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

Friday, May 9, 2025

#IReadsYou Movie Review: THUNDERBOLTS*

Thunderbolts* (2025)

Running time: 126 minutes (2 hours, 6 minutes)
MPA – PG-13 for strong violence, language, thematic elements, and some suggestive and drug references
DIRECTOR: Jake Schreier
WRITERS:  Eric Pearson and Joanna Calo (based upon the Marvel Comics)
PRODUCER: Kevin Feige
CINEMATOGRAPHER:  Andrew Droz Palermo (D.o.P.)
EDITORS:  Angela M. Catanzaro and Harry Yoon
COMPOSER:  Son Lux (Ryan Lott, Rafiq Bhatia, Ian Chang)

SUPERHERO/FANTASY/ACTION and DRAMA

Starring:  Florence Pugh, Sebastian Stan, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Lewis Pullman, David Harbour, Wyatt Russell, Hannah John-Kamen, Geraldine Viswanathan, Olga Kurylenko, and Wendell Pierce

Thunderbolts* is a 2025 American superhero fantasy film and action movie directed by Jake Schreier and produced by Marvel Studios.  It is the 36th film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).  The film features Marvel Comics' “Thunderbolts,” an antihero and super-villain superhero team created by writer Kurt Busiek and artist Mark Bagley that first appeared in The Incredible Hulk #449 (cover dated: January 1997).  Thunderbolts* the movie focuses on an unconventional team of antiheroes that takes on a conniving CIA official and a dangerous super-being while confronting their own dark pasts.

Thunderbolts* opens in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.  There, Yelena Belova (Florence Pugh) destroys an O.X.E. Group laboratory on behalf of CIA director, Valentina Allegra de Fontaine (Julia Louis-Dreyfus).  Valentina is facing a Congressional committee that wants to impeach her in order to have her removed as CIA director, so she is having to conceal all her illicit programs.  One of those programs in need of concealment is the O.X.E. Group's “Sentry” project, which involves experimentation on humans in order to develop a superhuman.

Valentina dispatches Yelena to a remote O.X.E. facility on a mission to destroy sensitive materials.  After entering the facility, however, Yelena discovers that she is not alone.  John Walker/U.S. Agent (Wyatt Russell), Ava Starr/Ghost (Hannah John-Kamen), and Antonia Dreykov/Taskmaster (Olga Kurylenko) are also there, under the pretense of a mission.  The real reason all of them are in the facility is so that Valentina can have them and any incriminating evidence against her be destroyed simultaneously.  Another of this mission's surprises is the sudden appearance of a mysterious man named “Bob” (Lewis Pullman).

Now, Yelena and this bunch of reprobates embark on mission to punish Valentina, and they are joined by Yelena's father, Alexei Shostakov/Red Guardian (David Harbour), and Bucky Barnes/The Winter Soldier (Sebastian Stan).  They gather in New York City for a showdown, but there are wildcards.  Who is “Sentry?”  And what is “Void?”

Thunderbolts* is like a sequel, of sorts, to the 2021 Marvel Studios film, Black Widow.  It also references such previous Marvel Studios films as Marvel's The Avengers (2012) and the recent Captain America: Brave New World (2025), and also the Disney+ television series, “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier” (2021), to name a few.

At the center of Thunderbolts* is Yelena Belova, and the good thing is that the actress playing the character, Florence Pugh, is quite good.  Pugh gives Yelena gravitas, and I find myself believing almost everything about the character.  That said I would have preferred Sebastian Stan's Bucky Barnes a.k.a. “The Winter Soldier” as the “magnetic center” of Thunderbolts*, but I guess the character has already had plenty of time to showcase himself in previous Marvel Studios productions.

Beyond those two characters, I found myself bored with Julia Louis-Dreyfus' Valentina, although I am a long time fan of Louis-Dreyfus because of her role in the former NBC sitcom, “Seinfeld.”  I like actor David Harbour as “Red Guardian,” but the character is a bit overwrought, while Hannah John-Kamen is overly wasted as “Ghost.”  Geraldine Viswanathan is very nice in the supporting role of Mel, Valentina's assistant.  Lewis Pullman, who seems very skilled at creating a new personality for each acting role he takes on, is very, very good as “Bob.”  Marvel Studios would do well not to waste the potential of what Pullman can bring to the MCU.

All that said, Thunderbolts* is my least favorite MCU team movie.  Don't get me wrong.  It is a very entertaining film because director Jake Schreier makes the most of an offbeat screenplay and of the work of the film editors, cinematographers, and other collaborators.  The result is that they deliver a movie that is surprisingly humorous and is often laugh-out-loud funny.

I don't buy all the depression and battling-personal-demons melodrama of the film's story.  It is often overdone, contrived, and tedious enough to drag down the moments when that does feel genuine.  There is enough enjoyment in Thunderbolts* to make me give it a relatively high rating.  If this movie were made by most other film studios, however, I would give it a lower rating.

[Thunderbolts* has an extra scene in the middle of the credits and one at the end of the credits.]

B+
★★★½ out of 4 stars

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


The text is copyright © 2025 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for syndication rights and fees.

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Wednesday, April 30, 2025

I Reads You Juniors: April 2025 - UPDATE #50

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

You can support Leroy via Paypal or on Patreon.

Amazon wants me to inform/remind you that any affiliate links found on this page are PAID ADS, but I technically only get paid (eventually) if you click on affiliate links like these, BOOKS PAGE, GRAPHIC NOVELS, or MANGA PAGE and BUY something(s).

TREATS - From AnotherCookie:  There is a new online cookie retailer. It is called "AnotherCookie?" and the cookies are delicious.

NEWS:

MARVEL - From BleedingCool:  Who gets what creator credits in "Thunderbolts*" from Disney/Marvel Studios.

DIAMOND - From BleedingCool:  The latest in the bankrupty saga of Diamond Comic Distributors is that the bankruptcy court could move Diamond from Chapter 11 reorganization to Chapter 7 liquidation.  If Chapter 7 liquidation happens, Diamond would have its assets liquidated and it would be closed down for good.

From BleedingCool:  The bankruptcy saga of Diamond Comic Distributors continues.  Now, the original winning bidder in the bankruptcy auction, Alliance Entertainment, has announced that it is no longer interested in obtaining Diamond.

From BleedingCoolDiamond Comic Distributors announces "business as usual," likely meaning its potential new owners, Universal Distribution and Ad Populum.
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DC COMICS - From DCBlog:  Writer Dan Slott talks about his new "Superman" comic book, "Superman Unlimited" with artist Rafael Albuquerque.

From DCBlog:  Writer Joshua Williamson talks about "Superman #25."

From DCBlog:  Writer Elliot Kalan talks about his run on the ongoing "Harley Quinn" series, including the upcoming "Harley Quinn #50."
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COMICS - From BleedingCool:  Longtime independent comic book creator, Don Simpson, has completed a 200+ page comic book anthology to celebrate the 40th anniversary of his superhero parody comic book, "Megaton Man."  Entitled "Megaton Man: Multimensions," it contains the work of 60 contributors.  One of them is named "Milo Trent," who lives in Iran, and that is the reason Kickstarter won't let Simpson run a crowdfunding campaign on its platform.

From BleedingCool:  Kickstarter reversed its policy and Don Simpson's "Megaton Man: Multimensions" campaign is currently live and halfway to its funding goal.

MARVEL - From MarvelMarvel Studios has released the first full trailer for "Fantastic Four: First Steps," which is due in theaters, July 25, 2025.

BOOKS - From ComicsBeat:  Books in all their formats are apparently exempt from tariffs on good imported from China going back to a Cold War-era exemption that is still in place... for now.

DC COMICS - From DCBlog:  Writer Al Ewing talks about "Absolute Green Lantern."

SONY SPIDER-MAN U - From EWBob Persichetti and Justin K. Thompson are the directors of "Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse," the third film in Sony Animation's "Spider-Verse" film series. The directors revealed first-look still images from the film at CinemaCon 2025.  The film is due June 4, 2027.

RETAIL - From BleedingCool TFAW.com, the online and bricks and mortar, comics and collectible retailer, is shutting down April 30, 2025. April 9th is the last day they will process subscription and preorders. Read about the part it played in Dark Horse Comics' history.

COMICS - From BleedingCoolCraig Thompson, the graphic novelist known for such works as "Blankets" (2003) and "Habibi" (2011), is returning with a new graphic novel, "Ginseng Roots: A Memoir." It arrives from Pantheon Books on April 29th, 2025.  Thompson has been serializing "Ginseng Roots" as a 12-issue series via Uncivilized Books.

EN MEMORIAM - From TheDailyCartoonist:  American cartoonist and comic book and comics strip artist, Hy Eisman, has died at the age of 98, Thursday, March 27, 2025.  He was the last artist to draw the "Little Lulu" comic strip before it was cancelled in 1984.  He drew the "Katzenjammer Kids" comic strip from 1986 until 2006 when it went into reruns.  In 1975, Hyman won a "National Cartoonist Society Award" for "Best Humor Comic Book Cartoonist" for his work on Gold Key's "Little Lulu" comic book.

DC COMICS - From DCBlog:  Jeph LoebJim Lee, and Alex Sinclair talk about the "Batman: Hush" sequel, "Batman: H2SH."

MARVEL STUDIOS - From ComicBookMovie:  The site has the full cast list of the 27 actors set to star in Marvel's 2026 film, "Avengers: Doomsday."

From ComicBookMovie:  That's not all folks. According to sources, more stars will be added to the cast list of "Avengers: Doomsday."

DIAMOND - From BleedingCool:  In the ongoing melodrama that is Diamond Comic Distributors and its Chapter 11 bankruptcy, a new winning bidder has emerged.  It seems that Canadian distributors, Universal Distribution and Ad Populum could end up winning Diamond and not Alliance Entertainment, a global distributor and wholesaler specializing in musis, movies, video games, electronics, arcades, and collectables.

From BleedingCool:  Alliance Entertainment, a global distributor and wholesaler specializing in music, movies, video games, electronics, arcades, and collectables, has been selected as the winning bidder for Diamond Comic Distributors after its Chapter 11 bankruptcy. The proposed acquisition, which is subject to Bankruptcy Court approval, includes Diamond Comic Distributors (U.S.), Alliance Game Distributors (no relation to Alliance Entertainment), Diamond Select Toys & Collectibles, and Collectible Grading Authority.  However, there is no mention of the following Diamond entities: Diamond UK, Diamond Select Toys, FandomWorld, Gentle Giant, or Free Comic Book Day. 

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FEBRUARY 2025 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From BleedingCool:  Ahoy Comics for February 2025
From BleedingCool:  Antarctic Press for February 2025
From BleedingCool:  Archie Comics for February 2025
From BleedingCool:  AWA Studios for February 2025
From BleedingCool:  BOOM! Studios for February 2025
From BleedingCool:  CEX for February 2025
From BleedingCool:  Cosmic Lion Productions for February 2025
From BleedingCool:  Dark Horse Comics for February 2025
From BleedingCool:  DC Comics for February 2025
From BleedingCool:  DC Comics "Absolute" titles for February 2025
From BleedingCool:  Dstlry Media for February 2025
From BleedingCool:  Dynamite Entertainment for February 2025
From BleedingCool:  IDW Publishing for February 2025
From BleedingCool:  Image Comics for February 2025
From BleedingCool:  Image Comics' Energon Universe titles for February 2025
From BleedingCool:  Keenspot Entertainment for February 2025
From BleedingCool:  Mad Cave Studios for February 2025
From BleedingCool:  Magma Comix for February 2025
From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics for February 2025 - full list
From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics "Star Wars" Black History Month variants for February 2025
From BleedingCool:  Marvel "Ultimate Comics" for February 2025
From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics for February 2025 - Part 1
From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics for February 2025 - Part 2
From BleedingCool:  Oni Press for February 2025
From BleedingCool:  Rebellion / 2000 AD for February 2025
From BleedingCool:  Scout Comics for February 2025
From BleedingCool:  Sumerian Comics for February 2025
From BleedingCool:  Titan Comics for February 2025
From BleedingCool:  Valiant Comics for February 2025
From BleedingCool:  Vault Comics for February 2025

MARCH 2025 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From BleedingCool:  Ablaze for March 2025
From BleedingCool:  Abrams Comicarts for March 2025
From BleedingCool:  Antarctic Press for March 2025
From BleedingCool:  Archie Comics for March 2025
From BleedingCool:  BOOM! Studios for March 2025
From BleedingCool:  Cosmic Lion Productions for March 2025
From BleedingCool:  Dark Horse Comics for March 2025
From BleedingCool:  DC Comics for March 2025
From BleedingCool:  Drawn & Quarterly for March 2025
From BleedingCool:  DSTLRY Media for March 2025
From BleedingCool:  Dynamite Entertainment for March 2025
From BleedingCool:  Fantagraphics Books for March 2025
From BleedingCool:  IDW Publishing for March 2025
From BleedingCool:  Image Comics for March 2025
From BleedingCool:  Image Comics "Energon" titles for March 2025
From BleedingCool:  Image Comics "Ghost Machine" titles for March 2025
From BleedingCool:  Image Comics "Spawn" titles for March 2025
From BleedingCool:  Keenspot Entertainment for March 2025
From BleedingCool:  Kodansha Comics for March 2025
From BleedingCool:  Mad Cave Studios for March 2025
From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics for March 2025
From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics' "Amazing Spider-Man" titles for March 2025
From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics' "One World Under Doom" titles for March 2025
From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics' "Ultimate Comics" titles for March 2025
From BleedingCool:  Massive/WhatNot for March 2025
From BleedingCool:  Oni Press for March 2025
From BleedingCool:  Rebellion / 2000 AD for March 2025
From BleedingCool:  Seven Seas Entertainment for March 2025
From BleedingCool:  Shift Presents for March 2025
From BleedingCool:  Sumerian Comics for March 2025
From BleedingCool:  Titan Comics for March 2025
From BleedingCool:  TOKYOPOP for March 2025
From BleedingCool:  Udon Entertainment for March 2025
From BleedingCool:  Valiant Comics for March 2025
From BleedingCool:  Vault Comics for March 2025
From BleedingCool:  VIZ Media for March 2025
From BleedingCool:  Webtoon Unscrolled for March 2025
From BleedingCool:  Yen Press for March 2025

APRIL 2025 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From BleedingCool:  Antarctic Press for April 2025
From BleedingCool:  Archie Comics for April 2025
From BleedingCool:  AWA Studios for April 2025
From BleedingCool:  BOOM! Studios for April 2025
From BleedingCool:  Cosmic Lion for April 2025
From BleedingCool:  Dark Horse Comics for April 2025
From BleedingCool:  DC Comics for April 2025
From BleedingCool:  DC Comics "Summer of Superman" titles for April 2025
From BleedingCool:  DSTLRY Media for April 2025
From BleedingCool:  Dynamite Entertainment for April 2025
From BleedingCool:  IDW Publishing for April 2025
From BleedingCool:  Image Comics for April 2025
From BleedingCool:  Keenspot Entertainment for April 2025
From BleedingCool:  Mad Cave Studios for April 2025
From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics for April 2025
From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics "One World Under Doom" titles for April 2025
From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics "Ultimate: titles for April 2025
From BleedingCool:  Oni Press for April 2025
From BleedingCool:  Rebellion / 2000 AD for April 2025
From BleedingCool:  Sumerian Comics for April 2025
From BleedingCool:  Titan Comics for April 2025
From BleedingCool:  Valiant Comics for April 2025

MAY 2025 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From BleedingCool:  Ahoy Comics for May 2025
From BleedingCool:  Archie Comics for May 2025
From BleedingCool:  AWA Studios for May 2025
From BleedingCool:  Blood Moon Comics for May 2025
From BleedingCool:  BOOM! Studios for May 2025
From BleedingCool:  Cosmic Lion Productions for May 2025
From BleedingCool:  Dark Horse Comics for May 2025
From BleedingCool:  DC Comics for May 2025
From BleedingCool:  DC Comics "Absolute DC" titles for May 2025
From BleedingCool:  Dstlry Media for May 2025
From BleedingCool:  Dynamite Entertainment for May 2025
From BleedingCool:  Free Comic Book Day 2025 titles for May 2025
From BleedingCool:  Image Comics for May 2025
From BleedingCool:  Keenspot Entertainment for May 2025
From BleedingCool:  Mad Cave Studios for May 2025
From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics for May 2025
From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics "One World Under Doom" titles for May 2025
From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics "Ultimate Comics" titles for May 2025
From BleedingCool:  Massive Publishing for May 2025
From BleedingCool:  Oni Press for May 2025
From BleedingCool:  Rebellion / 2000 AD for May 2025
From BleedingCool:  Titan Comics "Conan" and "Solomon Kane" titles for May 2025
From BleedingCool:  Udon Studios for May 2025
From BleedingCool:  Valiant-Alien Books for May 2025

JUNE 2025 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From BleedingCool:  Ablaze Comics for June 2025
From BleedingCool:  Ahoy Comics for June 2025
From BleedingCool:  AMP Comics for June 2025
From BleedingCool:  Antarctic Press for June 2025
From BleedingCool:  Archie Comics for June 2025
From BleedingCool:  AWA Studios for June 2025
From BleedingCool:  BOOM! Studios for June 2025
From BleedingCool:  Dark Horse Comics for June 2025
From BleedingCool:  DC Comics for June 2025
From BleedingCool:  Dren Comics for June 2025
From BleedingCool:  Dstlry Media for June 2025
From BleedingCool:  Dynamite Entertainent for June 2025
From BleedingCool:  IDW Publishing for June 2025
From BleedingCool:  Image Comics for June 2025
From BleedingCool:  Image Comics "Energon Universe" titles for June 2025
From BleedingCool:  Image Comics "Spawn" titles for June 2025
From BleedingCool:  Keensport Entertainment for June 2025
From BleedingCool:  Mad Cave Studios for June 2025
From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics for June 2025
From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics "One World Under Doom" crossover titles for June 2025
From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics "Ultimate Universe" for June 2025
From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics "Ultimate Comics" with "Scarlet Witch" for June 2025
From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics' "Ultimate Spider-Man: Incursion #1" for June 2025
From BleedingCool:  Oni Press for June 2025
From BleedingCool:  Rebellion / 2000 AD for June 202
From BleedingCool:  Titan Comics for June 2025
From BleedingCool:  Udon Entertainment for June 2025
From BleedingCool:  Zenescope Entertainment for June 2025

JULY 2025 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From BleedingCool:  Archie Comics for July 2025
From BleedingCool:  AWA Studios for July 2025
From BleedingCool:  Bad Idea for July 2025
From BleedingCool:  Dark Horse Comics for July 2025
From BleedingCool:  DC Comics for July 2025
From BleedingCool:  DC Comics "Superman" titles for July 2025
From BleedingCool:  Dynamite Entertainment for July 2025
From BleedingCool:  IDW Publishing for July 2025
From BleedingCool:  Image Comics for July 2025
From BleedingCool:  Image Comics Skybound "Energon" titles for July 2025
From BleedingCool:  Image Comics "Ghost Machine" titles for July 2025
From BleedingCool:  Image Comics "Spawn" titles for July 2025
From BleedingCool:  Mad Cave Studios for July 2025
From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics for July 2025
From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics "Bring on the Bad Guys" titles for July 2025
From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics "One World Under Doom" tie-in titles for July 2025
From BleedingCool:  Oni Press for July 2025
From BleedingCool:  Titan Comics for July 2025
From BleedingCool:  Vault Comics for July 2025

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Friday, February 14, 2025

#IReadsYou Movie Review: CAPTAIN AMERICA: BRAVE NEW WORLD

Captain America: Brave New World (2025)

Running time:  118 minutes (1 hour, 58 minutes)
MPA – PG-13 for intense sequences of violence and action, and some strong language
DIRECTOR:  Julius Onah
WRITERS:  Rob Edwards, Malcolm Spellman & Dalan Musson, and Julius Onah & Peter Glanz; from a story by Rob Edwards and Malcolm Spellman & Dalan Musson (based on the Marvel Comics)
PRODUCERS:  Kevin Feige and Nate Moore
CINEMATOGRAPHER:  Kramer Morgenthau (D.o.P.)
EDITORS:  Madeleine Gavin and Matthew Schmidt
COMPOSER:  Laura Karpman

SUPERHERO/FANTASY/DRAMA and SCI-FI/ACTION/THRILLER

Starring:  Anthony Mackie, Harrison Ford, Danny Ramirez, Shira Haas, Carl Lumbly, Tim Blake Nelson, Giancarlo Esposito, Xosha Roquemore, Johannes Haukur Johannesson, William Mark McCullough, and Takehiro Hira with Liv Tyler and Sebastian Stan

Captain America: Brave New World is a 2025 superhero and action film from Marvel Studios and directed by Julius Onah.  The film focuses on the character, “Sam Wilson,” as the superhero, “Captain America.”  Sam Wilson is a Marvel Comics character that was created by writer Stan Lee and artist Gene Colan and that first appeared in Captain America #117 (cover dated: September 1969).  Captain America is a Marvel Comics character that was created by Joe Simon and Jack Kirby and that first appeared in Captain America Comics #1 (December 1940).

This film is the fourth film in the Captain America film series and also the 35th entry in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).  In Captain America: Brave New World, Captain America must discover the identity of the mastermind behind a plan to launch the United States into a global war over access to an amazing new metal alloy.

Captain America: Brave New World focuses on Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie), who is still early in his tenure as the superhero, Captain America, replacing his friend, the original Captain America, Steve Rogers.  Wilson was once the superhero, “The Falcon,” and now, that mantle belongs to his partner, U.S. Air Force First Lt. Joaquin Torres (Danny Ramirez).  Captain America and the Falcon begin the film on a mission in Oaxaca, Mexico where they take on the “Serpent Society” and its leader, Sidewinder (Giancarlo Esposito), in a bid to intercept the sale of a canister of “Adamantium.”

Adamantium is the new metal alloy that was discovered on the “Celestial Island,” located in the Indian Ocean.  Celestial Island is really the gigantic carcass of the “Celestial Tiamut,” whose emergence was stopped by the Eternals (as seen in the 2021 film, Eternals).  The U.S., Japan, and India are vying to mine adamantium, and to that end, the three countries are working on a treaty that would create the infrastructure in which the three nations would share control of the island.

The current President of the United States, Thaddeus Ross (Harrison Ford), formerly known as General “Thunderbolt” Ross, asks Sam to be the face of the adamantium treaty as Captain America.  President Ross also wants Sam to join him in a plan to reform the superhero group, “The Avengers.”  However, the announcement of the treaty is interrupted by an assassination attempt.  Now, Sam's friend and mentor, Isaiah Bradley (Carl Lumbly), the Korean War veteran and once-imprisoned “super soldier,” is once again imprisoned because of the incident.

Despite a growing rift with President Ross, Sam decides to investigate the assassination attempt, and Joaquin joins him.  Shadowing them is a former “Black Widow,” the Israeli Ruth Bat-Seraph (Shira Haas), but even she can't stop Captain America and the Falcon from discovering the mystery of a man named Samuel Sterns (Tim Blake Nelson).  Can Sam Wilson stop a global war, and can Captain America really take on the creature known as the “Red Hulk.”

Captain America: Brave New World is the subject of an intense online and social media smear campaign.  When you, dear readers, come across someone using the word, “woke,” to describe it, you should know that in the context of this film, “woke” is Confederate pig Latin for the name “Anthony Mackie.”  People who complain that the story and/or the script are not good are against the film because of their grievances concerning an African-American actor, Antony Mackie, taking on the role of Captain America.  With that said...

Captain America: Brave New World ties into some other Marvel Studios productions.  Obviously, this film's “Celestial Island” subplot is related to events depicted in the 2021 film, Eternals.  The Disney+/Marvel Studios series, “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier” (2021) is a prologue to Brave New World.  Surprisingly, Brave New World acts as a sort of sequel to the second film in the MCU, 2008's The Incredible Hulk.  There are also references to numerous other MCU films.

Captain America: Brave New World is a superb superhero movie and great action film.  Director Julius Onah has helmed a film that is a rampaging good time at the movies, doing this in spite of delays and reshoots.  He should take pride in making a Captain America film that is as good as or better than the previous three films in the series.  The action is great, and the conspiracy at the heart of the story is intense and shockingly personal.  The character drama is surprisingly potent and is both complex and complicated.  Plus, the Captain America vs. Red Hulk battle in the film's last act fell on me like a tree; it is so intense that for a moment I wished I was wearing an adult diaper while watching it.

With Captain America: Brave New World, Anthony Mackie not only proves that he is a true Marvel leading man who can carry a MCU film, but he also proves that he is a Hollywood leading man.  In subtle ways, his performance and speeches clearly define that which Mackie fights in the real world and Sam Wilson fights in his world.  Watching Mackie chop up this movie with his dramatic chops, I realized that it was long overdue that he lead a Marvel film.

I must also admit that Harrison Ford brings down the thunder in his role as President Thaddeus Ross, a.k.a. “Thunderbolt” Ross.  Ford dominates his scenes so much that only Mackie can really match him in Captain America: Brave New World.  Seeing Ford here reminds me of what a find dramatic actor he is and how he has always been fun in action movies.

Danny Ramirez, Shira Haas, Carl Lumbly, Tim Blake Nelson, Giancarlo Esposito, and Xosha Roquemore also deliver solid turns in their respective supporting roles.  They deserve to pop up in the MCU again, many more times.  I guess it is obvious that I am still buzzing from seeing Captain America: Brave New World last night (Thursday, February 13th).  I had not expected much from this film because I had listened to too much of the propaganda.  I love being wrong in these instance.  Captain America: Brave New World is going to be my favorite film of 2025 for awhile, dear readers, and I heartily recommend it to you.

A+

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


The text is copyright © 2025 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this site for reprint or syndication rights and fees.


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Sunday, December 15, 2024

#IReadsYou Movie Review: KRAVEN THE HUNTER

Kraven the Hunter (2024)

Running time:  127 minutes (2 hours, 7 minutes)
MPA – R for strong bloody violence, and language
DIRECTOR:  J.C. Chandor
WRITERS:  Richard Wenk, Art Marcum, and Matt Holloway; from a story by Richard Wenk (based on the Marvel Comics)
PRODUCERS:  Avi Arad, David B. Householter, and Matt Tolmach
CINEMATOGRAPHER:  Ben Davis (D.o.P.)
EDITORS:  Chris Lebenzon and Craig Wood
COMPOSERS:  Evgueni Galperine, Sacha Galperine, and Benjamin Wallfisch

SUPERHERO/FANTASY/ACTION

Starring:  Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Ariana DeBose, Fred Hechinger, Alessandro Nivola, Christopher Abbott, Levi Miller, Billy Barratt, Tom Reed, Diaana Babnicova, Yuri Kolokolnikov, Damola Adelaja, and Russell Crowe

Kraven the Hunter is a 2024 action movie and superhero film from director J.C. Chandor.  The movie is based on the Marvel Comics character, Sergei Kravinoff/Kraven the Hunter, that was created by writer Stan Lee and artist Steve Ditko and first appeared in The Amazing Spider-Man #15 (cover dated: August 1964).  This is also the sixth film in “Sony's Spider-Man Universe” (SSU) series.  The film focuses on a hunter of men and his complex relationship with his father, a ruthless Russian crime lord, which starts him down the path to becoming the greatest hunter of men in the world.

Kraven the Hunter opens in Northern Russia at a prison.  Of particular interest is Prisoner #0864, but soon, prison security and imprisoned Russian gangster, Semyon Chorney (Yuri Kolokolnikov), will learn that this prisoner is really a legendary assassin known as “The Hunter.”  Who is “The Hunter?”

He is really Sergei Kravinoff (Aaron Taylor-Johnson), the elder son of brutal Russian crime lord, Nikolai Kravinoff (Russell Crowe).  Sixteen years before The Hunter killed Chorney, Nikolai took Sergei and his younger son, Dmitri, on a hunting expedition in Northern Ghana.  A terrible accident leaves Sergei near death until a local young woman intervenes in a manner that changes Sergei in ways he never imagined.

In the present day, Sergei goes by the name “Kraven.”  His activities as “The Hunter” have earned him the ire of many criminals.  Kraven has a kill-list, and once someone is on it, they don't get off until he kills them.  Kraven reunites with Calypso (Ariana DeBose), the young woman who saved him sixteen years earlier.  Now, an adult, Calypso is an attorney, and Kraven asks her to assist him in his activities as “The Hunter” by finding information on his targets.

However, Kraven himself is now being hunted.  Wannabe Russian crime boss, Aleksei Sytsevich (Alessandro Nivola), and his ally, “The Foreigner” (Christopher Abbott), have targeted Kraven's brother, Dmitri (Fred Hechinger), now an adult, as a way to trap their prey.  Kraven will have to prove to his enemies that he is indeed the world's greatest hunter and also its most dangerous apex predator.

Kraven the Hunter is sixth film in “Sony's Spider-Man Universe” line of films.  It follows Venom (2018), Venom: Let There Be Carnage (2021), Morbius (2022), Madame Web (2024), and the recently release, Venom: The Last Dance (2024).  This film series stars characters and properties commonly associated with Marvel Comics' character, Spider-Man.  Sadly, media reports indicate that Kraven the Hunter will be the last entry in Sony's Spider-Man Universe, and that's a shame because Kraven the Hunter deserves a sequel.

Most movie actors could not have saved Kraven the Hunter, if it did indeed need saving, as industry and fan gossip indicated.  If we accept those arguments, dear readers, that Kraven the Hunter needed saving, then Aaron Taylor-Johnson is indeed this film's savior.  Taylor-Johnson is a talented young actor, and he can certainly portray the tough-guy hero or antihero in a way that seems genuine, if not outright real.

Without Taylor-Johnson, I think Kraven the Hunter would still be a really entertaining film.  The screenplay, regardless of whatever number of writers contributed to it, intrigued me.  Director J.C. Chandor deftly weaves the film's story across continents and through shifts in plot that keeps things so interesting and involved that I didn't have time to search for plot holes and inconsistencies.  Also, Russell Crowe as Nikolai Kravinoff makes his scenes with Taylor-Johnson's Kraven feel ultra edgy and especially dangerous.

With Taylor-Johnson, however, Kraven the Hunter, is not only a really entertaining film, but it is also an exceptional superhero spin-off comic book film.  As comic book and superhero movies go, Kraven the Hunter is kind of like a B-movie or, at least, a B-list film, but you, dear readers, don't have to be a comic book fan to enjoy the film or its star.  As Kraven, Taylor-Johnson has such animal magnetism; I wanted to see him be in action-mode and be violent.  Taylor-Johnson has true movie star qualities, such as charisma and presence, and girl, the camera absolutely loves him.  Seriously, Taylor-Johnson carries Kraven the Hunter past what most other actors would have done – all the way to whatever kind of cinematic glory a Spider-Man-adjacent film can have.

Marvel Comics fans will likely enjoy the fact that several Spider-Man-related characters appear in the film, some of them surprisingly so.  Still, this film is about Kraven the Hunter, and Aaron Taylor-Johnson makes every subplot, setting, and the other character bow down to his “king of the jungle” performance.  Kraven the Hunter is good, surprisingly and shockingly good, because its leading man knows how to be a beast.

A
★★★★ out of 4 stars

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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Friday, August 23, 2024

Titan Publishing Comics, Magazine and Book Solicitations for October 2024

TITAN COMICS OCT 2024 SOLICITS (AUG 2024 PREVIEWS)

COMICS

RUNESCAPE: UNTOLD TALES OF THE GOD WARS #1 (of 4)
(W) Ryan O'Sullivan
(A) Sid Kotian, Daniel Bayliss
Format: Comic
Publisher: Titan Comics
FC, 48pp, $4.99, On Sale October 9, 2024

THE COMIC DEBUT OF SEMINAL FANTASY MMORPG RUNESCAPE EXPANDS ON THE FAN-FAVORITE GOD WARS DUNGEON QUESTLINE. 

Delve into the TEMPLE OF LOST ANCIENTS during the catastrophic and iconic  GOD WARS, as four warring armies fight for control of the GODSWORD: the only weapon capable of killing a deity. Trapped in the center of the conflict is MARO, who dreams of breaking free of his master's clutches...

Exclusive code for 200 RuneCoins inside the issue. 

COVER A: ALAN QUAH
COVER B: IVAN SHAVRIN
COVER C: DAVE BARKER (RUNESCAPE LEAD CONCEPT ARTIST)
COVER D: SID KOTIAN
COVER E: ALEX MOORE

MINKY WOODCOCK: THE GIRL CALLED CTHULHU #1 (OF 4)
(W/A) Cynthia von Buhler 
Format: Comic
Publisher: Hard Case Crime / Titan Comics 
FC, 32pp, $3.99, On Sale October 16, 2024

THE PLUCKY DETECTIVE RETURNS WITH AN OCCULT HORROR TWIST! Sensational artist, author, and playwright, CYNTHIA VON BUHLER melds her glorious illustrations with the eldritch elements of HP LOVECRAFT and ALEISTER CROWLEY.

Inspired by a true WWII maritime operation, shocking satanic events, monstrous men, and one salacious sea creature, this third series tells the tale of Minky’s encounter with legendary horror writer H.P. LOVECRAFT, creator of the dreaded CTHULHU.

COVER A: CELINA
COVER B: PHOTO
COVER C: CYNTHIA VON BUHLER
COVER D: CLAUDIA IANNICIELLO NUDE BAGGED ($13.99)
COVER E: ALISON SAMPSON 

CONAN THE BARBARIAN: BATTLE OF THE BLACK STONE #2 (OF 4)
(W) Jim Zub
(A) Jonas Scharf
Format: Comic
Publisher: Heroic Signatures and Titan Comics
FC, 32pp, $3.99, On Sale October 2, 2024

CONAN OF CIMMERIA IS HAUNTED BY SHADOWS, LIVING NIGHTMARES CONNECTED TO A MYSTERIOUS EYE SYMBOL ETCHED IN BLACK STONE. 

An unspeakable evil looms over the Hyborian Age and every age connected to it... and it will take more than a lone barbarian to stop its relentless march upon time, space, and sanity.

BATTLE OF THE BLACK STONE, an epic new CONAN EVENT from Heroic Signatures and Titan Comics, begins HERE, from Jim Zub (Conan the Barbarian, Dungeons & Dragons) and artist Jonas Scharf (Dark X-Men, Basilisk)!

COVER A: ROBERTO DE LA TORRE
COVER B: NICK MARINKOVICH
COVER C: PATCH ZIRCHER
COVER D: MAX VON FAFNER

CONAN: THE BARBARIAN #16 (ONGOING)
(W) Jim Zub
(A) Doug Braithwaite 
Format: Comic
Publisher: Heroic Signatures and Titan Comics
FC, 32pp, $3.99, On Sale October 30, 2024

AFTER LEAVING CIMMERIA FILLED WITH WANDERLUST, A YOUNG CONAN HEADS NORTH IN SEARCH OF GLORY. 

What he finds in that cold climate will change his outlook forever, setting him on the path that will make him a LEGEND.

The triumphant new era of Conan continues in this tale of brutal heroic adventure from acclaimed creators JIM ZUB (Avengers, Dungeons & Dragons) and DOUG BRAITHWAITE (Punisher, Justice)!

COVER A: COLLEEN DORAN
COVER B: JAKUB ROZALSKI
COVER C: DOUG BRAITHWAITE

THE SAVAGE SWORD OF CONAN #5 (ONGOING)
(W) Jason Aaron, Michael Kogge 
(A) Geof Isherwood, Dan Parsons 
Format: Magazine
Publisher: Heroic Signatures & Titan Comics
B&W, 64pp, $6.99, On Sale October 30, 2024

A NEW KING CONAN ARC BEGINS BY JASON AARON! THE SAVAGE SWORD OF CONAN CONTINUES ITS TRIUMPHANT RETURN FROM HEROIC SIGNATURES AND TITAN COMICS!

Featuring the first chapter of an epic KING CONAN two-part comic from Eisner Award-winning writer JASON AARON and artist GEOF ISHERWOOD, a YOUNG CONAN tale from writer MICHAEL KOGGE and artist DAN PARSONS, colossal covers from JOE JUSKO and ALEX HORLEY, astonishing art pin-ups, and more!

COVER A: JOE JUSKO
COVER B: ALEX HORLEY

CONAN THE BARBARIAN #13-16 DOUG BRAITHWAITE PACK
(W) Jim Zub
(A) Doug Braithwaite
Format: Comic
Publisher: Heroic Signatures and Titan Comics

FC, 5 x 32pp, $19.99, On Sale December 4, 2024

AN UNMISSABLE SPECIAL COLLECTOR'S PACK!

COLLECTS ISSUE #13-16 - Features a bonus #13 DOUG BRAITHWAITE exclusive to this pack! LIMITED TO 750 COPIES!

BLADE RUNNER: TOKYO NEXUS #4 (OF 4) 
(W) Kianna Shore 
(A) Mariano Taibo 
Format: Comic
Publisher: Titan Comics
FC, 32pp, $3.99, On Sale October 23, 2024 

TOKYO 2015: TWO KALANTHIA SURVIVORS FIGHT FOR THEIR LIVES IN A WORLD WHERE BLADE RUNNERS ARE THE LEAST OF THEIR PROBLEMS 
Following a failed mission Off-World, the only two survivors of a combat squad, ex-marine Mead and Replicant combat model Stix, have returned to Tokyo to search for the traitor who left them to die. 

Now working as unlicensed detectives while hunting their betrayer, Stix and Mead find themselves in the middle of a deadly conflict between rival Yakuza clans, Tyrell Corp special operatives, and Cheshire, an enigmatic rival to Tyrell with its own version of Replicant technology. 

COVER A: JAKUB REBELKA 
COVER B: ANGELA WU 
COVER C: MARIANO TAIBO 

HUGE DETECTIVE #3 (OF 4) 
(W) Adam Rose 
(A) Magenta King 
Format: Comic
Publisher: Titan Comics
FC, 32pp, $3.99, On Sale October 2, 2024 

After a race of giants emerged from deep sleep beneath the earth, a bloody conflict ensued in what became known as THE OMEGA EVENT. Eventually, a treaty is resolved and the state of Brobdingnag is created, allowing humans and giants to co-exist harmoniously. 

Yet tragedy threatens to shatter the peace, and an unlikely partnership is formed between DETECTIVES TAMAKI AND GYANT. 
As the pair attempt to stop the criminal AT LARGE, they find themselves involved in a mystery BIGGER than either could imagine. 
 
COVER A: BRUNO SELIG 
COVER B: MAGENTA KING 
COVER C: MARCELO COSTA 

BLADE RUNNER: TOKYO NEXUS #1-4 MARIANO TAIBO PACK
(W) Kianna Shore
(A) Mariano Taibo
Format: Comic
Publisher: Titan Comics
FC, 5x32pp, $19.99, On Sale November 13, 2024 

AN UNMISSABLE SPECIAL COLLECTOR'S PACK! COLLECTS ISSUE #1-4. Features a bonus #1 BLACK AND WHITE VIRGIN VARIANT exclusive to this pack! LIMITED TO 500 COPIES!


GRAPHIC NOVELS/OMNIBUS

KING CONAN: THE ORIGINAL COMICS OMNIBUS VOL. 1
(W) Roy Thomas, Doug Moench and Alan Zelenetz 
(A) John Buscema and Marc Silvestri 
Format: Omnibus
Publisher: Heroic Signatures and Titan Comics
HC, 7.25" x 10.875", 776pp, $125.00,  On Sale February 5, 2025 

CONAN THE BARBARIAN, THE THIEF, THE MERCENARY, AND NOW… CONAN THE KING! 

From the battlefield to the throne room, from barbarian to legendary monarch, the timeless saga of Conan reaches the era when he became KING! Collecting issues #1-19 of King Conan (1980-1983). 

REGULAR: JOHN BUSCEMA 
DM COVER: MARC SILVESTRI 

DOCTOR WHO: THE FIFTEENTH DOCTOR TP 
(W) Dan Watters
(A) Kelsey Ramsay
Format: Graphic novel
Publisher: Titan Comics
FC, 128pp, $17.99, On Sale March 19, 2025

ENTER A NEW AGE OF THE WHONIVERSE WITH AN INCREDIBLE ADVENTURE STARRING THE FIFTEENTH DOCTOR!

THE FIFTEENTH DOCTOR and RUBY are just starting out on their adventures together and it’s going to be an exhilarating ride!

With a new sonic screwdriver, a new TARDIS and a new companion, the Doctor is ready to explore all of time and space once more. But is he ready to face his greatest fears…?

COVER: STANLEY 'ARTGERM' LAU

HIGH ON LIFE TP 
(W) Alec Robbins 
(A) Kit Wallis, JP Jordan 
Format: Graphic novel
Publisher: Titan Comics
FC, 112pp, $17.99, On Sale January 15, 2025 

NEW GUN. NEW THREATS. THE BOUNTY HUNTER IS BACK. 

A tale of REDEMPTION, REVENGE, and the LOST LOVE between sentient alien guns against the backdrop of gooey galactic hilarity.  Set between the events of the video game and its latest HIGH ON KNIFE DLC, the BOUNTY HUNTER - with new gatlian HARPER in hand - must step up to save humanity as a new enemy guns directly for our hero. 

COVER: BALDEMAR RIVAS 

MARTIN SCORSESE 
(W/A) Amazing Amèziane 
SC, FC, 384pp, $29.99, On Sale November 13, 2024 

BASED ON THE LIVES AND FILMS OF ACCLAIMED CINEMA ICONS, THIS BOOK FOCUSES ON THE LEGENDARY DIRECTOR MARTIN SCORSESE OF GOODFELLAS FAME. 

In this first-person graphic novel, MARTIN SCORSESE, totally possessed by his love of cinema, tells the story of the journey of the asthmatic little boy from Little Italy who went on to become one of the world's greatest directors 

GIRL REBELS 
(W) Laurent Hopman, Fabien Morin, Julien Derain 
(A) Gijé, Brett Parson, Jocelyn Joret, Rebecca Traunig, Vittoria Macioci 
Format: Graphic novel
Publisher: Titan Comics
FC, HC, 144pp, $19.99, On Sale December 11, 2024 

FOLLOW THE STORIES OF INCREDIBLE WOMEN IN MODERN HISTORY, INCLUDING 
GRETA THUNBERG, EMMA ‘X’ GONZALEZ AND MALALA YOUSAFZAI AMONG OTHERS. 

Beautifully illustrated by a diverse, international creative team, fans of extraordinary real-life stories will love this! 


MS.TREE FALLEN TREE
(W) Max Allan Collins
(A) Terry Beatty
Format: Graphic novel 
Publisher: Hard Case Crime / Titan Comics 
SC, FC, 224pp, $34.99, On Sale November 13, 2024

THE SIXTH SENSATIONAL INSTALLMENT IN THE HARD CASE CRIME BOOKS OF MS. TREE!

Join Michael Tree, the 6ft, 9mm carrying private detective on her thrilling adventures. No case is too small, no violence too extreme, just as long as it gets the job done.

PEANUTS: YOU'RE THE GREATEST CHARLIE BROWN 
(W/A) Charles M. Schulz
Format: Graphic novel
Publisher: Titan Comics 
B&W, SC, 128pp, $7.99, On Sale November 20, 2024 

THIS TIMELESS CLASSIC COMIC STRIP IS BELOVED BY FANS OF ALL AGES, AND CONTINUES TO FIND NEW FANS ALIKE. 

The latest edition in the hugely popular PEANUTS FACSIMILE series sees the release of the 16th volume in the series, FEATURING 126 PAGES OF CLASSIC PEANUTS daily newspaper strips from 1963 and 1964. 

PEANUTS BOXED SET: PEANUTS REVISITED, PEANUTS EVERY SUNDAY, GOOD GRIEF MORE PEANUTS
(W/A) Charles M. Schulz
Format: Graphic novel
Publisher: Titan Comics 
B&W, BS, 384pp, $24.99, On Sale September 4, 2024 

THE SECOND CLASSIC PEANUTS COLLECTION! A timeless classic comic strip beloved by fans of all ages! Over pages of classic PEANUTS DAILY AND SUNDAY NEWSPAPER comic strips to enjoy. INCLUDES THREE ART CARDS!

MICHAEL MOORCOCK'S ELRIC VOL. 4: THE DREAMING CITY DELUXE EDITION
(W) Michael Moorcock, Julien Blondel & Jean-Luc Cano 
(A) Julien Telo & Robin Recht
Format: Graphic novel
Publisher: Titan Comics
FC, HC, 80pp, $29.99, On Sale October 23, 2024

A STUNNING COMIC ADAPTATION OF THE CLASSIC ELRIC OF MELNIBONÉ NOVELS BY FANTASY LEGEND MICHAEL MOORCOCK!

Collected in a super-sized deluxe edition, this final volume concludes the first cycle of Elric stories with a dramatic showdown against his lost love Cymoril

MANGA

ALPI THE SOUL SENDER VOL. 5
(W/A) Rona
Format: Manga
Publisher: Titan Manga
B&W, SC, 176pp, $12.99, On Sale November 6, 2025

AFTER A DEADLY ENCOUNTER, THE YOUNG SOUL SENDER STRIKES BACK OUT INTO THE WORLD

When Ashmarte the curator turns out not to be the ally Alpi thought him to be, she is left with an enemy for life. 

Striking back out into the world, the young Soul Sender goes back to what she does best, but this time with new allies to help organize the sacred rites!

SOMALI AND THE FOREST SPIRIT VOL.1
(W/A) Yako Gureishi
Format: Manga
Publisher: Titan Manga
B&W, SC, 192pp, $12.99, On Sale November 13, 2024

ADAPTED INTO A HIT ANIME! AIRING ON CRUNCHYROLL

THE WORLD IS RULED BY GOBLINS, SPIRITS, GOLEMS, AND ALL TYPES OF STRANGE CREATURES… BUT NOT HUMANS

When a golem, a guardian of the forest, chances across a young girl lost in the woods, he vows to take care of her… despite his life coming to an end. He must find other humans for her to live with, but in a world that despises them, is that even possible?

THE ELEGANT COURTLY LIFE OF THE TEA WITCH VOL.1 
(W) Ameko Kaerudo 
(A) Yorifuji 
Format: Manga
Publisher: Titan Manga
B&W, SC, 192pp, $12.99, On Sale November 27, 2024 

THE STORY OF REMY, THE LOWLY TEA WITCH, USING HER MAGIC TO BREW THE FINEST CUP OF TEA FOR THE NOBLE LORDS AND LADIES! 

All she really wants is a quiet life creating gorgeous displays for shop window. However, she is slowly drawn into a world of intrigue as her incredible powers of transformation make her the gossip of the court and the object of affection for a naïve princess 

SPEED GRAPHER VOL 3
(W/A) Tomozo
Format: Manga
Publisher: Titan Manga
B&W, SC, 192pp, $12.99, On Sale February 19, 2025

DIVE INTO THE CHAOS OF A NEAR-FUTURE WORLD! 

In this gripping culmination of terrors and action, Saiga and Kagura’s race against time heats up, with the Roppongi Club hot on their heels. Their investigation leads them down a frightening path, as they unravel the secrets of Kagura’s mother’s past, and delve into the mystery of her father’s identity. 

CORRUPTION, SUPERNATURAL SECRETS, AND DEVASTATING BATTLES COLLIDE IN TOMOZO’S EPIC ENDING TO THE SPEED GRAPHER TRILOGY!

ADAPTED FROM THE HIT GONZO ANIME  OF THE SAME NAME! 

MY NAME IS ZERO VOL 2
(W/A) Hana Shinohara
Format: Manga
Publisher: Titan Manga
B&W, SC, 192pp, $12.99, On Sale October 23, 2024

THE SECOND VOLUME IN AN EPIC MANGA ABOUT LIFE AND DEATH! Kanazaki Rei is an avid gamer, but his debts are mounting up as the expensive medical treatments for his sister don’t come cheap. In a fit of desperation, he follows a link in a mysterious email promising help, only to find himself transported into the dangerous world of his favorite videogame! 

MAGAZINES

STAR WARS INSIDER #228
Format: Magazine
Publisher: Titan
SC, 84pp, $9.99, On Sale October 16, 2024 

FEATURING: THE MANDALORIAN: FIFTH ANNIVERSARY -INSIDER explores how the hit Disney+ series has been filling in the history of the Star Wars galaxy between the original and sequel trilogies and resolving long-standing plotlines along the way.

PHANTOMS OF THE SPACE OPERA - From Darth Vader's Frankenstein body horror to the Shakespearean Witches of Dathomir, INSIDER investigates the spookier side of Star Wars characters and locations.

THE BAD BATCH: SEASON THREE COMPANION - With behind-the-scenes trivia! AND MORE!

COVER: GLOW IN THE DARK ($19.99)
COVER: NEWSSTAND
COVER: PX ED

STAR TREK EXPLORER #13
Format: Magazine
Publisher: Titan
SC, 100pp, $9.99, On Sale October 8, 2024

STAR TREK SECURITY SPECIAL- We celebrate the brave souls who've done more to keep Starfleet safe than any others! AN EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH JONATHAN FRAKES- Star Trek's very own William Riker chats about his behind-the- scenes work as a director. 

THE KELVIN MOVIES- A definitive guide!

COVER: EXCLUSIVE
COVER: NEWSSTAND

ARTBOOKS & NOVELS

STAR WARS INSIDER: THE HIGH REPUBLIC: STARLIGHT STORIES DIGEST EDITION
(W) Justina Irealand, Cavan Scott, Charles Soule 
Format: Digest
Publisher: Titan
SC, 96pp, $12.99, On Sale October 16, 2024

EXPERIENCE THE GALAXY CENTURIES BEFORE THE STRUGGLE OF THE REBEL ALLIANCE AGAINST THE GALACTIC EMPIRE!

A compendium of short stories from the High Republic era, collected from the pages of STAR WARS INSIDER in a new digest-sized edition! Characters such as Joss and Pikka Adren, Chief of Security Ghal Tarpfen, Administrator Velko Jahen, and Jedi Master Sskeer feature in a variety of tales aboard STARLIGHT BEACON.


MARVEL STUDIOS' THE INFINITY SAGA THOR: THE DARK WORLD – THE ART OF THE MOVIE 
Format: Book
Publisher: Titan Books
HC, FC, 278pp, $40.00, On Sale September 18, 2024 

THE OFFICIAL ART BOOK FOR THE MARVEL MOVIE THOR: THE DARK WORLD 
Packed with exclusive content, this fully illustrated tome is a comprehensive behind-the-scenes look at the creative process of bringing a god and his worlds to life on the big screen. 

Follow the film’s complete artistic evolution, featuring concept artwork, behind-the-scenes photographs, production stills and in-depth interviews with the cast and crew. 

MARVEL STUDIOS' THE INFINITY SAGA CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE WINTER SOLDIER - THE ART OF THE MOVIE 
Format: Book
Publisher: Titan Books
HC, FC, 238pp, $40.00, On Sale October 30, 2024 

THE OFFICIAL ART BOOK FOR THE MARVEL MOVIE CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE WINTER SOLDIER 

Follow the artistic evolution of MARVEL STUDIOS' CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE WINTER SOLDIER from a selection of concept designs for characters and costumes, to behind-the-scenes insights into the  making of the movie. 

LOKI: JOURNEY INTO MYSTERY PROSE NOVEL
(W) Katherine Locke
Format: Book
Publisher: Titan Books
SC, 336pp, $17.99, On Sale October 2, 2024
THE GOD OF LIES HAS BEEN REBORN. CAN YOUNG LOKI BE ASGARD'S SAVIOR?

This truly epic adaptation of Kieron Gillen’s Loki series spans the nine realms as the reborn trickster struggles to walk the hero’s path and save the universe from an epidemic of fear.

THE FANTASY WORLDS OF IRWIN ALLEN
(W) Jeff Bond
Format: Book
Publisher: Titan Books
HC, 612pp, $89.99, On Sale October 16, 2024 
TAKE A VISUAL JOURNEY THROUGH THE MIND AND CAREER OF THE MASTER OF DISASTER, PRODUCER OF THE POSEIDON ADVENTURE AND THE TOWERING INFERNO, ILLUSTRATED WITH OVER 2,000 EXCLUSIVE IMAGES.

The ultimate guide to the productions of Irwin Allen, legendary creator of Lost in Space, Land of the Giants, Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea, and The Time Tunnel. 

STAR TREK EXPLORER: A YEAR TO THE DAY THAT I SAW MYSELF DIE AND OTHER STORIES
(W) Walter Koenig, Una McCormack, Jake Black, David Mack and Greg Cox
Format: Book
Publisher: Titan
HC, 96pp, $24.99, On Sale November 13, 2024
EXPLORE THE STAR TREK UNIVERSE IN THIS ANTHOLOGY OF 14 FULLY ILLUSTRATED SHORT STORIES COLLECTED FOR THE FIRST TIME! 

Includes an adventure written by Walter Koenig , who played Pavel Chekov in the original classic series and seven feature films. Also featuring stories by Una McCormack, Greg Cox and Chris McAuley. 
This incredible collection features stories starring iconic characters from Star Trek series including Star Trek: The Original Series, Star Trek: The Next Generation, Star Trek: Voyager, and Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. 

GODZILLA: THE OFFICIAL COOKBOOK 
(W) Kayce Baker 
Format: Book
Publisher: Titan Books
FC, HC, 160pp, $34.95, On Sale October 30, 2024

GET READY TO UNLEASH THE CULINARY POWER OF MONSTROUS FLAVORS WITH GODZILLA: THE OFFICIAL COOKBOOK! 

The official cookbook inspired by the Toho Godzilla movies and creatures, featuring a wide variety of fun, kaiju-themed food and drink recipes to suit all tastes and skill levels, including the scrumptious Guaczilla, the delicious Gigan’s Wings and the awesome Mechagodzilla Head cake! 

Embark on a gastronomic journey like never before, exploring a menu as vast as the Pacific Ocean. From fiery drinks that erupt with flavor to starters that capture the essence of destruction, every recipe is crafted to unleash your inner food monster. 

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Monday, July 29, 2024

Marvel Comics from Diamond Distributors for July 31, 2024

MARVEL COMICS

MAY240732 AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #54 $4.99
MAR247118 AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #54 50 COPY INCV DELLOTTO CONNECTING VIR $4.99
MAY240733 AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #54 DEADPOOL KILLS MARVEL UNIVERSE VAR $4.99
MAY240734 AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #54 FEDERICA MANCIN VAR $4.99
MAR247115 AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #54 GABRIELE DELL OTTO CONNECTING VAR $4.99
MAY240780 ANNIHILATION 2099 #5 $3.99
MAY240781 ANNIHILATION 2099 #5 KEN LASHLEY 2099 FRAME VAR $3.99
MAY240696 BLACK WIDOW VENOMOUS #1 $4.99
MAY240698 BLACK WIDOW VENOMOUS #1 DEADPOOL KILLS THE MARVEL UNIV VAR $4.99
MAY240700 BLACK WIDOW VENOMOUS #1 DERRICK CHEW BLACK WIDOW VAR $4.99
MAY240699 BLACK WIDOW VENOMOUS #1 INHYUK LEE VAR $4.99
MAY240649 BLOOD HUNT #5 $5.99
MAY240656 BLOOD HUNT #5 DAVID BALDEON FANGS VAR $5.99
MAY240654 BLOOD HUNT #5 MAHMUD ASRAR VAR $5.99
MAY240653 BLOOD HUNT #5 PEACH MOMOKO VAR $5.99
MAY240657 BLOOD HUNT RED BAND #5 $6.99
MAY240813 CAPTAIN MARVEL #10 $3.99
MAY240814 CAPTAIN MARVEL #10 CORIN HOWELL VAR $3.99
MAY240815 CAPTAIN MARVEL #10 DEADPOOL KILLS MARVEL UNIVERSE VAR $3.99
MAY247263 DEADPOOL WOLVERINE WWIII #2 2ND PTG ADAM KUBER VAR $4.99
APR240871 DOCTOR STRANGE BY MARK WAID TP VOL 02 $44.99
APR240878 DRACULA TP $24.99
MAY240689 FANTASTIC FOUR #22 $3.99
MAY240692 FANTASTIC FOUR #22 DEADPOOL WOLVERINE WEAPON X-TRACTION VAR $3.99
MAY240691 FANTASTIC FOUR #22 SERGIO DAVILA VAR $3.99
MAY240690 FANTASTIC FOUR #22 YOUNG DEADPOOL KILLS MARVEL UNIVERSE VAR $3.99
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