The critically acclaimed Game of Thrones Live Concert Experience Featuring Ramin Djawadi will bring the world of Westeros to arenas across Europe starting in May of 2018. Additionally, due to popular demand, a second North American leg of the tour has been added for the Fall of 2018, giving fans the opportunity to watch in wonder as famed composer Ramin Djawadi leads an orchestra and choir performing music from all seven seasons of the iconic, Emmy Award-winning HBO series. The new dates for the Game of Thrones Live Concert Experience Featuring Ramin Djawadi will include new music and footage from Season 7, as well a new custom stage design and mesmerizing visuals courtesy of state of the art video technology.

“Bringing the Game of Thrones Live Concert Experience to audiences earlier this year was a dream come true, dating back to an idea hatched over three years ago,” said Djawadi. “The scale and spectacle of the production brought the world of Westeros to life in a truly immersive fashion, and I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to share the experience with fans not only in North America again, but also to cross the narrow sea for the first time and bring the show to Europe.”

The inaugural run of the Game of Thrones Live Concert Experience Featuring Ramin Djawadi kicked off in North American in February of 2017 after being conceived by Djawadi three years ago. The show was praised by fans and critics alike as a must-see spectacle for fans of the television series. The Guardian described the show as “Westeros brought to dazzling life.” Mashable called it “an epic musical journey,” while the New York Times praised it as “a symphonic spectacular.”

As rich as the stories, intrigue and world of Game of Thrones, Ramin’s celebrated music for the show has resonated with fans from the very beginning, as the meticulously constructed songs underscored the emotional weight of key moments between beloved characters, lent scale to massive battle sequences and brought to life songs referenced in George R.R. Martin’s books. Ramin’s relentlessly popular title track alone has become an instantly recognizable pop culture phenomenon in its own right.

“Building upon the incredible response we received from the first tour earlier this year, Game of Thrones fans are in for a treat when the updated version of the Game of Thrones Live Concert Experience makes its debut in Europe and then returns to North America next year,” said Jeff Peters, Vice President of Licensing and Retail at HBO. “The Game of Thrones fan base reaches all corners of the globe, so we are excited a wider international audience will now be able to experience Ramin’s extraordinary talent.”

The tour, produced and promoted exclusively by Live Nation in partnership with HBO Global Licensing, will continue to use innovative music tour production and video technology that will recreate the various realms found throughout Westeros and Essos as well as showcase footage from the show in addition to new imagery created exclusively for the upcoming 45 tour dates. Beginning its journey on May 8th in Madrid, the tour will visit 20 European cities throughout May and June. The North American leg will kick off 25 tour dates on September 5th in Vancouver and conclude on October 14th in Toronto.

Tickets for all dates go on sale starting this Friday, September 29th at 10:00 AM local time. A special HBO pre-sale launches today at 10:00 AM PST and goes through Thursday, September 28th at 10:00 PM local time.

Citi is the official pre-sale credit card of the Game Of Thrones Live Concert tour. As such, Citi cardmembers will have access to purchase pre-sale tickets beginning Tuesday, September 26th at 12:00PM PST until Thursday, September 28th at 10:00PM local time through Citi’s Private Pass® program. For complete pre-sale details visit www.citiprivatepass.com

Ramin Djawadi’s previous credits include the Grammy-nominated score for Marvel’s 2008 blockbuster, Iron Man. Other film credits include Pacific Rim, Clash Of The Titans and Warcraft.  In addition to Game Of Thrones, Ramin also garnered Emmy Award nominations for other television projects including the hit HBO® series Westworld, Flash Forward (ABC) and Prison Break (FOX).  Among Ramin’s upcoming projects is the highly anticipated new film The Mountain Between Us, due for release in October.

Based on the bestselling fantasy book series by George R.R. Martin, Game of Thrones is an epic story of treachery and nobility set on the continent of Westeros, where summers and winters can last years, and only the lust for power is eternal.  The Emmy – and Golden Globe Award-winning series has captured the imagination of fans globally, making it one of the most popular shows on television.

GAME OF THRONES LIVE CONCERT EXPERIENCE 2018 DATES

All dates, cities and venues below subject to change.

Europe Dates:

• 5/8 – Madrid, Spain – WiZink Center
• 5/10 – Barcelona, Spain – Palau Sant Jordi
• 5/12 – Paris, France – AccorHotel Arena
• 5/14 – Berlin, Germany – Mercedes-Benz Arena
• 5/15 – Lodz, Poland – Atlas Arena
• 5/16 – Prague, Czech Republic – O2 Arena
• 5/18 – Budapest, Hungry – Budapest Arena
• 5/19 – Vienna, Austria – Wiener Stadthalle
• 5/21 – Amsterdam, Netherlands – Ziggo Dome
• 5/22 – Antwerp, Belgium – Antwerps Sportpaleis
• 5/24 – Dublin, Ireland – 3Arena
• 5/25 – Belfast, Northern Ireland – The SSE Arena
• 5/27 – London, UK – Wembley Arena
• 5/29 – Hamburg, Germany – Barclaycard Arena
• 5/31 – Stockholm, Sweden – Ericsson Globe
• 6/1 – Copenhagen, Denmark – Royal Arena
• 6/4 – Munich, Germany – Olympiahalle
• 6/5 – Zurich, Switzerland – Hallenstadion
• 6/7 – Frankfurt, Germany – Festhalle Frankfurt
• 6/8 – Cologne, Germany – Lanxess Arena

North American Dates:

• 9/5 – Vancouver, BC – Pepsi Live at Rogers Arena
• 9/6 – Seattle, WA – KeyArena
• 9/8 – San Jose, CA – SAP Center
• 9/9- Los Angeles, CA – The Forum
• 9/11 – San Diego, CA – Viejas Arena
• 9/12 – Phoenix, AZ – Gila River Arena
• 9/14 – Denver, CO – Pepsi Center
• 9/16 – Dallas, TX – American Airlines Center
• 9/17 – Houston, TX – Toyota Center
• 9/18 – Austin, TX – Frank Erwin Center
• 9/21 – Tampa, FL – Amalie Arena
• 9/22 – Ft. Lauderdale, FL – BB&T Center
• 9/25  – Washington, DC – Capital One Arena
• 9/26 – Newark, NJ – Prudential Center
• 9/28 – Uncasville, CT – Mohegan Sun Arena
• 9/29 – Boston, MA – DCU Center
• 9/30 – University Park, PA – Bryce Jordan Center
• 10/2 – Philadelphia, PA – Wells Fargo Center
• 10/3 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden
• 10/5 – St. Louis, MO – Scottrade Center
• 10/6 – Chicago, IL – AllState Arena
• 10/9 – Detroit, MI – Little Caesars Arena
• 10/10 – Columbus, OH – Schottenstein Center
• 10/12 – Montreal, QC – Bell Centre
• 10/14 – Toronto, ON – Air Canada Centre

Stinker Lets Loose! is a specific work: a parody of the mass market novelizations, published in the 1970s, of popular movies. Those of a certain age are likely to remember racks of paperback books rotating unsteadily under the weight of Earthquake and The Prophecy, flicks transposed to print form. Stinker Lets Loose! presents itself as the book version of a little-seen (truth: entirely fictional) Hal Ashby-style exploitation film about a libidinous good ol’ boy who is always up for a boozy blast.

Stinker Lets Loose! features the cool breeze titular hero, forever stumbling into new and exciting adventures. We also encounter, of course, a goofy sidekick named Boner, a possibly Tourette’s-afflicted feral child named Buck, the menacing Big Man, President Jimmy Carter (Stinker Lets Loose! made me miss Jimmy Earl’s brother, Billy), fearless and sexy Gwyneth, and, most alarmingly, Stinker’s pet ape, Rascal. Unlike Clyde, the sweet-tempered simian from Every Which Way But Loose, Rascal is a high-strung chimp that recklessly maims suckers who happen to be in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Andy Daly, Jon Hamm, Andy Richter, Rhea Seehorn, Paul F. Tompkins provide voices for the colorful characters. There are plenty of oversized belt-buckles, Wranglers, Schlitz, and twangy interstitial music to go around.

Stinker Lets Loose! works best when it concentrates on the details of the era, one that is remembered with obvious affection by all involved. A ‘preface’ describing other failed novelizations by ‘James Taylor Johnston’ (nom de plume avec bière for the talented Mike Sacks) including Roller Skating Rabbi, Return To Crumb Mountain, and prequel Stinker Goes In! is funny and evocative of the period.

A slight problem of this well-thought-out effort is how it occasionally succeeds too completely – transcending self-consciously bad writing and achieving something close to authentically bad writing.

That is, when listening to Stinker Lets Loose!, in the down time between gags, one can forget that one is hearing a smart parody. The writing is so craggy and unconcerned with polish that it goes beyond the shtick and arrives in authentic pulp territory.

Suffice to say that’s a huge success.

Stinker Lets Loose! is now available from Audible.

Hailed as “a tremendously entertaining heart-felt comedy” (Julian Roman, Movieweb), director Alexander Payne’s (The Descendants, Nebraska) hilarious DOWNSIZING arrives on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray, DVD and Digital March 20, 2018 from Paramount Home Media Distribution.

When scientists find a way to shrink humans to five inches tall, Paul Safranek (Academy Award winner Matt Damon) and his wife Audrey (Kristen Wiig) decide to ditch their stressed out lives in order to get small and live large in a luxurious downsized community.  Filled with life-changing adventures and endless possibilities, Leisureland offers more than riches, as Paul discovers a whole new world and realizes that we are meant for something bigger.  “Brilliant and daring” (Shawn Edwards, Fox-TV) and “full of surprises” (Noah Gittell, Nerdist), DOWNSIZING also stars Academy Award winner Christoph Waltz and Hong Chau in a breakthrough performance that earned her Golden Globe and SAG nominations.

The DOWNSIZING 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray Combo Packs include nearly an hour of fascinating bonus content with six behind-the-scenes featurettes. Join the incredible cast including Matt Damon and Kristen Wiig, plus Academy Award-winning director Alexander Payne to see how his unique vision was brought to life. Take a journey on set and check out the production design and visual effects behind the miniaturized world of Leisureland, and much more!

DOWNSIZING Blu-ray Combo Pack

The Downsizing Blu-ray is presented in 1080p high definition with English 7.1 DTS-HD Master Audio, French 5.1 Dolby Digital, Portuguese 5.1 Dolby Digital, Spanish 5.1 Dolby Digital, and English Audio Description and English, English SDH, French, Portuguese and Spanish subtitles.  The DVD in the Combo Pack is presented in widescreen enhanced for 16:9 televisions with English 5.1 Dolby Digital, French 5.1 Dolby Digital, Spanish 5.1 Dolby Digital and English Audio Description and English, French, Spanish and Portuguese subtitles.   The Combo Pack includes access to a Digital copy of the film as well as the following:

Blu-ray

• Feature film in high definition
• Bonus Content:
  • working with Alexander
  • the cast
  • a visual journey
  • a matter of perspective
  • that smile
  • a global concern

DVD

• Feature film in standard definition

For more information, visit DownsizingMovie.com

Written by Charles M. Schulz, Jason Cooper,
Vicki Scott, Alexis E. Fajardo,
Shane Houghton, Art Roche
Illustrated by Donna Almendrala, Vicki Scott,
Paige Braddock, Mona Koth, Justin Thompson,
Bob Scott, Matt Whitlock, Vicki Scott
Published by KaBOOM!
ISBN-13: 978-1684151615
Released 11/28/17 / $14.99

When KaBOOM! debuted all-new Peanuts stories a few years back, I was impressed by the fact that the various writers and artists involved—it obviously takes an entire group to replace Charles Schulz, who did it solo for nearly five decades—managed to recapture much of the unique whimsy of the mega-successful, now-iconic newspaper strip.

I was, however, less impressed with the modern computer coloring.

Not only does it take the reader right out of the familiar, flatter world of good ol’ Charlie Brown and friends, but with its oddly heavy shadowing everywhere, it gives the look of the color simply being printed off-register. Several colorists are credited for the different stories in the new just-out Snoopy collection so apparently it was an editorial choice. Only the Schulz originals that are interspersed throughout the book are spared the heavy-handed hues.

One story is credited to Sparky himself, which I assume means it’s an adaptation of one of his strip story arcs. The rest are all originals but with lots of familiar Snoopy themes—the Masked Marvel, the World War One Flying Ace, Joe Cool, the unpublished author, all done lovingly and in a meticulous but fluid imitation of Schulz’s style. All of those eBay con artists with their lousy fake Peanuts art have nothing on artists Donna Almendrala, Vicki Scott, Mona Koth, Justin Thompson (no relation), Bob Scott, Paige Braddock, and Matt Whitlock. Oh, a sharp eye can still detect the truth here but more than capturing the exact look of the originals, they succeed admirably in capturing the spirit!

The longer form stories themselves are more reminiscent of the classic Peanuts TV specials than of the daily continuities. Obviously, the original comic books featured all the regulars but this collection pulls out the ones with Snoopy, who has long since become top dog on the public’s long list of favorite comic strip canines. The doghouse, sidekick and secretary Woodstock, the cat next door, the supper dish, the Daisy Hill Puppy Farm—all the familiar tropes make an appearance.

That’s not to say the ever-young human kids aren’t around. From Charlie Brown and Lucy to Peppermint Patty and Marcie, they’re all present and accounted for. Even Frieda—she of the naturally curly hair—makes an appearance.

A quick read, a fun read, a nostalgic read, but most importantly, an accessible read that can be enjoyed easily by anyone whether or not they’ve had the pleasure of meeting the Peanuts gang before. After this, they’ll want more.

Coloring caveat aside, Booksteve Recommends!

Nickelodeon has revealed a first-look of the characters in its brand-new animated series, Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, which follows the band of brothers as they discover new powers and encounter a mystical world they never knew existed beneath the streets of New York City. The 2D-animated series debuts later this year on Nickelodeon.

Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles reimagines the characters in a fresh new way, featuring jagged-shelled Raphael as a snapping turtle, wielding twin tonfas as his weapons; Leonardo as a red-eared slider, using an ōdachi sword; Donatello as a soft-shell turtle, sporting a tech-bo staff; and Michelangelo as a box turtle, arming himself with a kusari-fundo. Along for the adventure is the Turtles’ most trusted ally, April O’Neil, a street savvy native New Yorker and Splinter, father figure and sensei to the Turtles.

The series stars the voice talent of Omar Miller (Ballers) as Raphael, Ben Schwartz (Parks and Recreation) as Leonardo, Josh Brener (Silicon Valley) as Donatello, Brandon Mychal Smith (You’re The Worst) as Michelangelo, Kat Graham (The Vampire Diaries) as April O’Neil and Eric Bauza (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles) as Splinter. WWE Superstar John Cena lends his voice as villain, Baron Draxum, an alchemist warrior mutant who seeks to turn all of humanity into mutants.

The Turtles’ hold distinct personality traits and skills, including: Raphael, as the oldest and biggest brother, he is the leader full of enthusiasm and bravado; Leonardo, the self-professed ‘coolest’ brother possesses irreverent charm and a rebel heart; Donatello, a mechanical genius and tech wizard whose ninja skills are second only to his coding; and Michelangelo, the youngest brother, a skateboarder and artist who is wild and imaginative.

Viewers can visit the Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles page on Nick.com for more information and follow @TMNT for Turtle Power updates. The character art was revealed today on Facebook Live.

What do you think of the new designs?  “Radical” or “bogus”?  Sound off in the comments!

In season two of “LEGO Star Wars: The Freemaker Adventures,” the three Freemaker siblings—Rowan, Kordi and Zander—have found a new home with the Rebel fleet. But working with the Rebels in their fight to bring down the Empire brings them face to face with brutal Imperial forces, desperate Hutts, conniving Sith Lords and the Emperor’s latest plaything, M-OC.

Fans who bring home the second and final season will enjoy all 12 action-packed episodes plus five bonus shorts that follow the Freemakers as they are thrown into battle after they join up with the Rebels – including an adventure that has them embarking on a daring mission to save two of the Rebellion’s finest heroes: Lando Calrissian and Chewbacca. Bonus shorts include:

• Home One
• Thrown Into Battle
• Rowan’s Secret Adventure
• Zander Freemaker, Superstar Pilot Guy
• Beware The Gamorrean Flu

“LEGO Star Wars: The Freemaker Adventures,” the Emmy-nominated animated television series on Disney XD, is set between Stars Wars: The Empire Strikes Back and Star Wars: Return of the Jedi and stars three siblings who scour the galaxy for useful debris that they use to build new vehicles of their own design. Rowan Freemaker is a spunky Force-sensitive 12-and-a-half-year-old with a thirst for adventure; his quick-witted older sister, Kordi, manages the family business and is the glue that holds the family together; ace pilot and charming rogue, Zander, is the oldest brother and the family’s self-proclaimed starship connoisseur; and R0-GR is their refurbished battle droid from the Clone Wars. When Rowan has visions of an ancient and powerful Jedi starship called The Arrowhead, he and his family set out on an epic quest to rebuild it so they can turn the tide of battle for the Rebellion. Together, they explore new worlds, meet new characters and Star Wars icons, and have unforgettable adventures.

The season two voice cast includes Nicolas Cantu (Rowan), Vanessa Lengies (Kordi), Eugene Byrd (Zander), Matthew Wood (R0-GR), Trevor Devall (Emperor), Dana Snyder (Graballa), Vanessa Marshall (Hera), Yvette Nicole Brown (Lt. Valeria), Corey Burton (Quarrie), James Urbaniak (M-OC) and Matt Sloan (Darth Vader).

Developed for television by Bill Motz and Bob Roth (“Penguins of Madagascar”), they join Torsten Jacobson (“LEGO Star Wars: Droid Tales”) and Jill Wilfert (“The LEGO Movie”) as executive producers alongside producers Carrie Beck (Star Wars Rebels), Jason Cosler (“LEGO Marvel Super Heroes: Avengers Reassembled!”), Jake Blais and John McCormack.

For more details visit  Facebook.com/StarWars

So, I’m a little annoyed with my black nerd self at the moment.

How did I not know that Black Lightning (The CW) would be any good? How dare I have doubted this thing.

I held the show somewhat suspect, in that I had no idea whether Greg Berlanti’s enterprise could handle race content well, given the hit-and-miss stuff on the other DC Universe shows.

Diggle is one of the great characters on Arrow, but he doesn’t seem particularly black in any way, similar to Joe and Iris West on The Flash. Supergirl sidelined James Olsen from a romance with Kara Danvers (a double-take on an “interracial” couple) after season one, and turned him into the non-compelling, badly costumed Guardian.

Jefferson Jackson, the black half of Firestorm, and Amaya, the original Vixen, have gotten more depth on Legends of Tomorrow. We could stand to have more from them, still; time traveling while black must have its own wrinkles beyond that time they went to an antebellum plantation.

I also didn’t give the show a deep look because I figured I’d watch it anyway, just to see what they’ve done. And, I must admit, the “Get Lit” tag made me groan. Even though, really, what would have been better? “Power Up”? (Wait; that might have been better…)

Watching the debut episode as strains of Nina Simone’s “Strange Fruit” played, I was quickly reassured. “Strange Fruit” right off the bat?

We’re so, so far from The Flash.

Two names appeared on screen as co-creators that let me know all would be well: Mara Brock Akil and Salim Akil. They’re the writer-producer-director duo behind some of most well-regarded black TV shows in the 21st century: Girlfriends, The Game, and Being Mary Jane.

What happens when you put the Akils on Black Lightning, a character I know only as gimmicky, a lame 1970s attempt at a black character by white authors? (He’s a second black DC superhero named Jefferson, for god’s sake.) A character that only in the past 10 years or so has DC Comics attempted to rehab?

Then add to the mix the fervor for competitor Marvel’s upcoming Black Panther film and current Luke Cage series, plus an uptick in quality, black-centered TV shows. Of course DC Comics and Warner Bros. want a piece of that.

So what do we get from the Akils?

We get a black superhero TV show has all the signifiers of Luke Cage but adds family drama, conflicting politics, and more fully drawn, more lived-in community and characters. You get structured, episodic TV that still rattles with cliffhangers in what, so far, has been a single story.

To me, the show’s setup begins with one question: What does it mean to be named Black Lightning?

You have the obvious: black man who shoots lightning out of his hands. But what is the significance of black in his name? If Black Lightning’s blackness is the first thing about him, how does his blackness inform who he is?

In these first few episodes of Black Lightning, the showrunners rightly hit on the fact that Jefferson Pierce’s black identity and character is as communal as it is personal. A community activist turned charter school principal, Jefferson is a leader of such stature that he is nicknamed “Black Jesus.”

Image via Marc Hom/The CW

People look to him to be a savior of their children, to work miracles where hope has faded, to suffer when they suffer. And he does, whether in his suit and tie or in his Black Lightning suit of electrified armor.

These early episodes have spent a lot of time on establishing the city of Freeland. It’s a place where almost nothing is fair; people are killed in capricious fashion, whether gangs or police. A place where bad things happen to people on the regular, a forgotten city of decline and racist neglect. Even the name, Freeland, suggests a history of slavery, emancipation, migration.

Black Lightning keeps hitting on the idea that your past always follows you, an idea that encapsulates much of the black American experience. The show begins with Jefferson in his 40s, years removed from when he last donned his superhero guise. As the 100 Gang runs rampant and the body count keeps rising, the people of Freeland keep asking when Black Lightning will return to protect the streets.

Image via The CW

Jefferson has to deal with the public repercussions of his personal choices. He retired Black Lightning in an attempt to keep his marriage together and family intact, after he came home bloodied and wounded too many times. Police pull Jefferson multiple times in a week because he “fit the description,” but he’s the one who has to keep himself in check.

He sets up truces with the gangs to keep them out of his school, but the old rules aren’t working anymore. Some of his former students return to Jefferson with new troubles. And one of his old students, Latavius aka Lala, is now a lieutenant in the 100 Gang. In a tense scene, Jefferson and Lala show similar values of self-respect, but from completely opposite ends of the law.

As the show begins, he and his wife, Lynn, are estranged but co-parenting their two daughters. Anissa is the older daughter, a protesting firebrand who teaches at her father’s school. Jennifer, however, the brash troublemaker whose bad choice partying with 100 Gang members kicks off the chain of events that lead to Black Lightning ending his retirement.

Image via The CW

The show keeps ratcheting up the pressures on Jefferson, both in Freeland and within his own family. He has spent years out of the costume, trying to do the right thing by his wife and daughters, by standing in the light as a respectable educator and civic leader.

Black Lightning also can’t keep itself off its star, Cress Williams, for long. The camera uses Williams’ 6-foot-5 frame to inform the character and fill the frame. In an emotional scene during which a former student pleads with Jefferson to help rescue her daughter from being pimped out by the 100 Gang, the reaction shots keep Williams’ side in the shot as the mother looks up to his face, which remains out of frame.

In the Black Lightning suit of body armor and lit-up chestplate, Williams is even more massive. He crouches into doorways, crushes cars he leaps onto. Sparks fly and the lights go out when he arrives.

Image via The CW

He’s got swag!

At the heart of the show’s family drama, Black Lightning also is able to mine Jefferson and Lynn’s estranged relationship for drama without turning Lynn into a no-fun nag. She has all the reasons in the world not to want Jefferson to be Black Lightning anymore. Why would she want to see her husband wounded, or worse, again as a vigilante?

The show even depicts Jefferson debilitated after a night of heroics. Lynn, a neuroscientist, wonders whether Jefferson’s powers are addictive. What if Jefferson’s electricity powers affect and rewire his brain like drugs do? Or is Jefferson being pushed into being Black Lightning by Gambi, a white tailor who took in young Jefferson after his father was murdered, and acts as Alfred to Jefferson’s Bruce?

Yet Lynn remains torn. When her daughters are threatened, she condones Jefferson suiting up to protect them. She is attracted to Jefferson and his powers, and she used to see them as a gift that Jefferson must use for Freeland.

Anissa, in the third episode, figures out that her superpowers manifest when she holds her breath. The sequence calls out to “I can’t breathe,” Eric Garner’s last words as a police officer choked the life out of him. That sentiment is transformed from victimhood and terror into strength and power, as well as giddiness when Anissa kicks a junked washer machine 20 yards.

The complexity of black characters in Freeland extends to the antagonists as well.

Crime boss Tobias Whale (Marvin “Krondon” Jones III), speaks with disdain of black people who considers to be beneath him or living up to stereotypes holding the race back. He calls them “Negroes” as if they’re as outdated as that term.

Image via The CW

The show draws on the in-canon detail of Whale being a black man with albinism to highlight issues of colorism. But that’s not enough in a comic book world. Black Lightning then torques Whale’s colorism with some perverted notion of the “talented tenth”: the idea, popularized by W.E.B. DuBois, that an elite group of black Americans would be the ones to lift up the race. And in a system built on plunder of black people, why can’t black folk have license to gain from plunder as well?

All that from a dude named Whale who harpoons a dude in the show and keeps a pair of mad-dog killers who look straight out of a Raid movie.

Inspector Henderson, friend to Jefferson Pierce and enemy to Black Lightning, is torn in several directions. He’s trying to save his community through the law when the system demonstrably has failed Freeland. He’s fighting corruption and racism within his own police force, and combating Black Lightning despite having to know deep down that the vigilante is necessary in a society that doesn’t care about black people.

Black Lightning bubbles with all these issues and interplay between the characters. It not only writes women who sound and act like real people, the show also casts black women in a range of skin tones as well as natural and processed hair. Its politics are nuanced while still asserting that Black Lightning is necessary; it is a superhero show, after all.

But unlike most other superhero fare, Black Lightning also pays attention to the people our hero protects.

In short, it’s all I expect from Mara Brock Akil and Salim Akil.

I wonder how this show will function as a more conventional superhero show, if it ever moves to that. Will Black Lightning ever be connected to the other DC Comics shows?

Or might the Akils be given the reins to their own stable of superhero shows centered on people of color? Could it be Milestone reborn? If this is how they handle Black Lightning, imagine them on Static, or Icon and Rocket.

Turns out Black Lightning truly is the black superhero show television has been waiting for. I’m here to watch Jefferson Pierce glow.

Image via The CW

Get lit, indeed.

• Building an Empire – Writer/Director Aaron Sorkin and star Jessica Chastain comment on Molly Bloom and her remarkable story.

For more details visit Uni.pictures/MollysGame

IDW Publishing

Sonic the Hedgehog Dashing to Comics This Spring

IDW Publishing and SEGA Launch Sonic’s New Comic Book Adventures with Four Issues in April

At breakneck speed, IDW Publishing is fast approaching a brand new era of Sonic the Hedgehog comics starting with a new #1 issue. Anticipation for this exciting launch runs high and, as a way to express gratitude to the fans for their patience, the series will kick off with a new issue each and every Wednesday during the month of April. Following the release of the first four issues, the ongoing series will continue on a monthly release schedule from May onward.

Longtime Sonic scribe Ian Flynn has been tapped as the series writer. His contributions to the Sonic comic mythos cannot be overstated and his return to the franchise has been met with overwhelming fan approval. Flynn will be joined by a stable of talented artists, some who will be familiar faces to readers, and others who will be making their Sonic comics debut. Among those contributing to the first four issues are Tracy Yardley (interior art on issue 1), Adam Bryce Thomas (issue 2), Jennifer Hernandez (issue 3), Evan Stanley (issue 4), Tyson Hesse (main covers), Nathalie Fourdraine (variant covers), Rafa Knight (variant cover), Jamal Peppers (variant cover), Jonathan Gray (variant cover), and Sonic Mania artist Kieran Gates (variant cover).

Each issue in April will feature Sonic teaming up with a different ally: Tails, Amy Rose, Knuckles the Echidna, plus the introduction of a brand new character, Tangle, who will make her debut in Sonic the Hedgehog #4.

“I’ve been working in comics for about 15 years, and my interactions with Sonic fans has been unlike anything I’ve ever experienced in my career — and I mean that in the best possible way,” said series editor Joe Hughes. “The further we get into this, the more we realize what a responsibility it is to give a fan base this passionate and loyal the kinds of stories that they deserve. We’ve barely gotten started, and it’s already so much fun. The fans have been nothing short of amazing, and we’re genuinely grateful to be welcomed into their tribe.”

“We’re extremely fortunate and humbled to have such an avid fanbase,” said Michael Cisneros, Licensing Specialist at SEGA of America. “The entire IDW team is immersing themselves within the Sonic community which instills confidence that they genuinely understand our fans’ expectations. When you look at the incredible array of talent lined up for the first month alone, there’s absolutely no doubt that readers are in for an exhilarating ride.”

Release Schedule:

• SONIC THE HEDGEHOG #1 – April 4, 2018
• SONIC THE HEDGEHOG #2 – April 11, 2018
• SONIC THE HEDGEHOG #3 – April 18, 2018
• SONIC THE HEDGEHOG #4 – April 25, 2018

To stay current on Sonic the Hedgehog news, follow Sonic on Twitter and Instagram, like
him on Facebook, and subscribe to the Twitch channel and the YouTube channel.

Tom Scioli’s Acclaimed Transformers vs. G.I. Joe Series Gets Deluxe Package!

The fan-favorite mashup of toy box essentials, Hasbro’s TRANSFORMERS and G.I. JOE were given a unique, critically acclaimed comic book series published by IDW that took readers by surprise. In a series unlike anything that had come before it, Tom Scioli’s unique storytelling brought the elaborate settings and battles of childhood imaginations to the comic page. Now, at last, the complete series is available in a deluxe hardcover collection; Transformers vs. G.I. Joe: The Quintessential Collection.

Heavily influenced by the “king of comics,” Jack Kirby, Scoili’s sense of design and aesthetic along with Transformers veteran co-writer John Barber won over critics and fans alike; with CBR calling it “Truly unlike anything else on stands right now, Barber and Scioli have made Transformers vs. G.I. Joe one of the most fascinating books on shelves today.”

Collecting all 13 issues of the maxi-series along with the debut #0 issue appearing on Free Comic Book Day 2015, plus the bonkers Transformers vs. G.I. Joe The Movie Adaptation, this hardcover collection has it all. Back matter includes page-by-page commentary by Scoili and Barber for each issue, along with a complete cover gallery!

“It’s the hardest I’ve ever worked,” says Scioli. “There’s blood on those pages. I gave everything I had to give. Go from T.H.E. P.I.T. to Cybertron and back again. Read the comic that inspired the movie! I’m already nostalgic for it and you will be, too!”

Transformers vs. G.I. Joe: The Quintessential Collection is available now using ISBN: 978-1631408601.

New DUNGEONS & DRAGONS Comic Book Series
Coming from IDW and Writer Jim Zub

Break out your 20-sided die and prepare to get spellcasting! DUNGEONS & DRAGONS returns to comics this April with more adventures starring the Baldur’s Gate heroes from series past. Fan favorite writer Jim Zub (Samurai Jack, Avengers) is back to weave another tale and he’s joined by a top-notch stable of artists including Dean Kotz (Charmed Season 9), Steven Cummings (Wayward), Harvey Tolibao (Green Arrow), Ramon Bachs (X-Men), and Francesco Mortarino (Jupiter’s Circle). Rounding out the stellar art team is Max Dunbar (Gears of War) who returns to the world of D&D to provide covers.

Each artist will tackle an issue of the series which will focus on an individual hero from our band of adventurers to explore what makes them tick, making DUNGEONS & DRAGONS: Evil at Baldur’s Gate the most character-centric series of D&D to date.

“Dungeons & Dragons sparked a lifelong desire to create stories in me that’s never really gone away,” said writer Zub. “Dungeons & Dragons is all about exploration and engaging the unknown that lurks around every corner. I love the feeling of exploration that sword & sorcery stories provide. Evil At Baldur’s Gate is our fourth D&D mini-series with this cast and is a great way to jump on board and join in the adventure!”

The Baldur’s Gate heroes return to the city at last, but their time adventuring in Ravenloft and the frozen northern reaches of the Realms has changed them. Each of them must face great trials ahead before they’ll be ready to embrace their destiny. Minsc, Krydle & Shandie, Delina, Nerys Kathon, and Boo will all take center stage throughout this series. While it does continue Zub’s run on D&D, each story is self-contained and so fans can jump on board anywhere and introduce themselves to this beloved cast of characters.

DUNGEONS & DRAGONS: Evil at Baldur’s Gate arrives this April and is guaranteed to feature a miniature giant space hamster (in case you were wondering)!

BOOM! Studios

Rod Serling’s Original Planet Of The Apes Adaptation Comes To Life At BOOM! Studios

In Celebration of the Film’s 50th Anniversary Discover Rod Serling’s Unproduced Script For The Iconic Film Brought To Life For The First Time in August 2018

BOOM! Studios and 20th Century Fox Consumer Products announce PLANET OF THE APES: VISIONARIES, a new Original Graphic Novel, releasing in August 2018 as part of the 20th Century Fox Uncovered collection. BOOM! Studios searched the 20th Century Fox film archives and unearthed the first screenplay for the original Planet of the Apes (1968) movie, written by Rod Serling, and adapted into comic book format for the first time as a part of the 50th anniversary celebration of the film.

The first Planet of The Apes (1968) film is an adaptation of the French novel La Planète des singes. On the road to making the landmark science-fiction classic, 20th Century Fox commissioned Rod Serling to adapt the source material. Serling’s first draft, which was drastically revised before filming, is a radically different vision of the franchise than the one the world has come to know and love.

Now, for the first time in any medium, that vision is fully realized as a graphic novel with PLANET OF THE APES: VISIONARIES from acclaimed actor/comedian/writer Dana Gould (The Simpsons) and Chad Lewis (Avengers Origins).

This is the world you know from the acclaimed Planet of the Apes film series, but with key differences – Taylor is Thomas, and Ape City isn’t a crude, primitive grouping of huts; instead,  it’s a bustling and urbane metropolis filled with cars and skyscrapers and a vibrant Ape culture. In a world where Apes wear modern clothes, drive modern cars and rule the late night talk show scene, the arrival of one man will forever change how Apes – and Humans – view themselves.

Using the original 1966 makeup test and concept art as a jumping off point, discover an all new, yet classic “look” to the classic franchise in PLANET OF THE APES: VISIONARIES which also features a stunning cover by Eisner award-winning superstar Paolo Rivera (Daredevil). This landmark graphic novel continues the year long celebration of the Planet of the Apes 50th Anniversary at BOOM! Studios, which has included all new comic book series, coloring books, archival collections and more.

“Planet Of The Apes meant as much to me growing up as baseball means to most kids. No lie,” said Dana Gould. “That I’m now able to be involved with this universe in a creative capacity, much less adapting the original Rod Serling script… I mean, Rod Serling! I am incredibly grateful to BOOM! Studios for this once in a lifetime opportunity.”

“PLANET OF THE APES: VISIONARIES is a dream project because it combines my love of retro sci-fi fi and anthropomorphic characters,” said Chad Lewis. “There’s nothing better than drawing human emotions on gorillas and chimps! Dana has deftly translated these great characters and world into the graphic novel format and it’s a joy to illustrate every corner of the rich universe.”

PLANET OF THE APES: VISIONARIES is the latest release from BOOM! Studios’ eponymous imprint, home to a world-class group of licensed comic book series and ambitious original series, including Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, WWE, Big Trouble in Little China, Victor LaValle’s Destroyer, Mech Cadet Yu, Grass Kings, and Klaus.

“For every Planet of the Apes fan that’s wanted to see what Rod Serling’s original film would’ve looked like and the team on this graphic novel will blow you away,” said Dafna Pleban, Editor, BOOM! Studios. “Dana Gould and Chad Lewis having lovingly adapted the ambitious, original plan for Planet of the Apes film into a graphic novel that speaks to the timeless, unflinching themes of the franchise while offering an entirely new vision of familiar faces.”

The Thrilling Adventure Hour Arrives At BOOM! Studios

Discover The Comedy Phenomenon in a New Collection & New Series in July 2018

BOOM! Studios is proud to announce THE THRILLING ADVENTURE HOUR VOL.1 DISCOVER NOW EDITION, n-sale in July 2018. This comic shop-exclusive collection of The Thrilling Adventure: Beyond Belief limited series (previously published by Image Comics) brings the stage show and podcast comedy series to life courtesy of creators Ben Acker and Ben Blacker, known for their work on Deadpool,  Star Wars: Join The Resistance, and more.

Superstar artist Phil Hester provides interiors and the covers to THE THRILLING ADVENTURE HOUR VOL.1 DISCOVER NOW EDITION, which carries an MSRP of $14.99. This release marks the debut of The Thrilling Adventure Hour at BOOM! Studios and will be followed by a future collection including the complete The Thrilling Adventure: Sparks Nevada limited series. Fans can also look forward to all-new original The Thrilling Adventure Hour monthly comics stories in 2018 from Ben Acker, Ben Blacker, and more talent to be announced.

In Beyond Belief, meet Frank and Sadie Doyle: the toast of the upper crust. Headliners on the society pages. And, oh yes, they see ghosts. Trading quips and tossing back cocktails, the Doyles take what they want and hoodwink their clientele for the rest. Ghosts, vampires, werewolves, mummies, even diabolical gingerbread men are nothing but obstacles in the way of the liquor cabinet for our fast-talking, hard-drinking sleuths.

“BOOM! Studios has been a wonderful home for our work over the years, from the original Thrilling Adventure Hour graphic novel to our recent mini-series, Death Be Damned,” said Ben Acker & Ben Blacker. “From the very beginning, everyone over at BOOM! Studios has been supportive and enthusiastic about us and the Thrilling Adventure Hour. So it’s only natural that BOOM! Studios become the new home for Thrilling Adventure Hour comics. They’re doing a stunning Discover Now edition of the existing series thus far, and we’re so excited to work with BOOM! Studios on future Thrilling stories.”

Created in 2005 by Ben Acker and Ben Blacker, The Thrilling Adventure Hour is both a popular Hollywood stage show and Nerdist Industry Podcast that pays homage to the timeless Hollywood radio serials. These original and exciting stories crossing a myriad of genres have been performed by actors and comedians such as Paul F. Tompkins, Paget Brewster, Busy Philipps, Nathan Fillion, Linda Cardellini, Patton Oswalt, Neil Patrick Harris, and more.

“From its inception, The Thrilling Adventure Hour has been a bold creative endeavor made with love and inspiring enthusiasm – and that’s a perfect fit for BOOM! Studios,” said Cameron Chittock, Editor, BOOM! Studios. “Ben Acker, Ben Blacker, and their collaborators have delivered some of the most ingenious characters in pop culture today and we cannot wait to collect these adventures and bring brand new ones to fans.”

In October, a standard edition of THE THRILLING ADVENTURE HOUR VOL.1, featuring a different cover and including additional behind-the-scenes material, will be released to comic shops and bookstores worldwide, with an MSRP of $16.99. While this standard version will remain in print, THE THRILLING ADVENTURE HOUR VOL.1 DISCOVER NOW EDITION will be strictly limited to the initial print run and then never reprinted again.

BOOM! Studios Announces About Betty’s Boob

Discover One Woman’s Journey of Self-Discovery in June 2018

BOOM! Studios is proud to announce ABOUT BETTY’S BOOB, an affecting and inspired examination of one woman’s painful, surreal, and oddly humorous journey following a mastectomy. Master storytellers Vero Cazot and Julie Rocheleau present the original graphic novel (OGN) story of Betty, who wakes up alone in a hospital room and finds herself disoriented by the body that greets her. She must face the cruel outside world obsessed with beauty standards, starting with her boyfriend, who’s having a very hard time dealing with her new look. No one seems to know what to make of this new Betty and neither does she.

Told largely through a silent sequential narrative, ABOUT BETTY’S BOOB is seminal work that will simultaneously inspire and surprisingly make you laugh as Betty must deal with loss and acceptance on this unforgettable journey of self-discovery.

“I couldn’t dream of a more fitting achievement for this silent and burlesque title than being adapted/published in the country of Buster Keaton and New-Burlesque,” said writer Vero Cazot.

“ABOUT BETTY’S BOOB is filled with references to silent movies and to American cartoons that I grew up with and still enchant me as an adult,” said artist Julie Rocheleau. “We set out to make that kind of story–one that speaks to many people, no matter their age or where they live.”

ABOUT BETTY’S BOOB, debuting in hardcover format and aimed at Mature Readers, is the latest release from BOOM! Studios’ ambitious Archaia imprint, home to graphic novels such as Mouse Guard by David Petersen; Rust by Royden Lepp; Bolivar by Sean Rubin; Jane by Aline Brosh McKenna and Ramón Pérez; and licensed series like Jim Henson’s The Power of the Dark Crystal and Jim Henson’s Labyrinth: Coronation.

“Betty is my new favorite heroine. She struggles through and overcomes so much, ultimately to discover that the greatest power is the one from within. She’s an inspiration,” said Sierra Hahn, Senior Editor, BOOM! Studios. “This book will delight readers and defy all expectation.”

Print copies of ABOUT BETTY’S BOOB will be available for sale in June 2018.

For continuing news from BOOM! Studios, stay tuned to www.boom-studios.com and follow @boomstudios on Twitter.

Marvel Comics

Feel The Force In STAR WARS: THE LAST JEDI ADAPTATION

Featuring never-before-seen content!

The Resistance is outnumbered…Luke Skywalker has finally been found…and the Rebels fight against a growing evil. The First Order will stop at nothing to conquer the galaxy, and it’s up to our heroes to defend it!

This May, writer Gary Whitta (Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, Star Wars Rebels) joins artist Michael Walsh (Star Wars Annual, Hawkeye, The Vision) for a thrilling adaptation of the hit blockbuster STAR WARS: THE LAST JEDI, as they follow Rey, Poe and Finn in their adventures across the galaxy, featuring never-before-seen material!

The six-issue miniseries tells an all-new, exciting story that movie and comic fans alike will enjoy. It’s new Star Wars stories in a tale you already know: relive the magic of Rey’s heroism, Finn’s bravery and Poe’s daringness in STAR WARS: THE LAST JEDI ADAPTATION, out this May!

STAR WARS: THE LAST JEDI ADAPTATION #1 & 2 (of 6)
Written by GARY WHITTA
Art by MICHAEL WALSH & MIKE SPICER
Cover by MIKE DEL MUNDO
Variant Cover by JOE QUESADA
On-Sale 5/2/18

Image Comics

ALIENS MEAN BUSINESS IN PORT OF EARTH, VOL. 1

ECLIPSE writer Zack Kaplan and all-star artist Andrea Mutti’s (Rebels, Star Wars, Batman Eternal, Prometheus) gritty sci-fi action thriller PORT OF EARTH, VOL. 1 will hit stores this March, collecting the first four issues of the ongoing series.

Aliens have come to Earth. Not in war, and not particularly in peace, but with a business deal: open up a spaceport here on Earth in exchange for advanced technology. But when our alien visitors break Port restrictions and wreak havoc in our cities, it falls to the newly formed Earth Security Agents to hunt down and safely deport the dangerous rogue aliens back to the Port of Earth.

PORT OF EARTH, VOL. 1 (ISBN: 978-1-5343-0646-2, Diamond code: JAN180689) hits comic book shops Wednesday, March 14th and arrives in bookstores Tuesday, March 20th.

THE REALM, VOL. 1 HITS STORES ALONGSIDE
ME LIKE BEES EP THE RIVER DIVIDES THIS MARCH

Co-creators Seth M. Peck (X-Men) and Jeremy Haun (THE BEAUTY), with colorist Nick Filardi and letterer Thomas Mauer, will release THE REALM, VOL. 1—which collects issues #1-5 of the ongoing dark fantasy series—this March from Image Comics. Musical group Me Like Bees will simultaneously release their companion EP, “The River Divides,” comprised of five tracks inspired by the series.

Fifteen years ago, our world was overrun.

Creatures of myth—orcs, dragons, and other nameless horrors—threw the entire planet into total chaos. Among the wreckage of society, the survivors scrape and struggle to survive. Now, a powerful sorcerer marshals his forces, and a group of warriors must embark on a journey to reclaim our world from the growing darkness.

THE REALM, VOL. 1 (Diamond code: JAN180692, ISBN: 978-1-5343-0501-4) hits comic book stores Wednesday, March 28th and arrives in bookstores Tuesday, April 3rd.

As a non-sports fan, the only appeal of watching the Super Bowl were the commercials.

Now, years later, thankfully, I can watch them on YouTube without having to sit through four hours of filler.

Here’s what movie/tv trailers premiered during the game (and one this morning) and my thoughts…

Solo: A Star Wars Story Trailer

The teaser last night was the very first look we’ve gotten at this much anticipated Star Wars installment that has been rumored to be a disaster by the studio’s own admission.  I’ve included both the Super Bowl teaser and the trailer released this morning since they both offer different footage.

To be honest, they accomplish the goal.  I’m curious, which I wasn’t before.  This “feels” like Star Wars and Alden Ehrenreich does a full Chris Pine, not imitating Harrison Ford, but doing a pretty good job capturing the essence of Han Solo.  (It’s harder to determine anything about Donald Glover as Lando Calrissian since we don’t see him deliver any lines, but he looks the part).

And best of all, it doesn’t look much of a Ron Howard movie.

Avengers: Infinity War Commercial

A few seconds of new footage, but this continues to look underwhelming.  Despite their box office success, I find several of the Marvel films bordering on unwatchable, and although the Russo Brothers directed my favorite Marvel film, Captain America: The Winter Soldier, overall their cinematic work looks better suited for television than cinema.  Nevertheless, I hope it’s amazing and that this 20 film Thanos tease actually pays off.

Westworld Season 2 Super Bowl Ad

Succeeds instantly.  Visually stunning and makes you want to watch it immediately.

Skyscraper Big Game Ad

Dwayne Johnson goes all John McClane in this take on “Die Hard in a Skyscraper.”

Wait, that’s Die Hard.  Johnson continues to be one of the most self-aware movie stars and I’m predicting this will be the box office sleeper hit of the summer.

Mission: Impossible – Fallout Trailer

From a NOC list to “The Rabbit’s Foot” to the bioweapon Chimera to “Ghost Protocol” to combating The Syndicate, Ethan Hunt and his Impossible Missions Force have chosen to take every mission handed to them.  Now, new questions are raised and familiar faces appear in the new trailer.  Crazy or not, Cruise continues to be a movie star and with Christopher McQuarrie at the helm for a second time, this franchise shows no sign of slowing down.

Red Sparrow Commercial

This is the Black Widow movie that Marvel should have made already, but you already knew that.

Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom Trailer #2

After the events of the previous films, wouldn’t you imagine that raising money to build theme parks and genetically manipulate DNA to create new breeds of monsters would be tough?  Apparently, they found a way.  The lack of Goldblum in this trailer unfortunately suggests that his role might be little more than a cameo.

A Quiet Place Big Game Spot

Between this and the original trailer, I’m intrigued.  I hope it’s good.

The Cloverfield Paradox commercial

Now on Netflix.  That was quick.

What are your thoughts of the trailers/commercials?

DC Entertainment revealed two new original graphic novel publishing imprints today, DC Ink focused on young adult (YA) readers, and DC Zoom focused on middle grade (MG) readers. Both imprints will feature a world class line-up of authors who have established YA and MG fan bases. These authors will bring their storytelling expertise to a DC Universe filled with iconic characters like Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman and many more. The first titles from DC Ink and DC Zoom will be released in Fall 2018.

“Superheroes are more popular than ever so it only makes sense to bring these DC characters to an entirely new generation of young readers,” stated Diane Nelson, president of DC Entertainment and president of Warner Bros. Consumer Products. “The first comic books created decades ago were for kids, and as the business evolved and matured, it became more focused on adult readers. DC Ink and DC Zoom present an exciting new opportunity to grow our publishing business and ensure beloved stories built around iconic characters like Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman are endeared as part of the fabric of childhood for years to come.”

“Two of the recent areas of growth in publishing include graphic novels and books for young readers – we’re bringing those formats together with DC Ink and DC Zoom,” said DC Entertainment Publishers Dan DiDio and Jim Lee. “We’ve already experienced tremendous success with our DC Super Hero Girls graphic novels. The new DC Ink and DC Zoom slate, paired with a stellar author line-up, presents a major business growth opportunity and we couldn’t be more excited – we’re going big.”

The first titles from DC Ink include HARLEY QUINN: BREAKING GLASS by Mariko Tamaki (SUPERGIRL: BEING SUPER) with art by Steve Pugh, and MERA by Danielle Paige (DOROTHY MUST DIE series). The first title to hit shelves from DC Zoom will be DC SUPER HERO GIRLS: SEARCH FOR ATLANTIS from writer Shea Fontana and artist Yancey Labat. All three titles will go on sale in Fall 2018, with many more titles from DC Ink and DC Zoom set to follow in 2019.

Additional confirmed upcoming titles and authors for DC Ink include:

• BATMAN: GOTHAM HIGH – Melissa de la Cruz (ALEX & ELIZA, BLUE BLOODS series, WITCHES OF EAST END series)
• BATMAN: NIGHTWALKER – THE GRAPHIC NOVEL – Marie Lu (LEGEND series)
• TEEN TITANS – Kami Garcia (BEAUTIFUL CREATURES series)
• UNDER THE MOON: A CATWOMAN TALE – Lauren Myracle (INTERNET GIRLS series, KISSING KATE)
• WONDER WOMAN: TEMPEST TOSSED – Laurie Halse Anderson (SPEAK and CHAINS)

Additional confirmed titles and authors for DC Zoom include:

• BATMAN TALES: ONCE UPON A CRIME – writer and artist: Derek Fridolfs, Dustin Nguyen (BATMAN: LI’L GOTHAM)
• BATMAN: OVERDRIVE – Shea Fontana (DC SUPER HERO GIRLS series)
• BLACK CANARY: IGNITE – Meg Cabot (THE PRINCESS DIARIES series)
• DEAR JUSTICE LEAGUE – Michael Northrop (TOMBQUEST series)
• GREEN LANTERN: LEGACY – Minh Lê (DRAWN TOGETHER)
• SUPER SONS – Ridley Pearson (KINGDOM KEEPERS series)
• SUPERMAN OF SMALLVILLE – writer and artist: Art Baltazar & Franco (TINY TITANS)
• SUPERMAN SMASHES THE KLAN – Gene Yang (AVATAR: THE LAST AIRBENDER series, NEW SUPER-MAN), will be released as periodicals first, then collected

Gwen, Matthew, Katrina, and Spencer were best friends for years, until a terrible tragedy tore them apart. Ten years later, they reunite in a rented house for a destination wedding. What they don’t know is that in the late ‘60s, the house was home to a Manson Family-like cult run by Frazer, a charismatic former scientist pushing the boundaries of human consciousness. His experiments echo through time and manifest everyone’s darkest fears and memories, blurring time as Frazer’s cult and the present day collide over the course of one long night, where everyone must confront their darkness or be destroyed by it.

Written and directed by Patrick Meaney (Neil Gaiman: Dream Dangerously),  House of Demons stars Amber Benson (TV’s “Buffy the Vampire Slayer”) and co-stars Dove Meir (TV’s “NCIS: Los Angeles”), Chloe Dykstra (TV’s “Heroes of Cosplay”), Morgan Peter Brown (Ouija), Tiffany Smith (TV’s “Attack of the Show”), Taliesin Jaffe (TV’s “Critical Role”), Whitney Moore (Birdemic 1 & 2), Jeff Torres (TV’s “Pitch”), and Kaytlin Borgen (Text), HOUSE OF DEMONS opens its doors on DVD with frighteningly fun bonus features, including deleted scenes, director’s commentary, and the behind-the-scenes featurettes “Meet the Cast & Crew,” “Bringing the Story to Life,” and “Composers of House of Demons.”

And we’re giving away two copies!

To enter, send an email with the subject header “HOUSE OF DEMONS” to geekcontest @ gmail dot com and answer the following question:

Amber Benson made her film debut in this 1993 Steven Soderbergh feature?

Please include your name, and address (U.S. 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 February 18th, 2018.

Produced by Kevin Feige
Written by Ryan Coogler, Joe Robert Cole
Based on Black Panther by Stan Lee, Jack Kirby
Directed by Ryan Coogler
Starring Chadwick Boseman, Michael B. Jordan,
Lupita Nyong’o, Danai Gurira, Martin Freeman,
Daniel Kaluuya, Letitia Wright, Winston Duke,
Angela Bassett, Forest Whitaker, Andy Serkis

Black Panther is finally here and, I’m happy to say, it does not disappoint. It’s operatic, it’s Shakespearean, it’s pretty damn wondrous. With echoes of The Lion King, Gladiator, and even Mad Max: Fury Road and Wonder Woman, it may very well be the first Marvel film to win an Oscar.

T’Challa (Chadwick Boseman) made his first appearance in the Marvel Cinematic Universe in Captain America: Civil War, in which his father, King T’Chaka (John Kani), was killed.

Now he’s set to become the King of Wakanda — if there are no other contenders for the throne.

Like the X-Men, the character of Black Panther was created in the 1960s and its themes of equality, justice, and social responsibility resonate more than ever today.

To the rest of the globe, Wakanda appears to be an impoverished third-world nation. Its technological advancements are kept veiled from a world that can’t be trusted with the fearsome power of vibranium. But T’Challa’s socially-minded ex Nakia (Lupita Nyong’o) believes that their great abundance should be shared with the less fortunate.

The new king wants to honor his father’s legacy of protecting Wakanda from outsiders. But with refugees at the borders, can they refuse to help? Much as in Civil War, when the characters square off over the right thing to do, each of them has compelling justification for their stance.

There’s a “take what you can grab” villain, amoral South African arms dealer Ulysses Klaue, the only white man who knows Wakanda’s secrets. Andy Serkis eats up the screen as the over-the-top bad guy who’s easily one of my favorite Marvel villains. It’s great to actually see Serkis’s face again and not just his motion-capture characters.

But he’s just the appetizer for the real villain, Erik Killmonger (Michael B. Jordan). In this squabble over the throne, he’s the Loki to T’Challa’s Thor, who reminds us that there are secrets in this family as dark as any revealed in Thor: Ragnarok. But that’s too far pat of a way to describe him. Especially since Black Panther — while very funny when it wants to be — is not out for cheap laughs and cannot rightly be compared to the broad comedy of Thor: Ragnarok.

As Killmonger, Jordan is magnetic and you cannot take your eyes off him. One of the best scenes in Black Panther is when his streetwise, bitter character first encounters the formal, tradition-bound Wakandans. It’s as if Alonzo Harris from Training Day had wandered into Asgard and called out everyone for their stiffer-than-stiff attitudes.

I haven’t even mentioned how amazing Danai Gurira is as Okoye, the fierce general who heads up the Dora Milaje, the king’s all-female bodyguards. (Who are referred to early on in the film as “Some Grace Jones-lookin’ chicks with spears.”) Her fight scenes are as thrilling as anything on The Walking Dead. And the flashes of humor under that tough exterior makes us love her even more.

Watching the women of Wakanda take charge is every bit as empowering as Wonder Woman. (Even if Wakanda is a patriarchal society with a king instead of a queen.)

Nyong’o, who serves as Wakanda’s moral conscience for most of the film, also gets her moment on the battlefield. And hello, Letitia Wright as Shuri, T’Challa’s techie teenage sister who provides some of the film’s funniest and most quotable moments.

Another scene stealer: The imposing Winston Duke as rival chieftain M’Baku.

Like any great fantasy film, this movie isn’t just about some mythical land and the clash of comic-book characters. We can’t help but feel a call to action. Are we doing enough for our fellow men and women? Can we do more? And why the hell isn’t there a real place like Wakanda?

There is so much going on in Black Panther that it feels like two or even three films in one. It’s a family drama with action to rival the Captain America films. It’s a Gladiator epic. It’s Lord of the Rings. It’s The Lion King writ large. It’s a call to arms. It’s a helluva movie.

My only caveat: For most of the film, Wakanda seems effortlessly real, but the CG in the final battle sequences wasn’t quite theater-ready. But hey, similar CG issues with the Battle of the Pelennor Fields didn’t stop Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King from collecting a Best Picture Oscar.

This is a film we’ll still be talking about at Oscar time. And long after that.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Produced by J.J. Abrams, Lindsey Weber
Screenplay by Oren Uziel
Story by Oren Uziel, Doug Jung
Directed by Julius Onah
Starring Daniel Brühl, Elizabeth Debicki,
Aksel Hennie, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Zhang Ziyi,
Chris O’Dowd, John Ortiz, David Oyelowo

Boasting a fine ensemble cast and executive produced by David Simon, George Pelecanos, Nina K. Noble and James Franco, The  Deuce chronicles  the  rise  of  the  porn  industry  that  began  in  New  York  City  in  1971-72,  driven  by  the gradual legalization of porn and a politically motivated effort to “clean up” Times Square. Seizing the chance to cash in  on  the  nascent  porn  business  are  a  vivid  assortment  of  characters,  including:  Vincent  Martino  (James  Franco),  a bartender  with  vision  and  connections;  Frankie  Martino  (Franco  again),  Vincent’s  identical  twin,  a  dangerously freewheeling counterpart to his entrepreneurial brother; Candy (Maggie Gyllenhaal), a self-made, on-the-street sex worker eying a new career in porn filmmaking; pimps C.C. (Gary Carr) and Larry Brown (Gbenga Akinnagbe); young prostitutes Darlene (Dominique Fishback) and Lori (Emily Meade); midtown cop Chris Alston (Lawrence Gilliard, Jr.); newspaper reporter Sandra Washington (Natalie Paul); mob capo Rudy Pipilo (Michael Rispoli); disillusioned college student Abby Parker (Margarita Levieva); and others. 

And we’re giving away a copy!

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

Prior to writing for television, David Simon was a crime reporter in this city?

Please include your name, and address (U.S. 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 February 25th, 2018.

Produced and Directed by Sam Liu
Screenplay by Jim Krieg
Based on Gotham By Gaslight by
Brian Augustyn and Mike Mignola
Starring Bruce Greenwood, Jennifer Carpenter, Anthony Head, Scott Patterson, John DiMaggio, Grey Griffin, Yuri Lowenthal, Tara Strong

One of my favorite and universally beloved Batman Elseworlds stories, Gotham By Gaslight, has been adapted in the latest DC Animated Original Movie.

While there is now a call for DC to reach into the Elseworlds catalog for the live action movies to re-right the ship, using the imprint to make successful animated movies is working well.

Stepping out of lock-step with current continuity with two Timmverse films: Justice League: Gods and Monsters and the last offering of Batman and Harley Quinn have been some of the most interesting of the current crop of movies, and Gotham By Gaslight is no exception.

While not all brass and parasols, Batman: Gotham by Gaslight is as close to steampunk as you could ever expect the Waynes to get to. In a Victorian era Gotham, handsome rich bachelor Bruce Wayne seeks revenge for his parents death with goggle-shaped eye holes on his cowl and a much anticipated fight scene atop of an airship. There are differences between the movie and the 1989 one-shot of the same name written by The Flash writer Brian Augustyn and drawn by a pre-Hellboy Mike Mignola.

The movie takes liberties with the original stories “Gotham by Gaslight” and its sequel “Master of the Future,” drawn this time by Eduardo Barreto, and extends elements of the original story to bring it up to feature length. In fact, what the film accomplishes is a more carefully produced simulacrum of the traditional Bat-Family with the introduction of Ivy, Selina Kyle, three very helpful orphan boys, Harvey Dent and more familiar names you might see around Gotham. To say this is an adaptation might be considered a stretch, as elements of the comics exist but not the major plot points or payoffs. That is no knock on the film, as Sam Liu continues his directorial streak as an adept leader of this department at Warner Animation.

Bruce Greenwood returns to his Young Justice role at Batman opposite Jennifer Carpenter as Selina Kyle with Warner regular voice actors John DiMaggio and Tara Strong taking some other voices in the cast. Bruce is an almost perfect Batman, a terrific and emotive actor that can give Kevin Conroy a run for his money any day of the week. Dexter’s Carpenter returns to animation after starring as Black Widow in the bizarre anime-style Marvel movie Avengers Confidential: Black Widow & Punisher that to this day defies explanation. She plays an OK Victorian Catwoman, for the record.

Jack the Ripper has infiltrated Gotham, taking advantage of Gotham’s shadowy after-hours to prey upon “gin-soaked” ladies of the night, or performers like Ivy at the local Burlesque. During the day, plans are being made for the Gotham Word’s Fair with a zeppelin, an electrical lantern for use to shine up into the sky and a Ferris Wheel.

Alfred faithfully prepares Bruce’s nighttime attire to take on this threat and as he does, he finds that Selina is The Ripper’s next victim. Bat and Cat take on the butcher in an abattoir before the criminal escapes. It is not long after this that Batman has his first encounter with Gordon in his backyard to present evidence and throw Gotham PD off of the trail to the obvious suspect of Batman, before pulling off his best disappearing act.

As Jack the Ripper tears through his list of victims, someone very close to Bruce is next on the list. After Hugo Strange, proprietor of the primitive and cruel Arkham Asylum confronts Wayne at the funeral, Strange puts himself at risk. What results is one of the best (if only) blimp-based fight scenes since Batman: The Animated Series. We can thank Bruce Timm for a cameo as Arkham Radio Man, “Oh, the humanity!”

A shred of evidence is still pointing to Wayne, resulting in a trial similar to the one in the original comic.

He’s locked up but uses his guiles to escape, setting off the mysterious third act with Bat, Cat, Alfred and the orphans teaming up , with the orphans finally revealing the murderous villain. It should be noted here that this is also a divergence from the original story, but one that is as surprising and has consequences to those that are deep into Batman lore.

This is a great Batman film for both the serious Bat-o-philes and to those that are casual fans. It seems like the ongoing Warner strategy for releasing various versions and multiple universes continues to work. We have to give even the casual fan credit for understanding that this is a story with Batman in the Victorian era and that’s it. Gotham is set now but doesn’t have Batman in it yet. Who cares? Let’s just have fun and go along for the ride.

I would definitely encourage a sequel in the Gaslight universe if that were to happen but I’m OK with the idea of DC culling the stories from their vast catalog to tell these direct-to-video animated movies.

They continue to be the highlight of the year for me when they come out.

Batman: Gotham By Gaslight is now available on Digital HD,
Ultra HD Blu-ray Combo Pack, Blu-ray Combo Pack and DVD.

Welcome back to Graphic Breakdown!

It’s February! One step closer to summer! Here’s this week’s books!

Batman #40
Written by Tom King
Illustrated by Joelle Jones

Tom King has given us another wonderful issue.

I’ve really taken to his writing and it’s great to see him connecting with readers like this. I had concerns for quite awhile but all of those have been assuaged.

The team up with Batman and Wonder Woman continues here. They’ve been friends forever.

Sadly though, that may be coming to an end. And if their friendship dissolved, that might mean the end of existence.

The art here by Jones is terrific. I hope she comes back to this title or that she works on another DC book. Maybe a Superman title?

Anyway, this is great. Pick it up.

RATING: A-

Batman: White Knight #5
Written and Illustrated by Sean Murphy

Sean Murphy is making a modern classic. We have three issues after this one. If he doesn’t blow it in the home stretch, it’s a classic for sure. I feel good he’s going to pull it off too. This has been great.

Jack Napier’s mind is deteriorating!

Is he going to go back for his old ways as the Joker?

It’s looking likely ladies and gentlemen!! He’s also headed towards a showdown with the Batman! Things are getting exciting!

The story is phenomenal and the art is top notch. There is a car chase scene here that keeps you on your toes. Kudos to Murphy for really making this book sing.

You need this in your collection immediately. If you haven’t read it yet, what are you waiting for?

RATING: A

Injustice 2 #19
Written by Tom Taylor 
Illustrated by Daniel Sampere

This is a grand time. You’re seriously missing out if you are not reading this.

This alternative take on the DC Universe is quite nuts and I’m loving it. The issues are shorter but the quality is high on this series.

Plastic Man has been sent to the Phantom Zone to find the Titans! He has been sent by Superman to find them!

But Plastic Man brings back somebody who shouldn’t be in this realm. And then Batman goes crazy about it.

Taylor always keeps the twists and turns coming in this series. It’s quite enjoyable. The art is suitable for this book and keeps the reader engaged.

All in all, it’s a mighty fine book indeed.

RATING: B+

Bane: Conquest #9
Written by Chuck Dixon
Illustrated by Graham Nolan

There’s nothing like a mindless good old fashioned Chuck Dixon slugfest to get the month started. And that’s exactly what this comic book is!

There’s nothing wrong with that at all. Sometimes, you just how to enjoy things for what they are.

Bane has declared war with Kobra! He’s going to his lair to take him down. He’s going to need an army to do it too! It’s recruitment time!

Can Bane build an army to fight Kobra?

Let’s hope!

The story is crazy and fun. The art by Nolan is still pretty awesome. Again, it feels like the 1990’s reading this book. You have to shut your brain off for this one kids. And sometimes, that’s okay.

RATING: B-

Superman #40
Written by James Robinson
Illustrated by Viktor Bogdanovic

Well, it’s looking like the Tomasi and Gleason Superman comic books are coming to an end. It’s very sad because the books were so good. Bendis is taking over! Until then, we are treated to a story by James Robinson.

And it’s not bad! Robinson is a fine writer when he wants to be. In this issue, another planet is blowing up across the solar system!

Superman and Son go to investigate.

Then, they are confronted by an adversary. He tells Supes that apparently these people want to die! Things then get out of hand.

The art is by Viktor Bogdanovic and he’s a solid artist. This looks to be one of the final stories before the Bendis takeover but at least it doesn’t feel like filler. A decent book overall.

RATING: B

Deathstroke #28
Written by Christopher Priest
Illustrated by Diogenes Neves

Well, the Defiance storyline is over.

Deathstroke is back to being the villain he was meant to be. And not a moment too soon it seems. It’s time to face off against China’s Super-Man!

That’s right! Wintergreen and the Dark Titans have abandoned him! Slade is back to his old ways! And that Super-Man better watch out! Slade Wilson is sliding downhill and all is right in the world again.

Priest makes the book darkly fun. He does a great job in making the characters interesting and the situations entertaining. The art is decent too. This is a nice new start to a great storyline.

Pick this up. It’s pretty damn enjoyable.

RATING: A-

Bombshells United #11
Written by Marguerite Bennett
Illustrated by Stephen Byrne

I have been enjoying this book.

It’s one of those books that feels like it doesn’t get enough press. It’s been very exciting these past few issues. This is a very good time as well.

Our heroes find themselves leaving the labyrinth that they were trapped in! They have to combat Black Adam!

He seems to have been committing bad acts to the people of Spain! Can they defeat him? Or will he continue to be a jerk?

Bennett is a solid writer. She continually surprises in each and every issue. The art is decent too. Each issue has been good.

This one is as well. Give it a read!

RATING: B

Black Lightning: Cold Dead Hands #4
Written by Tony Isabella
Illustrated by Clayton Henry

The Black Lightning television show is one of the best things to come on the air this past year. It all stems from writer Tony Isabella’s writing. He’s did a great job years ago and now has been doing a great job too with this series.

Black Lightning and the police have to form an unholy alliance with the White Hunter in this issue. It seems they cannot get by without him.

But the alliance is immediately strained and looks to be headed into a bad place!

The writing is strong for sure. And Henry is one of the most underrated artists in the business.

Pick this up or read the whole thing when it is completed. It’s is very good indeed.

RATING: B+

Swamp Thing Winter Special #1
Written by Tom King and Len Wein
Illustrated by Jason Fabok and Kelley Jones

I love Swamp Thing. I feel like there hasn’t been an amazing run on it since Alan Moore left. Maybe even Len Wein. Oh sure, there were decent ones. Brian K. Vaughn had one, as did Scott Snyder.  But there hasn’t been an amazing one. I feel If given the opportunity Tom King could knock it out of the park.

King and Fabok create an interesting tale here that is both a tribute to Wein and Bernie Wrightson but tread new ground. It’s excellent as both have a flair for the character.

DC please pay attention to the work they did here.

The best part of the book however is the tale by Len Wein and Kelley Jones. It was supposed to be a miniseries but Wein passed and we only get the first issue. But what an issue. Wein proves why he is one of the greats and it’s wonderful. Pick this up. It’s a must read.

RATING: A

Mother Panic/Batman Special #1
Written by Jody Houser
Illustrated by Ty Templeton

This is part two is the “Milk Wars” crossover that’s raging through the Young Animal titles! It’s a typically off center story.

It’s also pretty delightful.

Gotham City is transformed! Mother Panic runs around trying to figure out what has happened!

Batman is Father Bruce and he works for the church! What the hell is going on? Mother Panic tries to solve the mystery and it’s quite nuts.

The art is the real star here. Ty Templeton is one of the greats and here he shows us why! The art is fluid and he does great stuff with Houser’s script. Pick this up. It’s quite weird and enjoyable.

RATING: B+

Young Monsters In Love #1
Written and Directed by Various

Well, this was a hell of a lot of fun. DC has taken it’s darker characters and made a Valentine’s Day anthology. It’s only meant to be a good time so don’t take it too seriously and you will enjoy it. I did.

For me, the best story was the Deadman story by Paul Dini and Guillem March. It’s a short but it was more affecting than the entire Deadman mini series currently going on.

The rest of the book is fun too. The stories by Jeff Lemire and Mark Russell are also standouts.

So give this a shot. It’s not bad at all and there’s a little something for everyone. It put a smile on my face for sure.

RATING: B+

Written by Frank J. Barbiere
Illustrated by Victor Santos
Published by Image Comics
ISBN-13: 978-1534300446
Released 5/30/17 / $9.99

At first I wasn’t thrilled with Violent Love from Image, but as I read on I came to the realization that it was growing on me and, by the end, I realized that I had actually enjoyed it.

As far as the story goes, imagine a Sin City romance written by Frank Miller and directed onscreen by Quentin Tarantino—lots of repugnant, violent, and largely unlikable characters cursing and shooting and stabbing each other while the blood runs ever deeper.

That’s it on the surface, but writer Frank J. Barbiere throws the reader when he makes you slowly realize there’s more depth to it all than there probably should be, right up to an ending I didn’t see coming.

What really sells this modern noir story, though, is the artwork by Victor Santos. I mean…wow! SO impressive! Imagine Steranko’s showiest cinematic storytelling techniques done up in a style that’s at once his own but with what seems the strong influence of Bruce Timm, perhaps with a dash of the late Darwyn Cooke thrown in. Maybe some David Mazzuchelli, too.

The innovative page layouts—admirable even in thumbnails on the PDF copy I reviewed—and skilled use of color throughout, kept me lingering on the pages longer than normal.

The less said about the plot or specific characters, the more you’ll appreciate them as you go along. Much of the story is told in flashback to the late ‘60s and early ‘70s.

The book’s Natural Born Killers vibe added to the various above noted influences makes this far from the most original work I’ve seen but there’s something to be said of what one DOES with one’s influences and as far as I’m concerned, Barbiere and particularly Santos do a fine job of making this all their own by the time the reader comes out the other end.

Violent Love is a visceral, gut-wrenching character study, adult in the true sense of that description, that will leave you, whether you expect it or not, waiting anxiously for the sequel.

Booksteve Recommends.

Strike up the band and keep the heat on. So many titles are reaching their arc’s crescendo!

Whether it’s Dastardly and Muttley on their last issue, Nightwing reaching the Final Boss stage or Green Arrow having a throwdown in the way down, there is so much final fight music playing as these issues get read.

Dastardly and Muttley #6
Words – Garth Ennis
Pictures – Mauricet, John Kalisz, Rob Steen

The effects of the world slowly creeping into a cell painted insanity are taking it’s toll.

All the regular highly skilled groups you’d think would be sent after War Pig One have been sent and failed. The world’s fate rests in the hands of Zee, Uncle, Mutt and Dick.

Dick (who is still only in a hospital gown under the harness) attempts a crazy last ditch mid-air maneuver to wrangle the rogue rocket.

But sanity they find is a finite resource they’re fighting to save as it slips from them.

The writing and the art, I praise both and it’s well deserved. This ending is very Ennis.

Kudos for the subtle jokes, a White House staffer becomes a dino. The gas makes you an exaggerated version of yourself were they a D.I.N.O. perhaps?

With Ennis such visual wordplay is very possible.

Green Arrow #37
Words – Benjamin Percy
Pictures – Juan Ferreyra, Deron Bennett

What truly matters and what do we allow to define us?

The family that through the obligation of birth we make a place in our life and hold onto, or the family we embrace in friendship though maybe not connected by D.N.A. that makes us better people.

Emi’s shot in the chest, Oliver’s mother Moira did it and remains damn smug about it. She’s made a statement with the one action against her son and Shado, who as this secret underground tomb becomes a more insane death chamber attacks Moira with nothing left to loose.

Meanwhile, wasn’t Wendy in mortal danger?

Green Lanterns #40
Words – Tim Seeley
Pictures – Barnaby Bagenda, Mick Gray, Ulises Arreola, Dave Sharpe

The Green Lanterns get to help with a flood.

It’s nice to help people in a way where kicks and punches aren’t involved and they’re reinvigorated by the experience. A fellow hero helping on the flood asks Simon about Night Flier (his fling from a couple issues back), has he seen her lately?

The Justice League (Cyborg mostly) looks into it and all the small-time heroes who’ve disappeared had used the dating app Simon used for the hook-up.

One somewhat unhelpful interview with the app’s team later, the perp reveals themselves. They used the info to pick victims for an intergalactic super-powered slavery ring.

Too bad no one knows any space cops that could do something about this…

Harley & Ivy Meet Betty And Veronica #5
Words – Marc Andreyko, Paul Dini
Pictures – Laura Braga, Adriana, Melo, Arif Prianto, Deron Bennett

Reggie’s dressed as the Joker and lost in Gotham City (at the intersection of Kane and Montana, he should raise a FINGER for a taxi… Hint!).

Any other bat-book I’d say this was a great way to end up dead but this is half an Archie Comic, so I’ll give him 50% survival chances.

Unfortunately the mugs he intimidated earlier pick him up instead, bringing all our cast back to Riverdale.

Sabrina pops everyone back into their original bodies, and is deliciously sardonic while doing it.

But now the hard part happens, if the swamp is going to be saved Harl and Pam are gonna need Betty and Veronica’s cooperation.

Scummy business partners are revealed (Lenny’s backing the Swamp construction- duhn duhn duhn!), Unsafe practices set in place (this last issue looks to end with a bang!), and Hubert calls for some extra butler help.

Come back for the conclusion same Riverdale time, same Riverdale channel.

Harley Quinn #37
Words – Frank Tieri
Pictures – Mirka Andolfo, Alex Sinclair, Dave Sharpe

We start with a late night infomercial, Harley’s gone pay to pummel.

She’ll beat up people in New York for a check. It’s an interesting way to work through the series of life jolting issues that’ve recently hit her.

Her friends are worried but she’s still demanding space so they’re left on the outside unable to help. Or at least the less sneaky ones are.

As everyone else remains distracted, Penguin makes his move on the collected New York mob scene with two giant ‘roided out flesh eating mutant penguins. The ensuing scene would be horrific in a less cartoony book.

I think we’re gonna need Harley up and ready to take on Penguin’s upcoming Gotham invasion, but that will only work if she lets someone help her first.

Justice League #38
Words – Priest
Pictures – Marco Santucci, Alex Sollazzo, Willie Schu

We pick up the scattered League members as dispersed last issue, and Flash is left alone to debug and repair the Watchtower.

Things go sideways for Barry (think when the automatic doors at the market don’t work, but in space) and he risks his life to save the wayward delivery person.

Bruce blames himself for everything (as usual), but it’s too the point where his friends are worried and they ask Clark to intervene.

But someone who has learned and grown from recent events is Vic (Cyborg). He’s had the ability to look fully human for a while, only now is he comfortable enough to actually let himself try it.

It’s nice to see someone not punishing themselves for matters beyond their control.

I do wonder if the writers of these books ever get to talk over their scripts with each other. In Green Lanterns, Jess was hoping the app would match her with Nightwing, lets just say her tastes remain… Bat-centric.

Nightwing #38
Words – Sam Humphries
Pictures – Bernard Chang, Marcelo Maiolo, Carlos M. Mangual

Oh Nightwing, this is not a bad issue. I have higher standards for you since I know you can meet them. But like a bad episode of The Twilight Zone, it’s still better than other shows, but the storyline beats don’t come as a surprise and are not the joy I was hoping for.

Nightwing is too late to stop the Judge from silencing his witness. The Judge is noticeably sloppy with his hideout (the hide part was missing) and Dick is able to get in to confront him.

Almost every character that was involved in the arc is pulled back in (with the exception of Lucy Weatherton who I’d like to see again). It is still well drawn, the panels are noir and moody, the pulpiness of the style will hold me till this yarn ends.

The Judge is an all knowing scheming always be-shaded villain that reappears in Dick’s life going on and on about how much he perceives. There is a “twist” I’ve seen coming just from the absence of something for many issues. This next one won’t be the conclusion but it will be soon and I hope for a better arc next round.

Exit Stage Left: The Snagglepuss Chronicles #2
Words – Mark Russell
Pictures – Mike Feehan, Mark Morales, Paul Mounts, Dave Sharpe
Sasquatch Detective
Words – Brandee Stilwell
Pictures – Gustavo Vazquez, Chris Sotomayor, Dave Sharpe

The Red Scare, McCarthyism, the Cold War, Stonewall – all with anthropomorphic animals you grew up knowing. Like if Hanna Barbera made a Muppets-ish film but as Oscar bait.

First issue was a reintroduction, this one continues with the course of their day getting further into what makes them miserable. Huckleberry Hound’s life is so sad, I wouldn’t be able to stand it it they introduce Droopy – I really could not.

Despite the threat above them all of being picked up in the government’s spotlight (and summarily blackballed) Snagglepuss continues to help those who ask or need it, refine his play, and live his life with those who make him happy. But with maniacs in places of power like Special Council Gigi Allen how long can such a happiness sustain?

Sasquatch Detective is fluff. It’s harmless, it has fun in it’s chapter and maybe that’s why it’s the back up story to counterbalance the sea of heaviness and depression within the Snagglepuss Chronicles.

The writer knows this character and it’s world, but it feels like they tried too hard to establish too much in so few pages. I hope they get picked up for at least a limited series so we can see what this team can do when given breathing room.

The Jetsons #4
Words – Jimmy Palmiotti
Pictures – Pier Brito, Alex Sinclair, Dave Sharpe

Last issue ended with George blowing the secret Jane was sworn to keep. Unluckily enough everyone was in earshot (Elroy, Judy, Lake, Astro and Rosie).

As that happened, a piece of the underwater creature was stowed away on the ship’s bottom. It expands and attacks as they try to blast it off.

Lake tells her dad, who tells the world and now everyone knows there’s only 3 days till a meteor kills us all. It really doesn’t go well, and Jane’s explanation of “George read my mind” goes as well as you’d think.

No one has a solution to save Earth, but Spacely shows George a secret. He built an interplanetary ship that can fit 3 more, he will save ¾ of the family!

So, exciting?

The stiff poses with unrelated facial expressions punctuated by dead eyes make me wonder what could have been if this creative team was different. The writing is obvious ($5 on the sea monster being the meteor solution?) and art remains consistent (it’s tragic) but this week answers the question “why is EVERYONE in skin-tight suits? Spencer Cogswell shows us this artist is not confident with layered fabrics. Lines drawn on a nude form with added boots is the extent of their comfort zone.

Get ready for a wild and lethal adventure in the next chapter of the beloved cult-classic Tremors franchise, Tremors: A Cold Day in Hell, arriving on Blu-ray combo pack, DVD, Digital and On Demand on May 1, 2018 from Universal 1440 Entertainment, the original content production arm of Universal Pictures Home Entertainment. Tremors patriarch Michael Gross (“Family Ties,” “Suits”) reprises his iconic role as Graboid-hunting Burt Gummer along with Jamie Kennedy (“The Cleveland Show,” Scream franchise) as Burt’s son Travis Welker in this all-new terrifying yet hilarious movie filled with even more quick-witted humor, screwball antics and action-packed thrills than ever before.

The perfect mix of action, horror and comedy, Tremors: A Cold Day in Hell on Blu-ray, DVD and Digital comes fully loaded with exclusive bonus features that will take audiences deeper into the outrageous world of Tremors, with special behind-the-scenes footage of the making of the film, an up-close look at the very first underwater Graboid attack, and commentary from the filmmakers.

Burt Gummer (Gross) and his son Travis Welker (Kennedy) find themselves up to their ears in Graboids and Ass-Blasters when they head to Canada to investigate a series of deadly giant worm attacks. Arriving at a remote research facility in the arctic tundra, Burt begins to suspect that Graboids are secretly being weaponized, but before he can prove his theory, he is sidelined by Graboid venom. With just 48 hours to live, the only hope is to create an antidote from fresh venom — but to do that, someone will have to figure out how to milk a Graboid!

Tremors: The Complete Collection will also be available on DVD on May 1, 2018. New and longtime fans can now enjoy the wonder of all six movies in one must-own set including, Tremors, Tremors 2: Aftershocks, Tremors 3: Back to Perfection, Tremors: The Legend Begins, Tremors 5: Bloodlines, and the newest film Tremors: A Cold Day in Hell.

BLU-RAY, DVD AND DIGITAL EXCLUSIVE BONUS FEATURES:

• The Making of Tremors: A Cold Day in Hell: Filmmakers, cast, and crew discuss why Tremors: A Cold Day in Hell is the most bone-blasting Tremors movie yet.
• Anatomy of a Scene: Watch as we break down the various elements that need to come together to film the first underwater Graboid attack.
• Inside Chang’s Market: Chang’s Market is an iconic location in Tremors history. See how it was recreated and updated for this installment of the franchise.

Tremors: A Cold Day in Hell will be available on Blu-ray, DVD and Digital.

• Blu-ray^TM unleashes the power of your HDTV and is the best way to watch movies at home, featuring 6X the picture resolution of DVD, exclusive extras and theater-quality surround sound.
• Digital lets fans watch movies anywhere on their favorite devices. Users can instantly stream or download.
• Movies Anywhere is the digital app that simplifies and enhances the digital movie collection and viewing experience by allowing consumers to access their favorite digital movies in one place when purchased or redeemed through participating digital retailers. Consumers can also redeem digital copy codes found in eligible Blu-ray^TM and DVD disc packages from participating studios and stream or download them through Movies Anywhere. Movies Anywhere is only available in the United States. For more information, visit https://moviesanywhere.com.