DF INTERVIEW: KELLY THOMPSON LAUNCHES A BOOK OF MYSTERY AND FANTASY IN ‘BLACK CLOAK’12/21/22 @ 1:11 am EST
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DF Interview: Kelly Thompson launches a book of mystery and fantasy in ‘Black Cloak’ By Byron BrewerBlade Runner style mixes with Saga-esque drama in a delectable fantasy/sci-fi blend as two Black Cloaks try to solve the murder of a beloved prince in Kiros, the last city in the known world, before his murder tips the city into war.
Eisner Award-winning writer Kelly Thompson heads to Image Comics for the first time with Black Cloak, an all-new series with artist Meredith McClaren! I sat down with the scribe to inquire about the coming book.
Byron Brewer: Kelly, this is quite the mash-up you have here: detective story, fantasy creatures, the supernatural and neo-noir science fiction! Why all of this at once, and tell us how your coming comic Black Cloak utilizes this genre swirl to its strength as a series. Kelly Thompson: I think, quite honestly, it’s all those things at once because those are all my favorite things. And I like the idea of the complications that come for a homicide detective in a futuristic fantasy world. It’s not a conceit we see often and I think there are a lot of interesting angles to it.
Byron: How does it feel to team up again with artist Meredith McClaren? Talk a little about your collaborations. Kelly Thompson: I think Meredith is a genius. A lot of other people get that, but I feel she’s really underrated in our field – she’s got this sharp clean style that’s somehow also soft and inviting and she’s an absolute master of color. Most people who have worked with me know that I am a huge pain when it comes to colors – I have very specific things I like and a lot of things I loathe – but I think Meredith truly has a gift with colors. I don’t know if it’s intuitive or studied but it never stops delighting me. She’s also just a really efficient and smart storyteller and a terrific person.
Byron: I have always gasped at your ability as a comic creator in building interesting worlds, some that were characters unto themselves, seemingly. What type of world can readers expect in Black Cloak? Describe the canvas readers will be walking onto in January as built by Meredith and yourself. Kelly Thompson: Thank you so much. Black Cloak is my favorite kind of world-building, but also the toughest kind. Definitely not the kind of thing you even want to attempt unless you have a strong collaborator like Meredith helping you do it. Black Cloak is essentially a futuristic fantasy world where all of the creatures came together to vanquish a great evil. And they did, they won – but that all feels very far behind them as they all try to live together in relative peace in the last city in the world. Without a common enemy it’s not going so great. Kiros is a walled city that – in theory – is self-sustaining, which means it needs a huge variety of types of neighborhoods, communities, resources. But this isn’t your usual Western-inspired Fantasy city – though we have some of that – we’ve got a heavy dose of more neo-noir Blade Runner stuff that talks more directly to the detective vibes we also have going on.
Byron: Introduce us to your two main protagonists and the challenge(s) that will face them. What are “black cloaks”? Kelly Thompson: Black Cloaks are essentially the detectives of this world – largely feared and not understood by the citizens of Kiros they’re easily identified by black hooded cloaks that they wear. Our two leads Black Cloak Phaedra Essex and Theron II of Pax (Essex and Pax for short!) – Essex is a royal Elf that was mysteriously exiled whereas Pax is a Fairy with a young family to support. They have a great rapport and a lot of trust and love for one another, but the events of this story are going to work very hard to tear them apart.
Byron: Can you clue us in a little to the character of the Prince of Kiros? I realize there is a mystery afoot, but without spoilers how does this particular murder engulf Essex and Pax and how might it lead to war if Kiros is the last city in the known world? Kelly Thompson: So the body that’s discovered in the opening pages – or one of them at least – is a very famous and (mostly) beloved prince called Freyal – who it turns out Essex had a serious past with, prior to her exile. As Essex and Pax try to solve the case, it becomes clear that maybe Freyal knew something important…something dangerous that got him killed.
Byron: Give readers if you will a summary, an extended pitch perhaps, to what we will be seeing in Black Cloak as a series. Kelly Thompson: At its heart Black Cloak is a procedural. We start with a murder mystery and we don’t stop until we unravel that mystery. And how that murder ties to the politics and literal future of Kiros is a big deal. There’s also just the fact that as our Black Cloaks search for answers it’s easy to see that there’s a huge world here just filled with stories. So I hope once we wrap up the opening arc, we’ll pivot to telling more stories from this world. That’s the hope!
Byron: It is known this book involves a different way of doing comics, although I am concentrating this interview mostly on the eventual printed Image ongoing. But in brief, can you explain about this method utilizing Substack? Kelly Thompson: Sure. In Black Cloak’s case it mostly just means that through a Substack grant I was able to fund this book – and for Substack readers (at both free and paid tiers) they’ve not only been able to read pages early, but they’ve seen lots of character designs and behind the scenes processes. It’s been really fun. For people that pick the book up from their local comic shop in January, I think the experience will feel like any other great comic book reading experience – for the people on the Substack, they got to kind of peak behind the curtain of this book.
Byron: Kelly, what other projects do you have coming about which you can tell readers? Kelly Thompson: I am still working on Captain Marvel for Marvel Comics – we’re currently at the beginning of one of our biggest arcs ever – with Carol recruiting some X-Men to fight some Brood in space – and I’m currently preparing for a really fun oversized landmark issue 50 too. I’m also still doing It’s Jeff for Marvel Unlimited although I did hear official word recently that Marvel IS releasing a print edition – I believe in Spring 2023 – so keep your eyes peeled for that! Easily the most exciting thing I’m working on that isn’t Black Cloak is my creator-owned book The Cull with artist/co-creator Mattia De Iulis. We don’t have our print release date yet, but we’re partnered with Image for 2023 and I’d guess that will be late spring maybe?
Dynamic Forces would like to thank Kelly Thompson for taking time out of her busy schedule to answer our questions. Black Cloak #1 from Image Comics is slated to be on sale on January 11th, 2023! 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.
COMIC LEGACY OF JIM SHOOTER07/01/25 @ 3:12 pm EST
Source: Bleeding Cool | Comments (0) | E-mail Article | Add a CommentJim Shooter was a towering figure in the comic book industry—both literally and professionally. He began his career at just 14 years old, writing for DC Comics, where he made a splash with stories for the
Legion of Super-Heroes. His early creations included characters like
Karate Kid,
Ferro Lad, and
Princess Projectra, as well as the villain group
Fatal Five. Here’s a snapshot of his legacy: <!--[if !supportLists]-->· <!--[endif]-->
DC Comics: Started as a teenage writer, contributing to
Adventure Comics and
Action Comics. <!--[if !supportLists]-->· <!--[endif]-->
Marvel Comics: Rose to become
Editor-in-Chief from 1978 to 1987. Under his leadership: <!--[if !supportLists]-->o <!--[endif]-->Oversaw iconic runs like
Uncanny X-Men by Claremont & Byrne,
Daredevil by Frank Miller, and
Thor by Walt Simonson. <!--[if !supportLists]-->o <!--[endif]-->Introduced creator royalties and launched the
Epic imprint for creator-owned work. <!--[if !supportLists]-->o <!--[endif]-->Created the first major crossover event:
Secret Wars. <!--[if !supportLists]-->· <!--[endif]-->
Valiant Comics: Co-founded the publisher in the early '90s, bringing characters like
Solar: Man of the Atom and
Harbinger to life. <!--[if !supportLists]-->· <!--[endif]-->Also founded
Defiant Comics and
Broadway Comics, though both were short-lived. Shooter was known for his strict editorial style, which helped Marvel stay on schedule but also led to clashes with many creators. Despite the friction, his tenure is credited with revitalizing Marvel during a critical period. Jim Shooter passed away on June 30, 2025, at the age of 73. His influence on comics—both in storytelling and industry practices—remains profound.
JAMES GUNN'S SOCIAL MEDIA MOVE SPARKS WONDER WOMAN SPECULATION07/01/25 @ 2:50 pm EST
Source: Deadline | Comments (0) | E-mail Article | Add a CommentIn the ever-watchful world of fandom sleuthing, even a simple Instagram follow can ignite a firestorm of speculation. That’s exactly what happened when filmmaker and DC Studios co-head
James Gunn followed actress Adria Arjona on Instagram—a move that fans quickly interpreted as a hint she might be cast as the next Wonder Woman. But Gunn was quick to clarify: “
I followed Adria on Instagram, but everybody came out, ‘He just followed her, that means she’s Wonder Woman!’” he said in a recent interview with
Extra. “
She’d be a great Wonder Woman, by the way. But she was in a movie that I made seven years ago. We’ve been friends and have known each other since that time. I followed her then, I didn’t just follow her.” The film Gunn referred to is
The Belko Experiment (2016), which he produced and in which Arjona appeared. Their professional relationship and friendship date back to that project, making the social media follow less of a casting clue and more of a long-standing connection. Still, Gunn’s comment that Arjona “
would be a great Wonder Woman” has only fueled fan enthusiasm. With a new Wonder Woman film currently in development and the DC Universe undergoing a major reboot, speculation remains high—even if Gunn insists fans shouldn’t read too much into his Instagram activity.
ROB MCELHENNEY DECIDES TO CHANGE NAME06/28/25 @ 2:09 pm EST
Source: Variety | Comments (0) | E-mail Article | Add a CommentIn a move that blends personal branding with practical necessity,
It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia star and co-creator
Rob McElhenney has officially filed to change his name to
Rob Mac. The decision, confirmed by McElhenney himself, marks a significant shift for the actor, writer, and entrepreneur whose surname has long been a source of confusion—and comedy. McElhenney, whose last name has famously stumped fans and media alike (despite
Ryan Reynolds’ musical pronunciation tutorial), cited global business expansion as the primary reason. As his company,
More Better Industries, continues to invest internationally—including ventures in Colombia and Mexico—he found that “McElhenney” was often mispronounced or misunderstood. “As our business and our storytelling is expanding into other regions of the world and other languages in which my name is even harder to pronounce, I’m just going by Rob Mac,” he told
Variety. Interestingly, the name “Mac” isn’t just a simplification—it’s also a nod to his iconic
Always Sunny character, known simply as Mac. It’s a full-circle moment that blends his personal identity with his pop culture persona. The name change is already being reflected in FX press materials for both
It’s Always Sunny and
Welcome to Wrexham, the Emmy-winning docuseries chronicling McElhenney and Reynolds’ ownership of Wrexham AFC.
DOCTOR ODYSSEY SINKS AT ABC06/28/25 @ 1:59 pm EST
Source: Variety | Comments (0) | E-mail Article | Add a CommentABC has officially pulled the plug on
Doctor Odyssey, the high-concept medical drama from prolific creator Ryan Murphy, after just one season. The show, which followed a team of doctors navigating emergencies aboard a luxury cruise ship, will not return for a second voyage. Premiering in fall 2024,
Doctor Odyssey starred
Joshua Jackson as Dr. Max Bankman, alongside
Phillipa Soo,
Sean Teale, and
Don Johnson. The series blended medical drama with high-seas spectacle, drawing comparisons to
The Love Boat with a modern, campy twist. Its trailer broke records with 77.8 million views in 48 hours, and the premiere drew 13.6 million cross-platform viewers. Despite the flashy debut and a loyal cult following, the show struggled to maintain momentum. Ratings dipped over the season, and its linear performance lagged behind other ABC dramas. While ABC has yet to issue a formal cancellation statement, the cast contracts are expiring on Monday with no sign of renewal and the sets are being dismantled. And while the ship has sailed on ABC, Ryan Murphy retains creative control and could potentially revive the series elsewhere, such as Hulu, where it performed well on streaming platforms.
THE BATMAN PART II SCRIPT APPEARS TO BE DONE06/27/25 @ 2:45 pm EST
Source: Twitter | Comments (0) | E-mail Article | Add a CommentIs
The Batman Part II script finally done? It appears so. Writer/Director
Matt Reeves just posted to social media a blurry picture of himself and co-writer
Mattson Tomlin that shows the title page for a script with the logo from
The Batman and appears to have the title "The Batman: Part II". Co-head of DC Studios
James Gunn said recently that he was expecting to get the script soon but denied that the deadline had already passed. If the script is complete and ready to move forward, it is still in plenty of time to make the current release date of October 2027. This should be good news to fans of the director and franchise and also to actor
Robert Pattinson who had commented recently that he was worrying he was going to age out of the role if it took too much longer.
REACHER SEASON 4 SEES MAJOR ROLE RECASTING06/26/25 @ 3:35 pm EST
Source: Deadline | Comments (0) | E-mail Article | Add a CommentPrime Video’s hit action-thriller
Reacher is shaking things up for its fourth season, and one of the most notable changes is the addition of Christopher Rodriguez-Marquette to the cast. The
Barry actor steps into the role of Jacob Merrick, a small-town policeman, in a recasting that follows the departure of Jay Baruchel due to personal reasons. Rodriguez-Marquette’s casting came together at lightning speed—he was reportedly selected the same day the role breakdown was released and flown to set within days. His character, Merrick, is said to play a significant role in the upcoming season, which adapts Lee Child’s 13th Jack Reacher novel,
Gone Tomorrow. The story kicks off with a tense encounter on a train that spirals into a deadly conspiracy involving powerful enemies. Season 4 also welcomes a host of new faces, including Sydelle Noel, Agnez Mo, Anggun, Kevin Corrigan, Kevin Weisman, Marc Blucas, and Kathleen Robertson. Alan Ritchson returns as the titular Jack Reacher, with Maria Sten reprising her role as Frances Neagley. Rodriguez-Marquette brings a diverse résumé to the series, with recent appearances in
Barry,
Mozart in the Jungle, and indie films like
Grind and
Fear, Inc..
DENIS VILLENEUVE TAPPED TO DIRECT THE NEXT JAMES BOND FILM06/26/25 @ 3:28 pm EST
Source: Deadline | Comments (0) | E-mail Article | Add a CommentIn a move that’s sending ripples through both Hollywood and Her Majesty’s Secret Service, acclaimed filmmaker Denis Villeneuve has officially been named the director of the next James Bond movie. This marks the first 007 installment under Amazon MGM Studios’ creative leadership, following their acquisition of the franchise’s rights in 2022. Villeneuve, the visionary behind
Dune,
Arrival, and
Blade Runner 2049, brings a reputation for cerebral storytelling and breathtaking visuals. His appointment signals a bold new chapter for the Bond saga—one that may blend the franchise’s signature espionage thrills with a deeper, more atmospheric tone. “Some of my earliest movie-going memories are connected to 007,” Villeneuve said in a statement. “I grew up watching James Bond films with my father, ever since
Dr. No with Sean Connery. I’m a die-hard Bond fan. To me, he’s sacred territory. I intend to honor the tradition and open the path for many new missions to come”. The film will be produced by Amy Pascal and David Heyman, with Villeneuve also serving as executive producer alongside Tanya Lapointe. While no release date has been announced, production is expected to begin after Villeneuve completes work on
Dune: Part Three, slated for release in late 2026. As for who will don the tuxedo next, speculation continues to swirl. Aaron Taylor-Johnson remains a frontrunner, but no official casting has been confirmed.
RUSSELL CROWE JOINS THE IMMORTAL RANKS IN ‘HIGHLANDER’ REBOOT06/22/25 @ 1:53 pm EST
Source: Deadline | Comments (0) | E-mail Article | Add a CommentOscar-winner
Russell Crowe has officially joined the upcoming
Highlander reboot, stepping into the iconic role of Ramirez — the immortal mentor originally portrayed by
Sean Connery in the 1986 cult classic. Crowe will star opposite
Henry Cavill, who leads the film as Connor MacLeod, a centuries-old Scottish warrior caught in a secret war among immortals. The film is being helmed by
John Wick director
Chad Stahelski and is set for a theatrical release under Amazon MGM Studios and United Artists. As Crowe himself cryptically posted on social media: “Yes... it’s true... I shall be returning to the highlands... with a sword... it has been a few centuries... there can be only one”. The reboot aims to reimagine the
Highlander mythology for a new generation, blending historical flashbacks with modern-day action. Stahelski has teased a sweeping narrative that spans from the 1500s Highlands to futuristic cities like New York and Hong Kong, promising a mix of martial arts, swordplay, and emotional depth. Production is slated to begin this fall in London, with a release window eyed for 2026.
JAMES HAWES TEASES A GRITTY, COSMIC RIDE IN DC’S LANTERNS SERIES06/21/25 @ 2:46 pm EST
Source: The Hashtag Show | Comments (0) | E-mail Article | Add a CommentAs production nears completing for DC Studios’ upcoming HBO series
Lanterns, director
James Hawes is offering fans a glimpse into what’s shaping up to be one of the most ambitious entries in the new DC Universe. Helming the first two episodes, Hawes describes the show as a genre-bending blend of grounded mystery and cosmic spectacle — a “buddy cop movie” with a distinctly American heart. In recent interviews, Hawes emphasized that while the series begins with a gritty, earthbound tone reminiscent of
True Detective, it eventually “goes intergalactic”. “The scripts have so much wit, so much character,” he said, likening the tone to a fusion of
Fargo,
No Country for Old Men, and yes,
True Detective — but with Green Lanterns who can fly. Set in Nebraska, the story follows veteran Lantern Hal Jordan (
Kyle Chandler) and his new recruit John Stewart (
Aaron Pierre) as they investigate a seemingly isolated murder that spirals into a much larger conspiracy. Hawes promises that the show won’t disappoint longtime fans of the Green Lantern mythos, while also inviting in a new audience by introducing the characters in a “rooted way” before launching into the cosmic unknown. The cast is stacked with talent, including
Nathan Fillion reprising his role as Guy Gardner,
Kelly Macdonald as a small-town sheriff, and
Ulrich Thomsen as the iconic rogue Sinestro. The series is co-written by
Chris Mundy (
Ozark),
Damon Lindelof (
Watchmen), and
Tom King, with Hawes praising the writing team for crafting a sophisticated narrative that balances humor, character, and high-stakes drama.
Lanterns is slated for an early 2026 premiere on HBO and will consist of eight episodes with filming expected to wrap soon.
THUNDERBOLTS DIRECTOR TO TAKE ON MARVEL'S MUTANTS06/21/25 @ 2:37 pm EST
Source: Deadline | Comments (0) | E-mail Article | Add a CommentMarvel Studios has officially announced that
Jake Schreier, known for his work on the film
Thunderbolts, has been tapped to direct the highly anticipated
X-Men reboot. Schreier's appointment comes after months of speculation and rumors. His previous work on
Thunderbolts received critical acclaim, despite the film's mixed box office performance. The decision to bring Schreier on board signals Marvel's commitment to revitalizing the X-Men franchise with fresh perspectives and innovative storytelling. The X-Men have a rich history in both comics and film, and fans are eager to see how Schreier will interpret these iconic characters. The director's vision for the X-Men is expected to blend the classic elements that fans love with new and exciting twists. One of the key challenges Schreier will face is balancing the expectations of long-time X-men fans with the need to attract new audiences. The X-Men films have a dedicated fan base, and any changes to the beloved characters and storylines will be closely scrutinized. In addition to directing, Schreier will be working closely with Marvel Studios President
Kevin Feige and screenwriter
Michael Lesslie on the script. As the MCU continues to expand, the introduction of the X-Men is a significant milestone. The mutants' arrival in the MCU opens up a wealth of storytelling possibilities and potential crossovers with other Marvel characters. The release date for the X-Men reboot has not yet been announced.
