Marvel Pulls Aliens, Predator License from Dark Horse. Dark Horse Responds

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July 2, 2020

In a stunning move, Marvel Comics has announced it’s pulling licensing agreements with Dark Horse for Alien, Predator, and AvP. The agreement, first established under 20th Century Fox, has been in place for 30 years. Marvel’s press release (full transcript below) explains it intends to start publishing books under the Marvel banner beginning in January 2021.

Since the release of Marvel’s press statement, Dark Horse put out a public tweet wishing Marvel and the reacquired properties well in the future. See Dark Horse’s full statement below.

Does this move by bode well for the Alien, Predator and AvP franchises? Let us know what you think in the Comments section, and share this post on social media using the links below.

MARVEL COMICS TO PUBLISH NEW ALIEN AND PREDATOR STORIES

ALL-NEW ALIEN AND PREDATOR STORIES TO KICK OFF IN 2021

New York, NY— July 2, 2020 — Today, Marvel Entertainment announced three iconic franchises – ALIEN, PREDATOR, and ALIEN VS. PREDATOR – will be launching all-new stories with Marvel Comics starting in 2021! Revealed exclusively by IGN, the new comic series will feature new and classic characters from Earth and beyond to explore never-before-seen corners of both the Alien and Predator universes.

Following the debut of Alien in 1979 and Predator in 1987, the films built a cult following and expanded rapidly to include toys, games, novels, and comic books, eventually leading to 2004’s landmark crossover Alien vs. Predator. Marvel’s new stories will draw from all of these properties, building on decades of multimedia storytelling. Get a first look at next year’s deadly new chapter with spine-chilling cover art by David Finch!

“There’s nothing more thrilling than a story that will keep you at the edge of your seat, and Alien and Predator have delivered that time and time again!” C.B. Cebulski, Editor-in-Chief of Marvel, told IGN. “I can clearly remember where I was when I saw each of these modern masterpieces for the first time, and reveling in how both masterfully weave extraterrestrial dread and drama into some of the most iconic scenes we’ve ever seen on film. And it’s that legacy that we’re going to live up to!”

“The incredible legacies of both franchises offer some of the most compelling and exciting worldbuilding in all of science fiction,” said Marvel Editor Jake Thomas. “It is a thrill and an honor to be able to add to that mythology and continuity with all-new stories set within those universes.”

“Alien and Predator are the two of the most identifiable, iconic characters of all time, and I love them for that,” said Finch. “But mostly, it’s being fortunate enough to be a kid when they were new. I’ve seen every movie they’ve ever been in, and I cannot wait to see them wreaking havoc in the Marvel Universe. I drew my pictures of them with a massive smile on my face.”

“As a visual medium, comics are the perfect place to build on those moments, and we here at Marvel are honored to begin telling these stories for fans everywhere,” added Cebulski. “As our release schedule continues to return, we can’t wait to share more in the coming months!”

Details on upcoming ALIENand PREDATORcomic book titles, collections, reprints, and creative teams will be shared at a later date. For Marvel’s most up-to-date release schedule for your favorite comics, visit Marvel.com/newcomics. Be sure to ask your local comic book shop about their current business policies to observe social distancing or other services they may offer, including holding or creating pull lists, curbside pick-ups, special deliveries and other options to accommodate. Find and support your local comic book shop at http://comicshoplocator.com or by visiting http://marvel.com/lovecomicshops.

Response from Dark Horse on July 2, 2020, 1:30pm Eastern

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AfterShock Exclusive Preview: ANIMOSITY #28

By

Matthew Sardo

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July 2, 2020

Animosity #28 hits your local comic book shop on August 12, but thanks to AfterShock, Monkeys Fighting Robots has an exclusive four-page preview. The 32-page book is written by Marguerite Bennett, with art by Elton Thomasi, colors by Rob Schwager, and letters by Taylor Esposito. Rafael De Latorre and Marcelo Maiolo worked on the cover.

About Animosity #28:
In the aftermath of the fever-plague in the New Holy Texan Empire, Sandor and Jesse flee across the desert to rest, and face the truth at last.

Check out the full preview for Animosity #28 below:

Animosity is AfterShock Comics longest running series.

About the series:
One day, the Animals woke up. They started thinking. They started talking. They started taking revenge. Now, a dog and his girl are trying to get away–out of New York City, and all the way to San Francisco, to the only person who might be able to protect and save her.

Do you have Animosity on your pull list? Comment below with your thoughts on the series.

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Box Office Flashback: July – A Ghost, Mutants, And Mind-Benders

By

Ruben Diaz

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July 2, 2020

Thirty years ago, a ghost haunted the box office, ten years later, it was a marvelous mutant invasion, and then ten years ago, the action was only all in your head.

In this time of strife we’re facing as a planet, it’s good that we have movies to get us through and bring us together. One-hundred-plus years of filmmaking provides a long, rich, and deep history to look back on. Retro reviews and analysis of old films are practically necessary full-time specialties. Month after month, films release, vying to make as much money and grab as much attention as possible. Some fall, but regardless of financial success, the lasting effect of a film on popular culture is unpredictable.

So, where does that leave past box office champs? Let’s take a look back ten, twenty, and thirty years ago at the biggest movies released in July.

**1990 • Ghost • 205.3 million**

Thirty years ago, Patrick Swayze and Demi Moore stole our hearts with the cross-existence, clay pot molding, Whoopi Goldberg co-starring Ghost. The film has firmly entrenched itself in pop culture history. It solidified its stars as super-celebrities, and it featured a fire soundtrack from French composer Maurice Jarre. Not to mention the song “Unchained Melody,” which likely lead to many of the births in early 1991. The film earned 505 million worldwide and only set the studio back 22 million to make.

In a distant second place was Die Hard 2. The sequel to the skyscraper action-thriller put its hero in an airport against a new set of terrorists. Presumed Innocent starring Harrison Ford came in third and coincidentally also co-stars Bonnie Bedelia from Die Hard 2. The late, great John Ritter starred in Problem Child, a sort of modern, redheaded step-cousin of Dennis the Menace. Every spider lover’s favorite creature feature, Arachnophobia with Bill Pullman and Scarlett Johansson, took fifth place but is a timeless classic popcorn movie.

**2000 • X-Men • 157.2 million**

Up-and-coming director Bryan Singer hit the big time when he turned the venerable comic book team the X-Men into box office super-money. X-Men kickstart-ed a franchise that added five sequels, the Wolverine spinoff series, and a New Mutants film that will one day see the light of day. Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine is as iconic as any drawn by John Byrne or Frank Miller.

As impactful as X-Men was, and it indeed dominated on a global scale, it only won the domestic box office by a mere 200,000 dollars. In a close second was the first Scary Movie starring Anna Farris, Regina Hall, and all the Wayans brothers. Coming in a close third, only two million behind, was What Lies Beneath. Harrison Ford and Michelle Pfeiffer formed a superstar team in a supernatural thriller directed by Robert Zemeckis. Eddie Murphy was hot in 2000 and milked his Nutty Professor shtick for a sequel called The Klumps. Lastly, we have the Disney made film The Kid starring Bruce Willis, which, until this writing, I did not know existed.

**2010 • Inception • 292.5 million**

Ten years after X-Men, Inception took the box office crown with nearly double the amount. Christopher Nolan was hot off his reimagining of Batman. For Inception, he crafted a mind-bending masterpiece of a heist movie. The cast is mind-blowing, including Leonardo DiCaprio, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Ellen Page, Tom Hardy, Cillian Murphy, Marion Cotillard, Ken Watanabe, and more. The film won four Academy Awards and made a boatload of money, further cementing Nolan’s place as the powerhouse director of the day.

Inception had competition, and it came in the form of Despicable Me, which earned 251 million. The first in the long-standing franchise introduced the world to the Minions and new costumes forever in the Halloween rotation. It hurts me to talk about the next film, but it exists, and it made enough money to land in third place. That movie is The Last Airbender, the ill-conceived live-action version of the brilliant animated series brought to un-life by M. Night Shyamalan. The power of Angelina Jolie fueled Salt’s success, a little mentioned action film from director Phillip Noyce. Paul Rudd, Steve Carell, and Zach Galifianakis teamed up for Dinner for Schmucks, a purported comedy.

July 2020 & Predictions

Does not compute. The box office is a strange place right now. The Wretched, a well-received horror film dominated weeks worth of box office returns from drive-in theaters across the country. For one day, YouTuber Eric Tabach held the #1 spot with his film Unsubscribe. July was supposed to feature the silver screen’s official return with the premiere of Christopher Nolan’s newest film Tenet. However, due to new spikes in COVID-19 cases, cinemas in the US have nixed the idea. Stay healthy and happy, readers. There’s no shortage of stuff to watch on streaming services across the interwebs!

Read more from Ruben R. Diaz!

Don’t go! There’s so much more on PopAxiom!

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Review: RONIN ISLAND #12 Is The Heartfelt Conclusion We’ve Been Waiting For

By

Corey Patterson

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RONIN ISLAND #12, on sale Wednesday, July 1st, concludes Greg Pak, Giannis Milonogiannis, Irma Kniivila, and Simon Bowland’s impressive original series. With Ronin Island full of Byonin, many of the townsfolk believe their only option is leaving. But Hana and Kenichi know what the Island means for so many people, and it’s going to take more than zombies to break them down.

Story

At first glance, Hana and Kenichi’s situation appears hopeless. The Byonin have officially overrun the Island, and the Shogun’s forces spur them on to wreak even more havoc. General Sato urges Hana to abandon the islanders as a lost cause, but the young hero is made of sterner stuff.

In a moving moment of action, Hana jumps to defend the people who have scorned her. We’re brought face-to-face with the protagonist we’ve grown to love at her finest—a warrior who fights not to earn love, but because she loves.

However, Hana’s strength and bravery might not be enough to stop what the Shogun has in store. He plans to let the Byonin (and possibly the bandits that have joined his side) do the dirty work. But with the Byonin morphing into a larger, stronger being, can either side hope to defeat them before the island is completely ravaged?

Artwork

Thanks to Milonogiannis’s penciling and ink work, Kniivila’s coloring, and Bowland’s lettering, readers will be treated to the unique artistic talent that’s been a mainstay throughout the series. The characters are drawn with few lines, yet convey an impressive amount of emotion and movement. Each of these scenes is fleshed out with burnt oranges and harsh reds to reflect the unforgiving landscape these Byonin and the Shogun have formed.

Conclusion

RONIN ISLAND #12 wraps up Pak’s narrative beautifully. Though much has been lost, there’s a glimmer of hope that shines through.

Were you satisfied with the series conclusion? Let us know in the comments below!

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Review: Kieron Dwyer’s UNPRESIDENTED HC Is The Political Satire America Needs Right Now

By

Corey Patterson

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In ages of political turmoil and uncertainty, humor is one of the greatest tools we have to combat despair. That’s why Kieron Dwyer’s UNPRESIDENTED HC, on sale Wednesday, July 1st, is needed now more than ever. Our divided country could use a few laughs. And what better way to get the giggles going than by depicting Donald Trump, a.k.a. POTUS, in ways much of the world already views him?

Collections

The collection is divided into various categories, usually puns based on one of the POTUS’s personality traits. In this way, Dwyer brilliantly crafts a tour of the figure’s unseemly exploits.

The Ego has Landed

This series of panels depict the POTUS as an egotistical maniac, claiming success for ultimately insignificant things such as large crowd sizes and an illustrious fart in a bathtub.

Orange Lies Matter

The illustrations in this section point to irony of the POTUS’s administration’s stance on the Black Lives Matter movement. Using scenes of Trump highlighting the importance of his “in group” (white, cisgender males), Dwyer shows how the President embodies the false narrative he places on marginalized groups.

Putin’s Puppet

Readers will find that this group of illustrations pokes fun at POTUS’s apparent infatuation with Vladimir Putin, especially early on in his presidency. Many of these panels depict the Russian leader in a puppet master role over the oblivious Trump.

Conclusion

These hilarious sections are just the tip of the iceberg. UNPRESIDENTED HC offers plenty of political satire to keep the disheartened reader content for days. We look forward to more work from Dwyer, the creator who’s somehow put all of our jokes about POTUS into comic form.

Do you want to see more of this satire from Dwyer? Let us know in the comments below!

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Review: ALL-AMERICA COMIX #1 & the Crippling Use of Gen-Z Slang

By

Justin Munday

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Writer Joe Casey and artist Dustin Nguyen craft a Gen-Z inspired modern superhero in “All-America Comix” #1. Along with Brad Simpson on colors and Russ Wooten’s letters, this one-shot unfortunately squanders its inspirational premise with a gross overuse of generational slang, social media cliches, and inconsistent visual work.

“Her last name is VASQUEZ! Her first name…says it all! And when confronted with the hidden secret of the universe, you won’t believe the cosmic truth she uncovers! Brought to you by the Wildcats Version 3.0 team of JOE CASEY and DUSTIN NGUYEN—reunited for the first time in fifteen years!”

Writing & Plot

“All-America Comix” begins with a promising – if not cliched – premise. America Vasquez is a young superhero who has decided to reject the classical ideas of patriotism and heroism in favor of a more direct approach to change. This is a blatant and potentially effective appeal to the mentality of the politically frustrated youngest generation. Where this idea loses itself is in its application. As soon as the script starts dropping misused hashtags and contemporary slang, the story’s inspirational focus goes off the rails. The internal narration of this comic is delivered in panels designed like Instagram posts or tweets, hashtags included. While a unique idea, it ultimately undermines any narrative seriousness this comic tries to display and immediately dates the content. As noble a cause it may seem to appeal to the concerns of the current generation by utilizing their terms, it never comes out as anything other than cringey or patronizing when used by an older writer. Completely avoiding social media/slang culture and going specifically after the larger issues with a young protagonist is much more effective (see G. Willow Wilson’s Ms. Marvel). This issue attempts to go after some internal strife for America as well, such as the struggle for identity and purpose most go through at that age (that is amplified even more during these times), but the story doesn’t stick with the thread long enough to give it any meaning. Even well-intentioned misfires are still misfires.

Art Direction

As someone who’s usually a fan of Dustin Nguyen’s art, his work on “All-America Comix” #1 seems a little rushed and inconsistent. He has some great moments, specifically a couple of fight scenes, an interdimensional trip and a fight with a giant robot, but outside of these, the visuals look as though they were drawn just to be finished. The facial details for America’s emotional states are solidly drawn, but the rest of her features and animations are, again, inconsistent. Nguyen and colorist Brad Simpson really get a chance to shine with a lengthy (dialogue-free) sequence involving America falling through an interdimensional tear, and it’s full of inventive panel construction and an incredible array of color-usage. Outside of this sequence, Simpson’s colors carry most of the artistic weight through the issue. Russ Wooten’s lettering may be the single most impressive aspect of this comic. His dialogue balloons are full of an exaggerated take on the classic superhero comic font style, and also offer a wide range of changes based on context. The visual work overall is solid, but nothing to necessarily amaze.

Despite a great concept and the intention of actively appealing to the interests of the newest generation of young adult comic readers, “All-America Comix” #1 falters in its tacky script and lackluster visuals. There’s a message to be made here in regards to the writing: older writers should not attempt to utilize the slang and cultural terminology of younger generations. It never comes out properly, and it typically comes off as patronizing. This comic was apparently supposed to be a full series judging by its cliffhanger of an ending, but the unusual lack of quality from typically highly skilled creators may have killed this one in its crib.

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Mariko Tamaki, Mikel Janin Team Up For WONDER WOMAN

By

Kevin Sharp

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July 1, 2020

2020 Eisner nominee Mariko Tamaki will be joined by artist Mikel Janin on Wonder Woman, starting in issue #759 later this month. DC Comics has now released a few preview pages from their initial story.

Here’s the description and some art (including covers by Jim Lee and David Marquez) to get excited about:

New adventures are ahead for everyone’s favorite Amazon warrior princess this July as New York Times bestselling writer Mariko Tamaki (Supergirl: Being Super, Harley Quinn: Breaking Glass) becomes the new writer for Wonder Woman, beginning with #759, on sale July 28!

Mariko’s debut story arc features art by fan-favorite artist Mikel Janin (Batman) for issues #759 and #760, and here’s your first look at pages by Mikel, the fantastic cover by David Marquez (Batman/Superman) and a breathtaking cardstock variant cover by Jim Lee!.

It’s a brand-new day for Wonder Woman! As Diana starts to pick up the pieces of her life following her battle with the Four Horsewomen and her run-in with the Phantom Stranger, Man’s World has become more complicated to navigate than ever before. It seems everyone has a take on who Wonder Woman should be—some who look on her heroics with admiration, and some who lie in wait to seek revenge. A familiar threat is watching Diana’s every move, and now is the perfect time to strike…

WONDER WOMAN #759

Written by MARIKO TAMAKI

Art by MIKEL JANÍN

cover by DAVID MARQUEZ

Card stock variant cover by JIM LEE

ON SALE 07.28.20

$3.99 US | 32 PAGES

CARD STOCK VARIANT COVER $4.99 US

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DC’s THE DREAMING: WAKING HOURS Gets New Variant Covers

By

Kevin Sharp

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July 1, 2020

DC Comics has revealed some new cover images for the upcoming spinoff of The Dreaming, titled Waking Hours.

Check out the official breakdown and cover images below:

The Dreaming: Waking Hours #1 Gets New Variant Cover, 1:25 Incentive

The latest chapter in the Sandman Universe arrives in August with The Dreaming: Waking Hours #1! Writer G. Willow Wilson and artists Nick Robles and Mat Lopes team up for this new series, featuring Dream’s latest creation: Ruin, the nightmare of catastrophic failure—who lives up to his name a little too well.

In advance of the new series, DC presents a new open-to-order variant cover for The Dreaming: Waking Hours #1, by Sandman Universe veterans Yanick Paquette and Nathan Fairbairn. This cover replaces the previously solicited The Dreaming: Waking Hours #1 variant cover by Bill Sienkiewicz.

Additionally, The Dreaming: Waking Hours #1 will arrive with a 1:25 incentive variant cover, featuring Robles’ design work for the series’ breakout new character, Ruin. This cover follows the format of similar 1:25 incentive covers for recent issues of Batman. More on Ruin can be found in G. Willow Wilson’s essay on the character, here.

“He’s very different from the other nightmares we’ve met in the Sandman Universe, all of whom live up to their names—they’re malicious and sadistic,” Wilson said of the new inhabitant of The Dreaming. “Ruin, on the other hand, isn’t very good at his job. He’s soft, he’s shy, he’s awkward, he’s eager to please. He is as terrified by his own darkness as a dreamer would be. He makes this profound, heartbreaking effort not to frighten anyone. And he sets off on this quest to find the person he fell in love with, against all odds.”

One of Dream’s heaviest responsibilities is the creation of nightmares—the beings that haunt our sleep and turn our thoughts toward darkness. In the form of Ruin, the nightmare of catastrophic failure, Dream was certain he’d built his next masterpiece…but Ruin can’t help but live up to his name, sending every situation into a spiral of unexpected consequences. Unfortunately, Shakespearean scholar (and exhausted new mother) Lindy has dreamed of Ruin…and in the process, she’s delivered him unto the waking world!

The Dreaming: Waking Hours #1 hits shelves on August 4.

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Review: HAWKEYE FREEFALL #6 – How Far Can He Fall?

By

Matthew Brake

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Marvel Comics releases Hawkeye Freefall #6 July 1. Written by Matthew Rosenberg, with art by Otto Schmidt and lettering by VC Joe Sabino, this issue, while full of heart, portends a fall from grace for everyone’s favorite smart-mouthed Avenger.

Writing

Rosenberg’s writing, while quippy and tongue-in-cheek at times, also exudes a lot of heart. When Hawkeye discovers that Bullseye, dressed in Clint’s Ronin costume, has injured Bryce, a kid working for the Hood, Rosenberg is able to convey the seriousness of the moment. Even though Bryce dies in Night Nurse’s home and we see Hawkeye contemplating how to find Bullseye, Rosenberg provides a slight bit of levity here, by indicating that Clint is tuning Night Nurse out (for bringing Bryce to her place instead of the hospital). Somehow, this combination of seriousness and humor works. While the text does seem to be heading toward a continued downward trajectory for Clint, Rosenberg can add moments of wit into serious moments without reducing the stakes.

Art

While I like Schmidt’s coloring and shading, I am not the biggest fan of his facial work, but I think he does an outstanding job of capturing some quiet character moments, like Clint’s pensiveness as he waits to find out if Bryce will be ok.

Other times, however, I do feel like I’m looking at a Frank Miller drawing.

Again, I love the shading and the way some of the colors bleed into each other. The design work just isn’t my cup of tea, although I do think it does help the actions feel more kinetic.

Lettering

There are two highlights of Sabino’s lettering in this issue. Both involve some quieter character moments. The first is the previously mentioned scene when Night Nurse is chewing out Hawkeye for bringing Bryce to her apartment for treatment (only for him to die). The way Sabino colors Hawkeye’s thought boxes and shades the words of Night Nurse is able to convey the idea that Hawkeye is tuning her out and lost in thought. The second moment is when Sabino letters Hawkeye’s cellphone, showing all the other super people trying to reach him to let him know that Cap was shot by Bullseye. Schmidt also deserves credit here for the look on Clint’s face as he reads his messages and the shading around his eyes as he resolves to use Bullseye’s own costume to pursue the villain.

This was an enjoyable issue. It has all of the heart and wit one would expect from a Hawkeye comic, and I’m always a fan of seeing the original Hawkeye outfit make an appearance. But the last page indicates that dark things may be in store for The World’s Greatest Marksman.

What did you think of Hawkeye Freefall #6? Tell us in the comments below!

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MARKED #6: A New Story Arc In Goth Rock Magic

By

Jake Palermo

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Marked #6 is a new story arc in a series published this week by Image Comics by supernatural series veterans David Hine and Brian Haberlin.

Recap

Prior to Marked #6, the titular coven was slow on supernatural threats, so they used their magic to pursue influencer lifestyles. That is until a former member sold out to the US government to create Lovecraftian super-soldiers, forcing an all-out battle where lives are lost.

World of Marked #6

In all consideration, Marked #6 is a fairly decent place to introduce new readers. David Hine provides character moments where relationships take importance. The focus of this issue, the apparently dead Pope, manages to reach out to his friends. All through a culture that Brian Haberlin illustrates. In comparison to this pair’s previous collaboration Sonata, this series evokes their experience in supernatural series like Witchblade. Just the cremating funeral scene is rather interesting to look at how Marked has its unique culture. Not to mention, there’s a whole world of horrors that draws people in to the point of obsession. Heck, H.P. Lovecraft is a prominent character.

Art

Haberlin’s triple role as co-writer, penciler, and inker shows a great deal of investment he has in Marked #6. The amount of detail, shading, and architecture alone is phenomenal. The funeral scene at the beginning has just the right amount of atmosphere to evoke a sense of loss. The character designs meanwhile evoke their personalities, such as Saskia’s pupil-less eyes evoke that she can see people’s souls while contrasting her caring nature.

Geirrod Van Dyke’s colors just so happens to display how characters who dress mostly in black still look unique. Despite the primarily dark setting, Marked #6 displays how this might actually be the safer place. As brighter colors are an indication of threats coming their way.

Francis Takenaga, in contrast, goes out of his way to give different characters color-coded captions. Saskia has red captions with white font, almost as a sign that she is the one who will push the plot forward. Especially since it matches a word balloon of surprise that comes up later, this in contrast to the standard green captions with a yellow gothic font that describe the settings. It sets the tone for the series before moving into the subject at hand.

You Don’t Need The Full Details To Get Marked #6

It can certainly seem daunting to start a series from somewhere other than the beginning. But Marked #6 has something better going for it than continuing a story that finished. There’s an entire world that draws readers in, ready to swallow them whole for being curious. One where going back to the beginning could seem like a waste of time.

What do you think? Is Marked #6 an excellent place to get into a new world of possibilities? Or would you prefer to start at the first issue? Leave your thoughts in the comments.

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