GENRE TV OF NOTE
The Expanse, "Oyedeng" (Amazon Prime, Jan. 13)
The Stand, "Suspicious Minds" (CBS All Access, Jan. 14)
WandaVision, season 1 premiere, "Filmed Before a Live Studio Audience" (Disney+, Jan. 15)
WandaVision, "Don't Touch That Dial" (Disney+, Jan. 15)
The wait is over!
A Discovery of Witches, "Episode 2.2" (BBC America, Jan. 16)
American Gods, “Serious Moonlight” (Starz, Jan. 17)
Batwoman, season 2 premiere, "Whatever Happened to Kate Kane?" (CW, Jan. 17)
Really curious how they're going to handle replacing Ruby Rose.
Charmed, season 2b premiere, "Guess Who's Coming to SafeSpace Seattle" (CW, Jan. 17)
GENRE MOVIES OF NOTE
Outside the Wire (Jan. 15, Netflix)
Set in the future, Harp (Damson Idris), a drone pilot, is sent into a deadly militarized zone where he finds himself working for Leo (Anthony Mackie), an android officer, tasked to locate a doomsday device before the insurgents do.
VIDEO RELEASE OF NOTE
Batman: Soul of the Dragon (Digital)
Warner Bros. Home Entertainment & DC send the Dark Knight back to the ‘70s for a martial arts thriller!
Renowned animation producer Bruce Timm takes the Dark Knight back to the 1970s for a supernatural-laden martial arts extravaganza in Batman: Soul of the Dragon, the next entry in the popular series of the DC Universe Movies. Produced by Warner Bros. Animation and DC, the feature-length animated film will be released by Warner Bros. Home Entertainment on Digital starting Jan. 12, 2021, and on 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Combo Pack and Blu-ray on Jan. 26, 2021. The film is rated R for some violence.
Set in the midst of the swinging 1970s, this Elseworlds adventure finds Bruce Wayne training under a master sensei. It is here that Bruce, along with other elite students, is forged in the fire of the martial arts discipline. The lifelong bonds they form will be put to the test when a deadly menace arises from their past. It will take the combined efforts of Batman, world-renowned martial artists Richard Dragon, Ben Turner and Lady Shiva, and their mentor O-Sensei to battle the monsters of this world and beyond!
The ensemble cast features a core group of actors playing martial arts students-turned-heroes in David Giuntoli (Grimm, A Million Little Things) as Bruce Wayne/Batman, Mark Dacascos (John Wick: Chapter 3 - Parabellum, Iron Chef America, Hawaii Five-0) as Richard Dragon, Kelly Hu (Arrow, X2: X-Men United) as Lady Shiva and Michael Jai White (Spawn, reprising his role from Arrow) as Ben Turner/Bronze Tiger. Their mentor O-Sensei is voiced by James Hong (Big Trouble in Little China, Blade Runner). Josh Keaton (Voltron: Legendary Defender; Green Lantern: The Animated Series) is featured as Jeffrey Burr, and additional voices are provided by veteran voiceover actors Grey Griffin, Chris Cox, Erica Luttrell, Robin Atkin Downes, Patrick Seitz, Jamie Chung and Eric Bauza.
Sam Liu (Reign of the Supermen, Batman: The Killing Joke) is Producer and Director of Batman: Soul Of The Dragon, utilizing a script by Jeremy Adams (Mortal Kombat Legends: Scorpion’s Revenge). Producers are Jim Krieg (Batman: Gotham by Gaslight) and Kimberly S. Moreau (Batman vs. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles). Bruce Timm (Batman: The Animated Series, Superman: Red Son) and Sam Register are Executive Producers. Michael Uslan is Executive Producer.
The film is dedicated to legendary DC writer Dennis O’Neil, who co-created the characters Richard Dragon, O-Sensei, Bronze Tiger and Lady Shiva. O’Neil passed away on June 11, 2020.
Batman: Soul of the Dragon Special Features
4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Combo Pack, Blu-ray and Digital
- Batman — Raw Groove (New Featurette) — From the explosion of gritty cinema and kung fu to the cultural changes spreading across the U.S., we explore the early ’70s and how they inspired Batman: Soul of the Dragon.
- Producer Jim Krieg’s Far Out Highlights (New Featurette) — It’s an off-the-hook and out-of-sight supercut of one of Producer Jim Krieg’s funniest in-character appearances.
- A Sneak Peek at the next DC Universe Movie — An advance look at the next animated film in the popular DC Universe Movies collection, Justice Society: World War II.
- Look Back: Superman: Red Son (Featurette) — Kal-El’s rocket fleeing Krypton never reaches Smallville, but instead lands in the Soviet Union, single-handedly shifting the new world order. This is the epic re-imagining of Superman’s origin story.
- Look Back: Batman: Gotham By Gaslight (Featurette) — Set against the backdrop of turn of the century Gotham, Batman is involved in a hunt for a criminal who has committed the most heinous acts of murder. This is Batman versus Jack the Ripper!
- From the DC Vault: Batman: The Animated Series, “Day of the Samurai"
- From the DC Vault: Batman: The Animated Series, “Night of the Ninja”
Batman: Soul of the Dragon will also be available on Movies Anywhere. Using the free Movies Anywhere app and website, consumers can access all their eligible movies by connecting their Movies Anywhere account with their participating digital retailer accounts.
Digital Distribution Elements
On Jan. 12, 2021, Batman: Soul of the Dragon will be available to own in high definition and standard definition from select digital retailers including Amazon, the Apple TV app, FandangoNOW, PlayStation, Vudu, Xbox and others. On Jan. 26, 2021, Batman: Soul of the Dragon will be made available digitally on Video On Demand services from cable and satellite providers, and on select gaming consoles.
About Movies Anywhere
Movies Anywhere is a digital movie platform that enables movie fans to discover, access, and watch their favorite digital movies in one place. Movies Anywhere brings together a library of nearly 7,500 digital movies from Sony Pictures, Twentieth Century Fox Film, The Walt Disney Studios (including Disney, Pixar, Marvel Studios and Lucasfilm), Universal Pictures (including DreamWorks and Illumination Entertainment) and Warner Bros., and will continue to expand the consumer experience as more content providers, digital retailers and platforms are added. By connecting participating digital retailers that include Amazon Prime Video, the Apple TV app, FandangoNOW, Google Play, and Vudu, movie fans can now bring together their digital movie collections (whether purchased or redeemed) in one place and enjoy them from the comfort of their living rooms, and across multiple devices and platforms, including Amazon Fire devices; Android devices and Android TV; Apple TV, iPhone, iPad and iPod touch; Chromecast; Roku® devices and popular browsers. Movie fans can also redeem digital codes found in eligible Blu-ray and DVD disc packages from participating studios and enjoy them through Movies Anywhere. Movies Anywhere — your movies, together at last.
About Digital
Digital movies or TV episodes allow fans to watch a digital version of their movie or TV show anywhere, on their favorite devices. Digital movies or TV episodes are included with the purchase of specially marked Blu-ray discs. With digital, consumers are able to instantly stream and download movies and TV shows to TVs, computers, tablets and smartphones through retail services. For more information on compatible devices and services go to wb.com/digitalmoviefaq. Consult a digital retailer for details and requirements and for a list of digital-compatible devices.
About Warner Bros. Home Entertainment, Inc.:
Warner Bros. Home Entertainment (WBHE) brings together Warner Bros. Entertainment's home video, digital distribution and interactive entertainment businesses in order to maximize current and next-generation distribution scenarios. An industry leader since its inception, WBHE oversees the global distribution of content through packaged goods (Blu-ray Disc™ and DVD) and digital media in the form of electronic sell-through and video-on-demand via cable, satellite, online and mobile channels. WBHE distributes its product through third party retail partners and licensees.
About DC
DC is one of the largest English-language publishers of comics and graphic novels in the world and home to some of the most iconic and recognizable characters ever created. As a creative unit of WarnerMedia, DC is charged with strategically integrating its stories and characters across film, television, consumer products, home entertainment, interactive games and the DC Universe subscription streaming service. For more information visit dccomics.com.
BATMAN and all related characters and elements are TM and © DC. © 2021 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.
About Warner Bros. Animation
Warner Bros. Animation (WBA) is one of the leading producers of animation in the entertainment industry, producing and developing projects for multiple platforms, both domestically and internationally. WBA’s current series include Animaniacs for Hulu, Green Eggs and Ham for Netflix, Aquaman: King of Atlantis, Batwheels, Gremlins: Secrets of the Mogwai, Harley Quinn, Jellystone!, Little Ellen, Looney Tunes Cartoons and Young Justice for HBO Max, DC Super Hero Girls, Teen Titans Go!, ThunderCats Roar for Cartoon Network, Dorothy and the Wizard of Oz, Scooby-Doo! and Guess Who?, The Tom and Jerry Show and Yabba-Dabba Dinosaurs! for Boomerang. WBA’s full-length theatrical film, Teen Titans GO! to the Movies, was released in summer 2018. As home to the iconic animated characters from the DC, Hanna-Barbera, MGM and Looney Tunes libraries, WBA also produces highly successful animated films — including the DC Universe Movies — for DVD, Blu-ray® and digital media. One of the most-honored animation studios in history, WBA has won six Academy Awards®, 35 Emmy® Awards, the George Foster Peabody Award, a BAFTA Children’s Award, an Environmental Media Award, a Parents’ Choice Award, the HUMANITAS Prize, two Prism Awards and 20 Annie Awards (honoring excellence in animation).
CROSSOVERS/EVENTS
Future State (DC Comics)
I was slow going to the comics shop, so I haven't read any Future State books yet. I'll have a better report next week.
Future State: Dark Detective #1 (of 4)
“Dark Detective” written by Mariko Tamaki, art by Dan Mora
“Grifter” written by Matthew Rosenberg, art by Carmine Di Giandomenico
Cover by Dan Mora
Card stock variant cover by John Paul Leon ($6.99)
$5.99 US | 48 Pages | 1 of 4 | FC
The world thought Bruce Wayne was dead. They were dead wrong! When the sinister para-military organization known as the Magistrate seizes control of Gotham City, the original Batman went big to put them down ... but even the Dark Knight couldn’t predict how far this evil force would go to stop him. Now, Bruce Wayne is on the run! From Eisner Award-winning writer Mariko Tamaki and rising star artist Dan Mora, it’s the story of a Batman pushed to the brink — with nothing left to lose.
Also in this issue, Grifter is back! Cole Cash is having a bad day, and that’s not going to improve when the detectives of the GCPD show up! Will a chance meeting with Luke Fox change his luck? Or is his day about to get a lot worse?
Grifters
Future State: Green Lantern #1 (of 2)
“The Last Lanterns” written by Geoffrey Thorne, art by Clayton Henry
“The Book of Guy” written by Ernie Altbacker, art by Tom Raney
“The Taking of Sector 123” written by Ryan Cady, art by Sami Basri
Cover by Clayton Henry
Card stock variant cover by Jamal Campbell ($6.99)
$5.99 US | 48 Pages | 1 of 2 | FC | DC
Assigned to map and contact new lifeforms past the 3,600 known sectors of space protected by the Green Lantern Corps, John Stewart and an elite team of Lanterns are trapped behind enemy lines and fighting for their lives when the Central Power Battery goes dark and leaves the entire corps defenseless. Meanwhile, across the cosmos, Green Lantern Jessica Cruz finds herself powerless and forced to battle the invading Yellow Lanterns of the Sinestro Corps, and Guy Gardner, trapped on distant world, decides to reopen Warriors Bar.
Future State: Justice League #1 (of 2)
“Justice League” written by Joshua Williamson, art by Robson Rocha and Daniel Henriques
“Justice League Dark” written by Ram V, art by Marcio Takara
Cover by Dan Mora
Card stock variant cover by Kael Ngu ($6.99)
$5.99 US | 48 Pages | 1 of 2 | FC
Witness the start of a new era for the Justice League starring Jonathan Kent as Superman, Yara Flor as Wonder Woman, Jo Mullein as Green Lantern, Andy Curry as Aquawoman, a new Flash — Jess Chambers — from the Multiverse, and [REDACTED] as Batman! Together, they protect the future, yet apart, their identities are secret even from one another — but why? When their greatest adversaries wind up murdered in an abandoned Hall of Justice, all clues point to ... the Justice League! The new team's adventures begin here!
So the new Justice League is comprised of analogs of the original seven, minus a version of Martian Manhunter. It's not unusual to have MM replaced in a seven-member JL, usually with a Hawk or an Arrow. But to omit that slot altogether, and only have six members, is relatively unusual.
And in a new tale of the Justice League Dark, a witch hunt across the DC Universe begins as magic users are harvested and executed — and the team is on the run! Zatanna and Detective Chimp (now possessed by Etrigan) must round up new and old teammates, including John Constantine, Ragman, and Madame Xanadu. Their mission? To battle the power-mad Crow King, Merlin, before his plans for magical domination destroy the fabric of reality. But where is Dr. Fate? And what led the team to disband in the first place? Discover the truth here!
"But where is Dr. Fate?" in the blurb above made me laugh, because in almost every big magic story at DC, Dr. Fate is mysteriously missing. I assume that's because he's such a big gun magic-wise, that If he's there, everybody else is superfluous. (Look at the scenes below. Dr. Fate would wrap up that battle in two panels.) So, for one reason or other, he's never there.
Future State: Kara Zor-El, Superwoman #1 (of 2)
Written by Marguerite Bennett
Art by Marguerite Sauvage
Cover by Paulina Ganucheau
Card stock variant cover by Alex Garner ($4.99)
$3.99 US | 32 Pages | 1 of 2 | FC
Kara Zor-El, Superman’s hot-tempered cousin, has finally found peace and purpose away from Earth and its heroes. Now known as Superwoman, she watches over the Moon and the refugees from across the galaxy who have congregated there. But all of that is about to change when a spaceship piloted by a runaway alien crash-lands and turns Kara’s world upside down! Does this fugitive come in peace? Or does this arrival bring war to our hero’s front door?
Future State: Robin Eternal #1 (of 2)
Written by MEGHAN FITZMARTIN
Art by Eddy Barrows
Cover by Emanuela Lupacchino and Irvin Rodriguez
Card stock variant cover by Daniel Warren Johnson ($4.99)
$3.99 US | 32 Pages | 1 of 2 | FC | DC
Lazarus Resin is on its way to Gotham City, and the Magistrate intends to use this regenerative super drug to make its forces immortal! That is, unless Tim Drake has anything to say about it! Join the ultimate heist at 20,000 feet as Robin and Spoiler hijack the sky convoy that could mean the end of freedom in Gotham forever — if the emotional baggage between Tim and Stephanie doesn’t do them in first! It’s the fist-flying, sky-diving, robot smashing, fascist-punching adventure that you cannot miss — from rising star writer Meghan Fitzmartin (Supernatural) and top artist Eddy Barrows (Detective Comics)!
Future State: Superman/Wonder Woman (of 2)
Cover by Lee Weeks
Card stock variant cover by Jeremy Roberts ($4.99)
Written by Dan watters
Art by Leila Del Luca
$3.99 US | 32 Pages | 1 of 2 | FC
The sun has set on the heroes of the past, and a new age is dawning! As two arrogant gods challenge one another to a contest of strength, Superman and Wonder Woman are forced to take action to save their cities from the chaos. Together, Jonathan Kent and Yara Flor, man of science and woman of myth, have the potential to become something powerful, but that’s only if they can learn to get along! Can the two fledgling heroes put their differences aside long enough to save the world they have sworn to protect?
Since they don't get along, does that mean that they're inevitably going to become romantic partners? That's how it always works in TV and movies, although IRL people who don't like each other ... really don't like each other.
Future State: Teen Titans #1 (of 2)
Art and cover by Rafa Sandoval
Card stock variant cover by Dustin Nguyen ($4.99)
Written by Tim Sheridan
$3.99 US | 32 Pages | 1 of 2 | FC | DC
When the original New Teen Titans formed a school to mentor and train young heroes, they wanted to help save the world. Years later, Titans Tower is a monument to a graveyard of pupils lost in a terrible battle. Returning to the site of their greatest failure, Nightwing, Starfire, Beast Boy, and Cyborg join Raven to plot a course to face off against the evil that destroyed their team and school. Loyalties are questioned and motives are suspect as the former teen heroes must turn to the mysterious Red X — a former student — for help. Don’t miss the first comics appearance of this Red X, previously seen only in the hit animated TV series Teen Titans Go!
King in Black (Marvel Comics)
King in Black: Gwenom vs. Carnage #1 (of 3)
Art by Flaviano
Cover by Ken Lashley
GWEN STACY ENTERS THE FRAY AGAINST THE KING IN BLACK!
This January, Gwenom joins the fight against Knull in KING IN BLACK: GWENOM VS CARNAGE. Joined by artist Flaviano, acclaimed author Seanan McGuire returns to the saga of Gwen Stacy in this action-packed series that will have major consequences for the popular web-slinger. Equipped with a symbiotic suit of her own, the god of symbiote’s descent on the Marvel Universe in King in Black will throw Gwenom’s world into chaos. As Knull unleashes his dark influence throughout the globe, Gwen will have to defend her new home universe against one of the most dangerous symbiotes of all time — Carnage
“I could not be feeling better or more excited right now! You can expect a lot of swinging (and kicking) high, yelling loud, and general chaos,” McGuire promises. “I've missed Gwen so much, this is really a gift.”
I'm guessing the whole purpose of this exercise is to make Venom more important in the MU, probably with a dollop of whitewashing for the atrocities he committed in his early days. Because he has a movie, you know. But for me, Venom is like eggplant. I don't like eggplant, and no matter how cleverly you prepare it, it's still eggplant and I don't like it.
King in Black: Planet of the Symbiotes #1 (of 3)
Written by Clay McLeod Chapman & Frank Tieri
Art by Guiu Vilanova & Danilo Beyruth
Cover by Tony Moore
DARKNESS REIGNS OVER THE MARVEL UNIVERSE!
This December, Knull makes his long-dreaded arrival in KING IN BLACK, the next chapter in Donny Cates and Ryan Stegman’s redefining run on Venom. No corner of the Marvel Universe will be safe, and in January, fans can witness all the chaos Knull is set to unleash during this monumental event in KING IN BLACK: PLANET OF THE SYMBIOTES. In this thrilling series, all-star talents join forces on stories that will set up key moments in the event, featuring epic clashes between Knull’s army and your favorite heroes, the return of fan-favorite characters, surprising revelations about the Venom mythology, and introductions to exciting new players in the Marvel Universe.
KING IN BLACK: PLANET OF THE SYMBIOTES #1 kicks things off with two essential KING IN BLACK chapters that fans won’t dare to miss! Teaming up with artist Guiu Vilanova (Web of Venom: Wraith), writer Clay McLeod Chapman (Scream: Curse of Carnage) returns to the adventures of Scream. Amidst Knull’s takeover, Scream is forced to take on her siblings, the other Life Foundation Symbiotes, in an action-packed family reunion that will prove once and for all who the strongest Venom offspring really is. Next, writer Frank Tieri and artist Danilo Beyruth (Web of Venom: Carnage Born, Web of Venom: Cult of Carnage) will take readers back to the Ravencroft Institute. Picking up directly on the developments from Tieri’s recent Ravencroft series, this haunting tale will house surprising discoveries about Knull’s legacy on Earth and reveal the role that Carnage’s ancestor, Cortland Kasady, has to play in things to come.
These two exciting tales are just the beginning of what KING IN BLACK: PLANET OF THE SYMBIOTES has in store. Stay tuned for more information on what’s to come in KING IN BLACK: PLANET OF THE SYMBIOTES when it begins in January! For more information, visit Marvel.com.
King in Black: Thunderbolts #1 (of 3)
Written by Matthew Rosenberg
Art by Juan Ferreyra
Cover by Kyle Hotz
KINGPIN’S KILLERS VERSUS AN ARMY OF UNKILLABLE DRAGONS!
An army of evil space dragons have come to attack Earth and are starting with New York. MAYOR FISK has a plan for that. Assembling a group of killers, mercenaries, and just generally pretty horrible people like TASKMASTER, RHINO, STAR, MR. FEAR, and BATROC THE LEAPER, Mayor Fisk tasks them with saving the city or die trying … or die right then and there. The fate of the entire world may rest in the hands of the absolute worst people in the Marvel Universe. What could go wrong?
FIRST ISSUES OF NOTE
American Mythology Monsters #1
Writers: Michael Gordon, Glenn Moane, Kostas Paradias
Art: Dan Parson, Demi Mandir, Mike Wolfer
Roy Allen Martinez
Risque variant cover
Mike Wolfer
American Mythology / $3.99
American Mythology Productions is plunging into the darkness... And we're taking you with us! American Mythology Monsters is our first foray into full-tilt fright, an all-new, black and white anthology title featuring modern takes on some of the horror world's most classic creations. Meet the hideous creature called "Quinn," an assemblage of sickening parts that together form a nightmarish creature who wants nothing more than to rip you to shreds! Beware the curse of "Safiya," rising from the unearthed corpse of an ancient Egyptian mummy and bent on the destruction of a scientific facility and the possession of its human inhabitants! And howl with a university professor whose brief sexual encounter with a mysterious woman has left him with "The Bite," and the horrifying curse of the werewolf! It's serialized horror in the classic tradition, in three tales that will haunt your dreams, but only for mature readers.
This is one of several first issues from small indies. I confess to not knowing much about any of them, and didn't receive any DRCs. So I'm curious if any of you plan to read them.
Incidentally, I assume the variant cover above won't have black bars over the private bits when it goes on sale. And I'd bet a dollar that "hot girls being attacked while taking naughty selfies" will become a new cliche in horror movies!
Ascencia #1
Writer: John Dolmayan
Art/Cover
Cover A: Tony Parker
Cover B: Ben Oliver
Wake Entertainment / $3.99
It is 150 years in the future, the city of Ascencia towers above its sister city Bethany in perpetual dominance. The city of immortals, a power resides in Ascencia coveted by all but accessible to few. This is the story of what one would do to become immortal. Who they would abandon. who they would betray. And ultimately what price they would pay to remain in Ascencia.
Chris Claremont Anniversary Special #1
Written by Chris Claremont
Art by Brett Booth, Bill Sienkiewicz & more
Cover by Salvador Larroca
Marvel Comics / $4.99
Marvel Comics is proud to honor the extraordinary career of writer Chris Claremont with the CHRIS CLAREMONT ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL. For the past 50 years, Claremont has graced the Marvel Universe with his brilliant storytelling— creating and defining some of its most iconic heroes and building the framework for one of its most treasured franchises.
In the CHRIS CLAREMONT ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL, the acclaimed writer returns to the world of the X-Men with a brand-new story. Dani Moonstar is drafted for a mission across time and space for an incredible psychic showdown against the Shadow King — joining forces with other characters created and defined by the pen of Chris Claremont! In this extra-sized milestone issue, Claremont will team up with a host of iconic artists including Brett Booth and reunite with his classic New Mutants collaborator, Bill Sienkiewicz.
"Uncanny X-Men was where it all began for me as a young fan, and it's an honor for everyone here at Marvel to celebrate Chris Claremont's 50th Anniversary as a writer with us!” Editor-in-Chief C.B. Cebulski said. “In this special, Chris masterfully weaves an all-new story that takes us down memory lane and revisits many of the fan-favorite characters he's helped create over the years, re-teaming him with some of the classic artists he's collaborated with. With a few surprises along the way!"
Chris Claremont’s influential run on X-Men changed the comic book landscape forever. As the architect behind the epic tapestry that makes up the world of mutants, Claremont’s contributions went far beyond the creation of characters but to the very themes, concepts, and allegories that are ingrained in the X-Men today. Claremont’s work catapulted the X-Men into unprecedented success with now classic stories such as Dark Phoenix Saga and Days of Future Past as well as series like New Mutants and Wolverine’s first solo series. In addition to his groundbreaking work on X-Men titles, Claremont also had memorable runs on books such as Ms. Marvel and Fantastic Four.
I reached Claremont Fatigue right around the time X-Treme X-Men debuted, and can't force my way through his work any more. It's probably not his fault; likely it's more of a reflection of just how much Claremont work I've read, as opposed to the quality. But the fact remains that I can't read his work any more. The themes, the dialogue, the rhythm ... it's too familiar, and familiarity breeds contempt. (Or at least irritation.)
Haha #1 (of 6)
Writer: W. Maxwell Price
Art/Cover A: Vanesa R. Del Rey
Cover B: Nimit Malavia
Blank cover variant
Image Comics / $3.99
Image Comics is pleased to announce that bestselling creator/writer W. Maxwell Prince (Ice Cream Man) will team with some of the industry’s best artists — starting with Vanesa R. Del Rey (Redlands) — for a new anthology comic series called Haha this January from Image Comics.
"I don’t like clowns, so I thought it’d be a good idea to write about them," said Prince. "What a gas, to get to partner with some of comics’ best to tell these ditties about a bunch of real jokers.”
The new series is about professional clowns — it will share a common clown theme from issue to issue, but will showcase Prince’s characteristic one-shot storytelling. Haha promises a departure in tone and will break out beyond Horror to present a variety of stories across various different genres.
The distinctive new series Haha will also feature the work of various different interior artists, with issues drawn by Gabriel Walta (Vision), Roger Langridge (Thor), and more, in addition to Del Rey.
Haha peeks under the big top, over the rainbow, and even inside a balloon to tell a wide-ranging slew of stories about “funny” men and women, proving that some things are so sad you just have to laugh.
I bet in media classes in the future, they'll refer to the early 21st century as "The Era of Evil Clowns." And then some kid will hold up his (virtual) hand and say, "What's a clown?"
Mann’s World #1
Writer: Victor Gischler
Art: Niko Walter
Cover A: Rahzzah
Cover B: Mike Deodata
AWA / $3.99
A weekend getaway on a resort planet goes south when four friends run afoul of the planet's working class. Stranded in the wilderness of a strange planet, surrounded by danger on all sides and relentlessly pursued by vengeful locals, they must test their bonds of friendship in order to survive.
Red Sonja: The Superpowers #1
Writer: Dan Abnett
Art: Jonathan Lau
Cover A: Lucio Parrillo
Cover B: Joseph Michael Linsner
Cover C: Jonathan Lau
Cover D: Junggeun Yoon
Cover E: Tabitha Lyons Cosplay
Incentive variant cover
Writer: Dan Abnett
Art: Jonathan Lau
Dynamite / Teen+ / 32 pages / $3.99
FIRST STUNNING ISSUE! The She-Devil With A Sword has battled barbarians, scuffled with sorcerers, and managed magical creatures of all sizes. But when a collective of superheroes from THE PROJECT enter her world, will Sonja know how to adjust to their foreign ways, before they all kill each other?
Sword-and-sandals meets glittering superhero sci-fi, courtesy of superstar DAN ABNETT (Legion Of Superheroes) and JONATHAN LAU (Red Sonja)!
... and be sure to pick up Sonja's sister series, VAMPIRELLA: THE DARK POWERS also on sale this month!
As noted above, Vampirella is also joining a superhero team for a miniseries. Conceptually, having Vampi or Sonja cross over with these characters is pretty bizarre -- strange enough that I'm tempted to get the trades.
I do have a question for y'all: I haven't kept up with Project Super-Powers, so are the characters above from that pot? I don't recognize them, and I usually do recognize Nedor characters. The ones above just seem generic, invented-for-this-story Trinity analogs (plus an Aquaman!), but if there's more to them than that, I'd appreciate an education.
Serial #1
Writer/art/cover: Terry Moore
Abstract Studios / $3.99
Zoe has been 10 years old for 50 years. Most of her life has been spent on the run fighting the demon that lived within her, kept her young and turned her into a serial killer. Now free of the demon, Zoe discovers her childhood friend is the latest victim in a string of murders. Determined to put an end to the reign of terror, Zoe uses her own deadly skills to stalk the predator and avenge her fallen friend. Serial is Terry Moore's new series featuring Zoe, the irrepressible star of Rachel Rising and Five Years. Don't miss the premier issue of a her solo series!
Soulstream #1
Writer/Art: Saida Woolf
Scout Comics / $1.99
Scoot! Imprint! Scout Comics is proud to introduce ultra-talented sixteen year-old comic creator Saida Woolf's new title Soul Stream! Marie and Markus discover an alternate dimension known as the Mirror World where their entire city has been destroyed and replaced by a volcanic wasteland. Marie is contacted by the Mage Goddess, who gives her a magical Ocean Bracelet that transforms Marie, allowing her to control water as the superhero Soulstream. Enjoy the first issue of this NON-STOP! followed by the entire story collected soon after in one volume.
Space Bastards #1
Writers: Joe Aubrey, Eric Peterson
Art: Darick Robertson
Humanoids / 44 pages / $5.99
When Humanoids debuts SPACE BASTARDS by The Boys artist and co-creator Darick Robertson and writers Eric Peterson and Joe Aubrey this January, there will be a one-in-ten collectible, black light variant cover by acclaimed artist Dan Panosian and a 50/50 virgin variant cover by Darick Robertson. In SPACE BASTARDS, David S. Proton is a meek, unemployed accountant desperate for money. He joins the Intergalactic Postal Service only to be paired with Manny Corns (a.k.a. “The Manicorn”), a sardonic brute who thrives on the competition provided by the company. And things only get worse from there.
“Humanoids publishes mind blowing sci-fi epics like THE INCAL, METABARONS and BARBARELLA,” said Humanoids Publisher Mark Waid. “Those works are like enjoying a fine wine at dinner. SPACE BASTARDS is like drinking moonshine on a week-long bender you’ll never forget, because one day you woke up with some weird tattoos, a scar from a fight you don’t even remember, and a new best friend who smells weird.”
"I have long admired Humanoids for the quality material they publish. I guess it was time to lower the bar,” said co-creator and artist Darick Roberston. “SPACE BASTARDS is a longtime brainchild of Eric Peterson and Joe Aubrey, their labor of love that I brought my own brand of crazy to with my character designs and storytelling. It's a fun world, where things like science don't get in the way of the fiction. It's a wild ride."
In SPACE BASTARDS, violence is everywhere. Corporations are exploiting the weak and disenfranchised. And while America has taken to the cosmos, scientific advancements and technology have outpaced civilization as we know it. Even getting mail between planets is damn near impossible. Enter the Intergalactic Postal Service, a deadly organization with a brutal, mercenary business model. Whoever delivers the package gets the cash. And every delivery can be made by any means necessary.
In SPACE BASTARDS, David S. Proton is a meek, unemployed accountant desperate for money. David joins the Intergalactic Postal Service only to be paired with Manny Corns (a.k.a. “The Manicorn”), a sardonic brute who thrives on the competition provided by the company. And things only get worse from there.
“Eric and Joe have poured their heart and souls into this project and have devoted years to seeing it come to fruition,” said artist Darick Robertson. “Designing this world and characters with them was unbridled fun. It's a raucous and bizarre world that puts the fiction in Sci-Fi.”
“Next year will be the first time ever that SPACE BASTARDS will be available in comic shops,” said Waid. “We wanted to have variant covers that stood out from everything else on the stands. We also wanted to make sure the black light variant cover was collectible, but had enough distribution that fans could actually find it and start reading this twisted story.”
“Repeated efforts to utilize ‘scratch and sniff’ technology proved unsuccessful, so we went back to the drawing board,” said writer Joe Aubrey. “With the possible exceptions of scorpions and bodily fluids, this variant cover is the best thing you will ever see under black light.”
“My favorite thing about this particular story is it’s relatability and timelessness,” said Eric Peterson. “There are lasers and spaceships but ultimately this is a story about a mild-mannered accountant with nothing left to lose who is given the chance to be master of his own destiny for once. All he has to do is live through it and that’s easier said than done.”
SPACE BASTARDS kicks off in January with the seven-part monthly "Tooth and Mail” arc by series co-creators Robertson, Peterson, and Aubrey. Later in the year, writers Eric Peterson and Joe Aubrey will be joined by all-star artists Simon Bisley (Lobo) and Clint Langley (2000 AD).
Originally funded on Kickstarter, SPACE BASTARDS has generated plenty of buzz for its larger-than-life cast and their death defying antics:
“Injected with a rowdy cocktail of hyper-violent sci-fi thrills and a wicked sense of humor… Space Bastards is burning up the comics scene featuring an all-star roster of talent.” — SYFY WIRE
“Space Bastards is the cultivation of industry giants coming together to construct a reality based in blood, booze, and rock-n-roll.” — BLEEDING COOL
Does this look an awful lot like a Lobo swipe to anyone else?
The 27 Run Crush #1 Premier Edition
Writer: Justin Zimmerman
Art: Russell Brown, Fran Gamboa, Ethan Claunch
Cover: Ken Lashley
A Wave Blue World / $3.99
Humanity's only chance against 27 towering Monsters and legions of voracious Crawlies is the Mech Pilot Beti and a telepathic dog named E.K. But Beti faces an even bigger challenge: the return of a long-lost love! Get ready for an action-packed stand-off that continues the series Steve Orlando (Wonder Woman) calls, "A wasteland tale energized with dark humor and fantastic creatures."
GRAPHIC NOVELS OF NOTE
Black Panther Party Graphic History SC
Writer: David Walker
Art/Cover: Marcus Kwame Anderson
Ten Speed Press / $19.99
Using dramatic comic book-style retellings and illustrated profiles of key figures, The Black Panther Party captures the major events, people, and actions of the party, as well as their cultural and political influence and enduring legacy.
I confess to not knowing much about the "other" Black Panthers, who were active when I was in elementary school. I sure didn't learn much then, aside from what white hysteria looked like.
MANGA
A Centaur’s Life GN Vol 19
Ancient Magus Bride Faerie Case Files GN Vol 02 Jack Flash
Destiny Lovers GN Vol 05
Don’t Toy With Me Miss Nagatoro GN Vol 05
Gigant GN Vol 04
Hidden Dungeon Only I Can Enter GN Vol 02
Hinamatsuri GN Vol 12
Kuma Kuma Kuma Bear GN Vol 04
Life Lessons With Uramichi Oniisan GN Vol 02
Parallel Paradise GN Vol 04
Rozi in the Labyrinth GN Vol 1
Rozi in the Labyrinth is a fantasy manga in which friendly fellows with cat ears, silver hair, and other supernatural features guide a young girl through a mazelike city filled with quaint, cobblestoned, winding streets. If that plot doesn’t sound like it would amount to much, check out the cover: This is a book that looks like it will have beautiful art. The first volume is scheduled for January 2021 with an MSRP of $12.99.
Tamamo Chan’s A Fox GN Vol 01
Welcome To Succubus High GN Vol 02
Yuuna & Haunted Hot Springs GN Vol 12
... AND THE REST
BOOM! Studios
Mighty Morphin #3
Origins #3 (of 6)
Power Rangers #2 2nd Ptg
Red Mother #12
Seven Secrets #6
We Only Find Them When They’re Dead #4 2nd Ptg
Dark Horse Comics
47 Ronin TPB
Stranger Things: Science Camp #4 (of 4)
X-Ray Robot TPB
DC Comics
100 Bullets Vol. 1 Omnibus
American Vampire: 1976 #4
Batman: The Chalice
Birds of Prey: Hero Hunters
Heroes in Crisis: The Price and Other Tales
Rorschach #4
We Found a Monster OGN
Writer/art: Kirk Scroggs
Random House / 152 pages / $9.99
From Kirk Scroggs, the acclaimed writer and illustrator behind The Secret Spiral of Swamp Kid and SnoopTroop comes a monster-rific story about an outcast middle-schooler who finds friendship in the most unlikely of places.
There’s a reason scary movie fan and master of the macabre Casey Clive looks ten times paler and more exhausted than the average sixth grader: Monsters!
He’s got tons of them! For the last … er … unusual year, monsters have been arriving on Casey’s doorstep needing a place to stay, something to eat, and lots and lots of attention. He’s got She-Bat in the attic, a zombie under the flower bed, gremlins under his real bed … and who knows what’s lurking in the bathtub! It’s getting impossible to keep these haunted houseguests a secret, much less get a good night’s sleep. Casey has to find a solution, and fast!
But someone is onto Casey’s supernatural stash. Zandra, the new girl at school, not only knows about his creature collection, but she’s found a monster, too. And she wants Case to take it off her hands.
Now Casey must juggle location-scouting for his house of horrors, keeping his monsters protected from the townspeople and an evil droid of doom, and navigating middle school. Good thing he can trust Zandra … or can he?
Praise for We Found a Monster
“This tale of loyalty and friendship is sure to delight fans of supernaturally silly stories that avoid full horror.” — School Library Journal
Praise for The Secret Spiral of Swamp Kid and Kirk Scroggs
“A comedic win” — Kirkus Reviews
“For budding graphic novelists and fans of funny superhero stories.” — School Library Journal
“Scroggs' work is a clear labor of love and unlike anything else from the publisher.” — Comic Book Resources
“Kirk Scroggs is one of my favorite author/illustrators.” — Dave Pilkey, creator of Captain Underpants and Dog Man
“As Kirk Scroggs’ newly announced title The Secret Spiral of Swamp Kid makes clear, despite having algae for hair and a tree trunk for a right arm, Russell might be the most relatable thing in his middle school.” — The Hollywood Reporter
Dynamite Entertainment
Green Hornet (Vol. 3) #5
Writer: Scott Lobdell
Art: Anthony Marques
Cover A: Lee Weeks
Cover B: Anthony Marques
Mad scientist - Check
The U.S. Army - Check
Deadliest assassin in the world - Check
Interdimensional being - Check
Super powered being from space who has been stuck in a stasis pod and driven mad from solitude with only one thing on her mind, getting her baby back at all costs - Check
IDW Publishing
For Better or For Worse Complete Library HC Vol 05
Mountainhead TPB Vol 01
By John Lees, Ryan Lee, Shawn Lee, and Doug Garbark
Abraham Stubbs and his father Noah roam America in a nomadic existence. Convinced they are being pursued, Noah has them living off the grid. Elsewhere, the lone survivor of a climbing expedition staggers homeward. Both are on an inevitable collision course. Something sinister lurks in this part psychological thriller and part horror graphic novel.
Sonic the Hedgehog #36
Image Comics
A Man Among Ye #4
Big Girls #6
Bomb Queen TPB Vol 08 Trump Card
Commanders in Crisis #4 (of 12)
Crossover #2 2nd Ptg
Bestselling creative team Donny Cates (Venom, Thor) and Geoff Shaw (Thanos Wins) with Dee Cunniffe (Redneck) and John. J. Hill (Nailbiter) have sent an electric shock of excitement through the comics industry with the launch of their next level superhero series Crossover. The second issue has sold out instantly at the distributor level and is being fast tracked to a second printing in order to keep up with the skyrocketing sales trajectory.
“This is crazy. I honestly cannot thank all the fans and retailers enough for this insane amount of love and support,” said Cates. “We’ll do our best to keep you on your toes!”
Cunniffe added: “It's so exciting to be part of such a great book, and really affirming that you all like it so much!"
Crossover #2 amps up the jaw-dropping reveals and sets the stage for even more surprises in the issues to come. The event continues to unravel as Ellie, Otto, and Ava rise from the ashes of their comic shop to begin their four-color odyssey to find the truth beyond the dome. Meanwhile: super-prisons! Magic guns! Mysterious government agents! Don’t miss out on all the plot twists to come.
“With all the craziness in store throughout the series, we want to make sure everyone has an opportunity to keep up with the latest chapter …" said Hill. "It’s great having this kind of demand. Thank you to everyone that’s joining us on this wild ride!”
This looks like a lot of inside baseball, but I like inside baseball. Anyone reading this?
he Department of Truth #1 3rd Ptg
The Department of Truth #2 2nd Ptg
The Department of Truth #3 2nd Ptg
Despite sales that have exceeded 100K copies, the fever pitch behind James Tynion IV (Batman, Something is Killing the Children) and Martin Simmonds (Dying is Easy) new series The Department of Truth has reached new heights with a multiple issue sellout and a fast-tracked reprint order from Image Comics.
The conspiracy theory riddled thriller Department of Truth launched this past September to some of the most hype seen on a series since the previous year’s Undiscovered Country. Early praise rolled in from members of the press, from outlets like Entertainment Weekly to Forbes, while members within the industry buzzed public enthusiasm online to support the series release.
In The Department of Truth readers meet Cole Turner, a man who has studied conspiracy theories all his life—but never prepared to discover that all of them are true. From the JFK Assassination to Flat Earth Theory and Reptilian Shapeshifters, one organization has been covering them up for generations. What is the deep, dark secret behind the Department of Truth?
Select praise for The Department of Truth:
"Genuinely one of the best comics you'll read this year. Do not miss it." — Scott Snyder
“A story for our zeitgeist. Simmonds’ art invokes Bill Sienkiewicz.” — Entertainment Weekly
"A wonderfully dizzy mixture of Men in Black, John Carpenter, Stephen King, The Matrix, and 1970s conspiracy thrillers." — Forbes
"It is FANTASTIC. Can’t wait to read the whole series!" — Patton Oswalt
"A new conspiracy thriller comic that should appeal to anyone with a fondness for The X-Files." — IGN
"The hype on this is real." — Brian Michael Bendis
“Hickmanian conspiracy games, Burroughsian crime, Sienkiewiczian style. The Truth: you want it.” — Kieron Gillen
I used to enjoy stories that posited "What if [fill in ridiculous conspiracy theory] were TRUE?" But we're living through a time where people believe ridiculous conspiracy theories, and it's a danger to the republic.
Home Sick Pilots #2
Savage Dragon #256
Cover A by Erik Larsen
Cover B retro '70s trade dress variant by Erik Larsen
That Texas Blood TPB Vol 01
Marvel Comics
Amazing Spider-Man #57
Black Cat TPB Vol 03 All Dressed Up
Captain America #354 Facsimile Edition
Eternals TPB Dreaming Celestial Saga
Immortal Hulk #42
Marauders #17
Marvel-Verse Captain Marvel GN TPB
Star Wars: Darth Vader #9
S.W.O.R.D. #2
Written by Al Ewing
Art and Cover by VALERIO SCHITI
WHAT IS PROTOCOL V?
The S.W.O.R.D. station is thrown in at the deep end of a planetary crisis as Krakoa battles the KING IN BLACK! While a cross-division team take on latex dragons from outer space, Abigail Brand prepares a deniable operation all her own. What is PROTOCOL V — and can the Earth survive it?
The Union #2 (of 5)
Thor and Eternals TPB Celestials Saga
Vision & Scarlet Witch TPB Saga Wanda & Vision
Other Publishers
2000 Ad Regened TPB
Aposimz GN Vol 6
Autumnal #4
Betty & Veronica: Friends Forever — Winterfest #1
Cover: Dan Parent
Writers/Art: Various
Archie / 24-page / full color comic / $2.99 U.S.
While the air is chilly stay warm inside and get cozy with this collection of Betty and Veronica’s winter adventures! From snowy schemes to raucous reindeer, you’re sure to have a wild winter with Betty and Veronica!
Blade Runner 2029 #2
Authors: Michael Green, Mike Johnson
Art: Andres Guinaldo
Cover A: Peach Momoko
Cover B: Syd Mead
Cover C: Claudia Caranfa
Cover D: Cosplay
Mature Themes / 170 x 258mm / 32pp / FC / $3.99
The first comic to tell original, in-canon stories set in the Blade Runner universe returns!
It is 2029 and Blade Runner Ash continues to hunt the streets of the rain-soaked dystopian world of Los Angeles for renegade Replicants, but this time she's trying to protect as many as she can find.
Written by Academy award-nominated screenwriter MICHAEL GREEN
(Blade Runner 2049) and co-writer MIKE JOHNSON (Supergirl)!
Bleed Them Dry #6
Bloodshot (2019) #10
Written by Tim Seeley
Art by Brett Booth, Pedro Andreo
Colors by Andrew Dalhouse
Letters by Dave Sharpe
Cover A by Simon Bisley
Cover B by David Nakayama
Preorder Variant Cover by Shawn Crystal
32 pages, full color | $3.99 US | T+
Everything in Tim Seeley's BLOODSHOT run has been leading up to this ...
As BLOODSHOT works with new allies KT and Wilfred Wigans, a familiar foe lurks in the background, plotting the return of [CLASSIFIED]. Seeley has big plans for Valiant's supersoldier in the final explosive arc "One Last Shot" and it all starts here in BLOODSHOT #10, featuring art from industry icon Brett Booth and rising star Pedro Andreo with colors from Andrew Dalhouse and letters by Dave Sharpe.
Bloodshot only has “One Last Shot” as the brand-new story arc starts now!
Superstar artist Brett Booth and Pedro Andreo join best-selling scribe Tim Seeley for Bloodshot’s road to retribution.
Who can a one-man army trust when everyone’s trying to kill him?
Brooklyn Gladiator #3 (of 5)
Cagaster GN Vol 4
Captain Canuck TPB Vol 04 Season 4 Invasion
Cat & Cat HC Vol 03 My Dad’s Got A Date Ew!
Chicken Little Saves Moon Base GN
Cimmerian: Frost Giant's Daughter #2
Concrete Jungle #4
Devil’s Red Bride #4
Doctor Who Comics #3
Author: Jody Houser
Art: Roberta Ingranata
Cover A: Meghan Hetrick
Cover B: Photo Cover
Cover C: Christopher Jones
All Ages / 170 x 258mm / 32pp / FC / $3.99
Doctor Who returns with the comic debut of iconic 70s TV Villain!
After narrowly escaping the Weeping Angels and the Autons in 1960s London, the Tenth and Thirteenth Doctor must team-up once again to save present-day Earth from being overrun by both the Skithra and the classic aquatic villain, the Sea Devils!
Who else can they turn to for help but Rose Tyler: leader of the human resistance!
E Ratic #2
Goose That Laid Rotten Egg GN
Harbinger Wars 2 Deluxe HC
Heavy #4
Ignited TPB Vol 2 Fight The Power
Iron Maiden: Legacy of the Beast Vol 2 Night City #5
Kaijumax Season 5 #6
Knights of the Golden Sun #9
League of Super Feminists HC
Lonely Receiver #5
Norah TPB Vol 2
Okay Universe GN
Pantomime #3 (of 6)
Penultiman #4 (of 5)
Pirates vs. Ninjas Coloring Book
Punk Rock Mouse & Country Mouse GN
Red Atlantis #3
Superbabes Starring Femforce #5
Third World War Book 2 Back To Babylon TPB
Tom & Jerry GN Computer Mouse
Wolf in Unicorn’s Clothing GN
Replies
"I do have a question for y'all: I haven't kept up with Project Super-Powers, so are the characters above from that pot?"
Not ignoring you. I haven't kept up with PSP, either, don't recognize the characters and was wondering the same thing. (Not enough to buy it and find out, though.)
My "Pick of the Week" (maybe my only buy this week) is the first issue of Terry Moore's Serial.
RE: Crossover - I've really been enjoying this, Cap. I think any long time comic book fan would dig it. I do love what Donny Cates has been doing, so I'm a soft sell.
RE: The Department of Truth - I think the art holds this series back, as I am not a fan at all. The story is really good though. This is a series that is trying to dispel all of the conspiracy theories, so it might scratch that itch.
I you are a Blade Runner fan, I highly recommend the current series, and the previous one.