GWENPOOL STRIKES BACK #3 – The Insanity Continues

Gwen’s gambit for sales continues in GWENPOOL STRIKES BACK #3, out this Wednesday from Marvel Comics. Gwen is a force of chaotic energy, steamrolling her way through the Marvel Universe in her attempt to stay relevant.

Another dramatic cover issue from Gwen – though perhaps she could have thought this one out a bit more.

***SPOILER WARNING***

Gwenpool has had a complicated history within Marvel Comics. Some fans loved her right off the bat. Others didn’t fall for her until Christopher Hastings picked up her series. Meanwhile, other comic readers just get her confused with Gwen Stacy. But that never slowed this girl down – not even for a minute.

Gwenpool Strikes Back is a miniseries focused on the one and only Gwenpool, aka Gwen Poole, and her fight to become famous, or at least slightly more well known, within the Marvel world. And she’s not afraid to drag other beloved characters into her battle. She’s already pounced on Spider-Man and the Fantastic Four, and she even enlisted Deadpool for help. So what’s next?

As it turns out, she’s far from done. If anything, the third issue in the series ups the ante, with Gwen becoming painfully aware of everything that is at stake. And what she has to do in order to continue surviving. Mainly; she’s got to sell comics. Low sales are the death of many a series, and Gwen’s afraid of what that’ll mean for her character if she is again, relegated to team or cameo status.

Look at all the people trying to help Gwen get back on her feet!

Gwen’s fate has been placed firmly in the hands of Leah Williams, who has taken over writing the series. And it’s a task she’s having a bit of fun with. And who can blame her? It’s not every day you get to write for a wild, quirky, and fourth-wall-breaking character.

Previously, this series has been a load of laughs, even when it was making a more serious point (the argument about sales and fan loyalty). This issue turns the table, bringing the serious Gwen to the front. And Gwen is not a character afraid to fight dirty, especially when she’s cornered.

Gwenpool Strikes Back #3 quickly goes from a purely comical element to something significantly more intense. And it’s all courtesy of a realization made by Gwen. And her new tactic for becoming a hit series.

And frankly, it was refreshing to see this side of Gwen. It was an intensity bordering on insane, fueled by determination and desperation. But it was also a brilliant – if extreme – plan that Gwen came up with here.

The commentary running alongside Gwen’s plan brought everything to a whole new level and helped to lighten the mood slightly. It also highlighted the trials comic authors go through when they reference other much loved Marvel characters (and the hate that can get dumped on them for it). The honestly and quips were poignant, but also humorous. In short, it was perfect for Gwenpool.

Marvel heroes are taking to the beach in Gwen’s latest plot.

David Baldeon’s lines were perfect for this issue, toeing the line between amusing and intense as needed. Meanwhile, Jesus Aburtov’s colors were brilliant – dynamic and bright, which is really a perfect fit for our pink-clad non-heroine. And finally, VC’s Joe Caramagna’s lettering got a chance to shine in this issue, with lots of thought bubbles, explanations, and Gwen-specific expletives.

The artists behind this issue had a lot to work with. But likewise, they also had a lot that they needed to pull off. It is no small feat to include over twenty Marvel characters into one issue, and do so in a way where each character is immediately identifiable. This task is even more complicated when said characters are outside of their typical garb. But the creative team did an excellent job here.

The portrayal of these characters was a source of entertainment, as were all of the exaggerated expressions stuffed within the pages. Gwen was the most over the top, but there were plenty of other moments to appreciate along the way.

Agreed. Fanfiction is the solution to everything.

Gwenpool Strikes Back only has two more issues left in this miniseries, so fans are forced to hope that it’ll be enough to kick up more interest in this insane character. On the bright side, that means that there are two more issues left for her to pull off more balmy stunts – plenty of time for a character such as this one.

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The Plot Thickens in WEB OF BLACK WIDOW #2

Cat Wyatt

Natasha’s quest for answers and resolution continues in WEB OF BLACK WIDOW #2, out this Wednesday from Marvel Comics. Black Widow’s past is dredged up and used against her in this thrilling new miniseries, forcing the character and readers to acknowledge what she has lost.

Black Widow is looking frustrated with the transforming demons of her past.

***SPOILER WARNING***

Natasha Romanoff is a character with a complex and dynamic history. The problem is that she’s not always proud of that history. And she can’t always recall all of the details, thanks to some of the things she’s been through. So when the past comes back to bite her, it somehow manages to exact a higher toll than expected.

But this is the Black Widow we’re talking about. If there’s one thing we can count on her for, it’s that she’ll always get back up and keep on fighting. And she’ll do so with or without help. That’s just how she operates.

In this case, her ability to work alone is a positive thing, given that she is by all appearances being framed. The how and why are less clear, but you can bet that Natasha will be getting to the bottom of this mystery. No matter how many faces she has to break in the process.

How does that window on the bathing suit work?

Web of Black Widow #2 is written by Jody Houser, and the issue was a poignant reminder of Natasha’s sordid history. We all know that she’s done things in her past, but this is more than that. This is a reminder of Natasha’s history with other heroes – the good and the bad.

Let’s be honest; Natasha’s ability to be a more grayscale character is one of the reasons fans love her. This series is perfect for her in every way possible. She’s once again forced to deal with a situation all on her own – and in the process forced to confront allies, she’d be happier trusting.

The plot bounced back and forth between the past and present with total ease, weaving together multiple points in Natasha’s history. In this way, it was easy to connect the dots between what she has done and what she must do next. It was an elegant way of telling the story, and one that is well-suited for this format.

As for the catalyst behind the entire plot? It’s not as simple as it seems, but it is very clearly a personal battle for Natasha. Whoever is doing this has a reason they want to hurt her – or her reputation. The real question is, who could it be? Enough enemies are lingering in her past to choose from.

The artwork in Web of Black Widow #2 leans more towards the dramatic edge, with dynamic poses and lots of action sequences. Which makes sense, given that this is Black Widow we’re talking about.

Stephen Mooney was the lead artist for this issue, with Triona Farrell providing the colors. These two worked well together, with her keen sense of color and shading complementing Mooney’s sharper drawing style. Meanwhile, VC’s Cory Petit did the lettering, and as per usual, he did an excellent job of it.

They did an excellent job of showing off Natasha’s strength in this issue. There’s no doubt that the woman has muscles, and that she knows how to use them. Likewise, the series of flashbacks reminding us of her history with the Winter Soldier was exceptionally done. In just a few panels, their chemistry and romance were laid out for the fans.

Some of the style choices were a bit off, here and there. But it was not that distracting. And it was easily balanced out with the fight scenes. Though how Black Widow’s suit stayed in place will forever be a mystery.

Web of Black Widow #2 is the perfect issue for fans of Natasha Romanoff. It’s steeped in her backstory, as well as the general air of mystery known to her character. It also puts Black Widow back in her natural element; the type where she’s forced to fend for herself to get the job done. In many ways, this plot is taking the character, full circle.

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Turning the Tables in STAR WARS ADVENTURES: RETURN TO VADER’S CASTLE #2

Cat Wyatt

The eerie tales surrounding Vader’s Castle continues in STAR WARS ADVENTURES: RETURN TO VADER’S CASTLE #2, out this Wednesday from IDW. No matter how hard fans try, we can’t stop indulging in our fascination with the dark side and everything it includes.

That’s just what you want to see; Tarkin approaching with a huge needle.

***SPOILER WARNING***

Return to Vader’s Castle, unsurprisingly, brings us back to the dark building that has been a source of fascination and mystery. This time, the series has a new focus; the dark being left behind and what he’s been up to in Vader’s absence. And the people who keep getting trapped in the castle, of course.

You’d think at some point people would learn to stay away from Mustafar, or at least away from Vader’s section of the planet. But of course, all it does is attract the bolder members of the universe. Or those seeking answers (or treasure).

On the bright side, that means there are more stories for fans to read. So we can hardly complain when people keep insisting on showing up, right?

Cavan Scott is in charge of writing the series, and he’s had a roundabout way of connecting all of the subplots. It would seem that one very talented soul has been collecting stories – and treasure – all over the galaxy. And he’s got a lot to say on the matter.

There seems to be a trend – each issue focuses on a different famous antagonist from the universe. This time around, it is Grand Moff Tarkin and his unique brand of merciless reasoning.

The tale woven within this issue was fascinating and believable. Everything Scott told us fits in well with the Tarkin we all know. It was exciting to see some of the consequences of his actions – it’s not a side typically shown within the movies or comics.

Somebody looks a wee bit upset about the situation they’re in.

The artistic team for Star Wars Adventures: Return to Vader’s Castle #2 comprised of Francesco Francavilla and Kelley Jones as the main artists. Francavilla also helped out with the coloring alongside Michelle Madsen, and Andworld Design provided the lettering.

The art style was evocative of the movies, while also being its own entity. The shading and line work were heavier, similar to the styles shown in other Star Wars Adventures series. There was a lot to enjoy about the art in this issue, from the backdrops to the fire effects.

While some of the secondary characters were lacking in detail, the named and familiar characters were distinct – showing a little bit of extra attention to detail. The monstrosity within this tale was an unusual combination. They were designed to look like something far from humans; an intentional juxtaposition to their behavior.

People really need to stop coming by Vader’s Castle…it doesn’t end well for them.

Star Wars Adventures: Return to Vader’s Castle #2 continued the trend of one-shot stories within the series. But it went a bit further, by explaining how all of the mini-stories ended up tying together in the end. Having one character as a storyteller is always a smart solution to this sort of dilemma. Though it does leave us curious about what he’ll tell us next – and who it’ll revolve around.

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Review: A Battle Royale With Christmas Elves In BATTLEPUG #2

Corey Patterson

The last Kinmundian and his loyal Battlepug (a.k.a. Sprinkles) recently reunited with Bryony, their plant mage friend, so she could show them a message from the warrior’s cruel, former overlord—the King of the Northland Elves. Fueled by revenge, the Kinmundian sets out to confront his adversary, while the other mages journey to the city of Rensselaer to find additional help. But what both groups don’t know is that the King is dead, and a more formidable foe lies in wait.

Find out what happens when BATTLEPUG #2 from Image Comics hits store on Wednesday, October 9th.

Story

With the Kinmundian and Sprinkles are off on their mission to the Northland, the mages make their presence known to the town of Rensselaer and its mayor: Callistus the Pirate King, or rather, the reformed Pirate King. The eccentric old fellow claims to have reformed the once corrupt town and focused on other pursuits, such as his self-proclaimed amazing “hamball” meal.

Our group (mostly Bryony) isn’t immensely impressed, but they believe the former villain to be trustworthy enough to help them in their quest. He’s the only person around who knows much of anything about the Elven Kingdom, and they believe he will be a valuable asset. Fortunately, he agrees to help, and the ever-growing band of heroes makes it way to the Kingdom.

As the story progresses, we seamlessly transition to the Kinmundian and the Battlepug in the northern lands of the Kingdom, confronting a group of elves lead by none other than the Putin look-alike, Jofel!

It’s these hilarious surprises (the unicorns, Jofel, etc.) that writer Mike Norton leverages to keep the reader on their toes throughout this narrative, always wondering what could happen next. And that feeling only grows when the Queen of Kingdom makes herself known to our heroes. What fate could possibly await them?

Artwork

Norton and Allen Passalaqua’s unique brand of art plays wonderfully into the narrative’s quirky tone. The landscapes, buildings, and characters have an almost cartoonish quality to them, as if one were in the midst of a Looney Tunes episode—albeit with more adult humor. And this works perfectly for the series. The story’s bizarre features, such as Jofel’s candy cane hands, are exactly what make us love this series. This applies to CRANK!’s unique lettering as well—the fonts often look like they were handwritten, adding to this story’s sense of originality.

Comic Covers

Cover A

Norton and Passalaqua’s main cover art features an epic fight between the Kinmundian, Sprinkles, and the elves of the Northland Kingdom. This scene stokes readers’ anticipation levels by giving them a taste of the exciting fight to come.

Cover B

Tony Fleecs’ variant cover features bright and colorful illustrations reminiscent of the My Little Pony series, giving readers a lighter tone to the murderous unicorns Bryony and rest must face.

Conclusion

BATTLEPUG #2 is a thrilling addition to the first issue, taking us further into the Kinmundian and team’s world through insane antics. We’re locked in tight and can’t wait to see how Norton, Passalaqua, and team continues to blend themes of epic fantasy with endearing low-brow comedy.

Do you think the Kinmundian and Sprinkles will be able to escape from the Queen’s grasp? And will Jofel get his revenge? Let us know in the comments below!

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AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #31 Revisits Spidey’s Rivalry With Norman Osborn

Colin Tessier

In Marvel Comics’ Amazing Spider-Man #31, on sale October 9, writer Nick Spencer explores the historical rivalry between Spidey and Norman Osborn. By digging into their past and comparing it to the present, Spencer shows the circuitous pattern of the feud, which makes Spidey’s eventual ability to break from the loop even more satisfying.

Writer: Nick Spencer

Penciler: Ryan Ottley

Inker: Cliff Rathburn

Colorist: Nathan Fairbairn

Letterer: VC’s Joe Caramagna

Sometimes, it’s easy to forget that Norman Osborn is the Joker to Spider-Man’s Batman; their bitter rivalry spans decades and no other villain in Spidey’s rogues’ gallery can match the personal hatred in this conflict. Before Absolute Carnage, Norman had faded into the background since “Go Down Swinging,” which set the stage for the event currently threatening the Marvel Universe. Now, Norman is back at center stage and he’s determined to do what he does best ―make Spider-Man’s life a living hell.

Amazing Spider-Man #31 — Now that Norman Osborn has bonded with an enhanced Carnage symbiote, he’s more powerful than ever.

With the Carnage symbiote, Norman is stronger and crazier than ever. That’s why, last time we saw Spidey in the previous issue, Norman was standing over the bloodied and battered hero. As Peter’s narration (along with the usage of flashbacks) show, this scene is a familiar one in Spider-Man’s world. Peter is the last line of defense that’s keeping Norman from his next targets, Normie Osborn and Dylan Brock. At first, Norman’s just too powerful and Peter thinks that he’s once again unable stop his nemesis. Spencer juxtaposes the present action with cuts to Peter’s past, when failing to defeat Norman has caused him unfathomable tragedy.

Norman has taken everything from Spidey; he killed Gwen Stacy and he’s been tormenting Peter’s loved ones (like Mary Jane and Harry Osborn) for a long time. Spider-Man reflects on this pain while he lies on the ground and helplessly watches Norman prepare to attack Dylan and Normie. In the span of one issue, Spencer guides the reader through an exploration of Spider-Man’s self-doubt; through his narration, the hero conveys his belief in the inevitability of Norman’s heinous actions. But the threat of losing the two kids drives Spider-Man to keep fighting. The entire issue feels like a compelling example of the classic proverb, “Fall seven times, stand up eight.” No matter how often Spidey gets knocked down, he’ll always get back up. That’s the heart of the character and Spencer’s ability to portray it continues to be the series’ clearest strength.

Throughout the issue, the art team shows the distinct shifts in Norman’s personality. In the first flashback, when Peter tries to visit Harry during his struggle with substance abuse, he’s the aggressive, overbearing father who’s trying to protect his son. Penciler Ryan Ottley makes Norman look like he’s gone mad in response to his concern about Harry. Colorist Nathan Fairbairn adds shades of red to Norman’s eyes, a fitting nod to his future bond with Carnage that further displays his wrath. The fury on Norman’s face is tangible and it’s clear he doesn’t need a Carnage symbiote or a Green Goblin suit to be terrifying. Of course, when he does wear the symbiote later in the issue, he’s even more scary because of the deranged grin on his face.

In Amazing Spider-Man #31, Spidey overcomes his fears and hands Norman/Carnage his most significant defeat since the beginning of Marvel’s latest crossover event. The analysis of Peter’s emotions stands as a highlight of the issue and put Spidey back on top after he briefly hit rock bottom.

What’d you think of Amazing Spider-Man #31? Where do you hope to see the series go from here?

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Review: Philosophy And Horror, Hand In Hand In COFFIN BOUND #3

Darryll Robson

Introspective philosophy and body mutilation forms the backbone of Coffin Bound #3 out from Image Comics this week. Writer Dan Watters takes each character on a journey into themselves and drags the reader along for the uncomfortable ride.

With a darkly humorous tone already set by previous issues, this comic is basically Tank Girl with a death wish and is not afraid to dig deep into the human spirit and tear out whatever it finds there. Be warned, Watters and artist Dani do not hold back and if you find it hard to get passed the cover, it’s probably best not to venture any further.

Philosophy And Horror, Hand In Hand In COFFIN BOUND #3 — Coffin Bound #3 Credit: Image Comics

A Shroud of Darkness

This issue starts with Izzy fighting for her life while contemplating her own existence, decay, and death. The visuals are energetic and desperate with each stage of Izzy’s flight illustrated as a slog through darkness. Dani etches the characters out on the page and Brad Simpson soaks them in uncomfortable colors. The shift from panel to panel gives you travel sickness, exacerbated by the threat from the presence stealing EarthEater.

Izzy’s desperation manifests itself on the page but is almost contradicted by the overlaid captions. This is the story of a woman looking to remove herself from the world but she fights so hard to stay in it. Watters point in this opening is to focus on free will and the right of an individual to make their own choices.

This theme permeates throughout this issue, seeping into the story lines for each of the characters. Taqa has been left behind and must face the prospect of abandonment. She learns many truths that hurt her and in a desperate act to understand herself she is led by those around her. As Izzy is trying to strip the world of her existence, piece by piece, Taga is manipulated into striping herself to find her place in the world.

The two central characters are contrasted across the narrative. Each have their own guide who is helping and manipulating them in equal measures. Both guides are mysterious to a certain degree and neither can be wholey trusted. Izzy is on a physical journey to destroy herself, while Taqa is on an emotional journey where she is physically destroying herself.

But the story runs even deeper. The extras in the cast are all approaching their own journeys of self discovery in a number of different ways. The variety of life, and to a certain degree death, is present within these pages and the creators force the reader to face it all head on. Once you’ve started you can’t look away.

In The Details

For such an introspective story it’s important to get the small stuff right. Dani’s layouts are intrinsically personal, focusing on character moments and gestures. She very rarely uses long shots in this issue and when she does it is to highlight the isolation of a character. Small, intricate details fill some panels while deliberate abstract visuals shape others. Both approaches share page space and are all a part of the overall theme.

If you’ve ever heard Adityar Bidikar talk about his work, or read his columns in the digital magazine Panel X Panel , then you will know that he is very passionate about his work, and that really shows in Coffin Bound. The lettering takes on a life of its own. Bound to the characters but also apart, like distant thoughts within the recesses of the characters minds. The wonderful speech balloons have skinny tails creating the impression of wisps in the air.

There are some obscurely shaped speech balloons that not only fit the artwork better but represent the characters that are speaking. A contrast is made between Izzy and her guide. One fits the world better than the other, as if one belongs and one doesn’t.

Conclusion

The fluid nature of the storytelling mixed with the expressionistic coloring and character driven lettering creates an immense reading experience. Coffin Bound is intense, often disturbing, but also compulsive reading. Watters has crafted a tale of self discovery and personal analysis which has been brought to life with a visual flair by the art team.

There are some scenes that will turn your stomach, and for this reason the comic will not appeal to some people but body horror aside, Coffin Bound is a must read comic. It riffs off recognisable icons, comics, and films but ultimately produces a unique reading experience.

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Review: SHOPLIFTERS WILL BE LIQUIDATED #1 Offers Uncomfortable Familiarities

Darryll Robson

The shopping experience is everything and in the future your experience will be protected, with excessive force is necessary. This is the concept behind AfterShock Comics new title out this week, Shoplifters Will Be Liquidated, created by Patrick Kindlon and Stefano Simeone.

There are familiar themes and references throughout the comic which touches on one of the more popular topics of the day: shopping. It is a bizarre, action science fiction story that lambasts modern consumerism and the big corporations that attempt to sell you everything with 100% satisfaction guaranteed.

Shoplifters Will Be Liquidated #1 Credit: AfterShock Comics

Future Sales

The story follows, Nussbaum, one of the top security guards at the flagship Caucasus Superstore. Nussbaum prowls the aisles, literally smelling out shoplifters and other trouble causers. His personal maxim is one of total loyalty to the company and no mercy to the criminal.

Unfortunately for Nussbaum, not everything is rosy in the corporate hierarchy and when the head honcho has an emotional breakdown, the floor literally drops away beneath his feet.

Kindlon has created a fascinating cast to populate his narrative. The central character is driven and has something missing from his life, something that focuses all of his emotions into doing his job. His imbalanced psyche is clear in his speech and the uncomfortable facial expressions which Simeone gives him. He is not a character that you would trust and, as a central character, he makes the entire world of Shoplifters shifty.

This central uncomfort allows Kindlon to shine a bright light on this supposed Shopping Paradise and, without being to specific, draw parallels with the real world. The superstore where Nussbaum works is the next evolutionary stage for the shopping giants of today, similar to Kerblam! from the latest series of Doctor Who. It is full of corruption, greed, and ultimately has nothing to do with providing customer satisfaction. Kindlon is able to get these ideas and themes across without having to spend too much time elaborating them. The concerns are there, in the background and in the deeper reading of the central characters.

Nussbaum’s life disintegrates fast once the story gets going and Kindlon doesn’t hang around in the world outside of the Superstore. One unfortunate incident quickly follows another until the entire world is opened up with an ending that seems familiar but you just can’t put your finger on why. There are elements of Blakes’ 7, Logan’s Run, and even some recent Judge Dredd comics; all mixed up together in the narrative pot.

Harsh Realities

The clinical, clean world of Caucasus is represented perfectly in Simeone’s art. The sets are all sharp angles, polished blues, and orderly boxes. Into this are thrown the awkward characters whose shapes don’t quite fit and contrast the backgrounds and buildings. There is an expressiveness to the way Simeone renders the characters, concentrating on movements and actions. The slow twisting of the head or the impact of a fist on a punchbag are important to Simeone’s character developments.

The story is told through the changing color washes and the gliding movements of characters from one panel to another. If Shoplifters Will Be Liquidated is nothing else it is dynamic; an emotional, expressive dissection of the human mind pushed to the limits in a world of corporate manipulation.

The narrative isn’t always clear. There are moments where the break in scenes is momentarily lost in the transitions between pages. This requires the reader to revisit a number of points to clarify what is happening. However, the themes are always present, clear as day, on every page.

The tone is stamped into place by the lettering from Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou. It reflects the clinical nature of the Superstore but has a human element, as illustrated by the hand-drawn, square speech balloons. Much of the speech is as harsh as the rest of the comic, sharp borders to the speech balloons and inconsistency in the font sizes. It’s as if, even through the speech, the creators don’t want the reader to warm to the characters.

Conclusion

Shoplifters Will Be Liquidated shines a harsh light on consumerism as it tells a fast paced, action story. The art work is as cold and cruel as the corporation running the Superstore within the comic. It quickly sets the scene and themes but it may take longer for the reader to acclimatise to the storytelling style.

The coloring and lettering helps the reader along, constantly reiterating the style and tone of the story. The central character isn’t easy to like which is reflected throughout all of the artwork. Even by the end you aren’t sure if Nussbaum is a hero or villain which is surely the larger point that Kindlon is trying to make?

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NYCC: Best Cosplayers of the 2019 New York Comic Con

Michael Fromm

October 7, 2019

And just like that, another New York Comic Con is behind us. The excitement, the fandoms, and the legions of fans were ever present. And what would be a memorable NYCC without cosplayers – the devoted fans who spend their precious time, money, and energy to craft an accurate costume of their favorite hero or villain. The best cosplayers barely make it through the entrance to the convention hall, as they are bombarded by fans eager to grab a selfie.

Here are some of the best cosplayers we saw at NYCC 2019.

Do you have any great pics from NYCC? Send us a message on Twitter!

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DC Comics NYCC: HELLBLAZER, Harley Quinn, and New Continuity

Kevin Sharp

October 7, 2019

DC Comics unveiled several new titles and projects at this year’s NYCC. Here’s a sampling…

Amethyst: Writer-artist Amy Reeder will be producing this new Wonder Comics ongoing title beginning in February 2020. DC’s description reads as follows:

[T]he new Amethyst series follows teenager Amy Winston, a.k.a. Princess Amethyst, as she returns to her magical kingdom to find it in ruins, her subjects vanished, and none in the realm of Gemworld still loyal to her house. To solve this mystery, restore House Amethyst, and save her family, Amy must find new allies and confront dark secrets on a deadly quest to the farthest reaches of Gemworld.

The Dreaming: Writer G. Willow Wilson and artist Nick Robles are taking over this Sandman Universe title as of issue #19. Wilson spoke to THR about getting the chance at her new gig while on a book tour in Colorado:

“What was funny about that conversation was that I walked outside kind of in a daze after it was over and I looked at the mountains and I had this wave of deja vu, because the very first time that I read Sandman at a good friend of mine’s house in high school, I was in Longmont, Colorado.”

Current Dreaming writer Si Spurrier will go on to helm both a Hellblazer one-shot as well as an ongoing series. He had this to say about his new charge, John Constantine:

“They asked me for a quote about how great John Constantine is and how honored I am to write him. Bollocks. He’s given me a stomach ulcer and I haven’t slept in weeks. Just read the bloody comic so he leaves me alone.”

Harley Quinn & The Birds of Prey: These characters will not only be featured in their own feature film next year, but also in a new Black Label series by Amanda Conner and Jimmy Palmiotti. DC describes the book this way:

With Harley finally done with The Joker, she’s moving forward with her life (as only she can) until she’s beset by a rogue’s gallery of Gotham City’s worst villains, the target of a $10,000,000 bounty placed on her head by the Clown Prince of Crime. It will take the help of Black Canary, Cassandra Cain (a.k.a. Batgirl), Renee Montoya, and the Huntress to help Harley and get to the bottom of why The Joker has turned Gotham’s worst loose on her.

The DC Universe Timeline: While not a comics project per se, co-publishers Dan DiDio and Jim Lee did reveal a comprehensive timeline of DC Universe continuity. As DiDio told the audience at the publishers’ panel:

“The whole idea here right now is, from our standpoint, we’re trying to organize a sense of when the DC stories took place and how they all fit together.”

The basic breakdown of the new/old timeline is “Dawn of the Heroic Age,” marked by Wonder Woman’s arrival in Man’s World; “The Space Age,” where Superman debuts; “The Age of Crisis,” which stretches from 1985’s Crisis on Infinite Earths to 2011’s Flashpoint; and “The Flashpoint,” which is the current era of the DC Universe.

But that’s not all the DC news! They also announced artist Stuart Immonen on a horror series with Joe Hill; Jim Lee and Brad Meltzer collaborating on a war comic; and Cliff Chiang both writing and drawing a new Black Label book.

Which of these upcoming projects are you most interested in? Leave us a comment!

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Marvel Comics NYCC: STAR WARS, Guardians, Wolverine, and More

Kevin Sharp

October 7, 2019

Marvel Comics used the occasion of NYCC to break a lot of news regarding their upcoming comics plans. Below are just some of the highlights…

Guardians of the Galaxy: January 2020 will see the relaunch of this title by Al Ewing and Juan Cabal. Marvel’s statement on the series reads as follows:

“Ewing’s spin on Marvel’s flagship cosmic title is sure to be intense, putting the Guardians in the center of a new intergalactic war and going up against the latest threats facing the galaxy, including the reborn Dark Gods of Olympus.”

And here’s the solicitation:

GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY #1
Writer: AL EWING
Artist: JUANN CABAL
IN 2020 — SPACE IS THE PLACE!
Once, they were a team of misfits. Now they’re a family, and they’ve earned their peace. But the universe is not a peaceful place — and it’s only getting worse. The Great Empires are in turmoil. The rule of law is dead. And amidst the chaos, the Gods of Olympus have returned — harbingers of a new age of war, reborn to burn their mark on the stars themselves. Someone has to guard the galaxy – but who will accept the mission? And will they survive it? Al Ewing (IMMORTAL HULK) and Juann Cabal (FRIENDLY NEIGHBORHOOD SPIDER-MAN) bring you in on the ground floor of a whole Marvel Universe of action and suspense!

Iron Man 2020: Writers Dan Slott and Christos Gage, along with artist Pete Woods, will helm this new title that picks up after the end of the current Tony Stark: Iron Man series. It stars Arno Stark from the 1980s Machine Man miniseries, whose “present day” will line up with the regular Marvel Universe next year. Editor Tom Breevort had this to say:

“Like the inexorable turning of pages on a calendar, we’ve been building up to the arrival of 2020 and the advent of Arno Stark as Iron Man ever since this latest run began! Here, all of the larger themes we’ve been playing with will come to the fore in a big, sweeping, epic action movie that anyone can enjoy!”

Marvels X: This six issue prequel to the Earth X limited series will reunite writers Alex Ross and Jim Krueger, this time joined by artist Velibor Stanojevic. Take a look at the solicitation for #1:

MARVELS X #1 (OF 6)
Writer: ALEX ROSS & JIM KRUEGER
Artist: VELIBOR STANOJEVIC
David has a problem. He lives in a world of monsters that would love to devour him. He’s the last boy on Earth. The last human being on Earth. And these creatures that see him only as prey, they’re his former neighbors. He has one hope: to get to New York. To get to where Captain America and the rest of the heroes are. Alex Ross and Jim Krueger combine their abilities with artist Well-Bee to tell a very uncanny prequel to the legendary EARTH X trilogy.

Star Wars: Yes, the main title is back with a new #1 written by Charles Soule and drawn by Jesus Saiz. This time around, the book will focus on the time period between Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi. Here’s the solicitation:

STAR WARS #1
Written by CHARLES SOULE
Art by JESÚS SAIZ
Cover by RB SILVA
“No…I am your father.”
In the wake of the events following The Empire Strikes Back, it is a dark time for the heroes of the Rebellion. The Rebel fleet… scattered following a disastrous defeat at the Battle of Hoth. Han Solo…lost to the bounty hunter, Boba Fett, after being frozen in carbonite. And after being lured into a trap on Cloud City and bested in a vicious lightsaber duel against the evil Darth Vader, Luke Skywalker…learned the horrible truth about his past. Vader did not kill Luke’s father Anakin–Vader is Luke’s father! Now, after narrowly escaping the dark lord’s clutches, and wounded and reeling from the revelation, Luke, Princess Leia, Lando Calrissian, the Wookiee Chewbacca and the droids C-3PO and R2-D2 must fight their way back to the Rebel Alliance—for the fate of the entire galaxy is at stake! After so many losses is victory still possible? But, what Leia, Luke and their ragtag band of freedom fighters do not realize is that they have only traded one Imperial trap for another! Enter the cunning and vengeful Imperial Commander Zahra, at the helm of the Tarkin’s Will!
Writer Charles Soule (DARTH VADER) and artist Jesús Saiz (DOCTOR STRANGE) are taking us all to the galaxy far, far away next year! With covers by RB Silva (POWERS OF X)!
THE GREATEST SPACE ADVENTURE OF ALL TIME…BEGINS THIS JANUARY!!!

Thor: Donny Cates and Nic Klein will guide the new adventures of the God of Thunder starting next year, taking over from Jason Aaron. Cates had this to say:

“In all my wildest dreams, I could never have imagined a world in which I was worthy of writing Thor. From Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, all the way to the legendary run I am so foolishly following by the great Jason Aaron, it is beyond an honor to enter the golden halls of Asgard, and to pave the path (Far beyond the fields we know…) for the Thunder God himself. Know that you will have my best, true believers. For all of you. For Asgard. Forever.”

The solicitation is short and sweet:

THOR #1
Writer: DONNY CATES
Artist: NIC KLEIN
A BRAND-NEW, SUPERSTAR CREATIVE TEAM TAKES THE KING OF ASGARD TO NEW REALMS OF GLORY!
The prince is now a king. All Asgard lies before Thor, the God of Thunder. And after many months of war, the Ten Realms are finally at peace. But the skies above the Realm Eternal are never clear for long. The Black Winter is coming. And the God of the Storm will be powerless before it.

Wolverine: Marvel’s most popular mutant is getting his first solo ongoing title in five years, written by Benjamin Percy and drawn by the rotating team of Victor Bogdonavic and Adam Kubert. Percy’s statement shows his enthusiasm for the character:

“We all have that character. The one we love more than any other. The one we treasure in books and movies and maybe memorialize with a T-shirt or tattoo. The one we relate to as a cracked-mirror version of ourselves. For me – as a growly, grumpy, hairy, smelly, muscled, flannel-clad, whiskey-swilling loner who lives in the woods of the frozen north – it’s Logan. And though this might sound corny, it also feels right to say that writing Wolverine is a dream come true, a childhood fantasy realized. No kidding, bub.”

Whew, and that’s not even all the NYCC news! Head over to Marvel to see more about the X-Men, Chris Claremont, and some new merchandise coming your way.

Which of these 2020 projects gets you the most excited? Leave us a comment!

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