DF Interview: Chris Ryall pits a discredited scientist and his companions against once-human husks known as ‘The Hollows’



By Byron Brewer

In an extra-length comic, writer Chris Ryall and artist Sam Kieth transport you to a dystopian near-future Japan, where spectral, once-human husks prey on the unfortunates who couldn't find salvation in the skyscraper-like trees that now dominate the decimated landscape. A discredited scientist works furiously to find a cure, until a one-eyed orphan girl and her pet, uh, urp force him to rethink everything he knows.

A fan of the 2012-13 comic The Hollows from IDW, I wasted no time in talking with scribe Ryall about this sci-fi one-shot from Image Comics.


Byron Brewer: Chris, this great one-shot, The Hollows, collects the 2012 comics of the same name by artist Sam Kieth and yourself. Tell readers a little bit about your concept for The Hollows.



Chris Ryall: The Hollows originally came about through long conversations with Sam about what we should do together as a follow-up to our Mars Attacks: First Born miniseries.

We kicked around the idea of a series that aimed to merge the inventiveness of a Miyazaki film with a zombie apocalypse. Now, I’m not saying we achieved anywhere near the artfulness of a Miyazaki film, but that was our guiding light going in.


Byron: Can you give the unfamiliar fans some idea of the world you and Sam are building here? What will be the canvas readers will be dropped into upon buying this special-sized one-shot in July?



Chris Ryall: The story opens with the same basic premise as so many zombie movies, especially Romero flicks, with the idea of the “haves” building upward and leaving those that society has deemed less important to fend for themselves below, but takes a different spin on that idea, both in terms of the visuals and the story.

Here, scientists have engineered massive super-structure trees for people to populate. Both as a way to try to stay in touch with nature and not just barricade themselves behind steel and concrete, but also to try to keep a type of elegance amidst a crumbling society.
Along those lines, they’ve also designed winged harnesses to allow them to fly down for supplies or to monitor the situation, and look for survivors. Which is where our story opens, and where everything changes for our lead scientist character.


Byron: Introduce us to your chief protagonist, a washed-up scientist laboring to cure his fellow once-humans whom have been mutated, if that is the correct term, into mere onion-skins preying on survivors of whatever armageddon has occurred. Who was he, who does he become, and what drives him to this challenge?



Chris Ryall: He’s Craig Kobayashi, who’s such an adherent to the old ways of doing things that he’s mocked by both his colleagues and, to lesser degree, his wife, too.

But he can feel the society he knew slipping away from him—well, it’s well-slipped already—so he does what he can to hold onto a piece of the world he used to know. A charming but futile gesture, based on the reaction from others around him.
But when he ventures down to the world populated by the Hollows below, he meets a group that gives him reason to believe again.


Byron: Can you spotlight the cyclopean orphan waif and her pet? Who are they and what relationship do they have to Kobayashi?



Chris Ryall: Lani, and her companion Urp (which is the only “word” he speaks, but somehow Lani can understand him through his inflection), survivors among the cracks as they are, are dubious of anyone from “above.” But just like Kobayashi recognizes something in them that he thought was lost, so do they see that he might be more than they thought.



Byron: Any other important characters we need to know, either among the “husks” or the humans who survive in the tall trees?



Chris Ryall: There are others around Kobayashi and Lani who help flesh out the story and drive it in different directions, but they (and Urp) make up the core of the characters whose story we’re following.

One note about the husks/the Hollows – one thing Sam and I originally discussed before this story ever took shape – was that we were both similarly freaked out as kids by an issue of Frank Miller’s Daredevil, the two drug issues, where kids on heroin were emitting this kind of vapor, this smoke, that just made the idea of an overdose so much more visceral when we were little. Like, do drugs really burn you out from within like that?
We wanted to keep that same kind of visual for the Hollows – they’re not flesh-eating zombies in the traditional sense, but instead they’re these hollow specters that pull peoples’ very lifeforce from them and absorb that in a vain effort to literally breathe new life into their husk-like bodies.


Byron: This story takes place in a dystopian Japan of the near-future. Did you or artist Sam Kieth do any research on the present Japan to give scenes taking place there more weight? (I am a great fan if intricate detail, even in lands and times yet to exist.)



Chris Ryall: I always include a fair amount of visual reference and links in my scripts, but Sam is such a fantastacist (is that a word? I feel like it should be a word in reference to Sam) that he takes things in a direction that is much more stylized and interesting than anything a real-world link could provide.



Byron: Speaking of our epic artist, talk about some of Sam’s work herein.



Chris Ryall: Sam’s style has evolved in such unique ways over the years and that uniqueness, his ability to bend whimsy and horror and sensitivity, all comes into play in this story.

And his trees are just gorgeous. They’re like Seussian versions of Yggdrasil or something, just fantastic to look at.


Byron: Chris, what other projects with which you are involved can you tell readers about?



Chris Ryall: Ashley Wood and I are just wrapping up the final-for-now issue of Zombies vs. Robots Classic, and I’ve also been prepping the hardcover collection of Joe Hill’s Rain, a September release of Onyx by Gabriel Rodriguez and me, and a number of other new books by Ash and I as well as some other talented folks, too.

And finally, I’m launching a sequel to Groom Lake, a graphic novel I did a decade ago with Ben Templesmith, via Zoop. Nelson Daniel is the artist on it, it’s called Groom Lake: Grey Skies Above, and the campaign goes live in mid-June so hopefully that can get rolling properly soon, too.


Dynamic Forces would like to thank Chris Ryall for taking time out of his busy schedule to answer our questions. The Hollows one-shot from Image Comics is slated to be on sale July 27th!



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Takashi Yamazaki’s follow-up to the 2023 Godzilla Minus One is set to hit North American theaters on November 6th, 2026, three days after its premier in Japan. The Academy Award winning film took in $11.4 million in the US on its opening weekend and $57 million total during its domestic box office run. Godzilla Minus Zero is the second film in the franchise from Gkids since taking Toho acquired the company in 2024. David Jesteadt, president of Gkids, said in a statement: “Gkids is proud to bring Godzilla Minus Zero to North American audiences, following the incredible global reception of Godzilla Minus One. This next chapter is sure to become another defining moment for the most colossal monster ever to dominate the screen. It is only fitting that this bold, new Godzilla event be experienced in its fullest theatrical glory, and we’re honored that Toho has entrusted us to carry this legacy forward.” 

As we get closer to the start of production on Matt Reeves’ The Batman Part 2, the cast starts to take shape with the second MCU veteran being added to the cast. We heard of Scarlet Johansson’s casting earlier in December and now multiple sources are saying Sebastian Stan has come on board as well, with the Hollywood Reporter’s Heat Vision report claiming that the actor who plays Bucky Barnes will now take on the role of District Attorney Harvey Dent aka Two-Face. This lines up with the rumors that Johansson would be playing Gilda Dent and that the story may be following the Long Halloween, a popular comic arch by Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale. While the story does focus on the Dents, many of the other characters in the story have already appeared in The Batman and The Penguin and have already been eliminated. Plus, the setting of the sequel is said to be set around a week after The Penguin series ended, just before Christmas. How ever the characters are used, if Stan is in the film, it then puts the fate of his MCU character in question as The Batman Part 2 will be filming around the same time as Avengers: Secret Wars. While the casting of both Stan and Johansson have not been made official, neither have they been denied by Reeves, James Gunn or DC Studios. 

Deadline is reporting that Mike Flanagan is working on a new adaptation of Stephen King’s The Dark Tower series. Flanagan said his plan is to adapt the beloved franchise into a five-season series that would then be capped off by two stand-alone movies. The acclaimed horror director recently told Empire Magazine, “We’ve got a lot of scripts done for it. It’s the first priority.” He also made it clear that he doesn’t want the 2017 Idris Elba/Matthew McConaughey film to be the final word on the property. That adaptation has a 16% critic rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Though Flanagan and Intrepid Pictures have a deal with Amazon, the rights to the Dark Tower were specifically carved out of their arrangement and could end up with another studio, but Amazon is also a possibility. Flanagan is known for his work on films like Gerald’s Game, Doctor Sleep and the Life of Chuck as well as series like The Fall of the House of Ushers, The Midnight Club and Midnight Mass. He also came up with the initial story and script for the upcoming Clayface movie that was so strong that James Gunn and Peter Safran has to greenlight a body horror film starring a B-level Batman villain as the third film released in their new DCU.   

Now that we’re in 2026, we need to keep an ear out for casting news for the two big DC Studios films shooting this year, Man of Tomorrow and The Batman Part 2. The Superman follow-up is the one going first and we already got the casting announcement for the main villain, Brainiac with the addition of German actor Lars Eidinger to the cast. There have been rumors that there was a female role being cast for a potential hero that many have assumed was going to be this universe’s Wonder Woman, and while that has not been confirmed, John Rocha of the Hot Mic podcast says his sources confirm that James Gunn is looking to cast the Amazon warrior for the film. That would make sense with the idea that DC is pushing Wonder Woman for a new film with Supergirl scribe Ann Nogueira said to be working on the script. This still falls into the rumor category, but Gunn has not debunked the story as of yet. With the film expected to begin production in the spring, more casting news is expected in the next few weeks/months, and we know that if the “scoopers” have it right, DC likes to get the news out their themselves as they did with Eidinger. So I wouldn’t trust any of the rumored castings as of now. 

James Gunn took to social media this morning to welcome Lars Eidinger to the DCU and Man of Tomorrow in the role of Brainiac. Eidinger, while not a household name, is best known for his roles in Clouds of Sils Maria and Personal Shopper but also appeared in the recent Netflix film Jay Kelly. Gunn talked about a worldwide search for the iconic Superman villain led to Eidinger rising to the top. He will join David Corenswet, Nicholas Hoult and Rachel Brosnahan as the film is expected to begin shooting in the spring of 2026 for a release in July of 2027. There have been multiple attempts to use Brainiac in a Superman film, but each attempt has fallen to the wayside, and his only live-action appearance so far was in the short-lived SciFi series Krypton where he was played by Blake Ritson.    

After having begun production in August of this year, director Destin Daniel Cretton revealed that Spider-Man: Brand New Day has wrapped filming as of Friday. The film, which is set to premiere July 31st, 2026, features the return of Tom Holland as Peter Parker and is the first in the MCU franchise to not be directed by Jon Watts. Cretton wrote on Instagram, “I’m so deeply grateful for the people who walked with me through the biggest, most rewarding film I’ve ever been a part of. To our amazing cast, for breathing so much life into these beloved characters and moving us every day. To our unbelievable crew, who worked tirelessly with unmatched creativity and craftsmanship, who made me laugh so hard my stomach never stopped hurting. I love you all so much and can’t wait for the world to see your stunning work on the big screen. And of course, to @tomholland2013, for your kind, generous leadership on and off screen, for your relentless work ethic, your fearless performances, and for your friendship. That’s a wrap on Spider-Man: Brand New Day!” This is Cretton’s second MCU film after having helmed Shang Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings. He has also produced the Wonder Man series set to debut on Disney+ next month. 

Scarlett Johansson is said to be in negotiations to join the cast of the highly anticipated sequel, The Batman Part 2. While Warner Bros. has not officially revealed which character Johansson would portray, speculation is rife across social media and film forums. Many fans are hoping she will take on the role of a major antagonist or perhaps bring a new dimension to an existing character from the Batman lore. Johansson’s acclaimed work in action and drama—especially her iconic run as Black Widow in the Marvel Cinematic Universe—positions her as a compelling choice for a complex role in Gotham’s shadowy streets. The Batman Part 2 is currently in pre-production, with filming scheduled to commence in May of next year. The film is targeted for a theatrical release in 2026, although official dates may be subject to change. Director Matt Reeves returns to helm the sequel, ensuring continuity in the vision and tone that made the first installment a critical and box office success. Johansson’s addition is expected to boost the already stellar lineup led by Robert Pattinson as Bruce Wayne/Batman. Within hours of the announcement, social media platforms lit up with enthusiastic posts and trending hashtags. Speculation is running rampant with guesses of her role ranging from villains like Poison Ivy and Harley Quinn to love interests like Silver St. Cloud and Vickie Vale. One of the more popular suggestions is that Johansson could be playing Andrea Beaumont, a love interest and antagonist from the hit animated film Mask of the Phantasm. The casting has not been confirmed and neither the studio nor Reeves has commented since the story broke. 

In a dramatic shift for the entertainment industry, Netflix has announced its acquisition of Warner Bros, one of Hollywood's most iconic studios. This unprecedented deal marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing evolution of media and streaming services. Netflix, already a leader in streaming content, has been searching for ways to expand its library and production capabilities. Warner Bros, with its vast catalog of beloved films and television franchises—including the Harry Potter, DC, and Looney Tunes properties—represents a treasure trove of content and creative resources. The acquisition signals Netflix's commitment to not only dominating streaming but also to strengthening its influence in theatrical releases and television programming. Though Netflix has been against theatrical releases in the past, in a recent statement they said they planned to continue them for Warner Bros films just with a shorter release window. By purchasing Warner Bros, Netflix gains access to a library of classic and highly profitable intellectual properties. This move allows Netflix to offer exclusive streaming rights to blockbuster franchises, while also leveraging Warner Bros’ production infrastructure. The deal also positions Netflix to compete more directly with other major studios and streaming platforms, such as Disney and Amazon. Industry analysts predict that this acquisition will accelerate the consolidation trend within the entertainment sector. Other studios and streaming services may seek mergers or partnerships to remain competitive. Audiences can likely expect a surge in new content, including reboots, spin-offs, and original productions drawing from Warner Bros' legacy. For Netflix subscribers, the platform could soon become the go-to destination for both new releases and classic favorites. While some industry veterans express concern about further consolidation of media power, others see this as an opportunity for innovation and greater investment in high-quality storytelling. Only time will tell how this landmark deal reshapes Hollywood and the global entertainment landscape. 

If you’re of a certain age, then you realize that Peter Hammond was not the first live-action Spider-Man to appear on television screens. That honor goes to Jim Hensen puppeteer Danny Seagren who was a regular on both Sesame Street and The Electric Company. Seagren was both a puppeteer and puppet maker and was the right hand of Ernie along with putting on the Big Bird suit on several occasions including an appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show. He was also the web slinger on the show that started the careers of Rita Moreno and Morgan Freeman as both shows fell under the Children’s Television Workshop. He went on to create puppets for other series like Curiosity Shop, Captain Kangaroo and Who’s Afraid of Opera. “Danny will be greatly missed by his family, friends and those throughout the community he loved living in,” his family said in his obituary. Seagren died on November 10th at the age of 81. 

Director Shawn Levy has officially hired renowned composer Thomas Newman to craft the score for his upcoming Star Wars: Starfighter film. The collaboration marks a significant moment for the celebrated sci-fi franchise, as Newman steps into a universe long defined by the iconic music of John Williams. His distinguished career includes memorable scores for films such as The Shawshank Redemption, Finding Nemo, and 1917, brings a fresh perspective to the Star Wars saga. Over the years, Newman has earned an impressive 15 Oscar nominations, a testament to his exceptional talent and enduring impact on the film industry. Levy, celebrated for his work on blockbusters like Free Guy and Deadpool and Wolverine, and the hit series Stranger Things, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership. He highlighted Newman's ability to blend sweeping orchestral moments with subtle, character-driven motifs—a style well-suited to the expansive and adventurous spirit of Star Wars. While plot details remain under wraps, Levy and Newman’s collaboration promises a thrilling and emotionally resonant cinematic experience.