Archives December 2022

Last year, San Diego Comic-Con had to cancel their enormous yearly event. Sadly, they didn’t have much time to build an appropriate online event. but though we all prayed to Odin, the event planners have officially canceled SDCC 2021. At least, they canceled the live event. once again, they’re going for SDCC @Home. However, in buy to get fans “attending,” they’re going to have to take note from DC’s at-home event last year, which had major reveals, panels, and a polished presentation So, what can we expect?

Now That They canceled SDCC 2021, expect a much smaller event than 2020

His wi-fi went out during DC’s most current announcement. It was a reboot, Superman. It’s always a reboot. (Image: Superman #423, DC Comics)

In their (long) press statement, the event runners noted that “unfortunately, the challenges of this past year and the multiple postponements of our two largest events have left us with limited financial resources.” As a result, SDCC @Home will be a shorter 3-day event, running July 23-25, 2021, which is still better than 100% canceled. This sucks for everyone. especially a web site comic news editor counting on those amazing announcements, the SDCC runners clearly feel the most pain. but it’s not just because SDCC 2021 would have been a substantial moneymaker. However, now that they canceled the event, the geek community won’t have their enormous shared experience. In their statement, they write:

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Never could we have thought of what the world experienced in 2020 and continues to experience today. While we are buoyed by the rollout of the vaccine and the growing number of individuals being inoculated, it appears that July will still be too early to safely hold an in-person event of the magnitude of Comic-Con.

What Comic Years plans To do for the Event

actual image of me when I found out I won’t see my friends. (Image: X-Men the Animated Series, 20th Century)

After NYCC 2019, we were all ecstatic to fly in from around the continent (we’re everywhere) and meet up for the next big convention. So, Either SDCC 2020 or NYCC 2020. So much for that. However, president Biden says that he hopes that we’ll get to a near-normality by Christmas. As a result, NYCC 2021 will probably be canceled just like SDCC. but we’ll cover all the interesting panels…assuming there will be interesting panels. See you in 2022, CY crew (can we make that a thing?) until then, hopefully, the SDCC will livestream their panels like they did last year.

(Featured Image: Avengers: Endgame, marvel Studios)

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Folklords #1 Matt Smith cover

Matt Kindt is the popular writer/artist of Mind MGMT and Dept. H,  and writer of X-O Manowar, Black Badge, and much more. now he invites you to explore a new world of fantasy in Folklords from BOOM! Studios. Kindt gives Westfield’s Roger Ash the inside scoop on this upcoming series.

Folklords #1 Duncan Fegredo cover

Westfield: What is the genesis of Folklords?

Matt Kindt: It was one of those situations where the title came first. That’s happened to me a few times in my career. I’ve had editors suggest a title. Dept. H was another one. I had the title for a couple years and was in search of a book to put it on. I’d forgotten the title idea and then a pal of mine reminded me of it when I was asking for title help. so that worked out. Divinity for Valiant was another title where the editor had a title in need of a story. I really in some cases like those prompts. The idea can in some cases just hit you like lightning if you have a title. other books, like very Spy – end up being called that because it was the working title for so long that it just became familiar. I never intended for it to be called that.

I’d been trying to come up with an idea specifically for Matt Smith – because I really wanted to work with him. I’d come up with a few different pitches and they weren’t really the kind of thing he was interested in drawing so I kind of stopped thinking about it. The paranoid part of me thought Matt just wasn’t interested in working with me…! but that wasn’t the case. I think he just wanted something much more fun – something with some crazier things to draw and much more fun characters. Something less grounded. So in a way this idea grew from the title and into what I thought Matt might like drawing. The main character, Ansel, in a way is the most grounded – he’s wearing a suit and tie. He’s the sort of grounded part of the story that I always start with before I ask the big “what if?” question – like…we have this kid…and then what if…? He’s living in a world populated by every kind of folk tale idea and characters.

Ansel and friends. designs by Matt Smith

Westfield: What can you tell us about Ansel?

Kindt: He’s a mystery – to himself and to us as readers. He has these kind of crazy visions of another world and begins dressing to match his fantasy world. but his fantasy world? looks a lot like ours. He wears a suit and tie inspired by his visions. He begins “inventing” things that he’s seen in his fantasy world – lighters and walkie-talkies. but these visions kind of torture him – it’s why he’s gone on a quest to find the Folklords – who he thinks hold the answers to his problems.

The “quest” that he goes on was always kind of a cliché with these kinds of fantasy stories. It’s in every one you’ve ever read. I was working with another pal of mine, Brian Hurtt, on a collaboration story and he said he didn’t want to do a “quest” story. It made me laugh…we were working on a kind of Conan sword and sorcery tale and it got me to thinking of stories that aren’t quests. When I started writing this book – I thought it would be funny – a joke between me and him – if I made every character…when they turn eighteen – they have to go on a mandatory quest. So every character in the book is either going on a quest, planning a quest, or they’ve already gone on their mandatory test. It’s like graduating from high school. It’s just something you do. in some cases instead of avoiding cliché, I think it’s fun to just run headlong into it and really overdo it. In a lot of ways, that’s what this series is about. We’ve seen the quests, and I think films like Shrek and the Disney films have already picked apart a lot of the conventional folktales and done a meta-version of them. So the fun was trying to do a story that sort of threads that needle – it’s true to the tradition of folk tales but also aware of itself but not in a way that takes it less seriously.

Hanz, Greta, and more. designs by Matt Smith

Westfield: who are some of the other characters readers will meet?

Kindt: There’s a big barbarian woman named Ugly, who is full of surprises…Hanz and Greta, a serial-killing duo who live in the woods and may have spent way too much time eating some old witches’ poisoned candy…it’s made them…very strange. There’s Demure, who’s anything but – and Ansel’s companion who’s completed her quest already and now has a kind of secret agenda. and the Librarians. Oh boy. The Librarians are a kind of mysterious warrior class that holds all knowledge in the world and closely monitors all quests. and they’re continuously demanding absolute silence. They’re…intimidating.

Librarian design by Matt Smith

Westfield: What can you tell us about your collaboration with artist Matt Smith?

Kindt: Matt is one of those men that are really an “artist’s artist.” everyone that’s drawing in comics – they know and love him. and what gives him that artist’s artist status is the fact that he isn’t very flash and “look at me.” His talent lies in storytelling – in conveying the action and the character and panel flow. He’s not an illustrator – he’s what I call a “cartoonist” who really uses the medium of comic books in all the best ways. His pacing…his video camera angles. He’s this generation’s Alex Toth and Jeff Smith rolled into one. economy of line and remarkable storytelling.

Troll design by Matt Smith

Westfield: how much work went into developing a new fantasy world?

Kindt: A lot – I know that Matt Smith has spent a lot of time on the look of all of these characters – and there is still much more to come. This first arc – we just start to branch out from Ansel’s hometown. We’re introduced to the troll that guards the bridge and the Librarians with their fantastic armor and weapons. but there is an entire rogue’s gallery of misfits that Ansel is going to run into. The idea is to have the inside covers of the comic show a map of the known world. Every terrific fantasy book has a terrific series of maps in it. but the twist with this book is – every issue – as Ansel ventures even more into the unknown – the map will expand with him. and this world is a big place – so the map is just going to grow and grow as the series progresses.

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The Silver Warrior by Frank Frazetta

by Roger Ash

If you’ve been surfing the web today, possibilities are that you’ve heard of the passing of the excellent artist Frank Frazetta because of a stroke at the age of 82.

As I’ve gotten older as well as discovered a lot more about comics history, I ended up being conscious of his work in comic strips (Johnny Comet as well as helping Al Capp on Li’l Abner) as well as comic books (DC’s Shining Knight, Creepy, as well as even some funny animal stories just to name a few). however I very first found his work when I was a teen science fiction as well as fantasy fan as well as his fantasy paintings are what spring to mind when I hear his name. His muscled barbarians as well as scantily clad (and often unclad) women were fantasy heaven for this pubescent fan.  Seeing one of his paintings on the cover of a book made me want to checked out that book. as well as I believe his paintings on the covers of Molly Hatchet albums was half the reason I gotten them (although I do admit still enjoying the music).

There have been other fine fantasy artists with the years, however Frazetta always stood head as well as shoulders above them. He will be missed.

Do you have a preferred memory of Frank Frazetta as well as his art? Please share it below.

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KC Carlson. Art by Keith Wilson.

by KC Carlson

THIS MONTH IN classic COMIC book COLLECTIONS

Brothers of the Spear Archives volume 3

Brothers of the Spear Archives volume 3 (Dark Horse): Reprinting the final chapters of this years-long epic story by Russ Manning and Gaylord DuBois. The quest of blood brothers Dan-El and Natongo concerns an end, as the brothers of the spear fight alongside their brides and their armies to liberate Dan-El’s people from the usurper Nagopa once and for all! Collecting this classic back-up feature from Dell/Gold Key’s Tarzan #110-156, #160, #161, #202, and #203. forward by Stephen R. Bissette. Plus, Volumes 1 and 2 are back in print! 264-page color hardcover.

Captain Midnight volume 1

Captain Midnight volume 1 (Dark Horse): classic tales from one of the greatest military superhero comics of the 1940s! This volume includes selected stories from the original series, featuring the adventures of the Captain and Sergeant Twilight by comic greats Jack Binder, Mac Raboy, Dan Gormley, and others. features stories from The Funnies, popular Comics, and Captain Midnight. Plus, Dark Hose promises new Captain Midnight stories in your future! 232-page color hardcover.

Crime Does Not Pay Archives volume 6

Crime Does Not Pay Archives volume 6 (Dark Horse): continuing this outstanding Archive series, featuring the sensational crime stories of the 1940s. Collects issues #42-45 of this infamous series, featuring tommy-gun-toting toughs, scandalous stories, and criminal scum! All ripped from the headlines! (Which implies those newspapers are no longer Mint.) 244-page color hardcover.

EC Archives: Tales From the Crypt volume 4

EC Archives: Tales From the Crypt volume 4 (Dark Horse): Well, this is a enjoyable surprise! Apparently, Dark horse has won the rights to produce all-new editions of the EC Comics Archives, beginning with the classic Tales From the Crypt. They’re starting with volume four (issues #35-40) with exceptional work by artists Jack Davis, Joe Orlando, Jack Kamen, Graham Ingles, George Evans, Reed Crandall, bill Elder, and Bernie Krigstein! All the stories have been digitally recolored, using Marie Severin’s amazing color guides. Plus, the volume includes all the original ads, text pieces, and letters. forward by Russ Cochran, the legendary publisher of the original EC Archives (beginning in 1978). If you’ve only heard the rumors about the quality of these classic comic books (and the reprints), then you need to check out these volumes for yourself. Dark horse indicates that new volumes for Two-Fisted Tales and strange fantasy are also in the works! welcome back, EC Archives! 216-page color hardcover.

Essential Daredevil volume 6

Essential Daredevil volume 6 (Marvel): another substantial collection of stories Without Fear, as Daredevil faces off against The Torpedo, The Jester, Bullseye, Mind-Wave, Blood Brothers, Gladiator, Beetle, Cobra, Mr. Hyde, Man-Bull, and Mr. Hyde. Creators include Marv Wolfman, bill Mantlo, Jim Shooter, Chris Claremont, Archie Goodwin, Bob Brown, John & Sal Buscema, John Byrne, Gil Kane, and George Tuska. Guest-stars include Black Panther, Iron Man, Sub-Mariner, and the original Nova! Collects Daredevil 126-146 and annual #4, Iron man #88-89, and Ghost Rider #20. 480-page B&W softcover.

The Joker: The Clown prince of Crime

The Joker: The Clown prince of crime (DC Comics): long before he was headlining multi-title crossovers, the Joker had his own comic book back in the 1970s. It only lasted nine issues, but it looked at the Clown prince of crime facing off against other heroes (The Creeper, green Arrow, Black Canary, Sherlock Holmes) and villains (Lex Luthor, the royal Flush Gang, Two-Face, Catwoman, Scarecrow, and others). All nine issues are collected here, including work by Denny O’Neil, Elliott S! Maggin, José Luis García-López, Irv Novick, and Dick Giordano. 176-page color softcover. available in November.

Mad’s greatest Artists: Dave Berg

Mad’s greatest Artists: Dave Berg (Running Press): Dave Berg produced regular work for mad magazine for 46 years, until his death in 2002. best known for his regular “The Lighter Side of…” features, Berg’s work was typically much more grounded and conventional that some of MAD’s Madder Artists. This new volume presents much of Berg’s best work, in chronological purchase and including Berg’s rough sketches. There’s also a rare 1970 interview, a “growing up with Dave Berg” essay by his daughter Nancy Berg, and new versions of Berg’s best strips illustrated by several noteworthy cartoonists. introduction by illustrator Drew Friedman. 272-page color and B&W hardcover.

Marvel Firsts: The 1980s volume 1

Marvel Firsts: The 1980s volume 1 (Marvel): marvel greatly expanded its line of wonderful heroes in the Eighties — and this is just volume one of first appearances! includes Hulk #21, marvel spotlight #9, Dazzler #1, parts of Ka-Zar the savage #11, marvel very Hero contest of Champions #1, Hercules #1, Wolverine #1, Vision and Scarlet Witch #1, marvel graphic novel #4 (first new Mutants!), Saga of Crystar: Crystal Warrior #1, Alpha flight #1, Hawkeye #1, Cloak and Dagger #1, Falcon #1, Magik #1, Jack of Hearts #1, and Power pack #1. includes the first appearances of Dominic fortune and Captain Universe! 472-page color softcover.

Marvel Masterworks: Sub-Mariner volume 5

Marvel Masterworks: Sub-Mariner volume 5 (Marvel): Collects the terrific run by Roy Thomas and Sal Buscema from the early 70s, and features team-ups by Hercules and Captain marvel as well as the Hulk and Silver Surfer as the Titans three (soon to be the Defenders!). There are also epic battles with Attuma, prince Byrrah, Triton, Stingray, and the deadly Llyra. and the long-awaited wedding of Namor and lady Dorma! Don’t forget your hankies! Collects Sub-Mariner (1968) #25-38 and Ka-Zar #1. 288-page color hardcover.

Neil the Horse: The complete Comics Stories

Neil the Horse: The complete Comics stories (Hermes Press): Arn Saba (now Katherine Collins) put out this lovely and innovative comic book in the 1980s, originally published by Aardvark-Vanaheim and Renegade Press. All fifteen issues will be collected here, reproduced from the original artwork, along with documentary material and an historical essay by Trina Robbins. The series is quite musical (all the characters frequently sing and dance) and sheet music for original songs frequently appeared. The motto for the series was “Making the world safe for musical Comedy”. Neil’s pals were Soapy the Cat, who acted as the manager of the group, who smokes cigars and drinks. Mam’selle Poupée, a hopelessly romantic living doll from France, looks like a Barbie mannequin. There is also a Signed limited edition of the book with 32 pages of extra material and a special tipped-in art plate. 320-page B&W hardcover.

PS ARTBOOKS:

ACG Collected Works: forbidden Worlds volume 5

ACG Collected Works: forbidden Worlds volume 5: Collecting issues #26-32, featuring work by Paul Reinman, Ken Wald, and others. 288-page color hardcover.Pre-Code Classics: strange Mysteries volume 1 (Slipcase Edition): presenting a new reprint series, featuring stories untouched by the Comics Code. Collecting strange Mysteries #1-6, from 1952-53, featuring work by Richard Chizmar and Hy Fleishman. 240-page color hardcover w/ slipcase.The Thing! Boxset Edition: A two-volume slipcased set, collecting the complete 17-issue run of The thing from 1952, featuring work by Dick Giordano and others. 676-page color hardcovers.

Pre-Code Classics: strange Mysteries volume 1 (Slipcase Edition)

Pre-Code Classics: strange Mysteries volume 1 (Slipcase Edition): presenting a new reprint series, featuring stories untouched by the Comics Code. Collecting strange Mysteries #1-6, from 1952-53, featuring work by Richard Chizmar and Hy Fleishman. 240-page color hardcover w/ slipcase.

The Thing! Boxset Edition

The Thing! Boxset Edition: A two-volume slipcased set, collecting the complete 17-issue run of The thing from 1952, featuring work by Dick Giordano and others. 676-page color hardcovers.

Savage Sword of Conan volume 15

Savage Sword of Conan volume 15 (Dark Horse): Collecting Marvel’s savage Sword of Conan #151-160, including work by Chuck Dixon, Gary Kwapisz, Ernie Chan, Andy Kubert, and a cover by Joe Jusko. Conan’s travels take him to the desert kingdom of Stygia, so you know what that implies — sand in his loincloth! (I hate when that happens!) 544-page B&W softcover.

Walt Disney’s Donald Duck: “Christmas on Bear Mountain”

Walt Disney’s Donald Duck: “Christmas on Bear Mountain” (Fantagraphics) : The title story is, of course, one of the historically many essential (and funniest) Duck stores that writer/artist Carl Barks ever produced, being the first appearance of Uncle Scrooge. You can bet that the regular group of Barks scholars and annotators will have much to say about this one! This volume also includes the also classic “Volcano Valley”, where the ducks get stuck in a south-of-the-border country occupied by sombrero-wearing, siesta-addicted Volcanians. Plus, the much-discussed “Ghost of the Grotto”, where Barks shows off some amazing silhouette art, as well as the self-explanatory “Adventure Down Under” and seven ten-page stories! 240-page beautifully colored hardcover. ALSO: This volume is available with last year’s Walt Disney’s Donald Duck: A Christmas for Shacktown in a special Christmas-themed box set.

HOW TO:

The DC Comics guide to creating Comics: inside the Art of visual Storytelling

The DC Comics guide to creating Comics: inside the Art of visual Storytelling (Watson-Guptill): The newest entry in DC Comics’ acclaimed series of how-to books is written by Carl Potts (who, as a marvel editor, either discovered or mentored artists that included Jim Lee, Whilce Portacio, and Mike Mignola). This book takes all the basics from previous books (writing, penciling, inking, coloring, and lettering) and puts them together to take full advantage of comics’ sequential visual storytelling possibilities. It presents essential principles and techniques for crafting exciting, professional-quality comics, making this the most extensive book yet in the best-selling series. forward by Jim Lee. 192-page color & B&W softcover.

BACK IN PRINT:

Signal to Noise

Signal to noise (Dark Horse): another original graphic novel by Neil Gaiman and Dave McKean is back in print from Dark Horse. originally serialized in The face in 1989, expanded and revised into a graphic novel in 1992, and adapted for radio in 2000, Signal to noise has never stopped evolving. The bonus material in this hardcover edition captures every leg of the journey, including three related short stories unseen in nearly two decades, an additional chapter created for the CD release of the radio drama, and a new introduction by Dave McKean, along with the original by Jonathan Carrol and the radio drama introduction by Neil Gaiman. 96-page color hardcover.

Walter Simonson’s The Mighty Thor: artist Edition

Walter Simonson’s The Mighty Thor: artist edition (Second Printing) (IDW): This volume rapidly sold out, so IDW’s bringing it back again in November. It reprints Thor #337-340 and 360-362 — Walter’s first Thor story followed by one of his favorite story arcs. all of these pages were scanned from Walter’s original artwork to guarantee the finest quality reproduction, presented at the size of the original art (12” x 17”). one of IDW’s best Artist’s Editions! Don’t miss it this time! 176 large-scale pages, B&W hardcover.

MORE big BOOKS!

Grendel Omnibus volume 4

Grendel Omnibus volume 4 (Dark Horse): Collecting war Child, Devil Quest, and past Prime, three Grendel tales that form the apotheosis of Matt Wagner’s groundbreaking, centuries-spanning epic. includes the past Prime novel written by Greg Rucka and illustrated by Wagner. featuring work by Wagner, Rucka, Patrick McEown, Monty Sheldon, Bernie Mireault, Kathryn Delaney, and a cover by Simon Bisley. 542-page color softcover.

Nexus Omnibus volume 4

Nexus Omnibus volume 4 (Dark Horse) Collecting the thrilling conclusion to a critical chapter of the Nexus Saga, by Mike Baron, Steve Rude, Paul Smith, John Nyberg, Les Dorscheid, and others. Collects Nexus Vol. 2 #40-52 and The next Nexus #1. 424-page color softcover.

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KC CARLSON: “Teeny weeny magic beanie pointing towards the sky; give me muscle, power, strength – form a very guy!”

Well, at least that’s better than “Split!”

Shang-Chi as well as yellow peril, a racist motion in the 19th as well as 20th century portraying Chinese, Korean, as well as Japanese as sub-human, are unfortunately intertwined since of intellectual property. While a lot of of Marvel’s fans celebrated the Asian-led film as well as the storied characters it will give life, others feel the pangs of that old societal wound. It’s not that the character himself is racist (though his origins stay somewhat problematic), however rather his very first nemesis that produced the controversy. people in China especially, where economic as well as political relations with America are tense at the moment (to state the least), expressed their outrage by means of social media.

One site, Zhihu, saw a lot more than seven million people view a complaint, as reported by Quartzy. The publish noted that for a lot more than a century, the character of Fu Manchu actively insults their ethnicity as well as culture, as well as that great people must not accept that. The site reports that a individual on Weibo, a type of Twitter, states that Fu Manchu defames Chinese people as well as culture, perpetuating the yellow peril today, including in the Shang-Chi film. Fu Manchu is not a development special to Marvel, however. Yet, the comics business licensed the character for utilize as well as made him Shang-Chi’s evil father. This was ultimately retconned, with his daddy utilizing Fu Manchu as an alias, however the damage was done.

Who is Fu Manchu as well as What Is Yellow Peril?

Image by means of marvel Entertainment

Shang-Chi may ideally be a character finest kept in mind for a excellent story as well as bringing diversity into the marvel Studios panetheon. Yet, in the comics, Shang-Chi only represented a foil for one more traditional literary character: Dr. Fu Manchu. The comic sought to profit from the fascination with martial arts that started in the 1970s and, arguably, continues to this day. However, Shang-Chi as well as yellow peril are connected, since the daddy of both is Dr. Fu Manchu. produced by British writer Sax Rohmer, he serves as the archetype for the criminal mastermind as well as mad scientist alike. Yet, lest you believe the racial element of the character is ambiguous, Rohmer explained the not-so-good physician “as the yellow peril incarnate.” drawing from fears in Europe, the U.S., as well as Australia after the Russia-Chinese war, immigrants from China dealt with extreme racism.

Most of these immigrants would take extremely hazardous tasks for much less than pay than other workers. immigration fears are normally connected to either religious beliefs or economics, as well as the yellow peril is no different. Drawings as well as literature of the 19th as well as early 20th century depicted Asians as animalistic, deceitful, as well as savage. Ironically, xenophobia against Western colonists influenced the martial-arts militia The society of the Righteous as well as harmonious Fists to begin a fierce rebellion. An alliance of eight nations brought 20,000 troops to fight the so-called “Boxers.” The invading Western armies, at least the German, Russian, as well as Austrian forces, dedicated lots of atrocities against civilians. There were public executions of rebels as well as government officials alike. The aftermath as well as effect of this tragic dispute stays debated by scholars as well as historians today. However, this started the long history of yellow peril fears in the West, culminating (for us) with Shang-Chi.

Shang-Chi as well as Yellow Peril: Westernized Oriental culture versus a Harmful Stereotype

Image by means of marvel Entertainment

To profit from the permit for Fu Manchu, marvel produced his “son” Shang-Chi, the Master of Kung-Fu. An honor-bound martial artist, Shang-Chi sought to dismantle his father’s criminal empire. marvel leaned-in to the racist caricature for drawing Shang-Chi’s father. He has the demon-like face, the long nails, as well as uses the moustache that bears his name. As the original series, which lasted ten years, went on, Fu Manchu ended up being a literal bloodsucker, feeding on the blood of his kids to protect his immortality. The permit for the character expired in 1983, however it wasn’t up until a lot more than 20 years later when Ed Brubaker retconned it. “Fu Manchu” was just an alias for Shang-Chi’s father. An attempt to distance the residential property both from the character as well as its distressed past.

Yet, Shang-Chi as well as yellow peril don’t necessarily begin as well as end with Fu Manchu. In the early days of the comic, artists drew the character with a extremely “yellow” skin tone. This altered with time as comic art itself ended up being a lot more reasonable as well as sought to shake off problematic tropes. Some believe that the Western appropriation of Oriental martial arts, mysticism, as well as myth is just an extension of the plunder embarked on during the Boxer Rebellion. On the other hand, people across all demographics appreciate Shang-Chi for a number of reasons, especially representation. Others understand that comic books are comic books, however the introduction of these aspects in the comic led to real-world research study as well as appreciation of native Oriental culture. As we establish our comprehending of far-flung as well as far-off cultures, business like marvel requirement to make sure they represent them with respect.

Should marvel Go ahead With Their plans for Shang-Chi?

Image by means of marvel Entertainment

While Shang-Chi as well as yellow peril are inextricably linked in history, the character’s present incarnation represents none of those problems. the very best martial artist in the marvel Universe, Shang-Chi is the myth of the routine guy made exceptional, like Batman. His power, like Iron Fist’s, stems from harnesses “chi.” This is a historically Chinese term for the ubiquitous mythical idea of a “life force” or even “the soul.” So, essentially by utilizing the power of will, Shang-Chi can fight superhuman characters to a standstill as well as even defeat them. This is a powerful figure to include in the MCU, as well as one that might fill the kind of pure, moral hole left after the exit of Chris Evans’s Steve Rogers. Stopping this film now would be a squander of a significant chance for everyone.

First there is the truth that Shang-Chi as well as the legend of the ten Rings might be for Oriental marvel fans what Black Panther was for black as well as African marvel fans. With David Callaham (also composing the sequel to Sony’s into The Spider-Verse), Daniel David Cretton directing, as well as Simu Liu, Tony Leung, as well as Awkwafina in the cast, the story will be handled with excellent care. It likewise appears that marvel will utilize the chance provided by this film to assist modernize one more problematic character from their past, Iron guy nemesis the Mandarin. While the comic books, lots of written in less enlightened times, may be problematic, this motion picture might do for superhero films what crazy rich Asians as well as always Be My perhaps did for charming Comedies. This time, marvel can get the origin ideal as well as one of their coolest characters gets his time to radiate on the huge screen.

Finally, after various Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3 setbacks, marvel cast eyebrow-master will Poulter as Adam Warlock. In one of the five credit scenes during Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 2, Elizabeth Debicki’s Ayesha sat on her throne, miserable. The Guardians recently defeated her and wiped out a good chunk of her armada. but she wasn’t worried, because in front of her was a life pod, a new creation of hers. One she called “Adam,” referring to the powerful superhero. In the comics, Warlock is the main character in the Infinity Saga. Additionally, like Thanos, he’s another of Jim Starlin’s best creations.

Marvel Made the perfect choice When They Cast will Poulter as Adam Warlock

An intense character needs an intense actor. (Image: marvel Comics)

Poulter has been on the verge of stardom for a few years. but he made an impact since his first role as one of the young filmmaking-obsessed boys in son of Rambow. From there, he starred in the franchise-killing Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader. but he also started starring in comedies, such as We’re the Millers, in which he shared a make-out scene with Emma Roberts…and Jennifer Aniston…at the same time. tough job.

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However, Poulter is mainly seen as a serious actor. Not just because he takes serious roles, such as his terrifying part in Detroit and the burst of seriousness he instilled in the maze Runner franchise. No…it’s the eyebrows. Poulter naturally looks intense, and that is just the kind of character Warlock is. So, after a few months of deliberating, it’s no wonder why marvel cast will Poulter as Adam Warlock. paint him gold, and he already looks like him.

Now, since we know Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy introduces Cosmo for the upcoming game…can we get a Warlock Vs Cosmo fight in the movie?

…and Cosmo won. (Image: marvel Comics)

(Featured Images: 20th Century Fox and marvel Comics)

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Wayne Markley

by Wayne Markley

First off all, I would like to apologize for the delay between my blogs. I took a period of time to re-evaluate what I wanted to say, and how I want to say it, in this blog and Westfield was kind enough to let me take time away and also kind enough to let me return. So let me publically thank them. I would also like to thank those of you who e-mailed me or stopped in the store to ask where my blog had gone and if everything was all right. It was very good of those of you who asked and I do really appreciate it. but now all is resolved and I am back to blogging on a regular basis, so please let me resume where I left off a few months back.

As I was saying when I left, although I have bad rapped DC Comics various times in this blog for the new 52, and the direction it has taken. There are a number of really good titles in the new 52 which I worry readers have given up on (and I can say this with confidence from talking to customers in our retail store) in the new 52. This is a shame as I feel the following books are worth your time to read as they are very enjoyable. As an aside though, I still think that after two years, the term new 52 is no longer valid and I think DC ought to call it something else. I will leave it to the brain count on at DC to come up with a new marketing term. (After all, they came up with the catchy Holding the Line at $2.99).

Swamp thing #24

I have said numerous times in print and in person how much I did not care for the previous writer’s run on Swamp Thing. I found it to be muddled and not very well thought out. I characteristic this to editorial interference versus the writer lacking skill as I typically have delighted in the writer’s other work. With issue nineteen, Charles Soule took over the writing chores on Swamp thing and his first story arc just wrapped up and I cannot express in words how much I delighted in it. It was a fresh method to the character with a number of twists which I really enjoyed. I found the book has risen to the top of my should read pile from the bottom where it was. I like Soule’s writing so much because he is telling an original story and re-inventing the character of Swamp thing as he goes, much as Alan Moore did when he took over the book. I think a lot of the problems with the writers of Swamp thing over the years because Alan left, is that they have tried to be Alan Moore, and there is only one. I really like the fresh method Soule is taking and I hope he is on the book for a very long time. My worry is, and I have this conversation a lot at the Westfield Comics retail store as I try and get someone to try Swamp Thing, they practically always say, “I read it when it first started (New 52 #1) and I gave up on it”. I fully understand that, and I was ready to throw in the towel also, but I think the change of creators has really brought new life to this book. As word of mouth has been slowly building, the early issues by Soule are becoming harder to find, so I highly recommend the trade collection when it comes out, I am guessing this winter season some time. It is well worth your time.

Detective Comics #24

Detective Comics was another title that I really did not care that much for after the re-launch. It was overly violent and the stories did not appeal to me. Batman got all the attention and Detective sort of plodded along. With issue #13, John Layman took over as the writer and I have become this book’s most significant supporter. He has focused the book on the world of Gotham City where Gotham has become practically a supporting character. The first story arc, Emperor Penguin, was a classic noir tale which not only made the Penguin sympathetic but also told an action-packed story. (This storyline will be out in hardcover this fall. Detective Comics Vol. 3 if you are searching for it). John Layman is best known for his image Comic, Chew, which is funny, quirky, and entertaining, but his Batman is 180 degrees different; it is dark, scary and brutal (and very entertaining.) I have to also point out artist Jason Fabok, whose vision of Gotham and Batman is the best I have seen in years and greatly reminds me of the late Marshall Rogers. This book is well worth your time.

Green lantern #21

By the time we got to the end of Geoff Johns’ run on green Lantern, I admit I was pretty exhausted of it. I liked a lot of what Johns did to expand the GL mythos, but I also thought a lot of the stories went on too long and had no payoff. To be fair though, I think I will always love the 60s green lantern and I am sure that taints my opinion of the modern stories. I was hesitant to keep reading green lantern after Johns left (and based on sales I do not think I was alone), but the new writer Robert Venditti has caught my attention best out of the gate. He brings a fresh method to the character and, to me, it feels new where I was finding the Johns material stale. It is still set on OA at the moment, and it is still a long-winded space opera, but there is something that has really caught my fancy with Venditti’s storytelling that brings me back month after month. I am not ready to recommend this book as highly as Swamp thing or Detective, but I do think it is worth a second look, especially by those who stopped purchasing the book when Geoff Johns left.

Batgirl #19

When the new Batgirl first started out, I was not all that enamored with it. I read it month after month and it was ok, but it did not stand apart to me. For reasons I do not know, I find that in the last six months or so, this book has really found a groove and the storytelling has really picked up. Gail Simone’s writing has always been good, and it still is here, but the plotting and the storyline has really become gripping. Some points along the way were pretty obvious, as in who lives and who dies, but even with that I end each issue wanting more. This is the highest praise I can give a monthly comic. (It also applies to all of the titles I have discussed in this column this time.)

Nightwing #24

I have for a long time thought that Nightwing was a highly underrated book. I have delighted in this book because its beginning and I find that writer, Kyle Higgins, tells nice, tight stories that relocation rapidly and in a logical pace. I find it a bit odd that the current stories are set in Chicago as I always think of Nightwing as a Gotham character, but the story that takes him to Chi town is very good and makes ideal sense. I also greatly delight in the use of Nightwing’s history in telling these stories, from Haley’s Circus to boss Zukko. I think this book is currently as good as it was in the glory days when Chuck Dixon was writing it. give it a try; I think you will be pleasantly surprised.

Regular readers of this blog will find a lot of this blog as repetitive as I have recommended most, if not all, of these titles before, but it is a few months later because I last discussed any of them and I still really delight in all of these titles.

As always everything I have written is my opinion and in no way reflects the opinions of Westfield of their employees. I welcome comments, arguments or review copies at MFBWAY@AOL.COM. I will be back in a few weeks with much more thoughts about comics. As always…

Thank you.

look back to the premiere episodes of Titans season 3, it was always going to be extremely huge as well as extremely Batman-heavy. The Red Hood shown up after Jason Todd died at the hands of the Joker. however instead of returning for revenge on his embraced father, Curran Walter’s Jason came after his sibling instead. Brenton Thwaites’ Dick Grayson has had a difficult road over the program of the Titans series. Estranged from Bruce Wayne, he had to relocation past his youth trauma as well as ended up being his own hero. Yet, the journey it seems is not over for Dick Grayson just yet. In the past two episodes, Nightwing has proven to be a awful leader for the Titans as well as is much a prodigal child as Jason. on the other hand the disparate rest of the group are once again scattered across the city.

This is still my preferred season of Titans, though I am not fond of the sharp left turn the series took with a few of its characters. Yet they are still telling some fantastic stories here. The resolution to the Starfire as well as Blackfire story is much much better than I expected, as well as the function that Superboy plays in it amazed me even more. We’re likewise seeing Teagan Croft’s Raven as well as Ryan Potter’s Gar Logan are starting to manifest their powers in methods that fans have been waiting years to see.

The most difficult part of any type of superhero story is the villain’s nefarious plan. While the plan made sense for many of the season, it’s taken some turns that’s difficult to follow. Still, even with the perceived missteps, the finale will certainly include a fair amount of great old-fashioned comic book chaos.

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Spoilers for Titans Prodigal episode to follow.

What the Penultimate Titans Episode gets Right

picture by Ben mark Holzberg through HBOMax

The standout storyline this year, even with the Nightwing as well as Red Hood fight unfolding, was two other adversarial siblings. In the comics, Starfire as well as Blackfire are frequently at chances with the latter being a full-on villain. In the Prodigal episode, the true heart of this Titans team surprises not just us however Damaris Lewis’ Blackfire as well. Anna Diop’s Starfire, not powerless however not “Starfire” anymore, tracks down her sibling as well as confronts her. Blackfire is prepared for a fight to the death. Yet instead of duking it out like the Bat-boys, they just talk. The visions Kory has had all season led to her finding a truth. Her parents stole Blackfire’s powers through Comic book Science™ as well as transferred them to Kory. This was the source of all the pain in both of their childhoods. There’s no punching, no super-powers. Simply, we get two sisters forgiving each other.

Even though Blackfire was about to leave the Titans behind, she was not about to break bad. Rather, she as well as Joshua Orpin’s Superboy were going to continue to be a couple as well as be partners in superhero-ing. Sure, Blackfire is completely awesome with killing, however even though she rejected the team, she didn’t decline the concept of assisting those who requirement it. This floored me, since I completely expected Blackfire to go “mad,” as well as have to be put down by the Titans.

Still, there is some breaking going on, as well as it’s a half-Kyrptonian heart. Connor was rightly disturbed by what Dick did to him in the last episode. When Blackfire chooses to return house to take her throne, Connor feels betrayed. He sabotages her ship, stranding her on Earth. There’s going to be huge consequences for his actions. He may even leave the Titans behind.

Dick is the Prodigal child in this Titans Episode

picture by Ben mark Holzberg through HBOMax

The decisions made in the past few episodes about Dick are doubtful at best. There are likewise unusual continuity errors, which may be intentional. The show paid off the bats from the Batcave that have complied with Gar around all season. He turns into one, as well as then somehow utilizes them to fly a beaten-to-death Dick to a Lazarus Pit. While a bit silly, this is quickly forgivable since comics get goofy sometimes. What I discovered challenging to get past was that he went into a Lazarus Pit in his Nightwing costume as well as then emerged in private clothes. (I have a theory that Thwaites should dislike the costume, since he so seldom uses it.)

While in the Lazarus Pit, there is an fascinating sequence where Dick assumes the type of the Joker as well as starts beating Jason to death himself. He then satisfies his dad in the hereafter, getting a easy as well as much-needed “I like you,” from him. Yet, while in the Pit he talks to Vincent Kartheiser’s Jonathan Crane, who together with the Batcave as well as Gotham likewise seems to manage Hell? It’s much more likely a manifestation of Dick’s fear, however it didn’t land the method I believe the storytellers desired to. Nonetheless, the message is received. Dick is his brother’s keeper, as well as in saving Jason he can save Gotham. The scene in which he reconciles with an unraveling Jason was a bit rushed, however I expect they are saving the huge emotional stuff for the finale.

Kartheiser is still “doing the most” as Crane, shifting his plan to the supervillain classic: kill everyone. Yet, in spite of this, he still seems to have manage of the entire Gotham authorities department. I’m just chalking it as much as Scarecrow gas, since otherwise it doesn’t make much sense.

picture by Ben mark Holzberg through HBOMax

Titans debuts new episodes each Thursday on HBOMax.

What did you believe of the Prodigal episode of Titans? Am I being as well obtuse with the sharp turns the story has taken? let us understand your thoughts, reactions, as well as theories about exactly how everything ends in the comments below.

Featured picture by Ben mark Holzberg through HBOMax

DC’s legendary complimentary online fan event understood as DC Fandome occurred just recently and kid was it chock-full of interesting news, trailers, and guest appearances! We got the new trailer for The Batman in addition to a teaser trailer for The Flash movie, however one of the most extremely anticipated shows was the HBO Max spinoff series for Peacemaker. thankfully for us, the Peacemaker trailer at DC Fandome provided us a lot more about the fanatical pacifist.

First, What Is The Peacemaker Spinoff going to Be About?

Peacemaker (alias: Christopher Smith) was one of the characters very first introduced in James Gunn’s The suicide Squad. A significant (pardon my language) asshole, Peacemaker will stop at nothing to make sure peace is kept, even if it indicates resorting to violence and killing people. news of the spinoff was very first revealed last year before The suicide Squad had even been released. According to Gunn himself, he said:

“Peacemaker is an chance to delve into present world problems with the lens of this superhero/supervillain/and world’s greatest douchebag. I’m ecstatic to expand The suicide Squad and bring this character from the DC film world to the full breadth of a series. and of course, to be able to work again with John, Peter, and my good friends at Warner Bros. is the icing on the cake.”

According to the official description of the show, Peacemaker will be checking out the origins of the character, and from the trailer, I feel like fans are going to have a bit bit a lot more sympathy for the guy. While he ended up being one of the most hated characters by the end of The suicide Squad, the spinoff series provides us a bit bit a lot more depth and history. We discover about his strained connection with his daddy and his insecurities about being a superhero. The overarching plot seems to be a suicide Squad-esque deal, with Peacemaker agreeing to join a hit team to avoid prison. In addition, Gunn composed all eight episodes of Peacemaker and directed five, including the first, so I feel like we can absolutely expect this series to be a great deal of fun and extremely aesthetically pleasing.

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The series stars John Cena as Peacemaker, Danielle Brooks as Adebayo, Freddie Stroma as Vigilante, Jennifer Holland as Harcourt, Steve Agee as Economos, Chukwudi Iwuji as Murn, and Robert Patrick as Auggie Smith. Gunn and Peter Safran will serve as executive producers of the series, with John Cena serving as co-executive producer. The show will be created by Gunn’s Troll Court enjoyment and The Safran business in association with Warner Bros. Television.

Watch the very first look Peacemaker trailer at DC Fandome below:

Peacemaker will debut on HBO Max on January 13, 2022. 

What did you believe of the Peacemaker trailer at DC Fandome? let us understand in the comments below!

Featured picture by means of Warner Bros.

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*Terry Moore’s Echo is scheduled to end with issue #30 at the end of April, and now, he’s announced his next project Rachel Rising coming in July.

*Darick Robertson returns to penciling The young boys also in July with the mini-series Butcher, Baker, Candlestick maker #1 telling the untold history of The Boys’ enigmatic leader.

*A sad week for manga fans. It has been announced that Tokyopop will be ending its us publishing efforts at the end of May.

*The first reviews of the Thor film (opening may 6) are very positive. check out the spoiler-free reviews at Comic book Resources.com (they call it “The best marvel film Yet”) and if you still get Playboy.

*Marvel’s From the vault project unearths an unpublished story from 2001 Defenders: From the marvel vault #1 featuring the talents of Kurt Busiek, Fabian Nicieza and mark Bagley.

*Comic book Resource’s Robot 6 has an informative interview with Archie Comics’ Dan parent about the upcoming Kevin Keller mini-series.

*Artist Chris Weston has given us hope that Marvel’s The Twelve mini-series, with writer  J. Michael Straczynski, will finally be finished!

*100 Bullets will be getting the omnibus treatment beginning this October to coincide with the same creative team’s new Vertigo series Spaceman.

*Bongo Comics will be publishing a new Sergio Aragones comic this July entitled appropriately Sergio Argones’ Funnies.

*Tom Hanks’ production company Playtone is developing Neil Gaiman’s American Gods novel into an HBO series and you can win a voice role in Gaiman’s American Gods’ audiobook.