Based on the incredible true story of one of boxing’s most charismatic and colorful figures, BLEED FOR THIS centers around Vinny “The Pazmanian Devil” Pazienza (Miles Teller), a local Providence kid who shot to stardom as a 2-time world champ. Then, at the top of his game, a near-fatal accident left him with the news that he would never walk again. After months of recovery and against doctors’ orders, Vinny returned to the gym under the watch of infamous trainer, Kevin Rooney (Aaron Eckhart), and made a triumphant return to the ring just over a year later.

BOSTON
For your chance to download passes to the advance screening on Wednesday, November 16 at 7pm at Showcase Cinemas in Revere, click here: http://www.gofobo.com/DSGqq22007

PROVIDENCE
For your chance to download passes to the advance screening on Tuesday, November 15 at 7pm at Showcase Providence Place click here: http://www.gofobo.com/JSVjt85081

Remember seating is first come, first served so arrive early!

Several mysteries begin unraveling piece by piece this week in Action Comics as we discover that Clark has closer ties to Lex than we ever knew (no, not that Clark) and that the two strangers that appeared last issue might actually be heroes. We also discover what happened to the underwear on the outside!

Meanwhile, in Supergirl has Zor El gone completely insane in his quest to make his daughter happy? What do her cover parents Jeremiah and Eliza think? Perhaps they are growing fonder of their charge than they ought to and what consequences will that hold with the DEO?

Elsewhere in the DCU Lois Lane has been reborn as Al Calavicci? Only Lana knows for sure! But while she does, the original Supergirls Natasha Irons & Traci 13 reunite ready to take on the might of Lena Luthor, Ultrawoman!

Diana visits her first shopping mall, has her first margarita and stops a terrorist act all in her first appearance in the modern day!

Is Rebirth still firing on all cylinders? Or is it starting to slip? Strap in and get ready to roll as we find out!

This is my look into the DC Universe this week!

ACTION COMICS #967

Men of Steel – Part One
Writer: Dan Jurgens
Artist: Tyler Kirkham
Cover: Clay Mann, Brad Anderson & Dan Jurgens
Variant: Gary Frank & Brad Anderson

Zade & L’Call review footage of the future and how Lex will destroy Earth and take Darkseid’s throne for himself after life is all but annihilated. At that same moment Jon and Clark are tracking through the Amazon jungle and discover the entire Geneticron building has been teleported there.

Jon mocks his father’s past costumes but Clark stands by his old suit explaining the decision to alter the costume was to honour his fallen self.

Clark decides to investigate the interior of the building to find out what exactly was inside.

Lois is shocked to find human Clark is at the Lexcorp building ’dropping off some papers’ while she is there to interview the CEO.

Lois makes it clear he should leave as Lex takes her to his laboratory. Once there he shows Lois is Superman armour but she is more interested in the fact there are several screens with analytical data on Clark. When Lex notices he shuts them off and shows her his new boom tube laser. Lois is shocked to discover the weapon with the aid of a Mother Box.

An explosion rocks the lab with human Clark reappearing just in time to catch Lois from falling to her death, signalling Superman with his watch. As Lex falls towards the sidewalk he dons his armour in mid fall coming face to face with L’Call.

Superman makes it to the lab in Geneticron discovering three smashed and empty pods, one housed Doomsday but the signal watch interrupts him and with Jon in tow he races to Metropolis.

Zade intercepts Clark with a fist to the gut, intent on keeping him busy while L’Call continues the termination as Jon watches helplessly from a rooftop.

An angry and determined L’Call raises his blade ready to behead Lex before he becomes the deadliest force in the universe.

To Be Continued…

ART: 5/5
Strength to strength the writing and art are happy marriage in Action. Perspective and composition is on point. The inking is a little heavy at times with light sources flitting around on occasion but overall it’s a great issue!

COVER: 4/5
Will the real Superman please stand up? Its becoming more and more like a television soap right now with all the evil siblings, doppelgangers and plot twists but right now that is making Superman really engaging and this cover neatly hints at the twist inside. The inking is a little lighter than I’d like personally but it doesn’t detract from the fun of the image.

VARIANT COVER:  5/5
If looks could kill! Argh! I hate Lex Luthor! I just hate that he’s wearing Clark’s shield and it seems that Superman is equally unimpressed! I like the twist that they are both Supermen, in fact I think Lex is more a Man Of Tomorrow than Ulysses and should take that moniker but he needs to get that suit off before Clark makes him regret it!

ISSUE RATING: 5/5
Quirky moments aplenty and unique twist on the Superman being hunted for his crimes against humanity being Lex and Superman being the cheap imitation. I like the twist and the mystery elements ensure Lois is not just standing on the sidelines as she uncovers the fact the Clark is being watched by Lex and that Lex has Apokoliptian technology he is harvesting.

Of course the discovery of Luthor’s Boom Tube laser that can teleport anything and the Geneticron building teleporting away can’t be coincidence, but then that means there are at least three bioweapons alive and missing somewhere, one being Doomsday himself.

The scene with Jon questioning Clark about his underpants on the outside was brilliant and I like that it is at least being acknowledged. It did make me smile. Jon is a unique ‘device’, he’s a growing character all of his own but he’s also a way for the writers to address issues on the Man of Steel. He frequently asks questions but not in an annoying way, more in a way that can a) help new readers get to know Lois, Clark and Superman anew and b) address questions on Superman in general that have come up in the last few years, for example why the underpants or why isn’t Lois a stay at home mom.

Are Action and Superman the two best titles in Rebirth right now? Quite possibly!

SUPERGIRL #3

Reign of the Cyborg Superman: Part Three
Writer: Steve Orlando
Artist: Brian Ching
Cover: Brian Ching & Michael Atiyeh
Variant: Bengal

Kara confides in Eliza and Jeremiah about the recent goings on and though they are worried about the consequences, Eliza refuses to allow her to go alone stealing a shuttle craft from the DEO to accompany her.

Kara is shocked to discover Argo has been completely reconstructed using the Red Kryptonite in the asteroid core as a power source. Argo is now in orbit around Saturn. Kara and Eliza approach but an over eager Kara races ahead leaving Elza to follow far behind her. Zor El is ready to greet his daughter and presents her with the citizens of Argo, her friends and even Alura, her mother.

Back at Catco, Ben Rubel tells Cat that Kara is not at the work placement because she has relatives in town. Cat in unimpressed but allows it to slide monitoring Ben instead.

Director Chase meanwhile also notices that Supergirl is missing and questions Jeremiah. He stands by his wife ad adoptive daughter and Chase allows this display of insolence to slide also.

Kara is horrified at what Zor has done to resurrect the Argonians but when she attempts to fight her father he uses his technology to erect a cage. At the same time the automaton Alura has captured Eliza.

Zor tries to explain that the Argonians need Odic energy. Only certain species emit it and the Argonians need to absorb it to come back from death. Kara is horrified to see that Alura has absorbed Odic energy from Eliza.

Zor exclaims that Jor was correct that Earth would be Krypton’s salvation but only if the humans are sacrificed. With Kara trapped Zor leads and army of automatons towards Earth for an invasion!

To Be Continued…

ART: 5/5
I really enjoy the style in the book, It makes it really stand out from the crowd and like Kara struggling with her individuality the art is an allegory of her journey. There is an energy there that is lost on many of the books that mistake hyper excessive details as a good storytelling tool. Sometimes all it takes is a really good story and a lot of heart.

COVER: 3/5
After heaping compliments on the interior art the cover is a bit of a disappointment. Not in style but in content. I’m not a fan of Kara being a damsel in distress and though there is a horror element and I can understand her point of view, I don’t think Kara would run.

VARIANT COVER: 3/5
A fun cover but with a lot of ‘dead space’ as we know it’s Zor El/Cyborg on the attack the mystery element is already wasted, had it been three issues earlier it perhaps would have worked better. I prefer this determined Supergirl to the frightened one on the main cover but it has an equal amount against it because of the largely wasted pace that amounts to 2/3rds of the cover. It would have been nicer to see it from her viewpoint rather that Zor’s as she’s largely hidden.

ISSUE RATING: 4/5
Not a lot of progression over last issue with a lot of repetition in themes. It was just playing out what we knew would happen and indeed was predicted. The 5 goes entirely to the Danvers, Eliza and Jeremiah are fast becoming fully rounded individuals and more like parents than operatives on an assignment.
Cyborg too has become an entirely different animal. Free of Brainiac he has regained his mortal side but what is clear is that he has had some kind of break down. His heart is in the right place but like many humans ‘Just because we can, doesn’t mean we should’ comes to mind.

Kara has grown under the Danvers’ influence and has changed as a character, for the better

SUPERWOMAN #4

Who Killed Superwoman – Part Four: Together Again (For The Very First Time)
Writer: Phil Jimenez
Artist: Emanuela Lupachino
Cover: Emanuela Lupachino, Ray McCarthy, Brad Anderson & Phil Jimenez
Variant: Ben Oliver

Someone is on the Lang Farm in Kansas, and when Lana investigates she finds Lois Lane! Not Lois Smith but the other Superwoman! Is she a ghost? A manifestation of Lana’s psyche? A spiritual guide?

Lana suddenly finds herself in a café with John and Natasha but her interaction with Lois did happen… didn’t it?

Bibbo approaches and introduces his daughter Joshie and her fiancé Dan while Lana explains to John what happened with Lois Smith and Superman.

Natasha interrupts them and they see a bulletin on television of Natasha’s father being taken to prison.

John ask Nat to think of a codename while Lana , as Superwoman pays a visit to the MSCU to meet with Captain Sawyer. She arrives with Phantom Lois to see Savoir trying to break free to fight the Lex Luthor who is an imposter to the Superman legacy.

Atomic Skull is cooperating with the MSCU and tells them about the energy siphon that was being used to cause the blackouts. He also offers his ideas on a Hypercube prison. More humane that Stryker’s it is a prison cell that exists in a sliver of time that is out of sync with ours.

Maggie reveals that Mercy Graves has gone missing along with the clones Superwoman told them about. She also tells Lana of the news stories about Lena being kept prisoner in the Lexcorp basement.

Somehow Lena has created the tech Atomic Skull was telling them about and despite Lex and a fellow prisoner, the Kryptonite Man, being held there they are in Hypercubes the MSCU cannot see them.

Later Lana embraces Phantom Lois as a representation of her friend and they talk about her reliance on drugs and Lois questions her on things Lana had kept from everyone, including John. But the heart to heart doesn’t last and visiting John in his lab, Lana runs through a battery of medical tests.

No matter the test the results are the same, Lois would have died from her power eventually whether or not the Bizarros had attacked and Lana will die soon too.

Traci 13 emerges from a magic portal begging for Steel and Superwoman to help before Metropolis dies. Traci explains that the city itself gives her magical abilities, they feed her power and information and the city is dying. Mercy Graves, the Bizarro Superwomen and Ultrawoman resurrect and reconstruct the Gestalt, Lex Luthor’s giant battle cruiser that’s been laying dormant since it was damaged. Traci informs them that only Superwoman can stop Lena Luthor before she enslaves Metropolis!

To Be Continued…

ART: 5/5
Great composition, nice angles, clean solid inking and non intrusive colouring deliver a great looking book Lupachino makes Superwoman really Super! Wish there were some dialogue boxes but you can’t have everything I suppose!

COVER: 4/5
Despite the torment Lana is suffering juggling life as Lana and Superwoman, not to mention her loss of friends and family. This cover doesn’t deliver on the book inside. I know Lois ‘returning’ was a major reveal not to mention Lena’s plot escalating but considering the impact this cover could have delivered this just doesn’t seem to do it justice.

VARIANT COVER: 5/5
Wow, just wow. Lana looks spectacular! Not since Stacy Haiduk portrayed her on television has Lana Lang looked this good. I would love to know the techniques employed here. Ben Oliver has worked some magic Traci 13 would be jealous of!

ISSUE RATING: 5/5
Lois Lane is back and though she isn’t Superwoman it is nice to have her be the friend and confidante again. I’m finding myself worried for Lana, her addiction to the pills, her deteriorating health, her visions of Lois. She’s facing a foe rarely faced in comics… herself, the only other perhaps is Superman in All Star.

Lena’s rise I’m sort of disappointed in as I thought she’d take the stance of becoming the evil CEO in Lex’s place rather than full on insane megalomaniac. Still from what’s been happening in the book so far I can tell there is still a lot more to Superwoman, Ultrawoman, Lana and Lois than meets the eye.

I’ve only ever seen Phil’s work as an artist but Superwoman is only four issues in and he’s a serious talent.

Superwoman is a title permanently on my pull list and it should be on yours!

WONDER WOMAN #10

Year One : Part Four
Writer: Greg Rucka
Artist: Nicola Scott
Cover: Nicola Scott & Romulo Farjado Jr.
Variant: Jenny Frisson

Barbara, Etta an Steve are visiting the mall with Diana for the very first time.

They are struggling with the translations between E                 m        mm nglish and ancient Greek dialect, surprisingly only the children are interested in Wonder Woman and her costume.

Shopping takes its toll and as they sit down to eat Diana has her first taste of cocktails. Barbara asks her about her gifts and Diana admits she doesn’t know what the gods gifted her with.

She presents her lasso and as Etta examines it she finds that she and Diana suddenly understand one another, then Barbara, then Steve, each also finding an irresistible urge to tell a truth about themselves.

Suddenly the mall is under attack and people begin being shot in a rain of gunfire. Diana realises she has immense speed as she intercept bullets meant for children.

With Steve’s aid Diana takes out the remaining two gunmen but Etta has spotted two snipers outside the mall. They hurl in a grenade and Diana sacrifices herself to contain the blast, this is when she discovers her invulnerability. With Etta and Barbara tending to the survivors they watch as Diana soars skyward and returns with the remaining two gunmen and Steve in tow.

The public are astounded that the costumed woman is really a superhero and social media goes wild. Ignoring the barrage of questions they examine the body of one gunman and both Diana and Barbara stare in horror at the tattoo on his chest. The Sear Group are on the attack…

To Be Continued…

ART: 5/5
It’s Nicola Scott, its Wonder Woman.  Do I need to say more? I do, ok, rarely have I seen art that just looks and feels just right on a book but here is the perfect example. The line work is so well done and not at all overpowered by the digital colouring, in fact they work well together too!

COVER: 3/5
In opposition to what I just said we now see a beautifully illustrated cover overpowered by digital effects.

VARIANT COVER: 4/5
This issues variant is nowhere near as strong as issues past which have ad a ethereal quality to them. It just doesn’t seem as powerful as Frisson’s past art. Not sure I like the lasso holster, I hate to drop it a point but It just wasn’t as strong this week.

ISSUE RATING: 4/5
Déjà vu. I know it is meant to be a parallel to the last issues visit but it would have been nice to see the attack in a different setting. The similarities aren’t lost on me and in many ways enhance the direction of the story.

There are some sweet character moments but Steve’s feelings left me a little bitter, after all Diana decided against him opting for Superman despite knowing he was clearly smitten with her, I know she explained away her choice in modern day but it was something they did to Superman too and proved to be an error.

As a Year One story it’s close to perfection and I’m glad Greg Rucka has worked so extensively to make more of Diana.

She is in good hands and at first like many other readers I was perplexed by the ‘back and forth’ technique between storylines but now they seem to be converging and the mystery of The Sear Group awaits us!

Set in a world centuries from now, Into the Badlands: The Complete First Season focused on the spiritual journey of Sunny (Wu) and M.K. (Aramis Knight), a teenage boy who harbors a unique ability, and their growing relationship as teacher and student. Both discover their true purpose and decide to explore what lies beyond the borders of the Badlands, but as their Baron Quinn continues to battle against his own family as well as his rival Baron The Widow, Sunny and M.K.’s journey to a more peaceful existence seems further out of reach.

And we’re giving away three copies!

To enter, please send an email with the subject header “BADLANDS” to geekcontest @ gmail dot com and answer the following:

Series star Daniel Wu wrote, directed, produced and starred in this 2006 film?

Please include your name and address (U.S. Residents only. You must be 18 years old).

Only one entry per person and a winner will be chosen at random.

Contest ends at 11:59 PM EST on November 20th, 2016.

ABKCO Films has released a newly restored version of Blindman, the 1971 cult Spaghetti Western starring Tony Anthony and Ringo Starr and directed by Ferdinando Baldi (David and Goliath starring Orson Welles). The DVD and digital download versions are in HD, mastered from the original 35mm negative. The release is preceded by midnight theatrical screenings at IFC Center in New York City on October 7 and 8, and a double feature with Jodorowsky’s El Topo at the Castro Theater in San Francisco on October 21.

Ron Kretsch recently wrote about Blindman for Dangerous Minds, noting, “It’s really quite good.”  He went on state, “This isn’t just celebrity stunt casting, [Ringo] actually gives the role of ‘lovesick bandito’ some heft . . . he plays the part so well. (And now I’ll be earwormed with Ringo’s version of ‘Act Naturally’ for a few hours.)”

Blindman is Baldi’s take on the immensely popular Zatoichi films of Japan. A blind gunman (Tony Anthony) escorts a group of fifty women to Texas, where they are to be married to miners. When the mail order brides are kidnapped by a gang working for two Mexican banditos (one of whom is played by Starr) and their villainous sister, the captors find out their opponent, dependent on his horse and his hearing, is a deadlier challenge than they might have expected. Full of humor, sarcasm and featuring an unforgettable 5.1 audio soundtrack by Stelvio Cipriani, Blindman is one of the most stylish and absurdist of the Spaghetti Westerns from the early ‘70s.

Shot at Cinecitta Studios in Rome, and on location in southern Spain, Blindman was co-produced by Tony Anthony, Allen Klein and Saul Swimmer, the latter of whom co-produced the Beatles film Let It Be and directed George Harrison’s The Concert for Bangladesh. Blindman features many classic Spaghetti Western locations in their heyday – the Western town of Decorados in the Tabernas desert, the massive fort built for the American film El Condor, the railroad station from Once Upon a Time in the West, the cortijo from Duck, You Sucker, and the “mission” location featured in The Bounty Killer and Death Rides a Horse.

In his book 10,000 Ways to Die: A Director’s Take on the Spaghetti Western, Alex Cox (Repo Man, Sid and Nancy) describes the production design by Gastone Carsetti in Blindman as being “exceptionally fine,” adding, “his triumphs are a ghost ranch, surrounded by a mesa-sized cemetery, and Domingo’s town – which . . . he insists on painting black, anticipating High Plains Drifter’s city-painting schemes by several years. The images of a jet-black settlement with a white-walled church, surrounded by the Tabernas desert, are sensational.”

Ringo Starr, having just ignited his solo career the year before, amidst of the dissolution of the Beatles, was so imbued with his role in Blindman that he recorded a song describing the premise of the film. The b-side to his 1972 single “Back Off Boogaloo,” the aptly titled “Blindman” was produced by Klaus Voormann, a member of Plastic Ono Band and cover art designer of the Beatles’ Revolver.

The team-up to end all team-ups is here! That’s right True Believers, the Mater of the Mystic Arts and the One Man War on Crime collide this December – with combustible results! Today, Marvel is pleased to present your first look at DOCTOR STRANGE/PUNISHER: MAGIC BULLETS #1 – the new four issue limited series coming to comic shops everywhere on December 7^th! From creators John Barber, Andrea Broccardo and Jason Muhr – there are new players in the organized crime game, and they’re turning to magic to get the upper hand. Frank Castle is a bit out of his league so he’s calling in a little help from the Sorcerer Supreme himself! Is it time for the Punisher to use a little magic? Or is it time for Doctor Strange to adapt to Frank Castle’s lethal way of thinking? Be there as the Marvel Universe’s newest odd couple embarks on a new adventure in DOCTOR STRANGE/PUNISHER: MAGIC BULLETS #1 – coming to comic shops everywhere on December 7^th!

DOCTOR STRANGE/PUNISHER: MAGIC BULLETS #1 (of 4) (OCT160923)
Written by JOHN BARBER
Art by ANDREA BROCCARDO & JASON MUHR
Cover by MICHAEL WALSH
Variant Cover by ALEX MALEEV (OCT160924)
FOC – 11/14/16, On-Sale – 12/7/16

To find a comic shop near you, visit www.comicshoplocator.com or call 1-888-comicbook. 

Welcome back to Graphic Breakdown!

It’s another heck of a week for Comics! Let’s get talking about them!

Deathstroke #6

Written by Christopher Priest
Illustrated by Carlo Pagulayan and Jason Paz
Breakdowns by Larry Hama
Published by DC Comics

Man, this is a great run. It just gets better and better. You can tell Priest has a great story in mind for the bigger picture. It’s awesome. Each chapter is more thrilling and fun than the last.

Deathstroke’s honor is put to the test when he must help a tyrannical despot—Ja Zaki, a.k.a. The Red Lion—stop a civil war that he inadvertently caused.

The characters are first and foremost developed. Their dialogue is an easy back and forth and flows seamlessly. Everything just is hitting right issue after issue. The art has been great, too. Sure, there have been different artists, but each of them are very strong. There is a visual consistency from issue to issue. It works very well.

This is turning into a classic run. It’s just great to see a book that isn’t Batman or Superman be this top notch. This is a book to place at the top of your reading pile for sure.

RATING: A

All-Star Batman #4

Written by Scott Snyder
Illustrated by John Romita Jr. and Declan Shalvey
Published by DC Comics

The newest Scott Snyder Batman tale continues. It’s friggen crazy. And you can’t help but love it.

Batman and Two Face are on a road trip. This is “My Own Worst Enemy” part four! So close and yet so far from his goal, Batman must now wrangle Two-Face out of his own assassin-filled riverboat casino before it plunges over Niagara Falls to their deaths!

The Dark Knight will have to go all-in on the most deadly gamble of his life if he intends to make it out alive.

This is yet another look at Batman that we haven’t seen before.

Snyder excels at this as he always does. The art is pretty good.

Though I have to say, it’s the backup that is the stand out here. Shalvey is damn good and he should do a full issue. This is top notch stuff. Well worth the price of admission.

RATING: A

Detective Comics # 944

Written by James Tynion IV
Illustrated by Eddy Barrows
Published by DC Comics

Dear lord, I am so glad to see Eddy Barrows doing the art here. And why wouldn’t I be? Why would anyone? Barrows really adds a great element of class for this book. Here, he proves it more than ever.

This is part two of “The Victim Syndicate” storyline. The mysterious First Victim has launched an assault on Batman and his team, forcing them to fight an enemy they know nothing about, who seems to have the support of an entire network of strange new foes!

Tynion has shown marked improvement with his writing these past two years. His stories are more full than they have ever been. And he and Barrow’s work the best on this title. A pretty good book that is only getting better.

RATING: B+

Doom Patrol # 3

Written by Gerard Way
Illustrated by Nick Derington
Published by DC Comics

Gerard Way and Nick Derington continue their wacky take on the Doom Patrol and it’s bananas with bananas on top of bananas. But that’s what makes it so charming in my opinion.

The team takes the Doom Patrol on a metaphysical mind trip that at once is delightful and also loopy. It feels like they hung out with Tori Amos and Alejandro Jodorowsky before creating each issue.

And maybe they did.

I’m waiting to see where this is all leading to? But so far I’m enjoying it.

I’m actually quite interested to see where it ends up. I’m hoping somewhere?

Because other wise it just might be a waste of time.

Still, right now it’s delightful and the art by Derington is worth the cover price alone. This is a good book. Pick it up.

RATING: A

The Flash #10

Written by Joshua Williamson
Illustrated by Felipe Watanabe
Published by DC Comics

Well, this is a disappointment. It’s not terrible by any means, but The Flash was the one title that seemed to have the most story direction…and it still kind of does…but this issue, like last month, feels almost unnecessary.

A villain from The Flash’s history returns for the first time in years when The Shade visits Central City. But what does Opal City’s master of shadow want with Barry Allen and the newly christened Kid Flash?

Williamson writes a decent enough tale. It’s just not as good as I know he is capable of. Some of it feels rather trite.

The art doesn’t help. We are veering into cartoon land here.

And that is not a good place to be.

I, for one, hope this series picks up again. It’s damn good when it’s on.

The last two issues though? Just okay.

RATING: B-

The Lost Boys #2

Written by Tim Seeley
Illustrated by Scott Godlewski
Published by DC Comics

Is this comic book necessary reading?

No. Let’s start there. It’s certainly not. That doesn’t mean there isn’t some entertainment to be had. But one almost wishes it was more compelling than it is.

A new breed of female vampires are the enemy here. And Seeley does his utmost to make a story. There are some fine moments. And the art isn’t half bad.

Still, it doesn’t add up to being necessary reading.

If you’re a huge fan of the film you’ll love it.

For the rest of us (and I liked the film) it’s just more nostalgic entertainment at best.

Not horrible. But it’s not much to take with you beyond that nostalgia factor.

RATING: C

Batgirl and The Birds Of Prey #4

Written by Julie and Shawna Benson
Illustrated by Roge Antonio
Published by DC Comics

This isn’t a bad comic. There’s just nothing thrilling going on and there are other things you can spend your money on.

It’s solidly crafted, and drawn pretty okay. There’s just nothing special that makes it rise above the current comics coming out.

“Who Is Oracle” part five! Batgirl, Black Canary, and Huntress come face-to-face at last with the new Oracle…and unlock a mystery they never saw coming!”

That’s what the copy reads.

Problem is by this point, there’s nothing surprising or unique happening.

It’s just a standard comic book experience.

Nothing unbelievable…though nothing terrible. And that’s why it gets a B-.

RATING: B-

Red Hood And the Outlaws #4

Written by Scott Lobdell
Illustrated by Dexter Soy
Published by DC Comics

This was a nice surprise. And it has been all along.

Lobdell is a good writer and he infuses his scripts with passion and joy. He loves what he does, and it shows.

This was a pretty damn good story and it’s finding it’s own place in the market.

In this issue, the unimaginable has happened—Black Mask has gained control of one of the most powerful beings in the world: Bizarro!

Can the Red Hood stop him before Black Mask’s reign of terror begins?

As previously stated, the story is good.

But artist Dexter Soy has really stepped up to the plate. His art is fantastic and his talent is on the rise.

This is great. Let’s keep it coming boys!

RATING: B

Mother Panic #1

Written by Jody Houser
Illustrated by Tommy Lee Edwards
Published by DC Comics

Jody Houser has been making quite the name for herself in Comics.
First, her series for Valiant Faith is pretty fantastic.

Next, we have this series from Gerard Way’s Young Animal line. And it’s pretty good!

We will have to see where it goes, but it’s certainly promising.

Meet Violet Paige, a celebutante with a bad attitude and a temper to match, who no one suspects of having anything lying beneath the surface of her outrageous exploits. But Violet isn’t just another bored heiress in the upper echelons of Gotham City’s elite.

Motivated by her traumatic youth, Violet seeks to exact vengeance on her privileged peers as the terrifying new vigilante known only as Mother Panic.

This is kind of like a female Batman meets Moon Knight…that’s what it reminds me of. I hate that analogy so I hope it goes deeper than that.

Tommy Lee Edwards is fantastic on art, but he’s always excellent. I like this issue a lot…I have to see where it goes but so far so good.

RATING: B+

AND THE REST…

Clean Room #13
Written by Gail Simone
Illustrated by Walter Geovani
Published by DC Comics
In this issue, we go back to the beginning to learn how Astrid was first affected after her hospitalization…through the eyes of one who cannot see what she sees: her would-be assassin and brother, Peter Mueller. I’ve never read this book but good art and looks interesting…though inaccessible for a first time reader.
RATING: B

Earth 2: Society #18
Written by Dan Abnett
Illustrated by Bruce Redondo
Published by DC Comics
This super crazy tale is so outside of my wheelhouse…yet, I kind of loved it. Redondo is a heck of an artist and this was a good time. Not something I’ll pick up regularly but I enjoyed the hell out of it.
RATING: B+

Gotham Academy: Second Semester#3
Written by Karl Kerschl, Brenden Fletcher and Becky Cloonan
Illustrated by Adam Archer
Published by DC Comics
This issue seems primarily aimed for kids. And it made me sleepy. I had a tough time getting through this story. Still, not terrible and the creators try their best.
RATING: C

Hal Jordan and the Green Lantern Corps #8
Written by Robert Venditti
Illustrated by Ethan Van Sciver
Published by DC Comics
This is an series that seemingly has no passion. Yet, it feels like it should. Hal Jordan is so far removed from what I love I may have to send out a search party.
RATING: C-

New Superman #5
Written by Gene Luen Yang
Illustrated by Viktor Bogdanovic
Published by DC Comics
Reading this book feels like a chore. But I got through it…maybe they should pull it from stands and refocus it? It’s strangely dull.
RATING: C-

Scooby: Apocalypse #7
Written by Keith Giffen and J.M. Dematteis
Illustrated by Howard Porter
Published by DC Comics
The only positive thing about this book is the possibility that this can be recycled. In other news, when will it end? Make it stop. Horrible.
RATING: F

November is a huge month for Diamond Select Toys, as pre-orders open on a wide variety of 2017 items, including a new selection of Vinimates vinyl figures, from several brand-new licenses!

Vinimates from Watchmen, Iron Giant, Forbidden Planet, Alien, Beetlejuice and Caddyshack all make their bow this month, plus more new items from Batman, Ghostbusters, Marvel Comics, X-Files and Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2!

Pre-order through your local comic shop, or order online through your favorite retailer!

Alien Vinimates Big Chap Vinyl Figure

A Diamond Select Toys Release! In space, no one can hear you scream with delight at the newest Alien Vinimates vinyl figure! This time, DST is revisiting the original 1979 film, to capture the original “Big Chap” Alien in the Minimates block-figure style. This 4-inch vinyl figure features an articulated neck, so you can customize his pose, and comes packaged in a full-color window box. (Item #NOV162418, SRP: $9.99)

Batman The Animated Series Batgirl Resin Bust

A Diamond Select Toys Release! Gotham City just got even more dangerous… for criminals! Joining DST’s epic line of resin busts based on Batman: The Animated Series, this bust of Barbara Gordon’s alter ego captures Batgirl as she appeared in the early seasons of the show. Measuring approximately 5 inches tall, this bust is in scale to other pieces in the series, and sits atop a pedestal base inspired by Gotham’s art-deco architecture. Packaged in a numbered, full-color box with a numbered certificate of authenticity, this bust is limited to just 3,000 pieces. Sculpted by Varner Studios! (Item #NOV162439, SRP: $59.99)

Batman Classic TV Series Batmobile Phone Vinyl Bank

A Diamond Select Toys Release! Your personal Batcave is almost complete, but no Batcave is complete without a bright red telephone! This life-sized vinyl bank, based directly on the red phone seen in the Batmobile on the Batman Classic TV Series, may not connect you with Commissioner Gordon, but it will hold your loose change, thanks to a slot in the top and an access door in the base! Use it to save up for that Batmobile you’ve always wanted! Packaged in a full-color window box. (Item #NOV162443, SRP: $29.99)

Beetlejuice Vinimates Vinyl Figures

A Diamond Select Toys Release! He’s the ghost with the most! The spastic spectre with a knack for tormenting the living captured our hearts in Tim Burton’s feature film Beetlejuice, and now Betelgeuse and his bride-to-be Lydia are Vinimates vinyl figures! Each 4-inch figure strikes a pose from the film, and has an articulated neck for further poses. Sculpted in the block-figure style, each figure comes packaged in a full-color window box.

• Betelgeuse Vinyl Figure (Item #NOV162425, SRP: $9.99)
• Lydia Vinyl Figure (Item #NOV162426, SRP: $9.99)

Caddyshack Vinimates Vinyl Figures

A Diamond Select Toys Release! For years, fans of Caddyshack have been told they’ll get nothing and like it, but now they’re here – the first-ever collectible figures based on the classic comedy film! Wild and crazy Al Czervik and stuffy Judge Elihu Smails each measure about 4 inches tall, are sculpted in the block-figure style, and have poseable heads. Each comes packaged in a full-color window box.

• Al Czervik Vinyl Figure (Item #NOV162419, SRP: $9.99)
• Judge Smails Vinyl Figure (Item #NOV162420, SRP: $9.99)

DC Gallery New Batman Adventures Poison Ivy PVC Diorama

A Diamond Select Toys Release! It’s time for another dose of poison! Based on her drastically different appearance in the fourth season of Batman: The Animated Series (titled New Batman Adventures), this all-new PVC figure of Poison Ivy shows off her darker, more dangerous look! With pale skin and a dark green outfit, this 9” scale PVC figure is in scale to all Gallery and Femme Fatales PVC figures, posing on a diorama base. The piece features detailed sculpting and paint applications, and comes packaged in a full-color window box. Sculpted by Varner Studios! (Item #NOV162440, SRP: $45.00)

Forbidden Planet Vinimates Robby the Robot Vinyl Figure

A Diamond Select Toys Release! From the Forbidden Planet comes one of the most advanced robots of all time: Robby the Robot! A triumph of engineering when he made his acting debut in the 1957 sci-fi classic, Robby went on to become one one of Hollywood’s most famous robot actors, and now he’s the newest 4-inch Vinimates vinyl figure! Sculpted in the block-figure style, Robby comes packaged in a full-color window box. (Item #NOV162421, SRP: $9.99)

Ghostbusters Select Action Figures Series 5 Asst.

A Diamond Select Toys Release! Anybody seen any ghosts? The hit toy line based on the horror-comedy classic movie Ghostbusters is back with a fifth series of action figures, and this series is spectrally delicious!

Series 5 unleashes three spirits from the original 1984 movie: the Library Ghost, the Taxi Driver Zombie and a Terror Dog! Each 7-inch scale figure features up to 16 points of articulation, as well as character-specific accessories: the Library Ghost comes with a stack of books, the Taxi Driver comes with a steering wheel and the Terror Dog comes with interchangeable horns so it can be either Zuul or Vinz Clortho! Plus, each figure comes with a piece of the rooftop diorama – these are the last three figures you need to complete the whole shebang! Packaged in the trademark Select display packaging, with side panel artwork for shelf reference. Sculpted by Gentle Giant Studios! (Item #NOV162416, SRP: $24.99/ea.)

Iron Giant Vinimates Vinyl Figure

A Diamond Select Toys Release! The Iron Giant is not of this earth, and he is definitely not a gun, but he is the next Vinimates vinyl figure from DST! With his hands on his hips, the Iron Giant strikes a heroic pose straight out of the classic animated film, and his articulated neck allows you to further customize that pose.

Measuring approximately 4 inches tall, the Iron Giant is sculpted in the Minimates block-figure style, and comes packaged in a full-color window box. (Item #NOV162417, SRP: $9.99)

Marvel Gallery Jessica Jones as Jewel PVC Diorama

A Diamond Select Toys Release! Before she was a hard-boiled detective and the star of her own TV show, Jessica Jones was Jewel, an up-and-coming superhero, part-time Avenger and full-time fashion plate! This 9-inch scale PVC diorama of Jewel depicts the superheroine with her purple hair and white jumpsuit, blowing a kiss of purple stars. In scale to all Gallery and Femme Fatales PVC figures, Jewel comes packaged in a full-color widow box, and features a detailed sculpt and paint applications. Sculpted by Alejandro Pereira. (Item #NOV162441, SRP: $45.00)

Marvel Minimates Series 71 Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 Asst.

A Diamond Select Toys release! The greatest mix-tape in the galaxy is back! The unlikely team of misfits known as Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy is coming back to our solar system with a new movie, and DST is marking the occasion with a new assortment of Minimates based on the film! Four new two-packs capture the main cast in 2-inch mini-figure form: Starlord pairs with Yondu, Gamora with Rocket and Groot, and two comic-shop-exclusive sets feature Ego with Ayesha and Taserface with Mantis. Each Minimate features up to 14 points of articulation and fully interchangeable parts, and each 2-pack comes in a full-color window box. You’re welcome! (Item #NOV162442, SRP: $9.99/ea.)

Watchmen Vinimates Vinyl Figures

A Diamond Select Toys Release! Who watched the Watchmen? We all did, because it was one of the most epic superhero films of all time! Now, the Vinimates vinyl figure format takes on characters from the film, capturing Rorschach, Nite Owl and the Comedian as 4-inch figures! Sculpted in the block figure style, each figure features an articulated neck for customizing their movie-inspired poses, and each comes packaged in a full-color window box.

• Rorschach Vinyl Figure (Item #NOV162422, SRP: $9.99)
• Nite Owl Vinyl Figure (Item #NOV162423, SRP: $9.99)
• Comedian Vinyl Figure (Item #NOV162424, SRP: $9.99)

X-Files Flukeman Vinyl bust bank

A Diamond Select Toys Release! From out of the sewer comes the Flukeman! One of the most iconic creatures from the X-Files TV series, this grotesque misstep in evolution is now the place where you put all of your spare change! A coin slot on the back allows the coins to go in, and you’ll be less tempted to open up the base and make a withdrawal when you look at the horrific face of the Flukeman. This 8-inch vinyl bank features detailed paint applications and comes packaged in a clear polybag. Sculpted by Eli Livingston! (Item #NOV162444, SRP: $22.99)

Find your nearest comic shop at comicshoplocator.com!

You might not be familiar with Joe Casey’s name, but you certainly know his work. 

Since breaking into comics in 1998, Casey has written some of the most iconic characters in pop culture including Superman, The X-Men, The Avengers, KISS, The Fantastic Four, G.I. Joe, Miami Vice and Batman.  His comic writing also includes a large number of creator owned work including Full Moon Fever, Catalyst Comics, Sex, The Bounce, Butcher Baker, the Righteous Maker, Nixion’s Pals, Gødland, Rob Liefeld’s Youngblood, and Jack Kirby’s Captain Victory and the Galactic Rangers.

As part of Man of Action Studios, Casey (with partners  Joe Kelly, Duncan Rouleau, Steven T. Seagle) are responsible for the hit animated series Ben 10, Generator Rex, and the Disney film, Big Hero 6. 

Casey and artist Chris Burnham’s 2010 graphic novel Officer Downe, which focused on a savage LA policeman who is repeatedly resurrected and returned to active duty via dark science technology has been adapted to film and arrives in theaters, via Digital HD and On Demand next week.

Joe took some time to discuss the film, the art of adaptation and his love of hate watching.

***

FOG!: What was the genesis of the original graphic novel? How did artist Chris Burnham get involved?

Joe Casey: Officer Downe started as a comicbook fever dream that I first came up with about twelve years ago. For six long years, that fever never broke — until I roped Burnham in to draw the damn thing. From there, we just had a good laugh being as over-the-top and exploitative as possible. As it turned out, that method worked out really well, and the end result was something that, for me, I couldn’t have been happier with. I’m proud of its subversive qualities and its directness and its ruthlessness. It is what it is and that’s all that it is.

You sold the rights to Mark Neveldine and Skip Williamson to adapt Officer Downe to film contingent to you staying involved. What was the overall process like?

To be clear, we didn’t sell the rights to anyone, per se. Nev and Skip approached me about the film rights, I countered with the notion that we find the money and make the film together as creative partners. So, yeah, I stayed involved like a motherfucker. The three of us were the initial, driving force… three producers possessing various levels of credibility trying find enough money to make this weirdo movie. Once we did, we went balls deep.

You wrote the screenplay. Did you find any unexpected challenges that you wound up having to change during the process?

If you happen to be in the correct mindset to write this kind of material, you just ride the wave. I did, anyway. The scope of the movie is bigger than the graphic novel, which is surprising considering the relatively modest budget of the film vs. the unlimited budget of a comicbook.

With the comicbook, it was as punk rock as it gets. But I think the film aspires to put out more of a stadium rock vibe. The challenges were more about how to explode the emotions inherent within the material, the subject matter and the characters. Total cult blockbuster mentality in action. I don’t remember anything particularly unexpected about the process aside from how much I ended up getting away with.

Over the last several years you’ve abandoned writing comics for DC and Marvel to focus on creator owned material. Do you find that more satisfying?

I wouldn’t say I’ve “abandoned” writing for the big two WFH publishers. At least, not in my own demented mind. Childhood nostalgia alone means I will always have an unhealthy attachment to those characters. But owning your own shit is really where it’s at. Especially now. Beyond pride of ownership, the cultural landscape has made this kind of material extremely valuable.

With the existence of this film, we’re living the dream here. Publish the comicbook, make the movie. Simple.

Are there other comic properties that you created that you’d like to see adapted to another medium?

When I make creator-owned comics, I never, ever think about them in any other way than simply being a comicbook. That’s how they have to work, first and foremost. And that’s more than enough, isn’t it? A good comicbook is worth its weight in gold.

The truth is, I never thought that Officer Downe would ever be anything more than a cult-level graphic novel (if that). And that was perfectly fine with me… I was more than happy with the work we’d done, I thought it had turned out great, and was completely creatively satisfying on just about every level that matters. I love comicbooks, so to make them is still a privilege, each and every time. So, to answer your question, sure… but I could never predict which ones might get that magical tap on the shoulder…

You’re also part of the creative group, Man of Action Entertainment, co-creating Ben 10, Generator Rex and Big Hero 6. That work seems to focus on all ages material. What do you find satisfying about writing for a younger audience?

A reader or a viewer that you can grab young… that’s a fan for life. So it’s satisfying on that level. Writing to an audience that’s not so jaded is always nice, too. But I think something like Officer Downe suggests that man cannot live by “nice” alone. He needs a little “nasty” in his diet.

What do you have coming up?

Besides the movie opening on November 18th? A ton of stuff, but it’ll all be released next year, probably. Right now, the 18th is what I’m really focusing on, because I’m psyched for people to see this thing for themselves. I’ve been living with it for several years at this point. Time to unleash the beast.

What are you currently geeking out over?

I’m a big hate watcher. I know how that sounds, but I actually get a big kick out of it. It’s very much a spectator bloodsport. It’s often how I relax. When you’re actually in the business, you tend to watch things — at least I do — from a certain perspective. You’re looking for the strings, so to speak. In terms of what I “geek out” over… that’s a tough one. I’m in a certain groove right now where I’m producing a lot of material in various mediums, all at once. So there’s not a whole lot of time to indulge my inner geek in the ways I really get off on. And I do get off on it, when I have the opportunity.

My geekiness can go pretty deep and pretty obscure… I mean, who else besides me would feel such a jolt of electricity owning original Mike Baron manuscripts of his Flash comic scripts from the late 80’s? I’m a process junkie… whether it be comicbooks, movies or rock n’ roll. So anything that goes deeper into the creation of the junk arts, I’m down for it.

Officer Downe arrives in theaters, On Demand,
on Amazon Video and iTunes, November 18th

Looking for the ideal Holiday Gift for that pulp/comic book loving person on your list?

Look no further!  Pulp hero Black Bat has RETURNED in time for gift giving alongside the Nemoverse’s Sea Ghost. These figures are a special collaboration between Paul “Dr. Mego” Clark and comic artist and writer Jay Piscopo.

Figures are on sale for $15 .. 2 for $25. Both action figures are retro Mego in style and perfect for early gift giving or simply being the coolest person on your street! They are 8” collector’s items for toy fans of all ages. The sale lasts until November 30th, so don’t wait another moment!

To purchase, visit http://tinyurl.com/hwfv6qs!

On the way home from an encounter with the Beyonder in Los Angeles, Captain America must defend West Coast Avengers Mansion from the Armadillo!

Captain America #308
“The Body in Question”
Writer: Mark Gruenwald
Pencils: Paul Neary
Inks: Dennis Janke

Don’t you hate being only a few issues into a promising run on a comic when it gets interrupted by a line-wide crossover? I sure do. It’s happened to me more than I’d like. (The worst instance for me is still Kurt Busiek’s “Camelot Falls” arc in Superman derailed by “Countdown to Final Crisis” tie-ins.)

Here’s a particularly early example.

Secret Wars was the 1984 Marvel mega-hit event, a 12-issue limited series pitting all of Marvel’s heroes and villains against each other in an epic fight at the whim of a godlike being called the Beyonder.

When you think of the books that invented the modern crossover event, Secret Wars is one of the top two on that list (alongside DC’s Crisis on Infinite Earths).

Secret Wars II was a 9-issue sequel which saw the Marvel heroes kind of fall all over themselves trying to contend with the Beyonder…walking around New York learning how to be human. It was about as exciting as that sentence sounds.

I might get more into it later if you’d like, but for now, let’s just say it’s a great example of how to execute an interesting idea quite badly.

As it turns out, it isn’t too necessary to know what goes on in Secret Wars II #1, and after this issue, it’s never mentioned again.

Let’s get it out of the way: Cap got detoured to Los Angeles from London by a psychic summons from Charles Xavier about the Beyonder’s return. Cap and the X-Men did battle with a crazy TV writer-turned-ersatz-Beyonder-powered-Thor-type called Thundersword, while the Beyonder just hung back and watched. (He did a lot of that in this story.) Afterwards, Cap bolted.

The story picks up at West Coast Avengers Mansion, as Cap pays a visit in order to borrow a Quinjet.

To get there, though, he sprints across the lawn in order to test the mansion’s security system and presumably get his daily workout in. Keep in mind, this was all before CrossFit.

This opening sequence is also designed to catch us up on previous events, and it’s here where I praise one of my favorite innovations in comics: the recap page.

Nowadays, especially in Marvel books, issues begin with a single page designed to recap events in previous issues, to spare writers the task of filling the first few pages of an issue with a ton of exposition recapping the previous installment.

Not so here, as Cap tries to puzzle out exactly what day it was by going back over the events of issues #305, #306, and Secret Wars II #1.

None of that really mattered in the end. Captain America rolls up and asks Hawkeye, “Hey dude, what’s today?” (It was Friday.)

The hook of the issue is that the mansion falls under attack before Cap can borrow the Quinjet, and since Hawkeye and Mockingbird have left for an event, he’s the only one around who can fend off the intruder: a giant armored mutate called the Armadillo.

Cap uses his superior tactical mind and the mansion’s defenses to maneuver Armadillo into a trap, and then…well, he listens to his foe and reasons with him. Not enough superheroes do that!

Armadillo was once a man whose wife fell deathly ill. No doctor could determine the cause of her sickness, except for Dr. Karl Malus. Malus, an expert in genetics, offered to help her in exchange for the heartsick husband’s aid in his experiments. He transformed the man into the Armadillo, then charged him with breaking into West Coast Avengers Mansion and stealing the body of comatose Avengers foe Goliath (Erik Josten, formerly the first Power Man, who would later become Thunderbolts member Atlas).

he problem is that Goliath is stuck in giant size, and the shrinking solution Malus gave Armadillo to help transport him was spilled during the fight. Cap agrees to hand the body over to Armadillo and allows him to leave in order to get another shrinking capsule from Malus.

However, he secretly follows Armadillo to Malus, who flips out when Cap appears at his lab. Malus threatens to pull the plug on Bonita’s life support if Armadillo doesn’t kill Cap, but our hero quickly out-thinks the doctor, breaking his arm in the process with a shield throw. As a favor to Armadillo, he promises to leave Malus there for the police, rather than take him in to the Avengers.

A couple other plots get a bit of time. All through the issue, a mysterious invisible figure has been stalking Cap, and as Rogers calls the police, the being adopts the hero’s physical form. Of course, this is the Beyonder, and this Secret Wars II thread continues in X-Men #196, a pretty notorious issue in its own right.

Gruenwald also cuts back to Brooklyn, where Bernie pops into Steve’s apartment, only to find no one there and Jack’s belongings gone. (If you recall, he decided to move after his fight with Madcap last issue.)

And at the end of the issue, we check back in with the trio of snake-themed villains camped out in Sidewinder’s apartment. They want their money from the last caper they pulled together, the theft of the Serpent Crown (a fun little Marvel Two-in-One three-parter also written by Gruenwald and future Cap editor Ralph Macchio).

Sidewinder pays Black Mamba, Death Adder, and Anaconda, but also offers them an opportunity to join his latest venture, one he promises to be more lucrative than they ever dreamed. And boy, is it ever.

Thankfully, the crossover stuff is kept to the fringe while Gruenwald focuses on setting up new threats for Cap and possibly a new status quo. And Neary shines in a particularly action-heavy issue, exalting in showing Captain America in action, whether dodging lasers or baiting Armadillo. It’s a lot of fun.

(I should also mention the cover from John Byrne, himself responsible for a short, but iconic run on Captain America with writer Roger Stern.)

At least we don’t have to worry about another crossover for…six more issues?! Geez…

This issue available where back issues are sold, in the Society of Serpents collection, and digitally at Comixology and Marvel Unlimited.

Next time: The return of Madcap spells the end of a partnership! Plus: a conversation between this column…and you!

Have you ever watched a network flail about desperately attempting to get a concept to work and yet failing again and again and AGAIN? The Chameleon “Movies” are just that.

In 1997 ABC (pretty sure it was ABC, might have been UPN) was desperate to get into the market already being saturated by Hercules the Legendary Journeys and the second wave of First Run Syndication that had ushered in.

For some reason producer and writer Bennett Cohen was so intent on getting his idea for a killer hot chick assassin in the future to work he made it 3 times… each one being somehow worse than the last attempt, yet having an odd charm to them.

So in 1998 the first Chameleon “movie” aired. An obvious backdoor pilot but presented as a movie.

Set in a rather bland not quite cyberpunk on a TV budget near future (2028 which looks so much like the late 90’s with only lots of lights and buttons on everything), Kam is a genetically altered superhuman who has the ability to blend into her surroundings (even her clothes oddly enough) essentially making her invisible.

She is a government assassin and soon finds that she might be on the wrong side of things when a small boy comes into her life and she must protect him from the very people she works for.

Or something like that… it’s all rather dumb and pointless.

There are some attempts at world building here but the bulk of this 90 minutes is spent showing us boobs and skin and occasional fights.

Sure there could be more if this had gone to series, but Max Headroom this was not. A shallow and tepid story, Chameleon 1998 is trying very hard to be more than a network scifi show but wanes as it really has no idea where it’s going or what it’s doing.

Bobbie Phillips is Kam, the titled Chameleon and she is a big breasted actress who mostly plays dim-witted big breasted characters in 90’s television.

She is not a bad actress but she is nothing special but with that said is NOT lead material and that is so evident here. As stated she is not bad, but she just can NOT lead a series, she has no charisma and plays the part of Kam as almost a Terminator cypher even in scenes were the character is meant to have emotional reactions. This could be the fault of the script or the direction by veteran TV movie director Stuart Cooper who is not really known for being anything but dull as a director.

Interesting note though is that Cooper was Roscoe Lever in the original Dirty Dozen. Also Chameleon has a small role for Anthony Simcoe who most of you will know as Ka D’Argo from Farscape. Here he is out of makeup and looks ODD. Like an 80’s California surfer dude who happens to have D’Argo’s voice.

Anyway that pilot didn’t really gain any ground despite good ratings when it aired. It was not picked up as a series but producer Bennett Cohen was not about to stop trying.

Chameleon II: Death Match was thus commissioned. In actuality this was another attempt at a Chameleon pilot and not a sequel as the title clearly implies.

Phillips is back as Kam and since this is another pilot it starts over again with her origin (tweaked some) and this time Kam is set to stop bad guys from taking over a casino. Again a “meh” version of a not really cyberpunk future with not great dialog, standard action scenes and Phillips still unable to overcome the limited role she is given. I have seen her do better than this so I have to assume that it’s the script which is holding her back.

This time though the movie comes off better as it is (partially) helmed by Craig R. Baxley who had gifted us years earlier with the superb I Come In Peace and Stone Cold. The action scenes are standard as stated previously but standard for a movie and honestly above that of a TV pilot.

Again this one did well in the ratings but something was wrong with it and it did not go to series. Bennett Cohen tried yet again (can’t say the man gives up at least).

Chameleon 3: Dark Angel was made in 2000. Again starring Phillips as Kam and again another origin as this is yet another pilot.

Kam is going against… dun dun dun… her brother in this one. As with the other 2 pilots this has no connection to the others and gives us yet another origin for Kam and yet another possible future.

I should note though that in the case of Chameleon 3: Dark Angel the desperation to get this made into a series is starting to really show through. With James Cameron’s much higher profile (and much better) Dark Angel coming out at the same time on a competing network this Dark Angel pales even more.

The tone has been darkened some but still nothing works like it should. Phillips is mostly wasted here and the world this is set is has no real meat to it.

Child’s Play 2 director John Lafia steps in this go around but can’t overcome Cohen’s inability to make this thing work as intended.

In the end the network (UPN at this point) was done giving Chameleon chances and simply released the 3 movies onto home video and left them to die.

Run on the Sci-fi Channel now and then in the mid 2000’s the VHS tapes are rather obscure but I feel bad for anyone picking them up and expecting a franchise instead of the same general idea over and over again for 3 “movies”.

Welcome back to Graphic Breakdown!

It’s been a tough week…but let’s get talking about comic books and liven things up!

The Mummy: Palimpsest #1 (Hammer Comics)

Written by Peter Milligan
Illustrated by Ronilson Freire
Published by Titan Comics

I love myself some Peter Milligan. He hasn’t been in comics as much as I would like him to be lately, so when I see a new Milligan book hitting the stands you bet I’m picking it up!

And I was rewarded for that: this book is pretty awesome.

For 2000 years the Sect of Anubis have prolonged their life spans through human sacrifice and the enslavement of an Egyptian High Priestess cursed to walk the afterlife for all eternity.

On one night every 30 years the Sect must offer up a human vessel to house the spirit of the priestess Nebetah so that they can kill her and drink her blood, thus granting them immortality.

But this is the year they have chosen the wrong vessel. And then everything goes to hell.

Milligan creates one hell of a world here set in the present day. There is a large cast, and not all will survive. That’s part of the fun here. Angelina Kostenko is the character we get to know most and she well written. The whole thing is.

The art blew me away. I have never heard of Freire yet the art is genius. Just genius. Detailed, exuberant, gorgeous. It’s fair to call it a masterwork. Because it is.

This is a hell of a good book. I need the second issue. Like right now. Kudos to this creative team and this excellent book.

RATING: A

Betty and Veronica #2

Written and Illustrated by Adam Hughes
Published by Archie Comics

I love Archie Comics. I love the direction they have taken. I love their line of books, and the quality they have now. And I love this book, written and Illustrated by one of the great comic artists of our time, Mr. Adam Hughes.

The latest hit New Riverdale series continues to defy expectations with some major surprises: including besties turning into enemies! The battle no one expected hits its peak as Betty and Veronica declare all-out war on each other!

It’s a battle of benefits as Betty tries to raise money to save Pop’s, while Ronnie’s staging her own competing fundraisers in move destroy Betty’s efforts. All bets are off as the girls go from best pals to cutthroat competitors. You’ve never seen a car wash like this! Will the two icons find their way back to friendship, or is this the end of one of the longest-running partnerships in history?

This book is fun and fizzy and moves quick. Hughes can write as well as he can draw, both of which are excellent. The only downside thus far is the delay between the two issues…but I’ll gladly wait if the books are this good. And they are.

Kudos to Archie for making another amazing book in a line of excellent books. This is some seriously great stuff and I couldn’t ask for more.

RATING: A

4001 A.D. TPB (Collecting Issues #1-4)

Written by Matt Kindt
Illustrated by Clayton Crain
Published by Valiant Comics

Wow. That’s all I can say about Matt Kindt’s Valiant writing. It’s mind blowing. Seriously.

Pick up his Rai and then everything that leads to this series. I reviewed the first few issues of this book awhile back but now got to sit down and read the entire story. And it’s great.

A thousand years from today, Father will create the first Rai, founding a lineage of technologically enhanced heroes engineered to defend New Japan and sworn to protect it from all enemies.

For hundreds of years into the future, the Rai will single-handedly enforce New Japan’s justice well…and serve Father without question.

Now, at the dawn of 4001 A.D., the latest Rai is about to inherit the dark truth behind the origin of his kind…and discover the sinister secret at the heart of Father’s existence. For New Japan to live, Earth must die…and as Rai challenges his former master for the first time in more than a millennium, the lone guardian of New Japan will be cast out of his own Father’s kingdom…

Exiled from the only realm he’s ever known, Rai now walks the ravaged world of 4001 A.D. in search of forgotten heroes like himself…on a mission to collect the last surviving legends of a broken planet…and to forge a rebellion with the power to bring the most advanced civilization in history crashing back down to Earth. Earth must rise! Father must fall! And that’s where the nuttiness begins!

This book is so well written. Kindt is almost an alien he writes this sci-fi epic so well and real. And Crain is the best, most underrated artist in the field. This was awesome. Go pick up Kindt and Crain’s run up til now. It won’t cost that much. But you’ll be rewarded and you’ll thank me for recommending them to you.

RATING: A

Legend TPB

Written by Sam Sattin
Illustrated by Chris Koehler
Published by Z2 Comics

At least once a month I review a comic book about an animal (a dog, a cat, a monkey) in a post apocalyptic setting.

Not to be outdone is this series from Z2 Comics called Legend. And it’s actually pretty good!

The story for this comic goes like this, “What if a biological terror agent wiped out most of humanity, and our domesticated animals were left in charge? How would our dogs and cats set about ruling and rebuilding the world?”

Ransom, the leader of the Dog Tribe, has been murdered by a creature known as the Endark. An English Pointer named Legend reluctantly rises to lead in his place, vowing to kill the monster once and for all.

From acclaimed novelist Samuel Sattin and award-winning illustrator Chris Koehler comes Legend, where cat technology rules, dogs partner with hawks, and humans may be the most beastly creatures of all.

The story by Sattin is very compelling, and I read this in one sitting, enjoying it quite a bit. The art is also pretty special. Koehler is yet another artist I’ve never heard of, yet he’s brilliant. This is a solid book. It stands out from all the other post apocalyptic animal tales out there….and some of the other comics on the stands as well.

RATING: A

Reggie and Me#1

Written by Tom DeFalco
Illustrated by Sandy Jarrell
Published by Archie Comics

Another fun, cool new comic from Archie Comics. This one is a revival of an old comic book. And I think it’s pretty great.

The synopsis of the book came in like this: There is no one more loved, revered, admired and adored in Riverdale than… Reggie Mantle?

Well, at least Reggie doesn’t think there’s anyone as loved and admired as himself. And his best friend can back that idea up — his best friend, of course, being his dog, Vader.

The unstoppable duo is known around town for pulling the funniest pranks, getting the hottest dates and throwing the best parties. And if anyone even dares to compete with them, there is going to be hell to pay.

This is of course, a good time through and through. It’s great to see Tom DeFalco back writing a comic book. DeFalco is one of the best unsung writers in the business and he just nails the character of Reggie in this. It’s great to see an old favorite writer still writing well.

The art by Jarrell is wonderfully done as well. You can’t help but like what you are looking at…and the art and Defalco’s script work well together.

I said it before and I’ll say it again: Archie Comics are producing some of the best comic books on the stands. Pick one up. You’ll be happy you did and most likely they will make you smile from ear to ear.

RATING: A

Last week we told you about the new titles airing this month on COMET TV!

COMET is a new free network dedicated to science fiction and horror programming, playing the best cult classics, sci-fi adventures and shocking horror tales sure to send a shiver down your spine!

Available on television digi-networks and online at CometTV.com, COMET offers something for everyone and has an incredible array of movies that you simply can’t get with a subscription to streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon, or Hulu.

From wild adventures on Mars to critically acclaimed classics, COMET is the ultimate home of sci-fi and horror… and it’s all totally free, no subscription needed.

COMET is what you want a Sci-fi and Horror Channel to be!

Be sure to check out the COMET app and below find out how to enter and win an awesome prize pack!

Included in the swag box are:

• Two COMET Exclusive Shirts: One – Get Skiffy “T” and the ‘We Can Hear You Scream’ Alien T.
• One COMET Robot Stress Ball
• One COMET Flying Saucer
• Astronaut Ice Cream
• Popcorn and More!

And we’re giving away one swag box to a FOG! reader!

To enter, please send an email with the subject header “COMET TV” to geekcontest @ gmail dot com and answer the following:

What is your favorite science fiction or horror movie of all time?

Please include your name and address (U.S. Residents only. You must be 18 years old).

Each household is only eligible to win 1 COMET Insider’s Prize Pack to Giveaway via blog reviews and giveaways. Only one entrant per mailing address per giveaway. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you will not be eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.

Contest ends at 11:59 PM EST on November 20th, 2016.

Comic book artist Frank Quitely – best known for his work on New X-Men, We3, and All-Star Superman with Grant Morrison, and titles such as The Authority and Jupiter’s Legacy with Mark Millar – marks a move into animation with Nothing To Declare, an animated horror short.

The film is directed by multi-BAFTA-nominated animator Will Adams and produced by Mal Young, with artwork by Fraser McLean and Tom Bryant. It is based on a short story by Frank Quitely in which a well-meaning 19-year-old returns home at Christmas from backpacking in South America, only to discover he has unintentionally triggered a catastrophic chain of events.

The team expect the film to appeal to comic book readers, as well as fans of animation and horror.

For Quitely, it is not only his first foray into film – it is also his first time in the role of writer. He says:

“I’ve always loved the horror genre. I had written a bunch of short stories, and this one, I felt, particularly lent itself to animation. This is the first time I’ve written a story and handed it over to other artists to work on. It’s my first venture in film, and the team I’m working with are exceptionally talented and have created a brilliantly crafted animation. I’m really excited at the prospect of seeing it finished.”

The film is a co-production between Scottish animation studios Once Were Farmers and Interface Pattern, marking the first collaboration between the multi-award-winning studios. It is enhanced by an original score by John Cummings, formerly of the band Mogwai, who left the band on amicable terms in 2015 to pursue other musical avenues.

Will Adams, Director, says, “This will be the first home-grown short I’ve directed since 2009, so it’s a rare treat to work on a project where we have real creative freedom. Having been a fan of Frank Quitely’s work since I read his comics at school, it’s been brilliant having the opportunity to collaborate so closely with him.”

The team are currently running a crowdfunding campaign on Indiegogo to raise the funds that they need to complete the film. The campaign launched on Halloween, and raised 25% of its target within the first few days.

The campaign is a rare opportunity for fans to acquire original artwork by Frank Quitely and Fraser McLean, including unseen sketches from Quitely’s sketchbook, unique, signed frames from the film, and your own portrait as a Nothing To Declare character drawn by Fraser McLean.

The campaign runs until 10th December on Indiegogo. Please visit https://igg.me/at/NothingToDeclare for more information and to support the project.

If You Like Game of Thrones
No one knows when the hell the next Song of Ice and Fire book is coming out, including the author, so here’s some recommended books if you like Westeros.

The Littlest Bookseller
I guess they don’t have any age requirements at this bookstore. Is it cute or just cheap child labor?

Remembering Leonard Cohen
The moving New York Times obituary on the passing of this legend.

NW
A teaser trailer for the BBC’s adaptation of Zadie Smith’s NW.

The Passage
Justin Cronin’s bestselling book, The Passage, is hopefully coming to your TV.

Giant Flip Books
Yep, giant. Bigger. No, bigger. Bigger than you think. Seriously!

English Women Authors
Here are 10 women authors you seriously should make the time to check out.

Literary Apocalypses
The apocalypse is a common plot in many books and here are 10 great ones.

A little over one year ago DC launched the Talent Development department. The goal: to find, instruct and nurture new and current DC talent. In just a short amount of time since the launch, DC has run two successful workshops taught by a few of the greatest creators and teachers in the business; one for writers led by Scott Snyder, and one for artists led by Klaus Janson and Jim Lee.

This year’s Showcase represents the work of writers from DC’s Writers Workshop Pilot Program, a 13-week program held January through March 2016, for professionals from an array of writing backgrounds who were brand-new to DC. The stories you’ll get to see in NEW TALENT SHOWCASE #1 are just a glimpse of what they created during the workshop, and they represent the various strengths seen when these creators were asked to join DC.

Many of the artists represented here are also products of DC’s Artists Workshop Pilot Program from the fall of 2015. For that, DC invited current artists to the Burbank offices for a week of master classes, get-togethers with the editorial staff, tours of the offices and the amazing DC library, and discussions on craft with Jim Lee and Klaus Janson! These artists and their colorists, and letterer Josh Reed, were instrumental in bringing to life the vision and story put forth by the new writers showcased in this new publication.

We plan to make Showcase an annual event, and truly hope you enjoy what you see. Special thanks to our wonderful teachers/advisors: Klaus Janson, Andy Kubert, Jim Lee and Scott Snyder!

What follows is the first page of each story that will be featured in NEW TALENT SHOWCASE #1, available in comic book stores and online on November 30th. Please help welcome these new writers to DC! And big thanks to the artists that contributed to this year’s Showcase!

HELLBLAZER: THE ROAD TO HELL AND ALL THAT by Smith & Oum:

“Being a dude from the south writing a famously British character was pretty intimidating, and with Steve Dillon passing away I’ve been thinking a lot about how much Hellblazer meant to me as that right book at that right time in my life.”

–Adam Smith

WONDER WOMAN: BLOOD AND GLORY by Ayala, Randolph & Rauch:

“Wonder Woman has always been monumentally important to me. She was strong yet gentle, a warrior and a peacemaker and, most important, her power was dependent on no man. She was everything I saw in my mother and my grandmother, and what I wanted for myself. I thought she was Puerto Rican for an embarrassingly long time, and while that was wrong, it was critical to the formation of my identity and my self-esteem. She protected my brown-ness, my queer-ness and the part of me that is woman.”

–Vita Ayala

WHITE LANTERN: DEAD BEACONS by Moreci, Bagenda & Fajardo Jr.

“I’ve always been fascinated by space—the adventures, the exploration and taking the human story and pitting it against the unknown. Since I was a kid, Green Lantern has always resonated with me, but it was Kyle’s story that hit a major chord with me. I love how relatable he is, but he’s still driven by nobility and courage. He faces all those things I love about space with a set of eyes that feel like my own.”

–Michael Moreci

HAWKGIRL: WEAPONS OF WAR by Schultz & Liew

“I’ve always been drawn to strong characters, but what really solidified my love for Shayera was the Justice League cartoon show. Maria Canals-Barrera and Susan Eisenberg voiced Hawkgirl and Wonder Woman, respectively, and their portrayals left an indelible mark on me. I was honored to be able to have Shayera fly once again.”

–Erica Schultz

DEADMAN: KILLING TIME by Sebela, Messina & Dinisio

“When I was a kid buying comics for the first time, I found Mike Baron and Kelley Jones’ Deadman stories, which were so different from all the other Deadman stuff. Poetic and grotesque and emotional and creepy as heck. Those stories burned themselves into my mind and have stuck there ever since. When I got the chance to pick my first DC character I’d write for, well, Deadman had spent so much time occupying my mind, I thought it was only fair to put some thoughts in his.”

–Christopher Sebela

WONDER GIRL: DIGGING UP DEMONS by Khan, Lupacchino, McCarthy & Morey

“Wonder Girl has been an exciting character for me to explore because she is young, flawed and relatable. As someone who also writes for children, it’s satisfying to work on a strong female role model who still faces challenges many can identify with, like falling for the wrong person and having her heart broken, or struggling in her relationship with her mother. She may not be perfect, and still has a lot to learn about herself and being a superhero, but that just makes Wonder Girl even more awesome!”

–Hena Khan

CATWOMAN/WONDER WOMAN: THE AMAZONIAN JOB by Beeby, Jung & Mulvihill

“It was so tough to choose: I wanted to write the ‘bad girl’ Catwoman, with all her sardonic quips, but I also wanted to explore the strength and mythology of Wonder Woman. Then I had this crazy thought: maybe I don’t have to choose…? They’re not enemies, but they are opposites. It’s hard to even think of them together. But I’m nothing if not a sucker for a challenge!”

–Emma Beeby

SUPERMAN: THE MAN IN BLACK by McMillian & Ferreyra

“One of the first titles that kicked off my obsession with comic books was SUPERMAN #21 by John Byrne, which I purchased off the rack at my local grocery store. Ever since Superman’s discovery of the post-Crisis Supergirl, I have been a major fan of the Last Son of Krypton. Not only is he the world’s greatest superhero, but he grew up in Kansas like me, which was a major plus. With ‘Man in Black’ I wanted to spark a story that juxtaposes Clark’s hometown roots with his sci-fi origins and add to his ever-expanding backstory. Hopefully I will one day get to continue Clark’s fateful run-in with Joker, the mysterious Mister Coal and the role Deputy Conrad “Bud” Hunt played in Clark’s childhood…and the secret he’s kept hidden for over thirty years.”

–Michael McMillian

HARLEY QUINN: GOOD MORNING, GOTHAM! by Jones, Lotfi & Pantazis

“Because the story is so short I just wanted to have some fun with it, and there is no better character for zany good times than Harley!”

–Joëlle Jones

NEW TALENT SHOWCASE #1 arrives in comic stores and digital on November 3oth

Paul Dini is a legend in television animation and the father of DC Comics’ Harley Quinn. Dini has a fondness for the holiday spirit, a yearn for the Yule, a sizzle for the season! His lesser known creation, the blonde spitfire and daughter of the Kringle, Jingle Belle, has had books released in issues by various outlets over the years, and most recently, IDW has collected the rebellious teenager’s tales into one big volume!

It will hardly fit in the Santa Sack at 340 pages! Jingle Belle: The Whole Package is available now, just in time for that Yankee Swap.

Paul joined us today over some mulled cider for some questions to give us the origin of Santa’s spawn, Jingle Belle.

* * * * *

FOG!: Paul, thanks so much for joining us! You are well known in the comics and superhero world for creating Harley Quinn and your work in animation. When did the first Jingle Belle comic come in to your head?

Paul Dini: In 1998 I was talking to Oni Press about doing some new original characters, and they gave me the chance to try out two ideas in Oni Double Feature. One was “Honor Rollers,” which was based on some guys I had known in boarding school, and the other was “Jingle Belle.”

While “Honor Rollers” was fun, “Jingle Belle” seemed to appeal to most of the readers, so I stuck with that.  It was also easier to come up with more stories that fit in with Jingle and her world, where with “Honor Rollers” I was lampooning people I went to school with and didn’t like very much.

You and I are similar, in that we have a healthy obsession with the Christmas holiday season, whereas my partner works retail and cringes when we are out to eat and hear Frank croon “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas”.  Does your wife, magician Misty Lee share your Yuletide enthusiasm? When does the tree go up in your house?

Misty and I are both gung-ho on Christmas. We try to get the decorations up right after Thanksgiving, but it varies. The last few years Misty has been busy with a weekly magic show at the Morongo Casino near Palm Springs, so we’ve had to wedge in the tree and decorations as best we could.

Christmas Eve is always our big night. We crank up “Christmas Party with Eddie G.,” and open our house to our extended family of magicians, musicians, writers, artists, believers, cynics, oddballs, clowns, wizards, mystics, loners, dancers, dogs and other awesome souls. The party goes all night and we sleep in the next day.

For the format of the strips, most of the stories are short, and I’ve heard that Schultz’ Peanuts is an inspiration. What do you like about working with the format of the comic strip versus a longer form comic or a television script?

It always seemed to me that once a cartoonist established the basic tone and characters of their strip, they could return over and over to certain gag situations that worked well for them and would always be fresh and funny.

I liked doing that with Jingle Belle because some holiday situations, like waiting to talk to Santa, or making toys, or even fighting with family members have infinite material that can be mined. I also love the Sunday comics-style format of telling a short story in nine to twelve panels. It was an ambition of mine to someday do a newspaper strip, but I could never make any inroads there, with Jingle or any other characters.

Still, whenever I had extra pages in the books, I’d use them for one-page gag stories. I think Jing works very well in that format.

How did this Jingle Belle: The Whole Package omnibus come about? IDW is great at working with other publishers to collect material. Have you wanted to do an omnibus for a while?

A lot of readers who like Harley Quinn asked me what other books I had done, and as Jingle appeared so infrequently, many of them had missed the early issues. So I was very grateful when IDW agreed to publish all the stories, particularly the hard to find early ones, in one volume.

There is one big story that didn’t make it into the book, a long graphic novel drawn by Jose Garibaldi called “Dash Away All.” When that story was originally created at Oni Press, we were running late with the book that year and we were faced with either shooting it from the pencils or delaying it a year so Jose could fine tune the artwork. We brought it out in tight pencil form, and while it looked great, we all wanted to someday redo it the way it was intended. Maybe if the ‘Whole Package’ sells well, we can look at reprinting “Dash” as a follow-up, inked and colored.

Belle and Santa’s relationship is funny, she rebellious but there is still lots of affection there on both sides. Were you also a rebellious teen?

Not really. I was a pretty quiet kid, and when I was feeling “rebellious,” I just went to my room, cranked up my National Lampoon comedy albums, drew cartoons and didn’t talk to anyone for a while. When I reached the age I did start talking back a bit, I got shipped off fast to four years of boarding school. That ended my rebellious streak real quick.

Rumor has it you may have more Jingle Belle stories to tell. Who can we expect to do the art or do you think you may switch it up with various artists, like this complete volume?

I’ve been very lucky to work with many great artists on “Jingle Belle.” Naturally I’d like that to continue if we do future stories, and I have a lot of ideas for new ones. There are creators that I’d love to work with again, and there are some new talents who have seen the old stories and want to try their hand at drawing new adventures of Jing and her world.

Everyone’s welcome. It’s just a matter of finding the money to put new material out there again.

One last question: Why don’t they sell Egg Nog in August? Asking for a friend!

Borden’s makes a canned (or packaged) eggnog that’s available in supermarkets and on line throughout the year. I can’t swear that it’s as good as Broguiere’s (local Los Angeles eggnog and the best anywhere) or your granddad’s homemade, but if you mix in enough Sailor Jerry’s, it should be drinkable.

Jingle Belle: The Whole Package is available now

For more magic, visit jinglebelle.com

Alamo Drafthouse Downtown Brooklyn has announced that they will host a screening and cast reunion for the 35th anniversary of Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior on December 2nd. The event will include a post-screening conversation with Road Warrior cast members Bruce Spence (The Gyro Captain), Vernon Wells, (Wez), Kjell Nilsson (Lord Humongous), Virginia Hey (Warrior Woman), and Emil Minty (The Feral Child) and will be co-presented by Wintercon, who will also be featuring the cast reunion at their convention on December 3rd and 4th.

“Having this opportunity is such a dream for a programmer,” said Cristina Cacioppo, the New York Program Manager for Alamo Drafthouse. “Road Warrior is one of the most exciting action movies, full of amazing characters. It is unbelievable that we’ll have so many of them here together!”

The second installment of visionary Australian director George Miller’s MAD MAX series, The Road Warrior continues the story of ex-Main Force Patrol officer “Mad” Max Rockatansky as he roams the desolate, post-apocalyptic Australian wasteland in his supercharged V-8 Pursuit Special, desperately searching for fuel alongside his trusty cattle dog and even trustier sawed-off shotgun. In his quest for gasoline, Max runs afoul of a rabid gang of marauders led by the the psychotic Lord Humungus, with their clash leading to a breathtaking and frenetic finale that helped popularize the post-apocalyptic genre in film.

But don’t just come for the gasoline – packed with impressive vehicular choreography, spectacular stunts, cinematographer Dean Semler’s gorgeous Australian landscapes and Norma Moriceau’s iconic punk-inspired, leather-studded bondage gear, Road Warrior is one of the rare Hollywood sequels that surpasses the original, and has been hailed as one of the greatest action films of all time.

The film will screen at the Alamo Drafthouse Downtown Brooklyn on Friday, December 2nd at 7:00pm, and tickets are available via the Alamo Drafthouse website .

When setting up a promotion plan for your comic (or yourself), your first concern will often be the established comic book fan market, especially if your primary distribution method is via comic book shops.

But depending on your goals/budget/time, you might also want to research alternative audiences for your work. And if you are working in a comic book genre that traditionally doesn’t do well via the direct market, I would especially recommend thinking outside the box in terms of alternative reader niches to pursue.

To illustrate what I mean, I’m going to give an example not from comics, but traditional book publishing. One of my freelance jobs was as an in-house marketing/social media consultant for a large book publisher. My job literally consisted of being handed one book after another from all the different imprints of said publisher, and find alternative online niches to promote them.

The standard method of online promotion for these titles was to send press releases and review copies to the websites and blogs that catered to specific book genres. So if you had a mystery book, you sent some releases to the generic book sites, some to the mystery book sites, and that was it.

My approach, however, was to identify alternate niches for the book that the traditional PR department hadn’t thought of yet.

So if the demographics for their particular line of mystery novels tended to be over the age of 50, why not send out releases to websites that catered to that age group? No, they weren’t book review sites…but they probably didn’t get as many press releases for books as, say, actual book review sites, either.;

Our press release stood a greater chance of being noticed by the “over 50” sites…and our books a greater chance of being purchased by casual (non-mystery niche) readers who saw the book being advertised on the site. By successfully employing this method, we’ve achieved two things: more story pick-ups at websites/blogs, and the expansion of our potential audience.

This brings up the issue of certain media niches that are over-saturated with PR. Mommy Bloggers, for example. They are absolutely overwhelmed with press releases and offers for review copies. “Kiddie Lit” review blogs are similarly saturated. So when I had to promote a new children’s book, emailing press releases to these two segments of the online media seemed like sending a needle into the proverbial haystack.

However, the art in the children’s book had a very striking and modern art-style. It almost looked like an art portfolio as much as it was a storybook. So I promoted the book to Arts & Design blogs, websites, and Tumblr accounts. And it worked. Several high-profile sites picked up the story, and based on those recommendations, many smaller sites also ran it. Given the relatively high price-point—and sophisticated art/story—for the book in question, it stood a far greater chance being purchased by these new markets anyway. And reviewers from the traditional children’s book review websites weren’t nearly as excited about the book as the media from these new markets. Win!

Do you have a comic book like that? Are you promoting to the right crowd? Are your press releases getting lost in the noise?

When pondering whether you should take the chance and expand your audience, consider this: comic books are basically a universal. Yes, there are certain conventions about the comic book that the complete newbie will have to get familiar with. But words + pictures = a universal.

Whether your comic is an autobiography, a crime thriller, a parody on gaming, a children’s fantasy, whatever…there’s no reason, as long as your material is good, why a person who regularly consumes entertainment (books, movies, TV, etc.) shouldn’t be enjoying your comic book.

Have a comic about pets? Write to pet blogs.

Have a comic with a military theme? Write to military blogs.

Have a comic with a particularly stand-out art style? Write to art and design blogs that feature art similar to the one in your comic.

Thinking outside the box can sometimes be a sure-fire PR win for your book!

Willie (Thomas Haden Church) is a goodhearted man living rough on the dangerous streets of Los Angeles’ Skid Row and finds himself coerced by two rich teenagers into fighting other homeless men for cash. Stuck in a violent world he doesn’t fully understand, Willie finds solace when he discovers the discarded diary of a troubled young girl and befriends a homeless veteran, Pinky (Boyd Holbrook). A cab driver named Pope (Terrence Howard) lends Willie a blanket, looks after his friends on the street, and is protective of this little world normally condemned to invisibility.

Academy Award nominees Thomas Haden Church and Terrence Howard join GONE GIRL actor Boyd Holbrook in Knate Lee’s (BAD GRANDPA, JACKASS 3D) directorial debut, a powerful tale of loss, redemption, and friendship.

And we’re giving away three copies!

To enter, please send an email with the subject header “CARDBOARD BOXER” to geekcontest @ gmail dot com and answer the following:

Writer/director Knate Gwaltney is writing the screenplay for this X-Men spinoff focusing on the student team that includes Cannonball, Wolfsbane, Sunspot, & Mirage?

Please include your name and address (U.S. Residents only. You must be 18 years old).

Only one entry per person and a winner will be chosen at random.

Contest ends at 11:59 PM EST on November 27th, 2016.