It's no laughing matter!

THR reports that Zazie Beetz is in talks to join Joaquin Phoenix in Joker, the stand-alone origin project from Warner Bros. and The Hangover helmer Todd Phillips.

While details of the script are being kept under wraps, if a deal is made, Beetz would play a single mother who catches the interest of the man who will become the "clown prince of crime."

BOOM! Studios today unveiled a first look at FIREFLY #3, arriving in comic book shops on January 16th. New York Times best-selling writer Greg Pak (Star Wars, Ronin Island) and artist Dan McDaid (Judge Dredd), along with series creator & story consultant Joss Whedon (the visionary writer/director behind Buffy The Vampire Slayer, Marvel’s The Avengers and more) continue the iconic worldwide pop culture phenomenon’s sold-out return to comic books in partnership with 20th Century Fox Consumer Products.

As the crew learns the shocking truth about the actions of their leaders in the Unification War, they find themselves splintered and more vulnerable than ever to the Unificators . . . and an enemy they never expected. Now, discover the untold origin of their leader Boss Moon as she puts her plan into effect to extract revenge on the two people who ruined her life – Mal and Zoe.

FIREFLY #3 features a main cover by Lee Garbett (Skyward), along with variant covers by Garbett, Joe Quinones (America) and Marguerite Sauvage (Archie).

“We’ve always known that Mal and Zoe had to make tough decisions during the Unification war, but Boss Moon is the living embodiment of the consequences. As we learn more about her connection to the captain and his first officer, we’ll also see that sometimes the lines between heroes and villains is even thinner than we ever imagined,” said Jeanine Schaefer, Executive Editor, BOOM! Studios. “Firefly has always explored the nuances of the people we choose as family and how we forgive the past without forgetting it. This is the issue where we’ll see just how strong the bond between the crew really is – and discover more about the past that has defined Mal and Zoe.”

Created by Whedon and set 500 years in the future in the wake of a universal civil war,FIREFLY centers on the crew of Serenity, a small transport spaceship that doesn't have a planet to call home. Captain Malcolm "Mal" Reynolds, a defeated soldier who opposed the unification of the planets by the totalitarian governed Alliance, will undertake any job — legal or not — to stay afloat and keep his crew fed. Thrust together by necessity but staying together out of loyalty, these disparate men and women are seeking adventure and the good life, but face constant challenges on the new frontier, such as avoiding capture by the Alliance, and evading the dangers you find on the fringes of the universe.

FIREFLY #3 is available January 16th exclusively in comic shops (usecomicshoplocator.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 the BOOM! Studios app.

Available now, Firefly: Legacy Edition Book One collects previously released Serenity comics for the first time under one cover in a new value-priced format as Mal & the crew ride again in these official sequels to the critically acclaimed Firefly television series and Serenity film.

FIREFLY is the latest release from BOOM! Studios’ eponymous imprint, home to a world-class group of licensed comic book series and ambitious original series, including Joss Whedon’s Buffy The Vampire Slayer, Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, Planet of the Apes, Abbott, Mech Cadet Yu, Grass Kings, and Klaus.

Disney/Marvel Studios' accomplished Black Panther film has garnered a dozen Critics Choice Awards nominations, the second-most of any film this year. (It trails only The Favourite, which has earned a total of 14.)

Black Panther has been nominated for Best Picture, Best Supporting Actor (Michael B. Jordan), Best Acting Ensemble, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Cinematography, Best Production Design, Best Costume Design, Best Hair and Makeup, Best Visual Effects, Best Action Movie, Best Song ("All the Stars"), and Best Score. Marvel's other massive blockbuster, Avengers: Infinity War, only shared two nominations with Black Panther - Best Visual Effects and Best Action Movie. Disney’s Mary Poppins Returns earned nine nominations.

Winners will be revealed at the 24th annual Critics’ Choice Awards gala, broadcast on The CW Network on Sunday, Jan. 13, 2019. (via Variety)

A complete list of nominations may be found by clicking here.

Legendary Pictures has released a new trailer for Godzilla: King of the Monsters.

The film opens in theaters on May 31, 2019.

Trailer: https://youtu.be/rUwGwwffu30

VAMPIRONICA #5

Veronica must endure a series of brutal challenges in order to put a stop to the vampirism that’s taken over Riverdale once and for all. But what surprises await her back at the Lodge mansion?

Script: Greg and Meg Smallwood
Art: Greg Scott, Matt Herms, Jack Morelli
Cover: Greg Smallwood
Variant Covers: Francesco Francavilla, Matthew Taylor
On Sale Date: 12/12
32-page, full color comic
$3.99 U.S.

The Eisner Award-winning team of Greg Rucka (BLACK MAGICK, THE OLD GUARD, Gotham Central) and Michael Lark (Daredevil, Gotham Central) will release LAZARUS: RISEN #1, which kicks off a new story arc in a new prestige format and with a new quarterly schedule, this March.

Weighing in at 64 pages and packed with extras, LAZARUS: RISEN #1 continues the story of Forever and the Carlyle Family. Two years have passed since they were betrayed in battle, and the Conclave War now encroaches on every side. As a new era dawns, Johanna Carlyle goes on the attack to ensure the survival of her Family, relying on the loyalty and support of the Carlyle Lazarus—her sister, Forever. And while their united front may be enough to turn the tide, the cracks are beginning to show...

“Forever’s journey has entered a new phase,” said Rucka, “and we wanted the title to reflect not just that, but all things LAZARUS present and future. We’re excited to finally get to share this next chapter!”

LAZARUS: RISEN #1 will be available on Wednesday, March 13th.

LAZARUS will also be available for purchase across many digital platforms, including the official Image Comics iOS app, Amazon Kindle, Apple Books, comiXology, and Google Play. Fans can also subscribe to receive the series delivered by mail within the domestic U.S. on Image Direct.

Valiant Entertainment is proud to announce that Director of Sales Matthew Klein has been promoted to VP of Sales & Marketing. In his new role, Klein will focus on pushing Valiant's Sales and Marketing efforts to new heights while crafting short and long-term strategies to grow the brand and expand relationships with fans, retailers, and press.

“Matthew is one of the most passionate, creative, and hard-working people I know,” said Publisher Fred Pierce. “His drive is second to none and he's already generating brilliant ideas for 2019 and beyond. When you speak with Matthew for even just a minute about the industry, it's easy to see why he's the perfect person for the job."

Klein, who made his bones at Forbidden Planet, one of the busiest comic book stores in Manhattan, originally joined Valiant as a Sales Manager in 2014. His enthusiasm for the Valiant Universe and inventive approaches to promoting its characters to retail partners and comic book fans earned him the title of Director of Sales. While Klein continued his focus on Sales, he also began playing a significant role in the creation of new Marketing tactics, including collaborative opportunities with the press, email campaigns, and help in shaping the message for upcoming titles and entire slates.

"I am honored to take on these new responsibilities and expand my role working with the best team I could ever hope for," said Klein. "Valiant will continue striving to become known as the publisher with the personal touch to retailers, fans, and our wonderful partners in all forms of media. I am so excited for the innovation and ambition Valiant will use in 2019 and beyond to let everyone know that the best comics in the industry have compass points on the cover."

ARCHIE 1941 #4 (OF 5)

Archie is headed into action while the world watches and waits. Meanwhile, times are tough at home in Riverdale, while shortages are leading to impending rations, tensions are mounting. However, despite an uncertain future, unexpected relationships begin to form.

Script: Mark Waid and Brian Augustyn
Art: Peter Krause, Kelly Fitzpatrick, Jack Morelli
Cover: Peter Krause, Kelly Fitzpatrick
Variant Covers: Jon Lam, Cory Smith
On Sale Date: 1/2
32-page, full color comic
$3.99 U.S.



Cover by Peter Krause









Artwork by Peter Krause & Kelly Fitzpatrick

JUGHEAD: THE HUNGER #11

The monstrous conclusion of "Frankenmoose Meets the Wolf Jug"! Who will win the battle of Riverdale's answer to Universal's classic movie monsters? Find out in this issue—as well as who, or what, might be returning from the grave...


Script: Frank Tieri
Art: Joe Eisma, Matt Herms, Jack Morelli
Cover: Adam Gorham
Variant Covers: Sandy Jarrell, Cory Smith w/ Rosario “Tito” Peña
On Sale Date: 1/2
32-page, full color comic
$3.99 U.S.



Cover by Adam Gorham











Art by Joe Eisma and Matt Herms

The movie so nice, it's in theaters twice!

The kid-friendly (or 13-ish friendly) iteration of the earlier Deadpool 2, Once Upon A Deadpool, will play a limited holiday theatrical engagement Dec. 12 through Dec. 24. And 20th Century Fox has released a new trailer to remind us of the fact, and a whole lot more.

Catch the Merc with the Mouth's new trailer here: https://youtu.be/7aGXNQ-3EQc

Years ago, photojournalist Phil Sheldon reported an unprecedented story spanning the history of the Marvel Universe – from larger-than-life battles in New York City to incredible Super Heroes soaring through the sky – through his own eyes, changing the way the world looked at the Marvel Universe. Lauded as “a classic and watershed moment for the industry” by IGN and “a landmark” by Publisher’s Weekly, join us next year to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Kurt Busiek and Alex Ross’ groundbreaking and critically-acclaimed series MARVELS.

MARVELS ANNOTATED:In February, don’t miss the MARVELS ANNOTATED series kicking off with never-before-seen commentary from Kurt Busiek and Alex Ross. Read the original MARVELS series with new covers and insight from the creators themselves.

MARVELS VARIANT COVERS:Marvel will release exclusive monthly MARVELS 25th anniversary variant covers, painted by the legendary Alex Ross, starting with FANTASTIC FOUR #6 in January, TONY STARK: IRON MAN #9 in February, and THE IMMORTAL HULK #15 in March! Later in June, 20 artists will come together to pay tribute in a MARVELS 25thanniversary homage variant program across Marvel’s most popular titles.

MARVELS REMASTERED:As part of the anniversary, MARVELS has also been remastered and reprinted in a trade paperback for fans to enjoy, on sale now!

MARVELS ANNOTATED #1 (OF 4) ALEX ROSS & KURT BUSIEK (W) • ALEX ROSS (A/C) VIRGIN VARIANT COVER BY ALEX ROSS VARIANT COVER BY PAOLO RIVERA

Celebrating the 25th anniversary of the series that changed the way we look at super heroes, the landmark MARVELS is back! In the year 1939, young photojournalist Phil Sheldon attends the sensational unveiling of the fiery android Human Torch — little knowing he is witnessing the dawn of the Age of Marvels! Prepare to relive Marvel’s Golden Age from a whole new point of view as Phil covers the superhuman sightings of the 1930s and 1940s — from the terror caused by the Human Torch’s epic clash with the Sub-Mariner to the patriotism stirred by the debut of Captain America and more! Packed with extras and completely remastered, you don’t want to miss this unique look back at the MARVELS phenomenon! Collecting MARVELS #0-1.

MARVELS ANNOTATED #2 (OF 4) ALEX ROSS & KURT BUSIEK (W) • ALEX ROSS (A/C) VIRGIN VARIANT COVER BY ALEX ROSS VARIANT COVER BY PAOLO RIVERA

Celebrating the 25th anniversary of the series that changed the way we look at super heroes, the landmark MARVELS is back — with all-new commentary from comic book masters Kurt Busiek and Alex Ross! Phil Sheldon, photographer for the Daily Bugle, trains his eagle eye on the birth of the Marvels — from Earth’s Mightiest Heroes assembling as the Avengers to the wedding of Mister Fantastic and the Invisible Girl. But when the X-Men’s public debut brings about a surge of anti-mutant hysteria, the issue hits home for Phil in a very personal way! Packed with extras and completely remastered, you don’t want to miss this unique look back at the MARVELS phenomenon! Collecting MARVELS #2.