VALIANT: X-O MANOWAR FCBD SPECIAL Debuts Two Essential New Stories for Free Comic Book Day 2017!

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February 1, 2017

Valiant is proud to present your first look inside the VALIANT: X-O MANOWAR FCBD SPECIAL – Valiant’s gold-level offering for Free Comic Book Day 2017! On Saturday, May 6th, the road toward 2017’s biggest new series – X-O MANOWAR and BLOODSHOT SALVATION – starts here with two all-new, never-before-seen stories from a top-tier cast of writers and artists, including Matt Kindt, Jeff Lemire, CAFU, Juan Jose Ryp, and many more!

First: Valiant’s most explosive Free Comic Book Day yet begins as New York Times best-selling writer Matt Kindt (Divinity, Ninjak, Mind MGMT) and rising star CAFU (Rai) present a brand-new prelude introducing the world of X-O MANOWAR #1 – the EPIC NEW ONGOING SERIES from Kindt and a rotating cast of blockbuster interior artists including Tomas Giorello (4001 A.D.: War Mother, Bloodshot Reborn), Doug Braithwaite (Armor Hunters, Bloodshot U.S.A.), Clayton Crain (Rai, Carnage), Ryan Bodenheim (The Dying & The Dead), and Mico Suayan (Bloodshot Reborn)!

Then: FCBD 2017 escalates even further as New York Times best-selling writer Jeff Lemire (Bloodshot Reborn, Inhumans Vs. X-Men) and incendiary artist Juan Jose Ryp (Britannia) present a shocking look ahead at what awaits in BLOODSHOT SALVATION – a top-secret new ongoing series debuting in 2017 — with THE FIRST APPEARANCE of a MAJOR NEW CHARACTER that will have major ramifications for the violent world and troubled life of Ray Garrison…

Plus: FAITH… HARBINGER RENEGADE… NINJAK… PSI-LORDS… ARCHER & ARMSTRONG… SECRET WEAPONS… RAI… SHADOWMAN… WAR MOTHER… And surprise revelations for HARBINGER WARS 2! On May 6th, don’t miss the all-star lineup of Valiant’s biggest heroes as Matt Kindt, CAFU, Jeff Lemire, Juan Jose Ryp, and special surprise guests present the biggest moments that the Valiant Universe has to offer – only in the VALIANT: X-O MANOWAR FCBD SPECIAL, featuring a cover by Valiant-exclusive rising star Tomas Giorello!

But first: A stunning new beginning for Valiant’s most enduring icon begins on March 22nd in X-O MANOWAR #1, part one of “SOLDIER” – a punishing, three-issue introduction that will push Aric of Dacia beyond the farthest limits of our galaxy…and into the brutal opening salvo of the ultimate X-O Manowar tale ever told!

“Ultimately, I wanted to tear Aric back down to basics. I wanted to really explore Aric and his original culture and his mindset, and portray where his head would be at after going through everything he’s seen,” series writer Matt Kindt told the official Free Comic Book Day website. “In my run, he’s definitely going to have a contentious love/hate relationship with the armor and what it’s capable of. That’s where a lot of the drama will come from. I’m also dropping him on a completely alien planet that’s rich with very foreign ideas and cultures. He’s not going to have an easy time of it under my watch.”

Born under the oppressive thumb of the Roman Empire, Aric of Dacia learned warfare at an early age. It was amid such violence that he was abducted by an alien race. Forced into slavery, he survived where others perished. His escape would come from bonding with a weapon of immeasurable power: the X-O Manowar armor. With it, he returned to Earth…only to find himself stranded in the modern day.

But that was a lifetime ago.

Now, far from home on a strange and primitive new world, Aric has begun a new life. Liberated from his past, he tends to his crops. Free from war. Free from violence. Free from the armor.

But the machinery of death marches his way once again. Conscripted into an alien army and thrown into an unforgiving conflict, the fury inside him finds voice as he is forced to embrace the armor once more. With it, he will decimate armies, topple empires and incite interplanetary warfare as he rises from SOLDIER to GENERAL to EMPEROR to VISIGOTH. They wanted a weapon. He will give them war!

In the wake of “SOLDIER”’s staggering assault in issues #1-3, X-O MANOWAR then continues in 2017 and beyond as a superstar cast of Valiant’s most acclaimed artistic talents – including Tomas Giorello, Doug Braithwaite, Clayton Crain, Ryan Bodenheim, and Mico Suayan – chart Aric’s path from SOLDIER to GENERAL to EMPEROR to VISIGOTH for a vicious, year-long journey of bone and bloodshed born from the battlefields of a herculean alien empire:

For more information, visit Valiant on Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, Instagram, and ValiantUniverse.com.For Valiant merchandise and more, visit ValiantStore.com

VALIANT: X-O MANOWAR FCBD SPECIAL – Cover by Tomas Giorello

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4. VALIANT: X-O MANOWAR FCBD SPECIAL – Interior Art by Juan Jose Ryp

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Denis Villeneuve Will Direct the ‘Dune’ Remake

By

Larry Taylor - Managing Editor

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February 1, 2017

Denis Villeneuve is arguably the hottest filmmaker in Hollywood right now, especially when it comes to science fiction and sci-fi remakes. Because now, Villeneuve will direct the long-gestating Dune remake.

The news came from Brian Herbert, son of Dune author Frank Herbert, via his Twitter feed:

It's official — Legendary Pictures has signed the very talented Denis Villeneuve to direct the exciting new DUNE series film project.

— Brian Herbert (@DuneAuthor) February 1, 2017

And it looks like Dune will be a “film series” as well. Denis Villeneuve recently got his first (probably of many) Oscar nominations for Arrival, and he has Blade Runner 2049 coming up this year. He’s the new go to for sci-fi, apparently.

David Lynch’s 1984 film adaptation of the celebrated novel, starring Lynch regular Kyle MacLachlan and Sting, was a notorious misfire. The budget spiraled out of control and the box office did very little to pay the tab. These days, it’s somewhat of a cult classic for fans of the novel and Lynch.

The pairing of Lynch and Dune didn’t make a ton of sense, and it still doesnt, but Villeneuve and the subject matter feels like a more effective pairing. We shall see.

There’s no word as far as shooting times or release date or cast as of yet. We will keep you up to date when that news comes down.

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‘Batman’ #16 Disturbingly Raises The Level of Bane As A Villain

By

Manuel Gomez

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The Psycho-Pirate sits in Arkham Asylum, both imprisoned and protected by Batman. But as The Dark Knight anticipates a move by Bane to kidnap the jailed villain for his own needs, Bruce manipulates his friends and families in order to face the danger alone and hopefully also save Gotham Girl. It is a move that may prove to be a fatal mistake, and not necessarily for the Batman.

Batman #16

“I Am Bane part 1”
Publisher: DC Comics
Written by Tom King
Penciled and Inked by: David Finch
Colored by: Jordie Bellaire

Writing

So we begin a new storyline, and it starts with a bang. A venom infused guard makes an attempt to break out the Psycho-Pirate but is stopped by Batman and Bronze Tiger. Tom King lets us know right away that this new arc is moving into a more action vibe with this scene. It’s a change from the last two part Catwoman story, but it’s still very much well within the overall arc that has been going on since “I Am Gotham”. I’m actually starting to see many connective tissues and I realize that King is building a very complex multi-part tale.

This issue also had a lot of humor, which was a welcome surprise. As much as I have loved what King was doing so far in Batman, it was all extremely dour and serious. Sequences like the one with Bruce Wayne, Dick Grayson, Jason Todd and Damian Wayne having lunch in a Batman themed burger joint (Batburger! I would TOTALLY go) showcase what a multi-faceted writer he is. It sounds silly, but the writing is so tight that the jokes not only make you laugh but also expands on the characters as well. I seriously think this scene was one of the best things I’ve read in a Batman comic, and the dynamic of the “Bat Family” is strongly felt. Even Alfred, who isn’t there, is mentioned in a great bit of a joke.

But it’s the ending of this first chapter that I really can’t get out of my head. Revealing it would spoil the impact, and I suspect there is more, but it’s a jarring and graphic image that really delivers. It makes Bane’s infamous breaking of Batman’s back the second worse thing the villain has done to him. And immediately sets up how personal and serious Bane is. King is going a long way toward turning a already classic villain into something truly scary and disturbing.

Art

David Finch is no stranger to Batman, having both drawn and written the chacater. The familiarity shows in the great execution and ease he has in laying out the action and quite scenes. Finch’s art is deceptive though. At a glance it seems like much more traditional comic book art, with its square jawed heroes and and clean lines; but when you focus on the details a bit, you notice great touches like subtle facial expressons, a smooth senses of movement that almost feel like animation, and a truly great attention to details in backgrounds and foregrounds. I really am enjoying how each arc of Batman has a different but equally talented artist holding the pen. It’s a concept that allows for a perfect pairing depending on story tone.

I must mention Jordie Bellaire’s colors. The opening scene in Arkham is a perfect example of color-setting mood. And when you juxtapose that with the “lighter” scenes, it just emphasis how crucial it is to have a good colorist in your team.

Conclusion

Batman continues to be at an all-time high for me. There is a lot being set up in this title, and although of some of it ties into the Rebirth going on in the DCU, it still feels like a very intimate and personal Batman story being told. Dark Knight fans, you have to be reading what Tom King is writing.

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Image Comics Turns 25: Celebrating The Company’s 25 Best Titles (Part Three)

By

Anthony Wendel

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February 1, 2017

We’re celebrating Image Comics‘ 25th anniversary all this week by breaking down the company’s all-time best 25 series. With so much diversity in its catalog, Image truly has comics for everyone. Check them out for yourself! Leave some of your own favorites in the comments, and come back to Monkeys Fighting Robots tomorrow for Part 4 and 5 more titles!

Make sure to check out:
Part One & Part Two

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1. Youngblood

A series which was artist Rob Liefeld’s answer to the X-Men. At one time, it was one of the the most sought after comics on the shelves. Sure the critics weren’t pleased with the story, and the series suffered thanks to production delays. Still, Liefeld and his work became a staple of what many comic fans remember about this era in comic publishing. Youngblood, encapsulating the ’90s all under one title.

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Gal Gadot Shares Photo From ‘Wonder Woman’

By

Aric Sweeny

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February 1, 2017

Fans got their first look at Gal Gadot’s Wonder Woman in last year’s Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. Now, we look to the character’s solo film, which will be released in theaters this summer.

Gadot shared a photo of her character from the film on Twitter. Check it out below.

https://twitter.com/GalGadot/status/826792219751305218

With The Flash getting a page one rewrite and Ben Affleck suddenly not directing the Batman movie he is set to still star in and write, the DCEU is seemingly in shambles. However, if Wonder Woman is a massive success both in the eyes of critics, fans, and makes money, there could be a new found confidence in Warner Bros. With this said, we truly won’t know the DCEU’s state of affairs until the movie’s release date.

Are you looking forward to this next chapter in the DC Extended Universe? Did you enjoy Gadot’s performance in BvS? Be sure to let us know in the comments section down below.

Plot synopsis: “’Wonder Woman’ hits movie theaters around the world next summer when Gal Gadot returns as the title character in the epic action adventure from director Patty Jenkins. Before she was Wonder Woman, she was Diana, princess of the Amazons, trained to be an unconquerable warrior. Raised on a sheltered island paradise, when an American pilot crashes on their shores and tells of a massive conflict raging in the outside world, Diana leaves her home, convinced she can stop the threat. Fighting alongside man in a war to end all wars, Diana will discover her full powers…and her true destiny.

Wonder Woman stars Gadot as the title character, Chris Pine as Steve Trevor, Robin Wright as Antiope, Connie Nielsen as Hippolyta, Ewan Bremner, David Thewlis, and Danny Huston. Click here for the full cast list.

The film hits theaters on June 2, 2017.

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The UnPOP Podcast Divided on Oscar Favorite LA LA LAND

By

Curtis Waugh

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January 31, 2017

City of Stars… Are you shining for Team UnPOP?

Here it is, the UnPOP Podcast discussion of the multi-Oscar nominated LA LA LAND. Guess what… not all of the guys are on board with the crazy adoration.

We bring back Kaylevin (Kaylin Zeren) from our Stranger Things episode to give insider knowledge as to what it’s like being an actual actress staring down the barrel of a casting director on Snapchat.

SPECIAL BONUS: Hear us sing a semi-original song. It’s just as deliciously bad as it sounds.

Enjoy!

Have a topic you’d like to hear UnPOPPED? Send any comments/love/vitriol to unpopentertainment@gmail.com

The UnPOP Podcast is on iTunes! Check us out there!

We’re on Stitcher! Add us to your playlist and rate and review our show!

Subscribe to our Soundcloud page!

Give the Facebook page a big ol’ “Like”

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Review: ‘Steven Universe’: Gem Heist: New Management

By

Anthony Wendel

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The Gems plan a heist.

The team has to find a way into the the Gem facility they believe is holding Greg Universe despite the fact they are wanted fugitives. To accomplish this they have to play the roles they were originally meant for. Garnet splits into Sapphire and Ruby so Sapphire can act as a higher up while the rest of the team has to act as her underlings. From there the heist goes into full execution.

The biggest revaluation this episode is the introduction of a new gem type, Holly Blue Agate. Apparently, Holly Blues are basically middle management and their purpose is to keep in line all the different gem types which are considered working class such as jaspers and amethysts. This one in particular enjoys doing all she can to please to the Diamonds, by making sure the station is run efficiently despite not having visitors for many years. Doing all you can to suck up to the higher ups sounds exactly how middle management is supposed to work. It does add a bit to the understanding of how the gem society operates though.

This is a very intermediate episode with the main highlight being the heist aspect. It was nice to finally see a Home World populated area and how they interact with one another. Considering how Earth has been the primary setting there has only been glances into home world society so far and this is a welcomed sight. Unfortunately, it’s doesn’t really go farther than Holly Blue bossing around her troops and giving respect to Sapphire.

The episode does set up for the human zoo which is coming in the next episode. It will be interesting to show what a Zoo for humans is made by an alien race who doesn’t understand how humanity works. Hopefully they at least understand the human need for bacon.

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Nicole Kidman in Talks to Join James Wan’s ‘Aquaman’

By

Kieran McLean

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January 31, 2017

It looks like Nicole Kidman might be preparing to join the DC Extended Universe. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Kidman is in talks to join the cast of James Wan’s Aquaman as the iconic heroes mother.

Also Read: Yahya Abdul-Mateen II Cast As Black Manta In ‘Aquaman’

In DC Comics, Aquaman’s mother is royalty in the underwater kingdom of Atlantis who falls in love with a Human lighthouse keeper and gives birth to a young hybrid who will act as the bridge between Earth and Atlantis.

This wouldn’t be the first DC Comics movie for Nicole Kidman, who starred alongside Val Kilmer in 1995’s Batman Forever. With production set to start in April, it’s great to see James Wan getting his supporting cast together.

Directed by James Wan, Aquaman stars Jason Momoa, Amber Heard, Willem Dafoe, and Patrick Wilson. The film is scheduled for release on October 5, 2018.

Jason Momoa will appear as Aquaman in Zack Snyder’s Justice League before heading into the solo film. Check out the trailer below.

Fueled by his restored faith in humanity and inspired by Superman’s selfless act, Bruce Wayne enlists the help of his newfound ally, Diana Prince, to face an even greater enemy. Together, Batman and Wonder Woman work quickly to find and recruit a team of metahumans to stand against this newly awakened threat. But despite the formation of this unprecedented league of heroes—Batman, Wonder Woman, Aquaman, Cyborg and The Flash—it may already be too late to save the planet from an assault of catastrophic proportions.

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Yahya Abdul-Mateen II Cast As Black Manta In ‘Aquaman’

By

Kieran McLean

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January 31, 2017

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II has been cast in Warner Bros. and James Wan’s Aquaman movie as the villain Black Manta. While the deal isn’t finalized, the offer is out there and will be complete after the two parties discuss.

Abdul-Mateen II has been the focus of attention since he appeared in The Get Down on Netflix. The actor was reportedly a frontrunner to play Lando Calrissian in the upcoming Han Solo movie and will appear in the upcoming movies Baywatch and The Greatest Showman.

In DC Comics, Black Manta is Aquaman’s most formidable enemy, so it’s great to see the film grabbing some talented upcoming actors to play such an iconic comic book role.

Jason Momoa will portray Aquaman in the upcoming DC Comics movie directed by James Wan. The character will first appear in Zack Snyder’s Justice League, you can watch the teaser for that below.

Directed by James Wan, the film stars Jason Momoa, Amber Heard, and Willem Dafoe and is scheduled for release on October 5, 2018.

Fueled by his restored faith in humanity and inspired by Superman’s selfless act, Bruce Wayne enlists the help of his newfound ally, Diana Prince, to face an even greater enemy. Together, Batman and Wonder Woman work quickly to find and recruit a team of metahumans to stand against this newly awakened threat. But despite the formation of this unprecedented league of heroes—Batman, Wonder Woman, Aquaman, Cyborg and The Flash—it may already be too late to save the planet from an assault of catastrophic proportions.

Source: THR

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Teri Hatcher Returns to The Super-verse, Joins Cast of ‘Supergirl’

By

Jen Schiller

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January 31, 2017

Teri Hatcher is the latest alum of the Super-verse to return via the CW’s Supergirl, according to Deadline. But this time, she appears on the dark side of the Super force.

A “Super” Reunion on the Horizon?

Hatcher co-starred with Dean Cain on Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman in the 90s. Cain appears in Supergirl periodically as Jeremiah Danvers, Kara’s adoptive father. Details about Hatcher’s role on the show are sparse for now. We do, however, know that her role is recurring,
described as “…a mysterious new role that will become the new Big Bad of Season 2.”

Executive Producer Andrew Kreisberg also commented on the casting: “To have [Hatcher] come back to the SuperWorld in a completely different part is an unbelievable gift to me, Greg, and the fans.”

Based on the DC comics, Supergirl follows Kara Danvers’ (Melissa Benoist) adventures in National City. Danvers kicked off season two balancing her burgeoning journalism career with life as a superhero. Supergirl’s universe expanded this year, adding Clark Kent (Tyler Hoechlin), Lena Luthor (Katie McGrath) and Mon-El (Chris Wood) as series regulars.

Supergirl stars Melissa Benoist, Mehcad Brooks (Jimmy Olsen), Chyler Leigh (Alex Danvers), Jeremy Jordan (Winn Schott), and David Harewood (J’onn J’onzz/Hank Henshaw). The show was recently renewed for a third season.

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