DC UNIVERSE: REBIRTH" #1 CONTAINS A SURPRISING AND LIKELY CONTROVERSIAL CROSSOVER05/25/16 @ 12:42 pm EST
Source: Comic Book Resources | Categories: DC | Comments (0) | E-mail Article | Add a CommentSPOILER WARNING: This article contains major spoilers for "DC Universe: Rebirth" #1, on sale today, following select midnight sales at participating stores last night. First, if you're made it this far without yet being spoiled on the events of "DC Universe: Rebirth"#1, congratulations -- that couldn't have been easy, as a leak late Friday led to details quickly circulating around the Internet, prompting DC Comics itself to reveal some of the surprises via official channels.
As to the book itself: You didn't see
that coming, did you? For the first time ever, there is acknowledged contact between the characters of Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons' seminal 1986-1987 series, "Watchmen" and the DC Universe that's home to Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman -- a completely unexpected move that will likely not sit well with some fans, given the sacrosanct status the story has long held.
A lot of the major surprises in "DC Universe: Rebirth" -- a one-shot meant to kick-start the "Rebirth" relaunch of the DC Universe comics with a stated focus on hope, optimism and legacy -- were easy enough to guess. Geoff Johns -- the writer of the issue and DC's Chief Creative Officer -- stressed the importance of legacy in early promotion for the book, so the returns of Wally West, Ryan Choi and Ted Kord all fit nicely into that theme. But then there's the end of the book.
During the course of the 80-page (counting house ads in the back) issue, Wally West's narration reveals that the rebooted history of the New 52 was not caused by the time-altering events of 2011's Johns-helmed crossover "Flashpoint," but rather an outside force that took 10 years away from DC Universe history. Wally explains this to the current Flash, Barry Allen, stating, "Whoever they are, they did this for a reason. I think they took years from us to weaken us." Barry guesses that it might be the Reverse-Flash, but Wally tells him it's someone else, someone even more powerful than Darkseid -- which, within the DC Universe, doesn't leave a lot of contenders.
Of course, no one said the options were limited to the DC Universe.
As Wally and Barry's conversation continues, the scene shifts to Batman in the Batcave, glancing at the letter from his father that Barry gave to him at the end of "Flashpoint" (in "Flashpoint," Thomas Wayne became Batman, with Bruce dying in Crime Alley). Batman's attention is then drawn to something shiny in the walls of the Batcave, and he chips away to find -- insert dramatic pause -- the Comedian's blood-stained badge, the most iconic image from "Watchmen" and something that doesn't seem to make any sense at this point to be hanging out in the Batcave. Wally's dialogue on that page puts a finer point on it: "We're being watched."
And that's not it: A four-page epilogue also by Johns and Gary Frank shifts the narrative from Earth to Mars, where Wally West's missing watch -- seen on the first page of the issue -- is telekinetically disassembled and reassembled by an unseen presence; depicted in a nine-panel grid reminiscent of Gibbons' "Watchmen" storytelling. The narration is dialogue direct from the end of "Watchmen," with Ozymandias asking Doctor Manhattan, "I did the right thing, didn't I? It all worked out in the end." Doctor Manhattan answers, "In the end? Nothing ends, Adrian. Nothing ever ends."
So, yes: Somehow, Doctor Manhattan -- the only superpowered character in "Watchmen," who possesses seemingly limitless godlike abilities -- is responsible for the creation of the New 52, and for changing DC Universe history as fans knew it. The two pages following the epilogue are issue credits in the distinct black-and-yellow palette of "Watchmen," along with a watch face -- indicating 15 minutes to midnight -- adorned with the iconic blood splatter from Comedian's badge, accompanied by the text, "the clock is ticking across the DC Universe."
Like much of "Rebirth," the use of Doctor Manhattan feels like meta-commentary on the direction of DC Comics. A commentary by Devin Faraci on Birth Movies Death argues that the use of Doctor Manhattan is drawing a straight, metaphorical line between "Watchmen" and some of the drearier comics of the New 52, as the more realistic and adult tone of Moore and Gibbons' deconstructionist work has led to conventional superheroes being affected in a negative way by similar approaches. Doctor Manhattan literally made a fictional superhero universe a darker place, much like "Watchmen" did to real-life comic book series.
This marks the first-ever crossover between "Watchmen" characters and the DC Universe proper. "Watchmen" took place in its own, separate fictional universe, one with superheroes inspired by the Charlton Comics characters DC had acquired in 1983. It's also only the second time "Watchmen" has been revisited with new comics material since the original 12-issue series. The first time was "Before Watchmen," a controversial initiative that saw eight miniseries and a one-shot published between 2012 and 2013, acting as a series of prequels to the initial story.
As "Watchmen" is one of the most celebrated works in comic book history, attempts to revisit the story in any form has been met with scrutiny from critics and observers. Additionally, Moore himself has made his disapproval of any "Watchmen" follow-up extremely clear over the years, completely disavowing "Before Watchmen" or any similar efforts -- he was once quoted as saying he'd be "spitting venom all over" the 2009 Zack Snyder-directed live-action film.
"It seems a bit desperate to go after a book famous for its artistic integrity," Moore said of "Before Watchmen" in 2012. "It’s a finite series. 'Watchmen' was said to actually provide an alternative to the superhero story as an endless soap opera. To turn that into just another superhero comic that goes on forever demonstrates exactly why I feel the way I do about the comics industry. It’s mostly about franchises."
Gibbons was measured in his approval of "Before Watchmen" -- in DC's official press release announcing the event, he stated, "The original series of 'Watchmen' is the complete story that Alan Moore and I wanted to tell. However, I appreciate DC's reasons for this initiative and the wish of the artists and writers involved to pay tribute to our work. May these new additions have the success they desire." Neither Moore nor Gibbons are credited in the "Rebirth" one-shot.
It's not clear exactly how much of an uproar will be caused by the use of "Watchmen" characters and concepts in the DC Universe. It's probable that the existence of "Before Watchmen" has lessened the potential controversy of this move, as the seal has already been broken. It's also possible, fair or not, that Moore's increasingly ambivalent reputation among comics reader will impact public reaction; given comments like calling superhero fans "emotionally subnormal" and renewed criticism of a perceived over-reliance on sexual violence as a trope in his stories.
It's also not clear when DC plans to follow up on Doctor Manhattan's connection to the DC Universe. While plenty of future stories are teased in the "Rebirth" one-shot, with house ads in the back of the book directing readers to the Rebirth series set to continue those plot lines, it's not yet evident where the "Watchmen" of it all fits in going forward (though the cover for "Titans" #1, featuring the just-returned original Wally West does feature a blue-hued, apparently cosmically-powered individual in the background). An interview with Johns in USA Todayindicates the rest of the story won't come anytime soon, with the paper's Brian Truitt writing, "How 'Watchmen' is involved in the DC Universe is a mystery that will unfold in the background over the course of a couple years."
No matter what direction this story may take, it's still one of the most legitimately surprising developments in a superhero comic in years -- though maybe readers should have seen it coming, given that it now seems fairly obvious that it's Doctor Manhattan's hand on the cover of the "Rebirth" one-shot, an image that was released back in March:
"DC Universe: Rebirth" #1, from Johns, Frank, Ivan Reis, Phil Jimenez and Ethan Van Sciver is on sale now. (Via CBR)
HEROES SUIT UP FOR 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF SPIDEY'S ICONIC BLACK COSTUME03/28/24 @ 4:16 pm EST
Source: Marvel | Categories: Spider-Man | Comments (0) | E-mail Article | Add a CommentIn 1984, Spider-Man discovered a mysterious black costume during the original
Secret Wars. Adopting it as new suit, it became one of Spidey’s signature looks before it dramatically revealed itself as the Venom symbiote! It’s impact on the Spidey mythos cements it as one of the most significant super hero costume changes in comic book history, and this year, Marvel Comics is celebrating 40 years of the Black Costume with facsimile editions of Spider-Man’s early adventures wearing the costume, and the launch of new BLACK COSTUME VARIANT COVERS this May! Across 23 covers on some of Marvel’s hottest current series, see your favorite heroes suit up in sleek all-black looks! Featuring all-new designs by Marvel’s most acclaimed artists, these pieces give a glimpse into universes where Captain America, Iron Man, Ms. Marvel, and more came across symbiote suits of their own and slowly discovered its sinister secrets.
STEPHEN KING HORROR 'THE MONKEY' ADDS TATIANA MASLANY, ELIJAH WOOD03/28/24 @ 4:07 pm EST
Source: Deadline | Categories: MIsc | Comments (0) | E-mail Article | Add a CommentClockwise L-R: Tatiana Maslany, Elijah Wood, Christian Convery, Colin O’Brien, Rohan Campbell and Sarah Levy Horror movie
The Monkey, the adaptation of the Stephen King short story, wrapped shooting a week ago and
Deadline is reporting that lead cast joining Theo James (
The White Lotus) includes Tatiana Maslany (
She–
Hulk:
Attorney at Law), Elijah Wood (
The Lord Of The Rings), Christian Convery (
Sweet Tooth), Colin O’Brien (
Wonka), Rohan Campbell (
The Hardy Boys) and Sarah Levy (
Schitt’s Creek).As was previously reported, the team behind the movie includes genre supremo James Wan, creator of the
The Conjuring Universe and co-creator of the
Saw and
Insidious franchises.In
The Monkey, when twin brothers Hal and Bill discover their father’s old monkey toy in the attic, a series of gruesome deaths starts occurring all around them. The brothers decide to throw the monkey away and move on with their lives, growing apart over the years. But when the mysterious deaths begin again, the brothers must reunite to find a way to destroy the monkey for good before it takes the lives of everyone close to them.
COVER REVEAL: THE EPIC SERIES FINALE OF 'DUKE'03/28/24 @ 4:01 pm EST
Source: Skybound | Categories: Skybound | Comments (0) | E-mail Article | Add a CommentToday Skybound and Image Comics, in collaboration with leading toy and game company Hasbro, revealed new variant covers for Duke #5 from writer Joshua Williamson (DC’s Superman, Dark Ride), artist Tom Reilly (The Thing) and colorist Jordie Bellaire (W0rldtr33). The series finale of the Energon Universe’s acclaimed limited series arrives in comic book shops on April 24, 2024. Duke has been betrayed by his allies and hunted by new enemies. The time has come for Duke to start fighting for something bigger than his country. Bigger than he ever could have imagined. Get ready for the last page shocker than no one will see coming! Duke #5 will feature a main cover by Reilly, along with a stacked lineup of variant covers by Mateus Santolouco, Tyler Boss & Jason Wordie, Brian Level, and Dustin Nguyen. One of four action-packed G.I. JOE miniseries that introduce the iconic characters of the G.I. JOE and Cobra factions to the Energon Universe, Duke is running concurrently with Cobra Commander from writer Joshua Williamson, artist Andrea Milana (Impact Winter: Rook) and colorist Annalisa Leoni (Oblivion Song). These miniseries set the stage for a fresh new take on G.I. JOE, Cobra and the iconic characters that you only think you know in a shared universe with TRANSFORMERS and Void Rivals! The Energon Universe officially began last summer with the surprise first appearance of iconic TRANSFORMERS character Jetfire in Void Rivals #1 from Robert Kirkman (Invincible, The Walking Dead) and Lorenzo De Felici (Kroma), introducing the historic new collaboration between Hasbro and Skybound, with TRANSFORMERS and G.I. JOE comics finding a new home with the publisher. Then TRANSFORMERS from writer/artist Daniel Warren Johnson (Extremity, Do a Powerbomb, DC’s Wonder Woman: Dead Earth) and colorist Mike Spicer (Stillwater, Murder Falcon) kicked off a brand-new era for the iconic franchise. The Energon Universe recently expanded with the launch of Duke and Cobra Commander. Beginning in June 2024, limited series Scarlett, from writer Kelly Thompson (Black Widow, Birds of Prey) and artist Marco Ferrari (Frontiersman) and Destro, from writer Dan Watters (Loki, Universal Monsters: Creature from the Black Lagoon Lives!) and artist Andrei Bressan (Dark Ride, Birthright), will round out the lineup of action-packed G.I. JOE miniseries that introduce the iconic characters of the G.I. JOE and Cobra factions to the Energon Universe. Fans should expect can’t-miss moments from every issue of the Energon Universe, as secrets are unveiled along the path to answering the BIG questions. Duke #5 (of 5) (Lunar Codes Below $3.99) will be available at
comic book shops and digital platforms including Amazon Kindle, Apple Books, comiXology, and Google Play on Wednesday, April 24, 2024.
The full list of variant covers is below:
Duke #5 Cover A by Tom Reilly (Lunar Code 0224IM262)
Duke #5 Cover B by Mateus Santolouco (Lunar Code 0224IM263)
Duke #5 Cover C (1:10 Copy Incentive) (Connecting) by Tyler Boss & Jason Wordie (Lunar Code 0224IM264)
Duke #5 Cover D (1:25 Copy Incentive) by Brian Level (Lunar Code 0224IM265)
Duke #5 Cover E (1:50 Copy Incentive) by Dustin Nguyen (Lunar Code 0224IM266)
STAR TREK CONFIRMS WHEN 'STARFLEET ACADEMY' WILL START FILMING03/28/24 @ 10:45 am EST
Source: ComicBook | Categories: Star Trek | Comments (0) | E-mail Article | Add a CommentThe Star Trek franchise continues to grow with the addition of
Star Trek: Starfleet Academy, and the new series is gearing up for filming. Star Trek received a breath of fresh air on Paramount+, with
Star Trek: Discovery,
Star Trek: Lower Decks,
Picard, and
Star Trek: Strange New Worlds all finding success. Even more content is on the way, most notably in the form of a young adult series titled
Star Trek: Starfleet Academy. What sets
Starfleet Academy apart from its predecessors is it takes place in the 32nd century, meaning it shouldn't have to worry about continuity as much. Now, we have an idea of when Starfleet Academy production kicks off. Variety reports production on
Star Trek: Starfleet Academy will begin this summer, with the show sporting "the largest single set ever created for Star Trek on TV." A description of the series states
Starfleet Academy "will follow the adventures of a new class of Starfleet cadets as they come of age in one of the most legendary places in the galaxy." The newest season of
Star Trek: Strange New Worlds is currently in production, and Michelle Yeoh's
Section 31 movie has wrapped filming, so there's a lot for Star Trek fans to look forward to. (via
ComicBook.com)
BRANDON SKLENAR JOINS BLUMHOUSE THRILLER 'DROP'03/28/24 @ 10:31 am EST
Source: Deadline | Categories: MIsc | Comments (0) | E-mail Article | Add a CommentFollowing his breakout role in
1923, Brandon Sklenar looks to have found his next feature film project as he is set to join Christoper Landon’s film
Drop from Platinum Dunes and Blumhouse.
Meghann Fahy is also on board with Landon directing. The film’s logline is being kept under wraps, but it’s said to be a fast-paced thriller. Jillian Jacobs and Chris Roach penned the script, with Michael Bay, Jason Blum, Brad Fuller and Cameron Fuller — who brought the script in to Platinum Dunes — producing. Sam Lerner is an executive producer. The film is a Platinum Dunes and Blumhouse production for Universal. The partnership between the two production companies has delivered huge results from its
Purge franchise that includes five films with the sixth on the way as well as a TV series. (via
Deadline)
'AMONG US': DAN STEVENS, LIV HEWSON & KIMIKO GLENN JOIN CAST03/27/24 @ 7:46 pm EST
Source: Deadline | Categories: MIsc | Comments (0) | E-mail Article | Add a CommentL-R: Dan Stevens, Liv Hewson and Kimiko GlennDan Stevens (
Downton Abbey), Liv Hewson (
Yellowjackets) and Kimiko Glenn (
Orange Is The New Black) have joined the cast of
Among Us, an animated series based on the highly popular game, from CBS Studios, Innersloth, and creator Owen Dennis
(Infinity Train). They join previously announced Randall Park, Ashley Johnson, Yvette Nicole Brown and Elijah Wood. CBS Studios‘ animation arm Eye Animation Productions is currently developing the project in partnership with Innersloth, the independent studio behind the game.The series is created and executive produced by Dennis, who is under an overall deal at CBS Studios. No network or streamer is currently attached.Per the logline, the series is based on the game’s premise: “Members of your crew have been replaced by an alien shapeshifter intent on causing confusion, sabotaging the ship, and killing everyone. Root out the ‘Impostor’ or fall victim to its murderous designs.” (via
Deadline) For character details and more, click
here.
'THE BRIDE!': JULIANNE HOUGH JOINS MAGGIE GYLLENHAAL FRANKENSTEIN MOVIE03/27/24 @ 7:40 pm EST
Source: Deadline | Categories: MIsc | Comments (0) | E-mail Article | Add a CommentJulianne Hough has landed a role in
The Bride!, writer-director Maggie Gyllenhaal‘s follow-up to her Academy Award-nominated drama
The Lost Daughter.A Warner Bros title steeped in the Frankenstein lore, the film also stars Christian Bale, Jessie Buckley, Peter Sarsgaard, Annette Bening and Penelope Cruz, as previously announced. Details as to Hough’s role are under wraps. Slated for release in IMAX on October 3, 2025,
The Bride! sees a lonely Frankenstein travel to 1930s Chicago to seek the aide of a Dr. Euphronius in creating a companion for himself. The two reinvigorate a murdered young woman and the Bride is born. She is beyond what either of them intended, igniting a combustible romance, the attention of the police and a wild and radical social movement. (via
Deadline)
CHAOTIC MAGIC & UNFINISHED BUSINESS IN YOUR FIRST LOOK AT 'ORCS!: THE GIFT' #303/27/24 @ 7:36 pm EST
Source: BOOM! Studios | Categories: MIsc | Comments (0) | E-mail Article | Add a CommentBOOM! Studios today revealed a first look at ORCS!: THE GIFT #3, the next issue of the third and final chapter of the critically acclaimed comic book series by cartoonist Christine Larsen (
Adventure Time, By Night), in the world of the beloved misfit ORCS! Available in April 2024. As the Orcs hurtle towards the final issue of The Gift, Pez struggles to control her chaotic magical powers. Back in the caves meanwhile, a mysterious specter is seemingly haunting the entire tribe... Who (or what?!) could it be? What unfinished business do they have with the Orcs? And why do these things always seem to happen when the Wise Woman is away? Answers to all of these questions (and more!) await readers in the penultimate issue of Christine Larsen's latest
ORCS! adventure! ORCS! THE GIFT #3 features a main cover by Christine Larsen, with variants by Gus Allen (
Lumberjanes). ORCS! THE GIFT is the latest release from BOOM! Studios’ award-winning KaBOOM! imprint, home to comics for middle grade and younger readers including original series
Mech Cadets by Greg Pak and Takeshi Miyazawa;
Just Beyond by R.L. Stine, Kelly & Nichole Matthews, and Irene Flores;
ORCS! By Christine Larsen;
The Princess Who Saved Herself by Greg Pak, Jonathan Coulton, and Takeshi Miyazawa;
Forever Home by Jenna Ayoub;
Jo & Rus by Audra Winslow,
Hex Vet by Sam Davies;
Drew and Jot by Art Baltazar; and
Hotel Dare by Terry Blas and Claudia Aguirre.
ORCS! The Gift #3 A Main: DEC230191
ORCS! The Gift #3 B Variant: DEC230192
ORCS! The Gift #3 C 1:10 INCV: DEC230193
ORCS! THE GIFT #3 will be available in comic shops April 24, 2024. It is available for pre-order at your local
comic shop. Digital copies can be purchased from content providers, including iBooks, Google Play, and Kindle.
JERRY BRUCKHEIMER: NEXT 'PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN' FILM WILL BE A REBOOT03/27/24 @ 10:27 am EST
Source: Hollywood Reporter | Categories: Disney | Comments (0) | E-mail Article | Add a CommentJerry Bruckheimer has revealed that the next installment of
Pirates of the Caribbean will be a reboot of the beloved franchise. The legendary producer said in an interview with ComicBook.com that they’re working on a
Pirates of the Caribbean sequel as well as
Top Gun 3, but noted that the latter is going to take longer to develop since it involves coordinating schedules with several A-list actors, such as Tom Cruise, Miles Teller and Glen Powell. “You don’t know how they come together. You just don’t know,” Bruckheimer said. “Because with
Top Gun you have an actor who is iconic and brilliant. And how many movies he does before he does
Top Gun, I can’t tell you. But we’re gonna reboot
Pirates, so that is easier to put together because you don’t have to wait for certain actors.” Disney seemingly starting from scratch with
Pirates may come as a surprise to some fans, as there have already been ideas swirling in recent years about the franchise’s future — some that involve Margot Robbie and others that see Johnny Depp returning. In an interview with
The Hollywood Reporter, Bruckheimer said that he “would love to have” Depp in another movie.
'NIGHT OF THE HUNTER' REMAKE IN THE WORKS FROM 'BLACK PHONE' TEAM03/27/24 @ 10:28 am EST
Source: ComicBook | Categories: MIsc | Comments (0) | E-mail Article | Add a CommentScott Derrickson has his next project lined up. It has been revealed the
Doctor Strange helmer will soon tackle a reimagining of
The Night of the Hunter. A cinema classic some might say is one of the best films ever released, Derrickson is directing the remake of the picture while writing the script for it alongside frequent collaborator C. Robert Cargill. Charles Laughton's original 1955 film—an adaptation of a 1953 novel of the same name—was added to the United States National Film Registry in 1992. The film and novel feature a con man who pretends to be a preacher to get close to a family in order to steal their money. Work on the film will likely take place after Derrickson and Cargill wrap work on
The Black Phone 2, the project the duo is currently working on now. Given the original
Black Phone was based on a short story, it's yet to be seen what plot a sequel could follow. Joe Hill, the author behind the aforementioned short previously teased an exciting, all-new story for Ethan Hawke's Creeper.
The Black Phone is now streaming on STARZ while
The Black Phone 2 is set to hit theaters on June 27, 2025. The original
The Night of the Hunter film can be seen on Tubi. (via
ComicBook.com)