2021 is Sat. May 1st.

BOOM STUDIOS - From TheBeat:  The hot comic book news today (Mon., April 26th) is about the upcoming historical and science fiction comic book miniseries, "Dark Blood."   It is written by LaToya Morgan, who was a writer and co-executive producer on the AMC series, "Into the Badlands" and "Turn: Washington's Spies."  It is drawn by first-time comic book artist, illustrator Walt Barna.  The first of six issue arrives July 2021 from BOOM! Studios.

MARVEL - From BleedingCool:  Diamond Comic Distributors is apparently calling each comic book shop to learn which shops will order their Marvel Comics titles though them or directly through Penguin Random House, Marvel's new distributor.  Diamond will still distribute Marvel titles in October, but Diamond will have to get those titles from Penguin Random House.

DC CINEMA - From WeGotThisCovered:   Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson shares of a photo showing that he has arrived in Atlanta to shoot the DC Films' movie, "Black Adam."

MANGA - From BleedingCool:   Yen Press announces another slate of new manga and light novel releases.

MARVEL - From BleedingCool:   Wolverine guest stars in "Shang-Chi #3," due this July.

DC COMICS - From BleedingCool:   DC Comics will launch a new horror imprint, "DC Horror," this fall.  The debut title will be a comic book miniseries that will act as prelude to the upcoming film, "The Conjuring: The Lover."

IMAGE COMICS - From EW:   "Game of Thrones" star Emilia Clarke has her own comic book, a three-issue miniseries entitled "M.O.M.: Mother of Madness," which begins in July.

MARVEL/VIZ Media - From BleedingCool:   Marvel Comics and VIZ Media's collaboration will begin in Fall 2021 with "Marvel Meow."  A 72-page hardcover book, this manga will feature Captain Marvel's cat, "Chewi," interacting with Marvel's biggest stars.  The first English-language publication of the Deadpool manga, "Deadpool: Samurai" will occur Feb. 2022.

DC COMICS - From BleedingCool:   DC Comics has announced a new eight-issue mini-series, Blue & Gold, starring Booster Gold and Blue Beetle, by Booster Gold's creator Dan Jurgens and artist Ryan Sook.

MARVEL - From Deadline:  Hulu released a trailer for its stop-motion animated series, "Marvel's M.O.D.O.K."  The series debuts on Hulu May 21st, 2021.

DC COMICS - From BleedingCool:   DC Comics has announced the cancellation of its on-going "Superman" title. It will be replaced in July 2021 by a new title, "Superman: Son of Kal-El," written by Tom Taylor and drawn by John Timms, and which will feature Lois Lane and Superman's son, Jonathan "Jon" Kent, as Superman.

COMICS - From BleedingCool:  Ablaze Publishing announces its latest uncensored Conan the Cimmerian comic book series, "The Cimmerian: Man-Eaters of Zamboula"

DC COMICS - From DCBlog:   Writer Tom Taylor and artist Andy Kubert talks about "Batman: The Detective #1."

DC CINEMA - From TheWrap: Actor Michael Keaton's talent agent, ICM Partners, has confirmed that Keaton will reprise the role of Batman in DC Films' "The Flash." Keaton played Batman/Bruce Wayne in two films, 1989 "Batman" and 1992's "Batman Returns." 

LGBTQ - From CBR:  Kodansha has announced that the trans coming-of-age manga, "Boys Run the Riot," by trans creator Keito Gaku, will debut in the U.S. May 25th, in both print and digital.

MANGA - From ASAP:   The nominees for Kodansha's 45th Annual Manga Awards have been announced.  The winners will be announced May 13, 2021.

SONY SPIDER U - From Variety:   Joaquim Dos Santos, Kemp Powers, and Justin K. Thompson have been tapped by Sony Pictures Animation to direct the sequel to the Oscar-winning animated feature “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.”

DC COMICS - From DCBlog:   The upcoming "Red Hood" title, "Future State: Gotham," will have a manga-inspired look due to the work of artist, Giannis Milonogiannis.  "DC Blog" offers several images from the issue including the first five pages of the story and some pages from the back-up story, a reprint of a Katsuhiro Otomo ("Akira") "Batman" short story.

COMICS TO TV - From CinemaBlend:   Beloved "Supernatural" actor, Jensen Ackles, has joined Season 3 of Amazon's "The Boys."  He will play the character "Soldier Boy."

DISNEY - From BleedingCool:  Disney/Hyperion will publish a line of original graphic novels, called "Disney Remix," that will offer new versions of popular characters from various Disney properties, including film and television.   The first graphic novel in the line is "Operation Parent Trap," which is based on the 1961 Walt Disney film and its 1998 remake.

DC CINEMA - From BleedingCool:  DC Film's "The Flash" movie has a logo, and it has been revealed!

DC COMICS - From DCBlog:   "Everything You Need to Know About Batman/Fortnite: Zero Point!," according to "DC Blog."

BOOM STUDIOS - From BleedingCool:   Writer-artist David Petersen returns to his popular "Mouse Guard" series with the one-shot comic book, "Mouse Guard: The Owlhen Caregiver," in July.

MARVEL - From BleedingCool:   Remember Marvel Comics' "World War Hulk."  July brings "World Wars She-Hulk."

DC COMICS - From BleedingCool:   DC Comics is going to reprint the 6-page story, "Batman: The Third Mask," from 1996's "Batman: Black and White miniseries," in "Future State: Gotham #1."  The story was created by "Akira" creator, Katsuhiro Otomo.

DC CINEMA - From Deadline:   Stand-up comedian, Mo Amer, joins the cast of Dwayne Johnson's "Black Adam" movie from DC Films.

MARVEL - From EW:   Marvel Comics has unveiled its new X-Men line-up: Cyclops, Jean Grey, Polaris, Rogue, Wolverine (Laura Kinney), Sunfire, and Synch.

DC TV - From Deadline:  Actor Dominic Purcell leaves The CW's "DC's Legends of Tomorrow" in a huff.  Purcell has been playing the character "Heatwave."

DC TV - From BleedingCool:   Season 3 of HBO Max's "Doom Patrol" will apparently include the "Dead Boy Detectives."  A duo of ghostly detectives, the characters first appeared in Neil Gaiman's "The Sandman #25," and "Neil himself" approves of the casting of actors Sebastian Croft and Ty Tennant in the roles.

DC COMICS - From CBR:   This article details "10 Classic DC Characters Who Didn't Debut in a Comic Book."  Harley Quinn is obvious, having debuted in television series, "Batman: The Animated Series," but I did not know that the Superman character, "Jimmy Olsen," did not get a name until an appearance in "The Adventures of Superman" radio serial in 1940.

DC COMICS - From THR:   Following the events of "Future State," Jason Todd/Red Hood will get a new ongoing comic book series , "DC's Future State: Gotham," written by Joshua Williamson and Dennis Culver and drawn by Giannis Milonogiannis.

IMAGE COMICS - From BleedingCool:   Image Comics will publish an art book from cable network, AMC.  Entitled "The Art of AMC's The Walking Dead Universe," the book is due September 2021.

MARVEL STUDIOS - From BGR:   There are plenty of rumors about what Marvel Studios plans to do in regards to bringing Wolverine back to the big screen ... and the small screen.

MARVEL - From BleedingCool:  The mutant "Polaris" has won the fan vote to be a new member of the X-Men.

VIZ MEDIA - From BleedingCool:   VIZ Media will publish a complete "Ultimate Edition" of the classic 1980s manga, "Fist of the North Star." The first volume arrives June 15th at $19.99 US.

COMICS - From GamesRadar:   The upcoming "Shadowman" comic book from Valiant (which debuts April 28th) will re-imagine the supernatural side of the "Valiant Universe."

BLACK COMICS - From Previews:   Artists Julian Shaw and Paris Alleyne talks about bringing 28 artists together for their art book, "28 Days of Black Heroes: The Arts of Julian Shaw and Paris Alleyne."

COMICS - From YahooNerdist:   How the year 1986 changed American comic books forever with "Batman: The Dark Knight Returns" and "Watchmen," among others.

COMICS - From BleedingCool:  "MPLS Sound" is a graphic novel that pays homage to the musical legacy of late music legend, Prince, via a story that focuses on the fictional band, "Starchild."

COMICS TO FILM - From Deadline:  Director Joe Cornish ("Attack the Block") is set to direct a film version of Mark Millar and Goran Parlov's comic book, "Starlight," for 20th Century Studios.

COMICS - From TCJ:   "The Comic Journal's" Robert Newsome interviews Evan Dorkin about his new "Beasts of Burden" miniseries.

MARVEL - From BleedingCool:   Want some "Heroes Reborn" spoilers?

MARVEL - From TheWrap:   "The Wraps" says the "incel Captain America" of "The Falcon and the Winter Soldier" is so perfect.

BOOKS - From BleedingCool:   Gallery/Saga Press is reprinting author Michael Moorcock's "Elric of Melnibone" novels in three deluxe volumes.  The forewords for those volumes will be written by Neil Gaiman (Vol. 1), Michael Chabon (Vol. 2), and Alan Moore (Vol. 3).

IMAGE COMICS - From THR:   "The Hollywood Reporter" has a feature on comic book artist Joe Madureira and the return of his comic book, "Battle Chasers," after a 20-year hiatus.

DC CINEMA - From WeGotThisCovered:   As DC Film's "Black Adam" starts shooting, star Dwayne Johnson posts the first set photo.

MARVEL - From BleedingCool:   May 2021's "Immortal Hulk: Time of Monsters #1" is one of those rare occasions when fans will be treated to a comic book containing interior art by the great Kevin Nowlan.

IN MEMORIAM - From BleedingCool:   The comic book writer, Joye Hummel Murchinson Kelly, died Monday, April 5, 2021 at the age of 97.  If you don't know her name, then, you don't know that she was Wonder Woman creator, William Moulton Marston's writing assistant.  She took over writing duties of Wonder Woman with "The Winged Maidens of Venus" in Wonder Woman #12.  She would go on to write over 70 Wonder Woman stories through 1947, credited as "Charles Moulton," an in-house credit.  After Marston died of cancer, National/DC Comics chose writer Robert Kanigher to continue Wonder Woman.

FANTAGRAPHICS - From BleedingCool:  Publisher Gary Groth and artist Don Simpson explain why Alan Moore's name is not credited for "In Pictopia."

COMICS TO TV - From YouTube:   Netflix releases an official trailer for "Jupiter's Legacy," its TV series adaptation of Mark Millar and Frank Quitely's comic book series.

DC CINEMA - From VanityFair:   Oscar-winning screenwriter Chris Terrio is not happy about what Warner Bros. and Joss Whedon did with his work for Zack Snyder on the "Justice League" film, and he is tired of keeping silent.

FOX MARVEL U - From WeGotThisCovered:  Rumor is that Ryan Reynolds wants to give voice to the Marvel character, "Deadpool," which he has played in two successful live-action films.  He reportedly want to revive the proposed animated Deadpool series that was to be produced for FXX.  No word on if brothers Donald and Stephen Glover would run the show as originally planned.

SONY MARVEL U - From THR:   Sony Pictures has signed an exclusive streaming deal with Netflix.  From 2022 onward, all Sony Productions will stream exclusively on Netflix, and that includes all those Spider-Man and Spider-Man related titles that Sony has released - including the Marvel "Spider-Man" films.

DC CINEMA - From WeGotThisCovered:  Warner Bros. executives apparently don't want to follow Zack Snyder's lead when it comes to films based on DC Comics characters.

DC CINEMA - From Deadline:   Dwayne Johnson's DC Films movie, "Black Adam," adds current Tony Award nominee, actor James Cusati-Moyer, to the cast.

DC COMICS - From YahooAP:   A copy of the rare "Action Comics #1," the comic book that introduced Superman, was sold for 3.5 million dollars at auction.  It is graded "8.5" by the CGC.

MANGA - From JapanTimes:   An "Attack on Titan" themed museum has opened in Hita, Oita Prefecture, the hometown of "Attack on Titan" creator, Hajime Isayama.

MANGA - From BleedingCool:   Kodansha announces new manga titles for Fall 2021 "Lovesick Ellie" and "Penguin & House."

DC CINEMA - From THR:   The interview of actor Ray Fisher and feature article goes into great detail about Fisher's complaints against various Warner Bros. executives and filmmakers involved in the making of the film, "Justice League," including Geoff Johns, Jon Berg, and director Joss Whedon.

BOOM STUDIOS - From BleedingCool:   When BOOM! Studios "Magic: The Gathering #1 debuts tomorrow, it will be the highest ordered issue in the history of the franchise as a comic book.

MARVEL COMICS - From WashingtonTimes:  Canadian clinical psychologist and bigot Jordan B. Peterson is stunned that the Marvel Comics Nazi villain, "Red Skull," as written by Ta'Nehisi Coates sounds like him.

COMICS SHOP - From TheBeat:  A retailer talks about the good and bad ideas of comic book publishers, Bad Idea.

MANGA TO ANIME - From Jotaku:   Junji Ito's short story collection, "Ito Junji Kesssaku-shu" ("Junji Ito Masterworks Collection"), is getting an anime adaptation.

DC TV - From WeGotThisCovered:   The CW is reportedly looking for a new Green Arrow.  Stephen Amell played the character for eight seasons on The CW's "Arrow (2012-20).

VIDEO GAMES TO COMICS - From GamesRadar:   Tapas Media has partnered with the mobile gaming giant Netmarble for a series of prosel novels and webcomics based on the company's hit games, including "Iron Throne: The Firstborn."

DC COMICS - From BleedingCool:  DC Comics is introducing a new Asian superhero, "Monkey Prince," created by Gene Luen Yang and Bernard Chang.

MARVEL CINEMA - From WeGotThisCovered:  Rumors say that Deadpool would be a member of the X-Men when the team returns to cinemas via Marvel Studios.

DC CINEMA - From WeGotThisCovered:   Warner Bros./Legendary Entertainment's "Godzilla vs. Kong" had the biggest HBO Max debut ever in terms of viewership numbers - even bigger than "Zack Snyder's Justice League."

COMICS TO FILM - From Movieweb:   Hong Kong action movie legend, John Woo, is set to produce a film based on "Monkey Master," an unreleased comic book created by the late Marvel Comics' legend, Stan Lee.

COMICS TO FILM - From BleedingCool:  Mike Mignola reflects on the first "Hellboy" film from 17 years ago, 2004's "Hellboy."

DC COMICS - From BleedingCool:   Here is a look at the DC Comics, omnibus editions, deluxe compendiums, and collections for early 2022.

DC COMICS - From GamesRadar:   DC Comics' Batman and G.I. Joe's Snake-Eyes will final battle ... in a "Fortnite" comic book.

COMICS - From Express:  First Lady Dr. Jill Biden will be the star of an issue of "Female Force," a comic book that focuses on high-achieving female public figures from publisher, TidalWave Comics.

MANGA - From ScreenRant:   The "Eternal First God" manga apparently combines "Pokemon" and "Naruto."

MARVEL - From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics is delaying its launch of "Predator #1" to November 2021.  Apparently, other Predator and Predator-related publications will also be delayed.

COMICS TO TV - From Nerdcore:   Actress Katia Winter ("Sleepy Hollow") will reportedly play the cult favorite character, "Little Nina," in Season 3 of Amazon's hit superhero series, "The Boys."

MARVEL - From TheRinger: "Who is John Walker."  The website talks about the character that has assumed the identity of Captain America in the Disney+/Marvel Studios' series, "The Falcon and the Winter Soldier."

DC COMICS - From ComicBook:  DC announced its first-ever "Round Robin" bracket, which will allow fans to vote on a potential series from a number of pitches. While creative teams for none of the series have been announced, the series in question is expected to be published later this year.

DC CINEMA - From THR:   Two previously DC Films have been cancelled.  The first is Oscar-nominated filmmaker Ava DuVernay's "New Gods" film, and the second is "Aquaman" director James Wan's Aquaman spinoff, "The Trench."

STAR WARS - From GamesRadar:   Lucasfilm releases "Pride Month" (June) cover image for Marvel Comics' "Star Wars: The High Republic."

FANTAGRAPHICS - From TheBeat:   "The Beat" interviews cartoonist Paco Roca about his newest English translated work, "The Winter of the Cartoonist."

MARVEL - From BleedingCool:   After about eight years at DC Comics, artist John Romita, Jr. is returning to his original home, Marvel Comics.

MARVEL/VIZ MEDIA - From BleedingCool:  The first Marvel Comics/Shonen Jump crossover is "My Hero Academia/Deadpool."

DC CINEMA - From THR:  The beloved "Batman" comic book, "Batman: The Long Halloween," is now a two-part animated film, with the first part debuting either this spring or summer on DVD and Blu-ray.  The cast includes Jensen Ackles ("Supernatural") as Batman and the late Naya Rivera as "Catwoman."

DC COMICS - From BleedingCool:   Diamond Comics UK will continue to distribute DC Comics titles through December 31st, 2021.

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APRIL 2021 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From BleedingCool:  AfterShock Comics for April 2021
From BleedingCool:  Antarctic Press for April 2021
From BleedingCool:  Behemoth Comics for April 2021 
From BleedingCool:  Black Mask Studios for April 2021
From BleedingCool:  BOOM! Studios for April 2021
From BleedingCool:  Dark Horse Comics for April 2021
From BleedingCool:  DC Comics for April 2021
From BleedingCool:  Dynamite Entertainment for April 2021
From BleedingCool:  Hero Collector for April 2021
From BleedingCool:  IDW Publishing for April 2021
From BleedingCool:  Image Comics for April 2021
From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics for April 2021
From BleedingCool:  Oni Press for April 2021
From BleedingCool:  Scout Comics for April 2021
From BleedingCool:  Second Sight for April 2021
From BleedingCool:  Source Point Press for April 2021
From BleedingCool:  Titan Comics for April 2021
From BleedingCool:  Valiant Comics for April 2021
From BleedingCool:  Zenescope Entertainment for April 2021

MAY 2021 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From BleedingCool:  Ablaze for May 2021
From BleedingCool:  Archie Comics for May 2021 
From BleedingCool:  Black Mask for May 2021
From BleedingCool:  BOOM! Studios for May 2021 
From BleedingCool:  Comic House for May 2021
From BleedingCool:  Dark Horse Comics for May 2021
From BleedingCool:  DC Comics for May 2021
From BleedingCool:  Dynamite Entertainment for May 2021
From BleedingCool:  Hero Collector for May 2021
From BleedingCool:  IDW Publishing for May 2021
From BleedingCool:  Image Comics for May 2021
From BleedingCool:  Mad Cave Studios for May 2021
From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics for May 2021
From BleedingCool:  Vault Comics for May 2021
From BleedingCool:  VIZ Media for May 2021
From BleedingCool:  Zenescope Entertainment for May 2021

JUNE 2021 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From BleedingCool:  Ablaze for June 2021 
From BleedingCool:  AfterShock Comics for 2021
From BleedingCool:  BOOM! Studios for June 2021
From BleedingCool:  Dark Horse Comics for June 2021
From BleedingCool:  DC Comics for June 2021
From BleedingCool:  Dynamite Entertainment for June 2021
From BleedingCool:  Eaglemoss for June 2021
From BleedingCool:  Hero Collector for June 2021
From BleedingCool:  IDW Publishing for June 2021 
From BleedingCool:  Mad Cave Studios for June 2021
From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics for June 2021
From BleedingCool:  Scout Comics for June 2021
From BleedingCool:  Source Point Press for June 2021
From BleedingCool:  Valiant Entertainment for June 2021
From BleedingCool:  VIZ Media for June 2021
From BleedingCool:  Zenescope Entertainment for June 2021 
 
JULY 2021 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From BleedingCool:  Artists, Writers & Artisans for July 2021
From BleedingCool:  Bad Idea for July 2021
From BleedingCool:  BOOM! Studios for July 2021
From BleedingCool:  Dark Horse Comics for July 2021
From BleedingCool:  DC Comics for July 2021
From BleedingCool:  Dynamite Entertainment for July 2021
From BleedingCool:  Heavy Metal for July 2021
From BleedingCool:  Hero Collectors for July 2021
From BleedingCool:  IDW Publishing for July 2021
From BleedingCool:  Image Comics for July 2021
From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics for July 2021
From BleedingCool:  Titan Comics for July 2021
From BleedingCool:  Valiant Entertainment for July 2021
From BleedingCool:  Vault Comics for July 2021

AUGUST 2021 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From BleedingCool:  Free Comic Book Day for August 14, 2021

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#IReadsYou Review: OVERLORD Volume 12

OVERLORD, VOL. 12
YEN PRESS

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

SCENARIO: Satoshi Oshio
MANGAKA: Hugin Miyama
ORIGINAL STORY: Kugane Maruyama
CHARACTER DESIGN: so-bin
TRANSLATION: Emily Balistrieri
LETTERS: Liz Kolkman
ISBN: 978-1-9753-1296-1; paperback (May 2020); Rated “OT” for “Older Teen”
194pp, B&W with some color pages, $13.00 U.S., $17.00 CAN

Overlord is a Japanese light novel series written by Kugane Maruyama and illustrated by so-bin.  A manga adaptation by writer Satoshi Oshio and artist Hugin Miyama began serialization in Kadokawa Shoten's manga magazine, Comp Ace, beginning in November 2014.  Yen Press is publishing an English-language adaptation of the manga as a series of paperback graphic novels and is also publishing an English-language adaptation of the light novel series.

Overlord asks the question, “What do you do when your favorite game shuts down?”  The 22nd century saw the release of YGGDRASIL, a DMMORPG, or “Dive Massively Multiplayer Online Role Playing Game.”  After an intense twelve-year run, the YGGDRASIL game servers are about to be shut down.  Momon decides to stay logged in right up until the very end, but when the servers go dark, he finds himself transported into the game world.  Now, he's been transformed into his skeletal avatar from the game, awesome magical powers included.  But what if he's the villain of his own story?

As Overlord, Vol. 12 (Chapters 44.5 to 49) opens, the “Bug Maid” has arrived.  Now, it is up to two members of the “Blue Roses,” the knight, Gagaran, and the ninja, Tia, to defeat her... except they can't.  They will need the help of the mysterious magic user and warrior, “Evileye,” but when she gains the advantage, another player enters the fray.  He is the demon Jaldabaoth, and he is unbelievably powerful.  So, another player enters – Momon, but this skirmish is just the beginning.

At last, Demiurge's schemes in the kingdom begin bearing fruit.  Between Jaldaboath and a powerful fighter capable of manipulating insects, the beleaguered humans have no choice but to rely on the Blue Roses to save a city.

The Overlord manga is new to me.  I have never read the Overlord light novel series written by Kugane Maruyama and illustrated by so-bin.  The work on the manga, drawn by Hugin Miyama from a scenario by Satoshi Oshio, does make me curious about the novels.

Overlord Graphic Novel Volume 12 is mostly battle manga.  I can't say that I find the characters particularly intriguing, but I am interested in this story line.  The English translation by Emily Balistrieri captures the narrative's sense of conspiracy, mystery, and machinations.  There is also some backstabbing going on, which captures the imagination, so I probably would feel a little better about the characters if I read more volumes.

6 out of 10

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



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Wednesday, April 28, 2021

#IReadsYou Review: ThoughtScape Comics #1 - Digital Edition

THOUGHTSCAPE COMICS #1
MATT MAIR LOWERY

[UPDATE: ThoughtScape Comics 2024 Kickstarter campaign is now live.]

STORY: Matt Mair Lowery
ART: Dave Law; Tyrell Cannon; Lisa Naffziger; Karl Slominski
COLORS: Dave Law; Tyrell Cannon; Lisa Naffziger; Karl Slominski
LETTERS: Dave Law; Tyrell Cannon; Lisa Naffziger; Karl Slominski
DESIGN: John Larson
COVER: Jenna Cha
44pp, Color, $8.00 U.S. (digital), $15.00 U.S. (print)

ThoughtScape Comics is new science fiction anthology comic book series from writer Matt Mair Lowery.  Lowery is the writer and co-creator with artist Cassie Anderson of Lifeformed, a YA science fiction graphic novel series published by Dark Horse Comics.

Lowery has stated that each issue of ThoughtScape Comics will contain 44+ pages of content, featuring stories written by Lowery and drawn by up-and-coming comic book artists.  Some of the stories will be self-contained and others will be part of a serial.  Multimedia artist, John Larsen, will provide the graphic design and packaging for each issue.

ThoughtScape Comics #1 contains four stories.  Lowery is joined by artists Dave Law, Tyrell Cannon, Lisa Naffziger, and Karl Slominski.  Two stories are apparently serials, and the other two are standalone stories.

ThoughtScape Comics is set in a world in which humanity's first multi-planet conglomerate, LifeTech, discovered the “ThoughtScape” in the late 21st century.  The ThoughtScape is a fifth dimension where every thought that has ever been thought exists.  Using technology of its own innovation, LifeTech began isolating and monitoring these thoughts (via “ThoughtScape Listening Posts").

Later, LifeTech began capturing and recording these thoughts through Thought & Information Service Collection Officers (TISCOs).  Eventually technological advancements allowed that the entire “ThoughtLives” of both living individuals and of the long-dead could be virtually reconstructed and played back through a variety of media formats.  The stories of ThoughtScape Comics will focus on the designs and intentions of LifeTech; the nature of ThoughtScape; and how people and beings connect, react, and exist with both.

THE LOWDOWN:  For the review of ThoughtScape Comics #1, I will offer comments on each of the four stories individually.

The first story is “Thoughtscape 2319: Parish, The Thought . Part 1,” the first part of a serial.  It is written by Lowery and drawn by Dave Law.  The story takes place at the edges of the galactic frontier in the year 2319.  Week 32.4, Thought & Information Service Collection Officer (TISCO) Odessa Query patrols her beat, currently the Hen 3-593 Di Chamaelontis System – 700 light years from Earth.

Her TISCO ship collects thoughts from ThoughtScape Listening Post Di.Cha.036, while she entertains her ship's neurocorder, Feyla.  Query prepares to move on to her next assigned Listening Post when she is diverted to an ongoing disaster.

Because of its cliffhanger ending, I am excited to read more of this story, especially because Lowery teases something awesome and awful coming to scare us, dear readers.  Dave Law's drawing style is perfect for science fiction comic books, and the design of the characters and the technology are convincing.  I also like Law's impressive title page drawing (for which I wouldn't mind having the original art).

The second story is “A Spy Without A face,” illustrated by Tyrell Cannon.  The story pits a mysterious “spy without a face” against a pack of assassins who have broken into a mysterious LifeTech facility.  Both sides get more than they bargained for in this black and white tale.

Cannon's graphical storytelling is high-speed and hyper-kinetic with the graphic design sensibilities of science fiction anime and manga.  Lowery's story allows Cannon to draw an explosive tale that is visceral and thrilling.  I'd like to see another Lowery-Cannon creation, and this story also made me seek out more information about Tyrell Cannon.

[Art by Tyrell Cannon for the story, "A Spy Without A face."]


The third story is “Adorable Orphans,” written by Lowery and drawn and colored by Lisa Naffziger.  Sally, an elementary school-age girl, loves her “Grammie,” her grandmother.  Her parents seem to despise the old woman, and they are particular about the things to which Grammie exposes Sally.

One day, Sally gets a package from Grammie.  Inside is the season’s hottest toy trend, one of LifeTech’s “Adorable Orphan android dolls” (also called a “DollDroid”).  The girl DollDroid's name is Betty, and she is a great friend for Sally, but everyone else better watch out.

“Adorable Orphans” is by far the best story in ThoughtScape Comics #1.  It is straight-forward, but Lowery is sly and sneaky in the way he surprises the readers in unexpected ways.  For instance, Sally's parents are both snobby and vulgar.  What's going on with Grammie?  And there is certainly more to Sally than what appears on the surface.

Lisa Naffziger's compositions and coloring are more alt-comics than children's comics, although I can understand why some people would see her work as the latter.  Lowery and Naffziger have created in “Adorable Orphans” a concept that could live on its own outside the world of ThoughtScape Comics.  If I were in Hollywood film and television production, I'd swoop in and buy the media rights for “Adorable Orphans” away from the rest of this package.

The fourth and final story is “Ex Post Facto: A Dash Varrick Misadventure . Part 1.”  A press release from Lowery describes the story in the following way:

XXXX#$%@&*!(AGAIN)))...Murder and music at the fringes of the revolution! he’s just a drop in the Co- maXYxXc o p y X > P A S T E Y # % Z o n e , - - h e ’ s - - y o u & M E m e M E . h e ’ s d - d - d a s h D A S H .tooLATEagaFILEretrieveERRORERR.accessing…

The art by Karl Slominski has elements that remind me of David Mack, especially, and of Bill Sienkiewiz, a little.  Otherwise, I have no idea what's going on with this story.

Overall, I like ThoughtScape Comics #1.  It presents such an expansive science fiction concept with a universe of possibilities as big as anything offered by the Star Wars and Star Trek franchises.  I hope a lot of comic book readers get behind the project and financially support it.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of science fiction anthology comic books (such as 2000 AD) will want to try ThoughtScape Comics.

A-
7.5 out of 10


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


https://twitter.com/mattmlpdx
https://www.mmlcomics.com/thoughtscape-comics
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/mattmlpdx/thoughtscape-comics-1
https://twitter.com/TCannonComics
https://twitter.com/lisanaffziger
https://twitter.com/KarlSlominski
https://www.instagram.com/itsdavelaw/
https://twitter.com/kale_satan
https://johnlarsen.net/


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

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

Amazon wants me to inform you that the link below is a PAID AD, but I technically only get paid (eventually) if you click on the ad below AND buy something(s).  But that ad is for a graphic novel you might want to give a try.


Tuesday, April 27, 2021

#IReadsYou Review: CHAOS CAMPUS: Sorority Girls vs. Zombies #32

CHAOS CAMPUS: SORORITY GIRLS VS ZOMBIES No. 32
APPROBATION COMICS

STORY: B. Alex Thompson – @ApproBAT
ART: Ricardo Mendez
COLORS: Miguel Marques
LETTERS: Krugos
POST-SCRIPTING/POLISH: John P. Ward
EDITORS: B. Alex Thompson and John P. Ward
MISC. ART: Ricardo Mendez
COVER: Ricardo Mendez
28pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. print/$1.99 U.S. digital (2017; digital release date – July 19, 2017)

Rated: Teen 13+ / 15+ Only – comiXology rating

Chaos Campus: Sorority Girls vs. Zombies created by B. Alex Thompson

“Lineage”


Chaos Campus: Sorority Girls vs. Zombies is the long-running zombie apocalypse comic book series from Approbation Comics.  Mixing in elements of comedy, horror, and adventure, it is the creation of B. Alex Thompson.  The series is set during a zombie invasion and follows the adventures of three members of the sorority, Epsilon Alpha Zeta Upsilon (EAZY):  ass-kickin’ Jamie Lynn Schaeffer, brainy and magic-wielding Paige Helena Patton, and sexy Brittany Ann Miller.

Chaos Campus: Sorority Girls vs. Zombies #32 (“Lineage”) opens in the aftermath of “Juggernauts” (from issue #31).  Brittany is totally whacked out, wandering around, half-dressed in a hospital gown, and muttering strange numbers.  Luckily, Jamie is around with her giant adjustable wrench and Paige with her magical energy sword to fight off the zombies that wanna snack on a zombie-actin' Britts.

Also, luckily, Paige has figured out what those numbers are, and now, it is time to meet the parents – Brittany's parents?!  Who is “the Twelfth?”  Who are the “Thirteen Survivors?”  What is the true history of the “Greek gods” and Mount Olympus?  Who is “the First” and can she be stopped?  And who can stop her?

THE LOWDOWN:  After bringing “The Road to Salvation” story line to an end, writer B. Alex Thompson continues to bring levity to Chaos Campus via a series of standalone stories.  I thought “Juggernauts” was the best of the lot, but “Lineage” speaks well for itself.

Ricardo Mendez's art and graphical storytelling remains strong.  His art in “Juggernauts” reminds me of the storytelling that readers would find in Marvel Comics' The Punisher titles.  Mendez's storytelling retains its nice pacing, but he shines in the offbeat “Lineage,” which changes pace several times.  It also offers just enough brutality and gruesomeness to capture the Chaos Campus style.  Colorist Miguel Marques replaces Russell Vincent Yu for this issue, and his colors are glorious.  The colors on the first six pages, especially on Page Six's magic portal, capture the nighttime setting with a touch of sorcery.

What else can I say about B. Alex Thompson.  He is one of my favorite comic book writers, and for the better part of two decades, I have have been enthralled by the breath and scope of his storytelling.  “Lineage” is a pleasant surprise as another chapter in the ongoing origin stories of the girls from EAZY.  And it presents the unexpected in terms of an origin story.  Letterer Krugos ably shifts the changes in tone and pacing, managing, as always, to complete the storytelling.

Chaos Campus #32 is the last standalone before the next story arc, and it is an enjoyable one that will entertain old and new readers.

POSSIBLE AUDIENCE:  Fans of zombies and of horror-comedies will want to try Chaos Campus: Sorority Girls vs. Zombies.

A
9 out of 10

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



Buy Chaos Campus #32 at comiXology.

www.ApprobationComics.com
https://twitter.com/ApproBAT
www.AlexThompsonWriter.com


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

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


Monday, April 26, 2021

BOOM! Studios from Diamond Distributors for April 28, 2021

BOOM! STUDIOS

FEB210861    ABBOTT 1973 #4 (OF 5) CVR A TENFOLD    $3.99
FEB210862    ABBOTT 1973 #4 (OF 5) CVR B ALLEN    $3.99
FEB219071    BRZRKR (BERZERKER) #1 3RD PTG FOIL MORA    $5.99
SEP200920    BRZRKR (BERZERKER) #2 CVR A GRAMPA (MR)    $3.99
SEP200921    BRZRKR (BERZERKER) #2 CVR B ALBUQUERQUE (MR)    $3.99
DEC208562    BRZRKR (BERZERKER) #2 CVR C GRAMPA FOIL VAR (MR)    $4.99
DEC208563    BRZRKR (BERZERKER) #2 CVR D ALBUQUERQUE FOIL VAR (MR)    $4.99
DEC201009    BUFFY VAMPIRE SLAYER LEGACY EDITION TP VOL 04    $29.99
FEB210890    DUNE HOUSE ATREIDES #6 (OF 12) CVR A CAGLE    $4.99
FEB210891    DUNE HOUSE ATREIDES #6 (OF 12) CVR B FRISON    $4.99
FEB210904    FIREFLY #28 CVR A BENGAL    $3.99
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FEB219074    MAGIC THE GATHERING (MTG) #1 2ND PTG GUARA    $4.99
FEB219353    MAGIC THE GATHERING (MTG) #1 CVR B PLANESWALKER REPLACEMENT    $4.99
FEB210869    ONCE & FUTURE #18 CVR A MORA    $3.99
FEB210885    POWER RANGERS #6 CVR C BLANK SKETCH VAR    $3.99



Dark Horse Comics from Diamond Distributors for April 28, 2021

DARK HORSE COMICS

FEB210240    CRITICAL ROLE VOX MACHINA ORIGINS III #2 (OF 6)    $3.99
NOV200261    CYBERPUNK 2077 METAL WATER BOTTLE    $19.99
FEB210244    CYBERPUNK 2077 YOU HAVE MY WORD #1 (OF 4) CVR A HERVAS    $3.99
FEB210245    CYBERPUNK 2077 YOU HAVE MY WORD #1 (OF 4) CVR B DE LULIS    $3.99
FEB210294    DRAGON AGE DARK FORTRESS #2 (OF 3)    $3.99
NOV200262    HELLBOY FACE MASK    $9.99
JUL200291    TOYS OF HE MAN & MASTERS OF UNIVERSE HC    $59.99
NOV200264    UMBRELLA ACADEMY FACE MASK    $9.99
NOV200260    UMBRELLA ACADEMY METAL WATER BOTTLE    $19.99
NOV200259    WITCHER 3 WILD HUNT METAL WATER BOTTLE    $19.99


Dynamite Entertainment from Diamond Distributors for April 28, 2021

DYNAMITE

JUL200771    BETTIE PAGE QUEEN NILE TP    $17.99
JAN210816    DEJAH THORIS WINTERS END ONE SHOT CVR A LINSNER    $4.99
JAN210817    DEJAH THORIS WINTERS END ONE SHOT CVR B PIRIZ    $4.99
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AUG200826    DYNAMITE BETTIE PAGE NECK GAITER    $25.00
SEP200790    DYNAMITE EVIL ERNIE (B) NECK GAITER    $25.00
AUG200827    DYNAMITE EVIL ERNIE NECK GAITER    $25.00
AUG200825    DYNAMITE PURGATORI NECK GAITER    $25.00
SEP200788    DYNAMITE RED SONJA (B) NECK GAITER    $25.00
AUG200824    DYNAMITE RED SONJA NECK GAITER    $25.00
DEC200700    SONJAVERSAL #1 LEE CGC CVR    $89.99
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APR201329    VENGEANCE VAMPIRELLA TP VOL 01 REBIRTH    $19.99


IDW Publishing from Diamond Distributors for April 28, 2021

IDW PUBLISHING

DEC200418    GI JOE A REAL AMERICAN HERO #280 CVR A RON JOSEPH    $3.99
DEC200419    GI JOE A REAL AMERICAN HERO #280 CVR B KIERON MCKEOWN    $3.99
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SEP200520    STEVE CANYON HC VOL 11 1967 - 1968    $49.99
DEC200478    USAGI YOJIMBO TP VOL 02 HOMECOMING    $19.99
FEB210431    USAGI YOJIMBO WANDERERS ROAD #6 (OF 6) PEACH MOMOKO CVR    $3.99


Image Comics from Diamond Distributors for April 28, 2021

IMAGE COMICS

FEB210178    BITTER ROOT #12 (MR)    $3.99
FEB210104    COMMANDERS IN CRISIS TP VOL 01 (MR)    $16.99
FEB210183    CROSSOVER #6 CVR A SHAW    $3.99
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DEC200128    REDNECK TP VOL 05 (MR)    $16.99
FEB219156    SHADECRAFT #1 2ND PTG    $3.99
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FEB210216    TWO MOONS #3 CVR B LATINA & BIANCONI (MR)    $3.99


Marvel Comics from Diamond Distributors for April 28, 2021

MARVEL COMICS

FEB218637    ALIEN #1 2ND PTG LARROCA VAR    $4.99
FEB210558    BETA RAY BILL #2 (OF 5)    $3.99
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FEB218261    HELLFIRE GALA GUIDE (BUNDLE OF 25)    $PI
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MAR210002    MARVEL PREVIEWS VOL 05 #11 MAY 2021 EXTRAS    $1.25
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Comics, Magazines and Books from Diamond Distributors for April 28, 2021

COMICS & GRAPHIC NOVELS

FEB211517    20 FISTS #1 (OF 3)    $3.99
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DEC201594    BACKTRACK TP VOL 02 (MR)    $19.99
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MAR211336    SQUIDDING AROUND HC GN VOL 02 CLASS CLOWN FISH    $22.99
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FEB211500    STAKE #2 CVR B AARON BARTLING    $3.99
FEB211408    STARGAZER TP    $17.99
FEB211026    STARRING SONYA DEVEREAUX DEATH TEAM 5 #1 CVR A FRAIM    $3.99
FEB211027    STARRING SONYA DEVEREAUX DEATH TEAM 5 #1 CVR B PARODY    $3.99
FEB211040    STEAM WARS HC W SOUNDTRACK CD    $39.99
FEB211822    SUPER HXEROS GN VOL 02 (MR)    $13.99
FEB211200    TAROT WITCH OF THE BLACK ROSE #127 (MR)    $3.99
DEC201587    THE UNDERFOOT TP VOL 02    $14.99
DEC201592    THE VAIN TP VOL 01 (MR)    $19.99
MAR211445    TROTS AND BONNIE HC GN (RES) (MR)    $39.95
APR201434    VAMPBLADE #50 (OF 50) CVR A MACCAGNI (MR)    $5.99
APR201435    VAMPBLADE #50 (OF 50) CVR B MACCAGNI RISQUE (MR)    $5.99
APR201436    VAMPBLADE #50 (OF 50) CVR C WINSTON YOUNG (MR)    $5.99
APR201437    VAMPBLADE #50 (OF 50) CVR D WINSTON YOUNG RISQUE (MR)    $5.99
APR201438    VAMPBLADE #50 (OF 50) CVR E HUANG (MR)    $5.99
APR201439    VAMPBLADE #50 (OF 50) CVR F HUANG RISQUE (MR)    $5.99
APR201440    VAMPBLADE #50 (OF 50) CVR G WINSTON YOUNG VIRGIN VARIANT (MR    $19.99
APR201441    VAMPBLADE #50 (OF 50) CVR H WINSTON YOUNG VIRGIN RISQUE VARI    $19.99
FEB211410    VILLAINOUS TP    $14.99
FEB211526    WARCORNS COMBAT UNICORNS FOR HIRE #4 (OF 4) (MR)    $3.99
MAR211767    WEATHERING WITH YOU GN VOL 03    $12.95
FEB218603    WITCHBLOOD #1 CVR G 2ND PTG    $3.99
FEB211619    WITCHBLOOD #2 CVR A STERLE    $3.99
JAN218099    WITCHBLOOD #2 CVR B STERLE    $3.99
JAN218102    WITCHBLOOD #2 CVR C YOSHITANI    $3.99
JAN211671    YOKAI GIRLS GN VOL 13    $13.99
FEB211745    YOUR TURN TO DIE GN VOL 01    $13.00
DEC201119    ZOMBIE TRAMP ONGOING #79 CVR A MACCAGNI (MR)    $4.99
DEC201120    ZOMBIE TRAMP ONGOING #79 CVR B MACCAGNI RISQUE (MR)    $4.99
DEC201121    ZOMBIE TRAMP ONGOING #79 CVR C YOUNG (MR)    $4.99
DEC201122    ZOMBIE TRAMP ONGOING #79 CVR D YOUNG RISQUE (MR)    $4.99
DEC201123    ZOMBIE TRAMP ONGOING #79 CVR E MCCOMB (MR)    $4.99
DEC201124    ZOMBIE TRAMP ONGOING #79 CVR F MCCOMB RISQUE (MR)    $4.99
DEC201168    ZORRO IN LAND THAT TIME FORGOT #4 CVR A WOLFER    $3.99
DEC201169    ZORRO IN LAND THAT TIME FORGOT #4 CVR B LTD ED  PULP    $9.99

MAGAZINES

FEB211221    COMIC SHOP NEWS [90CT BUNDLE] #1758    $PI
DEC201723    HOBBY JAPAN MARCH 2021    $20.00
JAN211451    NON SPORT UPDATE VOL 32 #2    $5.99
JAN219195    STAR WARS INSIDER #202 FOC CVR    $9.99
FEB211548    STAR WARS INSIDER #202 NEWSSTAND ED    $9.99
FEB211549    STAR WARS INSIDER #202 PX ED    $9.99

BOOKS

FEB210961    ART OF STAR WARS GALAXYS EDGE HC    $50.00
JAN219174    DEATH STRANDING NOVELIZATION SC VOL 01    $16.00
OCT201857    FEMME FATALE ART OF SHUZO OSHIMI SC    $29.95
FEB211770    HIGH SCHOOL DXD LIGHT NOVEL SC VOL 03    $15.00
MAR211877    I SHALL SURVIVE USING POTIONS LIGHT NOVEL SC VOL 05    $14.99
MAR211878    INFINITE DENDROGRAM LIGHT NOVEL SC VOL 12    $14.99
JAN211829    IRREGULAR AT MAGIC HIGH SCHOOL LIGHT NOVEL VOL 16 (RES)    $14.00
FEB211829    MONSTER GIRL DOCTOR LIGHT NOVEL SC VOL 00 (MR)    $14.99
MAR211879    MY NEXT LIFE AS VILLAINESS ROUTES LEAD DOOM SC NOVEL VOL 07    $14.99
JAN211365    OVERSTREET GUIDE HC GRADING COMICS 6TH ED    $34.95
JAN211364    OVERSTREET GUIDE SC GRADING COMICS 6TH ED    $24.95
FEB211831    PENGUINDRUM LIGHT NOVEL SC VOL 03    $13.99
FEB211833    SAINTS MAGIC POWER IS OMNIPOTENT LIGHT NOVEL SC VOL 03    $13.99
MAR211398    SEX & HORROR SC VOL 4 (MR)    $36.95
FEB211347    STAR TREK SHIPYARDS BORG & DELTA QUADRANT HC VOL 01 AKRITIRI    $34.95
FEB211238    STAR WARS CLONE WARS CHARACTER ENCYCLOPEDIA SC    $14.99
MAR211376    STAR WARS GALACTIC BAKING OFF COOKBOOK HC    $19.99
FEB211573    STAR WARS SCRATCH ARTIST CLASSIC MOVIE POSTERS    $19.99
FEB211228    STAR WARS THRAWN ASCENDANCY HC BOOK 02 GREATER GOOD    $28.99
FEB211227    STAR WARS THRAWN ASCENDANCY SC BOOK 01 CHAOS RISING    $16.00
FEB211780    WORLDS FINEST ASSASSIN REINCARNATED WORLD NOVEL SC VOL 02 (C    $15.00
FEB211782    YOU CALL THAT SERVICE LIGHT NOVEL SC VOL 03    $15.00


DC Comics from Lunar Distributors for April 27, 2021

DC COMICS:

Action Comics #1030 (Cover A Mikel Janin), $4.99
Action Comics #1030 (Cover B Julian Totino Tedesco Card Stock Variant), AR
Batman Black And White #5 (Of 6)(Cover A Lee Weeks), $5.99
Batman Black And White #5 (Of 6)(Cover B Jenny Frison), AR
Batman Black And White #5 (Of 6)(Cover C Gary Frank The Riddler Variant), AR
Batman Superman #17 (Cover A Ivan Reis & Danny Miki), $3.99
Batman Superman #17 (Cover B Rodolfo Migliar Card Stock Variant), AR
Batman Superman Volume 2 World’s Deadliest HC, $29.99
DCeased Dead Planet HC, $29.99
Detective Comics #1034 (Bryan Hitch 2nd Printing Variant Cover), $4.99
Detective Comics #1035 (Cover A Dan Mora), $4.99
Detective Comics #1035 (Cover B Lee Bermejo Card Stock Variant), AR
Harley Quinn #2 (Cover A Riley Rossmo), $3.99
Harley Quinn #2 (Cover B Derrick Chew Card Stock Variant), AR
JLA The Tower Of Babel The Deluxe Edition HC, $34.99
John Constantine Hellblazer Rise And Fall HC, $29.99
Nightwing #78 (Bruno Redondo 2nd Printing Variant Cover), $3.99
Robin #1 (Cover A Gleb Melnikov), $3.99
Robin #1 (Cover B Gleb Melnikov Wraparound Variant), AR
Robin #1 (Cover C Andy Kubert Team Card Stock Variant), AR
Robin #1 (Cover D Riccardo Federici Card Stock Variant), AR
RWBY Justice League #1 (Of 7)(Cover A Mirka Andolfo), $3.99
RWBY Justice League #1 (Of 7)(Cover B Simone Di Meo Card Stock Variant), AR
Suicide Squad Bad Blood HC, $29.99
Teen Titans Academy #2 (Cover A Rafa Sandoval), $3.99
Teen Titans Academy #2 (Cover B Philip Tan Card Stock Variant), AR
V For Vendetta Book And Mask Set (New Edition), $24.99


Sunday, April 25, 2021

#IReadsYou Movie Review: "THE DEATH OF SUPERMAN" is a Battle Royale

The Death of Superman (2018)

Running time:  81 minutes (1 hour, 21 minutes)
MPAA – PG-13 for sequences of violence and action including some bloody images.
DIRECTORS:  Sam Liu and Jake Castorena
WRITER:  Peter Tomasi (based on characters appearing in comic books published by DC Comics)
PRODUCERS:  Sam Liu and Amy McKenna
EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: Sam Register and James Tucker
EDITOR:  Christopher D. Lozinski
COMPOSER:  Frederik Wiedmann  
ANIMATION STUDIO:  Studio MIR

ANIMATION/SUPERHERO/ACTION/FANTASY

Starring:  (voices) Jerry O'Connell, Rebecca Romijn, Rainn Wilson, Rosario Dawson, Nathan Fillion, Christopher Gorham, Matt Lanter, Shemar Moore, Nyambi Nyambi, Jason O'Mara, Jonathan Adams, Rocky Carroll, Trevor Devall, Paul Eiding, Jennifer Hale, Charles Halford, Erica, Luttrell, Max Mittelman, and Toks Olagundoye

The Death of Superman is a 2018 straight-to-video animated superhero film from Warner Bros. Animation and directors Sam Lui and Jake Castorena.  It is the thirty-second film in the DC Universe Animated Original Movies series.  The movie takes its story from “Doomsday!” (also known as “The Death of Superman”), a story arc that ran in various DC Comics titles in late 1992.  In The Death of Superman movie, Superman battling a seemingly insurmountable foe.

The Death of Superman finds Superman (Jerry O'Connell) at the height of his popularity as a superhero in Metropolis and around the world.  However, Superman has some brewing domestic issues in his civilian life as Clark Kent (Jerry O'Connell).  Clark is dating Lois Lane (Rebecca Romijn), a fellow reporter at The Daily Planet.  Clark's parents, Ma and Pa Kent (Jennifer Hale and Paul Eiding), are visiting, and they will finally meet Lois, but that only forces Clark to face the fact that he has not told Lois that he is Superman.

Elsewhere, without warning, a meteor has crashed on Earth causing trouble above in Earth orbit and below in the ocean depths.  Emerging from the meteor is a gray-skinned, white-haired monster with incredible strength, stamina, and invulnerability.  Also, its skeleton protrudes through its skin in the form of multiple razor-sharp spurs.

The creature, whom Lois dubs “Doomsday,” quickly dispatches the Justice League.  Doomsday beats Wonder Woman (Rosario Dawson), Batman (Jason O'Mara), Aquaman (Matt Lanter), Cyborg (Shemar Moore), Flash (Christopher Gorham), Green Lantern (Nathan Fillion), Hawkman, and Martian Manhunter (Nyambi Nyambi) nearly to death.  Now, only Superman stands before the creature, but to defeat him, Superman may lose his own life.

The Death of Superman is not the first time that the “Doomsday”/“The Death of Superman” story line has been adapted into a direct-to-DVD animated film.  The first was 2007's Superman: Doomsday, which I did not care for all that much.  Concerning this newer film, I don't like the graphic design of the characters, who all appear to have anemic faces.  In fact, their heads are all face – odd, angular faces.  I find them a little jarring to look at, but the animation moves smoothly.

I thought the first half of 2018's The Death of Superman was dull, but the second half is a blast to watch.  Doomsday's fights with the other members of the Justice League are filled with bone-crushing blows and near-death intensity.  The Superman vs. Doomsday battle is so powerful that calling it “epic” does not completely describe the insane violence displayed in this literally to-the-death fight.

The character drama between Clark and Lois is also well-developed, and the depiction of the edginess in their relationship keeps the first half of the movie from being a total loss.  This film also includes a strong version of Lex Luthor (Rainn Wilson), one that could have taken over this film.  Ultimately, I am giving The Death of Superman a high recommendation because of the Superman-Doomsday battle.  This fight is like an animated equivalent of a battle one might find in a Disney/Marvel Studios' Avengers films.

B+

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


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


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