San Diego Comic-Con International is here and with it comes big announcements. Leading the way Disney and Lucasfilm Thursday afternoon resurrected Star Wars: The Clone Wars for the seventh season which will be available on Disney’s Direct-to-Consumer Streaming Service.
“I honestly didn’t think we would ever have the opportunity to return to The Clone Wars. Thanks to the relentless fan support and the team behind Disney’s direct-to-consumer streaming service, we will now get to tell more of those stories. We feel a tremendous responsibility to make something that lives up to the legacy that George Lucas created with the original series, and I think our team, many of whom worked on the show from the beginning, has risen to the challenge,” said Dave Filoni Supervising Director of the series.
If you don’t know who Filoni is, watch this clip from Star Wars Celebration. It’s the most passionate I’ve witnessed a creator be about his or her project.
According to Lucasfilm, the new Clone Wars episodes will continue the storylines introduced in the original series, which explored the events leading up to Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith. The series will see the return of classic characters Anakin Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi as well as fan-favorites Ahsoka Tano and Captain Rex. The new episodes will debut on Disney’s direct-to-consumer streaming service.
Watch the Season Seven trailer below:
Did Filoni do his job and get your blood pumping for the show? More importantly, are you willing to pay to see the seventh season? Comment below with your thoughts.
Ever since the tragically awful Civil War II, Marvel has had a major Captain Marvel problem. This event ruined Carol Danvers and no creator has been able to reel her back in since. The Life Of Captain Marvel goes back to Carol’s origin, trying to get our beloved Captain Danvers back on track.
***SPOILERS LIE AHEAD***
Writer Margaret Stohl is back again, she wrote the preceding Marvel Legacy Captain Marvel series. This time we take a different route, diving into Carol’s childhood and family issues. Now that Danvers is a member of the current Avengers team, she seems to staying put on Earth.
Captain Marvel starts having an aggressive panic attack of sorts, stemming from memories of her abusive father she can’t shake. She goes back home to New England in an attempt to tackle these demons and apparently take a break from her superhero duties.
Carol should be Marvel’s female Superman and I don’t think this is the time for this story if that’s the goal.
She takes herself off the shelf for nine months to take care of her brother. During her stay, she uncovers a mystery possibly linking her father to her superpower origin. This story doesn’t exactly inject a bright energy into the character, but it’s definitely more interesting than Carol being an inexcusable asshole (Civil War II).
Margaret Stohl writes a good Carol, she has been steadily re-configuring the character’s priorities and attitude for the better. That being said, this story doesn’t make a great case for being crucial reading for anyone outside of die-hard Captain Marvel fans. It’s not that it’s a bad script, there’s just nothing to really grab the reader.
We’re still desperately waiting for our bright and brave Captain Marvel to have another straight-up superhero comic book. Her space adventures with Alpha Flight were also great but that situation went through too many creative changes and got lost along the way–which is a real shame.
The Life Of Captain Marvel #1 features artists Carlos Pacheco and Marguerite Sauvage, inker Rafael Fonteriz, and colorist Marcio Menyz. The hand-off between our two pencillers, switching between childhood flashbacks and today, is smooth and effective. Their styles aren’t drastically different so the transitions rely more on the color and ink.
Oddly enough, both artists have a few questionable panels. Some of the closeups on Carol and the other characters look wonky and inconsistent.
This introductory issue isn’t very loud or exciting, but it’s potentially an interesting retcon for longtime Captain Marvel fans. Marvel is still struggling to make Carol a pillar of their forefront again, which starts getting real interesting the closer we get to the Captain Marvel film.
If you’re looking for a big, stunning course correction for Carol, this may not be it. Instead, you’ll find a quieter mystery about Carol’s dark upbringing that could end up being a surprise hit.
This issue wasn’t great, just fine. That’s the problem, Carol should be Marvel’s female Superman and I don’t think this is the time for this story if that’s the goal. Captain Marvel has all the potential and characteristics needed to lead the way, just not the opportunity. It’s taking so long to dig her out of this hole, with so many failed relaunches along the way.
It shouldn’t have to come to this but perhaps it’ll take Brie Larson’s portrayal on screen to finally give Carol the glowing attention she deserves.
Ninja-K #9 arrives this week from Valiant Comicsand it continues the battle between Ninja-K and his friends against the Coalition in a super-battle between ninjas, magic, technology, and demi-Gods.
To get you up to speed in case you haven’t been keeping up, Ninja-K is a highly trained ninja who works for a secret British program. Over the past eight issues, a group called The Coalition which is made up of super-powered villains is causing havoc in Mexico and starting a war that may be too much for Ninja-K and his friends to handle. At this point, the battle is on, raging over several issues. But it’s looking grim for the good guys.
Writing: Christos Gage
Art: Juan José Ryp
Colors: Jordie Bellaire
Letters: A Larger World Studios
Editor: Karl Bollers
“Yes. You hurt me once. Once.” – GIN-GR
WRITING
The Battle at Mexico City comes to a close in this issue. The Coalition’s plans sort of work. Ninja-K and his team sort of win. For 90% of the issue, it’s a frenetic battle between the good and bad guys. Chaos reigns here. The dialogue mostly serves as action banter with bits of exposition. Cristos Gage’s story doesn’t let up for almost the entire 20 pages. It’s an impressive stretch of non-stop combat. Ninja-K #9 is about as action packed as a single issue of a comic book can get.
How about when it all slows down? If Ninja-K lacks anything, it’s better character development. Of course, that’s not really the kind of comic book it’s trying to be, so it matters a bit less here. But a little more time to connect further to protagonist Colin King wouldn’t hurt. Those final few pages of this issue seem to be addressing that and trying to add an extra layer to the dynamics at play here. It’s not heavy-handed and a welcome addition to the action story that draws you deeper into the the super-ninja’s personal struggles.
ART
Being the action story that it is, artist Juan José Ryp gets to have a lot of fun. Ninja-K pits high-tech super-soldiers vs. robots vs. voodoo spell casters vs. giant earth Gods. It’s a crazy mix of things that come together in exciting ways. Stylistically, Ryp lets it rip with fresh designs for each of the crazy characters featured in this book. Action scenes are explosive, dynamic, and visceral. The massive forces fighting in this war also come in small sizes. Ninja-K and the less super-sized characters also get to showcase their speed, agility, and unique talents through the excellent artwork created by Ryp and colorist Jordie Bellaire.
CONCLUSION
If you have been reading Ninja-K during its new run, then there’s no reason to change things. Issue #9 is more of the same which is a good thing. The Battle of Mexico City comes to a close in a spectacular fashion. As each entry in the series, there’s a proper closeout that ends one beat of the story but starts the next and leaves readers wondering what comes next for Ninja-K after a victory that also comes with a big price.
Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn‘s defiant attitudes aren’t well-received in the SmackDown Live locker room. The heel turn also isn’t sitting well with the fans, yet Owens encourages Zayn to embrace the “boo’s” in BOOM! Studios WWE #19.
BOOM! Studios – WWE #19
STORY
Owens is in a hot feud with the McMahon family, and Dennis Hopeless enters us into the war. Previously, he head-butted Mr. McMahon and, with Zayn’s help, tricked Shane McMahon into an ill-fated elbow drop off of Hell in a Cell. If you want to be successful in the WWE, you do not want to rumble with the McMahon’s.
Zayn is meek and a little unsure of the decisions that his best friend keeps making. Really, SHOULD they have this feud with Shane? What good is it doing? The locker room won’t let the guys work out with them, the catering hall has become an awkward engagement, and the fans boo them out of the building. Yet, Owens continues to encourage Zayn to join him in his senselessness. Eh, why not own it, then?
Their antics at Survivor Series, though, may have crossed the line. Will their employment with SmackDown Live be in jeopardy?
BOOM! Studios – WWE #19
ART
In an interesting take to this story, each time Shane McMahon appears in a panel, we can’t see his face. I looked back to last month’s issue, and this is the case in issue #18, too, it just wasn’t quite as noticeable as this month’s take. It makes me curious as to why Serg Acuna does this, but it adds great mystery and puts a fun twist on the saga.
Acuna is flawless when it comes to capturing the facial expressions of the WWE Superstars, as usual. We can embrace Zayn’s backwardness, and we almost want to tell Owens to just leave him alone. But, when Zayn caves, I can hear the music blaring as he dances down the entrance ramp and into the ring. (If you want a peppy, trumpet-heavy, fun tune to brighten your day, go to iTunes and download Zayn’s theme song.)
The cockiness and arrogance of Owens are authentic in the artwork, and the action sequences are dynamic and powerful. The panels showing the tag match against Shinsuke Nakamura and Randy Orton are just so damn fun.
Doug Garbark’s use of darker tones and blues when showing in-ring competition add a nice composition to the art, giving the audience a feel for the arena atmosphere and stage lighting. Jim Campbell’s lettering is smooth and classic, which is typical of his work on this book, and it makes for fluid reading.
SIDE STORY
There’s no one more stylin’ and profilin’ than the father-daughter duo of Ric and Charlotte Flair. In Second Nature, which also happens to be the title of the pair’s 2017 biography, Julian May and Rodrigo Lorenzo give us mirrored images of the similarities between the two. The elaborate robes, radiating confidence, and in-ring styles are illustrated in side-by-side panels giving us the past and present in one visual take.
The paralleled panels would have been better if the choice of Ric’s opponent were different. Charlotte is seen battling with Natalya; it would have been cooler to see Ric grapple with Bret Hart instead of Ricky Steamboat.
CONCLUSION
This is yet another great book from the BOOM! Studios team full of action and fun behind the scenes stories that suck you into the world of the WWE.
Do you think that Owens’ mouth has finally sealed his fate with SmackDown Live? Has he brought his best friend down with him in a blaze of glory? We’ll have to wait until next month to see what heat these two have gotten themselves into.
Aquaman #38 is out next week, and we have your exclusive first look at the book courtesy of DC Comics!
About the issue: Behold King Rath, wielder of the Abyssal Dark magic and destined to conquer all of Atlantis! What power exists to turn the tide? Aquaman’s trident? Scuttled! The armies of Atlantis? Circling the drain. It’s all on Aquaman…or is it? What allies will rally to the Sea King’s side in the epic conclusion to the King Rath saga? The final battle is joined!
Dan Abnett continues writing responsibilities; he’s been on the title since it relaunched under DC Rebirth. This issue, entitled “The Kingslayer”, is drawn by Riccardo Federici, colored by Sunny Gho, and lettered by Steve Wands. The cover is by Stjepan Sejic, with a variant by Joshua Middleton.
The King Rath Saga has been an ongoing event in the Aquaman title, as Arthur was usurped as ruler of Atlantis and Rath claimed the throne. This issue will conclude the ordeal, before moving on to a crossover with the Suicide Squad next month (co-written by Suicide Squad scribe Rob Williams).
Check out the full preview here:
The book is out next Wednesday, July 25th.
Aquaman is sure to see a boom in popularity this year with a solo movie coming out in December. The first trailer for said movie drops this Saturday during San Diego Comic-Con. The film is directed by James Wan.
Are you reading Aquaman? What have been your thoughts on the King Rath Saga? Tell us in the comments!
Composer Jared Faber is the man behind the music for Teen Titans Go! To The Movies, the new animated film starring DC’s young super-team that opens today.
Jared Faber is a musician, video game, film, and TV composer with credits going back a few decades. Jared’s music has featured in shows like Nip/Tuck or Dexter. Also known as J-Radical, Jared is one-half of the production team Urban Legend with Kool Kojack. Kick-ass nicknames aside, Jared the composer is ready to unleash his latest composition on the world with the Teen Titans Go! film. Monkeys Fighting Robots kidnapped Jared and held him long enough for this interview before the Titans showed up to save the day. Damn you, Teen Titans!
“We landed on a concept that was sort of … ”
Growing up a musician, the path to composing was an eventuality “I always knew I wanted to make music. I was looking for any opportunity to make music. [Scoring] wasn’t necessarily a career goal but I was into it.”
Jared’s relationship with Teen Titans goes back further than you might think. “I write the majority of the songs on the series. I’ve been involved with the show since the beginning.”
Today, Faber’s work is featured across a variety of work. How did the process for Teen Titans Go! To The Movies begin? “On Teen Titans I did the score and the songs. The process started with the songs and a conversation with director Peter Michail and Producer Peggy Regan.”
As the film neared completion, the focus shifted to the score. “When it came to making the score we had more conversations about the tone and sound they wanted. In what way did it need to relate to the show and in what way did it need to feel like a departure, grander-type film score.”
After some time talking and trying things out “We landed on a concept that was sort of synth and beats oriented with a mixture of an orchestra. The movie provided so many different vibes and moments.”
“I used a melodica.”
For Teen Titans and other projects, how much of the music is live versus digital? “I love to use live instruments. I try to do as much of that as I can.” It helps to know how to play things yourself “On a lot of the projects I’ve worked on, it really comes down to what I can play. If I can’t play it, then there’s the decision to do it digitally or bring in a few musicians.”
What instrument does Jared start with when working on a new score? “It depends on what I’m looking for. I try to find a sound, a vibe. It could come from a guitar plugged into some peddle, or it could be me sitting down at my acoustic piano.”
A lesson in how you never know where the right sound will come from “A show I did a few years back, Suburgatory, I used a melodica. It became a signature sound of the show.”
“This Teen Titans movie is almost wall-to-wall music.”
Is there a difference scoring for an animated film versus a live-action one? “I’ve always tried for it to not affect my process. When I first started doing animation, I tried to treat them like I was doing live action. That meant, to me, raising the bar to a certain standard. Not trying to make it too kids-y. To me, the similarities come more from whether it’s a comedy, drama, that sort of thing.”
Jared points out something that, I warn you, once you think about it, animation will never be the same “Animation tends to have a lot more music.” We quickly discussed the classic Transformers animated film which has nearly non-stop music. Jared adds “This Teen Titans movie is almost wall-to-wall music.”
What’s Next?
Now that the Teen Titans are ready to hit theaters and Jared’s work is done, what comes next? “I’m working on the Epic Tale of Captain Underpants. I’ll be on that for some time to come.” And in the fall “… I’m getting back to Splitting Up Together on ABC.”
Before the Titans put us away in Arkham for good, we ask Jared to spread the love and tell us one of his favorite composers working today “My go-to right now is probably Alexandre Desplat (Shape of Water, Harry Potter); one of the best guys doing it right now.”
Thanks to Jared Faber and Impact24 PR for making this interview possible.
Teen Titans Go! To The Movies is a super-meta comedy comic book flick
that premieres today! Will you be watching Teen Titans this weekend?
The CW Network is developing a Batwoman tv series. As of now, they’re looking for a leading lady for the title role.
Based on reports, the CW is on the hunt for an actress to play Batwoman. According to a casting notice, the producers are looking for an actress from 24 to 29 years old. They are open to an actress of any ethnicity, as well as openly gay if possible.
That Hashtag Show reports Kathy Kane will be a lesbian in the show, in keeping with the comics. During the Pre-Crisis comics, Batwoman did have a crush on Batman, but after the Post-Crisis, DC would write her as being gay.
Batwoman is said to take place in Gotham City, but whether or not Batman exists is unknown. The chances are good we’ll see an Arrow crossover in the near future, which would lead into her own series.
“Look, Batman, she’s endangering civilians’ lives with her reckless driving … like we usually do!”
Caroline Dries is writer and executive producer of the pilot. She’s best known for her work as a writer on Smallville and The Vampire Diaries. Greg Berlanti will serve as an executive producer on the series.
As the synopsis states:
“Armed with a passion for social justice and a flair for speaking her mind, Kate Kane soars onto the streets of Gotham as Batwoman, an out lesbian and highly trained street fighter primed to snuff out the failing city’s criminal resurgence. But don’t call her a hero yet. In a city desperate for a savior, Kate must overcome her own demons before embracing the call to be Gotham’s symbol of hope.”
Warner Bros. dropped the Titans trailer Thursday morning and it is not what anyone expected.
Take a look and comment beow.
‘Titans follows a group of young soon-to-be Super Heroes recruited from every corner of the DC Universe. In this action-packed series, Dick Grayson emerges from the shadows to become the leader of a fearless band of new heroes, including Starfire, Raven and many others. ‘Titans’ is a dramatic, live-action adventure series that will explore and celebrate one of the most popular comic book teams ever.
The cast includes Brenton Thwaites as Robin, Ryan Potter as Beast Boy, Anna Diop as Starfire, Teagan Croft as Raven, Alan Ritchson as Hawk, and Minka Kelly as Dove. More casting announcements are expected. ‘Titans‘ will be written by Akiva Goldsman, Geoff Johns, and Greg Berlanti.
Titans will debut in 2018 on the DC-branded direct-to-consumer digital service, operated by Warner Bros. Digital Networks.
IMMORTAL HULK #3 written by Al Ewing, pencils by Joe Bennett, inks by Ruy Jose, colors by Paul Mounts, and letters by Cory Petit drops this week as Ewing takes a no-name villain and tells a humorously artistic story from multiple perspectives showcasing the Hulk and also his amazing abilities as a writer.
IMMORTAL HULK #3 is a must read. Let’s take a look!
WARNING: SPOILERS AHEAD!!!
IMMORTAL HULK #3 SPOILERS TOO!
Summary
Ewing takes the reader through the story from the perspective of a reporter interviewing different witnesses about a Hulk sighting. Jackie McGee, the reporter, was piecing together the events of a gamma villain named Hot Shot who could shoot laser beams from his fingers.
Hot Shot breaks into a church to confront the Priest about exorcising a demon from his girlfriend. Supposedly, there is a place called “the Green Door” that is hurting Hot Shot and his girlfriend.
The Hulk jumps through the window of the church to take down this new gamma gun only to get shot clear through his chest. But no worries, the hole literally closes up right before everyone’s eyes. Hulk breaks his hands, escapes, and the cops take Hot Shot away.
Smashingly Good!
The art made this issue incredible, but the way Ewing designed, organized, and guided the reader through the story is an art form all in itself. Ewing takes a no-name villain an makes the issue interesting and readable. I left this issue excited for where it’s going in the future. What’s the Green Door? And, what does Walter Langkowski have to do with all of this?
Ewing‘s interconnected style of one-shot issues is creative and pure genius to get new readers to hop in at any time. Also, pay close attention to the opening quote that starts each issue (above). They always tie into the story somehow. This quote above from PARADISE LOST originally made me think it was about the Hulk. But by the end of the issue, I think the deep, dark, that’s ready to devour may be what’s inside the Green Room. Where will Ewing’s monstrous tale take us?
The Puny Banner Art
The art by Leonardo Romero from the perspective of the cop was perfect. It was 70’s looking and replicated the feel of a hard-nosed police officer. Next, the art by Marguerite Sauvage of the Old Lady was spot on. She felt Hot Shot was young, vibrant, bright, and James Dean lite. That is exactly how the art was drawn. And, the art by Garry Brown matching the Priest was fantastic. The Priest saw the Hulk in fear and darkness and the pages were stunning dark and evil. Overall, the art throughout the issue completely captures the feeling and tone of each character so well and mixes perfectly with Ewing‘s writing. There is no doubt everyone involved in his issue worked so well together.
Should I buy this issue?
Ewing is Incredible. No lie. He is smashingly good. Each issue continues to surprise. How could it get any better? You need to get this issue. It’s a great jumping on point, as each issue has been prior. Ewing writes one-shots that somehow connect. It’s so creative and well done. Immortal Hulk may be the best ongoing in comics today.
Should I add this series to my pull list?
You would be an idiot to not have IMMORTAL HULK on your pull list. Whether you are a fan of the Hulk, Ewing, great art, comics, monster tales, or simply great stories, this comic is for you. This series is what Fresh Start is all about. Pick this issue up. Put this in your pull list right now because Ewing is doing amazing things for this character and Marvel Comics.
What did you guys think of IMMORTAL HULK #3? Comment below or hit me up on Twitter @dispatchdcu
STAR WARS #51 written Kieron Gillen, art by Salvador Larroca, colors by GURU-eFX, and letters by Clayton Cowles flies in as Gillen sets up an inescapable situation for the Rebellion fleet but lucky for our Rebels Han Solo and the Millennium Falcon are there just in time to help. Let’s dive in and see what happens.
WARNING: SPOILERS AHEAD!!
STAR WARS #51 SPOILERS TOO!!
So, what happened?
Realizing Queen Trios betrayed them, the Rebels try to board her ship before she can leave while the mighty Darth Vader and the Empire wreck shop on the Rebellion fleet she sabotaged. Leia and her troops storm Queen Trios ship and chase her down to her escape pod. But, she manages to get away.
The Rebels can’t get their fighter bay doors open to defend themselves because Trios locked them and left with the passcodes. But since they are on a proximity lock, if a ship flies at them from the outside they will open up. And guess who just arrived on the scene: Han, Chewie, C3PO, and the Falcon. Well, Han takes a run at opening the doors with the Falcon only to get shot in the back by Vader. Can Han open the bay doors for the Rebels in time? Or, will Vader shoot him down first? Let’s find out.
When it hits your lips, it’s so GOOD
First, let’s commend Larroca and GURU-eFX for their excellent work. For example, when the Millennium Falcon gets hit and begins to spin, this art team does a fantastic job of making the reader feel like they’re spinning inside the ship with Han. The page is blurry exactly where it needs to be and clear in the most specific spots to make it seem so real. Art this good is truly hard to come by, very impressive work by Larroca and GURU-eFX!
Overall, the art was just so crispy, real, and truly fantastic. The colors of the laser fire were bright and made the pages pop. The faces of the characters resembled the actual characters from Star Wars, except for Luke. And, the issue wasn’t too heavy in dialogue. This was such an easy read and great to look at while doing it. Heck, the detail in Vader, from the shine of his helmet to his reflection in the ship windows, was so incredible. I can’t say enough good things about this art team.
Son of a Nutcracker
Queen Trios’ reason for selling out the Rebellion are real and accurate. She made a deal with the Empire to save her planet and compared her mission to Aldeeran. This showed the pure knowledge of Star Wars history Gillen needed to make Trios’ reasons valid and worthy of selling out the Rebellion, as well as, surely putting them all to death.
But, the overall story by Gillen is average at best. It just doesn’t have the allure as some of the other Star Wars stories, movies, shows, comics, or past issues. It’s not bad by any stretch. The issue kept my attention. But, the story didn’t do anything to up the meter or excitement for me. Granted, the issue picked up towards the end. However, a space battle between Han and Vader will do that!
Is this issue your boy blue?
Yup. Even though it wasn’t as exciting as I hoped, the plot still kept me entertained enough to see the issue through. It was the art that made this worth the price of admission. Beautifully drawn and realistic images are my cup of tea, and this issue had it in spades.
Is this series kind of a big deal?
Definitely! I’ve read this series off and on since issue 1. It’s had ups and downs, but the art has been consistently excellent and the stories never dip below average. The series stays pretty accurate for Star Wars fans and is a must buy for any fan to piece together some fantastic stories in between each movie (episode).
What did you guys think of STAR WARS #51? Comment below or hit me up on Twitter @dispatchdcu
