DF Interview: Justin Jordan continues the saga of ‘Summoners War’ with its newest chapter, ‘Awakening’

By Byron Brewer

Civil war rages across the land of Alea. These armies summon magical creatures to battle each other in a seemingly never-ending struggle – and newly-trained summoner Rai has been thrust onto the front lines.

Now, Rai and her companions are stranded deep within hostile territory, occupied by soldiers on the ground and sky pirates in the clouds above. But a cunning new bounty hunter stalks her every move, and Rai's skills will have to be stronger than ever to make it home alive.
Discover new friends, new foes and powerful creatures in the next chapter of the action-packed Summoners War saga, Awakening, from writer Justin Jordan, artist Luca Claretti and color artist Igor Monti based on the popular mobile game. I’ve been aboard since Legacy, so when I heard about Awakening I sat down with scribe Justin Jordan to see what is next.


Byron Brewer: Justin, right out of the gate (as we say here in Kentucky horse country), remind readers how you became involved as a chronicler of the Summoners War saga.



Justin Jordan: I got involved through Skybound. I’ve done several creator-owned series for them, and we’ve always a had a good working relationship, so a couple of years ago when they became involved with the Summoners War franchise, they asked me to come onboard as part of their writer’s room.



Byron: Are there any story threads that stem from your last comic in the series – Legacy – that we should know of as we prepare to pick up Summoners War: Awakening #1 in April? Any carry-overs of note?



Justin Jordan: I think the big one is that Rai and Tomas, our two very inexperienced leads, are stuck far away from home with an artifact that could upset the balance of the world and lots of people looking for them. You don’t really need to have read the first series to enjoy it (although I think the first one is a lot of fun, so….)



Byron: For those uninitiated (and you know who you are!), describe the world of Summoners War. What canvas will we be dropping ourselves into?



Justin Jordan: On the world of Alea, it’s possible to summon monsters to do your bidding, assuming you have the mana crystals to do it. Which, naturally, means that war breaks out fighting over this vital resource.

This series takes place a few decades before the main game Summoners War: Sky Arena, showing us what the world was like when everyone was at everyone else’s throats.


Byron: Introduce readers to Rai, your POV character here. Who is she, who was she, what challenges await in this limited series?



Justin Jordan: Rai is confident, capable, and in waaaaaaay over her head, although good luck getting her to admit that last part. She was a girl from a nowhere town with no real future who taught herself to summon as a way to get out.

She should have been careful what she wished for, since she ended up halfway across the world with a dead mentor, a surly bodyguard, and an adorable sidekick…and an entire army hunting for her.


Byron: Before we go on, maybe we should tell exactly why Rai and others are called “summoners” and how that plays out in the franchise.



Justin Jordan: Rai and other summoners can learn to summon monsters to fight for them. This is a rare and valuable skill, and it means you’re going to end up fighting in the war. Rai has two monsters she can summon, but more powerful summoners can have a lot more than that.



Byron: Can you spotlight just a few of the new characters we will be meeting in Awakening?



Justin Jordan: I think the two biggest are Captain Eve, the commander of a flying pirate ship who has surprising connections to the greater world of Summoners War, and Malakhan, the dark bounty hunter who is relentlessly pursuing our heroes. I was tapping into my inner Star Wars fan a bit for both of them, and I think people are going to dig them.



Byron: Talk about the pulse-pounding art of Luca Claretti and Igor Monti.



Justin Jordan: It’s amazing. They really make the world of Summoners War come alive. Working with Luca has been a pure pleasure the entire time, as he just gets what I am going for. I hope we get to do a bunch more stuff together.



Byron: Justin, my friend, it has been awhile since we’ve done this. Tell me, what projects do you have upcoming that you are free to tell readers about?



Justin Jordan: My horror comic Harrower is coming up right now from BOOM, which so far people seem to have really liked, and I’ve got Zero Ghost coming out later this year from 247 Comics. Urban Animal over at Webtoons is still rolling, and I’d bet people who like Summoners War will like it.



Dynamic Forces would like to thank Justin Jordan for taking time out of his busy schedule to answer our questions. Summoners War: Awakening #1 from Skybound, Com2uS and Image Comics is slated to be on sale April 19th!



For more news and up-to-date announcements, join us here at Dynamic Forces, www.dynamicforces.com/htmlfiles/, “LIKE” us on Facebook, www.facebook.com/dynamicforcesinc, and follow us on Twitter, www.twitter.com/dynamicforces.

A familiar character will be returning to Doctor Who, Deadline reports.

Bonnie Langford will once again reprise her legendary role as Melanie Bush, joining Ncuti Gatwa who plays the Fifteenth Doctor in the new series, the BBC revealed today.

Langford first joined Doctor Who in 1986 as the companion to the Sixth and Seventh Doctors played by Colin Baker and Sylvester McCoy, before returning in a cameo role in Jodie Whittaker’s final episode as the Thirteenth Doctor.

“I am absolutely thrilled to be bringing Melanie Bush back,” said Langford. “To be part of the exceptional cast, crew and production team led by the force of nature that is Russell T Davies is a career highlight. I’m so privileged and proud to have been a member of the Doctor Who family since the classic era and to be included in the new generation is phenomenal.”

Doctor Who will premiere exclusively on the BBC for the UK and Ireland and Disney+ elsewhere.

The smash-hit horror comic is back and creepier than ever! Today Skybound announced a second volume of the hugely popular comic book anthology based on Greg Nicotero’s hit Shudder TV series produced and licensed by Cartel Entertainment.

Creepshow Volume 2 #1, featuring stories by comic legends Garth Ennis (Preacher, The Boys), Becky Cloonan (Wonder Woman) and Phil Hester (Gotham City: Year One), will arrive in comic book shops on September 12, 2023.

In the spirit of all iterations of Creepshow in pop culture, every issue of the Creepshow comic series comes packed with two spine-chilling stories. Each issue of the five-part anthology will feature different creative teams from the worlds of comics, books, film, television, and beyond. Every uniquely horrifying standalone story is guaranteed to SCARE YOU TO DEATH.

In the debut issue of the second volume, master of the macabre Garth Ennis and superstar creator Becky Cloonan team up for the very first time to deliver a disturbing tale of the unborn. Then, freaky Phil Hester tells the story of a grieving son who bends the laws of nature to see his mother one last time...this can’t end well!

In addition to the main cover by Guillem March, Creepshow Vol. 2 #1 comes with an impressive lineup of variant covers, including a cover by Becky Cloonan and the launch of a set of 1:10 incentive connecting covers by iconic horror artist Skinner.

Creepshow Volume 2’s superstar creative roster also includes Michael Walsh (The Silver Coin), Dan Watters (Homesick Pilots), Abigail Larson (Sandman Universe: The Dreaming), Zoe Thorogood (It’s Lonely at the Centre of the Earth), Joel Farrelly (Tell Me a Story), Nick Dragotta (East of West), Alisa Kwitney (Mystik U), Saladin Ahmed (Dragon, Miles Morales: Spider-Man), Joe Quinones (Batman ‘89), Tim Daniel & DB Andry (End After End), Matthew Roberts (Manifest Destiny), Goran Sudžuka (Ghosted), and many others to be announced.

Brian Witten is overseeing on behalf of Nicotero’s Monster Agency Productions.

The Creepshow comic miniseries deal was brokered by Striker Entertainment.

The 2023 Eisner Award-nominated Creepshow Volume 1, which collects the first five issues of the anthology, is now available everywhere books are sold (Diamond Code JAN230084, ISBN: 978-1-5343-2480-0 SRP: $14.99). The first-class creative roster includes Chris Burnham (Die! Die! Die!), Paul Dini (Batman: The Animated Series), John McCrea (Hitman), David & Maria Lapham (Stray Bullets), Erica Henderson (Assassin Nation, Dracula, Motherf**ker), and Francesco Francavilla (Night of the Ghoul, Detective Comics) and L Marlow Francavilla, and more!

Creepshow Volume 2 #1 (of 5) (SRP $3.99) will be available at comic book shops and digital platforms including Amazon Kindle, Apple Books, comiXology, and Google Play on Tuesday, September 12.

“Transformers: Rise of the Beasts” is readying to turbocharge the box office, targeting $50 million to $60 million in its opening weekend.

There’s a chance that inaugural ticket sales could climb higher as the Paramount Pictures film touches down on Friday in 3,700 North American theaters. But the latest Autobot adventure is expected to face headwinds from last weekend’s champion, Sony’s “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse.” The animated comic book sequel launched to $120 million and looks to add $45 million to $55 million in its second weekend of release. That’s close to double what the original, 2019’s “Into the Spider-Verse,” earned in its debut. Yep, Spidey’s still got it.

Steven Caple Jr. (“Creed II”) directed the PG-13 rated “Transformers: Rise of the Beasts,” which cost $200 million. It’ll need to keep playing in domestic theaters and resonate at the international box office to justify that hefty price tag.

On a promising note, the film, which is the seventh installment in the “Transformers” franchise, is expected to improve upon the starts of the two entries, 2018’s “Bumblebee” ($21.6 million) and 2017’s “The Last Knight” ($44.68 million). Those films, which tapped out with $127 million and $130 million in North America respectively, each earned nearly 70% of their overall ticket sales from overseas markets. (via Variety)

The first trailer for The Expendables 4 sees franchise stalwarts Sylvester Stallone and Jason Statham teaming up with a cast of series newcomers like 50 Cent and Megan Fox.

The trailer for the action film shows the old timers and newbies charged was averting World War III by taking out terrorists that have taken possession of nuclear missiles on a cargo ship off the coast. In between quick cuts of an armada of heavy machinery and firearms, the trailer includes Statham and Fox battling it out in their apartment and Stallone flipping an assailant over a bar.

Returning to the franchise along with Stallone and Statham are Dolph Lundgren and Randy Couture, joined by a new generation of Expendables including Fox, 50 Cent, Andy Garcia, Tony Jaa, Iko Uwais, Jacob Scipio and Levy Tran. (via The Hollywood Reporter)

Lionsgate will release The Expendables 4 on September 22.

Trailer: https://youtu.be/DhlaBO-SwVE

Those Disney+ subscribers going through Star Wars withdrawal won’t have to wait much longer as the streamer has set August 23 for the premiere of Lucasfilm’s Star Wars: Ahsoka series. Watch a new TV spot below.

Set after the fall of the Empire, Star Wars: Ahsoka follows the former Jedi Knight Ahsoka Tano as she investigates an emerging threat to a vulnerable galaxy. The character was co-created by George Lucas and Dave Filoni and made her debut as the Jedi apprentice and foil of Anakin Skywalker in the animated TV series Star Wars: The Clone Wars and also starred in Star Wars: Rebels. Both of those animated series were co-created by Filoni. She is from the alien species Togruta, who are known for their large montrals and head tails, and colorful pigments.

Rosario Dawson made the live-action debut of Ahsoka Tano during the second season of Disney+’s The Mandalorian.

The series is written by Dave Filoni, who executive produces alongside Jon Favreau, Kathleen Kennedy, Colin Wilson, and Carrie Beck. Karen Gilchrist is co-executive producer. (via Deadline)

TV spot: https://youtu.be/J7-zia4oHuk

Prime Video is preparing us for a devilishly good time, because the first trailer for Season 2 of Good Omens has arrived.

The trailer showcases the latest adventure for Crowley (David Tennant) and Aziraphale (Michael Sheen). Good Omens is based on Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett's beloved novel of the same name, and it is poised to take a similar tonal approach to its new story in Season 2.

Gaiman served as showrunner for the first season of Good Omens, fulfilling his and Pratchett's dream of bringing their apocalyptic comedy to television. Gaiman returns as executive producer and co-showrunner on season two, sharing showrunner duties with Douglas Mackinnon, who directed the first season. (via ComicBook.com)

Season 2 of Good Omens will premiere on Prime Video on Friday, July 28th.

Trailer: https://youtu.be/9GljnUA6Ll0

“Perry Mason” has been canceled at HBO, Variety has confirmed. The series debuted its second and final season at the premium cabler in March.

“We are tremendously grateful for the remarkable work of Matthew Rhys and the unrivaled cast and crew of ‘Perry Mason’ for their reimagining of such a treasured and storied franchise,” HBO said in a statement. “While we won’t be moving forward with another season of the series, we are excited to continue working with the brilliant creatives at Team Downey on future projects.”

Based on the characters created by Erle Stanley Gardner, Matthew Rhys starred in the series in the title role. Unlike the 1950’s TV series in which Mason worked as a lawyer, the HBO series portrays the character earlier in his life when he is a private investigator in Los Angeles in the 1930s.

The series was developed for television by Ron Fitzgerald and Rolin Jones. Robert Downey Jr. and Susan Downey executive produced via Team Downey along with Amanda Burrell.

The CW has released a preview for "Injustice", the twelfth episode of Superman & Lois' third season — and Lex Luther (guest star Michael Cudlitz) is finally here.

The series has been teasing the arrival of the iconic villain for some time, with it being suggested that Luthor is behind bars for crimes he did not commit and Lois playing a large part in that.

However, fans will have to wait a bit to see Luthor's arrival. The episode is not set to air until Tuesday, June 20th. (via ComicBook.com)

Check out the preview for yourself: https://youtu.be/7XYt2_4ucUA

BOOM! Studios revealed today a first look at GRIM #11, the first issue of a new story arc in the hit bestselling comic book series from acclaimed writer Stephanie Phillips (Harley Quinn, Wonder Woman), fan favorite artist Flaviano (New Mutants), colorist Rico Renzi (Spider-Gwen), and letterer Tom Napolitano (The Joker), as Jessica Harrow and her fellow Reapers face new gods, beasts, and dangers in the underworld and beyond.

While Jess, Lilah, and Eddie feel the touch of hellfire for the first time ever, Jess begins to build an army as fears of an all out war arise, and knows it will be up to her to take back the Afterlife! But sometimes Hell is all it’s cracked up to be, as Marcel finds himself torturously reunited with his lover.

GRIM #11 features main cover art by series artist Flaviano, and variant cover art by acclaimed illustrators Zu Orzu (Something is Killing the Children), Baldemar Rivas (Robins), DANI (Coffin Bound), and Tonči Zonjić (Skulldigger + Skeleton Boy).

GRIM is the newest release from BOOM! Studios’ eponymous imprint, home to critically acclaimed original series, including BRZRKR by Keanu Reeves, Matt Kindt, and Ron Garney; Something is Killing the Children by James Tynion IV and Werther Dell’Edera; Once & Future by Kieron Gillen and Dan Mora; Wynd by James Tynion IV and Michael Dialynas; Briar by Christopher Cantwell and Germán García; Stuff of Nightmares by R.L. Stine and A.L. Kaplan; The Approach by Jeremy Haun, Jason A. Hurley, and Jesus Hervas; Damn Them All by Simon Spurrier and Charlie Adlard; Behold, Behemoth by Tate Brombal and Nick Robles; Once Upon a Time at the End of the World by Jason Aaron, Alexandre Tefenkgi, Leila del Duca, and Nick Dragotta; Know Your Station by Sarah Gailey and Liana Kangas; A Vicious Circle by Mattson Tomlin and Lee Bermejo; Mosely by Rob Guillory and Sam Lotfi; Harrower by Justin Jordan and Brahm Revel; The Neighbors by Jude Ellison S. Doyle and Letizia Cadonici; The Seasons Have Teeth by Dan Watters and Sebastián Cabrol; Ghostlore by Cullen Bunn and Leomacs; and the upcoming Sirens of the City by Joanne Starer and Khary Randolph. The imprint also publishes popular licensed properties, including Dune: House Harkonnen from Brian Herbert, Kevin J. Anderson, and Michael Shelfer; Mighty Morphin Power Rangers from Melissa Flores and Simona Di Gianfelice; Magic from Jed McKay, Rich Douek, and Ig Guara; and The Expanse: Dragon Tooth by Andy Diggle and Rubine.

Print copies of GRIM #11 will be available for sale on July 5, 2023 exclusively at local comic book shops (use comicshoplocator.com to find the nearest one) or at the BOOM! Studios webstore. Digital copies can be purchased from content providers, including comiXology, iBooks, Google Play, and Kindle.

Next month, join Marvel’s heroes and creators as they give a proper sendoff to one of comic books’ brightest young stars in FALLEN FRIEND: THE DEATH OF MS. MARVEL #1.

Fans are still reeling from the tragic ending of last week’s AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #26 which saw Ms. Marvel follow in the footstep of heroes like Captain America, Captain Marvel, Wolverine, Doctor Strange, and more, by making a heroic sacrifice to save her friends and the very universe itself. The unexpected story and its aftermath will continue in this special one-shot.

FALLEN FRIEND: THE DEATH OF MS. MARVEL #1 will see the return of the character’s co-creator, G. Willow Wilson; the writer of Ms. Marvel’s last solo series, Saladin Ahmed; and Mark Waid, who not only brought Ms. Marvel onto the Avengers, but also wrote her central role in the teen team book The Champions. Together, this all-star lineup of talent will explore the uplifting legacy of Kamala Khan and the impact her death will have on the Marvel Universe moving forward.

FALLEN FRIEND: DEATH OF MS. MARVEL #1 will have four stunning covers that fans can choose from. In addition to the heartbreaking main cover by Kaare Andrews, Carmen Carnero pays homage to the death of the original Captain Marvel in a stirring tribute that will also be available as a virgin cover. Alternately, Pablo Villalobos looks back on happier times and spotlights Ms. Marvel’s enthusiastic fanbase who have passionately supported the character throughout the years. Last but not least, Ms. Marvel co-creator Adrian Alphona returns to the character with a poignant portrait.

In the grand comics tradition, say farewell to a Marvel icon alongside creators, characters, and fans in FALLEN FRIEND: THE DEATH OF MS. MARVEL #1. Check out the covers now and stay tuned for more news about this crucial new chapter of the Marvel mythos.