#IReadsYou Movie Review: MADAME WEB

Madame Web (2024)

Running time:  117 minutes (1 hour, 57 minutes)

MPA – PG-13 for violence/action and language

DIRECTOR:  S.J. Clarkson

WRITERS:  Matt Sazama & Burk Sharpless and Claire Parker & S.J. Clarkson; from a story by Matt Sazama & Burk Sharpless and Kerem Sanga (based on the Marvel Comics)

PRODUCER:  Lorenzo di Bonaventura

CINEMATOGRAPHER:  Mauro Fiore (D.o.P.)

EDITOR:  Leigh Folsom Boyd

COMPOSER:  Johan Soderqvist

SUPERHERO/FANTASY/HORROR/ACTION

Starring:  Dakota Johnson, Sydney Sweeney, Isabela Merced, Celeste O'Connor, Tahar Rahim, Adam Scott, Emma Roberts, Kerry Bishé, Zosia Mamet, José María Yazpik, and Mike Epps

Madame Web is a 2024 superhero fantasy, horror, and action film directed by S.J. Clarkson.  The movie is based on the Marvel Comics character, Madame Webb/Cassandra Webb, that was created by writer Denny O'Neil and artist John Romita Jr. and first appeared in The Amazing Spider-Man #210 (cover dated: November 1980).  This is also the fourth film in “Sony's Spider-Man Universe” (SSU) series.  Madame Web the movie focuses on a NYC paramedic who starts having visions of a shadowy figure hunting three young women.

Madame Web opens in 1973 in the jungles of Peru.  There, scientist Constance Webb (Kerry Bishe) searches for a rare spider deep in the Amazon.  At her side is her assistant, Ezekiel Sims (Tahar Rahim), who has plans of his own.  They are also surrounded by legends and rumors of “Las Arañas,” a secret Peruvian tribe in which its members have spider powers.  In the end, discovery leads to betrayal, death, and birth.

Thirty years later, New York City, 2003, Constance's daughter, Cassandra “Cassie” Webb (Dakota Johnson) is a paramedic.  An accident causes Cassie to start having strange visions, which she comes to believe are clairvoyant.  These visions of the future feature three young women:  Julia Cornwall (Sydney Sweeney), Anya Corazon (Isabela Merced), and Mattie Franklin (Celeste O'Connor) being hunted by a mysterious figure.  This man wears a costume; he has enhanced strength and speed; and he can crawl on walls and ceilings like a spider.  Forced to confront her past and her psychic abilities, Cassie must safeguard these three young women before this deadly adversary murders them.

Madame Web is fourth film in Sony's Spider-Man Universe following Venom (2018), Venom: Let There Be Carnage (2021), and Morbius (2022).  In my estimation, dear readers, Madame Webb is the second best of the quartet behind only the original Venom.

In fact, Madame Webb isn't the “worst film ever,” “absolutely horrible,” or any of the over-the-top things haters and trolls are saying on social media.  It isn't a great film, but Madame Web is quite entertaining.  However, I have ideas about why this new film is getting so much hate.  One reason is that there is a corner of social media that is dedicated to dissing films that are largely led by women characters.  We saw this in the vitriol and invective directed at the 2016 Ghostbusters film and Marvel Studios' recent target, The Marvels.  There are also some structural and narrative reasons that might irritate some viewers, and in order to talk about them, I will have to give you, dear readers, a...

SPOILERS WARNING:  Madame Web is a hybrid of superheroes, dark fantasy, horror, action, and mysticism.  On the superhero end, only the adversary trying to kill the three young women wears a costume.  Sometime in the future of Madame Web's timeline, Julia Cornwall, Anya Corazon, and Mattie Franklin will each be a version of the hero, Spider-Woman, but now they are not.  We only see them in their respective costumes in Cassie's visions of the future.  Still, in the main body of the story, each actress plays her respective character as if she takes her role seriously.  The trio is fun and rebellious, and their energy makes this film hop when it starts to drag.

On the action end, Madame Web has car chases and crashes and eye-crossing fights.  The film's mystical angle comes across as a bit hokey, especially when Cassie talks about her powers.  However, when Cassie's visions kick-in, they are trippy, confusing, and disorienting; they come and go in so many alternate versions with horror movie intensity.

Madame Web certainly could have been a better film had the main male characters had more development.  Screen time isn't the issue.  Adam Scott's Ben Parker, to whom you should pay attention, is more errand boy than friend, and the bad guy often comes across as a stock villain.

That said Madame Web is an entertaining film, and Dakota Johnson is good as Cassie Webb, considering neither her character nor this film in general has the benefit of a strong screenplay.  Madame Webb is a slightly above-average comic book movie, and it should entertain most fans of superhero movies... except those with culture war agendas.

B

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

The text is copyright © 2024 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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DC Comics from Lunar Distributors for June 28, 2022

DC COMICS:

100 Bullets Omnibus Volume 2 HC, $125.00
Action Comics #1044 (Cover A Lucio Parrillo), $4.99
Action Comics #1044 (Cover B Ian Churchill Card Stock Variant), $5.99
Action Comics #1044 (Cover C Derek Charm Pride Month Card Stock Variant), $5.99
Aquamen #5 (Cover A Travis Moore), $3.99
Aquamen #5 (Cover B Mico Suayan Card Stock Variant, $4.99
Aquamen #5 (Cover C Joe Phillips Pride Month Card Stock Variant), $4.99
Aquamen #5 (Cover D David Talaski Card Stock Variant), $4.99
Batman Beyond The White Knight #4 (Of 8)(Cover A Sean Murphy), $4.99
Batman Beyond The White Knight #4 (Of 8)(Cover B Sean Murphy), $4.99
Batman Beyond The White Knight #4 (Of 8)(Cover C Joelle Jones), AR
Batman Catwoman #12 (Of 12)(Cover A Clay Mann), $4.99
Batman Catwoman #12 (Of 12)(Cover B Jim Lee & Scott Williams Variant), $4.99
Batman Catwoman #12 (Of 12)(Cover C Travis Charest Variant), $4.99
Batman Fortress #2 (Of 8)(Cover A Darick Robertson), $3.99
Batman Fortress #2 (Of 8)(Cover B Gerardo Zaffino Card Stock Variant), $4.99
DC Connect #26, AR
DC Vs. Vampires Killers #1 (One Shot)(Cover A Hicham Habchi), $3.99
DC Vs. Vampires Killers #1 (One Shot)(Cover B Brett Booth & Jonathan Glapion Card Stock Variant), $4.99
DC Vs. Vampires Killers #1 (One Shot)(Cover C Paolo Pantalena Card Stock Variant), AR
Deathstroke Inc. #10 (Cover A Mikel Janin), $3.99
Deathstroke Inc. #10 (Cover B Ivan Tao Card Stock Variant), $4.99
Deathstroke Inc. #10 (Cover C Filya Bratukhin Card Stock Variant), AR
Detective Comics #1061 (Cover A Ivan Reis & Danny Miki), $4.99
Detective Comics #1061 (Cover B Lee Bermejo Card Stock Variant), $5.99
Detective Comics #1061 (Cover C Erin Mcdermott Card Stock Variant), AR
Harley Quinn #16 (Cover A Riley Rossmo), $3.99
Harley Quinn #16 (Cover B Derrick Chew Card Stock Variant), $4.99
Harley Quinn #16 (Cover C Olivier Coipel Pride Month Card Stock Variant), $4.99
Harley Quinn #16 (Cover D Ivan Tao Card Stock Variant), AR
Question By Dennis O’Neil And Denys Cowan Omnibus Volume 1 HC, $99.99
Robin #15 (Cover A Roger Cruz & Norm Rapmund), $3.99
Robin #15 (Cover B Simone Di Meo Card Stock Variant), $4.99
Robin #15 (Cover C Mario Foccillo Connecting Card Stock Variant), AR
Robin #15 (Cover D Lynne Yoshi Pride Month Card Stock Variant), $4.99
Swamp Thing #14 (Of 16)(Cover A Mike Perkins), $3.99
Swamp Thing #14 (Of 16)(Cover B Steve Beach Card Stock Variant), $4.99
Task Force Z #9 (Of 12)(Cover A Eddy Barrows & Eber Ferreira), $3.99
Task Force Z #9 (Of 12)(Cover B Cully Hamner Card Stock Variant), $4.99
Task Force Z #9 (Of 12)(Cover C James Harren Card Stock Variant), AR
Teen Titans Go Undead TP, $9.99

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DC Comics from Lunar/UCS Distributors for July 21, 2020

DC COMICS:

Action Comics #1023 (Cover A John Romita Jr. & Klaus Janson), $3.99

Action Comics #1023 (Cover B Lucio Parillo), AR

Amethyst #4 (Of 6), $3.99

Batgirl #47 (Cover A Giuseppe Camuncoli), $3.99

Batgirl #47 (Cover B Terry Dodson & Rachel Dodson), AR

Batman #95 (Cover A Jorge Jimenez), $3.99

Batman #95 (Cover B Francesco Mattina Card Stock Variant), AR

Batman #95 (Cover C Jorge Jimenez Joker Card Stock Variant), AR

Batman Beyond #45 (Cover A Dan Mora), $3.99

Batman Beyond #45 (Cover B Francis Manapul), AR

Batman Beyond Volume 7 First Flight TP, $16.99

Books Of Magic #21, $3.99

Detective Comics #1024 (Cover A Brad Walker & Andrew Hennessy), $3.99

Detective Comics #1024 (Cover B Lee Bermejo Card Stock Variant), AR

Flash #758 (Cover A Rafa Sandoval & Jordi Tarragona), $3.99

Flash #758 (Cover B In-Hyuk Lee), AR

Flash United They Fall TP, $17.99

Green Lantern Green Arrow Space Traveling Heroes HC, $49.99

House Of Mystery The Bronze Age Omnibus Volume 2 HC, $150.00

Joker Harley Criminal Sanity Secret Files #1 (Cover A David Mack), $5.99

Justice League Dark #24 (Cover A Yanick Paquette), $3.99

Justice League Dark #24 (Cover B John Giang), AR

Last God #7, $4.99

Shazam #13 (Cover A Dale Eaglesham), $3.99

Shazam #13 (Cover B Julian Totino Tedesco Card Stock Variant), AR

Wonder Woman Through The Years HC (July 15 per Diamond), $39.99

RANDOM HOUSE BOOKS FOR YOUNG READERS
Wonder Woman Adventures Volume 1 Diana And The Island Of No Return HC, $16.99

TWOMORROWS PUBLISHING
All-Star Bundle, $35.95
DC Companion Duo Bundle, $34.95

Games - NECA/WIZKIDS
FCBD 2020 DC Comics Dice Masters FCBD Promotional Team Pack Assortment, AR

Merchandise
Batman Super Powers Robin Maquette, AR
DC Comics Elseworld Series Batman Who Laughs ARTFX Statue, AR
DC Heroes Starfire 16 Inch Maquette, AR
DC Multiverse 7 Inch Scale Wave 2 Action Figure, AR
DC Multiverse Wave 2 Wonder Woman 7 Inch Scale Action Figure, AR
DC Multiverse Wave 2 Wonder Woman Gold 7 Inch Scale Action Figure, AR
DC Premier Collection Tas Batman Statue, AR
DC Supergirl Returns Bishoujo Statue, AR
Justice League Animated Aquaman Action Figure, AR
Justice League Animated Batman Action Figure, AR
Justice League Animated Green Lantern John Stewart Action Figure, AR
Justice League Animated Hawkgirl Action Figure, AR
Justice League Animated Martian Manhunter Action Figure, AR
Justice League Animated Superman Action Figure, AR
Justice League Animated The Flash Action Figure, AR
Justice League Animated Wonder Woman Action Figure, AR


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I Reads You Juniors June 2020 - Update #88

Support Leroy on Patreon.

Leroy's Amazon Comics and Graphic Novels Page:

COMICS TO TV - From RadioTimes:  How is the Netflix's "Warrior Nun" TV series different from the "Warrior Nun" comic book series.

SCANDAL - From TheBeat:  On the heels of harassment allegations against comic book figures like Jason Latour, Scott Allie, and Cameron Stewart, to name a few, comes new allegations against veteran writer, Scott Lobdell.

COMICS TO FILM - From Deadline:  Nickelodeon is rebooting the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles film series again.  This time the CG film will be produced by partners Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg.

MANGA - From BleedingCool:  Yen Press announces its latest fantasy manga, "Bestia."

LGBTQ - From CBR:  The site examines the work of influential gay manga creator, Gengoroh Tagame.

SCANDAL - From TheBeat:  Dark Horse Comics and its biggest star, Mike Mignola, release statements about their editorial pal, Scott Allie, who is allegedly a serial abuser.

BOOM STUDIOS - From BleedingCool:  Who is the secret superstar behind BOOM! Studios' secret comic book project.

DC COMICS - From BleedingCool:  Although DC Comics has replaced the print edition of its "Previews" catalog with the digital/PDF, "DC Connect," the publisher will offer a print "checklist poster."  Readers can fill in the poster and turn it into their local comic book shop.

BOOKSTORES - From TheBeat:  James Killen, the graphic novel buyer at Barnes & Noble for more than 20 years, was among those laid off at the embattled retailer this week

IN MEMORIAM - From CBR:  Artist and graphic designer, Milton Glaser, has died at the age of 91, Friday, June 26, 2020 (which was his birthday). Glaser was known for his iconic logo designs, such as DC Comics' "bullet logo" and the  "I ♥ NY" logo.

MARVEL-VIDEO GAMES - From CBR:  Square Enix has released nearly 8 minutes of footage of gameplay from its upcoming game, "Marvel's Avengers."

COMICS TO FILM - From ComicBookMovies: Actor Ron Perlman who played the character Hellboy in two films directed by Guillermo del Toro said he was offered the "opportunity to participate" in the "Hellboy" reboot, directed by Neil Marshall.  Perlman said the only version of Hellboy he is interested in is the one done by del Toro.

IN MEMORIAM - From BleedingCool:  The legendary comic book inker, Joe Sinnott, has died at the age of 93, Thursday, June 25, 2020.  He inked Marvel Comics' "Fantastic Four" from 1965 to 1981 and again in the 1980s.  He is also known for inking the pencil art of the late, great Jack Kirby.

MANGA-ANIME - From Newsweek:  The "Shaman King" manga is getting a rebooted anime.  The original anime adaptation ran from 2001 to 2002.  The rebooted anime series begins April 2021 in Japan.

COMICS - From TheBeat:  Former "Batgirl" writer Mairghread Scott comes forward about exclusion at DC Comics.

SCANDAL - From BleedingCool:  Charles Brownstein Resigns as Executive Director of the CBLDF (about damn time!).

DC CINEMA - From TheWrap:  Michael Keaton is in talks to reprise his role as "Batman/Bruce Wayne" in the planned "Flash" movie.  Keaton's return as Batman would introduce the idea of a multiverse.

DC/DIAMOND - From TheBeat:  Diamond Distributors will continue to distribute DC Comics in the United Kingdom until the end of 2020 and in the U.S. through the end of July 2020... reportedly.

SCANDAL - From BleedingCool:  Damn, now it's Warren Ellis being accused of abusing young women.

DC COMICS - From BleedingCool:  DC Comics is ending the "DC Giants Line" that it began two years ago as an exclusive publications for Wal-Mart stores throughout the United States.  Now, Wal-marts will sell five different "four-packs" of comics, with each pack focusing on a DC character or team:  one Batman pack, one Superman pack, one Wonder Woman pack, one Aquaman pack, and one Justice League pack.  Each pack will cost $8.98.

SCANDAL - From BleedingCool:  Comic book writer and artist, Cameron Stewart, becomes the latest comics creator whose career hits a snag because of abuse allegations.  DC Comics withdrawn an unannounced comics project by Stewart from their schedule.

MILESTONE MEDIA - From CBR:  Denys Cowan, co-creator of the popular "Static" comic book (which became the "Static Shock" animated TV series), teases the possible return of Milestone Media.  Milestone was the imprint that published "Static," and there have been plans and rumors concerning its return for the last decade at least.  The last serious talk of a Milestone revival was in 2017.

IMAGE COMICS - From GamesRadar:  "The Walking Dead" comic book returns with the one-shot comic book, "Neegan Lives!."  It will be free and exclusive to comic book shops and there will be no digital or bookstore release.

MANGA - From BleedingCool:  Yen Press announces the arrival of the fantasy cookery manga, "Restaurant to Another World."

COMICS TO TV - From BleedingCool:  Copernicus Studios has signed a development deal to adapt Jim Zub and Edwin Huang and Chris Stevens "Skullkickers" comic book into an animated series.

MARVEL - From GamesRadar:  Marvel Comics' "X-Men" crossover event, "X of Swords," has gone from being a 15-part story to a 24-part story.

DC COMICS - From BleedingCool:  DC Comics' Publisher and CCO, Jim Lee, has announced a DC Comics' "virtual comics convention."  The "DC FanDome" begins Sat., Aug. 22nd.

DC COMICS - From BleedingCool:  Writer Tom King and artist Trevor Von Eeden produced an unpublished "Black Lives Matter" comic book.  It was produced for DC Comics and was entitled, "Sources," and "Bleeding Cool" has copies of the script and art.

DC COMICS - From GamesRader:  DC Comics is promoting parent company WarnerMedia's streaming service, HBO Max, with custom comics.

COMICS - From TheBeat:  Vault Comics and Heavy Metal Entertainment enter a publishing partnership.

MANGA - From SoraNews:  There is a program in Japan in which prisoners draw background art, such as buildings, street scenes, and train stations, for manga.  And it is for sale to the public, including manga artists who don't want to draw background details.

COMIC SHOPS - From BleedingCool:   Five comic book stores announce permanent closure

MAD - From Previews:  "Mad Magazine" cartoonist, Al Jaffee, has retired at the age of 99.  He is the longest working cartoonist in history.  He started working for Timely and Atlas (the forerunners of Marvel Comics) in the early 1940s, and began drawing for Mad in 1955.

MEMORIAM - From Nippon:  Japanese manga artist, George Akiyama, died at the age of 77, May 12, 2020. He was best known for his controversial 1970s manga, "Asura" and "Zeni Geba."

MARVEL - From TheBeat:  There will be an all-new "Iron Man" comic book series written by Christopher Cantwell and drawn by CAFU.  Iron Man will sport a redesigned suit of armor designed by Alex Ross.

DC CINEMA - From Deadline:  Warner Bros. has movied the release date of "Wonder Woman 1984" from August 14th to October 2nd.

MEMORIAM - From BleedingCool:   The legendary comic book writer and editor, Dennis J. "Denny" O'Neil, has died at the age of 81, Thursday, June 11, 2020.  As a writer, his best known work is his controversial, acclaimed, and legendary run on DC Comics' "Green Lantern."  O'Neil wrote "Green Lantern #63," but the legend began with "Green Lantern #76" that had a cover reading "Green Lantern co-starring Green Arrow."  In that issues, O'Neill joined pencil artist Neal Adams and one of comic book's most legendary run's began.  As an editor, O'Neil edited Frank Miller's run on Marvel Comics' "Daredevil," and he was the "Batman" group editor from the 1980s and into the 1990s until he retired.

From GamesRader:  The comic book world reacts to the passing of Denny O'Neil.
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POLITICS - From KSDK:  Mediocre political cartoonist, Tom Stiglich, drew a thoroughly racist, anti-African-American cartoon, and the Washington (Missouri) Missourian newspaper published it.  The paper's co-owner and publisher, Bill Miller, Sr., eventually resigned because of he published it.

VALIANT - From BleedingCool:  Valiant Entertainment updates its publishing schedule for Summer 2020.

DC COMICS - From GamesRadar:  There is a new John Constantine miniseries being released under DC Comics' "Black Label" imprint.  The three-issue "Hellblazer: Rise and Fall" finds the rich and powerful dying.

DC COMICS - From TheBeat:  Brian Michael Bendis says that he is approaching the end of his time on the DC Comics titles, "Superman" and "Action Comics."

DC COMICS - From BleedingCool:  Former DC Comics publisher, Dan DiDio, talks about the '5G" project.

DC TV - From THR:  Actor Hartley Sawyer is the latest actor to be fired from a television series over racist and offensive tweets.  Sawyer played Ralph Dibny for the past three seasons on The CW's "The Flash."

BLACK COMICS - From SyFy:  8 Black comics creatives to get to know.

MARVEL - From GamesRadar:  Marvel Comics has rescheduled its releases for Free Comic Book Day 2020, which was originally set for May 2nd.  Marvel will now release them on July 15th.

MANGA - From CBR:  The manga, "The Promised Neverland," will come to an end with next week's publication of Chapter 181 in "Weekly Shonen Jump" (in Japan).

UCS - From BleedingCool:  UCS Comic Distributors addresses some POS (point-of-sale) compatibility issues made by comic book retailers.

DC/DIAMOND - From BleedingCool:  DC Comics and its new distributors, Lunar and UCS, say they have a plan to replace Diamond UK when it comes to getting DC titles to the United Kingdom and beyond.

DC/DIAMOND - From TheBeat:  End of an Era: The comics industry reacts to the DC Diamond split

DC/DIAMOND - From TheBeat:  Diamond Comic Distributors responds to DC Comics' announcement that the publisher is splitting from the distributor.

BLACK COMICS - From CBR:  15 Black Creator-Owned Comics That Are Essential Reading

BOOK SHOPS - From TownandCountry:  22 Black-Owned Bookstores to Shop Right Now (and Always)

GAY COMICS - From BleedingCool:  Warren Ellis remembers when Marvel went "swimsuit gay."

DC/DIAMOND - From GamesRadar:   Comic book retailers unite in shock and anger over DC split with Diamond

IDW - From GamesRadar:  IDW Publishing pledges to support the comic book Direct Market on the same day DC Comics makes a monumental announcement.

MARVEL COMICS - From YahooEntertainment:  The public knows Christian Cooper as the African-American man who was bird-watching when a white woman called 911 to report him for threatening her (which he had not).  But before that, Christian was one of the first openly gay employees at Marvel Comics, working as an editor.  He also wrote comic books for Marvel, including "Darkhold" and "Star Trek: Starfleet Academy."

DC/DIAMOND - From THR:  DC Comics has cut ties with Diamond Comics Distributors.  Via an email to retailers sent Friday morning, the company told customers that all orders for DC product will be fulfilled by Lunar Distribution and UCS Comic Distributors for periodical releases and Penguin Random House for graphic novels and collected editions.

DC/DIAMOND - From BleedingCool:  DC provides a Q&A regarding its move to quit Diamond as the exclusive distributors of its product for 25 years.

COVID-19 - From TheBeat:  TwoMorrows Publishing, the publisher of many great magazines and books about the history of and the making of comic books, needs help due to COVID-19 related financial fallout.

EISNER AWARDS - From BleedingCool:  The nominations for the 2020 Will Eisner Comic Industry Awards.

MARVEL - From GamesRadar:  Marvel Comics is planning to release several comic books related to the upcoming Disney+/Marvel Studios series, "WandaVision."

DC TV - From Decider:  When The CW returns the TV series, "Batwoman," for Season 2, the identity of Batwoman will be that of a new character, "Ryan Wilder."  Leaked info says the network decided not to find a new actress to play the current Batwoman, "Kate Kane," after actress Ruby Rose, who played Kane, left the series.

COMICS - From NBCNews:  A Latino comic book, "El Peso Hero," celebrates "essential workers," who are real heroes.

DC TV - From ComicBook:  Why HBO's "Watchmen" series is more timely now than ever.

IN MEMORIAM - From TCJ:  The brilliant cartoonist, Richard Sala, was found dead in his home back around May 9th.  He was apparently 65-years-old at the time of death.  A comic book creator and graphic novelist, Sala was known for "The Chuckling Whatsit" and the comic book series, "Evil Eye" (Fantagraphics), which are just two of his wonderful works.  The link at the beginning of this paragraph goes into great detail about Sala's life and career.  This partial quote describes his work... somewhat: "It’s easy to recognize in his comics the shadowy gothic black humor of Edward Gorey or Charles Addams..."

From TCJ:  A brilliant cartoonist, Dan Clowes, speaks on his late friend, the also brilliant cartoonist, Richard Sala.

FANTAGRAPHICS - From Newsarama:  Fantagraphics Books has announced that it will publish Barry Windor-Smith's long-awaited graphic novel, "Monsters, in 2021.

MARVEL/DC - From Newsarama:  Marvel and DC/Warner Bros. express support for the black community in the wake of the unrest following the police killing of African-American George Floyd in Minnesota.

DC COMICS - From CBR:  A look back at the first comic book that both Batman and Superman appeared in.  That would be "New York World's Fair #2."

COMIC SHOPS - From BleedingCool:  Eight comic book shops have been hit by looting during the protests over the death of #GeorgeFloyd.

DC CINEMA - From GamesRadar:  Director David Ayers is saying that some "terryifying" scenes featuring the Joker with "incredible acting" by Jared Leto as the Joker were cut from his box office smash, but much-maligned 2016 film, "Suicide Squad."

DC CINEMA - From Deadline:  Henry Cavill is in talks to play Clark Kent/Superman again for Warner Bros. after having done so for "The Man of Steel" (2013), "Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice" (2016), and "Justice League" (2017).  But it will not be for a sequel to "The Man of Steel."

DC COMICS - From Newsarama:  DC Comics is making five of its 100-Page Giant comic books digital-only publications:  "Titans Giant #2," "The Flash Giant #5," "Swamp Thing Giant #5," "Teen Titans Go!/DC Super Hero Girls Giant #1," and {Wonder Woman 84 Giant #1."

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JUNE 2020 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From BleedingCool:  AfterShock Comics for June 2020
From BleedingCool:  Antarctic Press for June 2020
From TheBeat:  Archie Comics for June 2020
From BleedingCool:  BOOM! Studios for June 2020 [REVISED]
From BleedingCool:  Dark Horse Comics for June 2020
From ComicsBookCase:  DC Comics for June 2020
From Dynamite:  Dynamite Entertainment for June 2020
From BleedingCool:  Hero Collector for June 2020
From Newsarama:  IDW Publishing for June 2020
From Newsarama:  IDW Publishing for June 2020 [REVISED]
From BleedingCool:  Image Comics for June 2020
From Newsarama:  Image Comics for June 2020 [REVISED]
From BleedingCool:  Mad Cave for June 2020
From Newsarama:  Marvel Comics for June 2020
From Newsarama:  Marvel Comics for June 2020 [REVISED]
From Newsarama:  Oni Press for June 2020
From Newsarama:  Scout Comics for June 2020
From Newsarama:  Source Point Press for June 2020
From BleedingCool:  Titan Comics for June 2020
From Newsarama:  Vault Comics for June 2020
From Newsarama:  Valiant Entertainment for June 2020
From BleedingCool:  VIZ Media for June 2020
From BleedingCool:  Yen Press for June 2020 [REVISED]

JULY 2020 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From BleedingCool:  Behemoth Comics for July 2020
From ComicsPit:  BOOM Studios! for July 2020
From Comicon:  DC Comics for July 2020
From BleedingCool:  Hero Collector for July 2020
From ComicsPit:  IDW Publishing for July 2020
From CBR:  Image Comics for July/August 2020
From Scout:  Scout Comics for July 2020
From AllComics:  VIZ Media for July 2020
From BleedingCool:  Yen Press for July 2020

AUGUST 2020 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From BleedingCool:  Antarctic Press for August 2020
From BleedingCool:  Archie Comics for August 2020
From BleedingCool:  AWA for August 2020
From CBR:  DC Comics for August 2020
From FirstComicsNews:  IDW Publishing for August 2020
From Seibertron:  IDW Publishing's "Transformers" solicitations for August 2020
From BleedingCool:  Image Comics for August 2020
From CBR:  Marvel Comics for August 2020
From BleedingCool:  PS Artbooks for August 2020
From BleedingCool:  Valiant Comics for August 2020
From BleedingCool:  Vault Comics for August 2020

SEPTEMBER 2020 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From BleedingCool:  AfterShock Comics for September 2020
From BleedingCool:  Antarctic Press for September 2020
From BleedingCool:  BOOM! Studios for September 2020
From BleedingCool:  Dark Horse Comics for September 2020
From BleedingCool:  Dynamite Entertainment for September 2020
From BleedingCool:  DC Comics for September 2020
From BleedingCool:  IDW Publishing for September 2020
From BleedingCool:  Image Comics for September 2020
From BleedingCool:  Oni Press for September 2020
From BleedingCool:  Rebellion for September 2020
From BleedingCool:  Red 5 Comics for September 2020
From BleedingCool:  Titan Comics for September 2020
From BleedingCool:  Vault Comics for September 2020


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I Reads You Juniors May 2019 - Update #82

Support Leroy on Patreon.

Leroy's Amazon Comics and Graphic Novels Page:

From Newsarama:  Two of IDW's founder, Ted Adams and Robbie Robbins, have founded a new publishing venture, Clover Press.  The new company will publish graphic novels, art books, prose books, "and other works."

From Newsarama:  An estimated 1.35 million people attended Free Comic Book Day 2019, which was held on Saturday, May 4th.

From ScreenRant:  Director James Gunn says that Disney/Marvel and Warner Bros./DC Comics are not built to make a movie that is as (relatively) small as "Brightburn," which Gunn produced.

From Variety:  Keya Morgan, the former business manager of the late Stan Lee, was arrested in Arizona on an outstanding warrant from the Los Angeles Police Department.  Morgan is facing several "elder abuse" charges related to Lee.

From BleedingCool:  Veteran comics scribe Howard Mackie says that his pay-per-hour rate is better at Zenescope Entertainment than it was at DC Comics.

From BleedingCool:  Frank Miller and John Romita, Jr.'s "Superman: Year One" is apparently in continuity with Miller's "The Dark Knight Returns."

From Newsarama:  Writer Tom King is leaving "Batman" for a new title, "Batman/Catwoman" title in 2020... And people wonder why the Direct Market is going to shit.

From THR:  Taika Waititi is directing a live-action version of the classic manga, Akira, which will open in theaters May 21, 2012.  The manga's creator, Katsuhiro Otoma, directed an anime version of his manga that was released in 1988.

From Nippon:  The British Museum in London will hold the world's largest exhibition of manga outside Japan, beginning Thursday, May 23rd through Aug. 26, 2019.

From Marketplace:  Did you know that the Federal Reserve produces comic books?

From CBR:  Marvel Entertainment is partnering with the United States Golf Association (USGA) to produce exclusive gold education products aimed at junior golfers.  The partnership begins with a printed and digital comic book that features numerous Marvel superheroes teaching readers the basics of playing golf, as well as the etiquette of the game.

From Newsarama:  Writer Tom King is apparently leaving his gig writing "Batman" by the end of the year, which will be short of his planned 100-issue run.

From Newsarama:  Dynamite Entertainment contests the use of the trademark "Atlas Comics" related to the recent Paramount film deal.

MEMORIAM - From Newsarama:  Colorist Justin Ponsor died at the age of 42, Saturday, May 18, 2019.  Much of his outpus has been for Marvel Comics, and this week's "Avengers #19" will be his final credit.

From Newsarama:  Spawn creator Todd McFarlane and longtime Spawn artist, Greg Capullo, will produce interior art for the landmark Spawn #300.  Capullo last drew interior art for Spawn #100.  McFarlane has not drawn interior art for Spawn since 1995.

From Newsarama:  Marvel Entertainment signs a deal with the Chinese company "NetEase" to develop Marvel characters into games, comics, and TV series for the Chinese market.

From Newsarama:  DC Comics August 2019 comics solicitations - cover gallery.

From Deadline:  Paramount Pictures makes a movie into superhero films with a deal that involves the old Atlas/Seaboard line of superhero characters.  [I am not clear on what characters are owned by the current iteration of Atlas, which is called SP Media Group.]

From Variety:  Lindsey Beer and James Wan have signed on as executive producers for the upcoming Mark Millar Netflix series “The Magic Order,” which is based on his 2018-19 comic book miniseries.

From HollywoodLife:  Actress Raven-Symone ("Raven's Home") will provide the voice of Valkyrie in the Disney XD animated series, "Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission Breakout."

From YahooEntertainment:  Robert Pattison, best known for playing the brooding vampire, Edward Cullen in the "Twilight" film series, is the new Batman/Bruce Wayne, according to an exclusive story by "Variety."  Nicholas Hoult, who has been played "The Beast/Hank McCoy" in the "X-Men" film series since 2011, was apparently a finalist.

From Newsarama:  "Fantastic Four: Yancy Street #1" is apparently the first in a series of "Fantastic Four" one-shots.

From Newsarama:  Writer Warren Ellis and artist Ramon Villalobos will revive Wildstorm's "WildCATS," beginning in August with a new #1 issue.

From BleedingCool:  Here are seven preview pages of Frank Miller and John Romita, Jr.'s "Superman: Year One."

From BleedingCool:  Neal Adams will write and draw a new six-issue mini-series, "Batman Vs. Ra’s Al Ghul," as part of DC Comics' "Year of the Villain" initiative.  Adams co-created Ra’s al Ghul, a classic Batman villain.

From Newsarama:  Koyama Press announces its Fall 2019/Winter 2020 line-up of trade paperbacks.

From Newsarama:  Writer Louise Simonson and artist June Brigman will return to the comic book they created in the 1980s, "Power Pack."  They will produce a new Power Pack one-shot comic book set in the original series' continuity, "Power Pack: Grow Up #1."

--------------------------------------
X-MEN:
From ComicBook:  Jonathan Hickman talks about "House of X" and "Powers of X" (pronounced "Powers of Ten") and the restart of the X-Men line.

From Newsarama:  Marvel to cancel and then, relaunch entire X-Men line... agin.

--------------------------------------
From Newsarama:   Stan Lee's former manager, Keya Morgan, has been charged with five counts of elder abuse in Los Angeles Superior Court.  Lee, who died in November 2018, is known for his time as a writer and editor at Marvel Comics when he co-created some of the most popular comic book characters ever created.

From Newsarama:  The designs that renowned fantasy and concept artist, William Stout, produced for the 1987 "Masters of the Universe" film, will now become a line of action figures.

From ComicBook:  NBA star Donovan Mitchell, nicknamed "Spida," has a new Spider-Man themed sneaker set to come out with "Spider-Man: Far From Home."  He gave a pair to Spide-Man star, Tom Holland.

From BBC:  A look at John Brunner's Hugo Award-winning science fiction novel, "Stand on Zanzibar" (1968).

From Newsarama:  Lerner's Fall 2019 comic book solicitations

From BleedingCool:  Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Neil Gaiman are among the contributors to "Marvel Comics #1000."

From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics announces "Marvel Comics #1000," a comic book with 80 one-page stories to celebrate its 80th anniversary.

-------------------------------------
From THR:  Oni Press, the small press comic book and graphic novel publishers, is merging with Lion Forge Comics.

From Forbes:  What the Oni Press-Lion Forge Comics merger means for the comic book industry.

From ComicsBeat:  More on the aftermath of the Oni Press/Lion Forge Comics merger.

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

From Newsarama:  Marvel plans some kind of "exclusive announcement" on Friday, April 10th.

From Newsarama:  Dark Horse signs a "first look" deal with Netflix

From GoodEReader:  This article says that webtoons are starting to overshadow digital manga.

From BookRiot:  In cast you need it: a reader's guide to the manga, "Naruto."

From Newsarama:  Writer Joe Hill and artist Mike Allred are working on a secret project for Marvel Comics.

From Newsarama:  Two comic book characters will get TV series on TheCW during the 2019-20 television season.  They are "Batwoman" (starring actress Ruby Rose) and "Katy Keene" (a "Riverdale" spinoff).

From Newsarama:  Disney has officially moved the 20th Century Fox-produced "New Mutants" from August 7 2019 to April 3, 2020.

From BleedingCool:  Jamie Delano ("Hellblazer") is looking for a publisher for his "2020 Visions" book collection.  The book is based on Delano's comic book series of the same name that was originally published in 1997 and 1998 by DC Comics' Vertigo imprint.

From BleedingCool:  Steve Englehart is determined to bring you "Batman: Dark Detective III" one way or another.

From BleedingCool:  Roy Thomas, perhaps the most famous writer of "Conan" comic books, will join British comic book legend, Alan Davis, to produce a prequel comic book to the classic Conan tale, "People of the Black Circle."

From Newsarama:  Patrick Gleason, known for his work for DC Comics for the last several years, is moving to Marvel Comics.

From Newsarama:  May 25th, 2019 will be "Denny O'Neil Day" in Phoenix, Arizona.

From ANN:  Yōichi Takahashi, creator of the "Captain Tsubasa" manga, will appear in conversation at the British Museum on Friday May 24.

From Kotaku:  The "Game of Thrones" television series has the same problem the "Fullmetal Alchemist" anime had.

From ANN:  Yen Press licenses four new manga titles and two new light novels.  They are scheduled for publication between November 2019 and April 2020.

From Previews:  Marvel provided a launch trailer for its new series, "Savage Avengers."

From Newsarama:  Marvel Editor-in-Chief C.B. Cebulski teases the next million-selling comic books.

From Newsarama:  Baker & Taylor, a distributor of graphic novels to comic book shops and bookstores, is closing its retail business.

From ComicBook:  Writer-director James Gunn, the man behind Marvel's "Guardians of the Galaxy" films, is directing "The Suicide Squad," based on the DC Comics series.  He says his favorite Suicide Squad stories are the one written by John Ostrander in 1987.

From PostandCourier:  The University of South Carolina recently received a comic collection worth about $2.5 million.  It is 180,000 copies including the first appearance of key Silver Age heroes.

From Previews:  DC Comics updates the contents of "Crisis On Infinite Earths HC Box Set" (November 6, 2019).  This box will include 14 hardcover books and retail at $500.

From Variety:  Actor Gabriel Luna who played the "Ghost Rider" in the ABC series, "Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.," will play the character in the just announced Hulu series, but this will be a different version of the character.

From BleedingCool:  IDW Media Holdings has raised $13.8 million of its $22.5 million goal in the first round of funding.

From Newsarama:  Hulu will have TV series based on Marvel characters, "Ghost Rider" and Helstrom."

From EyeonDesign:  Julian Glander talks about his new book, "3D Sweeties."

From YorkDailyRecord:  "The Avengers" effect: Have local comic book shops benefited from decade of Marvel films?

From Vimeo:  "A Warren Ellis Production" production card / bumper.

From RogerStrunk:  Strunk talks about his process creating a production card for Warren Ellis.

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MAY 2019 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From Newsarama:   All publishers' solicitations link in one place.
From Newsarama:  AC Comics for May 2019
From Newsarama:  AfterShock Comics for May 2019
From Newsarama:  Ahoy Comics for May 2019
From Newsarama:  Alterna Comics for May 2019
From Newsarama:  Archie Comics for May 2019
From Newsarama:  Black Mask Studios for May 2019
From Newsarama:  BOOM! Studios for May 2019
From BleedingCool:  Dark Horse Comics for May 2019
From Newsarama:  DC Comics for May 2019
From Newsarama:  Dynamite Entertainment for May 2019
From Newsarama:  IDW Publishing for May 2019
From Newsarama:  Image Comics for May 2019
From BleedingCool:  Keenspot Entertainment for May 2019
From Newsarama:  Kevin Eastman Studios for May 2019
From Newsarama:  Lion Forge Comics for May 2019
From Newsarama:  Mad Cave Studios for May 2019
From Newsarama:  Marvel Comics for May 2019
From Newsarama:  Oni Press for May 2019
From Newsarama:  Rebellion/2000 AD for May 2019
From Newsarama:  Scout Comics for May 2019
From BleedingCool:  Source Point Press for May 2019
From Newsarama:  Vault Comics for May 2019
From Newsarama:  VIZ Media for May 2019
From Newsarama:  Yen Press for May 2019
From Newsarama:  Zenescope Entertainment for May 2019

JUNE 2019 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From Newsarama:  June 2019 comic book publisher solicitations for June 2019
From Newsarama:  AC Comics for June 2019
From Newsarama:  AfterShock Comics for June 2019
From Newsarama:  Ahoy Comics for June 2019
From Newsarama:  Albatross Funnybooks for June 2019
From Newsarama:  Alterna Comics for June 2019
From Newsarama:  American Mythology for June 2019
From Newsarama:  Antarctic Press for June 2019
From Newsarama:  Archie Comics for June 2019
From Newsarama:  Aspen Comics for June 2019
From Newsarama:  Black Mask Studios for June 2019
From Newsarama:  BOOM! Studios for June 2019
From Newsarama:  DC Comics for June 2019
From Newsarama:  Dynamite Entertainment for June 2019
From Newsarama:  Hero Tomorrow for June 2019
From Newsarama:  IDW Publishing for June 2019
From Newsarama:  Image Comics for June 2019
From Newsarama:  Mad Cave Studios for June 2019
From Newsarama:  Marvel Comics for June 2019
From Newsarama:  Scout Comics for June 2019
From Newsarama:  Valiant Entertainment for June 2019
From Newsarama:  Vault Comics for June 2019
From Newsarama:  VIZMedia for June 2019

JULY 2019 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From Newsarama:  July 2019 comics solicitations for all publishers on one page.
From Newsarama:  AC Comics for July 2019
From Newsarama:  Action Lab Entertainment for July 2019
From Newsarama:  AfterShock Comics for July 2019
From Newsarama:  Ahoy Comics for July 2019
From Newsarama:  Albatross Funnybooks for July 2019
From Newsarama:  Alterna Comics for July 2019
From Newsarama:  American Mythology for July 2019
From Newsarama:  Antarctic Press for July 2019
From Newsarama:  Archie Comics for July 2019
From Newsarama:  Aspen Comics for July 2019
From Newsarama:  BOOM! Studios for July 2019
From Newsarama:  Dark Horse Comics for July 2019
From Newsarama:  DC Comics for July 2019
From Newsarama:  Dynamite Entertainment for July 2019
From Newsarama:  Hero Tomorrow for July 2019
From Newsarama:  IDW Publishing for July 2019
From Newsarama:  Image Comics for July 2019
From Newsarama:  Mad Cave Studios for July 2019
From Newsarama:  Marvel Comics for July 2019
From Newsarama:  Nobrow Press for July 2019
From Newsarama:  Oni Press for July 2019
From Newsarama:  Papercutz for July 2019
From Newsarama:  Titan Comics for July 2019
From Newsarama:  Valiant Entertainment for July 2019
From Newsarama:  VIZMedia for July 2019

AUGUST 2019 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From Newsarama:  AC Comics for August 2019
From Newsarama:  Ahoy Comics for August 2019
From Newsarama:  Antarctic Press for August 2019
From Newsarama:  Archie Comics for August 2019
From Newsarama:  Aspen Comics for August 2019
From Newsarama:  BOOM! Studios for August 2019
From Newsarama:  Dark Horse Comics for August 2019
From Newsarama:  DC Comics for August 2019
From Newsarama:  IDW Publishing for August 2019
From Newsarama:  Marvel Comics for August 2019
From BleedingCool:  Oni Press for August 2019
From Newsarama:  Scout Comics for August 2019
From Newsarama:  Vault Comics for August 2019
From Newsarama:  VIZ Media for August 2019
From Newsarama:  Yen Press for August 2019


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

Review: DETECTIVE COMICS #1000

DETECTIVE COMICS No. 1000
DC COMICS – @DCComics

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

EDITORS: Chris Conroy and Dave Wielgosz
COVER: Jim Lee and Scott Williams with Alex Sinclair
VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Steve Rude; Bruce Timm; Michael Cho; Jim Steranko; Bernie Wrightson with Alex Sinclair; Frank Miller with Alex Sinclair; Tim Sale with Brennen Wagner; Jock; Greg Capullo with FCO Plascencia
MISC. ART: Mikel Janin; Jason Fabok with Brad Anderson; Amanda Conner with Paul Mounts;
96pp, Color, $9.99 U.S. (May 2019)

Rated “T” for “Teen”

Batman created by Bob Kane and Bill Finger

Detective Comics is an American comic book series published by DC Comics, and it is the longest continuously published comic book periodical in the United States, according to the Guinness World Records.  Its first issue, Detective Comics #1 (cover dated:  March 1937), was published by Detective Comics, Inc., a forerunner of DC Comics.  Detective Comics is best known as the comic book series in which Batman/Bruce Wayne first appeared, in Detective Comics #27 (cover dated:  May 1939).

The first volume of Detective Comics was published from 1937 to 2011 (for 881 issues).  Then, as part of “The New 52” initiative, the series was relaunched in the fall of 2011 with a new Detective Comics #1 (cover dated:  November 2011).  In 2016, after 52 issues of “The New 52” run, Detective Comics reverted to what would have been its original numbering if it had not been relaunched – with Detective Comics #934 (cover dated:  Early August 2016).

March 30, 2019 marked the 80th anniversary of the first appearance of Batman.  Although Detective Comics #27's cover date is May 1937, it apparently debuted for sale March 30, 1939.  Just in time for this Bat-birthday is the arrival of Detective Comics #1000.

To celebrate, Detective Comics #1000 is an anthology (which the series originally was) featuring ten short stories created by an “all-star” list of comic book creators.  It also features a twelve-page preview of Detective Comics #1001 and has three pin-up illustrations.

For this review of Detective Comics #1000, I'll offer a few comments one each story:

“Batman's Longest Case”
STORY: Scott Snyder
PENCILS: Greg Capullo
INKS: Jonathan Glapion
COLORS: FCO Plascencia
LETTERS: Tom Napolitano

Snyder and Capullo have been THE rock star Batman creative team of this decade, but this story, introducing another of Snyder's contrived secret societies, is a misfire.

“Manufacture for Use”
STORY: Kevin Smith
PENCILS: Jim Lee
INKS: Scott Williams
COLORS: Alex Sinclair
LETTERS: Todd Klein

I think this is the first story I have ever read this is about the gun that killed Bruce Wayne's parents, Thomas and Martha Wayne.  I like this slightly imaginative slash inventive tale from filmmaker and sometimes comic book writer, Kevin Smith.  The art is standard Jim Lee Batman art – not Lee's best work, obviously.  The coloring by Alex Sinclair is gorgeous though.

“The Legend of Knute Brody”
STORY: Paul Dini
PENCILS: Dustin Nguyen
INKS: Derek Fridolfs
COLORS: John Kalisz
LETTERS: Steve Wands

This is another good idea turned poorly executed Paul Dini story from Paul Dini.  However, this story has the best Dustin Nguyen art I have seen in quite awhile; maybe Derek Fridolfs' inking helped.  John Kalisz colors are also nice.

“The Batman's Design”
STORY: Warren Ellis
ART: Becky Cloonan
COLORS: Jordie Bellaire
LETTERS: Simon Bowland

The art team of Becky Cloonan and colorist Jordie Belliare produce some attractive art for this story.  Warren Ellis offers a thoughtful examination of how young men can end up as violent, remorseless criminals.  Ellis also presents a rather screwy, oddball version of what mercy from Batman looks like.  This is a nice story.

“Return to Crime Alley”
STORY: Denny O'Neil
ART: Steve Epting
COLORS: Elizabeth Breitweiser
LETTERS: Andworld Design

If any writer deserved to have a spot in Detective Comics #1000, it is classic Batman writer, Denny O'Neil.  His offering for this anniversary comic book features a Batman supporting character, Leslie Thompkins, that O'Neil created with artist Dick Giordano.  This is a powerful, powerful tale starring the one of the few characters who can give both Batman and Bruce Wayne pause.  Steve Epting's beautiful illustrations, Elizabeth Breitweiser's watercolor-like hues, and Andworld Design's lettering make this the best story in Detective Comics #1000.

“Heretic”
STORY: Christopher Priest
ART: Neal Adams
COLORS: Dave Stewart
LETTERS: Willie Schubert

The second best story in Detective Comics #1000, “Heretic,” features art by one of the greatest Batman artists of all time, Neal Adams.  It is set in the world of Ra's al Ghul, a character that Adams had a hand in creating.  Christopher Priest offers a potent tale about the fate of those become ensnared in both Batman and al Ghul's sphere of existence.

“I Know”
STORY: Brian Michael Bendis
ART/COLORS: Alex Maleev
LETTERS: Josh Reed

Okay.  The third best tale in this comic book is Bendis and Maleev's “I Know,” which depicts a confrontation between an aged Bruce Wayne and The Penguin.  This is an edgy tale with a Film-Noir feel, and I really like Maleev's design of each page.

“The Last Crime in Gotham”
STORY: Geoff Johns
ART: Kelley Jones
COLORS: Michelle Madsen
LETTERS: Rob Leigh

This is a nice tale by Johns and Jones.  This isn't Jones' best Batman work, but it is nice, and it is made all the better by Michelle Madsen's (as usual) gorgeous coloring.

“The Precedent”
STORY: James Tynion IV
PENCILS: Alvaro Martinez-Bueno
INKS: Raul Fernandez
COLORS: Brad Anderson
LETTERS: Sal Cipriano

This is a nice, sentimental tale about the importance of Dick Grayson/Robin to Bruce Wayne/Batman.  The art team, the colorist, and the letterer turn in some pretty art.  Brad Anderson's colors are practically radiant.

“Batman's Greatest Case”
STORY: Tom King
ART: Tony S. Daniel and Joëlle Jones
COLORS: Tomeu Morey
LETTERS: Clayton Cowles

Meh.

“Medieval”
STORY: Peter J. Tomasi
PENCILS: Doug Mahnke
INKS: Jaime Mendoza and Doug Mahnke
COLORS: David Baron
LETTERS: Rob Leigh

This is story is basically twelve pages of filler exposition, but the art, colors, and letters are eye-catching.  “Medieval” also offers the preview of a big character debut that is supposed to happen in Detective Comics #1001.

Detective Comics #1000 is, by my estimation, better than last year's Action Comics #1000, which was apparently the bestselling comic book of 2018.  I think many of the creative teams in Detective Comics #1000 are better at capturing the history and characteristics of Batman and his supporting cast, than their Action Comics #1000 equals were with Superman, even if the Batman teams largely fail to tell stories that convey the mystique of Batman.

It took a little over eighty-two years for Detective Comics to get to one thousand issues, so many of the Batman writers, artists, and editors who established the character are deceased.  The shame of it is that many of the people who really deserve to contribute to Detective Comics #1000 are long gone from the world of the living, that includes Batman creators, artist Bob Kane and writer Bill Finger (arguably the greatest Batman writer of all time).

I would replace most of the artists in Detective Comics #1000 with such late luminaries as Carmine Infantino (one of the most important Batman artists of all time), Jim Aparo, Bob Brown, Gene Colan, Sheldon Moldoff, Don Newton, Marshall Rogers, and Dick Sprang, to name a few.  I would brush away almost all the writers who actually appear in this comic book for a number of Batman writers who are deceased, such as John Broome, Gardner Fox, and Frank Robbins, to name a few.

There are quite a few living Batman creators who should have stories here:  writers Mike W. Barr, Gerry Conway, Steve Englehart (a frickin' crime that he is not included here, really) Doug Moench, Grant Morrison, and artists Brian Bolland and Alan Davis, to name a few.  Frank Miller provides a variant cover for Detective Comics #1000, but...  Also, Alan Moore...

But I have learned to take what I get... even when there could be better.  Detective Comics #1000 will be the high-water mark for one-thousandth issues until some other titles reaches a thousandth issue.  Oh, well.

7 out of 10

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


The text is copyright © 2019 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for syndication rights and fees.

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I Reads You Juniors November 2018 - Update #70

Support Leroy on Patreon.

Leroy's Amazon Comics and Graphic Novels Page:

From TripWire:  Here is an video interview of Mike Mignola conducted by TyRuben Ellingson.

From BleedingCool:  DC Comics offers discounts on its initial "Ink" and "Zoom" imprint titles.

From BleedingCool:  Brett Warnock, co-founder of Top Shelf Productions, is returning to comic books.  He left Top Shelf after it was bought by IDW Publishing.

From Newsarama:  On December 7th and 8th, 2018, legendary DC Comics writer and editor, Dennis "Denny" O’Neil, will be honored for his “lifetime of achievements in pursuing causes of peace and justice” during an appearance at the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library in Atlanta.  O'Neil is famous for his social and political work on the title "Green Lantern/Green Arrow."

From Farlaine:  Studio Farlaine is having a "Cyber Monday" sale on the most excellent "Farlaine the Goblin" graphic novels - all 7 books for $25 with free shipping in the United States.

From BleedingCool:  "Credo - The Rose Wilder Lane Story" by Peter Bagge to be published by Drawn & Quarterly in March 2019.

From CBR:  HBO has started dropping teasers for its "Watchmen" TV series.

From Nerdist: Classic manga, "Fruits Basket" being adapted as anime series by Filmation that will be overseen by the creator of the manga, Natsuki Takaya.

From THR:  Next year will be the 100th anniversary of the debut of the character. "Zorro" (in the Aug 1919 issue of "All-Story Weekly").  American Mythology will mark the occasion with a new horror comic book series, "Zorro: Sacrilege."

From IndieWire:  After making an ass out of himself in remarks he made about comic books in the wake of the death of Stan Lee, Bill Maher tries to clarify.

From BleedingCool:  Mark Millar and Simone Bianchi's "Sharkey the Bounty Hunter," a six-issue miniseries, is due to begin in February from Netflix / Image Comics.

From BleedingCool:  Some Mark Millar / Millarworld / Netflix 2019 updates.

From BleedingCool:  DC Comics will cancel "Sideways," one of its "New Age of DC Heroes," with the issue #13, which is due in February.

From Newsarama:   Marvel Comics has a new line of trade paperback collections under the "Marvel Milestones" banner focused on the X-Men, "X-Men Milestones."

From BleedingCool:  It seems that last weeks of Stan Lee's life were not without trouble.

From PreviewWorlds:  Image Comics announces a second printing for "Bitter Root #1."

From ICv2:  Marvel Comics teases it next epic crossover event, entitled "War of the Realms," which begins in April 2019.

From BleedingCool:  There will be six five issues miniseries spinning out of "Age of X-Man" in February.  This will be done in the style of the 1990s "Age of Apocalypse."

From Forbes:  Recording artist, The Weeknd, sued over his sues of "Starboy" in a comic book collaboration with Marvel Comics.

From Newsarama:  Stan Lee, who died this past Monday, will be honored on the covers of Marvel Comics titles published in December 2018 and January 2019.

From BleedingCool:  February 2019 will see new X-Men comic books.  No word yet on what they will be - ongoing, minis, one-shots?

From Variety:  Hulu is developing a TV series based on George R.R. Martin's book series, "Wild Cards."  Once upon a time, this shared universe series made an appearance in comic books via Marvel's late Epic Comics imprint.

STAN LEE:
MEMORIAM - From TMZ:  TMZ is reporting that Marvel Comics' legendary editor, writer, and creator, Stan Lee, has died at the age of 95, Monday morning, November 12, 2018.

From TCJ:  Fantagraphics Books writes about the recently deceased Stan Lee, "Stan Lee, in Brief."

From BleedingCool:  Everyone reacts to Stan Lee's death.

From NYTimes:  A cartoon obit/memorial for Stan Lee from comic book writer Brian Michael Bendis, drawn by Bill Walko and colored by Howie Noel.

From BleedingCool:  Stan Lee protege Roy Thomas says that Lee was ready to leave this Earth.

From ComicBookBin:  Writer Andy Frisk talks about the time he met Stan Lee in an article from 2012.

From NYPost:  An update on the aftermath of the death of Steve Ditko, who created Spider-Man with Stan Lee and possibly Jack Kirby.

From InformedComment:  Author Juan Cole remembers when Stan Lee showed up at Northwestern University in 1971 to dedicate the university library's collection of comic books, which included Cole's collection.  Lee even wrote and autographed a section of dialogue from a Marvel comic book for Cole.
------------------------------------------

From FantagraphicsBooks:  The publisher celebrates Mickey Mouse's 90th birthday with a new comics collection, "Mickey Mouse: The Greatest Adventures.

From BleedingCool:  George R.R. Martin says that he has been struggling with his next "A Song of Fire and Ice" ("Game of Thrones") novel, "Winds of Winters" for years.

From ICv2:  DC Comics will use its "Black Label" imprint to offer reprints of classic prestige and event comic books from the past, like "Watchmen," "Batman: The Dark Knight Returns," and "Kingdom Come" to name a few.

From ICv2:  Marvel is celebrating its 80th anniversary next year.  In February, a series of one-shots will see old Marvel characters return, including "Ziggy Pig" and "Silly Seal" who debuted in Krazy Komics in 1942 from Timely Comics (Marvel's predecessor).

MEMORIAM - From BleedingCool:  John Rogers, the president of the San Diego Comic-Con International, died Saturday, November 10, 2018.

From Newsarama:  Who is Nate Grey and what is "Age of X-Man?"

From Previews:  DC Comics revs up for Brian Michael Bendis' revival of "Young Justice," with artist Patrick Gleason.

From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics maintains its share lead of the North American direct market - by a lot - for October 2018.

From BorneoBulletin:  Original drawings by manga and anime legend, the late Osamu Tezuka, fetch shockingly high prices.

From TheScottishSun:  A 10-year-old Australian boy is selling his comic book around the world.

From NYTimes:  The original art for "Master Race," one of the most EC Comics stories is up for sale at Heritage Auctions.  Written by the Bill Gains and Al Feldstein and drawn by Bernard Krigstein, "Master Race" is one of the most important stories in the history of American comics.

From BleedingCool:  See Kyle Hotz's five covers for "Man Without Fear."  This miniseries is the post-"Death of Daredevil" comic book that debuts in January 2019.

From Newsarama:  Paul Tobin and Colleen Coover will produce "Wrassle Castle," one of several kid's comics titles from Vault Comics' "Myriad" label.

From Facebook:  David Michelinie and Bret Blevins are working on new issues of their wonderful 1985 series, The Bozz Chronicles, published by Marvel's Epic Comics.

From CBR:  Is The Joker queer, straight, or something else.

From BleedingCool:  Editions Albert Rene would like big name comics artists from the U.S., Canada, and the U.K. to contribute to the 60th anniversary book collection for French and Belgium comics character, "Asterix."

From TCJ:  A look at the dramatic stylistic shift of 1980s/90s comic book artist Vince Giarrano.

From BleedingCool:  There is an exhibition of art by Milo Manara, the Italian comic books writer and artist, in Brussles at the Chatelain gallery.

From WeGotThisCovered:  Rob Liefeld addresses the Deadpool/Deathstroke debate... that he started.

From ANN:  Watch 37 Manga Creators Draw Magazine Poster Together in Video

From HNN:  Cullen Bunn is using Kickstarter to fun his horror comics anthology, "A Passage in Black."

From BleedingCool:  The Kentucky Kroger shooter who killed two elderly African-Americans turns out to be a racist comic book fan who often complained on social media about comic book characters of color.  Of course...

From Facebook:  Charles Vess is touring in support of his book collection of "Earthsea" art.

From ICv2:  Chinese investment bank now majority owner of Dark Horse Comics.

From KyodoNews:  "Attack on Titan" manga to become big Hollywood film.

From FiveBooks:  "Five Books" names the five best books on anime and manga.

From Newsarama:  Todd McFarlane talks about his goals for his upcoming "Spawn" movie and a return to drawing the "Spawn" comic book.

From BleedingCool: The creative teams for the anthology comic book, "Merry X-Men Holiday Special," has been announced.  Chris Claremont has written a Kitty Pryde story for the issue.

From ANN:  Manga writer-artist Kohske asks pirates to stop sharing illegal copies of his manga, "Gangsta."


NOVEMBER 2018 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From ComicList:  Action Lab for November 2018
From Newsarama:  AfterShock Comics for November 2018
From Newsarama:  Aspen Comics for November 2018
From Newsarama:  BOOM! Studios for November 2018
From Newsarama:  Dark Horse Comics for November 2018
From Newsarama:  DC Comics for November 2018
From Newsarama:  Dynamite Entertainment for November 2018
From TheOuthousers:  Fantagraphics Books for November 2018
From Newsarama:  IDW Publishing for November 2018
From BleedingCool:  Image Comics for November 2018
From BleedingCool:  Lion Forge solicitations for November 2018
From Newsarama:  Marvel Comics solicitations for November 2018
From BleedingCool:  Rebellion 2000AD for November 2018
From BleedingCool:  Titan Comics for November 2018

DECEMBER 2018 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From ComicList:  Action Lab for December 2018
From BleedingCool:  AfterShock Comics for December 2018
From Newsarama: Aspen Entertainment for December 2018
From BleedingCool: BOOM! Studios for December 2018
From ComicList:  Dark Horse for December 2018
From Newsarama:  DC Comics for December 2018
From BleedingCool:  Dynamite Entertainment for December 2018
From ComicList:  IDW Publishing for December 2018
From BleedingCool:  Image Comics for December 2018
From Newsarama:  Lion Forge for December 2018
From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics for December 2018
From BleedingCool:  Titan Comics for December 2018

JANUARY 2019 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From BleedingCool:  Action Lab for Jan. 2019 
From BleedingCool:  Aspen Comics for Jan. 2019
From BleedingCool:  Black Mask for Jan. 2019
From BleedingCool:  Dark Horse Comics for 2019
From BleedingCool:  Dynamite Entertainment for Jan. 2019
From BleedingCool:  IDW Publishing for Jan. 2019
From BleedingCool:  Oni Press for Jan. 2019
From BleedingCool:  Papercutz for Jan. 2019
From BleedingCool:  Titan Comics for Jan. 2019

FEBRUARY 2019 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From BleedingCool:  Full DC Comics catalog
From BleedingCool:  AfterShock for Feb. 2019
From BleedingCool:  First Second for Feb. 2018