DF Interview: Erica Schultz delivers ‘The Deadliest Bouquet’



By Byron Brewer

Jasmine Hawthorn was a hard-edged Nazi hunter who trained her children well in the art of espionage. But in 1998, when her complicated past finally catches up with her, it's up to her three estranged daughters, Rose, Poppy and Violet, to solve their mom's murder – if they can avoid killing each other in the process.

From Image Comics comes The Deadliest Bouquet, written by Erica Schultz with art by Carola Borelli and Gab Contreras. I know a good story when I hear of one, so I set out to quiz my friend, scribe Erica Schultz, about this coming comics mini-series.


Byron Brewer: Erica, the basic story behind your espionage limited series The Deadliest Bouquet has danced around your brain for some time now. Tell readers the inspiration for this comic.



Erica Schultz: Honestly, and I know how this sounds…but I don’t know where the idea came from. I was on the phone with another comics creator, Liana Kangas, and I blurted out the idea of this family with three generations of assassins. It would span from before the Second World War to the mid- to late 1990s, and throughout those decades, the story would explore generational trauma, family dynamics, and how we all deal with the world around us.

When I write, I create a timeline of significant events like the birth and death of characters, as well as things that would push a character into a new trajectory. So I started with the grandparents of the three main characters. Who were their parents? What kind of life did they live? How did those lives intersect, and what was the outcome?
I had a lot of false starts on the story, and there are several scenes that are written that didn’t make it into the final printed version. Shout out to story editor James Emmett for helping find the most important parts that would streamline the story. And who knows? Maybe if there’s a streaming series made of it, it will explore all the other bits and bobs. (wink wink)


Byron: I immediately thought of Charlie’s Angels when I read the solicit for Bouquet. Can you introduce the three sisters here who are your chief protagonists – Rose, Poppy and Violet? Who are they?



Erica Schultz: Rose, Poppy and Violet are three young women with a very unusual upbringing. Jasmine, their mother, whose death is the impetus for the story, taught them about being assassins and protecting themselves.

Rose is the oldest, and she’s the one who has gone out of her way to be the most responsible. Taking on all that responsibility comes with a price, though. It’s a combination of resentment and an inflated self worth. Rose is resentful for not living a life she wants to live because she’s saddled with the family business (a flower shop), but she also makes sure her two younger sisters know that she’s the one in charge.
Poppy is the middle child. She left home after some credits at a community college because her boyfriend proposed. Poppy saw her marriage to Derek as a way out of the dysfunctional family dynamic. She raised her two kids without any knowledge of how she was trained or what happened to her as a child. Unfortunately, because of Jasmine’s death, Poppy is brought back into the fold, and she’s forced to confront the family and dysfunction that she tried so hard to keep in her rear view mirror.
Violet is the youngest. She’s the most erratic and petulant. She’s also the one who will fight to the death for her family. Violet left home not to pursue a family life but because she felt Jasmine was holding her back. The only one to continue the “art of assassination,” Violet travels the world modeling…and picking up hits along the way. Violet will never back down from a fight no matter who the antagonist is. And heaven help you if you threaten her family in any way.


Byron: I am very intrigued with the girls’ mother, Jasmine Hawthorn, a hard-edged Nazi hunter who trained her daughters in the art of espionage. Without spoilers, can you offer some hints as to her backstory as a Nazi hunter?



Erica Schultz: More is written in my notes for the story (which is why it NEEDS a streaming series), but Jasmine was born just after World War II. She had a twin brother named Chrys, and the two were raised with their parents among a motley crew of fighters and soldiers from all over the world who were tasked with finding Nazis who escaped prosecution in the final days of the war. Leif and Dahlia, Jasmine’s parents, raised her and Chrys to speak multiple languages, use all different types of firearms and weapons, and how to kill without being caught. Raised within a multicultural and multinational group, Jasmine learned everything she could. She had a very strong moral compass that pointed due North. But she was broken when her brother was killed on their first mission. Believing it was her fault, Jasmine ran away to the U.S. where she met Lionel Hawthorn.

Lionel was an only child who loved flowers and plants. He met Jasmine while she was admiring the greenery at the Bronx Botanical Gardens. She was using her skills as a thief to survive in New York, but she saw Lionel as a way to survive. She also saw his abuse of her as penance for her brother’s death.
Far too often, domestic abuse survivors blame themselves directly for the abuse or assume God or someone is punishing them for something they did. Jasmine felt so responsible for Chrys’ death that she endured Lionel’s abuse. Then one day…she didn’t take it anymore.


Byron: What other characters we will encounter through this 5-issue series can you spotlight here for readers?



Erica Schultz: There are glimpses of Dahlia, Jasmine’s mother, as well as Jasmine in the past. Lionel makes an appearance, too. The story spans decades, so there are a lot of flashbacks. Think of it like the show This Is Us where you see the same people in different times in their lives.

We’ll also be introduced to two cops: Detective Bayani and Officer Gutierrez. They’re investigating Jasmine’s murder. Rose, Poppy and Violet have to make sure they don’t go digging too deep… especially in the backyard.


Byron: A spy story MUST have a behind-the-scenes manipulator or similar, even as a MacGuffin. Hoping to sidestep a “Read the book” response, can you give readers any indication or clues at all that a character indeed plays this role here? And if yes, I am assuming The Fourth Reich may have something to do with it also?



Erica Schultz: Not to disappoint you or the rest of the readers, but the story has more to do with the sisters, their relationships with their mother, and their relationships with each other than it does with any Reich. The environment we’re forged in tends to influence whom we become. Jasmine’s upbringing was definitely influenced by going after Nazis who fled Germany and other occupied areas. Rose, Poppy and Violet were trained not to hunt Nazis, but to protect themselves, albeit to the nth degree. It’s more family drama and murder mystery with a dash of international espionage than my previous book, M3.

If there are any MacGuffins to be had, it’s in the exploration of Jasmine’s past and present to try and discern who murdered her.


Byron: Solicit materials from Image Comics put this story happening, at least in part, in the late 1990s and term it “nostalgia”. (I am at the age when I think of the 90s as ten years or so ago, LOL!) Tell us a little about what artist Carola Borelli and you may have done to research the period for this unique series.



Erica Schultz: The “present-day” part of the story dealing with Rose, Poppy Violet, and Jasmine’s murder takes place in February 1998. I was a junior in college then, so research for me was just opening up a shoe box of photos.

I pulled a good deal of reference for Carola for fashion and some of the technology that was used then. In 1998, there was a grunge meets pop meets enthusiasm for the new millennium vibe in the air. People didn’t know what to expect from Y2K. Some people had cell phones. If you weren’t super rich, you’d have to wait until 9 p.m. to call someone, because then it wouldn’t use up your minutes.
All those very 90s influences are reflected in the aesthetic of the story.
I pitch it as Clueless meets Singles meets Law & Order.


Byron: Talk about the art of Carola Borelli and why it is the right fit for The Deadliest Bouquet. We might want to mention colorist Gab Contreras as well.



Erica Schultz: There were several false starts with this project, and it was a back and forth to find an artist. Carola was a great fit because she keyed in on not only the acting of the characters emoting, but also the style of clothes, and the attitude of each of these sisters. Rose, Poppy and Violet all have very strong personalities, and they come out in different ways. Carola is able to really convey the emotion of a scene and bring what the character is thinking to the forefront.

If you’ve ever heard me on a podcast talking about how comics are made, I usually say that every step should make the comic better. You have great line art; it’s going to be made better by great colors. Gab brings the palette of the mid to late 90s to enhance Carola’s linework.


Byron: Erica, what coming projects in which you are involved can you tell readers about here?



Erica Schultz: While I can’t talk about everything I’m currently working on, I have some projects that are coming out in the next few months.

Moon Knight Black, White and Blood #3 is out in July from Marvel and features a story written by me and drawn by the incredible David Lopez. I’m a huge fan of Moon Knight, and getting the opportunity to write him is a bucket list item I’m glad I get to check off.
The trade paperback of Bylines In Blood is out in August from AfterShock. This story was so much fun to work on with Van Jensen and Aneke. They’re incredible collaborators. This was also my first time working with AfterShock, and those peeps are all right. (wink wink)
The Deadliest Bouquet #1 is also in stores in August, and there are three fantastic covers you can order. Adriana Melo, Natasha Alterici and Liana Kangas lent their talents, and I couldn’t be happier. They’re all fantastic creators, so definitely check out their other works.


Dynamic Forces would like to thank Erica Schultz for taking time out of her busy schedule to answer our questions. The Deadliest Bouquet #1 from Image Comics is slated to be on sale Aug 10th!



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.

Netflix has just unveiled the trailer for Season 4 of The Witcher and set to premiere date to be October 30, 2025. The most significant change this season is the introduction of Liam Hemsworth as Geralt of Rivia, taking over the role from Henry Cavill. The trailer gives us our first glimpse of Hemsworth in action, showcasing his portrayal of the iconic monster hunter. In the teaser, Geralt is seen battling a wraith, a classic monster from the Witcher universe, using his usual mix of swordplay and magic. The storyline for Season 4 picks up after the events of Season 3, with Geralt, Yennefer, and Ciri separated by a raging war and countless enemies. As their paths diverge, they encounter unexpected allies and face new challenges that test their limits. The official synopsis hints at divided paths and the discovery of new allies, setting the stage for an epic journey. In addition to Hemsworth, the cast includes returning favorites such as Anya Chalotra as Yennefer, Freya Allan as Ciri, and Joey Batey as Jaskier. New cast members include Laurence Fishburne as Regis, a mysterious and world-wise barber-surgeon who joins Geralt on his journey. The fourth season will consist of eight episodes, all dropping on October 30. This season is also notable for being the penultimate chapter of the series, with the fifth and final season already in production. 

Conventions can be great places to get quotes on the latest movies and shows in production. Zanda Gubecka of FeatureFirst.Net used their time at the OZ Comic Con in Brisbane this year to chat up actor Con O’Neill about all things DC. While Con is a distinguished actor with a long list of credits, the two roles he may be best known for right now are Chief Mackenzie Bock in the Batman Epic Crime Saga and as Izzy Hands on Our Flag Means Death. He first spoke about David Jenkins, the creator of OFMD and who is attached as the showrunner for the upcoming Booster Gold series, praising the writer as a kind man and a creative who the world so desperately needs. O’Neill said Jenkins is the type of guy that likes writing and developing nuanced stories that understand the human experience by promoting positivity. Similar to how the actor saw the newest Superman movie, praising it for its portrayal of the titular character and the promotion of kindness. He also had a message to those who call out that portrayal as wrong, saying “There are people who think Superman shouldn’t be kind like that. F*** those people.” Then moving over to his role in The Batman and The Penguin and where he’d like to see Bock go, O’Neill joked, “I love Bock. Matt Reeves and Matt Reeves’ mind is unquestionably one of the most extraordinary places I’ve been invited into. So wherever I thought or think Bock should be, it isn’t going to be what Bock will be. So I’d just go by the genius of Matt Reeves. I mean… the man is a fucking genius. If you haven’t seen Matt Reeves’ other films… Watch them! They’re fucking awesome.” 

Eric Kripke, the creator and showrunner of the hit series "The Boys," recently shared an exciting update about the highly anticipated spin-off, "The Boys: Mexico." In a recent interview, Kripke revealed that the pilot for "The Boys: Mexico" is currently in development and described the project as "super fun" with a "totally different tone" compared to the original series. Kripke emphasized that while the new spin-off will exist within the same universe as "The Boys," it will offer a unique perspective and style. He praised the involvement of executive producers Gael García Bernal and Diego Luna, noting that they are deeply engaged with the project. The script for the pilot, penned by Gareth Dunnet-Alcocer, is reportedly "good," and Kripke expressed confidence in its potential. "The Boys: Mexico" was first announced in 2023, and the series is expected to film in Mexico, though specific plot details remain under wraps. Bernal and Luna, who are longtime friends and collaborators, may also appear in the series, albeit in smaller roles. This new spin-off is part of a broader expansion of "The Boys" universe, which includes other projects like "Gen V," "Vought Rising," and the animated series "The Boys Presents: Diabolical”. With "The Boys" preparing to wrap up its fifth and final season in 2026, "The Boys: Mexico" represents a significant step in continuing the franchise's legacy and exploring new narratives within its satirical superhero world. 

Sean Astin, the beloved actor known for his roles in "The Lord of the Rings," "Stranger Things," and "Rudy," has been elected as the new president of SAG-AFTRA, the union representing approximately 160,000 actors, announcers, broadcast journalists, dancers, DJs, program hosts, recording artists, and other entertainment and media professionals . Astin, who is the son of the late Academy Award-winning actress Patty Duke, succeeds Fran Drescher, who served as the union's president for four years . Astin's election marks a significant moment for the union, as he received an overwhelming 79% of the vote, defeating his opponent, Chuck Slavin . Michelle Hurd, known for her roles in "Ash vs. Evil Dead," "Blindspot," and "Star Trek: Picard," was elected as the union's secretary-treasurer . In his acceptance speech, Astin expressed his gratitude to the members for their support and emphasized the importance of optimism and creativity as the union navigates through challenging times . He also acknowledged the legacy of his mother, Patty Duke, who served as the president of the Screen Actors Guild from 1985 to 1988 . Astin's election comes at a critical time for SAG-AFTRA, as the union prepares for upcoming contract negotiations with the major studios. The industry is facing numerous challenges, including the impact of artificial intelligence on performers' work, streaming residuals, and the increasing costs of healthcare . Astin's leadership and experience on various negotiating committees will be crucial in addressing these issues and advocating for the rights and interests of the union's members . With his extensive career in Hollywood and strong union ties, Astin is well-positioned to lead SAG-AFTRA into a future defined by confidence, progress, and fierce advocacy . His election is a testament to the trust and support he has garnered from the union's members, and his commitment to representing their interests and ensuring their voices are heard . 

The first three episodes of Peacemaker season two has led to a lot of speculation about the “Best Dimension Ever” as Chris Smith calls it and just what might be the big twist coming up later in the season. And while we are not getting into the spoiler game, we thought it would be helpful to explain what everyone is talking about.   So possibly spoilers if everyone is guessing right. Leave now if you don’t want to know.   Still here? Okay.   In DC Comics’ multiverse, few alternate Earths are as haunting and politically charged as Earth-X. First introduced in Justice League of America #107 (1973), Earth-X imagines a world where Nazi Germany won World War II, plunging the planet into a totalitarian nightmare. Earth-X is a parallel universe within DC’s Pre-Crisis Multiverse. Unlike Earth-One or Earth-Two, Earth-X is defined by its alternate historical trajectory: the Axis powers emerged victorious in WWII, and the Nazi regime continues to dominate global affairs well into the 20th century. Some of the unique things about the dimension is that there were no native superheroes originally existed on Earth-X. The planet’s defenders are immigrants from Earth-Two, led by the patriotic spirit Uncle Sam. The world is locked in a perpetual struggle between fascist control and scattered resistance movements. To combat the oppressive regime, Uncle Sam formed the Freedom Fighters, a ragtag team of heroes from other Earths who chose to stay and fight that includes: The Ray, Phantom Lady, Black Condor, Doll Man, Human Bomb, and Red Bee. Doll Man was mentioned in season one of Peacemaker. These characters came from DC’s acquisition of Quality Comics similar to how Peacemaker was part of DC’s acquisition of Charlton Comics. If this is the direction James Gunn is going in season two, and the clues so far do point in this general direction, this would not be the first time we’ve seen Earth X represented in live action. The Arrowverse did a crossover event called Crisis on Earth-X which introduced us to variations of characters like Green Arrow and Supergirl and brought the Ray to television screens. While this remains to be just speculation, the reality that Peacemaker is visiting does have a few oddities to it that are leading fans to this idea including how Chris along with his dad and brother are revered when Auggie was an over-the-top racist in the main DCU. And then if you look closely when Chris is in that reality you’ll notice an extreme lack of diversity among the background actors where Gunn is known for the opposite in his other projects. While this may not end up being Earth-X, it does feel like Gunn is setting up a twist that will pull the rug out from under Peacemaker.     

The first night of the 2025 Creative Arts Emmy Awards lit up the Peacock Theater in downtown Los Angeles with a celebration of television’s behind-the-scenes brilliance and standout guest performances. While the Primetime Emmys are still a week away, this precursor event honored the artisans, designers, and guest stars who bring depth and texture to the small screen. Here’s a breakdown of the biggest winners and standout moments from Night One: 1. The Studio (Apple TV+) – 9 Wins Apple TV+’s satirical drama The Studio dominated the evening, taking home nine trophies. Among its accolades: <!--[if !supportLists]-->·         <!--[endif]-->Outstanding Contemporary Costumes for a Series <!--[if !supportLists]-->·         <!--[endif]-->Production Design for a Narrative Contemporary Program <!--[if !supportLists]-->·         <!--[endif]-->Guest Actor in a Drama Series – Bryan Cranston 2. The Penguin (HBO) – 8 Wins HBO’s gritty crime drama The Penguin followed closely with eight awards, showcasing its technical prowess: <!--[if !supportLists]-->·         <!--[endif]-->Contemporary Makeup (Non-Prosthetic) <!--[if !supportLists]-->·         <!--[endif]-->Prosthetic Makeup <!--[if !supportLists]-->·         <!--[endif]-->Contemporary Costumes for a Limited Series <!--[if !supportLists]-->·         <!--[endif]-->Hairstyling <!--[if !supportLists]-->·         <!--[endif]-->Sound Editing and Mixing <!--[if !supportLists]-->·         <!--[endif]-->Special Visual Effects 3. Severance (Apple TV+) – 6 Wins The psychological thriller Severance continued its critical streak: <!--[if !supportLists]-->·         <!--[endif]-->Production Design <!--[if !supportLists]-->·         <!--[endif]-->Guest Actress in a Drama Series – Merritt Wever 4. Arcane (Netflix) – 4 Wins The animated series Arcane impressed with: <!--[if !supportLists]-->·         <!--[endif]-->Outstanding Animated Program <!--[if !supportLists]-->·         <!--[endif]-->Character Voice-Over Performance – Julie Andrews <!--[if !supportLists]-->·         <!--[endif]-->Background and Color Design Notable Guest Acting Wins <!--[if !supportLists]-->·         <!--[endif]-->Bryan Cranston (The Studio) – Guest Actor in a Drama Series <!--[if !supportLists]-->·         <!--[endif]-->Julianne Nicholson (Hacks) – Guest Actress in a Comedy Series <!--[if !supportLists]-->·         <!--[endif]-->Shawn Hatosy (The Pitt) – Guest Actor in a Comedy Series <!--[if !supportLists]-->·         <!--[endif]-->Merritt Wever (Severance) – Guest Actress in a Drama Series Craft and Design Highlights <!--[if !supportLists]-->·         <!--[endif]-->Bridgerton dazzled with a win for Outstanding Period Costumes <!--[if !supportLists]-->·         <!--[endif]-->House of the Dragon earned recognition for Fantasy/Sci-Fi Makeup <!--[if !supportLists]-->·         <!--[endif]-->Andor took home awards for Costumes, Production Design, and Picture Editing With Night Two set to continue the celebration of television’s finest in writing, casting, and editing, the Creative Arts Emmys have already set a high bar. And with The Studio, The Penguin, and Severance leading the charge, the Primetime Emmys promise a thrilling showdown.  

The DC Universe is expanding rapidly, and with James Gunn’s announcement of Man of Tomorrow—the next chapter in the Superman Saga—fans are dissecting every social media breadcrumb for clues. One of the most intriguing reactions came from Lanterns star Aaron Pierre, whose subtle comment has ignited speculation that his portrayal of John Stewart may leap from HBO Max to the big screen. James Gunn revealed Man of Tomorrow will hit theaters on July 9, 2027, featuring returning stars David Corenswet as Superman and Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor. Though Gunn clarified it’s not a direct sequel to Superman (2025), the film is expected to be a major ensemble piece, continuing the “Superman Saga” with a broader Justice Gang presence. Aaron Pierre, who is set to debut as John Stewart in HBO’s Lanterns next year, responded to Gunn’s Instagram post with a simple but tantalizing comment: “Yes, indeed!”. While brief, the timing and context of the comment—especially as a reply to Hawkgirl actress Isabela Merced’s “See you soon”—suggest Pierre may be hinting at his involvement in Man of Tomorrow. Fans immediately latched onto the exchange, interpreting it as a soft confirmation that Stewart will join Superman, Hawkgirl, and potentially other Justice Gang members in the upcoming film. Given Stewart’s prominence in DC lore and his longstanding partnership with Superman in animated series like Justice League Unlimited, the move would make narrative sense. Pierre’s portrayal of John Stewart is already generating buzz ahead of Lanterns, where he stars opposite Kyle Chandler’s Hal Jordan and Nathan Fillion’s Guy Gardner. Stewart is expected to be the emotional anchor of the series, and many believe he’s being positioned as the DCU’s flagship Green Lantern. Pierre’s comment joins a wave of social media teases from other cast members. Isabela Merced, Rachel Brosnahan, and Skyler Gisondo have all hinted at their return, while rumors swirl around appearances by Supergirl, Peacemaker, and even Lobo. Though Gunn has yet to confirm Pierre’s involvement, the director has stated that Man of Tomorrow will feature “a group of characters we’ve already met”—a description that fits Stewart perfectly. 

Marvel fans have been buzzing for weeks, dissecting every cryptic post and offhand comment from Ryan Reynolds in hopes of confirming Deadpool’s involvement in the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday. Now, Reynolds has finally addressed the rumors—and in true Deadpool fashion, he’s left us with more questions than answers. It all began with a seemingly innocuous Instagram post: Reynolds shared an image of the Avengers logo spray-painted with a red “A,” igniting speculation that Deadpool would join the MCU’s biggest ensemble since Endgame. The timing was suspicious—just weeks after Marvel unveiled the Doomsday cast, notably without Reynolds’ name. During a press tour for his new documentary John Candy: I Like Me, Reynolds was asked point-blank about his involvement in Avengers: Doomsday. His response? “There’s four [John Candy Easter eggs] that I’ve got in there. Of course, I’ve written them all at home in my PJs, and nobody’s seen ’em nor have I stepped foot on set. But, yeah, that’s about as far as I’ll go on that one.” It’s a classic Reynolds dodge—playful, vague, and just enough to keep fans guessing. In a separate interview, Reynolds clarified that the red “A” logo wasn’t a tease for Doomsday, but rather a variant flag design from Deadpool & Wolverine that didn’t make the final cut. He explained: “That was just a flag. I came across it and thought, ‘Oh yeah, I loved that flag. The red and black vibe.’” Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige has hinted that not all cast members have been revealed, leaving the door wide open for Reynolds to make a surprise appearance. While Reynolds remains coy, insiders suggest that even if Deadpool doesn’t appear in Doomsday, he may play a pivotal role in Avengers: Secret Wars, the Phase 6 finale. With a solo X-Men project reportedly in development, the Merc with a Mouth isn’t going anywhere. 

It’s a weird weekend at the box office as Weapons returns to first place on its fourth weekend with $12.4M for the four-day stretch. A re-release of the classic Jaws takes second with $9.8M while the two new releases Caught Stealing ($9.5M) and Roses ($8M) take third and fifth respectively. Also on it’s fourth weekend, Freakier Friday pulls in $8.3M for fourth place. The big summer superhero films are hanging on with the Fantastic Four making $6M for seventh place and Superman swooping up another $3.28M even though it has already been released on home consumption. Not quite breaking into the top ten is the Toxic Avengers finally getting a theatrical release and earning $2.2 million over the holiday weekend. 

With the new season of Peacemaker underway, DC fans have been wondering about the announced series set to focus on Amanda Waller, former head of ARGUS and Taskforce X. While on-line scoopers have called the series dead, co-head of DC Studios, James Gunn says that Viola Davis lead series is still in the works. The writer/director of Superman told People, “We’re working on it, so we’ll see what happens. Some things have moved faster than others. Waller’s not been the fastest. But I can’t wait to see Viola put on their Waller pants again.” The series was originally planned to run prior to the second season of Peacemaker, but Gunn has admitted that Waller has been a difficult series to crack and that he wrote the second season of Peacemaker quickly, which is why it came out first. The most recent update had Christal Henry from Watchmen and Doom Patrol creator Jeremy Carver on board to write the series, but those announcements were made a few years back.