Bill Sienkiewicz Takes On ComicsGate

By

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August 24, 2018

The comic book community is either evolving or devolving, depending on what side of the fence you’re looking at.

It has been a little over a year since the milkshake incident with Marvel Comics’ Editor Heather Antos, and we are approaching the one year anniversary of the Marvel Comics breakfast at New York Comic Con where a few retailers blamed lack of sales on “black,” “homo,” and “freaking female” comics. In our post-Trump world, ComicsGate is picking up steam, as Richard C. Meyer’s YouTube channel Diversity in Comics (aka Racists Talking About Comics) has 87,410 subscribers, and his comic book JAWBREAKERS crowdfunded $382,257 on IndieGoGo. Meyer has risen on social media with the support of comic book artist Ethan Van Sciver. Most recently, the ComicsGate trolls attacked Marsha Cooke, Darwyn Cooke’s widow on social media after she stated her husband did not support the movement.

ComicsGate is a movement against diversity in comic books, under the guise of demanding quality storytelling instead of pushing political agendas. There is an ideological battle raging as we speak on social media and message boards, in comic book stores, and at conventions. The dialogue is heated, messy, and downright ugly. With all this noise clouding the conversation, it is important to highlight voices that carry weight and substance.

Comic book legend Bill Sienkiewicz is a voice of reason. Sienkiewicz took the time to voice his opinion on ComicsGate and the people involved via Facebook. Read his thoughts below.

To Comicsgaters – but also: to general friends and colleagues in arms. Profuse profanity to follow. Be advised.

To begin.
I’m convinced Comics chose ME as a practitioner, emissary, evangelist, what-have-you—rather than the other way around.
Perhaps that’s why I tend to view most other creators through a similar lens. Whatever the actual reason people create comics, tell stories, live in this world, it’s still a wonderful calling.
Creators are family; every voice is unique and necessary.

That said, Comics sure as hell didn’t choose the so-called Comicsgate contingent to promote hateful, misogynistic and plain-old-ugly dogma. No, these ‘Gaters- you guys- you brought that ugliness all by yourselves.

To be honest, I just don’t get your deal. Are you so insecure, so afraid, so fearful of the prospect of bearing the ‘incel’ moniker, or by sharing creative space with someone with more estrogen than you- that you’re all somehow threatened to your very manhood or your livelihood? How super-heroic of you.
I’d ask you to explain it to me, but frankly what I’ve heard from your quarter already bores me; as well as just plain pisses me off. I fucking despise bullies. Cowards.

What you’re each promoting individually is not some divine creative dispensation; it’s just you being an asshole. Collectively, you’re a gaggle, a clan,(-potentially with a k unsubtle as that shot maybe)- a veritable bag’s worth of douches. Whatever the name you give for your assembly, you’re not the Avengers. You’re still just a bunch of assholes.

Comics isn’t a boys club. It’s not “NO (insert ethnic group, gender, religion, sexual preference here) ALLOWED.” It’s a club, a meeting place a forum for creators. Of all stripes. Like a real-life Legion of Super-Heroes, or a Justice League. Only with pen and ink paper and Cintiqs and laptops and…

Stop being the creepy racist misogynist uncles showing up at reunions and pissing in the punchbowl to disprove your beta standing. Stop being the weird cousins the entire world points to as the definition of every “comic book nerd” stereotype. Or do it far away from us. Stop being whiny misunderstood victims bitching bout favoritism, intolerance, and sexism. You’re slinging inky-black aspersions, obliviously crying racism in your Wite-Out™. You’re damned right some corrections need to be made; starting with the guys in the mirror first.

So stop being awful ambassadors for the worst of our natures. Stop being brownshirts. Stop being goddamned ugly dicks. And to re-jigger an ugly phrase you sling at women, I’m instead going to channel it here in the spirit of my Aussie friends: Stop being such insufferable clueless cunts.

The medium didn’t call on you to be the best version of assholes you could be. Neither did we.
Knock it off.

Either step up. Or step off.
We, Comics, and The Audience- will be absolutely fine without you.
And you won’t be missed one damned bit.

A tipping point has to be coming soon within the comic book community with ComicsGate, and with our profoundly divided political society. My hope is that we are inching closer to a Star Trek future than a Walking Dead apocalypse. Make your voice heard in the comment section below.

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BLACK PANTHER #3 Review: Acuna Matata

By

Dispatchdcu

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Reincarnation, Askari Raider battles, and a new possible villain emerges all in this week’s BLACK PANTHER #3 as Ta-Nehisi Coates attempts to catch up readers from the month off while Daniel Acuna shows fans why he was made for this book. Let’s dive in!

WRITTEN BY: Ta-Nehisi Coates

ART BY: Daniel Acuna

LETTERS: Joe Sabino

WARNING SPOILERS AHEAD!!!

BLACK PANTHER #3 SPOILERS TOO!

To see what happened the last issue, click on the writer’s name below.

Summary

Commander N’Yami discusses the idea of reincarnation with Nakia and has a theory that the T’Challa in ”this future” is the same T’Challa who was the Black Panther with the Avengers from over 2000 years before. Furthermore, the Commander wants to keep this information on the down low for now since M’Baku will be pissed if this theory is true as well as kill everyone involved.

Meanwhile, the story fast forwards to T’Challa rock climbing right before an invasion from the Askari Raiders. These nasty buggers surprise the Wakandan people and with the help of Manifold, begin to lay the smackdown on M’Baku, T’Challa, Nakia, and the rest of the Wakandan forces.

When last readers saw Manifold, he was helping the Black Panther BEFORE Fresh Start. Is this the same Manifold or is he a reincarnation too? Or, is he from the past and somehow traveled to the future? This was an intriguing cliffhanger to draw readers back next month. We’ll have to wait until next issue to see what’s going to happen!

Definitely Felt Lost

This issue was a bit confusing. With almost two months off between issues, Coates could have done a better job connecting the dots from this issue to the last. At one point, Commander N’Yami was talking to Nakia about the reincarnation of T’Challa, and I had a difficult time deciding if they were in the past or the future of the current issue. Coates made the context challenging to decipher what time period the story was in, which is fine if it’s a creative device used to tell the story. However, I don’t think that was Coates’ intent.

Later, Nakia was rock climbing with T’Challa. However, I thought he almost died in the last issue. The Commander insinuates that people thought ”this” T’Challa was dead but now he’s fine. Again, readers see him on the next page immediately, and he looks healthy and capable. Coates is telling a time travel, space narrative in which it seems like he’s also time jumping into the issue that takes place in the future. Readers context of background and plot are beginning to slip away. Fans need clarity soon, or many might pass on this Sci-Fi romp.

Also, Commander N’Yami was fearful of her ”reincarnation” idea getting out to M’Baku yet (I thought) he jumped out in the fight against the Askari Raiders and helped T’Challa fight the invasion. Was that large man-creature with the bazooka M’Baku or was it someone shouting his name? And, if M’Baku had even just an inkling of jealousy or resentment towards ”this” T’Challa, why would he jump out to fight by his side? This is just another area that Coates needs to clean up. He has a couple dangling plot threads that are confusing and need to be tied up quickly.

Somethings Can Be Explained

However, even with all the confusion, Coates did explain that this T’Challa is not the same Black Panther that readers new from before Fresh Start. Coates also took the time to re-explain that this story is taking place in the future, on another planet, and in another galaxy. Therefore, even though fans left the issue confused and with more questions, Coates did give readers definitive evidence of this stories background moving forward. However, if fans were paying attention last issue, they should have figured that out already.

Acuna Matata

What a wonderful phrase! Acuna’s art style is perfect for Science Fiction Space Opera stories. His colors are clear, deep bright purple, and leap off the page. Acuna’s action scenes are dynamic, vivid, and contain a harmonious flow around each page. Plus, his backgrounds are incredibly detailed and add to this futuristic adventure. Acuna was made for this comic and truly has no worries for the rest of his days.

Should you buy this issue and/ or add this to your pull list?

As much as Acuna’s art was futuristically spectacular, and knowing that he has a problem-free philosophy, I left the issue wanting to know more about the current T’Challa, as well as the direction of the comic. Also, where is Coates’ character building on the issue? It’s been two months since the last issue, only three issues have been released, and readers don’t know anything more than what happened the first issue. This story has been too slow, it’s beginning to stall, and the comic needs to develop now before Coates loses fans.

When will the plot develop? What direction is Coates moving going forward? That said, if your cup of tea is battle scenes with tons of action, then this is the issue for you. But, if your cup of tea is story, plot, and character development with answers, you may have to wait until next issue for that. It’s too early to quit on this comic book it has so much untapped potential. I’d pass on this issue but hang in there on the series.

What did you guys think of BLACK PANTHER #3? Comment below or hit me up on Twitter @dispatchdcu. If you would like to read more of my reviews, click HERE!

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Review: THE FLASH #53 Shows Off The Fury of the Strength Force

By

Jose "Jody" Cardona

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The Flash has found the Strength Force in one entertaining story.

The aftermath of The Flash War has sent ripples across the DC Universe. During their final confrontation with Hunter Zolomon, The Flash Family inadvertently opened a barrier, releasing new forces of power. When the dust settled, Barry began searching for any information on the Strength and Sage forces. After the search turns up nothing, he heads back to Central City as a court case is being built around corrupt prison warden Wolfe. The Trickster agrees to testify against him; assassins try to take the Rogue out, only to be stopped by The Flash and his time-displaced partner, Commander Cold. During the battle, Trickster runs for it, only to be taken and empowered by the Strength Force. With a hulking monster Rogue now on the loose, how will The Flash contain him?

**Some Spoilers Below**

Story:

While the story mostly focuses on the hunt for the Trickster, we also get some background on Commander Cold. In the future, he was a cop who took the life of a murderous psychopath. He soon took up the name of Cold and uses his new status to put down evil. This attitude is seen prominently in the present as he and The Flash try and defeat the Trickster. When Barry destabilizes the Strength Force within the Rogue, Cold is ready to kill him, despite the pleas for help. The Flash stops Cold and gets him to agree to take the Trickster to a lab to better understand this power. It’s clear, however, only one place can hold the Rogue: Warden Wolfe’s Iron Heights Penitentiary.

There is a ton to love about this issue. The present story is very interesting, especially with the exploration of the new force. The explanation behind where it comes from kept me invested and makes me ask more questions about it. It’s also nice to see the writer flesh out this world post Flash War. Not just with the new Forces, but with Cold’s backstory. We didn’t need to learn the history of the Renegade from the future, but we did, and it makes the world feel more alive. There are even some fantastic action sequences with Flash and Cold taking on the hulking Trickster. All of these factors come together to form an entertaining, epic comic story.

Art:

When it comes to the art, Christian Duce does a fantastic job as Illustrator. His style changes tones to fit each scene masterfully, considering the stories presented. I love the designs of the Strength Force and the Trickster’s empowered state. It’s something you would expect from just the name of the powers, and it’s terrifying at times. The colorwork of Luis Guerrero also does an excellent job of fitting the tone of each scene, especially during the dark origin of Cold. While the art is great, however, there are a few hiccups scattered throughout. Hiccups such as strange faces, disappearing and reappearing pupils, and so on. While the small details were missed, the art is still fantastic.

Conclusion:

The pursuit for the Strength Force has reached epic new heights. The world of The Flash has never felt more alive and badass as the new force finally gets revealed. The art has its bumps but manages to capture the tones that encompass this story extremely well. Overall, it’s a great time, and I can’t wait to see where this story goes.

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‘MY HERO ACADEMIA’ Episode 57 Review: “Rescue Exercises”

By

Jon Barr - TV Editor

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The next phase of the Provisional Hero License Exam brings plenty of surprises. Izuku Midoriya and the Class 1-A students now have a bigger task than playing dodgeball with other schools. MY HERO ACADEMIA throws the next test at the aspiring heroes for a smart, exciting episode.

The two-focus addition to the exam is a fantastic way to help 1-A grow. Most of the 1-A students’ experience has been fighting for their lives. But this new test prepares them for the actual work of being a hero. As Midoriya points out, rescuing civilians from danger is the “greatest ambition of a hero.” MY HERO ACADEMIA shows great growth for Midoriya within a single episode. Midoriya gets called out for still being too naive and careless, and so he adapts. The whole class sharpens up their rescue instincts as MY HERO ACADEMIA puts them to the (literal) test.

Of all the 1-A students, though, Ochaco Uraraka may have the strongest story. This episode of MY HERO ACADEMIA also puts her blossoming feelings for Midoriya to the test. The “put it away” angle for Uraraka’s crush is a classic super hero conundrum. Heroes often feel they can’t have love because of their work. Uraraka realizes that, in order to become a hero like Midoriya, she has to pack away her feelings for him. It’s sad, but it’s some of the classic hero drama that makes her & this series stronger.

What also makes this episode strong is how the other schools are still present. Even though all the schools aren’t fighting each other anymore, they’re still competing. Shiketsu High School is still a threatening presence, even with Nagamasa Mora asking for a “good relationship.” Inasa Yoarashi goes through the same ringer as the Class 1-A students, as he is also careless with his rescue style. Meanwhile, the Ketsubutsu Academy students work like a well-oiled machine, and they look like true professionals. How the pros will grade the Exam, and who will pass, is truly a mystery.

CHECK OUT LAST WEEK’S REVIEW HERE

MY HERO ACADEMIA really raises the stakes on this latest phase of the exam. Like all strong episodes of this show, Midoriya is the star, but all of 1-A is featured. There’s exciting action mixed with character growth throughout. “Rescue Exercises” is a pillar of evolution for several of the key characters of this show. There’s also a great cliffhanger with the appearance of Gang Orca. MY HERO ACADEMIA gives us a strong and powerful episode that may be one of its strongest chapters yet.

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Frank Gets Back To Being A Greasy Lunatic In THE PUNISHER #1

By

Brandon J. Griffin

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Frank Castle ditches the War Machine armor and gets back to work in his classic dirty t-shirt and leather jacket. The Punisher #1 lights the fuse of what promises to be a bloodbath for the ages.

SPOILERS LIE AHEAD

This is our second straight Punisher series from writer Matthew Rosenberg. He understands Frank Castle in a way that some creators (and Netflix) do not. His stories are swift tales of ultra-violence with little dialogue from our favorite skull-wearing nut-job.

Rosenberg pushes the narrative forward through the Punisher’s prey and others involved. It’s an effort that makes him more of a menacing presence, more of an unpredictable force. The less we know about what goes on in Frank Castle’s head, the better.

This post-Secret Empire tirade against Hydra in an attempt to atone for being tricked into their employ is a fun territory for the Punisher. Frank feels actual shame and the only cure is blood. It’s a compelling reason for Mr. Castle to be gunning for the many heads of Hydra–a formidable foe.

The Punisher #1 allows the artists to tell more of the story through actions and gore. When it comes to comic books, it’s generally better to show more than tell. This issue thrives by showing a lot and telling very little.

Artist Szymon Kudranski is a pretty significant step up from the art Matthew Rosenberg was getting during the Punisher: War Machine run. That being said, there are a few minor missteps.

It was an odd choice to put Baron Zemo in the sack-mask but have it pressed up against his face tight enough to see his lips for no reason. If you’re going to use photo-realistic models for your art style, try to utilize more than a couple different facial expressions. An alarming percentage of faces we see have the same scrunched, angry yelling expression. It’s especially bad when we finally see the Punisher’s face.

These few nitpicks aside, all of Frank’s carnage and violence hits hard in all the right places. The close-up shot of Frank executing someone in the reflection of a biker’s helmet is fantastic. Punisher’s design is a great return to form as well, I always prefer when Frank looks more like a greasy, blood-thirsty lunatic than a slick, studly anti-hero.

Much like Stephen Speilberg did in Jaws, colorist Antonio Fabela chooses to avoid the color red outside of the use of blood. This subtle decision makes every bit of murder that Frank Castle doles out that much more effective and shocking.

Letterer Cory Petit adds a bone-crunching punch to the action. The over-sized and loud distinctions for the large array of weapons on display and the sounds they make is delightful.

The final scene and page set up this series to be the best kind of Punisher story–a war story. With all the players set and the starting line gun having been fired, The Punisher promises to be a highly-entertaining bloodbath.

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THE MAN IN THE HIGH CASTLE Season 3 Trailer

By

Matthew Sardo

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August 23, 2018

Amazon Thursday afternoon dropped the trailer for season three of The Man In The High Castle.

About The Man In The High Castle Season 3:
Based on Philip K. Dick’s award-winning 1962 alternate history novel, The Man in the High Castle explores what would have happened if the Allied Powers had lost World War II. Season three of the Emmy award-winning The Man in the High Castle finds Juliana Crain (Alexa Davalos) grappling with her destiny after seeking safety in the Neutral Zone. Realizing that their fates are intertwined, she works with Trade Minister Tagomi (Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa) to interpret the mystery of the last remaining films. Meanwhile, as tensions between the Reich and the Empire continue to rise, Joe Blake (Luke Kleintank) returns from Berlin and is sent on a diplomatic mission to San Francisco, where he and Juliana reunite and come to a turning point in their relationship. Also in the new season, Obergruppenfuhrer John Smith (Rufus Sewell) finds himself celebrated by Nazi high society, but political forces are closing in as North American Reischsmarschall Lincoln Rockwell and J. Edgar Hoover plot against him. Helen (Chelah Horsdal) takes drastic action to protect her family while they struggle with the aftermath of Thomas’ death, and Smith learns of a shocking and ambitious new Nazi program that has personal and global ramifications.

In 2016, The Man In The High Castle won two Primetime Emmy Awards.

The series returns to Amazon on October 5.

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What’s Next For DC’s Young Animal Imprint?

By

David DeCorte

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August 23, 2018

As the Young Animal main roster of titles winds down, fans wonder, “is this the end of the DC imprint?” Not according to curator Gerard Way, who promises much more in the new year.

Way was recently quoted as saying “this is not the end of Young Animal,” implying news was to come later in 2018 about new projects for the line. This has us wondering: what’s next for one of DC’s newest and most exciting imprints?

Where Young Animal Stands Now

Young Animal made a name for itself experimenting with established characters in inventive settings and tones, and introducing new characters with fresh twists on familiar ideas and places.

The imprint’s initial run included Doom Patrol, Shade the Changing Girl, and Cave Carson Has a Cybernetic Eye. All three drew on underused characters from the DC backlog. A fourth title, Mother Panic, introduced an original character to the well-known streets of Gotham City. Shade, Cave Carson, and Mother Panic relaunched with slightly different titles and tones following 2018’s Milk Wars event. However, those three ongoing titles wrapped up their runs in August.

Young Animal’s flagship title, Doom Patrol, continues for now, with issue 12 scheduled to arrive on Halloween this year. Way mentioned the series would then take a break for a few months before returning in 2019 for a new story arc. And, with DC planning a Doom Patrol live action series for their new streaming platform in 2019, the current volume of the comic could be in it for the long haul.

But, as Doom Patrol is the only Young Animal title still running, fans are left to guess where the imprint headed next. The answer lies in Way’s earliest statements about the line.

Young Animal was described by Way as a “popup imprint” upon launch in 2016. The intention was always to try something new, with few permanent fixtures. Backing this up, Way promised in his August editorial that the team is “gearing up for new releases.” This suggesting that the animal is far from dead.

Where is Young Animal Headed in 2019?

While all drastically different, what bound Young Animal titles together was their drive to “get weird with it.” They draw on the tone and style of experimental comics from the ’80s and ’90s, but with extremely fresh stories and characters.

Expect any new titles joining the line to fit the same lack-of-a-mold that defined the Young Animal so far. Personally, I can’t wait to see what’s next.

What do you think Young Animal’s new lineup has in store? Will we see more original characters join the line, or established characters given the distinctive Young Animal twist? Leave a comment below.

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VENOM #5 Review: The New Snyder And Capullo

By

Dispatchdcu

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Venom’s new wings, the Rex Strickland revelation, and the Grendel explained all in this week’s VENOM #5 as Donny Cates and Ryan Stegman continue to reinvigorate Venom while cementing a legacy as one of the best teams in comics today.

WRITTEN BY: Donny Cates

PENCILS BY: Ryan Stegman

INKS: JP Mayer

COLORS: Frank Martin

LETTERS: Clayton Cowles

WARNING SPOILERS AHEAD!!!

VENOM #5 SPOILERS TOO!

To see what happened the last issue, click on the writer’s name below.

Summary

After exploding from the belly of the Klyntar Dragon, Miles Morales Spider-Man, and Venom fall to their doom from thousands of feet in the air. Lucky for these two heroes, Venom’s symbiote gained some extra abilities coming into direct contact with the God-Host Knull. So, Eddie Brock’s symbiote grows wings and glides Spider-Man and himself to safety.

Brock and his symbiote realize that the Grendel must not complete its misison. If the Klyntar Dragon becomes complete with all its symbiotic pieces, it can’t be stopped. Grendel will fly through space and free Knull who’s been trapped for centuries. Venom recognizes that Rex Strickland is the last piece of the symbiote and the Grendel (Klyntar Dragon) is searching for him.

So, Brock and the symbiote combined with Rex to become stronger to fight the Dragon beast. Now, Brock has the Venom symbiote and part of the Grendel symbiote inside his mind communicating with him while giving Eddie new and enhanced abilities. But, will these new powers be enough to stop the Klyntar Dragon from freeing Knull? Symbiotes are going to hit the fan next issue!

Well Done Cates

Cates’ story was incredibly original, creative, and transformative for the character. Cates has made Venom more than just a villain/ anti-hero who hates Spider-Man or even an alien from outer space. He gave Venom a backstory that weaves into the history of the Marvel Universe and completely opened up the character’s power set for the future.

Venom appears to be stronger, he can alter his bodies chemistry, and now can grow huge freakin’ wings! Readers should be excited to see where Venom is going, especially since he only gets stronger by absorbing other symbiotes. Who knows how powerful Venom will be now that he absorbed some of the Grendel symbiote? Heck, once the Grendel is re-exposed to ”the light,” will they combine with Venom to take down Knull?

Speaking of the Grendel, fans should have been blown away with Cates’ reveal that Rex was apart of the Grendel symbiote. Maybe I’m just an idiot, which I’m frequently told, but I didn’t see that twist coming. Cates brought the entire story together with this issue. Readers have everything thoroughly explained with only the end showdown waiting for Venom and Knull. Who’s going to win? My hope is the story is more of a long burn, but we shall see.

Horrifically Talented Art

Stegman’s art is dark, clear, and fantastical with horror overtones that amplify this issue to another level. As always, Stegman’s art grabs the readers attention immediately, and JP Mayers inks add so much depth and texture to each page. Frank Martin’s colors attach emotion to every panel with his choice of deep, violent, and frightening tones while Clayton Cowles letters added weight, form, and guidance making this issue such an easy read.

If fans want to see Stegman and his art team genuinely shine, look no further than the winged Venom spread or the fiery, blood-laced, web panels, as well as their full-page spread of Venom combining with Rex to make a super-powered symbiote. Those pages alone summarize Stegman and this teams talent while elevating this book to one of the very best each week.

Should you buy this issue and/ or add this to your pull list?

Where have you been? Of course, this needs to be on your pull list! Stegman and Cates are the new Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo. Cates is diving so deep into the mythos of Venom, just like Snyder did with Batman while Stegman’s art captures the dark and fantastical of the character beautifully, just like Capullo did with the Dark Knight. Cates and Stegman are two of the best creative storytellers, and artistic geniuses in all of comics right now just like Snyder and Capullo were during DC’s ”Fresh Start” with the New 52. Listen up comic fans; this issue was creative, fast-paced, and easy to read. Buy VENOM #5 and add it to your pull list going forward. Readers will not be disappointed.

What did you guys think of VENOM #5? Comment below or hit me up on Twitter @dispatchdcu. If you would like to read more of my reviews, click HERE!

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Ben Mendelsohn Gets His Moment In THE LAND OF STEADY HABITS Trailer

By

Matthew Sardo

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August 23, 2018

Netflix released the first trailer for The Land of Steady Habits, starring Ben Mendelsohn, Edie Falco, Thomas Mann, Elizabeth Marvel, Bill Camp, Charlie Tahan, and Connie Britton.

About the film:
Feeling trapped in the stifling, wealthy enclave of Westport, Connecticut, Anders Hill (Ben Mendelsohn) retires from his job in finance and leaves his wife (Edie Falco) in the hopes that it will renew his lust for life. However, he’s quickly faced with the startling reality of his choices; he spends his days looking for things to decorate his empty shelves, sleeping with strangers and feeling terribly lost. Missing his ex-wife and on the outs with his troubled 27-year-old son (Thomas Mann), Anders befriends a drug-addicted teen (Charlie Tahan), sending him down a path of reckless and of deeply regrettable behavior. His shameful actions cause him to question who he is as a father and, ultimately, who he is as a person.

The film is written and directed by Nicole Holofcener, from Ted Thompson’s 2014 novel, The Land of Steady Habits.

The Land of Steady Habits hits Netflix on September 14.

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WEST COAST AVENGERS Will Charm Your Face Off!

By

Brandon J. Griffin

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One of Marvel’s hottest creative talents, writer Kelly Thompson, has been on fire recently. Her new series West Coast Avengers debuts and explodes with charm, character, heart, and all the adorable.

SPOILERS LIE AHEAD

Our beloved darling of Marvel Comics, Kate Bishop, is settling in on the West Coast. In addition to her P.I. business and new superhero boyfriend, her fellow Hawkeye (Clint Barton) proposes she form her own team to protect the side of the country left mostly unguarded–forming a new West Coast Avengers.

The lineup consists of both Hawkeyes, newbie Fuse, America Chavez, Gwenpoole and Quentin Quire. These are all Marvel characters we wanted more of, who recently saw a cancellation, and some fresh blood. It’s a brilliant move to have this lineup rise from the ashes of a handful of cancelled comics (America, Hawkeye, Generation-X, The Unbelievable Gwenpool).

Kelly Thompson has quickly become a top talent for Marvel, her Hawkeye was easily one of the best comics in the publisher’s lineup during it’s run. The more we see of her, the better. West Coast Avengers taps into the same vein as her other wonderful works.

This is a fast-moving train of fun that makes your heart happy as you smirk yourself into a coma. Thompson injects so much charm into her characters and immediately makes them her own without changing their DNA.

West Coast Avengers #1 wastes no time building on character relationships and team dynamics. In just one issue this already feels like a dysfunctional family that we could be willing to grow with for years to come.

The way Kelly crafted the reason for the team, along with the solution for their financial backing allows us to smoothly get going right away. The reality show device is a great choice for this cast as well as a great way for Thompson to quickly establish each character’s attributes and attitudes.

Artist Stefano Caselli does a marvelous job throwing us right into the action and keeping the tempo up. The interview moments and quieter interactions are filled with beautiful face work. So much of the character and charm that oozes out of West Coast Avengers comes from Caselli’s art, the perfect accent to Thompson’s style and voice.

Colorist Triona Farrell makes this comic pop. The makeup of this team allows her to use and blend a lot of purple and pink that give this book a lot of visual appeal. As always, letterer Joe Caramagna does a wonderful job turning words we read into sounds we hear. There’s a really nice collection of colorful and fun lettering on display.

West Coast Avengers wastes no time establishing itself as the most fun you can have reading a Marvel comic. There’s so much charm, character, heart and hilarity oozing out of each page. It’s impossible not to smile the entire time you read.

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WRITTEN BY: Ta-Nehisi Coates

ART BY: Daniel Acuna

LETTERS: Joe Sabino

WARNING SPOILERS AHEAD!!!

BLACK PANTHER #3 SPOILERS TOO!

Summary

Definitely Felt Lost

Somethings Can Be Explained

Acuna Matata

Should you buy this issue and/ or add this to your pull list?

The Flash has found the Strength Force in one entertaining story.

Story:

Art:

Conclusion:

***SPOILERS LIE AHEAD***

Where Young Animal Stands Now

Where is Young Animal Headed in 2019?

WRITTEN BY: Donny Cates

PENCILS BY: Ryan Stegman

INKS: JP Mayer

COLORS: Frank Martin

LETTERS: Clayton Cowles

WARNING SPOILERS AHEAD!!!

VENOM #5 SPOILERS TOO!

Summary

Well Done Cates

Horrifically Talented Art

Should you buy this issue and/ or add this to your pull list?

***SPOILERS LIE AHEAD***

SPOILERS LIE AHEAD

SPOILERS LIE AHEAD