Showing posts with label Charles Soule. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Charles Soule. Show all posts

Tuesday, August 23, 2022

#IReadsYou Review: STAR WARS: Crimson Reign #1

STAR WARS: CRIMSON REIGN #1 (OF 5)
MARVEL COMICS – @Marvel

STORY: Charles Soule
ART: Steven Cummings
COLORS: Guru-eFX
LETTERS: VC's Travis Lanham
EDITOR: Mark Paniccia
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Akira Yoshida a.k.a. C.B. Cebulski
COVER: Leinil Francis Yu with Sunny Gho
VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Steve Cummings with Guru-eFX; Ario Anindito with Edgar Delgado; Clayton Crain; Valerio Giangiordano with Arif Prianto; David Lopez; Rahzzah; Khoi Pahm with Lee Loughridge
36pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. (February 2022)

Rated T

Part 1: “The Orphans”


Star Wars: War of the Bounty Hunters was a Marvel Comics Star Wars publishing event that was comprised of 34 individual comic books, published from May to October 2021.  The series imagines a series of events that occur between the time bounty hunter, Boba Fett, collects Han Solo frozen in carbonite in 1980s The Empire Strikes Back (Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back) and his appearance in 1983's Return of the Jedi (Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi).

Coming out of War of the Bounty Hunters is the comic book miniseries, Star Wars: Crimson Reign.  It is written by Charles Soule; drawn by Steven Cummings; colored by Guru-eFX; and lettered by Travis Lanham.  According to Marvel, Crimson Reign is the second installment of a trilogy that will reshape the history of the Star Wars Galaxy during the “Age of Rebellion.”

Star Wars: Crimson Reign #1 opens in the halls of the group known as “Crimson Dawn.”  Qi'ra of Corellia is now the group's leader.  She has taken on the killers, liars, and thieves that make up this group and has given them a purpose.

Qi'ra has gathered a diverse group:  “The Knights of Ren,” “Chanath Cha and the Orphans,” Deathstick, Ochi of Bestoon, Margo and Trinia, and the Archivist to carry out of her plans, which is to destroy the Sith in order to free the galaxy.  Her main targets, of course, are Emperor Palpatine a.k.a. “Darth Sidious” and his apprentice, Darth Vader.  Qi'ra begins her mission by sending her allies against the galaxy's criminal syndicates, but has doom for herself and her group already been foretold?

THE LOWDOWN:  I have enjoyed the vast majority of the Charles Soule's Star Wars comic book work that I have read.  I have enjoyed Steven Cummings art since I was first exposed to it in some OEL (original English language) manga from Tokyopop, including Pantheon High (2007), Star Trek: The Manga (2007), and CSI: Intern at Your Own Risk (2009).

However, Star Wars: Crimson Reign #1 isn't the kind of first issue that will inspire me to go out of my way to read the rest of the series.  It is professionally written, professionally drawn, professionally colored, and professionally lettered.  This isn't a bad comic book.  I simply have little interest in Qi'ra's conspiracy, which is contrived past the point of being credible.  I find it hard to believe that not one syndicate leader would notice that the troubles begin shortly after Qi'ra and her ilk begin meeting with the syndicates.  Does it take two issues for even one of them to figure this out?

Lucasfilm and Marvel seem determined to retcon the fuck out of the original Star Wars trilogy and the imaginary timeline surrounding it – known as the “Age of Rebellion.”  That is their prerogative, but it is mine to choose to read it.  I choose not to.  I have never been that curious about “what happened” between the films, The Empire Strikes Back (1980) and Return of the Jedi (1983).  But if that is your thing, Crimson Reign is not only a miniseries, but it is an event that will take place in various issues across Marvel's line of Star Wars comic books.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of Marvel's Star Wars comic books may want to try Star Wars: Crimson Reign.

B
★★★ out of 4 stars

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


https://twitter.com/Marvel
https://www.marvel.com/
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The text is copyright © 2022 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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Monday, December 27, 2021

Marvel Comics from Diamond Distributors for December 29, 2021

MARVEL COMICS

OCT210806 AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #83 $3.99
OCT210807 AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #83 BALDEON DEVILS REIGN VILLAIN VAR $3.99
OCT210808 AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #83 GLEASON VAR $3.99
SEP211075 AMAZING SPIDER-MAN EPIC COLL TP SPIDER-MAN NO MORE NEW PTG $39.99
SEP211078 ATLANTIS ATTACKS TP ORIGINAL EPIC $44.99
SEP211063 CHAMPIONS TP VOL 02 KILLER APP $15.99
MAR210685 DAREDEVIL BY CHARLES SOULE OMNIBUS HC NOTO CVR $125.00
AUG211303 DAREDEVIL EPIC COLLECTION DEAD MANS HAND TP $44.99
OCT210870 DEATH OF DOCTOR STRANGE #4 (OF 5) $3.99
OCT210872 DEATH OF DOCTOR STRANGE #4 (OF 5) WU DEVILS REIGN VILLAIN VA $3.99
OCT210769 DEVILS REIGN #2 (OF 6) $4.99
OCT210770 DEVILS REIGN #2 (OF 6) BAGLEY CONNECTING VAR $4.99
OCT210771 DEVILS REIGN #2 (OF 6) INHYUK LEE VAR $4.99
MAY210703 SPIDER-MAN HC LIFE STORY $34.99
OCT210960 STAR WARS BOUNTY HUNTERS #19 $3.99
OCT210961 STAR WARS BOUNTY HUNTERS #19 SPROUSE LUCASFILM 50TH VAR $3.99
OCT210962 STAR WARS BOUNTY HUNTERS #19 YU VAR WOBH $3.99
AUG211293 STAR WARS TP VOL 03 WAR OF BOUNTY HUNTERS $19.99
OCT210773 TIMELESS #1 $5.99
OCT210775 TIMELESS #1 BUSTOS STORMBREAKERS VAR $5.99
OCT210776 TIMELESS #1 CABAL STORMBREAKERS VAR $5.99
OCT210777 TIMELESS #1 CARNERO STORMBREAKERS VAR $5.99
OCT210778 TIMELESS #1 CASSARA STORMBREAKERS VAR $5.99
OCT210779 TIMELESS #1 COELLO STORMBREAKERS VAR $5.99
OCT210780 TIMELESS #1 GLEASON STORMBREAKERS VAR $5.99
OCT210781 TIMELESS #1 MOMOKO STORMBREAKERS VAR $5.99
OCT210782 TIMELESS #1 SILVA STORMBREAKERS VAR $5.99
JUL210802 TOMB OF DRACULA COMPLETE COLLECTION TP VOL 05 $44.99
OCT210857 WASTELANDERS STAR-LORD #1 $3.99
OCT210858 WASTELANDERS STAR-LORD #1 SLINEY VAR $3.99
SEP211076 X-STATIX COMPLETE COLLECTION TP VOL 02 $44.99

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Monday, December 6, 2021

Marvel Comics from Diamond Distributors for December 8, 2021

MARVEL COMICS

SEP210962 AMAZING FANTASY #5 (OF 5) $4.99
SEP210963 AMAZING FANTASY #5 (OF 5) ANDREWS VAR $4.99
OCT210798 AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #80.BEY $4.99
OCT210799 AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #80.BEY QUINONES VAR $4.99
JUL210777 BETA RAY BILL TP ARGENT STAR $15.99
SEP210841 CAPTAIN AMERICA IRON MAN #1 (OF 5) $3.99
SEP210845 CAPTAIN AMERICA IRON MAN #1 (OF 5) CLARKE INFINITY SAGA VAR $3.99
SEP210843 CAPTAIN AMERICA IRON MAN #1 (OF 5) GLEASON STORMBREAKER VAR $3.99
SEP210846 CAPTAIN AMERICA IRON MAN #1 (OF 5) KUBERT INFINITY SAGA VAR $3.99
MAR210686 DAREDEVIL BY CHARLES SOULE OMNIBUS HC LOPEZ DM VAR $125.00
OCT210866 DEATH OF DOCTOR STRANGE BLADE #1 $4.99
OCT210867 DEATH OF DOCTOR STRANGE BLADE #1 BALDEON VAR $4.99
OCT210797 DEMON DAYS X-MEN CREATORS CUT #1 $5.99
OCT210762 DEVILS REIGN #1 (OF 6) $5.99
OCT210764 DEVILS REIGN #1 (OF 6) BAGLEY CONNECTING VAR $5.99
OCT210765 DEVILS REIGN #1 (OF 6) MOMOKO VAR $5.99
OCT210768 DEVILS REIGN #1 (OF 6) RED BLANK VAR $5.99
OCT210767 DEVILS REIGN #1 (OF 6) YOUNG VAR $5.99
MAR210692 FANTASTIC FOUR HC FATE OF FOUR $39.99
SEP210955 FANTASTIC FOUR LIFE STORY #5 (OF 6) $4.99
SEP210956 FANTASTIC FOUR LIFE STORY #5 (OF 6) BIANCHI VAR $4.99
SEP210847 GIANT-SIZE BLACK CAT INFINITY SCORE #1 $4.99
SEP210848 GIANT-SIZE BLACK CAT INFINITY SCORE #1 JEEHYUNG LEE VAR $4.99
SEP210850 GIANT-SIZE BLACK CAT INFINITY SCORE #1 JOHNSON LUCKY VAR $4.99
OCT210887 HELLIONS #18 $4.99
OCT210889 HELLIONS #18 MOMOKO VAR $4.99
OCT210888 HELLIONS #18 TAN VAR $4.99
AUG211298 IMMORTAL HULK TP VOL 10 HELL AND DEATH $24.99
SEP210860 INFERNO #3 (OF 4) $5.99
SEP210863 INFERNO #3 (OF 4) DEKAL VAR $5.99
SEP210861 INFERNO #3 (OF 4) MOMOKO STORMBREAKER VAR $5.99
SEP210864 INFERNO #3 (OF 4) MOMOKO VAR $5.99
SEP210865 INFERNO #3 (OF 4) VEGA VAR $5.99
MAR210688 JESSICA JONES ALIAS OMNIBUS HC FIRST ISSUE DM VAR NEW PTG (M $100.00
MAR210687 JESSICA JONES ALIAS OMNIBUS HC SECRET ORIGIN CVR NEW PTG (MR $100.00
AUG211100 MARVELS VOICES COMMUNITY #1 $9.99
JUL218231 MARVELS VOICES COMMUNITY #1 BUSTOS VAR $9.99
AUG211102 MARVELS VOICES COMMUNITY #1 MANAHINI VAR $9.99
AUG211105 MARVELS VOICES COMMUNITY #1 RAMOS VAR $9.99
AUG211103 MARVELS VOICES COMMUNITY #1 WOLF VAR $9.99
AUG211104 MARVELS VOICES COMMUNITY #1 ZITRO VAR $9.99
AUG211308 REPTIL GN TP BRINK OF EXTINCTION $13.99
JUL210800 SILK OUT OF THE SPIDER-VERSE TP VOL 03 $34.99
SEP211018 STAR WARS #19 CHRISTOPHER ACTION FIGURE VAR WOBH $3.99
SEP211019 STAR WARS #19 SPROUSE LUCASFILM 50TH VAR WOBH $3.99
SEP211017 STAR WARS #19 WOBH $3.99
SEP211006 STAR WARS CRIMSON REIGN #1 (OF 5) $4.99
SEP211012 STAR WARS CRIMSON REIGN #1 (OF 5) ANINDITO CONNECTING VAR $4.99
SEP211010 STAR WARS CRIMSON REIGN #1 (OF 5) CRAIN ENEMIES DAWN VAR $4.99
SEP211011 STAR WARS CRIMSON REIGN #1 (OF 5) PHAM SYNDICATE VAR $4.99
SEP211008 STAR WARS CRIMSON REIGN #1 (OF 5) RAHZZAH KNIGHTS REN VAR $4.99
SEP211009 STAR WARS CRIMSON REIGN #1 (OF 5) WARRIORS DAWN VAR $4.99
AUG211295 STAR WARS HIGH REPUBLIC TP VOL 02 HEART OF DRENGIR $15.99
AUG211294 STAR WARS WAR BOUNTY HUNTERS COMPANION TP $19.99
AUG211300 X-MEN FROM THE ASHES TP NEW PTG $29.99
MAR210697 X-MEN INFERNO PROLOGUE OMNIBUS HC ADAMS DM VAR NEW PTG $100.00
MAR210696 X-MEN INFERNO PROLOGUE OMNIBUS HC SILVESTRI CVR NEW PTG $100.00
SEP210951 X-MEN LEGENDS #9 $3.99
SEP210952 X-MEN LEGENDS #9 ANDREWS VAR $3.99

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Wednesday, June 9, 2021

#IReadsYou Review: UNCANNY INHUMANS #1

UNCANNY INHUMANS #1
MARVEL COMICS – @Marvel

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

WRITER: Charles Soule
PENCILS: Steve McNiven; Brandon Peterson
INKS: Jay Leisten; Brandon Peterson
COLORS: Sunny Cho; Nolan Woodard
LETTERS: VC's Clayton Cowles
COVER: Steve McNiven and Jay Leisten with Justin Ponsor
VARIANT COVERS: Jim Cheung with Justin Ponsor; Art Adams with Richard Isanove; Art Adams (Kirby Monster Variant); Skottie Young; Adi Granov; Damien Scott (Hop Hop variant); Kalel Sean costumed by Brian A. Parsley and photographed by Judy Stephens (cosplay variant)
40pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. (December 2015)

Rated T+

Inhumans created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby


The Inhumans are a race of super-humans in Marvel Comics.  Created by Jack Kirby and Stan Lee, they first appeared in Fantastic Four #45 (cover dated: December 1965).  The Inhumans are a strain of humanity that began with genetic manipulation by visitors to Earth from an alien civilization (the Kree), long ago in human prehistory.  Exposure to the mutagenic Terrigen Mist (a process known as Terrigenesis) reveals if a person is an Inhuman.

Little more than a B-list character group, the Inhumans are in ascendancy in the Marvel Universe, especially over the last four years.  In 2013, Marvel even launched a new comic book series, entitled Inhuman.  The launch of the “All-New, All-Different Marvel” sees the Inhumans continuing to rise to prominence.  The latest Inhuman comic book series is Uncanny Inhumans.  This series is written by Charles Soule; drawn by Steve McNiven (pencils) and Jay Leisten (inks), colored by Sunny Cho; and lettered by Clayton Cowles.

Uncanny Inhumans #1 opens the series with several sub-plots.  It is dough boys and dinosaurs when Triton and Reader (and his dog Forey) join Black Bolt in a time-traveling mission.  This trip, however, breaks a deal Black Bolt made with Kang the Conqueror, and the latter strikes back.  Also, Medusa and a group of new Inhumans (NuHumans) are engaged in a Central Park battle against the Chitauri.

Later, Medusa looks to the X-Man, Beast, to use his scientific knowledge to end the friction between mutants and Inhumans.  Plus, a visit from the Human Torch exacerbates marital discord.  Plus, in a bonus story, Frank, Flint, and Naja travel to Morocco to recover a lost Inhuman.

For a long time now, first issues of comic books that work on a five or six issue story arc are little more than introductions to the story and characters.  They are also often infuriatingly vague.  That is not the case with Uncanny Inhumans.  Writer Charles Soule has a way of making practically every page not only satisfying to read, but also intriguing enough to encourage the readers to come back for more.

The drama is convincing, and Soule gives the characters interesting personalities and/or engaging individual melodramas.  Medusa/Beast: I want more of that.  Black Bolt: it's all good.  I am not ashamed to say that Soule makes me feel like a fanboy about the titles he writers.

Of course, he has a great art team.  Steve McNiven has mastered making style work as high drama.  McNiven pencils are a series of flourishes and bells-and-whistles that come together to convey character, setting, plot, and drama.  In the back-up story, artist Brandon Peterson does something similar, but I'm not going to play that game of who is better – McNiven or Peterson.  I must admit, however, that I prefer Nolan Woodard's beautiful colors for Peterson's art, although I am not slighting Sunny Cho's excellent hues on the main story.

I'm ready for more Uncanny Inhumans, and if you listen to my recommendation and buy Uncanny Inhumans #1, you will be ready for more, also.

A-

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


The text is copyright © 2016 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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Tuesday, March 9, 2021

#IReadsYou Book Review: STAR WARS THE HIGH REPUBLIC: Light of the Jedi

STAR WARS: THE HIGH REPUBLIC: LIGHT OF THE JEDI
RANDOM HOUSE/Del Rey

[This review was originally posted on Patreon, and visit the "Star Wars Central" review page here.]

AUTHOR: Charles Soule
COVER: Joseph Meehan
ISBN: 978-0-593-15771-8; hardcover (January 5, 2021)
400pp, B&W, $28.99 U.S., $38.99 CAN

Star Wars: The High Republic: Light of the Jedi is a 2021 Star Wars novel from author Charles Soule. Star Wars: The High Republic is an all-new storytelling initiative set in the world of Star Wars.  This publishing program will feature interconnected stories that will be told across multiple publishers, including book and comic book publishers, and that will be targeted at multiple age groups of readers.

Star Wars: The High Republic's saga takes place 200 years prior to the events depicted in the film, Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace (1999), in an all-new time period.  The High Republic is set in an era when both the Galactic Republic and the Jedi Order are at the height of their power, serving and protecting the galaxy.  This is a hopeful and optimistic time, and the Republic and the Jedi are noble and respected.

Star Wars: The High Republic: Light of the Jedi opens in a golden age.  Intrepid hyperspace scouts have expanded the reach of the Republic to the furthest stars and into the Outer Rim.  Worlds flourish under the benevolent leadership of the Senate on the Core world of Coruscant and its leader, Chancellor Lina Soh.  Peace reigns, enforced by the wisdom and strength of the order of Force users known as the Jedi Knights, who are at the height of their power.  The light of the Jedi spreads across the Republic, and every citizen knows that “We are all Republic.”

The Republic has a new project, “the Starlight Beacon,” which will connect the inhabitants and new settlers of the worlds of the Outer Rim to the Mid Rim and Core worlds.  In fact, the “Legacy Run,” a Kaniff Yards Class 4 modular freight transport, is traveling through hyperspace with a full contingent of new setters to the Outer Rim.  Then, a shocking catastrophe in hyperspace tears the Legacy Run apart, and multiple pieces and sections of the ship emerge from hyperspace like a flurry of shrapnel.

These “Emergences” from hyperspace into real space threaten disaster and total destruction for the entire Hetzal System, an Outer Rim system of mostly agricultural worlds.  The Jedi quickly race to the scene, but the scope of what will be called “The Great Disaster” pushes even the Jedi to their limit.  A single mistake on their part could cost billions of lives.

Behind this emergency is a new enemy, a band of marauding and mysterious “space vikings” known as “the Nihil.”  The threat of the Nihil has largely stayed beyond the boundary of the Republic, but this hyperspace disaster is part of a new sinister plan that just might strike fear into this golden age of the Republic.

THE LOWDOWN:  Star Wars: The High Republic: Light of the Jedi is the first Star Wars novel that I have read in about eight and a half years.  The last one I read was author James Luceno's Star Wars: Darth Plagueis (2012), which was part of the defunct “Star Wars Expanded Universe.”  Star Wars: The High Republic: Light of the Jedi is the perfect book to welcome a returning Star Wars novel reader to the franchise.

Charles Soule is a novelist and attorney, but I know him as one of Marvel Comics' very best Star Wars comic book writers … ever.  I was surprised to see that he would write one of the novels that would launch Star Wars: The High Republic, but Soule turns out to be one of those perfect choices.

Star Wars: The High Republic: Light of the Jedi works because Soule's prose and storytelling slowly draws the readers into the narrative.  Then, he forces readers to race through this book that roils like a summer potboiler novel.  The chapters are relatively short; there are 44 of them, plus a prologue, an epilogue, and a few interludes, but almost everyone of them packs a wallop.  Anytime is the right time for a book that you, dear readers, can't put down.

Soule gives readers a good taste of the characters:  Jedi, non-Jedi, and adversaries in Star Wars: The High Republic: Light of the Jedi, but character writing isn't what Soule does best in this book.  In a way, the characters' personalities, conflicts, histories, relationships, doubts, goals, motivations, etc. seem somewhat allusive.  I think that is partly because these characters are still in a state of development so early in this publishing program.

Still, Jedi like Avar Kriss, Loden Greatstorm, Bell Zettifer, and Elzar Mann promise to be quite interesting and fun.  What is the highest recommendation that I can give Star Wars: The High Republic: Light of the Jedi?  By the time I reached the end of this book, I really wanted there to be more.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of Star Wars novels will certainly want to give Star Wars: The High Republic: Light of the Jedi a try.

8.5 out of 10

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


https://twitter.com/DelReyStarWars
https://twitter.com/DelReyBooks
http://www.randomhousebooks.com/
https://www.starwars.com/the-high-republic
https://twitter.com/starwars
https://www.starwars.com/
https://twitter.com/CharlesSoule


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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Sunday, January 31, 2021

#IReadsYou Review: STAR WARS VOL. 1: The Destiny Path

STAR WARS VOL. 1 (2020): THE DESTINY PATH
MARVEL COMICS – @Marvel

[This review was originally posted on Patreon, and visit the "Star Wars Central" review page here.]

STORY: Charles Soule
ART: Jesus Saiz
COLORS: Arif Prianto with Jesus Saiz (#1); Rachelle Rosenberg (#4); and Dan Brown (#5)
LETTERS: VC's Clayton Cowles
EDITOR: Mark Paniccia
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Akira Yoshida a.k.a. C.B. Cebulski
COVER: R.B. Silva with Guru-eFX
MISC. ART: Arthur Adams with Jesus Aburtov; Jen Bartel; Adam Hughes; Mahmud Asrar with Matthew Wilson; Phil Noto; Ema Lupacchino with Jesus Aburtov; Daniel Acuna; Patch Zircher with Edgard Delgado; John Tyler Christopher
ISBN: 978-1-302-92078-4; paperback (November 10, 2020)
152pp, Color, $17.99 U.S., $22.99 CAN

Rated T

In 2015, Marvel Comics began publishing Star Wars comic books again.  Marvel's new Star Wars #1 opened in the time immediately after the events depicted in the original film, Star Wars (1977), which is also known as Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope.  After 75 issues, that series ended.

In late 2019, the new Star Wars ongoing series began.  It is written by Charles Soule; drawn by Jesus Saiz; colored by Arif Prianto; and lettered by Clayton Cowles.  Star Wars (cover dated: 2020) starts during the last act of the 1980 Star Wars film, The Empire Strikes Back (also known as Star Wars: Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back) and then, goes on to tell the story of the aftermath of the events depicted in Episode V.

The first six issues of Star Wars (2020) are collected in the recently released trade paperback, Star Wars Vol. 1: The Destiny Path.  “The Destiny Path” is the first story arc of this new series.

Star Wars Vol. 1: The Destiny Path opens inside the Millennium Falcon.  Its passengers:  Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, Chewbacca, R2-D2, C-3PO, and Lando Calrissian have fled the Cloud City of Bespin, formerly owned by Lando.  They also escaped capture by the forces of the Galactic Empire, thanks to a save by R2-D2 (as seen in The Empire Strikes Back).  However, there are also feelings of recrimination and anger over Han Solo being the prisoner of a group of bounty hunters, led by Boba Fett, in service of Darth Vader – with the involuntary assistance of Lando.

Leia's plan is for the Falcon to reach The Mid Rim, Rendezvous Point: Delta-Three and join the “Fourth Division” of the Rebel Fleet.  But the Fourth Division is trapped there by Imperial forces led by Lieutenant Gorr of the Imperial Star Destroyer,Tarkin's Will.”  Now, Leia, Luke, Chewbacca, and Lando will have to put aside the anger, pain, and grief if they are going to save the Rebel Alliance.

“No … I am your father.”

Meanwhile, Luke struggles with his destiny as a Jedi Knight in the aftermath of his battle with Darth Vader at Cloud City.  He calls to his late mentor, Ben “Obi-Wan” Kenobi, but does not receive a reply, and Luke also feels out of sorts with the Force – as if it has abandoned him.  Then, Luke begins to have dreams and visions of a mystery woman who holds out a lightsaber to him – perhaps to replace the one he lost at Cloud City.  Now, Luke must find her, if he is to find his way with the Force … or so he thinks.  Plus, Leia, Luke, and Lando return to Cloud City, each for his or her own reasons.

THE LOWDOWN:  Star Wars Vol. 1: The Destiny Path takes place inside the final 10 minutes of The Empire Strikes Back.  It expands on what happens between the Millennium Falcon escaping the Imperial forces shortly after leaving Bespin and the film's final moments.  Then, The Destiny Path creates a larger story of what happens afterwards, which involves several sub-plots.

The Rebel Alliance must find a new base, but first, they have to escape Imperial forces, which have found a way to track the whereabouts of the separated “Divisions” of the Rebel Fleet.  The Imperials can track one Division in order to find a second; then, it destroys both.  The main goal of Leia, Luke, Lando, and Chewbacca is to find Han Solo, and if Boba Fett hasn't already turned Han over to Jabba the Hutt on Tatooine, then, they must track Boba.

Writer Charles Soule has previously said that he hopes to use this new Star Wars series to expand on what happened between The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi (1983), the final film of the original Star Wars trilogy.  And I'm all for that!  Star Wars Vol. 1: The Destiny Path is a very well written first arc.  Soule expounds on the conflict between Leia and Chewbacca against Lando.  Soule gives Lando a chance to settle his affairs at Cloud City and to reunite with a friend (and one of my favorite characters, Lobot).

Soule delves into Luke's struggles after his duel with Darth Vader, revealing a young man adrift and who may have to find his own way.  Soule plays up the idea that Luke's journey will be different from that of any other Jedi's.  The Destiny Path allows readers to see Luke take the first big steps that he takes alone on his path to being a Jedi.

I really like the art by illustrator Jesus Saiz and colorist Arif Prianto.  The graphical storytelling is moody and emotionally, but also offers edge-of-your-seat thrills, all of it well paced by Clayton Cowles' lettering.  For however long Saiz and Prianto work on this new Star Wars series, they seem capable of capturing the dark mood of a time when the Star Wars narrative fell into the deep, cold shadows of the Empire.

I have to be honest.  Although I was a regular reader of the previous series, Star Wars (2015), my excitement for the series's last 12 issues was about a third of what it was for the first 12 issues.  Star Wars Vol. 1: The Destiny Path is making me feel excited about Star Wars comic books the way the beginning of Star Wars 2015 did.  And I feel quite safe in recommending this collection to you, dear readers and Star Wars fans.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of Star Wars comic books and of the time between Star Wars: Episodes V and VI will definitely want to sample Star Wars Vol. 1: The Destiny Path.

9 out of 10

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



https://twitter.com/Marvel
https://twitter.com/starwars
https://www.starwars.com/
https://twitter.com/CharlesSoule


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).


Tuesday, November 10, 2020

#IReadsYou Review: STAR WARS #1

STAR WARS #1 (2020)
MARVEL COMICS – @Marvel

[This review was originally posted on Patreon and visit the "Star Wars Central" review page.]

STORY: Charles Soule
ART: Jesus Saiz
COLORS: Jesus Saiz; Arif Prianto
LETTERS: VC's Clayton Cowles
EDITOR: Mark Paniccia
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Akira Yoshida a.k.a. C.B. Cebulski
COVER: R.B. Silva with Guru-eFX
VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Arthur Adams with Jesus Aburtov; Jen Bartel; Adam Hughes; Mahmud Asrar with Matthew Wilson; Phil Noto; Chris Sprouse; Karl Story with Neeraj Menon
4pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. (March 2020)

Rated T

“The Destiny Path” Part I

In 2015, Marvel Comics began publishing Star Wars comic books again.  Star Wars #1 opened in the time immediately after the events depicted in the original film, Star Wars (1977), which is also known as Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope.  After 75 issues, that series ended.

Now comes Star Wars 2020.  It is written by Charles Soule; drawn by Jesus Saiz; colored by Arif Prianto and Saiz; and lettered by Clayton Cowles.  The new series takes place after the events depicted in the 1980 Star Wars film, The Empire Strikes Back (also known as Star Wars: Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back).

Star Wars #1 opens inside the Millennium Falcon.  Its passengers:  Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, Chewbacca, R2-D2, C-3PO, and Lando Calrissian escaped the Cloud City of Bespin, formerly owned by Lando.  They also escaped capture by the forces of the Galactic Empire, thanks to a save by R2-D2, as seen in The Empire Strikes Back.  There are also feelings of recrimination and anger over the capture of Han Solo by bounty hunters, led by Boba Fett, in service of Darth Vader.

Leia's plan is for them to reach The Mid Rim, Rendezvous Point: Delta-Three and join the “Fourth Division” of the Rebel Fleet.  But the Fourth Division is trapped there by imperial forces led by Lieutenant Gorr of the Imperial Star Destroyer, “Tarkin's Will.”  Now, Leia, Luke, Chewbacca, and Lando will have to put aside the anger, pain, and grief if they are going to save the Rebel Alliance... and find a traitor.  Meanwhile, Luke struggles with his destiny in the aftermath of his battle with Darth Vader in Cloud City.

Star Wars #1 (2020) takes place inside the final 10 minutes of The Empire Strikes Back.  It expands on what happened between the Millennium Falcon escaping the Imperial forces shortly after leaving Bespin and the film's final moments.  Writer Charles Soule has said that he hopes to use this new Star Wars series to expand on what happened between The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi (1983), the final film of the original Star Wars trilogy.  And I'm all for that!

Star Wars #1 is a very well written first issue, as Soule expounds on the conflict between Leia and Chewbacca against Lando.  Soule delves into Luke's struggles after his duel with Darth Vader, revealing a young man adrift and who may have to find his own way.  Soule plays up the idea that Luke's journey will be different from that of any other Jedi's.  Soule also offers a tremendous mini action-thriller involving a besieged part of the Rebel Fleet, facing certain doom at the hands of Imperial Star Destroyers.  Soule creates the perfect scenario in which he can show how the post-Episode V core of heroes:  Luke, Leia, Lando, Chewbacca, and the Droids can work together to save the Rebellion.

I really like the art by Jesus Saiz and Arif Prianto.  The graphical storytelling is moody and emotionally, but also offers edge-of-your-seat thrills, all of it well paced by Clayton Cowles' lettering.  For however long Saiz and Prianto work on this new Star Wars series, they seem capable of capturing the dark mood of a time when the Star Wars narrative fell into the deep, cold shadows of the Empire.

I have to be honest.  Although I was a regular reader of the previous series, Star Wars (2015), my excitement for the series's last 12 issues was about a third of what it was for the first 12 issues.  Star Wars #1 2020 has not made me feel the original highs I felt, but it's close enough.

8 out of 10

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


The text is copyright © 2020 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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Wednesday, October 14, 2020

#IReadsYou Review: STAR WARS: The Rise of Kylo Ren

STAR WARS: THE RISE OF KYLO REN
MARVEL COMICS – @Marvel

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.  Also, visit Star Wars Review Central here.]

STORY: Charles Soule
ART: Will Sliney
COLORS: Guru eFX
LETTERS: VC's Travis Lanham
EDITOR: Mark Paniccia
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Akira Yoshida a.k.a. C.B. Cebulski
COVER: Clayton Crain
MISC ART: Carmen Carnero with Rachelle Rosenberg; John Tyler Christopher; Jodie Muir; Stefano Landini and Nicola Righi; Giuseppe Camuncoli with David Curiel
ISBN: 978-1-302-92418-8; paperback (August 11, 2020)
112pp, Color, $15.99 U.S., $20.99 CAN

Rated T

Star Wars: The Rise of Kylo Ren is a Marvel Comics trade paperback collection of the Star Wars comic book miniseries, Star Wars: The Rise of Kylo Ren #1-4 (December 2019 to March 2020).  The miniseries is written by Charles Soule; drawn by Will Sliney; colored by Guru eFX; and lettered by Travis Lanham.

The Rise of Kylo Ren is an official part of the Star Wars “canon” and explores the backstory of Kylo Ren.  He is the face of the Dark Side in the Star Wars “sequel trilogy” of films:  Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Star Wars: The Last Jedi, and Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker.

Star Wars: The Rise of Kylo Ren opens long ago and introduces the mysterious leader called “Ren” and his “Knights of Ren.”  Two brothers, Karrst and Filin,” learn the high cost of being recruited by Ren.  The story moves to the present which finds the Jedi Temple of Luke Skywalker in flames, as Ben Solo, the son of Leia Organa and Han Solo and the nephew of Jedi Master Luke Skywalker, watches.

Soon, Ben is accused of murder by three fellow Jedi students:  Voe, Hennix, and Tai.  Escaping their attempts at justice, Ben seeks the counsel of Snoke, a user of the Dark Side of the Force, who has been in contact with Ben for some time.  Snoke points Ben to the Knights of Ren as a “good stop” on his journey to the Dark Side.

But will Ben truly be able to find himself and his place with the Knights?  How will he measure up to the expectations of the Knights' leader, Ren, with his talk of “good death” and of the “Shadow?”  How will Ben deal with his former classmates as they pursue him in the name of justice.  And most of all, when will Ben be able to embrace his new name?...

THE LOWDOWN:  In the recent “Skywalker Saga” Star Wars films, Kylo Ren is a figure of intrigue and mystery.  Except for a few flashback sequences, visions, and what little Luke Skywalker and Kylo himself say, little is known about his past.

In a little more than 90 pages of narrative, writer Charles Soule illuminates the history of Kylo Ren and chases away at least some of the shadows of Kylo's past.  In the little more than five years since Marvel Comics resumed publishing Star Wars comic books, Soule has made himself one of the very best writers of Star Wars comic books.  While he offers a tale of duplicity and violence, Soule also reveals the true struggle of Kylo Ren, to be liberated from the expectations and legacies of others so that he can chart his own path.

After reading Star Wars: The Rise of Kylo Ren, I have no doubt in my mind that Charles Soule could spin many a wonderful yarn featuring Kylo Ren.  I don't want to minimize the work of artist Will Sliney, who is a good graphical storyteller.  Or the work of Guru eFX, which brings this story's settings to life with a variety of hues.  Or the work of letterer Travis Lanham, who is always quite good at capturing the right tone of the characters' dialogue.  However, Charles Soule's writing is the star in Star Wars: The Rise of Kylo Ren simply because he does what so few have done – deliver on the potential of the character known as both Ben Solo and as Kylo Ren.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of Star Wars comic books and of Star Wars canon will certainly want to read Star Wars: The Rise of Kylo Ren.

10 out of 10

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


The text is copyright © 2020 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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Friday, May 1, 2020

#IReadsYou Review: STAR WARS: Obi-Wan and Anakin #1

OBI-WAN AND ANAKIN No. 1
MARVEL COMICS – @Marvel

[This review was originally posted on Patreon. And visit the "Star Wars Central" review page here.]

WRITER: Charles Soule
ART: Marco Checchetto
COLORS: Andres Mossa
LETTERS: VC's Joe Caramagna
COVER: Marco Checchetto
28pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (March 2016)

Rated “T”

“Part I”

At the end of the the 1999 film, Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace, newly minted Jedi Knight Obi-Wan Kenobi took on, as his student (Padawan), Anakin Skywalker.  The two were together for the ten years between The Phantom Menace and the 2002 film, Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones.

Marvel Comics' latest Star Wars comic book miniseries takes place during that decade.  It is entitled Obi-Wan and Anakin.  It is written by Charles Soule; drawn by Marco Checchetto; colored by Andres Mossa; and lettered by Joe Caramagna.

Obi-Wan and Anakin #1 (“Part 1”) finds Obi-Wan and Anakin on the planet Carnelion IV, located in the farthest reaches of the galaxy.  This world was not part of the Republic, so there was nothing to stop the denizens of that far-reaching planet from destroying themselves.  However, a distress call was broadcast, using “archaic phrasing,” so Obi-Wan and Anakin have been sent to help.  To the extent that it may be needed, however, is Jedi help wanted?  Meanwhile, Anakin's behavior has drawn the interest of a powerful figure, even as that behavior concerns the Jedi Council.

I liked Charles Soule's work on the five-issue miniseries, Lando, and I liked Marco Checchetto art on the four-issue miniseries, Journey to Star Wars: The Force Awakens – Shattered Empire.  I am intrigued by Obi-Wan and Anakin, although this first issue is mostly introduction, but the creative team makes me look forward to it.  What gives me hope that this will be an exceptional comic book is the flashback that takes place on Coruscant.  This leads me to believe that Obi-Wan and Anakin will be an important chapter concerning the development of Anakin Skywalker, leading up to Attack of the Clones.

There is not much else to say.  Still, I think that Star Wars fans that read Star Wars novels and comic books should consider Obi-Wan and Anakin a publishing event not to be missed.

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


The text is copyright © 2016 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog for reprint and syndication rights and fees.



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Wednesday, February 19, 2020

#IReadsYou Review: ALL-NEW INHUMANS #1

ALL-NEW INHUMANS No. 1
MARVEL COMICS – @Marvel

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

WRITERS: James Asmus and Charles Soule
ART: Stefano Caselli
COLORS: Andres Mossa
LETTERS: VC's Clayton Cowles
COVER: Stefano Caselli
VARIANT COVERS:  Stefano Caselli with Andres Mossa; John Tyler Christopher; Jim Cheung with Justin Ponsor; Marco D'Alfonso (Hop Hop variant); Yaya Han photographed by Judy Stephens (cosplay variant)
36pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. (February 2016)

Rated T+

The Inhumans are a race of super-humans in Marvel Comics.  This race was created by Jack Kirby and Stan Lee and first appeared in Fantastic Four #45 (cover dated: December 1965).  They are a strain of humanity that began with genetic manipulation by visitors to Earth from an alien civilization (the Kree) long ago in human prehistory.  Exposure to the mutagenic Terrigen Mist (a process known as Terrigenesis) reveal if a person is an Inhuman.

Little more than a B-list character group, the Inhumans are in ascendancy in the Marvel Universe, especially during the last three years.  In 2013, Marvel even launched a new comic book series, entitled Inhuman.  The launch of the “All-New, All-Different Marvel” comes with the Inhumans continuing to rise to prominence.  The latest Inhuman comic book series is All-New Inhumans.  This series is written by James Asmus and Charles Soule; drawn by Stefano Caselli, colored by Andres Mossa; and lettered by Clayton Cowles.

Once upon a time, I was enthralled by the X-Men's story of a small band of outcasts fighting to save a world that feared and hated them.  The racism, bigotry, and prejudice that the X-Men faced seemed genuine, and writer Chris Claremont hit upon something that spoke to readers with such honesty and a sense of verisimilitude.  I practically counted the days until each issue of Uncanny X-Men hit the shelves of the local newsstand, was place in a spinner rack at a local drugstore or supermarket, or was placed on the new release table at the closest comic book store.

That was before Marvel Comics started publishing multiple X-Men related titles and even more miniseries, one-shots, specials, etc.  After that, the X-Men seemed like nothing more than a weekly prank that Marvel Comics pulled on its loyal customers.

All-New Inhumans #1 recaptures the best of that X-Men spirit of an outsider group under siege.  The hatred against the Inhumans is potent, and writers James Asmus and Charles Soule depict the haters as desperate humans who are more fearful than evil.  The language of distrust from the politicians in the back-up story is honestly composed.  And because we need that, the main story offers engaging fight comics and Inhuman soap opera.

The art by the team of Stefano Caselli and Andres Mossa and the art by Nico Leon in the back-up are both high-quality, befitting of what is apparently going to be an important comic book in Marvel's line.  I eagerly look forward to more, and I heartily recommend this comic book.

A-

[This comic book includes a extra story written by James Asmus; drawn by Nico Leon; colored by Andres Mossa; and lettered by Clayton Cowles.]

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


The text is copyright © 2016 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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Thursday, October 31, 2019

I Reads You Juniors October 2019 - Update #102

Support Leroy on Patreon.

Leroy's Amazon Comics and Graphic Novels Page:

My "Joker" review is here.

DC TV - From Variety:  Epix has renewed "Pennyworth" for a second season.  The series is inspired by Batman's butler/partner Alfred Pennyworth.

DC TV - From THR:  TV super-producer, Greg Berlanti, is developing two DC Comics-inspired TV series for WarnerMedia's streaming service, HBO Max.  One is a new take on "Green Lantern" and the other is an anthology series, "Strange Adventures," named after the venerable DC Comics' anthology.

From Newsarama:  February 2020 sees the release of an X-Men/Fantastic Four miniseries.

DC CINEMA - From THR:  "Joker" passes "Deadpool" has the highest grossing R-rated film of all time.

DC TV - From Deadline:  The CW has announced that it has picked up both "Batwoman" and "Catwoman" for an additional 9 episodes which will give both series a full season order of 22 episodes.

From ComicBook:  Alex Ross will launch and curate a new Marvel Comics anthology that will be entitled, simply "Marvel."  Ross and Dan Brereton will provide series covers.

MARVEL TV - From Deadline:  Freeform has opted not to renew "Marvel's Cloak & Dagger."

MANGA TV - From WhatsOn: Netflix will debut it "Original Series" anime "Levius" in November.  The series is based on the manga of the same title.

MARVEL TV - From THR:   It is official (apparently) that Marvel TV head Jeph Loeb will leave the company by Thanksgiving.

MANGA TV - From Newsarama:  Netflix releases a teaser for its new CGI animated series, "Ghost in the Shell: SAC_2045," which is based on characters and situated introduced in the manga, "Ghost in the Shell."

From ANN:  Seven Seas Entertainment announces new manga licenses, including the "Sazan & Comet Girl" manga.

From Newsarama:  Scott Snyder and Rafael Albuquerque are bringing "American Vampire" back for a final volume, via the "Black Label" imprint.

MARVEL TV - From Variety:  The changes at Marvel Studios may mean the end of Jeph Loeb's time as head of Marvel TV.

COMICS CINEMA - From BleedingCool:  This is the first official trailer for "Bloodshot," Sony Picture's adaptation of the Valiant Comics' title, "Bloodshot."  The film stars Vin Diesel.

DC CINEMA - From THR:  Apparently, Jared Leto, who played the "Joker" in the film, "Suicide Squad," tried to sabotage Todd Phillips' recent hit film, "Joker," with Joaquin Phoenix as Joker.

DC CINEMA - From THR:  Troy Patterson of "The New Yorker" reviews HBO's "Watchmen."

DC CINEMA - From THR:  Michael Giacchino, who provided the musical score for both of Marvel Studios' "Spider-Man" films, will provide the musical score for Matt Reeves, "The Batman."

From Newsarama:  DC Comics introduces a new format, "Prestige Plus."

COMICS TV - From Newsarama:  Mike Mignola has announced that he is working on a live-action TV series, "The Forever House," which will features stories based on folklore from around the world.

DC CINEMA - From TheWrap:  Halle Berry, who played Catwoman in 2004, sends new Catwoman, Zoe Kravitz, a shout-out via Twitter.

DC CINEMA - From Variety:  Paul Dano is in talks to play "The Riddler" in "The Batman" film.

From BleedingCool:  Image Comics is planning a line of creator-led imprints, similar to what DC Comics does with "Wonder Comics" (Brian Michael Bendis) and Hill House (Joe Hill).

COMICS TV - From Deadline:  Jeff Smith's comic book, "Bone," will finally get its long-waited animated treatment, as an animated series on Netflix.

DC CINEMA - From Deadline:  Two-time Oscar-nominated actor Jonah Hill is reportedly no longer in talks to play a villain in Matt Reeves' "The Batman."

From Newsarama:  Kevin Feige will oversee a restructured/reunified Marvel Entertainment and Marvel Studios.

From Thrillist:  The 21 Best Science Fiction and Fantasy Book Series Ever, according to Thrillist.

SONY'S MARVEL U - From Deadline:  The female character, Shriek, will join Carnage in Sony's "Venom 2," which is due Oct. 2, 2020.

DC CINEMA - From TheWrap:  Zoe Kravitz has been cast in Matt Reeves' "The Batman" which begins filming in January 2020.

From CBB:  In "Sorry, Not Sorry," writer Philip Schweier talks about the response to comics criticism and reviews.

From PRNewswire:  Saturday, October 26, 2019, fans can get free comics for Halloween from participating comic book shops.  It's "Halloween ComicFest!"

From BBC:  A look at Marvel's past 80 years.

From WABC:  An interview with Marvel Entertainment's Joe Quesada.

From Newsarama:  The site offers a preview of 10 images from "Legion of Super-Heroes #1, which arrives in stores Nov. 6th, 2019.

From Newsarama:  Artist Andre Lima Araujo says that he and writer Brian Michael Bendis are developing a creator owned title for Bendis' "Jinxworld" line, currently at DC Comics.

From ComicBook:  There is yet another "My Hero Academia" manga, "My Hero Academia: Team Up Mission."

From TVLine:  See the first superhero group photo from The CW's "Crisis on Infinite Earths" story line that crosses through the network's superhero TV series, beginning with "Arrow."

From Newsarama:  Veteran inker Mike DeCarlo is in dire financial distress and needs help.

DC COMICS 5G - From BleedingCool:  More gossip about DC Comics "5G" event.  Rumors say Wonder Woman will be the first major hero to die or be replaced.

From BleedingCool:  One of the NYCC 2019 panels was “Comics and Hollywood: What Comic Creators Need to Know Now”.

From Variety:  Actor, comedian, and game show host, Wayne Brady, will have a recurring role on The CW's "Black Lightning."  He will reportedly play a "super-solider" named Tyson "Gravedigger" Spikes.

From Truthout:  The article talks about veteran voice actor, Vic Mignogna (Fullmetal Alchemist, RWBY) who has been accused of sexual misconduct, and the accusations, lawsuits, fan support, and #MeToo implications surrounding him.

From CBR:  Hanna Collins lists 10 things comic books can learn from manga.

DC CINEMA - From Newsarama:  The new film, "Joker," continues to storm October box office records.  It now has the biggest October Monday and Tuesday in terms of money made at the box office on those two days.

From CriticalHit:  The 14 biggest comic book announcements at New York Comic Con 2019.

DC CINEMA - From Deadline:   Peter Bart writes: How Jack Nicholson’s Batman Freak-Out Helped Build The Mythology Behind ‘Joker’

From Newsarama:  Beloved actor and Monty Python alum, John Cleese, will make a rare comic book convention appearance at Planet Comicon Kansas City on March 20th and 21st, 2020.  The convention runs from Friday, March 20th to Sunday, March 22nd, 2020.

Marvel TV - From TheWrap:  Marvel TV is producing a TV series, "Helstrom," based on Marvel Comics' "Helstrom" comic book.  Tom Austen and Sydney Lemmon will star.

From TheAtlantic:  The magazines profiles "Batman: The Killing Joke," the 1988 one-shot comic book by Alan Moore and Brian Bolland that obviously influenced Todd Phillips' "Joker" film.

COMICS TV - From Variety:  Aquaman director James Wan has signed on to co-produce the TV adaptation of the Italian comics series, "Dylan Dog," with Italian comics publisher, Sergio Bonelli Editore.

From Newsarama:  The Society of Illustrators will be highlighting the Marvel artwork of Joe Quesada in an upcoming exhibit at their New York City headqaurters.  The exhibition is scheduled to open October 15, 2019.

DC CINEMA:  From RSN:  Oscar-winning documentary filmmaker, Michael Moore, says Todd Phillips' film is about the America that gave us President Donald Trump.

MCU - From TheGuardian:  Legendary, Oscar-winning director Martin Scorsese says that Marvel Studios films are "not cinema" and likens them to theme park rides.

From THR:  Some directors take issue with Martin Scorsese's "Marvel movies" comments.

NYCC - From BleedingCool:  Writer Benjamin Percy and artist Adam Kubert will relaunch "Wolverine" as part of "Dawn of X" Wave 2.

From Newsarama:  Here is a preview of "Teen Titans: Beast Boy," the follow-up to "Teen Titans: Raven."

NYCC - From Newsarama:  It's official.  Chris Claremont will be doing more work for Marvel in 2020, including a secret X-Men project.

PEANUTS - From TheNewYorker:  From September: "The Debt That All Cartoonists Owe to 'Peanuts'" by Chris War.

HARVEY AWARDS - From Newsarama:  The winners of the 2019 Harvey Awards have been announced.  "Hey Kiddo" by Jarrett J. Krosoczka (Scholastic Graphix) is named "Book of the Year."

COMICS TV - From Variety:  AMC has renewed "The Walking Dead" for an 11th season.  Actress Lauren Cohan ("Maggie Greene") is returning to the series.

NYCC - From Newsarama:  Marvel Comics has announces a new "Star Wars" ongoing series that takes place between the events depicted in "The Empire Strikes Back" and "Return of the Jedi."  Charles Soule will write; Jesus Saiz will draw.

From BleedingCool:  Chris Claremont in talks with Marvel Comics to writer a new "X-Men" project with Salvador Larroca as artist.

From THR:  MSNBC journalist and author, Rachel Maddow, is joining The CW's "Batwoman" in a voice role, that of "Vesper Fairchild," a radio personality.

NYCC - From Newsarama:  2020 will see the launch on a new "Thor" ongoing title from writer Donny Cates and artist Nic Klein.

DC TV - From YahooEntertainment:  When it debuts on Sun., October 6th on The CW, the new comic book TV series, "Batwoman," will feature the first openly gay superhero (Batwoman) played by an openly gay actress (Australia's Ruby Rose).

COMICS CINEMA - From Deadline:  "Black Panther" director, Ryan Coogler, has signed on to produce Legendary's screen adaptation of the Image Comics' title, "Bitter Root."

From Variety:  Dave Gibbons' ("Watchmen," "The Secret Service") comic book, "Treatment," has had its content rights optioned.

DC CINEMA - From WeGotThisCovered:  Emma Tillinger Koskoff, one of the producers of "Joker," says that she cannot watch comic book movies.

From BleedingCool:  Two years after its debut, Batman: Creature of the Night #4 may finally arrive in November 2019.

From Newsarama:  IDW Publishing hires and re-hires five people for its rebuilding phase.

DC TV - From Newsarama:  Ava DuVernay is developing Brian Wood and Riccardo Burchielli's DC/Vertigo comic book, DMZ, for the HBO Max streaming service.

DC CINEMA - From Newsarama:  Warner Bros. releases the first full trailer for "Birds of Prey (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn)."

From TheBeat:  An hour-long video interview with "Love and Rockets'" Jaime Hernandez.

From Newsarama:  Oscar-nominated actress Michelle Pfeiffer thinks that her "Maleficent: Mistress of Evil" co-star, Elle Fanning, would make a good "Catwoman" for Robert Pattinson's "The Batman."

From CBR:  The legend of the 1950s "Batman" comic book (Batman #165) the Kenner Batman action figure line.


OCTOBER 2019 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From Newsarama:  AC Comics for October 2019
From BleedingCool:  Ahoy Comics for October 2019
From BleedingCool:  Albatross Funnybooks for October 2019
From BleedingCool:  Antarctic Press for October 2019
From Newsarama:  BOOM! Studios for October 2019
From BleedingCool:  Dark Horse Comics for October 2019
From Newsarama:  DC Comics for October 2019
From Newsarama:  Hero Tomorrow for October 2019
From Newsarama:  IDW Publishing for October 2019
From BleedingCool:  Image Comics for October 2019
From BleedingCool:  Keenspot Entertainment for October 2019
From Newsarama:  Lion Forge for October 2019
From Newsarama:  Mad Cave Studios for October 2019
From Newsarama:  Marvel Comics for October 2019
From Newsarama:  Oni Press for October 2019
From Newsarama:  Scout Comics for October 2019
From Newsarama:  Titan Comics for October 2019
From Newsarama:  Valiant Comics for October 2019
From Newsarama:  Vault Comics for October 2019
From Newsarama:  VIZ Media for October 2019
From Newsarama:  A Wave Blue World for October 2019
From Newsarama:  Yen Press for October 2019

HALLOWEEN COMICFEST 2019:
From Newsarama:  28 comic book titles for the industry's fall event taking place Saturday, October 26, 2019 at participating comic shops worldwide.

DC's HILL HOUSE COMICS Debut Solicitations:
From Newsarama:  These are the solicitations for DC Comics' "Hill House Comics" group overseen by Joe Hill.  The line is scheduled to kick off October 30, 2019 with "Basketful of Heads #1."

NOVEMBER 2019 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From BleedingCool:  Ablaze for November 2019
From BleedingCool:  Action Lab for Novmeber 2019
From BleedingCool:  Aftershock Comics for November 2019
From Newsarama:  Ahoy Comics for November 2019
From Newsarama:  Archie Comics for November 2019
From Newsarama:  BOOM Studios for November 2019
From Newsarama:  DC Comics for November 2019
From BleedingCool:  Dynamite Entertainment for November 2019
From Newsarama:  Fantagraphics Books for November 2019
From BleedingCool:  Image Comics for November 2019
From Newsarama:  Lion Forge for November 2019
From Newsarama:  Mad Cave Studios for November 2019
From Newsarama:  Marvel Comics for November 2019
From BleedingCool:  Oni Press for November 2019
From Newsarama:  Scout Comics for November 2019
From BleedingCool:  Source Point Press for November 2019
From BleedingCool:  Titan Comics for November 2019
From Newsarama:  Valiant Entertainment for November 2019
From Newsarama:  Vault Comics for November 2019
From Newsarama:  VIZ Media for November 2019

NOVEMBER 2019 "ADVANCED" COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From Newsarama:  DC Comics advanced solicitations for November 2019 (for acetate covers)
From Newsarama:  "Dawn of X" for November 2019
From BleedingCool:  DC Comics for 2019 with some guessing on the site's part


DECEMBER 2019 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From Newsarama:  Antarctic Press for December 2019
From Newsarama:  Archie Comics for December 2019
From Newsarama:  Dark Horse Comics for December 2019
From Newsarama:  DC Comics for December 2019
From Newsarama:  Image Comics for December 2019
From Newsarama:  Marvel Comics for December 2019
From BleedingCool:  Oni Press for December 2019
From Newsarama:  Red 5 for Comics for December 2019
From Newsarama:  Scout Comics for December 2019
From BleedingCool:  Storm King Productions for December 2019
From Newsarama:  Valiant Entertainment for December 2019
From BleedingCool:  VIZ Media for December 2019

JANUARY 2020 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From Newsarama:  Ahoy Comics for January 2020
From BleedingCool:  Amigo Comics for January 2020
From Newsarama:  Antarctic Press for January 2020
From Newsarama:  Archie Comics for January 2020
From Newsarama:  Black Mask Studios for January 2020
From BleedingCool:  BOOM! Studios for January 2020
From BleedingCool:  Dark Horse Comics for January 2020
From Newsarama:  DC Comics for January 2020
From Newsarama:  Dynamite Entertainment for January 2020
From Newsarama:  Fantagraphics Books for January 2020
From Newsarama:  HarperCollins for January 2020
From Newsarama:  Humanoids for January 2020
From BleedingCool:  IDW Publishing for January 2020
From Newsarama:  Image Comics for January 2020
From Newsarama:  Mad Cave Studios for January 2020
From Newsarama:  Marvel Comics for January 2020
From Newsarama:  Oni Press for January 2020
From Newsarama:  Red 5 Comics for January 2020
From Newsarama:  Scout Comics for January 2020
From Newsarama:  Seven Seas Entertainment for January 2020
From BleedingCool:  Source Point Press for January 2020
From Newsarama:  Titans Comics for January 2020
From Newsarama:  Valiant Entertainment for January 2020
From Newsarama:  Vault Comics for January 2020
From Newsarama:  Vertical Comics solicitations for January 2020
From Newsarama:  Yen Press for January 2020

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