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

Wednesday, November 29, 2023

I Reads You Juniors: November 2023 - Update #48

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

You can support Leroy via Paypal or on Patreon.

NEWS:

DYNAMITE - From YouTube:  Dynamite offers a look at its new releases for the week of Nov. 29th, 2023 in this two minute-plus video.

DARK HORSE - From DeadlineDark Horse Entertainment is one of the production entities behind the film, "Kill Me," starring Charlie Day ("It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia") and written and directed by Peter Warren.

DC STUDIOS - From VarietyNicholas Hoult is final negotiations to play the villain "Lex Luthor" in director James Gunn's planned feature, "Superman: Legacy."  Hoult played "Hank McCoy/The Beast" in four of Fox's "X-Men" films, beginning with X-Men: First Class.

From Deadline:  Actor Skyler Gisondo has been cast as "Jimmy Olsen," The Daily Planet's cub reporter/photographer in James Gunn's film, "Superman: Legacy."

DC TV - From Variety:  "The Penguin" the streaming series spinning out of the 2022 hit, The Batman, will restart production after Thanksgiving.  Production had been halted by the SAG-AFTRA strike.  Collin Farrell will reprise his role from the film as "Oswald Cobblepot" a.k.a. "The Penguin."

MARVEL COMICS - From BleedingCool:  Writer Gail Simone and artist David Marquez may be the new creative team on Marvel's "X-Men" series.

SONY MARVEL U - From VarietySony Pictures has released a trailer for its Marvel Universe film, "Madame Web," starring Dakota Johnson and Sydney Sweeney.  The film is currently slated for a Feb. 14th, 2024 release to theaters.

MARVEL COMICS - From BleedingCoolPeter Parker and Miles Morales have been the stars of two "Spider-Men" series (2012, 2017).  Now, the duo returns in an all-new ongoing series, "Spectacular Spider-Men," from writer Greg Weisman and artist Humberto Ramos.  Series launches March 2023.

COMICS - From THR:  "Deadpool" filmmaker, Tim Miller, is part of a group attempting to turn the comic book series, "Alien Legion," into a science fiction franchise.  Alien Legion was originally published as a series of miniseries, a graphic novel, and spinoffs by Marvel Comics from 1984 to 1993.

MARVEL - From BleedingCool:  Writer Benjamin Percy and artist Danny Kim will introduce a new Ghost Rider in "Ghost Rider #1," due March 2024 (article):

DC COMICS - From BleedingCool:  Rumors suggest that DC Comics may be considering reviving its "Vertigo Comics" imprint.

THE MARVELS - From BoxOfficePro:  "The Marvels" tops the weekend box office with an estimated take of 47 million dollars.

From Here:  A review of "The Marvels" by Leroy Douresseaux.

DC COMICS - From BleedingCool:  DC Comics hints at something evil coming to "Dawn of DC," possibly a "Trinity of Evil."

DC COMICS - From ComicBook:  Writer Jason Aaron and artist Doug Mahnke take "Batman: Off-World." The mini-series begins Nov. 21st, and ComicBook.com has an exclusive preview of seven pages and six covers from the series.

COMICS TO FILM - From DeadlineApple will begin developing its first feature film based on Charles Schulz's legendary newspaper comic strip, "Peanuts," in 2024.  Canadian entertainment company, Wildbrain Studios, will handle the production.

MARVEL - From GamesRadar:  All the Spider-Man comic books and collection coming in 2023 and early 2024.

MARVEL - From GizmodoInsomniac Games says that going forward Miles Morales will the Spider-Man in the Insomniac universe of Marvel Spider-Man games.

DC COMICS - From BleedingCoolDC Comics announces the launch of "Compact Comics" priced at $9.99 for 12-issue trade paperback compilations.  The line will include reprints of such iconic titles as "Watchmen," and "All-Star Superman."  DC apparently believes that this manga-like format is new-reader-friendly, affordable and appealing to a wider audience.

COMICS - From Variety:  At Lucca Comics & Games 2023, Frank Miller talked about why he started his own publishing company. "It was time to be an adult."

From BleedingCoolFrank Miller wins the prestigious Yellow Kid Master of Comics award at Lucca Comics & Games 2023.

MARVEL - From BleedingCool:  First look at THE Peach Momoko's "X-Men" art in "Ultimate Universe #1."

DC ANIMATION - From ComicBookWarner Bros.'s animated adaptation of the classic miniseries, "Crisis on Infinite Earths," will be entitled "Justice League: Crisis on Infinite Earths."  "Part One" (of Two?) arrives direct-to-video early in 2024.

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OCTOBER 2023 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From BleedingCool:  Ahoy Comics for October 2023
From BleedingCool:  Band of Bards for October 2023
From BleedingCool:  Archie Comics for October 2023
From BleedingCool:  Blood Moon Comics for October 2023
From BleedingCool:  BOOM! Studios for October 2023
From BleedingCool:  Dark Horse Comics for October 2023
From BleedingCool:  DC Comics for October 2023
From BleedingCool:  Dynamite Entertainment for October 2023
From BleedingCool:  Fairquare Comics for October 2023
From BleedingCool:  IDW Publishing for October 2023
From BleedingCool:  Image Comics for October 2023
From BleedingCool:  Image Comics "Transformers" title for October 2023
From BleedingCool:  Keenspot Entertainment for October 2023
From BleedingCool:  Kodansha Comics for October 2023
From BleedingCool:  Mad Cave Studios for October 2023
From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics for October 2023
From BleedingCool:  Massive for October 2023
From BleedingCool:  Oni Press for October 2023
From BleedingCool:  Opus Comics for October 2023
From BleedingCool:  Rebellion / 2000 AD for October 2023
From BleedingCool:  Scout Comics for October 2023
From BleedingCool:  Seven Seas Entertainment for October 2023
From BleedingCool:  Source Point Press for October 2023
From BleedingCool:  Valiant Entertainment for October 2023
From BleedingCool:  Vault Comics for October 2023
From BleedingCool:  VIZ Media for October 2023
From BleedingCool:  Yen Press for October 2023
From BleedingCool:  Zenescape Entertainment for October 2023

NOVEMBER 2023 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From BleedingCool:  Ablaze for November 2023
From BleedingCool:  Ahoy Comics for November 2023
From BleedingCool:  Antarctic Press for November 2023
From BleedingCool:  Archie Comics for November 2023
From BleedingCool:  AWA Studios for November 2023
From BleedingCool:  Blackbox Comics for November 2023
From BleedingCool:  Blood Moon Comics for November 2023
From BleedingCool:  BOOM! Studios for November 2023
From BleedingCool:  CEX Publishing for November 2023
From BleedingCool:  Clover Press for November 2023
From BleedingCool:  Dark Horse Comics for November 2023
From BleedingCool:  DC Comics for November 2023
From BleedingCool:  DC Comics' "Batman" titles for November 2023
From BleedingCool:  Dstlry for November 2023
From BleedingCool:  Dynamite Entertainment for November 2023
From BleedingCool:  Frank Miller Presents LLC for November 2023
From BleedingCool:  IDW Publishing for November 2023
From BleedingCool:  Image Comics for November 2023
From BleedingCool:  Keenspot Entertainment for November 2023
From BleedingCool:  Kodansha Comics for November 2023
From BleedingCool:  Mad Cave Studios for November 2023
From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics for November 2023
From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics' "Avengers" for November 2023
From BleedingCool:  Oni Press for November 2023
From BleedingCool:  Opus Comics for November 2023
From BleedingCool:  Rebellion / 2000 AD for November 2023
From BleedingCool:  Scout Comics for November 2023
From BleedingCool:  Seven Seas Entertainment for November 2023
From BleedingCool:  Sumerian Comics for November 2023
From BleedingCool:  Titan Comics for November 2023
From BleedingCool:  TOKYOPOP for November 2023
From BleedingCool:  Udon Entertainment for November 2023
From BleedingCool:  Vault Comics for November 2023
From BleedingCool:  VIZ Media for November 2023
From BleedingCool:  Webtoon Unscrolled for November 2023
From BleedingCool:  Yen Press for November 2023

DECEMBER 2023 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From BleedingCool:  Ablaze for December 2023
From BleedingCool:  Ahoy Comics for December 2023
From BleedingCool:  Antarctic Press for December 2023
From BleedingCool:  Archie Comics for December 2023
From BleedingCool:  AWA Studios for December 2023
From BleedingCool:  Bleeding Moon Comics LLC for December 2023
From BleedingCool:  BOOM! Studios for December 2023
From BleedingCool:  CEX for December 2023
From BleedingCool:  Dark Horse Comics for December 2023
From BleedingCool:  DC Comics for December 2023
From BleedingCool:  Dstlry for December 2023
From BleedingCool:  Dynamite Entertainment for December 2023
From BleedingCool:  IDW Publishing for December 2023
From BleedingCool:  Image Comics for December 2023
From BleedingCool:  Image Comics "G.I. Joe" comics for December 2023
From BleedingCool:  Keenspot Entertainment for December 2023
From BleedingCool:  Kodansha Comics for December 2023
From BleedingCool:  Mad Cave Studios for December 2023
From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics for December 2023
From BleedingCool:  Marvel's "Spider-Man" and "Gang War" titles for December 2023
From BleedingCool:  Marvel's "Star Wars" titles for December 2023
From BleedingCool:  Massive for December 2023
From BleedingCool:  Oni Press for December 2023
From BleedingCool:  Opus Comics for December 2023
From BleedingCool:  Rebellion / 2000 AD for December 2023
From BleedingCool:  Scout Comics for December 2023
From BleedingCool:  Titan Comics for December 2023
From BleedingCool:  TOKYOPOP for December 2023
From BleedingCool:  Udon Entertainment Inc. for December 2023
From BleedingCool:  Valiant Comics for December 2023

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

FEBRUARY 2024 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From BleedingCool:  Archie Comics for February 2024
From BleedingCool:  Dark Horse Comics for February 2024
From BleedingCool:  DC Comics for February 2024
From BleedingCool:  Fantagraphics Books for February 2024
From BleedingCool:  Image Comics for February 2024
From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics for February 2024
From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics "X-Men" titles for February 2024
From BleedingCool:  Valiant Comics for February 2024
From BleedingCool:  Vault Comics for February 2024

MAY 2024 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From BleedingCool:  Free Comic Book Day 2024 for May 4, 2024


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Thursday, August 31, 2023

I Reads You Juniors: August 2023 - Update #65

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

You can support Leroy via Paypal or on Patreon.

NEWS:

FANTAGRAPHICS - From TheNewYorker:  The great Francois Mouly and the great Daniel Clowes take a tour through Clowes' mind in conjunction with the impending release of Clowes' upcoming graphic novel, "Monica" (Oct. 3rd).

DARK HORSE - From ScreenRantMike Mignola's "Hellboy" takes on a giant robot version of himself in the three-issue miniseries, "Giant Robot Hellboy."  Written by Mignola with art by Duncan Fegredo, the series launches in October 2023.

DC COMICS - From DCBlog:  Writer-artist Sina Grace talks about his upcoming Superman young adult graphic novel, "Superman: The Harvests of Youth." It's set to be released Oct. 3rd.

From DCBlog:  Writer Tom King talks about his new series, "The Penguin," focusing on the legendary Batman villain.  "The Penguin #1" is now in stores.

IDW - From ComicsBeatHeidi MacDonald looks at the implosion of IDW Publishing's line of creator-owned comic books, "IDW Originals."

DC CINEMA - From CNet: Warner Bros.'s recent superhero film, "The Flash," starts streaming on Max during the early hours of Fri., Aug. 25th, tomorrow.

EN MEMORIAM - From CBR:  American comic book artist, Dan Green, has died at the age of 70 after a long illness.  Green is best known as the long-running inker on John Romita, Jr.'s pencil art on "Uncanny X-Men," beginning in 1983. He continues inking the series when Marc Silvestri became the series artist.  He would also ink Silverstri's art during a run on the "Wolverine" ongoing, and would return to ink Romita, Jr. on "Uncanny X-Men #300."  Green also used watercolors to paint the well-remembered 1986 Doctor Strange graphic novel, "Doctor Strange: Into Shamballa," which was written by J.M. DeMatteis.

MARVEL STUDIOS - From Variety:  Oscar-winner Taika Waititi directed "Thor: Ragnarok" (the third in the series) and "Thor: Love and Thunder" (the fourth), and he is letting fans know what he would do in a hypothetical "Thor 5."

BLUE BEETLE:

From Variety:  Warner Bros.'s DC Comics' film, "Blue Beetle" tops the 8/18 to 8/20/2023 weekend box office with an estimated take of 25.4 million dollars.

From Here:  A review of "Blue Beetle" by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You."

From DCBlog:  A look at the DC Comics' "Easter eggs" in "Blue Beetle."

From BleedingCool:  Which comic book creators were credited and which were not in the "Blue Beetle" end credits?

From GamesRadar:  The site has an interview with "Blue Beetle" director, Angel Manuel Soto, in which he says that DC Studios co-boss James Gunn did not have much say in the final cut of the film.

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DC CINEMA - From Deadline:  "The Flash" starts streaming on Max Fri., Aug. 25th.

DC COMICS - From DCBlog:  Writer Joshua Williamson talks about the origins of the "Knight Terrors" event.

COMICS - From BlackScifi:  Writer Greg Anderson Elysee and artist David Brame have announced their new comic book series, "Hammer," with a preview of interior art and developmental sketches.

DC STUDIOS - From Variety:  Despite what actress Gal Gadot has said about developing "Wonder Woman 3," there are apparently no plans for such a film ... according to sources.

COMICS - From ComicsBeat:  "Heavy Metal" magazine may be dead, but that hasn't been officially confirmed.

EN MEMORIAM - From BleedingCool:  Veteran comic book inker, John Floyd, died at the age of 61, Monday, July 10, 2023, after a battle with pancreatic cancer.  As a youngster, John published his own fanzine, and he would go on to graduate from The Kubert School.  He is best known for his working inking such comic book legends as artists, Barry Windsor-Smith and Denys Cowan.  He was the inker on "Batman: Gotham Knights" (2000-06) for its first 49 issues.  John was also a comic book artist, colorist, and letterer.  Floyd also worked in the film industry as a production and storyboard artist, contributing to such films as "Rambing Rose" (1991), "Hellraiser III: Hell on Earth (1992), and Oscar-winning "Django Unchained" (2012).

DC COMICS - From DCBlog:  Writer Tom Taylor and artist Nicola Scott talk about how DC's future is in the hands of the "Titans."

DC STUDIOS - From ComicBook:  Current cinematic "Wonder Woman," actress Gal Gadot, says she is developing "Wonder Woman 3" with DC Studios' co-bosses, James Gunn and Peter Safran.

SONY SPIDER-MAN U - From Newsarama:  "Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse," the third film in in Sony Pictures animated Miles Morales/Spider-Man film series, has been delayed indefinitely.

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JULY 2023 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From BleedingCool:  Ablaze Publishing for July 2023
From BleedingCool:  Ahoy Comics for July 2023
From BleedingCool:  AWA Studios for July 2023
From BleedingCool:  Band of Bards for July 2023
From BleedingCool:  Blood Moon Comics for July 2023
From BleedingCool:  BOOM! Studios for July 2023
From BleedingCool:  CEX Publishing for July 2023
From BleedingCool:  Dark Horse Comics for July 2023
From BleedingCool:  DC Comics for July 2023
From BleedingCool:  Dynamite Entertainment for July 2023
From BleedingCool:  Fairsquare Comics for July 2023
From BleedingCool:  Frank Miller Presents for July 2023
From BleedingCool:  IDW Publishing for July 2023
From BleedingCool:  Image Comics for July 2023
From BleedingCool:  Keenspot Entertainment for July 2023
From BleedingCool:  Mad Cave Studios for July 2023
From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics for July 2023
From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics "Extreme Venomverse" for July 2023
From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics "Summer of Symbiotes" for July 2023
From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics "X-Men" for July 2023
From BleedingCool:  Oni Press for July 2023
From BleedingCool:  Opus Comics for July 2023
From BleedingCool:  Rebellion Comics for July 2023
From BleedingCool:  Scout Comics for July 2023
From BleedingCool:  Sumerian Comics for July 2023
From BleedingCool:  T-Pub for July 2023
From BleedingCool:  Titan Comics for July 2023
From BleedingCool:  TOKYOPOP for July 2023
From BleedingCool:  Udon Comics for July 2023
From BleedingCool:  Valiant Comics for July 2023
From BleedingCool:  Vault Comics for July 2023
From BleedingCool:  VIZ Media for July 2023
From BleedingCool:  Webtoon Unscrolled for July 2023
From BleedingCool:  Whatnot Comics for July 2023
From BleedingCool:  Yen Press for July 2023

AUGUST 2023 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From BleedingCool:  Aardvard-Vanaheim for August 2023
From BleedingCool:  Ablaze Publishing for August 2023
From BleedingCool:  Antarctic Press for August 2023
From BleedingCool:  AWA Studios for August 2023
From BleedingCool:  Black Mask Studios for August 2023
From BleedingCool:  BOOM! Studios for August 2023
From BleedindCool:  CEX Publishing for August 2023
From BleedingCool:  Dark Horse Comics for August 2023
From BleedingCool:  DC Comics for August 2023
From BleedingCool:  Dstlry Media for August 2023
From BleedingCool:  Dynamite Entertainment for August 2023
From BleedingCool:  Frank Miller Presents for August 2023
From BleedingCool:  IDW Publishing for August 2023
From BleedingCool:  Image Comics for August 2023
From BleedingCool:  Keenspot Entertainment for August 2023
From BleedingCool:  Kodansha Comics for August 2023
From BleedingCool:  Mad Cave Studios for August 2023
From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics for August 2023
From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics X-Men's "Fall of X" for August 2023
From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics "Fall of X" checklist and solicitations for August 2023
From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics "Summer of Symbiotes" for August 2023
From BleedingCool:  Oni Press for August 2023
From BleedingCool:  Opus Comics from August 2023
From BleedingCool:  Rebellion Comics for August 2023
From BleedingCool:  Scout Comics for August 2023
From BleedingCool:  Seven Seas Entertainment for August 2023
From BleedingCool:  Titan Comics for August 2023
From BleedingCool:  TOKYOPOP for August 2023
From BleedingCool:  Valiant Comics for August 2023
From BleedingCool:  Vault Comics for August 2023
From BleedingCool:  VIZ Media for August 2023
From BleedingCool:  Whatnot Publishing for August 2023
From BleedingCool:  Yen Press for August 2023

SEPTEMBER 2023 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From BleedingCool:  Ablaze Publishing for September 2023
From BleedingCool:  Ahoy Comics for September 2023
From BleedingCool:  AWA Studios for September 2023
From BleedingCool:  BOOM Studios for September 2023
From BleedingCool:  Blood Moon Comics LLC for September 2023
From BleedingCool:  CEX Publishing for September 2023
From BleedingCool:  Dark Horse Comics for September 2023
From BleedingCool:  DC Comics for September 2023
From BleedingCool:  Dynamite Entertainment for September 2023
From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics for September 2023
From BleedingCool:  IDW Publishing for September 2023
From BleedingCool:  Image Comics for September 2023
From BleedingCool:  Keenspot Entertainment for September 2023
From BleedingCool:  Kodansha Comics for September 2023
From BleedingCool:  Mad Cave Studios for September 2023
From BleedingCool:  Oni Press for September 2023
From BleedingCool:  Opus Comics for September 2023
From BleedingCool:  Rebellion/2000 AD for September 2023
From BleedingCool:  Scout Comics for September 2023
From BleedingCool:  Seven Seas Entertainment for September 2023
From BleedingCool:  Source Point Press for September 2023
From BleedingCool:  Sumerian Comics for September 2023
From BleedingCool:  Titan Comics for September 2023
From BleedingCool:  Vault Comics for September 2023
From BleedingCool:  VIZ Media for September 2023
From BleedingCool:  Yen Press for September 2023

OCTOBER 2023 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From BleedingCool:  Ahoy Comics for October 2023
From BleedingCool:  Band of Bards for October 2023
From BleedingCool:  Archie Comics for October 2023
From BleedingCool:  Blood Moon Comics for October 2023
From BleedingCool:  BOOM! Studios for October 2023
From BleedingCool:  Dark Horse Comics for October 2023
From BleedingCool:  DC Comics for October 2023
From BleedingCool:  Dynamite Entertainment for October 2023
From BleedingCool:  Fairquare Comics for October 2023
From BleedingCool:  IDW Publishing for October 2023
From BleedingCool:  Image Comics for October 2023
From BleedingCool:  Image Comics "Transformers" title for October 2023
From BleedingCool:  Keenspot Entertainment for October 2023
From BleedingCool:  Kodansha Comics for October 2023
From BleedingCool:  Mad Cave Studios for October 2023
From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics for October 2023
From BleedingCool:  Massive for October 2023
From BleedingCool:  Oni Press for October 2023
From BleedingCool:  Opus Comics for October 2023
From BleedingCool:  Rebellion / 2000 AD for October 2023
From BleedingCool:  Scout Comics for October 2023
From BleedingCool:  Seven Seas Entertainment for October 2023
From BleedingCool:  Source Point Press for October 2023
From BleedingCool:  Valiant Entertainment for October 2023
From BleedingCool:  Vault Comics for October 2023
From BleedingCool:  VIZ Media for October 2023
From BleedingCool:  Yen Press for October 2023
From BleedingCool:  Zenescape Entertainment for October 2023

NOVEMBER 2023 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From BleedingCool:  DC Comics for November 2023
From BleedingCool:  DC Comics' "Batman" titles for November 2023
From BleedingCool:  Dstlry for November 2023
From BleedingCool:  Frank Miller Presents LLC for November 2023
From BleedingCool:  Image Comics for November 2023
From BleedingCool:  Mad Cave Studios for November 2023
From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics for November 2023
From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics' "Avengers" for November 2023
From BleedingCool:  Oni Press for November 2023
From BleedingCool:  Vault Comics for November 2023

DECEMBER 2023 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From BleedingCool:  Image Comics "G.I. Joe" comics for December 2023

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Friday, August 18, 2023

#IReadsYou Movie Review: BLUE BEETLE

Blue Beetle (2023)

Running time:  127 minutes (2 hours, 7 minutes)
MPA – PG-13 for sequences of action and violence, language, and some suggestive references
DIRECTOR:  Angel Manuel Soto
WRITER:  Gareth Dunnet-Alcocer (based on characters from DC Comics)
PRODUCERS:  Zev Foreman and John Rickard
CINEMATOGRAPHER:  Pawel Pogorzelski (D.o.P.)
EDITOR:  Craig Alpert
COMPOSER:  The Haxan Cloak

SUPERHERO/FANTASY/ACTION/FAMILY

Starring:  Xolo Maridueña, Bruna Marquezine, Damien Alcazar, Adriana Barraza, Belissa Escobedo, Elpidia Carrillo, Raoul Max Trujillo, Modesto Lacen, and Harvey Guillén, Susan Sarandon, George Lopez, and  (voice) Becky G

Blue Beetle is a 2023 superhero and action-fantasy film directed by Ángel Manuel Soto.  The film is based on the DC Comics character, Blue Beetle/Jaime Reyes, that was created by Keith Giffen, John Rogers, and Cully Hamner and first appeared in the comic book, Infinite Crisis #3 (cover dated: February 2006).  Blue Beetle the movie focuses on a young man who finds himself chosen to be the symbiotic host of an alien artifact that gives him a suit of armor.

Blue Beetle introduces recent college graduate, Jaime Reyes (Xolo Mariduena), who is returning to his hometown of Palmera City.  He receives a warm welcome from his family:  his father, Alberto Reyes (Damian Alcazar); his mother, Rocio Reyes (Elpidia Carrillo); his Nana (Adrian Barraza), his younger sister, Milagro (Belissa Escobedo); and his uncle, Rudy Reyes (George Lopez).  Jaime soon learns that his family will lose their home due to financial difficulties and to Alberto's poor health.  Still, Jaime is optimistic that he will quickly get a job and make enough money for his family.

Some time later, Jaime meets Jenny Kord (Bruna Marquezine), the daughter of Ted Kord, the currently-missing CEO OF Kord Industries.  Jenny is at odds with her aunt, Victoria Kord (Susan Sarandon), the current CEO.  Jenny discovers that Victoria has dark plans for her recent discovery, an alien artifact called “the Scarab.”  Jenny steals the Scarab, and not knowing its true nature, she passes it on to Jaime.
 
As soon as Jaime touches the Scarab, it activates and attaches to him, creating a suit of armor around him.  The suit gives Jaime extraordinary powers, such as flight, super-strength, and invulnerability, but those powers are unpredictable.  Now, Jaime's family calls him a “superhero.”  However, Jaime isn't sure that he wants to be a superhero, and Victoria Kord will do whatever she has to do – including murder – to regain possession of the Scarab.

The Blue Beetle first appeared in Fox Comics' Mystery Men Comics #1 (cover dated: August 1939) and was the secret identity of a young police officer, Dan Garrett.  The second Blue Beetle first appeared in Charlton Comics' Captain Atom #83 (November 1966) and was Ted Kord, an industrialist and owner of KORD Industries.  I mention this because Dan Garrett is referenced in this film.  Also, Ted Kord, with a new origin, is a major subplot in this film, although the story is that he has been missing for years under mysterious circumstances.

However, this is Blue Beetle/Jaime Reyes' film.  He comes across as a normal young man in his early twenties.  Warner Bros. didn't even cast some muscular young android-like actor for the role.  Xolo Mariduena's body is in good shape, but he looks more like a high school kid still in physical development.  Everything about Xolo comes across as boy-next-door, which makes him more relatable to a larger segment of the audience.  After all, Jaime seems so vulnerable that even an alien suit of armor doesn't seem capable of completely protecting him.  If there is a superhero of the people – the champion next door – Xolo makes Jaime Reyes as Blue Beetle fit the role perfectly.

Like Warner Bros.'s 2019 DC Comics film, Shazam, Blue Beetle emphasizes family, and the Reyes are delightful.  George Lopez's Uncle Rudy is a scene stealer, and I'm glad the story reveals that there is so much more to him than meets the eye.  Of course, one can judge how good a family is by placing it in contrast with a problematic family, and that is the Kords.  Susan Sarandon plays the evil aunt, Victoria Kord, with relish, although she doesn't really go over the top.  The film puts Jenny Kord, smoothly played by actress Bruna Marquezine, at the center of the good family (the Reyes)-bad family (Victoria Kord) dynamic.  Which will Jenny ultimately choose?  Like Shazam, Blue Beetle shows how cool an extended or surrogate family can be, especially to someone in need.

I like what director Angel Manuel Soto does with his collaborators, cast, and crew.  Blue Beetle is an easy-going superhero film that is fun for a family audience, even with the sometimes intense action and dark plot elements.  I'm surprised that the film has as its themes, “imperialism in the name of democracy” and “militarized capitalism,” neither of which are ever portrayed as a good thing.  Uncle Rudy even calls Batman a “fascist,” which has caused a stir in some Internet circles.  This film definitely has an anti-authoritarian streak.

That aside, Blue Beetle is hugely and surprisingly entertaining, and it sparkles with humor.  By focusing on Jaime Reyes as much as it does on the Blue Beetle armor, the film gets to center on the most winning aspect of it story, family and friends.  Blue Beetle won't get the attention of bigger superhero film productions, but it has more heart than most of those other films.

[Blue Beetle has two extra scenes during the end credits.]

B+
★★★½ out of 4 stars

Friday, August 18, 2023


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

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Monday, July 31, 2023

I Reads You Juniors: July 2023 - Update #65

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

You can support Leroy via Paypal or on Patreon.

NEWS:

DC COMICS - From GamesRadar:  The site has a page that is a rundown of all the announced "Batman" publications for the nine months, from August 2023 to March 2024.

COMICS - From NYTimes:  When collectors died, what happens to their estates.  Who gets the comic books and/or the action figures? That discussed in this article from "The New York Times."

DC COMICS - From DCBlog:  The writers of DC Comics' "Knight Terrors" event talk about how their own nightmares equipped them for these comic books.

SONY SPIDER-MAN U - From ComicBook:  Actor Thomas Haden Church who played "Flint Marko/The Sandman" in two movies, Sony's "Spider-Man 3" (2007) and Sony/Marvel's "Spider-Man: No Way Home," says that there are rumors that Sam Raimi is developing a fourth Spider-Man film with actor Tobey Maguire.  Raimi directed and Maguire starred in the first three Spider-Man films.

DC STUDIOS - From DeadlineJames Gunn denies that he is packing "Superman: Legacy" with DC Comics characters in order "to attract buyers."

MANGA TO SERIES - From THRNetflix has released the first full trailer for its live-action series version of "One Piece," the legendary manga from creator Eiichiro Oda.  The series is set sail August 31st, 2023.

SDCC:

From ThePopverse:  Rodney Barnes will writer and Ramon F. Bachs will draw "Luke Cage: Gang War," a three-issue miniseries that is part of the "Gang War" event.  The first issue of the Luke Cage mini arrives Nov. 2023.

From ComicBook:  Because Warner Bros. and the lackeys can't stop digging in the Alan Moore graveyard: DC Studios has announced an animated film based on Moore and DaveGibbons' seminal graphic novel, "Watchmen."

From BleedingCoolTodd McFarlane announces five new Spawn-related series at Comic-Con 2023.

From CBRFantagraphics Books has announced the Brazilian comics anthology, "BRABA," in conjunction with Brazilian publisher, Mino.  It is due Fall 2024.

From DCBlog:  DC.com has a page dedicated to all things related to DC Comics at San Diego Comic-Con 2023.

DC STUDIOS - From CBR:  "Joker: Folie a Deux" cinematographer, Lawrence Sher, said his relationship with the film's star, Lady Gaga, improved when he referred to her as "Lee," the nickname of her character in the film (presumed to be Harley Quinn).

From THR:  Warner Bros. is trying to save "Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom," and it is a chaotic situation.  There have been massive reshoots and plans to feature both Michael Keaton's Batman and Ben Affleck's Batman have been scrapped at various stages.  DC Studios co-CEOs James Gunn and Peter Safran have ordered many of the changes.

IMAGE TO ANIMATION - From IGN:  The site has an exclusive poster reveals for Season 2 of Amazon Prime's animated hit, "Invinsible." The article also has a Season 2 teaser.

BRITISH COMICS - From 2000AD:  Good Shepherd and Rebellion have entered into a partnership for Good Shepherd to develop and publish video game adaptations based on stories from the "2000 AD" universe, the home of "Judge Dredd," "Rogue Trooper," "ABC Warrior" and more, as well as Rebellion’s other comic IP, including "Roy of the Rovers" and "Battle Action."

ANIME/MANGA - From Deadline:  Critics are reacting to the recently released final film of the famed animation director and manga creator, Hayao Miyazaki. Entitled "The Boy and The Heron" or "How Do You Live?" Gkids will release the film in North America later this year.

MARVEL - From EWIman Vellani, the actress who plays Kamala Khan/Ms. Marvel on Disney+/Marvel Studios' "Ms. Marvel," will write the upcoming comic book, "Ms. Marvel: The New Mutant."  Sabir Pirzada, one of the writers on the TV series, will co-write with Vellani.

DC STUDIOS - From YouTube:  The final trailer for Warner Bros.'s upcoming DC Comics superhero film, "Blue Beetle," has arrived. The film is in theaters beginning August 18th, 2023.

COMICS - From ComicsBeat:  There is a lot of conversation in this piece, "Comics retailers see uncertain future."

DC STUDIOS - From Deadline:  After casting the Superman (David Corenswet) and Lois Lane (Rachel Brosnahan), "Superman: Legacy" has started to round out it cast.  Fan-favorite Nathan Fillion will be "Green Lantern/Guy Gardner;" Edi Gathegi will be "Mister Terrific;" and Isabela Marced will play "Hawkgirl."

From THR:   Anthony Carrigan ("NoHo Hank" on HBO's "Barry") has been cast as the superhero, "Metamorpho" in "Superman: Legacy."

From Deadline:  Writer-director James Gunn shares his excitement over "Superman: Legacy" and talks about why he has included Green Lantern, Hawkgirl, and Mister Terrific.

DC CINEMA - From YahooEntertainment:  With an estimated loss of at least 200 million dollars, Warner Bros. Pictures' DC Comics' film, "The Flash," is reportedly the biggest box office flop in superhero film history.

MARVEL - From BleedingCoolJoe Quesada has revealed a page from his Marvel Comics mystery project.

DC ANIMATION - From DCBlog:  My Adventures with Superman co-executive producers Jake Wyatt and Brendan Clogher and co-producer Josie Campbell discuss the new Cartoon Network/Adult Swim animated series.

From DCBlog:  Voice actors Alice Lee (Lois Lane) and Ishmel Sahid (Jimmy Olsen) talk about the new Cartoon Network/Adult Swim animated series, "My Adventures with Superman."

From YouTube:  Here is the teaser trailer for "Suicide Squad: Isekia," a new anime series starring DC Comics' Suicide Squad. The animation is produced by WIT Studio, who produced the "Attack on Titan" anime.  No word on the arrival date.

MARVEL TELEVISION - From DeadlinePeter Shinkoda, an actor on Netflix/Marvel's former "Daredevil" series, has accused former head of Marvel Television, Jeph Loeb, of making anti-Asian comments.  This is in regards to the writing and story development of the series.

MARVEL STUDIOS - From Deadline:  Marvel Studios' "Doctor Strange" star, Benedict Cumberbatch, says that Doctor Strange will return to silver screen next year... Stay tuned.

DC TV - From Deadline:  "Smallville" actor, Allison Mack, has been released a year early from prison.  She was sentenced to three years in federal prison in 2021 for participation in the notorious NXIVM cult. Mack played the character "Chloe Sullivan" on The WB/CW's "Smallville" during the series' entire run from 2001 to 2011.

MARVEL STUDIOS - From CBR:  A fan found some merchandise, action figures, that reveal what Wolverine, Cyclops, and Rogue will look like in the upcoming Disney+ animated series, "X-Men '97."

MANGA - From BleedingCool:   TOKYOPOP is launching "LoveLove," a diverse imprint of shojo, josei, girls love, boys love manga, and graphic novel titles by Western creators; the LoveLove line offers romantic stories and characters for everyone.

MARVEL - From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics will launch "Spider-Boy" in November from writer Dan Slott and artist Paco Medina.

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JUNE 2023 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From BleedingCool:  Ablaze Publishing for June 2023
From BleedingCool:  Ahoy Comics for June 2023
From BleedingCool:  AWA Studios for June 2023
From BleedingCool:  CEX Comics for June 2023
From BleedingCool:  DC Comics for June 2023
From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics for June 2023
From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics "Captain America" for June 2023
From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics "Star Wars" for June 2023
From BleedingCool:  Oni Press for June 2023
From BleedingCool:  Source Point Press for June 2023
From BleedingCool:  Sumerian Comics for June 2023
From BleedingCool:  Uncivilized Books for June 2023

JULY 2023 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From BleedingCool:  Ablaze Publishing for July 2023
From BleedingCool:  Ahoy Comics for July 2023
From BleedingCool:  AWA Studios for July 2023
From BleedingCool:  Band of Bards for July 2023
From BleedingCool:  Blood Moon Comics for July 2023
From BleedingCool:  BOOM! Studios for July 2023
From BleedingCool:  CEX Publishing for July 2023
From BleedingCool:  Dark Horse Comics for July 2023
From BleedingCool:  DC Comics for July 2023
From BleedingCool:  Dynamite Entertainment for July 2023
From BleedingCool:  Fairsquare Comics for July 2023
From BleedingCool:  Frank Miller Presents for July 2023
From BleedingCool:  IDW Publishing for July 2023
From BleedingCool:  Image Comics for July 2023
From BleedingCool:  Keenspot Entertainment for July 2023
From BleedingCool:  Mad Cave Studios for July 2023
From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics for July 2023
From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics "Extreme Venomverse" for July 2023
From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics "Summer of Symbiotes" for July 2023
From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics "X-Men" for July 2023
From BleedingCool:  Oni Press for July 2023
From BleedingCool:  Opus Comics for July 2023
From BleedingCool:  Rebellion Comics for July 2023
From BleedingCool:  Scout Comics for July 2023
From BleedingCool:  Sumerian Comics for July 2023
From BleedingCool:  T-Pub for July 2023
From BleedingCool:  Titan Comics for July 2023
From BleedingCool:  TOKYOPOP for July 2023
From BleedingCool:  Udon Comics for July 2023
From BleedingCool:  Valiant Comics for July 2023
From BleedingCool:  Vault Comics for July 2023
From BleedingCool:  VIZ Media for July 2023
From BleedingCool:  Webtoon Unscrolled for July 2023
From BleedingCool:  Whatnot Comics for July 2023
From BleedingCool:  Yen Press for July 2023

AUGUST 2023 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From BleedingCool:  Aardvard-Vanaheim for August 2023
From BleedingCool:  Ablaze Publishing for August 2023
From BleedingCool:  Antarctic Press for August 2023
From BleedingCool:  AWA Studios for August 2023
From BleedingCool:  Black Mask Studios for August 2023
From BleedingCool:  BOOM! Studios for August 2023
From BleedindCool:  CEX Publishing for August 2023
From BleedingCool:  Dark Horse Comics for August 2023
From BleedingCool:  DC Comics for August 2023
From BleedingCool:  Dstlry Media for August 2023
From BleedingCool:  Dynamite Entertainment for August 2023
From BleedingCool:  Frank Miller Presents for August 2023
From BleedingCool:  IDW Publishing for August 2023
From BleedingCool:  Image Comics for August 2023
From BleedingCool:  Keenspot Entertainment for August 2023
From BleedingCool:  Kodansha Comics for August 2023
From BleedingCool:  Mad Cave Studios for August 2023
From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics for August 2023
From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics X-Men's "Fall of X" for August 2023
From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics "Fall of X" checklist and solicitations for August 2023
From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics "Summer of Symbiotes" for August 2023
From BleedingCool:  Oni Press for August 2023
From BleedingCool:  Opus Comics from August 2023
From BleedingCool:  Rebellion Comics for August 2023
From BleedingCool:  Scout Comics for August 2023
From BleedingCool:  Seven Seas Entertainment for August 2023
From BleedingCool:  Titan Comics for August 2023
From BleedingCool:  TOKYOPOP for August 2023
From BleedingCool:  Valiant Comics for August 2023
From BleedingCool:  Vault Comics for August 2023
From BleedingCool:  VIZ Media for August 2023
From BleedingCool:  Whatnot Publishing for August 2023
From BleedingCool:  Yen Press for August 2023

SEPTEMBER 2023 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From BleedingCool:  Ahoy Comics for September 2023
From BleedingCool:  BOOM Studios for September 2023
From BleedingCool:  Dark Horse Comics for September 2023
From BleedingCool:  DC Comics for September 2023
From BleedingCool:  Dynamite Entertainment for September 2023
From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics for September 2023
From BleedingCool:  IDW Publishing for September 2023
From BleedingCool:  Image Comics for September 2023
From BleedingCool:  Oni Press for September 2023
From BleedingCool:  Opus Comics for September 2023
From BleedingCool:  Rebellion/2000 AD for September 2023
From BleedingCool:  Sumerian Comics for September 2023
From BleedingCool:  Titan Comics for September 2023
From BleedingCool:  Vault Comics for September 2023

OCTOBER 2023 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From BleedingCool:  DC Comics for October 2023
From BleedingCool:  Image Comics "Transformers" title for October 2023
From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics for October 2023

DECEMBER 2023 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From BleedingCool:  Image Comics "G.I. Joe" comics for December 2023