Archie Comic Publications and Warner Bros. Television have signed an exclusive deal to develop new original programming and content based on Archie’s vast catalog of characters and properties, as revealed earlier today by The Hollywood Reporter.
Following years of daring and fan-favorite comic books including the DEATH OF ARCHIE, AFTERLIFE WITH ARCHIE, and the blockbuster ARCHIE relaunch by Mark Waid and Fiona Staples, the new production deal with Warner Bros. Television is the culmination of years of work by Jon Goldwater and the staff and freelancers of Archie Comics to bring the classic comic book characters forward into the present day.
Archie Comics CEO/Publisher Jon Goldwater told The Hollywood Reporter:
For years, people have been saying ‘Wow, Archie is making moves. They’re fearless. They’re trying new things.’ This is what happened next. We were redefining the brand by being daring and by, at the same time, protecting the integrity of the characters. As long as Archie is Archie and his friends are true to their characters, you can do anything with them. That’s what really opened up people’s eyes to their potential, and it’s a direct path to where we are today, which is having a Riverdale TV series on the CW and a new deal with Warners. The sky’s the limit here.
The reinvention of the publishing line at Archie Comics continues as ARCHIE writer Mark Waid will be brought further into the fold by working on an expanded number of titles in addition to serving as a writing mentor for young and upcoming talent.
Waid said:
This opportunity is exciting to me for a number of reasons. First, the chance to expand my role as a writer at Archie is terrific as we all share the same storytelling goals. Second, it allows me to exercise my editorial muscles, which–surprise–is why I got into comics in the first place. But most of all, the opportunity to help build a more diverse staff of writers, younger, eager to learn, and eager to teach me.
Waid’s first step in this new role will begin in May as he takes over the ongoing JUGHEAD series alongside new co-writer Ian Flynn (SONIC THE HEDGEHOG, MEGA MAN, ARCHIE BABIES). Additional titles and co-writers will be revealed later this year.
Batwoman certainly has a popularity amongst DC Comics fans, and has had a few critically acclaimed series. However, whenever she headlines a book, it never seems to last very long. This has lead her into comic book limbo a few times. Detective Comics has provided her a home these past few months, but now she’s ready to headline her own series again. So, how does her “Rebirth” issue hold up?
Writing
Marguerite Bennett and James Tynion IV are cowriting this series together; Bennet will take over Batwoman after the first arc. The two writers crafted a very strong reorientation comic for Batwoman, AKA Katherine Kane, that visits key moments in her life, and sets up an engaging cliffhanger for future stories. Bennet and Tynion have a fondness for the character, and give her even more depth in such a few panels. The comic is designed to give readers a full map of Katherine Kane, and the two writers do so in a way that feels effortless. If you’ve never read a Batwoman comic, don’t worry. This will give you all the information you need. But it leads our heroine down a path for her future comic. That being said, some of the dialogue comes off as a tad stilted, and Batwoman is oddly a little passive. Those are nitpicks however, they don’t bring down the comic at all.
Art
Steve Epting and Ben Oliver bring a unique aesthetic to Batwoman. One that is somehow both slick and gritty at the same time. The character designs are smooth and crisp, but the backgrounds have a grainy, dark effect to them. It creates an unsettling mood around these characters. The use of red in particular is handled well to highlight key memories and moments. One scene toward the beginning is especially brutal. It all adds to a fantastic Noir motif. It’s visually fantastic, and creates the right tone for a Batwoman comic.
Conclusion
Batwoman Rebirth #1 is the perfect comic for fans who have never read a comic featuring Katherine Kane. For long time fans it may feel like retreading old territory, but if we can see Krypton blow up a thousand times then we can see Batwoman’s origin one more time. Really what makes the comic work is how much they explore very specific moments in Katherine Kane’s past. There a few cracks, but overall it’s a fantastic story that I’m excited to see more of in the future. Another must buy from DC Rebirth.
Super Sons #1 has been one of DC Rebirth’s most anticipated series. It was delayed, but nicely previewed in the Superman series, and fans were excited to see Jonathan Kent and Damien Wayne partner up. The son of Superman and the son of Batman are ready to step into the spotlight and work together. So how is this first issue for the sons of the most iconic superheroes ever?
Writing
Peter J. Tomasi, writer of the Superman series, brings a delightful sense of charm and wit to Robin and Superboy. What’s great about these characters is that, despite their circumstances and abilities, Tomasi writes them as kids. Kids with very different perspectives. Jonathan comes off as overly naive and innocent, while Damien is stubborn and thinks he understands the world. The two work off each other great and have a fun chemistry. We also get to see them in their home environments; juxtaposing the young heroes upbringings. Superman is nurturing and caring; Batman is tough and disciplined. This comic is absolutely a recommendation for kids, as it has a great sense of humor as well as some fun action. The book does dip its toes in a little bit of the Rebirth continuity, but it isn’t overwhelming.
Art
Jorge Jimenez is the artist and Alejandro Sanchez is the colorist for this monthly series, and they could not have been better choices. Jimenez brings a vibrant, dynamic, and stylish approach to the tales of these two young heroes. Each panel pops with color thanks to Sanchez, the action scenes carry a sense of movement, and the whole book feels kid friendly. That certainly isn’t a mark against the book, but rather a highlight. It’s a fantastic style to go for with these characters. Definitely worth a pick up just for the art alone, but the art lends itself brilliantly to the humor and storyline.
Conclusion
This first issue is an absolute must buy. It’s funny, well thought out, and really goes deep into these wonderful characters. As the introduction to Robin and Superboy, it does everything right. It sets up the most important characters, their relationship, gives the reader an intriguing hook, and then ends on a cliffhanger. This comic cannot be recommended highly enough. Pick it up ASAP and be ready for the start of a great ride for this dynamic duo.
If you’re like me, you fell off the Pokemon GO train months ago. The game was a blast for about two months, but then, it just became dull. Well, it seems as though Niantic took notice, as they are rolling out a major update to the app this week.
Baby Pokemon from the Johto region were added in December. However, now, the full list of those Pokemon, which includes 80 creatures, are set to be included in the game.
In addition to these new Pokemon, the update will include evolution items, berries, more outfit customization, and more.
“While catching Pokémon, Trainers can use two new Berries—the Nanab Berry, which slows a Pokémon’s movements, and the Pinap Berry, which doubles the amount of Candy received if the next catch attempt succeeds. Trainers will also be able to customize their avatar’s appearance with a new selection of hats, shirts, pants, and other items. Additional items will be available for purchase from the in-game Pokémon GO shop.”
Although this will surely get some players back in the game, it will still lack many features that franchise die-hards like myself just can’t ignore; how can you have a Pokemon game without shinies, proper battling, or even trading between other players? This update is a step in the right direction, but the game is nowehere near the level it should be. I’m expecting a lot from a free app, but it’s because I want this brand to succeed.
What are your thoughts on this major update to Pokemon GO? Will it get you playing the game again, or are you one of the few that never stopped playing? If this update doesn’t do it for you, what features need to be added to grab your interest again? Leave us your thoughts in the comments below!
Aliens on Earth. Black Ops and Intel. Scientific experiments on people. Hybridization. Secret power structures…On an alternate Earth, all these elements will come together in a bold new interpretation of now classic concepts and characters. Welcome to ‘The Wild Storm’!
The Wild Storm #1
Written by: Warren Ellis
Art by: Jon Davis-Hunt
Colors by: Ivan Plascencia
Published by: DC Comics
Writing
For comic book fans, neither writer Warren Ellis nor the Wildstorm Universe needs much an introduction. When paired together previously, they gave birth to some of the biggest characters and properties in comics today (I’m thinking specifically about The Authority, Midnighter, and Apollo). So bringing in Ellis to breath new life into some of the core Wildstorm ideas is a no-brainer. It is, in fact, a perfect match. The first issue brings in Zealot, The Engineer, Jacob Marlowe, Spartan, and Voodoo. IO and “Wetworks” are even mentioned. The whole WildC.A.T.S. crew is being set up and it’s great to see. Getting into details explaining their new roles would be spoiler territory, and really a lot of the pleasure I got from reading this comic was seeing how these concepts were being reintroduced. It’s like hearing a perfect song cover; it’s definitely better heard, or in this case read, than said.
However I will say this, it is excellently paced, and has the biting, satirical, and unique dialog that Warren Ellis fans have come to expect. There are also bad-ass moments, and of course humor. Folks skeptical that Ellis would be phoning it in (as he has at times) need not worry here. This is the writer doing what he does best; cutting edge, concept driven sci-fi that simultaneously feels like it’s from the far-future yet could also happen tomorrow.
Art
Jon Davis-Hunt and Ivan Plascencia are doing high-caliber art here. The storytelling is clean, but not overly glossy. It’s sharp but still feels handcrafted. Subtle details like the shading and panel borders ground what could have been an overly cold comic considering its “high-concept” feel. The characters are also rendered softly, with linework that allows the artist to create emotion in both body language and facial expressions (again a subtlety lost in many mainstream comics, and this IS a mainstream comic).
The color palate is delicate, light, and muted in the best way. It serves to highlight that art and story, not over power it like in so many books today.
Conclusion
If The Wild Storm is an indication of what is to come from this DC imprint, then I am on board. It’s great to see a master scribe like Warren Ellis set loose in his own universe. DC Comics has a great track record with reinvigorating properties by using new imprints and great creators. This looks like another success for them in that line. Pick this up, it will not disappoint.
2016 is a memorable year for comic book films. Especially the likes of Deadpool.
Thanks to Ryan Reynolds and Tim Miller, Deadpool is one of the biggest surprise hit films of all time.
The plot is thus: Wade Wilson meets Vanessa and falls in love. It sure reads like a sappy love story, right?
Wrong.
Wade gets terminal cancer and becomes desperate. An experimental treatment gives him healing abilities. However, it also leaves him with a scarred visage, which can’t be healed.
Unable to face Vanessa, Wade decides to seek out Ajax and have him reverse the process. He becomes a vigilante and takes up the name Deadpool.
Reynolds gives the performance of his career as Deadpool. Having shot to fame doing comedy, the role seems tailor-made for him. He’s not afraid to hide his good looks behind prosthetics. At one point, he quips, “You think Ryan Reynolds got this far on his superior acting talent?”
As Weasel, T.J Miller serves as a good straight man to Reynolds’ wisecracks. He does get in a few great moments, such as describing Deadpool’s face as “an avocado had sex with an older, more disgusting avocado.” His deadpan one-liners make him the perfect foil to Reynolds.
The rest of the cast does well. Moreno Baccarin is a fine love interest as Vanessa, and her witty banter with Reynolds is a major highlight. As Blind Al, Leslie Uggams is one of the biggest surprises, because she is as just as profane as Deadpool. One such scene involves an argument over Ikea furniture. If Fox ever makes a mutant sitcom, Deadpool and Blind Al would be the perfect subject.
Where Deadpool succeeds is the tone. Neither grim or farce, it doesn’t take itself too seriously. Instead, the director embraces the slapstick humour and black comedy. Nor does the movie shy away from its comic origins. We get the mercenary background and the Weapon X treatment. In fact, there’s a brief cameo by a certain henchmen named Bob, who appears in the comics.
Deadpool takes time to make fun of everything. Reynolds mocks action cliches, reality tv, and the X-Men series. In one amusing moment, the actor spoofs his past Green Lantern role by asking for a costume that isn’t CGI. He even gets in a dig at Hugh Jackman by wearing a cut-out of the Wolverine star’s face.
The film also incorporates more of the X-Men mythos. Colossus provides a nice contrast to Deadpool. In a sense, he acts as a foil to Wade Wilson, urging him to join the X-Men. Brian Hildebrand’s Negasonic Teenage Warhead provides a nice amount of deadpan snarky humour. One can only hope that we see her in future films.
Deadpool is one of the best comic book movies of all time. Fox could have the new face of the X-Men franchise on their hands. Since Jackman is retiring, it would be wise to keep Reynolds around.
Not bad for a mercenary who can’t keep his mouth shut.
Making Star Wars has received some possible details regarding a brand new planet that is set to appear in this December’s Star Wars: The Last Jedi. Read an excerpt of the outlet’s article below.
“The way I heard the set described, it was like Mars, a red ground, but covered with a light layer of snow, especially on the banks and rim of a hallway-sized trench. So imagine “Mars if it lightly snowed” is the mantra for this place. We heard the interiors were not unlike Starkiller Base in the sense that you can see the Death Star-style tech and architecture blending in with the rocks and natural environment. The planet is likely a First Order-controlled world and it is hard to not speculate that this is where Hux, Phasma, and Kylo Ren meet up with Supreme Leader Snoke after their failure in Star Wars: The Force Awakens. The on-set ships for this world also make us lean towards this world being the secret base of the First Order, but that’s just a slightly informed guess. We also were able to pinpoint a “Snowtrooper General” on this set as well for a scene description that somewhat matches what came out of Bolivia recently.”
With no firm details on anything related to the new Star Wars film, fans are clamoring for any details they can uncover.
What are your thoughts on the description of a possible new planet in The Last Jedi? Do you think the rumor is legitimate? Be sure to leave your thoughts in the comments below.
Star Wars: The Last Jedi continues the story established in 2015’s The Force Awakens. The cast includes Daisey Ridley, Mark Hamill, John Boyega, Carrie Fisher, Adam Driver, Benicio Del Toro, Oscar Isaac, Gwendoline Christie, Andy Serkis, and Domhnall Gleeson.
As revealed today at Newsarama, Valiant is proud to announce ETERNAL WARRIOR: AWAKENING #1 – a punishing standalone special celebrating 25 years of Valiant’s immortal soldier…and revealing a never-before-told tale of his earliest adventures at the dawn of civilization! On May 10th, take up arms alongside New York Times best-selling writer Robert Venditti (Hal Jordan & The Green Lantern Corps) and acclaimed artist Renato Guedes (Bloodshot Reborn, Wolverine) as they unleash the second of four special issues honoring the most beloved Valiant tales ever with a formative chapter in the life of Gilad Anni-Padda…and celebrating the original ETERNAL WARRIOR #1 by comic legends Jim Shooter and John Dixon!
In speaking with Newsarama, writer Robert Venditti said:
I think there’s a tendency to interpret Gilad as very dark and grim, since he’s been a warrior for, well, eternity. It’s right there in the title. But I see him as an eternal optimist. He believes humanity is far more good than bad, and that the battle of good versus evil will be won one day. Otherwise, what makes him get out of bed and sacrifice so much to keep going? Really, I look at the Eternal Warrior, and beneath all the battles and bloodshed, I see an unending wellspring of hope.
On May 10th, discover the man behind the sword as the Earth’s relentless guardian begins a soul-scorching battle against eternity itself, only in ETERNAL WARRIOR: AWAKENING #1! Featuring covers by superstar artist Clayton Crain (4001 A.D., Carnage), rising star Robert Gill (Book of Death), acclaimed artist Marc Laming (Ninjak), and astonishing artist Jeffrey Veregge (Red Wolf), witness the dawn of the Valiant Universe firsthand with an essential one-shot celebrating 25 years of an indelible comic book icon – the unrelenting Eternal Warrior!
Plus: On April 12th, Valiant’s 25th anniversary celebration starts with a swashbuckling adventure as New York Times best-selling writer Fred Van Lente (Archer & Armstrong) and Eisner Award-winning artist Cary Nord (X-O Manowar) present IMMORTAL BROTHERS: THE TALE OF THE GREEN KNIGHT #1 – a special 48-page quest into Arthurian legend with Archer & Armstrong, the Eternal Warrior, and Ivar, Timewalker! And look for two more celebratory one-shots honoring Valiant’s most memorable tales throughout 2017.
ETERNAL WARRIOR: AWAKENING #1
Written by ROBERT VENDITTI
Art by RENATO GUEDES
Cover A by CLAYTON CRAIN
Cover B by ROBERT GILL
Variant Cover by MARC LAMING
Variant Cover by JEFFREY VEREGGE
Ninjak Vs. The Valiant Universe Variant Also Available
$3.99 | 32 pgs. | T+ | ONE-SHOT | On Sale MAY 10
Valentine’s Day is here, and as expected, there are likely last minute gift givers getting chocolate, flowers, and reservations to some overly priced, small portioned affair for dinner as well. Valentine’s Day is not for everyone, and some our quite okay with that. If you’re among a certain segment of the population that this quote below is dogma or your motto or mantra, then an Alternative Valentine’s Day Starter Kit is for you.
“Random Thoughts, for Valentines day, 2004. The day’s a holiday invented by greeting card companies, to make people feel like crap”
Valentine’s Day has music, film, and literature that fits the mold of love and lovers alike, but luckily for you, there is an Alternative Valentine’s Day solution too. Whether you’re having a Emo, solo V-Day, or the usual tropes simply nauseate or disgust you, then there is something to be found within this kit below.
The Alternative Valentine’s Day Films/TV Shows You’re Looking For
Alternative Valentine’s Day films, like filmography in general, comes with its own
subgenres. For Potential reciprocity for or against a former love, one should seek such movies as The Abominable Dr. Phibes and Secret Window. If you are looking for anything under the Supernatural, sci-fi, or superhero alternative takes on love stories, there is Wolf, Wristcutters: A Love Story, Bride of Frankenstein, Batman Returns, and Corpse Bride.
There is also the lonely category of Young love like the Wes Anderson’s Moonrise Kingdom, but there is potentially other additions to this category.
Also among you Alternative Valentine’s Day patrons are likely the Trouble getting over getting over your past love films, that which include Tomb of Ligeia, Scott Pilgrim Vs The World, and Youth in Revolt. Lastly, in the more general category of alternative film options that may include one or more of the above subgenres, but not enough of any one, there is the Alternative love stories that may or may not work out in the end, which would include Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Science of Sleep, The Village, Edward Scissorhands, The Time Machine, The Butterfly Effect, The Raven, Punch Drunk Love, Star Wars Episode II, Crimson Peak, and 500 Days of Summer.
Just in case you thought this Alternative Valentine’s Day Starter Kit did not come with TV shows for you to watch, you are mistaken, my friend.
Whether entering the crypt or another dimension, there are two shows that definitely have your back for Alternative Vday. The Twilight Zone has a few, but three significant ones are Two, From Agnes with Love, and The Chaser. Then there is also the cackling Cryptkeeper that has brought horror fans some alternative love Tales From The Crypt, such as Love Come Hack Me, ‘Til Death, Collection Completed, or Loved to Death.
Alternative Valentine’s Day Music To Broken And Alternative Hearts
Just in case this surprises you, Alternative Valentine’s Day music is almost
as plentiful as regular, sappy sap Valentine’s Day music. There are obvious ones like Taking Back Sunday’s Tell all your Friends album, Brand New’s first two albums, most songs from The Smiths, and just about anything from the band Joy Division. However, singularly, Love Will Tear Us Apart is practically an anthem for this whole starter kit.
Left for Dead’s My Machine, Dead Man’s Bones’ Flowers Grow Out of My Grave, and The Phantom Chord’s Fever in my Blood are examples of a horror or dark alternative approach to it. Lest we forget, the secondary anthem of the Alternative Vday Starter Kit is Beck’s cover of I need your love like the sunshine from Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. It is certainly a must have.
Alternative Literary Selections For An Alternative Valentine’s Day
Alternative literature for today, if you so choose to enjoy this instead of some steamy “romance” novel or a classic love story, there are some options in this department. Edgar Allan Poe can always be counted upon for an alternative to the usual emotional, kissy kiss love stories. Those can be exemplified through Ligeia or The Oval Portrait, as far as an Anti-VDay, broken hearted story examples. Though, if you’re looking for an alternative style of love story, Edgar Allan Poe also delivers with his one and only love story entitled Eleonora.
Christine by Stephen King could certainly give you an alternative take on love for your Alternative Valentine’s Day. Even Chuck Palahniuk has Choke, for a more disturbed love story, amongst other thematic elements. However, do not forget that Chuck himself stated that Fight Club, in essence for him, was a love story. So therefore, that could fulfill your film and literature needs in a hybrid way.
Then, of course, for other alternative tales of love, you might also want to look up
Nathaniel Hawthorne. Also, for something Poe-like, there is little known Horacio Quiroga.
As aforementioned, this is merely a starter kit, and there is still more literature, film, music, and probably even art that would also support your Alternative Valentine’s Day needs. Though something quintessential as food was not a category, clearly chocolates and sweets work for regular and Alternative Valentine’s Day attendees alike.
[Images Via Lucasfilm/Focus Pictures/Black Cat Films LTD.]
It’s generally a mistake to assume the quality of a TV series or movies from the gif sets on Tumblr. With countless images and memes of Kono Subarashii Sekai Ni Shukufuku Wo! aka Konosuba appearing since the Season One premiere and intensifying since the Season Two premiere several weeks ago, it looked to me like a cliché comedy. I assumed it was a fan-servicey, gamer-marketed mess with no story to speak of. but my curiosity got the better of me, and I started watching. In retrospect, the title should have given me a clue: tongue-in-cheek and sarcastic or not, it translates to God’s Blessing on This Wonderful World. Konosuba is about enjoying being alive and enjoying life.
The story starts with the protagonist, Kazuma, as someone who isn’t enjoying life. He’s shut himself off from the rest of the world and doesn’t really care. So the best possible thing happens to him; he dies. He had no real reason to live anymore, so he gets killed. Konosuba’s message is not subtle. Now that he’s very dead, Kazuma gets his clichéd second chance reincarnation. Approached by an immature goddess, he’s offered a new life in an extremely unpleasant sounding RPG style alternate reality to defeat the “Demon King.” His mind and memory, however, will be totally intact. He still gets to live as himself. Aqua, the goddess, tells him he can take one thing with him. He chooses to bring her with him, thinking that a goddess will be an ace in the hole for combat. His choice forces Aqua to live life as a mortal, to actually be alive. But Aqua is proven useless in combat and the pair is forced to add more people to their party. In keeping with the theme of appreciating life, they’re joined by two weirdos whose take on enjoying life has made them outcasts from society: Megumin, a Chunnibyo mage with questionable abilities and Darkness, a knight with perverse tastes. These four spend most of the series trying to stay afloat financially and accidentally advancing further into their quests.
The enjoying be alive and seizing life theme is not uncommon in anime, but Konosuba is the only one I’ve seen that’s a true comedy. Series like Durarara and Mirai Nikki have comic relief, but they are serious, often bleak shows. Konosuba isn’t serious or bleak, and it isn’t just “a comedy.” It’s really funny. Konosuba has absurd situations that are incredibly one of a kind and makes jokes at the expense of all the characters. Konosuba’s format is that of a traditional anime comedy, but it has a powerful message. That message sets it apart.
The Wild Storm #1
