In response to the recent harassment of Marvel Comics writer Chelsea Cain, Jason Latour and Jason Aaron’s SOUTHERN BASTARDS #16 will feature a special variant cover to benefit charity. The proceeds raised by this variant will be split between the SOUTHERN POVERTY LAW CENTER and the ACLU. The variant pays homage to the final issue on Mockingbird with the “Ask Me About My Feminist Agenda” cover.
This special “DON’T BE A BASTARD” charity variant cover by series co-creator Latour is part of the ongoing “Roberta Tubb” variant series, showcasing SOUTHERN BASTARDS’ protagonist Roberta Tubb, interpreted by some of comics’ brightest artistic talents.
This is not the first time Latour and Aaron have announced a variant to benefit charity. The SOUTHERN BASTARDS #10 charity variant raised $18,000 for the victims of the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church shooting in Charleston, SC.
SOUTHERN BASTARDS #16 Cover B “Don’t Be a Bastard” by Latour will be available on Wednesday, January 11th.
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story actor Riz Ahmed shared his thoughts on the controversial prequel movies. He made it known that, while he doesn’t enjoy certain elements like Jar Jar Binks, he appreciates the politics and serious tone.
“I did not have a massive problem with the prequels at all. There were some elements that stood out. Jar Jar Binks, I didn’t enjoy him as a character. But people had a problem with them because they weren’t broad and tough and cheek. I enjoy that. I enjoy the fact that it was about grown-up politics and the dissolution of the League of Nations and World War and the rise of fascism. I really enjoyed that, and I really enjoyed Clone Wars.
I really don’t see what the big problem is, to be quite honest. If all Star Wars movies were the same, it’d be boring. I hope each new movie adds a new dimension, and I think that’s certainly what Rogue One does.”
In many ways I agree with Amed. Whether you like the actual films or not, I think all Star Wars fans can appreciate the lore and story that Episode 1, 2, and 3 gave us.
What are your thoughts on the prequels? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
Legendary announced the title for the follow-up to Gareth Edwards’ 2014 Godzilla.
Godzilla: King of Monsters
The sequel will be directed by Michael Dougherty, who’s credits include Krampus and Trick or Treat. Dougherty also worked on the screenplays for Superman Returns and X-Men 2.
Last year Warner Bros. and Legendary announced a partnership to create a shared monster universe. The companies have come together to create an epic, new shared cinematic franchise. All-powerful monsters become towering heroes for a new generation, revealing a mythology that brings together Godzilla and Legendary’s King Kong in an ecosystem of other giant super-species, both classic and new. Monarch, the human organization that uncovered Godzilla in the 2014 film, will expand their mission across multiple releases. Legendary also has the film rights to Rodan, Mothra, and King Ghidorah.
Godzilla is rumored to battle Mothra in the second film.
Kong: Skull Island is the next film in the series with a March 10, 2017, release. Godzilla: King of Monsters hits theaters on March 22, 2019. Godzilla vs. Kong is set for a May 29, 2020, release, but could be pushed back.
The James Wan directed Aquaman film will have a budget of $160 million, according to Heroic Hollywood.
Additionally, the DCEU movie will film in Australia after receiving $22 million to out-buy other potential shooting locations.
Australian Parliament Member Scott Morrison commented on the story:
“Making movies is core business for the Gold Coast, supporting jobs and businesses throughout the region. Our decision to back in ‘Thor’ was a marvel and so will be our decision to back ‘Aquaman'”.
The most recent superhero flick to shoot in the land down under was Thor: Ragnarok, which hits theaters in 2017.
See the character next in the Zack Snyder directed Justice League, hitting theaters on November 17, 2017; Aquaman lands on the big screen on October 5, 2018.
The CW released the first trailer for the fourth season of The 100 Wednesday. The series returns to the CW on February 1.
From The Ashes We Will Rises
This show is surprisingly good in the vein of Game of Thrones as no character is safe. Several gut-wrenching moments over the first three seasons. It will be interesting to see how the series evolves as the universe expands past the original concept of the show.
About The 100 For two seasons, the refugees of The 100 sent to Earth have been at war. First with themselves, then with the Grounders, and finally with Mount Weather. Many have lost their lives along the way. All have lost their innocence. They have learned the hard way that in the fight for survival, there are no heroes and no villains. There is only the living and the dead. But now the war is over. The battle against Mount Weather has been won. The prisoners have returned home to a world seemingly at peace, but can they find peace within themselves after what they had to do to escape? And is there more to life than just surviving? Unfortunately, their newfound sense of normalcy will be short-lived, and their lives will be changed forever, as threats both old and new test their loyalties, push them past their limits, and make them question what it truly means to be human. First, they fought to survive. Then, they fought for their friends. Now, they will fight for the human race. The series stars Eliza Taylor as Clarke, Paige Turco as Dr. Abby Griffin, Marie Avgeropoulos as Octavia, Bob Morley as Bellamy, Christopher Larkin as Monty, Devon Bostick as Jasper, Lindsey Morgan as Raven, Ricky Whittle as Lincoln, Richard Harmon as Murphy, with Isaiah Washington as Chancellor Jaha, and Henry Ian Cusick as Kane.
Bonnie Black is an elderly woman living out her last days in a care home. Although visited by a loving granddaughter, surrounded by friends, and filled with memories of a happy life, Bonnie still fears dying. Prone to strokes, she goes to sleep wondering if she will even wake up. But what Bonnie Black doesn’t know is that death is just the beginning…after her death, Bonnie finds herself in a bold, dangerous, and unfamiliar new world. But Bonnie is not alone, as everyone from her past life exists in the new realm, some are friends, some are family, some are enemies, and some are something much worse.
Reborn #3
A Millarworld Book
Publisher: Image Comics Written by: Mark Millar Art by: Greg Capullo
Inks by: Jonathan Glapion
Colors by: Fco Plascencia Created by: Mark Millar and Greg Capullo
Writing
Three chapters in and Reborn has lost no momentum. The story continues to move at such a great and even pace; it’s simply cinematic. Mark Millar continues to build on the world of Adystria, adding new elements and details with every issue. Here, we learn that even animals and pets crossover and are reborn, yet evolved to be not only anthropomorphic but magical as well. It’s a great way to add creatures and new species to the story, but at the same time keeping the bizarre twist that makes this comic so unique. The introduction of Bonnie’s cat as a villain is great and is a character I can’t wait to see more of.
We also start to meet more people from Bonnie’s previous life on Earth, and how they fit into this new realm. In particular, we meet Bonnie’s best friend, who is now a Fairy Queen, and a far cry from the religious person she was made out to be before. That detail makes you question those people we have already met and what role those left to be introduced will play (I’m thinking specifically about Bonnie’s still absent husband, who I am sure is going to figure in a big way.)
The book also continues the modern dialog and tone that gives it the feel of movies like Ladyhawke and A Knight’s Tale. Those two aspects work well together and make Reborn so much more accessible. Like most of Millar’s works, you can give it to both comic nerds and non-comic fans as well. It’s just great entertainment.
Art
I can’t say enough about the beautiful art. I have admired Greg Capullo’s pencils since he took over the drawing duties on Spawn many years ago. And of course, his run on Batman with Scott Snyder is already considered a classic. But his art here is brighter, more energetic and pops more. Credit HAS to be given to the inks by Jonathan Glapion and the colors by Fco Plascencia. These three bring the story to life and create some of the most inspired designs in recent fantasy comics. Everything from the architecture of the cities and castles to the look of the monsters, dragons, and costumes is pitch perfect. They are able to meld medieval looking landscapes with vehicles and weapons out of a cyberpunk fever dream. It makes me think of stuff you would see in Metal Hurlantmagazine, but with a distinct “American Blockbuster” feel. I find myself staring at the gorgeous panels after I had already finished the issue.
Conclusion
If you are looking for a comic that will transport you, entertain you, move you and leave you wanting more, then go ahead and pick up Reborn. It’s one of the most purely joyful and readable comics on the shelves now, and also one of the most unique. Image and Millarworld have indeed done it again.
In the aftermath of IDW’s Revolution, one property I rediscovered was Transformers. With all these new books, I figured why not chronicle my journey starting with Optimus Prime #1. How I’m looking at these is along the lines of, “I’m new and can I figure out what’s going on?” All I know is what I know from Revolution; everything else is unknown to me. Think of these as part review and part how new reader friendly these are. As the books are billed under “Reconstruction,” this is a good time to be a newbie. My last major period with Transformers was way back in the time of Beast Wars, so I’m pretty excited to dive back into things. Anyway, on with the show with Optimus Prime #1!
Time to Rollout into Action! Optimus Prime #1, it’s time to start the “Reconstruction” party. Let’s do this.
We do get a loose recap page telling us what’s been going on in the world of Transformers thus far. For starters, Optimus Prime is on Earth and Earth is part of Cybertronian Council of Worlds. You know they had battles with Galvatron, and Sentinel came into play at one point. Yes, I think it’s Sentinel Prime, but like I said, I’m new to many things in IDW’s Transformers. The recap page helps enough, just enough to say, “Okay this is what’s happening, let’s go from there,” so it serves for a solid recap of past events. This recap page alone reminds me that I have a lot to catch up on with Transformers.
I am impressed by how well the initial recap worked. Just enough to get you interested and fill in some blanks.
As for Optimus Prime itself, hang in there as this throws a lot at you but it is worth the ride. This explores Optimus Prime’s past as Orion Pax as a Cop on Cybertron. I didn’t know that this was operating as a series flashing back and forth between Orion Pax and Optimus Prime, but it works. I didn’t know much about Optimus Prime’s backstory so this was cool. Veering darker than I expected too, which I like. The introduction to one character in particular leading to a darker fate makes for a gripping intro. I must admit, initially the flashbacks threw me off, but they worked in the end. John Barber kept the story of Orion Pax engaging throughout the issue.
As you’re learning about Optimus Prime’s past, you see what’s happening in the present day post-Revolution. Some aspects took me a minute to get into with the initial colonists and what not, luckily Revolution helped in filling in some blanks. It’s impressive what Barber shoves into this issue. I saw all these different colonists pop up and I wondered, “Who the heck are these people?” yet the blanks were filled in fast. All you need to know is things are tense between Earth and the Cybertronians.
So many great ideas happening here, I am curious to know more.
I will say this for John Barber, I have a good grasp of these characters going forward. I like the structure of the series with the flashbacks fueling the present day Optimus Prime. Being a new reader, I have a solid grasp as to where this could be going as the ending alone has my interest. I do like what I see and I am curious in seeing where this goes from here. A standout character is Aileron, this one character helps in explaining the colonists at the beginning, and Prime’s current state of mind. All the characters work in their own way yet Aileron is great in filling in the blanks for the new readers.
Now for the art, just how well do the artistic team match the ideas within the story?
I can say Kei Zama is an artist to keep an eye on. For one thing, Zama’s art is adept at capturing the grit in the Orion Pax flashback sequences. Barber definitely set up a tough look at what life would be like as a cop on Cybertron and Zama is up to the task. As Barber’s tone shifts just enough for the slightly lighter in tone modern day scenes, the style Zama uses adjusts with it. The Pax scenes are darker and the art reflects it, then you get a slightly more animated style for the modern day. It also helps that the colorist, Josh Burcham, is great with making the colors work for this too. As Zama’s art adjusts, so goes the coloring, heavier shadows for the Pax flashbacks, with a lighter touch for the modern day. It works on both levels.
Now for the overall take on Optimus Prime #1.
It’s a little rough on a new reader at points, but with some edge, humor, action, and fun, Optimus Prime #1 works. You have a solid artist in Kei Zama, and beautiful coloring by Josh Burcham, making this a winning combination. I can easily tell you to give this a shot if you followed Revolution and want to follow “Reconstruction.” A good read for sure.
Damien Chazelle wrote and directed the best film of 2014, Whiplash. He returns to the director’s chair with La La Land, a quasi-musical and instant contender for the 2017 Academy Awards. It’s the story of actress Mia (Emma Stone) and jazz musician Sebastian (Ryan Gosling), two dreamers who meet and fall in love in Los Angeles. The script is top notch, and Stone and Gosling both knock it out of the park in their roles; Stone in particular has probably earned herself an Oscar nomination. However, it’s Chazelle’s nuanced direction coupled with Linus Sandgren’s incredible cinematography that will allow this picture to stand the test of time.
*Warning: entering spoiler territory for La La Land*
Take for instance how the team introduces Seb to the audience. The camera approaches from behind as he sits in traffic flipping through the radio in his classic red convertible (a Buick Riviera by the look of it). The rearview mirror briefly reveals his face, but the camera doesn’t show him head-on. With just that, Chazelle and Sandgren tell their audience everything they need to know about the protagonist.
If the car and the clothes don’t give it away, Seb is a nostalgist. He pines for a time long ago, a time before he was even born, and he refuses to accept anything new. When Mia suggests a new name and location for his club, he won’t listen because the name and location he wants harken back to the golden age of jazz. He resents his fellow musician Keith, because he feels the kind of jazz Keith does is a modernized bastardization of the genre. Seb views life in the rearview mirror where the audience first meets him.
Consider also Chazelle’s use of music. The first half of La La Land is a feel good musical straight out of old Hollywood. It’s bright with big dance numbers, and it instills a sense of hope as Mia and Seb fall in love. Then, halfway through the film, the musical numbers seem to disappear. What happened to trigger the change?
The music drops once Mia and Seb’s relationship begins to falter and reality sets in. Chazelle is making a subtle statement about love. He’s saying that even though new love may feel bright and never-ending, like in an old Hollywood musical, there’s no guarantee that it will stay that way. Life isn’t a movie where everything works out in the end. Relationships can get tough, and they require work. And even with work, things might not work out the way you hope, like they didn’t for Mia and Seb. The music returns a final time at the end of the film as the two dreamers fantasize about the life they could’ve had together.
La La Land is a work of art, but not for the acting or the set design. It’s for the way Chazelle and Sandgren tell the story without using words. There’s no scene where Mia chastises Seb for living in the past. There’s no cheesy, tongue-in-cheek line where someone yells “life isn’t some Hollywood musical!” Yet through outstanding direction and cinematography, the audience gets the same message. And those messages are that much more impactful because they feel earned. Years from now (maybe even next year), professors will be using La La Land to teach their students “show, don’t tell.”
Christopher Nolan’s first foray into the historical war epic, Dunkirk, has it’s first full trailer. And it’s as awesome, as you could imagine. Plus, it has Tom Hardy in it, which makes it even better.
Check it out here:
Miraculous evacuation of Allied soldiers from Belgium, Britain and France, who were cut off and surrounded by the German army from the beaches and harbor of Dunkirk, France, between May 27- June 04, 1940, during Battle of France in World War II.
I’m not sure about you, but I don’t need to see anything more on Dunkirk to be there day one. Aside from Tom Hardy, the film also stars Cillian Murphy, Mark Rylance, Kenneth Branagh and, yes, Harry Styles.
It’s great to see Nolan stick to his epic guns but bring his storytelling scope into the realm of reality. The movie opens July 21 next year.
Alan Thicke, best known for his role as Jason Seaver on Growing Pains, has died at the age of 69.
According to TMZ, he died of a heart attack after being taken to Providence St. Joseph medical center in Burbank, California. The actor was reportedly playing hockey with his 19 year old son when the heart attack occured.
Thicke’s most recent work was on the Netflix exclusive Fuller House; he even tweeted about the show’s second season a mere hours before his death.
He leaves behind his wife, Tanya, and his children Brennan, Carter and Robin.
Reborn #3
So many great ideas happening here, I am curious to know more.
