Showing posts with label Dan DiDio. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Dan DiDio. Show all posts

Wednesday, May 7, 2025

#IReadsYou Review: RONIN BOOK II #1


LAYOUTS: Frank Miller
LETTERS: John Workman
BOSSES: Frank Miller, Dan DiDio, and Silenn Thomas
COVER: Philip Tan and Daniel Henriques
VARIANT COVER: Frank Miller
56pp, B&W, 7.99 U.S. (November 2022)

Ronin created by Frank Miller

Ronin is a six-issue comic book miniseries published between 1983 and 1984 by DC Comics.  The series was written and drawn by Frank Miller, with Miller's artwork painted by Lynn Varley.  Ronin takes place in a near-future New York City, a dystopia in which an unnamed ronin (in Japan, a samurai without a master) and his mortal enemy, the demon “Agat,” are reincarnated.  The series also features a security officer, Casey McKenna, “The Aquarius Corporation” and its artificial intelligence, “Virgo,” which may hold the true secrets of the ronin and Agat.

Late last year, Frank Miller's new publishing concern, Frank Miller Presents, launched a sequel to Ronin.  Entitled Ronin Book II, the series is written by Miller; drawn by Philip Tan (pencils), Daniel Henriques (inks), and Miller (layouts); and lettered by John Workman.  The new series follows Casey McKenna and her infant son, Billy, as they travel across a ravaged America.

Ronin Book II #1 finds Casey dreaming of her trials and tribulations.  The world is a vampire (so to speak), and the artificial intelligence, Virgo, still haunts Casey's life.  Now, she has a baby boy, and they must traverse the ravaged landscape of America.  However, sinister evils and the old ghosts still abound, one in the form of the infamous Agat.

THE LOWDOWN:  When the launch of Frank Miller Presents was announced to much fanfare in the spring of 2022, I was interested.  After all, Frank Miller was one of the first comic book creators whose name I learned when I started reading comic books in high school.  I found Daredevil #189 (cover dated: December 1982) in one of those comic book three-packs, I fell in love with Miller and his collaborator, Klaus Janson.  Their union would be made rock-solid (solid as a rock!) when the duo collaborated on the 1986 miniseries, Batman: The Dark Knight Returns.

Between Daredevil and Batman, Frank Miller unleashed his landmark six-issue miniseries, Ronin.  It blended the Japanese comics (manga) with the French comics (bande dessinée) that influenced Frank Miller.  I would say that the work of French comic book creator, Jean “Moebius” Giraud, had the biggest influence on Ronin's artwork and narrative style.  Ronin was essentially Miller's Moebius comic book slash graphic novel.

In its press offerings, Frank Miller Presents has stated that Ronin Book II “captures all the energy and excitement of the original series, taking the characters and world into a direction all its own.”  I can accept that, but after reading Ronin Book II #1, I believe that a sequel to Ronin is at least 30 years too late.  Why?

Well, Ronin Book II #1 looks and reads like a comic book drawn by either Todd McFarlane or Jim Lee in the early 1990s.  That would include McFarlane's 1990-launched Spider-Man series and his Image Comics' title, Spawn (1992), and Lee's 1991-launched X-Men series and his Image title, WildC.A.T.S: Cover Action Teams (1992).

Ronin Book II #1 reads like McFarlane's “BOOM BOOM BOOM” script for Spider-Man #1 (cover dated: August 1990), and Philip Tan and Daniel Henriques' art could be a catalog of Jim Lee's pencil art inked by Scott Williams, Marc Silvestri, Whilce Portacio, and just about every art assistant in the former Homage Studios gang.  There is indeed some beautiful panoramic black and white art, especially towards the end of the story, but...

What's it like to read this first issue.  Well, the guy who wrote powerfully in the 1980s is not as powerful now.  I wouldn't call Ronin Book II #1 incomprehensible, but I would say that it is incomprehensible that Miller thinks he can get away with a new series that seems like nothing more than a shoddy riff on the legendary manga, Lone Wolf and Cub.  So Miller may be taking Ronin Book II in “a direction all its own,” but I hope that the rest of the series does not read like old Todd McFarland and Jim Lee comics.

I don't know if I will buy any more issues of this series.  I may be too curious – because its Miller and Ronin – to just ignore Ronin Book II.  Also, I'm being generous with the grade I'm giving it.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of Frank Miller and of his Ronin comic book will want to at least sample Ronin Book II.

B-

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

"Ronin Book II" is now known as "RONIN RISING" and is available is both a hardcover and manga paperback edition via Amazon.

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Tuesday, May 31, 2022

I Reads You Juniors: May 2022 - Update #66

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

You can support Leroy via Paypal or on Patreon.

NEWS:

BRITISH COMICS - From 2000AD:  In 2023, Rebellion will publish "A Very British Affair," which looks at the "forgotten history of British romance comics.  The 224 page book will collect over 50 comics stories.

COMICS - From BleedingCool:  "3W3M," the Jonathan Hickman "Substack" comic, apparently brings in almost $300,000 per year.

DC CINEMA - From Deadline:  Warner Bros. executive Walter Hamada reportedly stated that Aquaman stars, Jason Momoa (Aquaman) and Amber Heard (Mera), did not have screen chemistry.  Thus, her role was pared down for the sequel film.  This comes out of the Johnny Depp-Amber Heard dueling lawsuits trial.

FRANK MILLER - From TheBeat:  The site goes into detail on the upcoming Frank Miller-Emma Kubert comic, "Pandora."

From BleedingCool:  The site has a sketch of a new Frank Miller character, "The Geek."

From BleedingCool:  Master Italian comic book artist, Milo Manara, is apparently drawing something from Frank Miller's "Sin City" revival.

DC COMICS - From DCBlog:  Writer Greg Pak and artist Khoi Pham and Scott Hanna talk about the new "Milestone" title, "Duo."

DC ANIMATION - From THRGina Rodriguez and Xolo Mariduena have joined the cast of the Warner Bros. Animation's "Batwheels," based on DC Comics' characters.

EISNER AWARDS - From ComicBook:  The nominations for the Will Eisner Comic Industry Awards 2022 have been announced.  The winners will be announced at San Diego Comic-Con 2022 this summer.

From Marvel:  Marvel Comics celebrates 16 nominations at the Eisner Awards 2022.

From ANN:  The site discusses the manga and manga-related titles that received nominations for the Eisner Awards 2022.
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DC CINEMA - From THRAmber Heard says her role in the 2023 film, "Aquaman and the Lost City," has been "very pared down" due to her ongoing legal battle with her ex-husband, Johnny Depp.

COMICS - From BleedingCool:  Artist Joyce Chin talks about her comics project with legendary writer, Chris Claremont.

MARVEL STUDIOS - From BleedingCool:   The company Stan Lee Universe, LLC, controlled by Genius Brands International with POW! Entertainment, has signed a 20-year deal to license the name and likeness of Stan Lee to Marvel Studios for future feature films and television productions, as well as use in Disney theme parks and experiences worldwide.

GRAPHIC NOVELS - From GamesRadar:   Simon & Schuster's kids imprint has announced "Bunnicula: The Graphic Novel," which adapts the first book in the classic children's novel series by Deborah Howe and James Howe

IDW - From GamesRadar:   IDW Publishing announces "TRVE KVLT," a supernatural and satanic comedy from Scott Bryan Wilson and Liana Kangas.

TOY NEWS - From 2000ADRebellion and Hiya Toys have announced the latest in the brand new range of 1:18 PVC action figures based on the world of "Judge Dredd."  The "Judge Dredd & Lawmaster MK II Set" debuts Sept. 2022 with four figures, including Dredd and Judge Death.

MARVEL STUDIOS - From MarvelMarvel Studios has announced that its Disney+ series, "Echo," has gone into production.  The character first appeared in the "Daredevil" comic book.

COMICS TO FILM - From TheWrap:  20th Century Studios is planning a reboot of the 2003 film, "League of Extraordinary Gentlemen," which is based on the Alan Moore and Kevin O'Neill comic book.

COMICS - From ScreenRant:  The Golden, Silver, and Bronze Ages explained.

DARK HORSE - From BleedingCool:   Berger Books will publish an original graphic novel, "Salamandre," from I.N.J. Culbard.

MARVEL - From BleedingCool:   The license to publish new "Conan the Barbarian" comic books is moving on from Marvel Comics, although it will still publish some reprints of previous Conan material.

DC COMICS - From DCBlog:   Writer Chip Zdarsky talks about and previews his run on "Batman," which begins with issue #125.

DC AUDIO - From DCBlog:   Actor Lance Reddick ("John Wick" franchise) talks giving voice to "Thomas Wayne" in the podcast drama, "Batman Unburied."

IDW - From RueMorgue:   IDW Publishing shares exclusive art from "Locke & Key: The Golden Age" hardcover.

DC TV - From Variety:  The CW has cancelled its DC Comics' TV series, "Naomi," after one season.

COMICS - WWAC:  "Women Writing About Comics" introduce a "standard" template for writing scripts for comic books.

AWARDS - From Pulitzer:  The winners of the 2022 Pulitzer Prizes have been announced. The winners include a work of comics, "I Escaped a Chinese Internment Camp" ("Illustrated Reporting and Commentary"), which was published at Insider.com.

COMICS - From BleedingCool:  More on the Pulitzer Prize-winning team of Josh Adams, Anthony Del Col, Fahmida Azim, and Walter Hickey for "I Escaped a Chinese Internment Camp."

GEORGE PEREZ:

IN MEMORIAM - From THR:  Legendary comic book artist and writer, George Perez, has died at the age of 67, Friday, May 6th, 2022.  Perez was known for his work on "New Teen Titans," "Crisis on Infinite Earths," and Wonder Woman, among others, for DC Comics.  He also drew "Avengers" for Marvel Comics.

From GamesRadar:  "Avengers #55" raises a tribute to George Perez.

DOCTOR STRANGE - From Here:  My review of "Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness."

From Variety:  "Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness" wins the May 6th to May 8th, 2022 weekend box office with a take of $185 million.

From ComicBook:  Actress Elizabeth Olsen says the Wanda Maximoff/Scarlet Witch's journey is a "ride that I didn't expect."

From LATimes:  Here is the backstory on the group, "The Illuminati," from the "Doctor Strange" sequel.

From Deadline:  "Doctor Strange" sequel screenwriter, Michael Waldron, talks about writing the film, "Loki" Season Two, and the "Star Wars" film he is writing.

MARVEL STUDIOS - From GeekFeed:  "Peter Quill/Star Lord" may be wearing his blue uniform (as he does in comic books) in "Guardians of the Galaxy, Vol. 3."

ARCHIE - From BleedingCool:  This summer Archie Comics will introduce two new bisexual characters, Eliza Han and Stacy Banks.  A previously introduced character, Harper Lodge (cousin of Veronica Lodge), will also be revealed as bisexual.

DC ANIMATED - From DCBlog:  HBO Max's animated series, "Harley Quinn," has spinoff.  The ten-episode series, using the working title, "Noonan," will focus on "Kite Man."

DC TV - From DCBlog:  Young actor, Alex Garfin ("Jordan Kent" on The CW's "Superman & Lois"), talks about balancing heroism and high school.

DC COMICS - From DCBlogJoshua Williamson talks killing the Justice League in "Justice League #75."

DC CINEMA - From TMZ:  Actress Amber Heard supposedly has less than 10 minutes of screen time in "Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom," according to film journalist, Grace Randolph.  The film is due in theaters March 2022.

BOOM - From FanGirlNation:  The site has a sneak peek at BOOM! Studios' supernatural queer romance and adventure comic book, "Hollow," which debuts in September.

DC TV - From DeadlineThe CW has cancelled its DC Comics television series, "Batwoman," after three seasons.  The network also cancelled "DC's Legends of Tomorrow" after seven seasons.

FRANK MILLER:

From THR:  Frank Miller has launched his own independent comic book publishing company, Frank Miller Presents.  Miller will as President and Editor-in-Chief and former DC Comics co-publisher, Dan DiDio, will serve as publisher.

From BleedingCool:  Frank Miller's company, Frank Miller Presents, is being financed by "Spice DAO," an NFT and crypto-currency investment firm.

From BleedingCool:  Frank Miller Presents will publish Frank Miller's "Ronin" sequel and "Sin City" prequel.

From BleedingCool:  One of Frank Miller Presents' first projects is "Ancient Enemies" by Dan DiDio and Danilo Beyruth.

EN MEMORIAM - From THR:  Comic book writer, artist, and publisher and graphic designer, Neal Adams, has died at the age of 80, Thursday, April 28, 2022.  Adams is known as the comic book artist who revitalized Batman, the character and the comic book, beginning in early 1970.  With "Green Lantern/Green Arrow #76," Adams revamped two characters and introduced "relevant comics."  Adams was a powerful advocate for "creator's rights" for comic book writers and artists.  It was his advocacy that helped to secure recognition and a pension for Superman's creators, Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster.

From DCBlog:  Remembering Neal Adams - quotes from well-known comic book creators.

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APRIL 2022 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From BleedingCool:  Ablaze for April 2022
From BleedingCool:  AfterShock Comics for 2022
From BleedingCool:  Ahoy Comics for April 2022
From BleedingCool:  Antarctic Press for April 2022
From BleedingCool:  Archie Comics for April 2022
From BleedingCool:  Aardvark Vanaheim for April 2022
From BleedingCool:  AWA Studios for April 2022
From BleedingCool:  Behemoth Comics for April 2022
From BleedingCool:  BOOM Studios for April 2022
From BleedingCool:  Dark Horse Comics for April 2022
From BleedingCool:  DC Comics for April 2022
From BleedingCool:  DC Comics Batman's "Shadow War Crossover" for April 2022
From BleedingCool:  Dynamite Entertainment for April 2022
From BleedingCool:  IDW Publishing for April 2022
From BleedingCool:  Image Comics for April 2022
From GamesRadar:   Marvel Comics for April 2022
From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics' "Star Wars" for April 2022
From BleedingCool:  Oni Press for April 2022
From BleedingCool:  Rebellion for April 2022
From BleedingCool:  Red 5 Comics for April 2022
From BleedingCool:  Scout Comics for April 2022
From BleedingCool:  Source Point Press for April 2022
From BleedingCool:  Titan Comics for April 2022
From BleedingCool:  Valiant Entertainment for April 2022
From BleedingCool:  Vault Comics for April 2022

MAY 2022 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From BleedingCool:  Ablaze for May 2022
From BleedingCool:  Action Lab Entertainment for May 2022
From BleedingCool:  AfterShock Comics for May 2022
From BleedingCool:  Archie Comics for May 2022
From BleedingCool:  AWA Upshot for May 2022
From BleedingCool:  Behemoth Comics for May 2022
From BleedingCool:  BOOM! Studios for May 2022
From BleedingCool:  Dark Horse Comics for May 2022
From BleedingCool:  DC Comics for May 2022
From BleedingCool:  Dynamite Entertainment for May 2022
From BleedingCool:  IDW Publishing for May 2022
From BleedingCool:  Image Comics for May 2022
From BleedingCool:  Kodansha Comics for May 2022
From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics "Hulk Vs Thor: Banner of War" for May 2022
From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics "X-Men" solicitations for May 2022
From BleedingCool:  Oni Press for May2022
From BleedingCool:  Opus Comics for May 2022
From BleedingCool:  Rebellion for May 2022
From BleedingCool:  Titan Comics for May 2022
From BleedingCool:  Scout Comics for May 2022
From BleedingCool:  Seven Seas Entertainment for May 2022
From BleedingCool:  Valiant Comics for May 2022
From BleedingCool:  Vault Comics for May 2022
From BleedingCool:  VIZ Media for May 2022
From BleedingCool:  Yen Press for May 2022
From BleedingCool:  Z2 Comics for May 2022

JUNE 2022 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From BleedingCool:  AfterShock Comics for June 2022
From BleedingCool:  Ahoy Comics for June 2022
From BleedingCool:  Archie Comics for June 2022
From BleedingCool:  Behemoth Comics for June 2022
From BleedingCool:  BOOM! Studios for June 2022
From BleedingCool:  Dark Horse Comics for June 2022
From BleedingCool:  DC Comics for June 2022
From BleedingCool:  Dynamite Entertainment for June 2022
From BleedingCool:  Hero Collector DC Comics Graphic Novels for June 2022
From BleedingCool:  IDW Publishing for June 2022
From BleedingCool:  Image Comics for June 2022
From BleedingCool:  Keenspot Entertainment for June 2022
From BleedingCool:  Kodansha Comics for June 2022
From BleedingCool:  Lev Gleason for June 2022
From BleedingCool:  Mad Cave Studios for June 2022
From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics for June 2022
From BleedingCool:  Marvel "Banner of War" for June 2022
From BleedingCool:  Marvel "X-Men" for June 2022 
From BleedingCool:  Oni Press for June 2022
From BleedingCool:  Opus Comics for June 2022
From BleedingCool:  Seven Seas Entertainment for June 2022
From BleedingCool:  Source Point Press for June 2022
From BleedingCool:  Valiant Comics for June 2022
From BleedingCool:  Vault Comics for June 2022
From BleedingCool:  Vertical Comics for June 2022
From BleedingCool:  VIZ Media for June 2022
From BleedingCool:  Yen Press for June 2022

JULY 2022 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From BleedingCool:  Ablaze for July 2022
From BleedingCool:  Ahoy Comics for July 2022
From BleedingCool:  Archie Comics for July 2022
From BleedingCool:  Artists Elite Comics for July 2022
From BleedingCool:  Behemoth Comics for July 2022
From BleedingCool:  BOOM! Studios for July 2022
From BleedingCool:  CEX Publishing for July 2022
From BleedingCool:  Dark Horse Comics for July 2022
From GamesRadar:  DC Comics covers and solicitations for July 2022
From BleedingCool:  Dynamite Entertainment for July 2022
From BleedingCool:  Fairsquare Comics for July 2022
From BleedingCool:  Heavy Metal Magazine for July 2022
From BleedingCool:  IDW Publishing for July 2022
From BleedingCool:  Image Comics for July 2022
From BleedingCool:  Kodansha Comics for July 2022
From BleedingCool:  Mad Cave Studios for July 2022
From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics for July 2022
From BleedingCool:  Marvel "Star Wars" comics for July 2022
From BleedingCool:  Merc Publishing for July 2022
From BleedingCool:  Oni Press for July 2022
From BleedingCool:  Rebellion Comics for July 2022
From BleedingCool:  Red 5 Comics for July 2022
From BleedingCool:  Scout Comics for July 2022
From BleedingCool:  Silver Sprocket for July 2022
From BleedingCool:  Titan Comics for July 2022
From BleedingCool:  Valiant Comics for July 2022
From BleedingCool:  Vault Comics for July 2022
From BleedingCool:  Vertical Comics for July 2022
From BleedingCool:  VIZ Media for July 2022
From BleedingCool:  Yen Press for July 2022

AUGUST 2022 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From BleedingCool:  Ablaze for August 2022
From BleedingCool:  BOOM Studios for August 2022
From BleedingCool:  Dark Horse Comics for August 2022
From BleedingCool:  DC Comics for August 2022
From BleedingCool:  IDW Publishing for August 2022
From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics for August 2022
From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics "A.X.E.: Judgement Day solicitations for August 2022
 
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Saturday, April 30, 2022

I Reads You Juniors: April 2022 - Update #92

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

You can support Leroy via Paypal or on Patreon.

NEWS:

DC TV - From Deadline:  There will not be an eighth season of The CW's DC Comics series, "DC's Legends of Tomorrow." This recent Season 7 was the series' finale.

FRANK MILLER:

From THRFrank Miller has launched his own independent comic book publishing company, Frank Miller Presents.  Miller will as President and Editor-in-Chief and former DC Comics co-publisher, Dan DiDio, will serve as publisher.

From BleedingCoolFrank Miller's company, Frank Miller Presents, is being financed by "Spice DAO," an NFT and crypto-currency investment firm.

From BleedingCool:  Frank Miller Presents will publish Frank Miller's "Ronin" sequel and "Sin City" prequel.

EN MEMORIAM - From THR:  Comic book writer, artist, and publisher and graphic designer, Neal Adams, has died at the age of 80, Thursday, April 28, 2022.  Adams is known as the comic book artist who revitalized Batman, the character and the comic book, beginning in early 1970.  With "Green Lantern/Green Arrow #76," Adams revamped two characters and introduced "relevant comics."  Adams was a powerful advocate for "creator's rights" for comic book writers and artists.  It was his advocacy that helped to secure recognition and a pension for Superman's creators, Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster.

DC CINEMA - From Deadline:  "Shazam: Fury of the Gods" was scheduled to open Dec. 16th, 2022, on the same day as "Avatar: The Way of Water."  It will now open on Dec. 21st, 2022.

DC CINEMA - From IGN:  At CinemaCon, Warner Bros. reveals more footage of Michael Keaton as an Batman living as a hermit in Wayne Manor, complete with long hair and a beard.

SONY SPIDER-MAN U - From Variety:  Sony Pictures' "Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse Part I" is now known as "Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse" and "Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse Part II" is known as "Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse." Producers Phil Lord and Christopher Miller introduced 15 minutes of raw footage from "Across the Spider-Verse" and said that the film will features 240 characters and will take place in 6 universes.

DC CINEMA - From Deadline:  Warner Bros. has announced "The Batman 2." Director Matt Reeves and star Robert Pattinson will return for the sequel to the worldwide hit, "The Batman."

SONY MARVEL U - From Variety:  At CinemaCon, Sony Pictures announces that it has greenlit a third film in its "Venom" series.

From Variety:  Benito Antonio Martinez Ocasio, the recording artist known as "Bad Bunny," will play the Marvel Comics' character, "El Muerto," in a standalone film for Sony Pictures, which is due Jan. 12, 2024.
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DC COMICS - From ComicBook:  All DC Comics titles shipping June 2022 will feature a two-page tribute to legendary DC artist, George Perez.

MARVEL - From ComicBookCharlie Cox promotes his Netflix series, "Daredevil," on Disney+ with ad.

DC COMICS - From GamesRadar:  Ra's al Ghul's "Lazarus Pit" will play a major part of the return of the "Justice League" this fall.

VIZ MEDIA - From ANN:  In Japan, the manga, "Black Clover," is going on hiatus so that its creator, Yuki Tabata, can prepare for the series final saga.

DC COMICS - From DCVideos:  In a video interview, writer James Tynion IV discusses "The Sandman Universe: Nightmare Country."

SONY MARVEL U - From Deadline:  Sony Animation's "Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse Part I" has moved from an October 7th, 2022 release date to a June 2nd, 2023 release date.

MARVEL STUDIOS - From WeGotThisCovered:  Actor Paul Bettany assumes that he will play "Vision" again in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

COMICS TO ANIMATION - From ComicBookNetflix has cancelled its long-awaited animation series adaptation of Jeff Smith beloved and award-winning comic book series, "Bone."

MARVEL - From BleedingCool:  The 1978 "Doctor Strange" television movie, which first aired on CBS, is coming to Blu-ray via Shout Factory.

COMICS - From BleedingCoolAWA Studios has announced "Absolution" a new comic book about a female assassin from writer Peter Milligan and artist Mike Deodato, Jr.

DARK HORSE - From BleedingCool:  Dark Horse Comics imprint, Berger Books, is going to reprint the late DC Comics/Vertigo series, "Air," in four trade paperbacks.  "Air," which ran for 24 issues, was written by G. Willow Wilson and dranw by M.K. Perfer.

DC TV - From Deadline:   "Riverdale" star, KJ Apa, and "1883" actress, Isabel May, will play "Zan" and "Jayna" in "The Wonder Twins," a live-action DC Films comedy for HBO Max..  "The Wonder Twins" first appeared in the 1970s ABC animated series, "The All New Super Friends Hour."

DC CINEMA - From Deadline:  "The Batman" has crossed the $750 million mark in global box office.

MARVEL - From GamesRadar:  The current ongoing "Eternals" comic book series will come to an end with issue #12.

BOOKS - From BleedingCool:  Legendary comic book writer, Grant Morrison, has written his first novel, "Luda," which Del Rey will publish in September.

IMAGE - From BleedingCool:   Mike Del Mundo is painting a Spawn miniseries that creator Todd McFarlane is writing.

DARK HORSE - From BleedingCool:  In June, Dark Horse Comics plans to publish a 650+ book, "Halo: Initiation and Escalation."  It will collect the entirety of two Halo comic books series, "Halo: Initiation" and "Halo: Escalation."

IDW - From GamesRadarIDW Publishing announces nine new titles in as part of an "expansive new comic book initiative."

DC COMICS - From Variety:  The new company, Warner Bros. Discovery, is exploring some kind of overhaul of DC Entertainment (DC Comics).

COMICS - From BleedingCool:  Former DC boss, Dan DiDio, will reportedly run Frank Miller's new publishing business.

COMICS - From ICv2:  Independent comics publisher, Mad Cave Studios, says it is now open to publishing creator-owned projects.

MARVEL - From BleedingCool:  Soon to be TV star, Ms. Marvel, will team-up with some of Marvel Comics' edgiest anti-heroes in a series of one-shots, beginning with "Ms. Marvel & Wolverine #1" in July.

DARK HORSE - From BleedingCool:  Matt Kindt is getting his own imprint at Dark Horse Comics, called "Flux House."  He will launch it with a new "Mind MGMT" miniseries.

DC COMICS - From BleedingCool:  Beloved voice actor, Kevin Conroy (Batman in "Batman: The Animated Series"), is writing a story for DC Pride 2022.  It is about his life as a gay man and will be drawn by J. Bone and Aditya Bidikar.

MARVEL STUDIOS - From ComicBook Anthony Mackie is about to start film the video game adaptation, "Twisted Metal," not "Captain America 4" ... apparently.

SONY MARVEL U - From WeGotThisCovered:  There is some video supposedly from the London set of "Kraven the Hunter," which emphasizes practical effects.

DYNAMITE - From TheBeatCassandra Peterson (Elvira) and writer David Avallone talk about the upcoming crowdfunded Elvira biocomic, "The Death of Elvira."

COMICS - From TheBeat:  "Of Bitter Souls," the indy comic book by the late artist, Norm Breyfogle, and writer, Chuck Satterlee, is being published in an omnibus edition.  There is a Kickstarter to fun it.

BOOKS - From BleedingCool:  Movie storyboard artist, Richard Bennett, has begun a Kickstarter campaign for his book, "Godzilla & Kong: The Cinematic Storyboard Art of Richard Bennett." The book will focus on his storyboard work for the "MonsterVerse" films, "Kong: Skull Island," "Godzilla: King of Monsters," and "Godzilla vs. Kong."

MARVEL - From GamesRadar:  The X-Men will be the focus on Marvel Comics' summer event, "AXE" (Avengers x Eternals), in which the Eternals come to view mutants as "Deviants."  The Eternals exist to protect the Earth from Deviants.

DC CINEMA - From Deadline:  "The Batman" will debut on the streaming service, HBO Max, on Monday, April 18th and on the premium cable network, HBO, on Saturday, April 23rd.

From Here:  This is "I Reads You's" review of "The Batman."

DC/WEBTOON - From BleedingCoolDC Comics and Webtoon are launching a new slate of DC IP digital vertical stripsVIXEN: NYC (May 26), written by Jasmine Walls with lead artist Manou Azumi; RED HOOD: OUTLAWS (Summer 2022), written by Patrick R. Young with art by Nico Bascuñán; ZATANNA & THE RIPPER (Summer 2022), written by Sarah Dealy and lead artist Syro

MARVEL - From THR:  Writer Joe Casey says that he has never been paid for the use of "America Chavez," a character he created with artist Nick Dragotta, neither for her upcoming appearance in "Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness" nor any of her other appearances in film and TV.  He also has never received payment for America Chavez action figures.

MARVEL - From GamesRadar:  Marvel has announced a new "Avengers" ongoing series - its fourth - and it is entitled "All-Out Avengers."

DYNAMITE - From YouTube:  In this video interview, writer David Avallone talks to Adam Philips about the new Indiegogo campaign to fun the one-shot comic book, "The Death of Elvira."

COMICS TO FILM - From Deadline:  The reboot of "The Crow" film franchise seems to be really happening.  Bill Skarsgard (Pennywise in the "IT" films) will play the lead character Eric Draven/The Crow.  The film is based on James O'Barr's cult comic book character.

MARVEL - From BleedingCool:  A copy of "Captain America Comics #1," featuring the first appearance of "Captain America" has sold for $3,120,000 at auction."

DC COMICS - From BleedingCool:  DC Comics' big event series for 2023 is rumored to focus on "magic and the supernatural."

MARVEL - From GamesRadar:  Today's "X-Men Red #1" finds Storm sporting a new look that is based on a classic look.

DC CINEMA - From RollingStone:  Warner Bros. executives reportedly had a meeting about the future of actor Ezra Miller, "The Flash," in the wake of his arrest in Hawaii for an incident that occurred Sun., March 27th.  He has since been charged with "disorderly conduct."

MARVEL - From HollywoodFuns:  Writer Kelly Thompson says that the current "Black Widow" comic book, which she is writing, will end with issue #15.

ALAN MOORE - From BleedingCoolAlan Moore and Steve Moore's long awaited book of magic, "The Moon and Serpent Bumper Book of Magic" will finally be published in 2023, according to Knockabout Comix.

COMICS - From BleedingCool:  Actor Wesley Snipes is co-writing a new graphic novel, "The Exiled," which will be crowdfunded.

MORBIUS - From Variety:  "Morbius" won the 4/1 to 4/3/2022 weekend box office with an estimated take of $39.1 million.

From Here:  Here is "I Reads You's" review of "Morbius."

From Variety:  "Morbius" director Daniel Espinosa explains the films two mid-credits scenes and talks about future team-ups between characters.

COMICS - From BleedingCool:  The Amazing Pander Brothers (Arnold and Jacob) are releasing a sequel to their 2015 graphic novel, "GirlFIEND."  "GirlFIEND in Paris: A Bloodthirty Bedtime Story" is due in October 2022.

CONVENTIONS - From BleedingCool:  San Diego Comic-Con International has hired an "exclusive licensing representative."  Are they considering becomeing a franchise?

GARRY LEACH - From BritainisNoCountryJohn "JohnBoy" Cooper offers a loving tribute to the master comic book illustrator, Garry Leach, who died last week.  Many will know Leach as the British artist who revived Marvelman (Miracleman) with writer Alan Moore and publisher Dez Skinn in the early 1980s.

DC TV - From Deadline:  Actor Rahart Adams has been added to the cast of The CW's "Gotham Knights" pilot.

DC COMICS - From DCBlogJosh Williamson talks about his DC Comics' projects, including "Rogues."

MARVEL - From BleedingCool:  "Bloodline: Daughter of Blade" makes her debut in "Free Comic Book Day: Avengers/X-Men #1" on May 7th.

DC ANIMATION - From DCBlogGreg Weisman and Brandon Vietti, the showrunners of HBO Max's "Young Justice," answer fans questions.

MARVEL - From PittPostGazette:  The newspaper interview local artist, Jim Rugg, about his new Marvel Comics project, "Hulk: Grand Design."

LIGHT NOVELS - From ANN:  In Japan, the light novel series, "That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime," has a spinoff, "That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime: Clayman Revenge."

VIZ MEDIA - From ComicBook:  The big change to lead character, "Luffy," in the legendary manga, "One Piece," has shocked the manga world.

DC CINEMA - From THR:  In preparation to play "Carmine Falcone" in "The Batman," actor John Turturro talked to his eldest child, Amedeo Turturro, who is an editor at DC Comics.

MARVEL - From GamesRadar:  In "The Amazing Spider-Man #93," Spider-Man gets a mysterious new enemy, "Chasm."

EN MEMORIAM - From BleedingCool:  The British comic book artist, Garry Leach, has died at the age of 67, Saturday, March 26, 2022.  He is best known for reviving "Marvelman" with Alan Moore for "Warrior," the magazine published by Dez Skinn's Quality Communications.  With Dave Elliot, Leach started Atomeka Press, best known for the comic book anthology, "A1."

From 2000AD:  The website for "2000AD," the magazine for which Garry Leach made his debut, has put up a tribute page for him.
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MARCH 2022 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From BleedingCool:  Aardvark-Vanaheim for March 2022
From BleedingCool:  Ablaze for March 2022
From BleedingCool:  AfterShock Comics for March 2022
From BleedingCool:  Ahoy Comics for March 2022
From BleedingCool:  Antarctic Press for March 2022
From BleedingCool:  Archie Comics for March 2022
From BleedingCool:  Behemoth Comics for March 2022
From BleedingCool:  Black Mask for March 2022
From BleedingCool:  BOOM! Studios for March 2022
From BleedingCool:  Dark Horse Comics for March 2022
From BleedingCool:  DC Comics for March 2022
From BleedingCool:  Dynamite Entertainment for March 2022
From BleedingCool:  Heavy Metal for March 2022
From BleedingCool:  Hero Collector for March 2022
From BleedingCool:  Humanoids for March 2022
From BleedingCool:  IDW Publishing for March 2022
From BleedingCool:  Image Comics for March 2022
From BleedingCool:  Kodansha Comics for March 2022
From BleedingCool:  Mad Cave Studios for March 2022
From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics for March 2022
From BleedingCool:  Oni Press for March 2022
From BleedingCool:  Rebellion for March 2022
From BleedingCool:  Scout Comics for March 2022
From BleedingCool:  Titan Comics for March 2022
From BleedingCool:  TOKYOPOP for March 2022
From BleedingCool:  Vertical Comics for March 2022
From BleedingCool:  VIZ Media for March 2022
From BleedingCool:  Yen Press for March 2022
 
APRIL 2022 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From BleedingCool:  Ablaze for April 2022
From BleedingCool:  AfterShock Comics for 2022
From BleedingCool:  Ahoy Comics for April 2022
From BleedingCool:  Antarctic Press for April 2022
From BleedingCool:  Archie Comics for April 2022
From BleedingCool:  Aardvark Vanaheim for April 2022
From BleedingCool:  AWA Studios for April 2022
From BleedingCool:  Behemoth Comics for April 2022
From BleedingCool:  BOOM Studios for April 2022
From BleedingCool:  Dark Horse Comics for April 2022
From BleedingCool:  DC Comics for April 2022
From BleedingCool:  DC Comics Batman's "Shadow War Crossover" for April 2022
From BleedingCool:  Dynamite Entertainment for April 2022
From BleedingCool:  IDW Publishing for April 2022
From BleedingCool:  Image Comics for April 2022
From GamesRadar:   Marvel Comics for April 2022
From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics' "Star Wars" for April 2022
From BleedingCool:  Oni Press for April 2022
From BleedingCool:  Rebellion for April 2022
From BleedingCool:  Red 5 Comics for April 2022
From BleedingCool:  Scout Comics for April 2022
From BleedingCool:  Source Point Press for April 2022
From BleedingCool:  Titan Comics for April 2022
From BleedingCool:  Valiant Entertainment for April 2022
From BleedingCool:  Vault Comics for April 2022

MAY 2022 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From BleedingCool:  Ablaze for May 2022
From BleedingCool:  Action Lab Entertainment for May 2022
From BleedingCool:  AfterShock Comics for May 2022
From BleedingCool:  Archie Comics for May 2022
From BleedingCool:  AWA Upshot for May 2022
From BleedingCool:  Behemoth Comics for May 2022
From BleedingCool:  BOOM! Studios for May 2022
From BleedingCool:  Dark Horse Comics for May 2022
From BleedingCool:  DC Comics for May 2022
From BleedingCool:  Dynamite Entertainment for May 2022
From BleedingCool:  IDW Publishing for May 2022
From BleedingCool:  Image Comics for May 2022
From BleedingCool:  Kodansha Comics for May 2022
From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics "Hulk Vs Thor: Banner of War" for May 2022
From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics "X-Men" solicitations for May 2022
From BleedingCool:  Oni Press for May2022
From BleedingCool:  Opus Comics for May 2022
From BleedingCool:  Rebellion for May 2022
From BleedingCool:  Titan Comics for May 2022
From BleedingCool:  Scout Comics for May 2022
From BleedingCool:  Seven Seas Entertainment for May 2022
From BleedingCool:  Valiant Comics for May 2022
From BleedingCool:  Vault Comics for May 2022
From BleedingCool:  VIZ Media for May 2022
From BleedingCool:  Yen Press for May 2022
From BleedingCool:  Z2 Comics for May 2022

JUNE 2022 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From BleedingCool:  AfterShock Comics for June 2022
From BleedingCool:  Ahoy Comics for June 2022
From BleedingCool:  Archie Comics for June 2022
From BleedingCool:  Behemoth Comics for June 2022
From BleedingCool:  BOOM! Studios for June 2022
From BleedingCool:  Dark Horse Comics for June 2022
From BleedingCool:  DC Comics for June 2022
From BleedingCool:  Dynamite Entertainment for June 2022
From BleedingCool:  Hero Collector DC Comics Graphic Novels for June 2022
From BleedingCool:  IDW Publishing for June 2022
From BleedingCool:  Image Comics for June 2022
From BleedingCool:  Keenspot Entertainment for June 2022
From BleedingCool:  Kodansha Comics for June 2022
From BleedingCool:  Lev Gleason for June 2022
From BleedingCool:  Mad Cave Studios for June 2022
From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics for June 2022
From BleedingCool:  Marvel "Banner of War" for June 2022
From BleedingCool:  Marvel "X-Men" for June 2022 
From BleedingCool:  Oni Press for June 2022
From BleedingCool:  Opus Comics for June 2022
From BleedingCool:  Seven Seas Entertainment for June 2022
From BleedingCool:  Source Point Press for June 2022
From BleedingCool:  Valiant Comics for June 2022
From BleedingCool:  Vault Comics for June 2022
From BleedingCool:  Vertical Comics for June 2022
From BleedingCool:  VIZ Media for June 2022
From BleedingCool:  Yen Press for June 2022

JULY 2022 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From BleedingCool:  Ahoy Comics for July 2022
From BleedingCool:  Archie Comics for July 2022
From BleedingCool:  Artists Elite Comics for July 2022
From BleedingCool:  Behemoth Comics for July 2022
From BleedingCool:  CEX Publishing for July 2022
From BleedingCool:  Dark Horse Comics for July 2022
From GamesRadar:  DC Comics covers and solicitations for July 2022
From BleedingCool:  Fairsquare Comics for July 2022
From BleedingCool:  IDW Publishing for July 2022
From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics for July 2022
From BleedingCool:  Marvel "Star Wars" comics for July 2022
From BleedingCool:  Merc Publishing for July 2022
From BleedingCool:  Scout Comics for July 2022
From BleedingCool:  Silver Sprocket for July 2022
From BleedingCool:  Titan Comics for July 2022
From BleedingCool:  Vault Comics for July 2022

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