Showing posts with label Masamune Shirow. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Masamune Shirow. Show all posts

Thursday, April 30, 2026

I Reads You Juniors: April 2026 - UPDATE #40

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

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

NEWS:

EN MEMORIAM - From Marvel:  Comic book writer and editor, Gerry Conway, has died at the age of 73.  Conway is best known for co-creating such Marvel Comics characters as "The Punisher," "Ben Reilly" (The Spider-Man clone), and the first "Ms. Marvel" (Carol Danvers).  For DC Comics, Conway created "Firestorm," "Jason Todd,/Robin," "Killer Croc," and Power Girl, to name just a few of the many DC characters he created.  Conway also wrote the first modern day intercompany crossover, "Superman vs. the Amazing Spider-Man" (March 1976). He also briefly served as Marvel's "Editor-in-Chief."  Conway was also a prolific television writer, and served as writer-producer on the NBC's "Law & Order" franchise from 1999 to 2006.

From BleedingCool:  Comic book writer and healthcare journalist and professional, Lew Strazewski, has died at the age of 71, Monday, April 27, 2026.  Stazewski is best known for his comic book writing for several publishers, most specifically DC Comics and Malibu.  He wrote The Flash, JSA, and Starman for DC Comics.  Strazewski was one of the architects of Malibu Comics' "Ultraverse," where he co-created "Prime" and "Prototype."
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AWARDS - From ECBACCECBACC - the "East Coast Black Age of Comics Convention" has announced the nominations for the "Glyph Comics Award 2026" in nine categories. The winners will be announced Saturday, May 9, 2026, which is a week before ECBACC 2026 takes place Saturday, May 16, 2026.

DC COMICS - From DCBlog:  Writer Tom Taylor talks about his current stint on "Detective Comics" and on "C.O.R.T.: Children of the Round Table" with artist/co-creator, Daniele Di Nicuolo.

DC STUDIOS - From DeadlineDC Studios has released the first official teaser trailer for the body-horror film, "Clayface," which features the classic Batman villain.  Tom Rhys Harries stars as "Matt Hagen/Clayface."  Oscar-nominee Naomi Ackie and Max Minghhella also star in the film.  The film is due October 23, 2026.

From WorldofReel:  Sexy actor, Charles Dance, has been cast as "Christopher Dent" in "The Batman II," which is apparently due in late 2027.
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MARVEL - From BleedingCool:  New Disney CEO Josh D'Amaro has initiated a round of layoffs at Disney that have cost 1000 employees their jobs.  This also effects Marvel Studios and Marvel Comics, and Rich Johnston of "Bleeding Cool" talked to someone at Marvel about it.

From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics undergoes layoffs, as part of the larger layoffs at Disney that has seen 1000 people let go.  Marvel Comics senior editors:  Lauren Bisom, Devin Lewis, and Darren Shan are among those let go this week.  Timothy Cheng, Marvel's Executive Director of Communications, is also leaving after years with Marvel.

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EC COMICS - From Fangoria:  The streaming service, Shudder, will begin streaming all seven seasons of HBO's horror anthology television series, "Tales from the Crypt" (1989-96), beginning May 1st, 2026.  The series was based on the EC Comics anthology series, "Tales from the Crypt" (1950-55), which was created by EC publisher, William Gaines, and writer-artist-editor, Al Feldstein.  Gaines and TV writer, Steven Dodd, created the HBO series. 

DC STUDIOS - From WorldofReel:  This summer's "Supergirl" film has already gone through eight test screenings and numerous changes. So far, the word is that reaction about the film has been mixed.

DC COMICS/MARVEL - From DCBlog:  Writer CRC Payne talks about his work on "DC/Marvel: Supergirl/Blade."

From BleedingCool:  The DC Comics/Marvel crossover digital comics, "DC/Marvel: Supergirl/Blade #1" will be available for free on the "DC Go" app at "DC Infinite Universe" tomorrow (April 8th. 2026).

From BleedingCool:  DC Comics' "Supergirl" and Marvel Comics' "Blade" will team up on a digital-first comic book available at the "DC Infinite Universe" platform later this year (2026).  It will then be collected in print in a collection of DC/Marvel crossover comic books that will be available in trade paperback and hardcover editions.
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MANGA TO ANIME - From GhostintheShellBandai Namco Filmworks has released a new teaser trailer for its upcoming anime series, "The Ghost in the Shell," which you can see at YouTube.  It is a new adaptation of the original manga, "Ghost in the Shell," by Masamune Shirow.  Also released was a new key visual, featuring "Major Motoko Kusanagi," and the walking tank, "Fuchikoma." Animated by Science Saru, this anime series will premiere on Amazon Prime Video in July.

EN MEMORIAM - From ComicsBeat:  Belgian cartoonist, Hermann Huppen (best known by his penname, "Hermann"), has died at the age of 87, Sunday, March 22, 2026.  Hermann was best known for his science fiction comic book series, "Jeremiah," which was serialized in several European comics magazines, including the Serbian "Strip art" and France's "Metal Hurlant," from 1979 to the present.  "Jeremiah" was loosely adapted into the "Showtime" sci-fi television series, "Jeremiah."

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MARCH 2026 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From BleedingCool:  Ahoy Comics for March 2026
From BleedingCool:  Antarctic Press for March 2026
From BleedingCool:  Archie Comics for March 2026
From BleedingCool:  AWA Studios for March 2026
From BleedingCool:  Bad Idea for March 2026
From BleedingCool:  BOOM! Studios for March 2026
From BleedingCool:  DC Comics for March 2026
From BleedingCool:  Dynamite Entertainment for March 2026
From BleedingCool:  Fantagraphics Books for March 2026
From BleedingCool:  Hermes Press for March 2026
From BleedingCool:  IDW Publishing for March 2026
From BleedingCool:  Ignition Press for March 2026
From BleedingCool:  Image Comics for March 2026
From BleedingCool:  Image Comics' "Energon Universe" for March 2026
From BleedingCool:  Image Comics' " Spawn Universe" titles for March 2026
From BleedingCool:  Keenspot Entertainment for March 2026
From BleedingCool:  The Lab for March 2026
From BleedingCool:  Mad Cave Studios for March 2026
From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics for March 2026
From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics' "Armageddon" titles for March 2026
From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics' "Death Spiral" titles for March 2026
From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics' "Ultimate Comics" titles for March 2026
From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics' "X-Men" titles for March 2026
From BleedingCool:  Massive Publishing for March 2026
From BleedingCool:  Midnight Factory titles for March 2026
From BleedingCool:  Oni Press for March 2026
From BleedingCool:  Oni Press "Absolute Archie Comics" titles for March 2026
From BleedingCool:  Prana for March 2026
From BleedingCool:  SHP Comics for March 2026
From BleedingCool:  Titan Comics for March 2026
From BleedingCool:  Udon Studios for March 2026
From BleedingCool:  Valiant Comics for March 2026
From BleedingCool:  Vault Comics for March 2026

APRIL 2026 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From BleedingCool:  Antarctic Press for April 2026
From BleedingCool:  Archie Comics for April 2026
From BleedingCool:  Bad Idea Comics for April 2026
From BleedingCool:  BOOM! Studios for April 2026
From BleedingCool:  Dark Horse Comics for April 2026
From BleedingCool:  DC Comics for April 2026
From BleedingCool:  DC Comics "Superman" titles for April 2026
From BleedingCool:  Drawn & Quarterly for April 2026
From BleedingCool:  Dynamite Entertainment for April 2026
From BleedingCool:  Fantagraphics Books for April 2026
From BleedingCool:  HarperCollins for April 2026
From BleedingCool:  Heavy Metal for April 2026
From BleedingCool:  IDW Publishing for April 2026
From BleedingCool:  Keenspot Entertainment for April 2026
From BleedingCool:  Mad Cave Studios for April 2026
From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics for April 2026
From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics' "Spider-Man" and "Venom" titles for April 2026
From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics' "X-Men" titles for April 2026
From BleedingCool:  Oni Press for April 2026
From BleedingCool:  Image Comics for April 2026
From BleedingCool:  Image Comics' "Energon" titles for April 2026
From BleedingCool:  Image Comics "Ghost Machine" titles for April 2026
From BleedingCool:  Invader Comics for April 2026
From BleedingCool:  Massive Publishing for April 2026
From BleedingCool:  Prana for April 2026
From BleedingCool:  Rebellion for April 2026
From BleedingCool:  Red 5 Comics for April 2026
From BleedingCool:  Udon Studios for April 2026
From BleedingCool:  Valiant Comics for April 2026
From BleedingCool:  Warrant Publishing Company for April 2026

MAY 2026 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From BleedingCool:  Antarctic Press for May 2026
From BleedingCool:  Bad Idea Comics for May 2026
From BleedingCool:  BOOM! Studios for May 2026
From BleedingCool:  Dark Horse Comics for May 2026
From BleedingCool:  DC Comics for May 2026
From BleedingCool:  Dynamite Entertainment for May 2026
From BleedingCool:  IDW Publishing for May 2026
From BleedingCool:  Ignition Press for May 2026
From BleedingCool:  Image Comics for May 2026
From BleedingCool:  Invader Comics for May 2026
From BleedingCool:  Drawn & Quarterly for May 2026
From BleedingCool:  Keenspot Entertainment for May 2026
From BleedingCool:  Mad Cave Studios for May 2026
From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics for May 2026
From BleedingCool:  Oni Press for May 2026
From BleedingCool:  Rebellion/2000 AD for May 2026
From BleedingCool:  Titan Comics for May 2026

JUNE 2026 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From BleedingCool:  Abrams for June 2026
From BleedingCool:  AMP Comics for June 2026
From BleedingCool:  Antarctic Press for June 2026
From BleedingCool:  Archie Comics for June 2026
From BleedingCool:  AWA Studios for June 2026
From BleedingCool:  Bad Idea Comics for June 2026
From BleedingCool:  BOOM! Studios for June 2026
From BleedingCool:  Dark Horse Comics for June 2026
From BleedingCool:  DC Comics for June 2026
From BleedingCool:  Devil's Due Studios for June 2026
From BleedingCool:  Drawn & Quarterly for June 2026
From BleedingCool:  Dynamite Entertainment for June 2026
From BleedingCool:  Fantagraphics for June 2026
From BleedingCool:  HarperCollins for June 2026
From BleedingCool:  Heavy Metal Magazines for June 2026
From BleedingCool:  Hoffman International and Warrant Publishing for June 2026
From BleedingCool:  IDW Publishing for June 2026
From BleedingCool:  Image Comics for June 2026
From BleedingCool:  Keenspot for June 2026
From BleedingCool:  Mad Cave Studios for June 2026
From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics for June 2026
From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics "Captain America" for June 2026
From BleedingCool:  Massive Selects for June 2026
From BleedingCool:  Midnight Factory for June 2026
From BleedingCool:  Oni Press for June 2026
From BleedingCool:  Rebellion/2000 AD for June 2026
From BleedingCool:  Red 5 Comics for June 2026
From BleedingCool:  Source Point Press for June 2026
From BleedingCool:  Titan Comics for June 2026

JULY 2026 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From BleedingCool:  Bad Idea for July 2026
From BleedingCool:  DC Comics for July 2026
From BleedingCool:  DC Comics "Absolute Batman #22" for July 2026
From BleedingCool:  DC Comics "Superman" for July 2026
From BleedingCool:  Dynamite Entertainment for July 2026
From BleedingCool:  Image Comics for July 2026
From BleedingCool:  Image Comics Todd McFarlane titles for July 2026
From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics for July 2026
From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics "Armageddon" for July 2026
From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics "Queen in Black" titles for July 2026
From BleedingCool:  Rebellion/2000 AD for July 2026
From BleedingCool:  Titan Comics for July 2026

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Thursday, April 2, 2026

#IReadsYou Anime Review: GHOST IN THE SHELL


Ghost in the Shell (1996) – U.S. English dub release

Running time:  83 minutes (1 hour, 23 minutes)
MPAA – R
DIRECTOR:  Mamoru Oshii
WRITER:  Kazunori Ito, based upon the graphic novel by Masamune Shirow
PRODUCERS:  Mitsuhisa Ishikawa, Ken Iyadomi, Ken Matsumoto, and Yoshimasa Mizuo
CINEMATOGRAPHER:  Hisao Shirai (D.o.P.)
EDITOR:  Shuichi Kakesu
COMPOSER:  Kenji Kawai

ANIME/SCI-FI/ACTION

Starring:  (English dub voices) Mimi Wood, Richard Epcar, Christopher Joyce, William Frederick, Ben Isaacson, Abe Lasser, and Hank Smith

Kokaku kidotai is a 1995 sci-fi, cyberpunk, and action-thriller anime film from director Mamoru Oshii.  It is best known by its English title, Ghost in the Shell.  This animated film is based on the manga, Ghost in the Shell, from creator, Masamune Shirow.  Ghost in the Shell the film follows a cyborg policewoman and her partner as they hunt a mysterious and powerful hacker called “the Puppet Master.”

Some aficionados consider the film, Ghost in the Shell, to be the second greatest anime (Japanese animation) film of all time behind the venerable Akira.  However, at the time of its release, Ghost in the Shell so stunned audiences with its futuristic look and dazzling blend of traditional and computer animation that some people considered it to be the future of anime and also the top achievement in the history of anime.

Ghost in the Shell opens in the year 2029.  A female cyborg cop, Major Motoko (Mimi Woods), and her partner, Batou (Richard Epcar), hunt a mysterious and powerful computer hacker called “The Puppet Master” (Abe Lasser).  In the year 2029, society is information driven, and humans are connected on a mass basis to an omnipresent interactive information network.

Sophisticated criminals are hacking into the network, so the government forms “Section 9,” which is led by powerfully advanced cyborgs like Motoko, who hunt the hackers.  But in order to discover the secrets of the Puppet Master, Motoko will have to unravel the secrets of “Project 2501.”

Ghost in the Shell's story can get a little confusing at times.  The writer of the manga upon which this movie is based put a lot of thought and research into his project.  The “ghost” of the title is a soul or psyche, and the “shell” of the title is the body of the cyborg.  I would suggest, dear readers, that you pay close attention and follow the dense social, political, and philosophical ideas of the film.  In fact, this Ghost in the Shell anime was one of the smarter, science fiction movies of its time, granted that it does occasionally get ahead of itself and spews too many ideas.

As good as the story and script are, the grand achievement of this film is its animation.  Anime filmmakers have been ahead of everyone else in animating the human figure in a dramatic context.  No one really approaches the grace and the artistry of movement in the animated humans in Disney film, but Japanese animators have done excellent work in creating animated figures that move with fantastic bursts of energy during action sequences that depict sword duels, gunfights, martial arts and hand to hand combat, and wielding great arcs of eldritch and magical energy.

The quality of Ghost in the Shell’s car chases and gunfights rival those found in big, budget live action films, which makes this film feel bracing and invigorating.  The beauty of both the hand rendered animation and computer animation totally captures the power of action and movement.  Ghost in the Shell is explosive eye candy; imagine the artistry of Disney matched with the intensity of a James Cameron action flick.

Fans of anime and of science fiction love this film, but it is something special,  So it should be enjoyed by people who love film and spectacular cinematic achievement.

A
★★★★ out of 4 stars


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


The text is copyright © 2026 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for syndication rights and fees.

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Tuesday, March 11, 2014

Dark Horse Comics from Diamond Distributors for March 12 2014

DARK HORSE COMICS

OCT130050 47 RONIN HC $19.99
JAN140126 ABE SAPIEN #11 $3.50
JAN140137 BEASTS OF BURDEN HUNTERS GATHERERS ONE SHOT $3.50
AUG130115 CLASSIC MARVEL CHARACTERS X-MEN #6 MAGNETO $49.95
NOV130070 DRIFTERS TP VOL 03 (MR) $12.99
OCT130036 GHOST #2 $2.99
OCT130077 INTRON DEPOT TP VOL 05 BATTALION (MR) $44.99
JAN140138 NOSFERATU WARS ONE SHOT $3.99
JAN140177 STAR WARS #15 2013 ONGOING $2.99
JAN140178 STAR WARS #6 LUCAS DRAFT $3.99
JAN140145 X #11 (MR) $2.99