Showing posts with label Kelley Jones. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Kelley Jones. Show all posts

Tuesday, October 31, 2023

I Reads You Juniors: October 2023 - Update #60

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

You can support Leroy via Paypal or on Patreon.

NEWS:

DISNEY - From BleedingCool:  "KugaliInk" is a new graphic novel imprint that is the joint project of Disney Hyperion and Kugali, a pan-African entertainment company.  The imprint will celebrate African voices and be focused on middle-grade readers.  KugaliInk's first graphic novel will be "Akanni" by Jessica Tagbajumi (2025), to be followed by "Runeless" by Bill Masuku.

EN MEMORIAM - From BleedingCool:  Comic book artist Steve Erwin has died at the age of 63, Wednesday, October 25, 2023.  Erwin was best remembered for co-creating DC Comics' "Checkmate" with writer Paul Kupperberg and the DC Comics' character, "Gunfire," with the late writer, Len Wein.  In 1991, he joined writer Marvel Wolfman to launch the "Deathstroke the Terminator" comic book series, with Erwin drawing 23 of the series first 34 issues and the series second "Annual" issue.

COMICS - From GamesRadar:  Comic book maestros Matt Wagner and Kelley Jones are teaming up for a series of graphic novels about the secret history of Dracula.  They are currently crowdfunding "Dracula: Book One: The Impaler."

IMAGE - From BleedingCoolTodd McFarlane announces 10 more Spawn-related comic book titles for 2024.

MOVIES - From Variety:   Author and comic book writer, Benjamin Percy ("Wolverine"), has sold the film rights to his novella, "American Criminal," to Amazon MGM Studios.

DC COMICS - From GamesRadar:  DC Comics will celebrate Black History Month 2024 with a new installment of its "DC Power" anthology, a one-shot dedicated to showcasing Black characters and creators. Black History Month is observed all February long, with "DC Power 2024" arriving just a bit early at the tail end of January.

MARVEL STUDIOS - From Variety:  Director Matthew Vaughn (X-Men: First Class) reveals that he quit X-Men: The Last Stand when he discovered that Fox was going to trick Halle Berry into signing to appear in the film with a fake "Storm" script that the studio would later discard.

NYCC - From BleedingCool:  At New York Comic Con 2023, Yen Press announced 15 upcoming manga and light novel publications.

NYCC - From AIPT:  Writer Rick Remender's Image Comics' label, "Giant Generator," has signed several big name comic book artists to exclusive contracts, including J.G. Jones, Daniel Acuna, and Bengal, to name a few.

NYCC - From THR:  Director Matthew Vaughn revealed that he is working on a reboot of the "Kick-Ass" film franchise.  It is based on the Mark Millar-John Romita, Jr-created comic book franchise that has yielded two films, Kick-Ass (2010) and Kick-Ass 2 (2013).

NYCC - From BleedingCool:  Korean-American actor, Don Lee, is joining writer Rodney Barnes and artist Jae Lee for the comic book, "Project Sterling North."  Just as the BRZRKR comic book uses co-creator Keanu Reeves' likeness so will "Project Sterling North" uses Lee's likeness.

NYCC - From ComicBook:  Comic book writer, J.M. DeMatteis, who co-created "Creature Commandos" (with artist Pat Broderick), says that he met with DC Studios Co-CEO James Gunn about Gunn's animated "Creature Commando" series.

NYCC - From ComicBookAction Comics will be kicking off a brand-new storytelling initiative in 2024. DC announced "Superman Superstars," a year-long string of stories that will be told in the pages of Action. From January through December of 2024, the book will feature a rotating array of writers and artists, who will be teaming up on mini arcs, including comic book stars Jason Aaron and Joshua Williamson.

NYCC - From ComicConMad Cave Studios is moving into publishing comic books based on licensed properties. At NYCC, Mad Cave announced the creative teams for those series.  Cullen Bunn and Chris Batista on "Gatchaman" and Steve Orlando and Tommy Lee Edwards on a spin-off series.  Writer Jeremy Adams tackles "Flash Gordon."

NYCC - From THR:  Comic book creator, Rob Liefeld, has joined Philip J. Silvera, the stunt coordinator for "Deadpool" (2016) to produce a proof-of-concept trailer featuring his character, "Bloodstrike." The hope is that the trailer will revive interest from filmmakers and studios in a "Bloodstrike" film.

NYCC - From ComicBookDynamite and Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products announced that they have partnered to release a range of comic books and graphic novels inspired by some of Warner's most popular franchises and characters.  The initial slate of titles are planned to be released across multiple formats and will be based on "The Flintstones," "Jonny Quest," The Powerpuff Girls," "Space Ghost," "ThunderCats," "We Bare Bears," and The Wizard of Oz.

NYCC - From ComicBook:  After 14 years, DC Comics is reviving the "Elseworlds" imprint (beginning in 2024) with the following titles:

• 'GOTHAM BY GASLIGHT: THE KRYPTONIAN AGE' from Andy Diggle and Leandro Fernandez
• 'BATMAN THE BARBARIAN' from Greg Smallwood
• 'DARK KNIGHTS OF STEEL: ALLWINTER' from Jay Kristoff and Tirso Cons
•  'GREEN LANTERN: DARK' from Tate Brombal and Werther Dell’Edera
• 'BATMAN: NIGHTFIRE' from Clay Mann and Seth Mann
• 'DC VS. VAMPIRES: WORLD WAR V' from Matthew Rosenberg and Otto Schmidt

EN MEMORIAM - From THR:  Comic book writer and artist, Keith Giffen, has died at the age of 70, Monday, October 9, 2023.  Giffen may be best known for his work on DC Comics' "Legion of Super-Heroes," working on various LoSH series from 1982 to 1998, with the most famous work being "The Great Darkness Saga" storyline.  Giffen also co-created several characters, including Marvel Comics' "Rocket Raccoon," DC's "Lobo," and the "Jaime Reyes" incarnation of the character, "Blue Beetle," which appeared in the 2023 film, Blue Beetle.

NYCC 2023 - From THR:  Oscar-nominated actor, Tom Hardy, is joining acclaimed comic book writer, Scott Snyder (Batman), in the creation of a new 12-issue comic book series, "Arcbound."  Hardy has the title of "creative collaborator" and will work on developing characters for the broader "Arcbound" universe. Veteran writer Frank Tieri and artist Ryan Smallman. Hardy and the creative team will appear at New York Comic-Con 2023 on Saturday for a signing.

BRITISH COMICS - From 2000AD:  The legendary English comics artist, John M. Burns, has retired after seven decades of creating and drawing comics.  He has drawn for over 20 different publishers, and he may be best known for his work on such characters as "Judge Dredd," "Nikolai Dante," and "The Order" to name a few.

DC CINEMA - From Variety:  The website chronicles the latest drama surrounding "Aquaman 2" and the emerging cinematic DC Universe.

COMICS - From OhDannyBoy:  Australian blogger, Daniel Best," takes a look at the history of art theft at Marvel Comics, this time looking specifically at the theft of the art produced by the late Jack Kirby.

IMAGE - From BleedingCool:  Todd McFarlane will reveal Liam Sharp's "Barbarian Spawn" comic book at the upcoming New York Comic-Con 2023 (Oct. 12 to 15).

BRITISH COMICS - From BleedingCool:  Scottish comics publisher, BHP Comics will begin shutting down its operations.

DC COMICS - From DCBlog:  Writer Joanne Starer talks about her new "Dawn of DC" series, "Fire & Ice: Welcome to Smallville."

COMICS - From BleedingCool:  Apparently, after 88-year-old, Portland-based collector, James Strand, died, his house was ransacked for his collection of rare comics, signed books, and pulps. The collection was worth an estimated two million dollars, and the FBI is investigating.

ONE PIECE - From Deadline:  The site has a long Q&A with Matt Owens, series writer, executive producer, and co-showrunner of Netflix's "One Piece" live-action series.  He talks about Season 2, about how personal the series is to him, and about how the series got Jamie Lee Curtis to join the cast.

MANGA - From BleedingCool:  Although Vol. 34 was the end of the worldwide hit manga, "Attack on Titan," there will be a 35th volume, which will be released in 2024.

COMICS - From ComicBookTerry Moore (Strangers in Paradise) talks more about his upcoming science fiction graphic novel, a hybrid of prose and comics which will be crowdfunded for a 2024 release. His wife and publisher, Robyn Moore, says that they may be done with publishing single issues.

IMAGE/SKYBOUND - From ScreenRantRobert Kirkman explains why his new G.I. Joe/Transformers shared continuity is called the "Energon Universe."

MARVEL STUDIOS - From GamesRadarMarvel Studios is reportedly about to begin the process of choosing a writer for the "X-Men" movie.

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

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

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

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

JANUARY 2024 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From BleedingCool:  BOOM Studios! for January 2024
From BleedingCool:  Dark Horse Comics for January 2024
From BleedingCool:  DC Comics for January 2024
From BleedingCool:  IDW Publishing for January 2024
From BleedingCool:  Image Comics for January 2024
From BleedingCool:  Image Comics Energon Universe for January 2024
From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics for January 2024
From BleedingCool:  Oni Press for January 2024

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Wednesday, August 16, 2023

#IReadsYou Review: KILLADELPHIA #24

KILLADELPHIA #24
IMAGE COMICS

STORY: Rodney Barnes
ART: Jason Shawn Alexander with Germán Erramouspe
COLORS: Luis Nct
LETTERS: Marshall Dillon
EDITOR: Greg Tumbarello
COVER: Jason Shawn Alexander
VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Kelley Jones with Luis Nct; Jeff Lemire
28pp, Colors, 3.99 U.S. (August 2022)

Rated “M/ Mature”

Killadelphia created by Rodney Barnes and Jason Shawn Alexander

“The End of All” Part VI: “Time to Die”


Killadelphia is an apocalyptic vampire and dark fantasy comic book series from writer Rodney Barnes and artist Jason Shawn Alexander.  Published by Image Comics, it centers on a conspiracy in which vampires attempt to rule Philadelphia.  Colorist Luis Nct and letterer Marshall Dillon complete Killadelphia's creative team.

Killadelphia focuses on James “Jim” Sangster, Jr. and his father, revered Philadelphia homicide detective, James Sangster, Sr., a vampire!  Father and son lead a ragtag team comprised of a medical examiner (Jose Padilla), werewolves, a witch, and a rebellious, but special young vampire (Tevin Thompkins a.k.a. “See Saw”) in a bid to save Philly.  Their adversary is a former First Lady, the vampire Abigail Adams.

As Killadelphia #24 (“Time to Die”) opens, the legendary vampire hunger, Toussaint Louverture, leads his forces into Philadelphia. Meanwhile, See Saw remembers the lessons he learned from the fate of his mailman father.  He is ready to fight.  So are the werewolf Zubiya and her pack, and their ally, Tituba the Stregherian.

George Washington, Founding Father and Vampire King, and his forces watch.  The Sangsters and the allies gather.  The war begins.

THE LOWDOWN:  We have reached the final chapter of Killadelphia's fourth story arc, “The End of All.”  It prepares the way for the next arc, but before it departs, it leaves us with bittersweet and just plain bitter moments.

As much as I totally enjoy the vampire and werewolf bloodshed of this wonderful comic book, I also like the contemplative side of Killadelphia.  Writer Rodney Barnes and artist Jason Shawn Alexander consistently offer many side dramas, focusing on particular characters.  These vignettes illuminate themes or fill in details concerning current or coming story lines and subplots.

In Killadelphia #24, Barnes and Alexander reveal another side of Tevin Thompkins a.k.a. “See Saw.”  This is the side that will carry See Saw into war, but the authors are never shy about sharing the bitter harvest that America has been for African-Americans for centuries.  There is no glance into Tevin's story that is free of horror.  It is as if Barnes and Alexander are telling us, “This may be dark fantasy, suckas, but this ain't escapism.”  For a moment, the authors made vampires seem less frightening than the adversaries Tevin's father faced.  This won't be the last time the threat of vampires pales before the real horrors of the United States of America...

Although this is the final chapter of the current story arc, it is a perfect time to enter Killadelphia.  It is always a perfect time to enter Killadelphia.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of vampire comic books and of exceptional dark fantasy will want Killadelphia.

[This issue contains an afterword by Rodney Barnes.]

A
★★★★ out of 4 stars

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


https://twitter.com/TheRodneyBarnes
https://twitter.com/jasonshawnalex
https://twitter.com/luisnct
https://twitter.com/MarshallDillon
https://twitter.com/ImageComics
https://imagecomics.com/
http://rodneybarnes.com/
https://www.instagram.com/imagecomics/
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Image-Comics-Inc/178643148813259
https://www.twitch.tv/imagecomics
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHmaKLo0FXWIPx-3n6qs3vQ
https://www.linkedin.com/company/image-comics/


The text is copyright © 2022 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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Wednesday, July 31, 2019

I Reads You Juniors July 2019 - Update #92

Support Leroy on Patreon.

Leroy's Amazon Comics and Graphic Novels Page:

My "Spider-Man: Far From Home" review is here.

From Newsarama:  Director Ava DuVernay confirms that Darkseid and "the Furies" will appear in her "New Gods" film.

From ComicBook:  Hiram Garcia, producer of the "Black Adam" movie, offers updates on the development of the film featuring the Shazam villain.

From ComicBook:  "Batman" film producer talks about the impact of Stan Lee on the franchise.

From BleedingCool:  Jonah Weiland, the founder of ComicBookResources (CBR), is reportedly going to be the Vice President of Marketing and Creative Services for DC Comics...

From BleedingCool:  Joe and Anthony Russo of "Avengers: Infinity War" and "Avengers: Endgame" will apparently adapt 1980s, First Comics title, "Grimjack," (writer John Ostrander and artist Tim Truman) for the screen.

From Newsarama:  Netflix has ordered more episodes of "Lucifer" (based on the DC Comics series).  Season 5 will run 16 episodes instead of 10.

From Deadline:  Executive producer Daniel Lindelof says that his HBO "Watchmen" series confronts White Supremacy but offers no grandiose solutions.  He also says "Fuck you" to Alan Moore.

From Newsarama:  Here is a "first-look" preview of all four issues of "Chrononauts: Futureshock."

From ScreenRant:  Guillermo del Toro wanted to turn his script for the unproduced "Hellboy 3" into a comic book, but Mike Mignola said no because...

From BloodyDisgusting:  Acclaimed horror movie director, Alexandre Aja ("Crawl") has signed on to diret and executive produce a TV series adaptation of Junji Ito's legendary horror manga, "Tomie," for the Quibi streaming service.

From ComicsBeat:  Who do comic book editors do?  Well, at Comic-Con International 2019, editors explained.

From Newsarama:  All four issues of the upcoming miniseries, "Chrononauts: Futureshock" (Image/Netflix), the sequel to Mark Millar's hit, "Chrononauts," will be released simultaneously on October 30th, 2019.

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From BleedingCool:  IDW Publishing will collect Steve Ditko's complete "Mr. A" comics in hardcover volumes beginning in 2020.  This article also includes a fascinating question and answer session with IDW editor Scott Dunbier and one of Ditko's nephews, Mark Ditko.

From BleedingCool:  More about IDW's artist editions and art book releases via editor Scott Dunbier, including more on Steve Ditko's estate.
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From BleedingCool:  DC Comics will collect Garth Ennis' run on "Hellblazer" in one omnibus edition in April 2020.

From Newsarama:  Tom King, Mitch Gerads, and Evan Shaner will producer a "Strange Adventures" comic book starring Adam Strange.

From TheGuardian:  Apparently, it is official.  Alan Moore has retired from comic books.

SDCC - From Newsarama:  The "Harley Quinn" animated series for "DC Universe" has a first trailer.

SDCC - From Newsarama:  Two-time, Oscar-winning actor Mahershala Ali has been cast as Marvel Studios' vampire-hunting character, Blade.

SDCC - From THR:  Marvel Comics announces the relaunch of the X-Men franchise with six new titles: "X-Men," "Excalibur," "Marauders," "New Mutants," "Fallen Angels," and "X-Force."

SDCC - From THR:  The 2019 Will Eisner Award winners have been announced.  Writer Tom King wins in four of the five categories in which he was nominated.

SDCC - From Newsarama:  Miracleman returns in "Marvel Comics #1000" in a one-page story by Neil Gaiman and Mark Buckingham.

SDCC - From Newsarama:  DC Comics has aligned its imprints... again... adding a new one, "DC Graphic Novels for Young Adults" (which will encompass the former "DC Ink" line).  So the revised line of imprints are as follows:  "DC Graphic Novels for Kids," "DC Graphic Novels for Young Adults," "DC" (also known as DC Universe), and "DC Black Label."

SDCC - From THR:   Brandon Routh, how played Superman in the 2006 film, "Superman Returns," will reprise that role in The CW's "Crisis on Infinite Earths" crossover in December 2019 and January 2020.

SDCC - From BleedingCool:  Jonathan Hickman talks X-Men at Comic-Con 2019 via video

SDCC - From CBR:  Announced at a Comic-Con press event, comiXology has announced another of its "Originals" program, "Afterlift" by writer Chip Zdarsky and artist Jason Loo.

From Deadline:  Ed Brubaker has signed a multi-year deal with Legendary Entertainment Television to develop his creator-owned comic book series for television.

From Deadline:  The upcoming seventh season will be the final season for the ABC TV series, "Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D."

From Newsarama:  Random House reveals its 2020 releases under its graphic novel imprint, "Random House Graphic."

From EW:  Jonathan Hickman says that Marvel Comics should not be taking its storytelling cues from Marvel Studios.

From Newsarama:  DC will launch a new Birds of Prey ongoing series this October from writer Brian Azzarello and artists Emanuela Lupacchino, Ray McCarthy, and Trish Mulhivill.

From Newsarama:  Bill Jemas and Axel Alonso have hired ReedPOP's Gabe Yocum as its Sales Director for their new comic publishing start-up Artists, Writers, and Artisans (AWA)

From Newsarama:  "The Authority" creators, writer Warren Ellis and artist Bryan Hitch, are reuniting for a 12-issue Batman comic books series, "The Batman's Grave."

From HypeBeast:  13 years after it ended, the infamous manga, "Death Note" is coming back for a one-off, reuniting the manga’s original author and illustrator, Tsugumi Ohba and Takeshi Obata.  Now, they are giving fans a look at a storyboard for the upcoming 87-page story.

From TheGeekHerald:  The latest "My Hero Academia" spinoff manga debuts this month in Japan.  "My Hero Academia: Team Up Mission" will debut in "Saiko Jump" on or around July 25th.

From CincyJungle:  NFL running back, Rodney Anderson (Cincinnati Bengals), is openly a fan of comic books and science fiction.  He is apparently part of a wave of young NFL players willing to be open.

From Wired:  Former Marvel EiC and current CCO, Joe Quesada, will be the star of "Storyboards," which will pair him with "visionary" people to find out how they do their best work.  Hugh Jackman of the "Wolverine" and "X-Men" movies will be the guest on the debut episode of this Disney+ streaming service series.

From Deadline:  WTG Enterprises is producing an animated series based on the long-running Underground Comix titles, "The Faburlous Furry Freak Brothers," created by Gilbert Shelton.  The plan is for eight 22-minute episodes to debut early in 2020, but there is currently no distributor.

From FlickeringMyth:  Actress Olivia Munn, who played Psylocke in the film, "X-Men: Apocalypse" (2016), said that she found director Bryan Singer and writer Simon Kinberg's lack of knowledge of the X-Men mythos very frustrating.

From ComicBookMovie:  There are new characater posters for the film, "The Kitchen," which is based on the 2014 DC Comics/Vertigo miniseries.

From ComicBookMovie:  Producer Amy Pascal says that there is no timetable for the sequel to 2018's hit film, "Venom."

From TheBeat:  An analysis of June 2019 comic book and graphic novel sales.

From Newsarama:  John Carpenter will help the Joker get his swagger back in "The Joker: The Year of the Villain #1."

From Newsarama:  What is known about the return of Marvel's "Ultimate Universe."

From Newsarama:  Here is the first trailer for the new "Lupin III" film.

From Newsarama:  Mike Allred previews his David Bowie biographical original graphic novel, "Bowie: Stardust, Rayguns & Moonage Daydreams," produced with writer Steve Horton and colorist Laura Allred.

From PW:  HarperCollins is announcing a new graphic novel imprint, HarperAlley, which will be headed by Andrew Arnold, formerly of FirstSecond.

From io9:  Jeff Lemire is writing two "DC Black Label."  The first is "Joker: Killer Smile," which will be drawn by Andrea Sorrentino.  The next is "The Question: The Deaths of Vic Sage," which will be drawn by Denys Cowan and Bill Sienkiewicz.

From Newsarama:  IDW Publishing announces its plans for San Diego Comic Con 2019.

From BleedingCool:  If you like Ed Piskor's "X-Men: Grand Design," prepare for Tom Scoli's "Fantastic Four: Grand Design."

From Newsarama:  Marvel Comics announces a new comic book from writer Peter Milligan and artist Mike Allred, the creators of X-Statix.  "X-Cellent" debuts in 2020.

From Newsarama:  John Costantine/Hellblazer gets another relaunch with "The Sandman Universe Presents Hellblazer #1" in October.

From Newsarama:  Todd Phillips says that the Joker's origin in his upcoming film, "The Joker," is not from the comic books.

From Seibertron:  Someone found an Amazon listing for VIZ Media's "Transformers: The Manga" collection.

From TimesofSanDiego:  The evolution of San Diego Comic Con International.

From CBR:  DC Comics has apparently made a deal to produce original comic books based upon two anime films from American-anime studio, Rooster Teeth.  Expect (mediocre) RWBY and gen:LOCK comic books beginning in August 2019.

From BleedingCool:  It's Alive! next project is an omnibus collecting the work of cartoonist and comic book creator, Jeff Nicholson.  Nicholson's "Father & Son Omnibus: Reality Soldiers" is set to be released on September 25th and currently available for preorder now.

From Madison:  Anne Elizabeth Moore, former writer for "The Onion," is writing a book about alternative and indie cartoonist and comic book creator, Julie Ducet.

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From ThePlaylist:  While throwing shade at Warner Bros., Oscar-winning screenwriter turned film director, Christopher McQuarrie, says that he wanted to make interconnected "Green Lantern Corps" and "Superman" movies.

From Newsarama:  In the wake of news that MAD Magazines will no longer feature new content comes word that DC Comics has laid off MAD senior editor Dan Telfer has been laid off.

From BleedingCool:  William Messner-Loebs contributes to "Kiss: The End #3."  Loebs, a popular comic book creator, artist, and writer doing the 1980s and 1990s, has struggled to find work most of this century and has been in financial dire straits several times.

From THR:  Katsuhiro Otomo announced at Anime Expo that he will direct a third anime project that will continue the universe of his legendary Akira, which he began as manga before turning into an animated feature film.  He also announced that there will be a "Complete Works" collection of his manga.

From CBR:  Why isn't there a Stan Lee cameo in "Spider-Man: Far From Home?"   The filmmakers were concerned about his health.

From TheComicsBeat:  MAD Magazine #9 will be the last one distributed to newstands.  #10 will be the last one to feature new content.  With #10, MAD will only be available through the direct comics market and digitally.

From TheComicsBeat:   Matt Groening is launching a new company, Babber Books.  Groening was one of the founders of Bongo Comics.  Bongo primarily published comic books based on Fox's "The Simpsons," animated TV series, which Groening created.

From Newsarama:   The classic Italian comics, "Diabolik," is about to get another film adaptation.  The previous film adaptation appeared in 1968, six years after "Diabolik" debuted in Italy.

From Newsarama:  AMC reassures fans that "The Walking Dead" TV series and films are not ending although the comic book, the inspired them, is.

From Newsarama:  Warner Bros.' proposed "Flash" film will have a new director and writer.

From Deadline:  The Syfy TV series, "Wynonna Earp," which is based on a comic book, is seeing its fourth season delayed until 2020, due to financing issues.

From Newsarama:  "Marvel Zombies" will return in October.

From Newsarama:  "The Walking Dead" comic book series is to end with issue #193, which is due in stores, Wed., July 3rd,2019

From ComicBook:   George Perez talks about what he did not like about working on The New 52 "Superman" comic books series.

From Newsarama:  Netflix orders TV series based on "The Sandman" comic book.

From YahooNews:  Canadian cartoonist Michael de Adder says he was fired from his freelance contract for a Donald Trump political cartoon he drew.

From BookRiot:  Seven comic books written by novelists you love.

From THR:   "Daphne Byrne" is a new comic book, part of DC Comics and Joe Hill's recently announced "Hill House Comics." It is the work of comics newcomer and playwright Laura Marks and veteran artist Kelley Jones.


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:  August 2019 comics solicitations for all publishers on one page.
From Newsarama:  AC Comics for August 2019
From Newsarama:  Action Lab Entertainment for August 2019
From Newsarama:  AfterShock 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:  Avatar Press for August 2019
From Newsarama:  Black Mask Studios 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:  Dynamite Entertainment for August 2019
From Newsarama:  Humanoids for August 2019
From Newsarama:  IDW Publishing for August 2019
From Newsarama:  Lion Forge for August 2019
From Newsarama:  Marvel Comics for August 2019
From BleedingCool:  Oni Press for August 2019
From Newsarama:  Red 5 Comics for August 2019
From Newsarama:  Scout Comics for August 2019
From Newsarama:  Titan 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

SEPTEMBER 2019 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From Newsarama:  September 2019 comics solicitations for 24 publishers on one page
From Newsarama:  AfterShock Comics for September 2019
From Newsarama:  Ahoy Comics for September 2019
From Newsarama:  Antarctic Press for September 2019
From Newsarama:  Archie Comics for September 2019
From Newsarama:  Aspen Comics for September 2019
From Newsarama:  BOOM! Studios for September 2019
From Newsarama:  Dark Horse Comics for September 2019
From Newsarama:  DC Comics for September 2019
From Newsarama:  Drawn & Quarterly for September 2019
From Newsarama:  Dynamite Entertainment for September 2019
From Newsarama:  Fantagraphics Books for September 2019
From Newsarama:  Humanoids for September 2019
From Newsarama:  IDW Publishing for September 2019
From Newsarama:  Image Comics for September 2019
From Newsarama:  Insight for September 2019
From Newsarama:  Lion Forge Comics for September 2019
From Newsarama:  Mad Cave Studios for September 2019
From Newsarama:  Marvel Comics for September 2019
From Newsarama:  Oni Press for September 2019
From Newsarama:  Scout Comics for September 2019
From Newsarama:  Titan Comics for September 2019
From Newsarama:  Valiant Entertainment for September 2019
From Newsarama:  Vault Comics for September 2019
From Newsarama:  VIZ Media for September 2019

OCTOBER 2019 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From Newsarama:  AC Comics for October 2019
From BleedingCool:  Ahoy Comics for October 2019
From BleedingCool:  Albatross Funnybooks for October 2019
From BleedingCool:  Antarctic Press for October 2019
From Newsarama:  BOOM! Studios for October 2019
From BleedingCool:  Dark Horse Comics for October 2019
From Newsarama:  DC Comics for October 2019
From Newsarama:  IDW Publishing for October 2019
From BleedingCool:  Image Comics for October 2019
From BleedingCool:  Keenspot Entertainment for October 2019
From Newsarama:  Marvel Comics for October 2019 
From Newsarama:  Scout Comics for October 2019
From Newsarama:  Valiant Comics for October 2019
From Newsarama:  A Wave Blue World for October 2019
From Newsarama:  Yen Press for October 2019

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

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

NOVEMBER 2019 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From Newsarama:  DC Comics advanced solicitations for November 2019 ( for acetate covers)

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Thursday, May 2, 2019

Review: JEEPERS CREEPERS #1

JEEPERS CREEPERS, VOLUME 1 No. 1
DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT – @dynamitecomics

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: Marc Andreyko
ART: Kewber Baal
COLORS: Jorge Sutil
LETTERS: Taylor Esposito
EDITOR: Matt Idelson
COVER: Kelley Jones with Doug Hazlewood
VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Kewber Baal with Schimerys Baal
32pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (April 25, 2018)

Rated “Teen+”

Jeepers Creepers created by Victor Salva

Jeepers Creepers is a 2001 horror film written and directed by Victor Salva.  The film takes its name from the 1938 song "Jeepers Creepers" (which is featured in the film) and tells the story of two siblings who become the targets of a demonic creature in rural Florida.  Salva wrote and directed a sequel, Jeepers Creepers 2 (2003), and a third film, Jeepers Creepers 3 (2017), which is set in a time period between the first and second films.

The adversary in all three films is an ancient creature known as “the Creeper” that awakens every 23rd spring for 23 days.  During this awakening, the Creeper feasts on human body parts, which then form parts of the creature's own body.

Dynamite Entertainment recently obtained the license to produce comic books based on the Jeepers Creepers film, and the result is Jeepers Creepers Volume 1.  This new comic book series is written by Marc Andreyko; drawn by Kewber Baal; colored by Jorge Sutil; and lettered by Taylor Esposito.

Jeepers Creepers, Volume 1 #1 introduces Devon James, an American college graduate student just arriving in Mexico.  He is there to work on his graduate thesis (“The Cross-Cultural Appearances of the Dragon in North American Mythology from the Aztecs to Today”).  When he arrives at the archaeological site, “The Lost Aztec City of Teotihuacan,” Devon decides that he should not act like a regular tourist and follow the tour guide.  Instead, he summons his inner Indiana Jones without realizing the danger in which he is putting himself.

Twenty pages of actual story for a cover price of $3.99 is long-term, slow suicide for the American comic book market.  For instance, Jeepers Creepers #1 offers some effective teasing, and that is what 20 pages of a first issue comic book narrative is today – a cock tease.  The teasing is so good here that I am ready for the second issue, and I imagine fans of the Jeepers Creepers films will also enjoy this comic book.  But 20 pages for $3.99...  I am emphasizing price point and page count because I think that they will negatively effect this new comic book's reception.  But this is a really good comic book.

Marc Andreyko's script diverges from the mythology of the films, but in a way that would still connect it to overall narrative of the franchise.  Kewber Baal, whom I remember from Chaos Campus: Sorority Girls vs. Zombies (Approbation Comics), offers imaginative compositions, while Jorge Sutil's colors create the perfect Jeepers Creepers atmosphere and mood.  Taylor Esposito's lettering is all-around effective because he makes the dialogue and first person narration seem like one flowing conversation, although one floats in word balloons while the other sits in caption boxes.

Yes, the creative team of Jeepers Creepers #1 has delivered a first issue will make readers want to come back for more.  I know I want more.  I hope 20 pages/$3.99 does not hold some of us back.

8 out of 10

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


The text is copyright © 2018 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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Saturday, March 23, 2019

Review: YOUNG MONSTERS IN LOVE

YOUNG MONSTERS IN LOVE
DC COMICS – @DCComics

[This review was originally published on Patreon.]

STORY: Kyle Higgins; Tim Seeley; Mairghread Scott; Collin Kelly & Jackson Lanzing; Paul Dini; Mark Russell; Steve Orlando; Alisa Kwitney; Phil Hester; James Robinson
PENCILS: Kelley Jones; Giuseppe Camuncoli; Bryan Hitch; Javier Fernandez; Guillem March; Frazer Irving; Nick Klein; Stephanie Hans; Mirko Colak; John McCrea
INKS: Kelley Jones; Cam Smith; Andrew Currie; Javier Fernandez; Guillem March; Frazer Irving; Nick Klein; Stephanie Hans; Mirko Colak; John McCrea
COLORS: Michelle Madsen; Tomeu Morey; Nathan Fairbairn; Trish Mulvihill; Dave McCaig; Frazer Irving; Nic Klein; Stephanie Hans; Michael Spider; John Kalisz
LETTERS: Rob Leigh; Clayton Cowles; Carlos M. Mangual; Sal Cipriano; Travis Lanham; Tom Napolitano; Dave Sharpe; Clem Robins
COVER: Kelley Jones with Michelle Madsen
80pp, Color, $9.99 U.S. (April 2018)

Rated T+ for “Teen Plus”

Young Monsters in Love in a one-shot, comic book anthology and holiday special from DC Comics.  A comic book celebration of Valentine's Day 2018, Young Monsters in Love presents 10 tales of twisted love and strange romance starring some of DC Comics' most most infamous monster and dark fantasy characters (although Swamp Thing, who is one of them, is in a different story).

Young Monsters in Love opens with Dr. Kirk Connors a.k.a. “Man-Bat” trying to find love again, but in the story “Nocturnal Animal,” he will learn that sometimes you have to stopping loving the one who will not stop loving you.  Frankenstein Agent of S.H.A.D.E. proves that Frankenstein has the soul of a poet, but will his “Bride” see that in “Pieces of Me.”

Superman gives a helping hand to Solomon Grundy in “Buried on Sunday,” but Superboy does not feel the love.  The Teen Titans' Raven has to take it to the dance floor in “The Dead Can Dance.”  Deadman takes a bullied child into his care and helps victim and victimizer in “Be My Valentine.”

Swamp Thing discovers that he can't have anything nice, even love, in “Heart-Shaped Box.”  Long-time friends and Doom Patrol haters, Monsieur Mallah & The Brain have to face the truth in “Visibility.”  I, Vampire is featured in “The Turning of Deborah Dancer.”  The Demon goes to Hell for one more kill in “To Hell and Gone.”  Finally, the Creature Commandos get bad news from the home front in “Dear Velcoro.”

In a recent article for The Washington Post, the author (Geraldine DeRuiter of everywhereist.com) offers a heart-breaking story, entitled “I thought my bully deserved an awful life. But then he had one.” that is also a great read.  She discovered that the boy who bullied her in school, a boy she always wished bad for, was actually murdered when he was 25-years-old.  She wondered, in this time when the culture has the long knives out for bullies, if we forget that bullies may need help as much, if not more, than their victims.

Without spoiling it, this is more or less the theme of writer Paul Dini and artist Guillem March's Deadman story, “Be My Valentine.”  First, to my imagination, it feels like a classic Deadman story from the 1960s, written by either Arnold Drake (Deadman's creator) or Jack Miller and drawn by either Carmine Infantino or Neal Adams. Secondly, Dini and March's story is one of the best comic book stories about bullying that I have ever read.  It alone is worth Young Monsters in Love's cover price of $9.99.  Colorist Dave McCaig and letterer Sal Cipriano also do some of their best work in creating a graphical package that is classic cool.

Young Monsters in Love is full of wonderful stories besides “Be My Valentine.”  Five of them are truly greats comic book short stories, including the powerful “Heart-Shaped Box” and “Visibility.”  Two are quite good, including the Creature Commandos story, which is my first reading experience of these characters.  Three of these stories are not as well executed as they could have been, including the opening Man-Bat story.

I usually ignore DC Comics' holiday specials, but Young Monsters in Love makes me think that I should not be so quick to dismiss them.  So if you missed it, dear readers, run back to your local comic book shop and find Young Monsters in Love.

9 out of 10

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


The text is copyright © 2018 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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Sunday, March 17, 2019

Review: SWAMP THING Winter Special

SWAMP THING: WINTER SPECIAL #1
DC COMICS – @DCComics

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: Tom King; Len Wein
ART: Jason Fabok; Kelley Jones
COLORS: Brad Anderson; Michelle Madsen
LETTERS: Deron Bennett
COVER: Jason Fabok
MISC. ART: José Luis García-López; José Luis García-López and Joe Prado; José Luis García-López and Joe Prado with Mark Chiarello
80pp, Color, $7.99 U.S. (March 2018)

Rated “T” for Teen

Swamp Thing created by Len Wein and Bernie Wrightson

Editor's Note by Rebecca Taylor

Swamp Thing is a horror comic book character from DC Comics.  While there have been different versions of the character, Swamp Thing is a plant elemental and a sentient, walking mass of plant matter.  Created by writer Len Wein and artist Bernie Wrightson, Swamp Thing first appeared in House of Secrets #92 (cover dated July 1971).

In 2017, both Wein and Wrightson died.  In 2016, DC Comics published a six-issue Swamp Thing comic book miniseries written by Wein and collected in a trade paperback, Swamp Thing: The Dead Don't Sleep.  Before he died, Wein was working on a new Swamp Thing series with artist Kelley Jones, who drew The Dead Don't Sleep.  This new series would have also been a continuation of the miniseries, and the first issue would have been published as Swamp Thing #7.

Wein produced a detailed plot for the first issue/chapter (“Spring Awakening!”), but died before he could produce a “lettering script” for the first issue of this new Swamp Thing series.  The art for the new comic, drawn by Kelley Jones and colored by Michelle Madsen, is printed in a recently published square-bound, one-shot, comic book, Swamp Thing: Winter Special.  In a two-page editor's note, Rebecca Taylor explains the situation around this still-born project.  Swamp Thing: Winter Special also includes Wein's plot for Swamp Thing #7, which runs six pages (for a 20 page story).

“Spring Awakening” depicts long-time villain, Solomon Grundy, kidnapping an infant girl, and, later, Batman visiting Swamp Thing.  I don't know what to make of the story other than I would have loved to have read a finished version.  I am a longtime fan of Kelley Jones, and I love the way Michelle Madsen colors Jones' comic book art.  I am not a big fan of Swamp Thing unless the stories are produced by particular creators, and, of course, Wein was one of them, so...

The Wein tribute is the opening story of Swamp Thing: Winter Special.  Entitled “The Talk of the Saints,” it is written by Tom King; drawn by Jason Fabok; colored by Brad Anderson; and lettered by Deron Bennett.

“The Talk of the Saints” finds Swamp Thing shepherding a lost boy through a blinding snow storm.  As the two navigate a strange, frozen tundra, they face countless threats, especially an unseen bloodthirsty snow monster that is constantly stalking them.  Stripped of his powers and disconnected from “the Green,” Swamp Thing must uncover the true identity of the snow monster that hunts them.

Tom King's story does offers some genuinely scary and creepy moments, but, at the same time, it comes across as awkward poetry and metaphor.  The art by illustrator Jason Fabok and colorist Brad Anderson is gorgeous and, outside of Kelley Jones and Michelle Madsen's work, is some of the most beautiful Swamp Thing comic book art that I have see in years, especially the last five pages of this story.

Letterer Deron Bennett presents lettering that really heightens the chills and thrills.  For me, Bennett unites what is good about Tom King's story and the prettiness of the art into a striking graphical package.

Swamp Thing: Winter Special is not great, but it is an essential publication for Swamp Thing fans, if only for the Len Wein tributes and story material. But a Swamp Thing comic book full of pretty art is a good reason to have this one-shot comic book.

7.5 out of 10

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


The text is copyright © 2018 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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