Showing posts with label Sony Spider-Man U. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sony Spider-Man U. Show all posts

Sunday, May 10, 2026

I Reads You Juniors: May 2026 - UPDATE #18

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:

JACK KIRBY - From TheConversation:  Tomorrow (Mon., May 11, 2026), a street on Manhattan's Lower East Side will be named "Jack Kirby Way," in honor of the co-creator of the Marvel Comics Universe, the late, great Jack Kirby.

DC STUDIOS - From WorldofReel:  Greg Mottola is apparently in the lead to direct an untitled film from DC Studios that will star DC comics villains "Bane and Deathstroke."

MARVEL/MIDNIGHT - From BleedingCoolMarvel Comics apparently has a new imprint slash universe, entitled "Midnight." Bleeding Cool is describing it as "Absolute Horror" line, that will launch this fall with "radical" re-imaginings of Marvel Comics characters.  Writers Jonathan Hickman, Phillip Kennedy Johnson, and Benjamin Percy, who all recently signed exclusive deals with Marvel, are reportedly involved.  "Bleeding Cool" says that the imprint will focus on new versions of Blade, Ghost Rider, Darkhold, Dracula, Morbius, and Werewolf By Night.  Marvel is reportedly aiming for Halloween 2026 launch.

DC COMICS - From DCBlog:  Current "Batman" series writer, Matt Fraction, talks about the next big "Bat-Family" crossover event, "Bad Seeds."

MARVEL - From BleedingCool:  Kevin Smith ("Clerks," "Daredevil") and Andy McElfresh ("The Tonight Show") are cowriting the miniseries, "Spider-Man/Hulk: Fire & Brimstone" for Marvel Comics.  R.B. Silva will draw the series, which debuts August 19th, 2026.  The story finds Bruce Banner seeking an exorcism to finally cure the Hulk.

From ComicsBeatMarvel Comics has revealed they will mark "Disability Pride Month" in July with four back-up stories, all written by Marieke Nijkamp ("Hawkeye: Kate Bishop"), with art by Andrea Di Vito ("Emma Frost: The White Queen").  The stories will spotlight disabled superheroes like Daredevil, Misty Knight, Echo, Hawkeye (Clint Barton), Silhouette, and Finesse.  The stories will be serialized story in the July 2026 issues of "Amazing Spider-Man #32," "Uncanny X-Men #31," "Fantastic Four #14," and "Wolverine #24."  The heroes characters come together to save Misty’s partner, Colleen Wing.
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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 ECBACC:  ECBACC - 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.

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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:  Ablaze for July 2026
From BleedingCool:  Antarctic Press for July 2026
From BleedingCool:  Archie Comics for July 2026
From BleedingCool:  AWA Studios for July 2026
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:  IDW Publishing for July 2026
From BleedingCool:  Image Comics for July 2026
From BleedingCool:  Image Comics Todd McFarlane titles for July 2026
From BleedingCool:  Keenspot for July 2026
From BleedingCool:  Mad Cave 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:  Rocketship for July 2026
From BleedingCool:  Scholastic for July 2026
From BleedingCool:  Titan Comics for July 2026
From BleedingCool:  Udon Studios for July 2026
From BleedingCool:  Vault Comics for July 2026

AUGUST 2026 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics' "Armageddon" titles for August 2026
From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics' "Queen in Black" titles for August 2026


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Wednesday, February 19, 2025

#IReadsYou Movie Review: VENOM: THE LAST DANCE

Venom: The Last Dance (2024)

Running time:  110 minutes (1 hour, 50 minutes)
MPA – PG-13 for intense sequences of violence and action, bloody images and strong language
DIRECTOR:  Kelly Marcel
WRITERS:  Kelly Marcel; from a story by Kelly Marcel and Tom Hardy (based on the Marvel Comics)
PRODUCERS:  Avi Arad, Amy Pascal, Matt Tolmach, Tom Hardy, Kelly Marcel, and Hutch Parker
CINEMATOGRAPHER:  Fabian Wagner (D.o.P.)
EDITOR:  Mark Sanger
COMPOSER:  Dan Deacon

SUPERHERO/FANTASY/ACTION

Starring:  Tom Hardy, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Juno Temple, Rhys Ifans, Stephen Graham, Peggy Lu, Clark Backo, Alanna Ubach, Hala Finley, Dash McCloud, Cristo Fernandez, Jared Abrahamson, Jack Brady, Reid Scott, and Andy Serkis

Venom: The Last Dance is a 2024 superhero fantasy-action film directed by Kelly Marcel.  The film is based on the Marvel Comics super-villain/anti-hero characters, Eddie Brock/Venom.  Several comic book writers, artists, and editors contributed in the development of this duo, and artist Todd McFarlane and writer David Michelinie are the creators of Venom.  This is also the third entry in the Venom film series.  In Venom: The Last Dance, Eddie Brock and Venom are on the run from both an alien monster and a mysterious military officer, and they may be forced to break up their symbiotic partnership.

Venom: The Last Dance opens on Klyntar, the home world of the symbiotesKnull (Andy Serkis), the creator of the symbiotes, seeks a way to escape the prison made for him by his rebellious creations.  To that end, he has discovered a key – some thing called a “Codex” – that will free him.  What and where is the codex?

Well, it is on Earth, and the Codex exists because of the relationship between the symbiote, Venom, and his human host, the former investigative reporter, Eddie Brock (Tom Hardy).  They have just returned to Earth after their short stay in the multiverse (as seen in 2021's Spider-Man: No Way Home) and has landed in the Mexico of their own Earth.  While there, Eddie and Venom learn that Eddie is being blamed for the death of Detective Patrick Mulligan (Stephen Graham).

Mulligan is not dead.  He was infected by a symbiote (as seen in 2021's Venom: Let There Be Carnage).  He has been imprisoned in an underground facility at “Area 55” (which is beneath “Area 51”), and is being held in captivity by the “Imperium Program.”  There, Mulligan and his symbiote are under the watchful gazes of Imperium scientist, Dr. Teddy Paine (Juno Temple), and the Imperium's military commander, General Rex Strickland (Chiwetel Ejiofor).

Eddie and Venom are headed for New York City in a bid to clear Eddie's name, unaware that General Strickland is hunting them.  The duo, however, is soon made aware of an even more dangerous hunter.  Knull has sent a creature known as a “Xenophage” to capture the Codex within Eddie and Venom.  Now, a year into their symbiotic relationship, Eddie Brock and Venom may have to make a most devastating and heart-wrenching decision in order to save the Earth and at least one of their lives.

Venom: The Last Dance is the fifth film in “Sony's Spider-Man Universe” line of films.  It follows Venom (2018), Venom: Let There Be Carnage (2021), Morbius (2022), and Madame Web (2024).  The Last Dance arrived in movie theaters a little more than a month before the series' sixth film, Kraven the Hunter (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.

Anyway, just before the halfway mark in Venom: The Last Dance, the Venom symbiote enters a horse, and “venomizes” it, creating a “Venom horse.”  The sequence featuring Venom as a horse, which becomes a wild ride across the desert with Eddie on its back, is probably the liveliest moment in this movie.  Venom does not venomize any more animals the rest of the way, but strangely, the beginning of the film's end-credits is a montage of venomized animals, everything from insects and birds to mammals and amphibians.  A Venom movie featuring the Venom symbiote venomizing countless different insects and animals?! – now, that would be a Venom movie I'd love and a lot of people would watch.  Sadly, that is what we get in Venom: The Last Dance.

Yes, there are some genuine character moments – such as Eddie/Venom's relationship with the Moon family – but even that is overwhelmed by Venom: The Last Dance's need to end.  Yes, this isn't so much a movie as it is an execution or suicide pact.  Venom is a trilogy and Venom: The Last Dance must be the end of it:  that's what this movie feels like – a race to the end.

I found myself unable to really enjoy this movie.  I really didn't connect with the film's best action scenes, and there were a few really good ones.  Also, I feel like the Knull subplot was woefully underutilized.  There are some good moments here, and by the end of the film, I thought the good things had been downplayed in favor of this movie's fatalistic mood.  Ultimately, I think Venom: The Last Dance is only for fans of the series who will want to see it through to the end.

C+
★★½ out of 4 stars

[This film has one mid-credits scene and one scene that occurs at the end of the credits.]


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

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Tuesday, December 31, 2024

I Reads You Juniors: December 2024 - UPDATE #43

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:

DC STUDIOS - From Deadline:  "The Batman II," the sequel to 2022's "The Batman" has changed release dates again.  It is moving from October 2, 2026 to October 1, 2027.

FANTAGRAPHICS - From BleedingCoolFantagraphics Books will publish the epic "Mickey Mouse" comics written by Peter David, a comic book writer with whom the publisher has long feuded.  Fantagraphics will publish David's Mickey Mouse run in two hardcover volumes as "Disney Epic Mickey: The Comics Collection (Disney Originals) Hardcover" beginning May 13, 2025.  David adapted the video game, "Disney Epic Mickey," as a comics series published via the "Digicomics" app on iOS devices.  The series was drawn by three Italian Disney comics artists.

DC STUDIOS - From YouTube:  Here is the first official teaser for Warner Bros/DC Studios' July 11th-due film, "Superman."

DARK HORSE/NETFLIX - From ComicBookDark Horse Comics has announced the next new Netflix/Millarworld comic book series from writer Mark Miller.  Entitled "Vatican City," it is drawn by artist Per Berg.  Due to start in April 2025, the series is set in a world overrun by a vampire apocalypse.

SONY SPIDER-MAN U - From Deadline:  The final film in Sony Animation’s "Spider-Verse" trilogy has found its directors.  Bob Persichetti and Justin K. Thompson have been set to helm "Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse."

DC STUDIOS - From GamesRadar:  The first episode of Max's DC Studios' animated series, "Creature Commandos," is available to stream free on YouTube.

FANTAGRAPHICS/MARVEL - From BleedingCool:  Fantagraphics will collect Stan Lee's short-lived 1950s satirical comic book series, "Snafu," in a hardcover collection for the first time sometime next year (2025).  Published over three issues in 1955 and 1956 by Atlas Comics (which would later become Marvel Comics), it featured the work of such Atlas stalwarts as John Severin, Bill Everett, and Joe Maneely.

BOOM STUDIOS - From ComicsBeatBOOM! Studios has released a list of its entire slate of "20 for 20" graphics novels celebrating its twentieth anniversary.  The group of 20 graphic novels will cost $19.99 U.S. each and begins with the first release, "Deep State Complete Collection."

DC STUDIOS - From YouTube:  The "DC Studios Showcase" podcast features a discussion with DC Studios co-boss James Gunn about the first two episodes of the animated series, "Creature Commandos."

SONY SPIDER-MAN U - From IGNSony Pictures is reportedly ending its "Sony's Spider-Man Universe" (SSU) line of films, which includes the "Venom" films, as well as "Morbius," "Madame Web," and the just released "Kraven the Hunter," which will apparently be the final film in the line.

DC STUDIOS - From CBR:  HBO's "The Penguin" has become the first TV series based on a DC Comics character to receive a nomination at the Golden Globe Awards in the category of "Best Television Limited Series, Anthology Series or Motion Picture Made for Television."  Additionally, series stars: Cristin Milioti ("Sofia Gigante") received a nomination for "Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Limited Series, Anthology Series, or a Motion Picture Made for Television" and Colin Farrell ("Oz Cobb") received a nomination for "Best Performance by a Male Actor in a Limited Series, Anthology Series, or a Motion Picture Made for Television." The winners at the 2025 / 82nd Annual Golden Globes will be announced in January.

MARVEL - From ComicsBeat:  "Ben Grimm/The Thing" will star in his own five-issue comic book miniseries written by Tony Fleecs and drawn by Leonard Kirk.  The first issue arrives in March 2025.

DC COMICS - From BleedingCoolDC Comics titles are at the discount chain, "Dollar Tree." DC has created over 38 "special editions" of some of its #1 issues at a $1.25 cover price for the retailer.

DC COMICS - From DCBlog:  Artist Joe Quinones talks about his art and design work on "Batman '89" and on keeping the vision of Tim Burton's 1989 "Batman" film alive in comic books.

DC STUDIOS - From BleedingCool:  "DC Studios Showcase: The Official Podcast" debuts with a two episodes on Friday, Dec 6th. New episodes will appear on "Max," Max's "YouTube" channel, and on other podcast outlets.  The podcast also has an official trailer.

IMAGE - From BleedingCoolTodd McFarlane will return as the writer of his long-running comic book, "Spawn," with issue #360, which is due January 1, 2025.

MARVEL - From ICv2: Marvel will publish omnibus-sized collections of its "Marvel Two-in-One" comic books, with the first volume set for release on June 18, 2025.  "Marvel Two-in-One" was a team-up book starring "Ben Grimm/The Thing" of the "Fantastic Four." "Marvel Two-in-One Omnibus, Vol. 1," will open with "Marvel Feature No's 11 and 12," the first two comic books to feature The Thing in a team-up."

EC COMICS - From GamesRadarOni Press is reviving the "EC Comics" line.  The vampire tale, "Blood Type," from writer Corinna Bechko and artist Jonathan Case, will be the first serialized story published by the new line.  It will be presented in "EC Comics Present Blood Type #0," which is a "Free Comic Book Day 2025" title (May 3rd).

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NOVEMBER 2024 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From BleedingCool:  Ablaze for November 2024
From BleedingCool:  Abrams Comics for November 2024
From BleedingCool:  Afterlight Comics for November 2024
From BleedingCool:  Ahoy Comics for November 2024
From BleedingCool:  Antarctic Press for November 2024
From BleedingCool:  Archie Comics for November 2024
From BleedingCool:  Blood Moon Comics LLC for November 2024
From BleedingCool:  BOOM! Studios for November 2024
From BleedingCool:  CEX Publishing for November 2024
From BleedingCool:  Dark Horse Comics for November 2024
From BleedingCool:  DC Comics for November 2024
From BleedingCool:  DC Comics "Batman" titles for November 2024
From BleedingCool:  Dstlry Comics for November 2024
From BleedingCool:  Dynamite Entertainment for November 2024
From BleedingCool:  IDW Publishing for November 2024
From BleedingCool:  Image Comics for November 2024
From BleedingCool:  Image Comics "Void Rival" for November 2024
From BleedingCool:  Invaders Comics for November 2024
From BleedingCool:  Mad Cave Studios for November 2024
From BleedingCool:  Magma Comics for November 2024
From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics for November 2024
From BleedingCool:  Oni Press for November 2024
From BleedingCool:  Rebellion/2000AD for November 2024
From BleedingCool:  Scout Comics for November 2024
From BleedingCool:  Scratch Comics for November 2024
From BleedingCool:  Stranger Comics for November 2024
From BleedingCool:  Sumerian Comics for November 2024
From BleedingCool:  Titan Comics for November 2024
From BleedingCool:  Valiant Comics for November 2024
From BleedingCool:  Vault Comics for November 2024
From BleedingCool:  VIZ Media for November 2024
From BleedingCool:  Z2 Comics for November 2024
From BleedingCool:  Zenescope Entertainment for November 2024

DECEMBER 2024 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From BleedingCool:  Ablaze Publishing for December 2024
From BleedingCool:  Abrams Comics for December 2024
From BleedingCool:  Ahoy Comics for December 2024
From BleedingCool:  Archie Comics for December 2024
From BleedingCool:  BlackBox Comics for December 2024
From BleedingCool:  BOOM! Studios for December 2024
From BleedingCool:  Cosmic Lion Productions for December 2024
From BleedingCool:  Dark Horse Comics for December 2024
From BleedingCool:  DC Comics for December 2024
From BleedingCool:  Dren Productions for December 2024
From BleedingCool:  Dynamite Entertainment for December 2024
From BleedingCool:  Fantagraphics Books for December 2024
From BleedingCool:  IDW Publishing for December 2024
From BleedingCool:  Image Comics "Energon Universe" titles for December 2024
From BleedingCool:  Image Comics "Ghost Machine" titles for December 2024
From BleedingCool:  Image Comics Todd McFarlane titles for December 2024
From BleedingCool:  Kodansha Comics for December 2024
From BleedingCool:  Keenspot Entertainment for December 2024
From BleedingCool:  Mad Cave Studios for December 2024
From BleedingCool:  Magma Comix for December 2024
From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics for December 2024
From BleedingCool:  Massive for December 2024
From BleedingCool:  Oni Press for December 2024
From BleedingCool:  Penthouse Comics for December 2024
From BleedingCool:  Rebellion / 2000 AD for December 2024
From BleedingCool:  Scout Comics for December 2024
From BleedingCool:  Titan Comics for December 2024
From BleedingCool:  Titan Comics "Conan" titles for December 2024
From BleedingCool:  TOKYOPOP for December 2024
From BleedingCool:  Valiant Comics for December 2024
From BleedingCool:  Vault Comics for December 2024
From BleedingCool:  VIZ Media for December 2024
From BleedingCool:  Yen Press for December 2024

JANUARY 2025 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From BleedingCool:  1First Comics for January 2025
From BleedingCool:  Abrams Comics for January 2025
From BleedingCool:  Ahoy Comics for January 2025
From BleedingCool:  Antarctic Press for January 2025
From BleedingCool:  Archie Comics for January 2025
From BleedingCool:  BOOM! Studios for January 2025
From BleedingCool:  Dark Horse Comics for January 2025
From BleedingCool:  DC Comics for January 2025
From BleedingCool:  DSTLRY Media for January 2025
From BleedingCool:  Dynamite Comics for January 2025
From BleedingCool:  IDW Publishing for January 2025
From BleedingCool:  Image Comics for January 2025
From BleedingCool:  Image Comics "Energon Universe" titles for January 2025
From BleedingCool:  Image Comics "Ghost Machine" titles for January 2025
From BleedingCool:  Image Comics "Spawn" titles for January 2025
From BleedingCool:  Keenspot Entertainment for January 2025
From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics for January 2025
From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics "Ultimate Comics" titles for January 2025
From BleedingCool:  Massive for January 2025
From BleedingCool:  Oni Press for January 2025
From BleedingCool:  Rebellion/2000 AD for January 2025
From BleedingCool:  Rising Empire Studios for January 2025
From BleedingCool:  Titan Comics for January 2025
From BleedingCool:  Udon Studios for January 2025
From BleedingCool:  Vault Comics for January 2025
From BleedingCool:  Zenescope Comics for January 2025

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:  Dark Horse Comics for March 2025
From BleedingCool:  DC Comics 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:  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:  Oni Press for March 2025
From BleedingCool:  Rebellion / 2000 AD for March 2025
From BleedingCool:  Titan Comics for March 2025
From BleedingCool:  Valiant Comics for March 2025

MAY 2025 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From BleedingCool:  Free Comic Book Day 2025 titles for May 2025

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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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Wednesday, October 30, 2024

I Reads You Juniors: October 2024 - UPDATE #57

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:

SONY SPIDER-MAN U - From Variety:  "Venom: The Last Dance" has a soft U.S. debut at the box office compared to the two earlier films, "Venom" and "Venom: Let There Be Carnage."  "The Last Dance" opened at 51 million dollars, topping the 10/25 to 10/27/2024 weekend box office.

COMICS - TheGuardian:  In an essay for "The Guardian," legendary comic book writer, Alan Moore, says "Fandom has toxified the world."

MANGA TO ANIME - From CBR:  "My Hero Academia: You're Next," the latest anime film adapted from the hit manga franchise, is breaking the franchise's previous box office records in Japan.

NYCC/DC COMICS - From BleedingCoolDC Comics has confirmed that writer Jeph Loeb and artist Jim Lee returning to Batman in 2025, possibly for "Hush 2," their sequel to 2002's "Hush" ("Batman #608-619).  Their first issue may be "Batman #158."

From BleedingCool:  DC Comics has apparently confirmed that it is reviving its "Vertigo Comics" imprint. It will reportedly publish comic books featuring DC Comics characters and creator-owned properties.

DC COMICS - From DCBlogDC Comics has announced a new webcomics initiative, "DC Go," featuring new and original comics and reformatted previously published print comics.  It launches November 20, 2024.

From DCUInfinite:  This link will take you to a special preview of "DC Go."
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COMICS - From DailyDead:  Editor-publisher James Aquilone and writers Rodney Barnes and Steve Niles talks about the upcoming three-issue comic book miniseries, "Kolchak Meets the Classic Monsters."

DC STUDIOS - From Variety:  Director James Gunn confirms that "Krypto the Superdog," will appear in his 2025 film, "Superman."

COMICS - From ComicsBeatMad Cave Studios has announced that it will publish "Pop Kill." The mature humor comic is co-written by Jimmy Palmiotti and Dave Johnson, with art by Juan Santacruz, colors by Brian Reber, and letters by Sean Konot. Issue #1 debuts Feb. 2025

DC CINEMA - From THR:  According to an insider who spoke to "The Hollywood Reporter," Actor Zachary Levi thought his role as "Billy Batson/Shazam" in the "Shazam" movies was his ticket to being like Dwayne "The Rock" or actor Chris Evans, "Steve Rogers/Captain America." "But it didn’t happen for him, and he’s bitter about that," says the insider.

DC STUDIOS - From Deadline:  Actor Aaron Pierre (Netflix's "Rebel Ridge") will play "John Stewart" in HBO's "Lanterns," based on the DC Comics' "Green Lantern" comic book franchise.

COMICS - From GamesRadar:  Actor and writer David Dastmalchian ("Ant-Man," "The Suicide Squad") is one of the writers of the upcoming comic book series, "Kolchak Meets the Classic Monsters."  Published by Monstrous Books, the series is based on the former ABC cult supernatural drama, "Kolchak the Night Stalker."

DC COMICS - From BleedingCool:  Writer Jeph Loeb and Jim Lee famously teamed up for Batman #608-619 (2002) for the storyline now known as "Batman: Hush." They will reportedly reunited for a "Batman" ongoing comic book series that will debut in either March or April 2025.

BOX OFFICE - From Deadline:  The site explains why the domestic box office for "Joker: Folie a Deux" did not meet even minimum expectations.  For instance, this "Joker" sequel sold 2.5 million tickets compared to last Fall's superhero bomb, "The Marvels," which sold 3.3 million tickets.

DC STUDIOS - From EW:   DC Studios co-chief James Gunn has announced a new film project that mixes animation, puppetry, and CGI.  "Dynamic Duo" will focus "Dick Grayson" and "Jason Todd," the first holders of the "Robin" moniker.  Matt Reeves, director of "The Batman," will produce, but the film won't be part of Reeves' "universe," which includes "The Batman" and the Max series, "The Penguin."

IMAGE COMICS - From BleedingCoolImage Comics is launching a new creator-owned horror imprint, entitled the "Ninth Circle."  The members of the imprint are comic book creators:  Garth Ennis, Marguerite Bennett, Joe Pruett, Ram V, and Adam Glass, alongside strategic advisor and founder Michael Bogner (SVP of Legal Affairs at ABGO) and company representative David Stone.  Ninth Circle's lead investor is Kimberly Steward , who produced of the film, "Manchester By The Sea" (2016), and executive produced "Suspiria" (2018).  Steward's production company, K Period Media, will partner with Ninth Circle to produce select titles.

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SEPTEMBER 2024 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From BleedingCool:  Afterlight Comics for September 2024
From BleedingCool:  Ahoy Comics for September 2024
From BleedingCool:  Aloha Comics for September 2024
From BleedingCool:  Antarctic Press for September 2024
From BleedingCool:  Archie Comics for September 2024
From BleedingCool:  AWA Studios for September 2024
From BleedingCool:  Blackbox Comics for September 2024
From BleedingCool:  Black Mask for September 2024
From BleedingCool:  Blood Moon Comics for September 2024
From BleedingCool:  BOOM! Studios for September 2024
From BleedingCool:  Bulgilhan Press for September 2024
From BleedingCool:  CEX for September 2024
From BleedingCool:  Dark Horse for September 2024
From BleedingCool:  DC Comics for September 2024
From BleedingCool:  Dead Sky Publishing for September 2024
From BleedingCool:  Dstlry for September 2024
From BleedingCool:  Dynamite Entertainment for September 2024
From BleedingCool:  Fantagraphics Books for September 2024
From BleedingCool:  First Second for September 2024
From BleedingCool:  Image Comics for September 2024
From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics for September 2024
From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics' "Infinity Watch" Annuals for September 2024
From BleedingCool:  IDW Publishing for September 2024
From BleedingCool:  Image Comics' Ghost Machine for September 2024
From BleedingCool:  Image Comics' "Massive-Verse" for September 2024
From BleedingCool:  IPI Comics for September 2024
From BleedingCool:  Keenspot Entertainment for September 2024
From BleedingCool:  Kodansha Comics for September 2024
From BleedingCool:  Mad Cave Studios for September 2024
From BleedingCool:  Massive for September 2024
From BleedingCool:  Mythos Comics for September 2024
From BleedingCool:  Oni Press for September 2024
From BleedingCool:  Rebellion / 2000AD for September 2024
From BleedingCool:  Scout Comics for September 2024
From BleedingCool:  Seven Seas Entertainment for September 2024
From BleedingCool:  Titan Comics for September 2024
From BleedingCool:  TOKYOPOP for September 2024
From BleedingCool:  Valiant Comics for September 2024
From BleedingCool:  Vault Comics for September 2024
From BleedingCool:  VIZ Media for September 2024
From BleedingCool:  Yen Press for September 2024

OCTOBER 2024 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From BleedingCool:  Ablaze for October 2024
From BleedingCool:  Ahoy Comics for October 2024
From BleedingCool:  Antarctic Press for October 2024
From BleedingCool:  Bad Egg LLC for October 2024
From BleedingCool:  BOOM! Studios for October 2024
From BleedingCool:  CEX Publishing for October 2024
From BleedingCool:  Cosmic Lion Productions for October 2024
From BleedingCool:  Cryptozoic Entertainment for October 2024
From BleedingCool:  Dark Horse Comics for October 2024
From BleedingCool:  DC Comics for October 2024
From BleedingCool:  DC Comics "Batman #153 & 154" for October 2024
From BleedingCool:  Dynamite Entertainment for October 2024
From BleedingCool:  IDW Publishing for October 2024
From BleedingCool:  Image Comics for October 2024
From BleedingCool:  Image Comics "Ghost Machine" for October 2024
From BleedingCool:  Image Comics "GI Joe" and "Void Rivals" for October 2024
From BleedingCool:  Image Comics' "Spawn" for October 2024
From BleedingCool:  Keenspot Entertainment for October 2024
From BleedingCool:  Kodansha Comics for October 2024
From BleedingCool:  Mad Cave Studios for October 2024
From BleedingCool:  Magma Comix for October 2024
From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics for October 2024
From BleedingCool:  Massive for October 2021
From BleedingCool:  Oni Press for October 2024
From BleedingCool:  Rebellion/2000 AD for October 2024
From BleedingCool:  Scout Comics for October 2024
From BleedingCool:  Seven Seas Entertainment for October 2024
From BleedingCool:  Titan Publishing for October 2024
From BleedingCool:  TOKYOPOP for October 2024
From BleedingCool:  Valiant Comics for October 2024
From BleedingCool:  Vault Comics for October 2024
From BleedingCool:  VIZ Media for October 2024

NOVEMBER 2024 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From BleedingCool:  Ablaze for November 2024
From BleedingCool:  Abrams Comics for November 2024
From BleedingCool:  Afterlight Comics for November 2024
From BleedingCool:  Ahoy Comics for November 2024
From BleedingCool:  Antarctic Press for November 2024
From BleedingCool:  Archie Comics for November 2024
From BleedingCool:  Blood Moon Comics LLC for November 2024
From BleedingCool:  BOOM! Studios for November 2024
From BleedingCool:  CEX Publishing for November 2024
From BleedingCool:  Dark Horse Comics for November 2024
From BleedingCool:  DC Comics for November 2024
From BleedingCool:  DC Comics "Batman" titles for November 2024
From BleedingCool:  Dstlry Comics for November 2024
From BleedingCool:  Dynamite Entertainment for November 2024
From BleedingCool:  IDW Publishing for November 2024
From BleedingCool:  Image Comics for November 2024
From BleedingCool:  Image Comics "Void Rival" for November 2024
From BleedingCool:  Invaders Comics for November 2024
From BleedingCool:  Mad Cave Studios for November 2024
From BleedingCool:  Magma Comics for November 2024
From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics for November 2024
From BleedingCool:  Oni Press for November 2024
From BleedingCool:  Rebellion/2000AD for November 2024
From BleedingCool:  Scout Comics for November 2024
From BleedingCool:  Scratch Comics for November 2024
From BleedingCool:  Stranger Comics for November 2024
From BleedingCool:  Sumerian Comics for November 2024
From BleedingCool:  Titan Comics for November 2024
From BleedingCool:  Valiant Comics for November 2024
From BleedingCool:  Vault Comics for November 2024
From BleedingCool:  VIZ Media for November 2024
From BleedingCool:  Z2 Comics for November 2024
From BleedingCool:  Zenescope Entertainment for November 2024

DECEMBER 2024 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From BleedingCool:  Ablaze Publishing for December 2024
From BleedingCool:  Abrams Comics for December 2024
From BleedingCool:  Ahoy Comics for December 2024
From BleedingCool:  Archie Comics for December 2024
From BleedingCool:  BlackBox Comics for December 2024
From BleedingCool:  BOOM! Studios for December 2024
From BleedingCool:  Cosmic Lion Productions for December 2024
From BleedingCool:  Dark Horse Comics for December 2024
From BleedingCool:  DC Comics for December 2024
From BleedingCool:  Dren Productions for December 2024
From BleedingCool:  Dynamite Entertainment for December 2024
From BleedingCool:  Fantagraphics Books for December 2024
From BleedingCool:  IDW Publishing for December 2024
From BleedingCool:  Image Comics "Energon Universe" titles for December 2024
From BleedingCool:  Image Comics "Ghost Machine" titles for December 2024
From BleedingCool:  Image Comics Todd McFarlane titles for December 2024
From BleedingCool:  Kodansha Comics for December 2024
From BleedingCool:  Keenspot Entertainment for December 2024
From BleedingCool:  Mad Cave Studios for December 2024
From BleedingCool:  Magma Comix for December 2024
From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics for December 2024
From BleedingCool:  Massive for December 2024
From BleedingCool:  Oni Press for December 2024
From BleedingCool:  Penthouse Comics for December 2024
From BleedingCool:  Rebellion / 2000 AD for December 2024
From BleedingCool:  Scout Comics for December 2024
From BleedingCool:  Titan Comics for December 2024
From BleedingCool:  Titan Comics "Conan" titles for December 2024
From BleedingCool:  TOKYOPOP for December 2024
From BleedingCool:  Valiant Comics for December 2024
From BleedingCool:  Vault Comics for December 2024
From BleedingCool:  VIZ Media for December 2024
From BleedingCool:  Yen Press for December 2024

JANUARY 2025 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From BleedingCool:  Abrams Comics for January 2025
From BleedingCool:  Ahoy Comics for January 2025
From BleedingCool:  DC Comics for January 2025
From BleedingCool:  IDW Publishing for January 2025
From BleedingCool:  Image Comics for January 2025
From BleedingCool:  Image Comics "Energon Universe" titles for January 2025
From BleedingCool:  Image Comics "Ghost Machine" titles for January 2025
From BleedingCool:  Image Comics "Spawn" titles for January 2025
From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics for January 2025
From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics "Ultimate Comics" titles for January 2025
From BleedingCool:  Oni Press for January 2025
From BleedingCool:  Titan Comics for January 2025
From BleedingCool:  Vault Comics for January 2025

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