MILESTONE will Unviel it's New Line-Up at NYCC

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DC Comics' revived Milestone Comics is scheduled to "unveiled" at New York Comic Con, says DC Co-Publisher Jim Lee (via Publishers Weekly). The announcement will reportedly take place at October 5's "Robert Kirkman: The Walking Dead, Invincible and Beyond" panel, tying into word that Milestone will be featured in Kirkman's AMC docuseries The Secret History Of Comics.

Milestone's Denys Cowan and Reggie Hudlin are expected to be in attendance.

Originally founded back in 1992, Milestone began publishing comics in 1993 as an imprint of DC Comics. Although DC later integrated some of Milestone's characters into DC's core superhero line (including Static in the 2011 "New 52" relaunch), Milestone retained ownership of all its characters and had merely licensed usage of the characters and the content they produced in the 1990s to DC.

Milestone Media was reformed in January 2015 by Reginald Hudlin and two of its co-founders, Denys Cowan and Derek Dingle. Later that year at 2015's Comic-Con International: San Diego, DC announced it had reached a deal with the company to once again license the Milestone IP for usage as a comic book line and in other media.

"We couldn't be more proud and excited about the opportunity to bring the 'Dakota' Universe back to DC," said Lee in 2015. "This is a huge step forward for us in bringing readers a more diversified lineup as part of the new DC Universe, and we're anxiously looking foward to telling new stories that are socially and culturally impactful and representative of the world in which we live."

At the time, DC's plans were for a seperate line co-existing in the broader DC Multiverse but in a seperate dimension, 'Earth-M' (which Lee reconfirmed this month). There was a plan for titles including Static Shock, Icon, Rocket, and Xombi, with creators including Hudlin, Cowan, Geoff Johns, Jim Lee, Bill Sienkiewicz, Ken Lashley, and Christopher Priest. In addition to reviving Milestone characters of the past, Milestone Media said they'll also be introducing new characters and including new creators in the mix.

In August 2017, Milestone Media was sued by Charlotte McDuffie, the widow of the late co-founder Dwayne McDuffie. McDuffie is suing the company and its officers for "Breach of Fiduciary Duty," "Aiding and Abetting Breach of Fiduciary Duty," "Intentional Interference with Prospective Economic Relations," "Fraudulent Conveyance," "Civil Conspiracy To Commit Fraudulent Conveyance," and "Accounting."

Lenni Reviews: "Taproot" by Keezy Young

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*This book was sent to me in exchange for an honest review

Hamal works at a flower shop but the owner and customers think he's crazy because he can hear, see, and speak to ghosts. This ability is bitter sweet as the ghost, Blue is his best friend and Blue is in love with Hamal. But lately, Blue has been unexpectedly vanishing and all the ghosts are afraid of what's going on.

I am such a fan of all these calm, multi-cultural, creative, and beautiful graphic novels I'm seeing these days. The cool, soft color palette and relaxed writing make this story about an accidental necromancer an amazing and wonderful read. Even when dealing with death, reapers, and ghosts, Taproot never takes itself too seriously; remaining sweet and grounded the entire time. I was a little confused because the terms 'necromancer' and 'ghost hunter' are used interchangeably when I'd always believed them to be very different things. Perhaps if given more time to develop, we could get Hamal's powers clearly defined, learn where they came from, and get some backstory on the other ghosts around him. As it stands, this book was an overall pleasure. 4 out of 5.

Lenni Reviews: "Tea Dragon Society" by Katie O'Neil

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*This book was given to me in exchange for an honest review

When she finds an injured tea dragon in the marketplace, young Greta - who is a blacksmith's apprentice - returns the magical creature to its owner and learns the nearly forgotten art of crafting tea from the delicate leaves growing from the tea dragon's bodies.

I found this to be the most refreshing fantasy comic I have read in a long time. The story Greta through 4 seasons as she meets Minette; a seer who has lost her memory, Hesekiel; one of the last remaining tea masters, and his partner Erik; a former adventurer who is now a paraplegic.

There are no grand adventures, no epic battles; just a little girl who finds a dragon and makes some friends. A delightfully progressive slice of life story with simple and beautiful art, about the only thing I can legitimately complain about is there isn't enough of this. If this was a webcomic or a series, I would be reading it all the time. It's very rare for me to find something so lighthearted yet well done and I find it perfect. 5 out of 5.

The Hard Place #1 (Review)

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Reviewed By Justin D Williams

After five years in prison, AJ Gurney, a legendary wheelman in Detroit, has decided it’s time to go straight. He returns home to work in his father’s garage and disappear into anonymity. But during a visit to the bank, AJ is recognized by two violent bank robbers, and they demand AJ be their getaway driver. To ensure his compliance, they take a young female hostage; unfortunately, she happens to be the daughter of a Russian crime lord. AJ now finds himself pursued by a bitter police department and hunted by every asset of the Russian mob. Without a doubt, he’s in a very hard place. 

The Hard Place was a pleasant surprise from start to finish. It is a comic book grounded in reality and this could literally be anybody who has taken the wrong side of the law. One thing I like about The Hard Place is the main character AJ Gurney. AJ has just finished serving a five year sentence and is really trying to get his life in order. He feels regret and remorse about his decisions and really wants out of the life. Issue 1 gives enough characterization on AJ for you to actually cheer for him. He is a likable guy who just made some really poor decisions and is trying to own up to them. However the life is a very hard thing to avoid as he is thrown back into by unfortunate circumstances. Issue 1 was an enjoyable read with some great character moments. The art style fits the tone and I like the use of color. One thing that has me waiting for issue 2 is the gangster that AJ owe a debt too. We don't get much of him but the what we do see is he is vicious and wants respect. I'm curious to see where this arc will lead.

Final Grade 4 out 5 Stars. 

 

Fathom Events Batman And Harley Review

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Hey O&G fans, we got a chance to check out fathom eventsscreening Batman and Harley Quinn with a Harley Featurette after the movie. The NYC 14th Street Regal Union Square was packed with both Batman and Harley Quinn fans.

There are legions of DC Animated movie fans and Batman and Harley Quinn did not disappoint! The film features a stellar cast with  The Big Bang Theory star Melissa Rauch voicing Harley Quinn for the first time. THE VOICE of Batman, Kevin Conroy  reprising his role from Batman the animated series and Loren Lester as Nightwing rounding out our cast of heroes. Paget Brewster (Criminal Minds) and Kevin Michael Richardson (The Cleveland Show) provide the voices of the villainous duo of Poison Ivy & Jason Woodrue. Sam Liu (Batman: The Killing Joke) directed the film from an original story by Bruce Timm (Batman: The Dark Knight Returns) with a teleplay written by Timm & Jim Krieg (Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox). Co-Producer is Alan Burnett (The Batman). Executive Producers are Sam Register and Bruce Timm. Benjamin Melniker and Michael Uslan are Executive Producers.

FILM REVIEW

This was a more comedic take on DC Animated movies and for me it was done very well. Melissa Raunch was an awesome Harley Quinn! She really bought out the Brooklyn in Harley's voice while keeping true to the character. Batman is always voiced brilliantly by Kevin Conroy, but this film showed more of his comedic side while still trying to be the normal serious brooding Batman.

The story centers on Poison Ivy (Paget Brewster) and the Floronic Man (Kevin Michael Richardson) teaming up to transform all life on Earth into plant hybrids by using the research that Alec Holland created before he became Swamp Thing. This is more of film about Harley trying to change her life and be a bit more heroic. It also reinstates the deep friendship that Harley and PIOSON IVY have. The film if filled with a lot of crude humor and fart jokes (and literal farts). We also get a musical number from Harley in what looks like a Batman 1966 hideout with villain henchman included.

Over all the movie was pretty good with a few bumps in the story, but definitely a film true Batman and Harley fans should go see. I want to again thanks Fathom Events for the Invite and a Chance to see this DC animated movie.

 

by Sean Tucker

Lenni Reviews: "Lost Boys" vol 1 by Tim Seeley

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*This book was given to me in exchange for an honest review and is best for mature audiences

In the follow up to the 1987 movie, we meet the Emmerson Brothers Sam and Michael. After defeating the vampire monster, Max and his buddied, the brothers thought their lives would go back to normal. But a coven of female vampires calling themselves the Blood Belles targets them for revenge and their lives are once again overturned with blood and violence.

Before we get into it, I have to admit I was not the biggest fan of the original movie. I didn't dislike it but I didn't feel the need to watch it more than once; which always shocks people who learn I write vampire fiction. After refreshing my memory, I found this book enjoyable. It picks up right where the movie left off, ups the stakes (no pun intended) and tells an entertaining story. The color palette and art are perfect for this genre to keep the mood haunting and dark. The character Believer had me rolling my eyes with his over the top speeches but otherwise, this book is cool. If you like vampires and love the movie, I think this is worth the read. I give it a solid 3.8 out of 5.

Lenni Reviews: "Great Divide" by Ben Fisher and Adam Markiewicz

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*This book was given to me in exchange for an honest review and is rated 18+

A fragmented human race struggles to live because a mysterious condition has made it so any skin to skin contact will cause one of those people to die an agonizing death. Whoever survives the encounter absorbs the memories of the dead person. While fumbling a heist, Maria and Paul stumble first upon each other then later upon a possible cure.

This comic is a mix of Walking Dead, Crossed, and Y the Last Man (without what made me so uncomfortable about Crossed). It has a unique take on an apocalyptic world with all the darkness that entails while still managing to maintain some humor. I'm glad it's not zombies for once...

The characters and world building here are well thought out and some really original implications of whatever sort of virus like this can do or be used are played with. Thankfully the cast members we're following around play off each other well despite the fact Paul's jokes can get tiresome. I give this a 4 out of 5 for being blessedly original in a genre that sorely needs it.

 

Black Optioned For The Big screen

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Kwanza Osajyefo, Tim Smith 3, and Jamal Igle's creator-owned title Black has been optioned for film by Studio 8, according to Deadline. Recently published by Black Mask Studios after a successful Kickstarter campaign, Black Mask concerns a world where only black people possess superpowers.

Studio 8's Jon Silk will produce the film, alonside Osajyefo, Smith, and Black Mask's Matt Pizzolo.

No further details or projected release date for Black were reported.

INFO ON THE COMIC.

Last February A new series titled Black explores the science fiction superhero paradigm and delves headlong into issues of race and also simply being an everyday person. Created by former DC editor Kwanza Osajyefo and artist/designer Tim Smith III, Black will be a six-issue series beginning later this year illustrated by Jamal Igle with covers by Khary Randolph.

Lenni Reviews: "Batman The Dark Knight: Master Race" by Frank Miller, Brian Azzarello, Andy Kubert, Klaus Jansen, and Brad Anderson

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*This comic was given to me in exchange for an honest review and is rated mature for violence

This collection continues Frank Miller's Dark Knight saga with Batman dead after the defeat of Lex Luthor. Superman is on ice and Wonder Woman has returned to Themyscira. But when a cult of insane Kryptonians lead by Quar attack the Earth and demand humanity worship them as gods, who will rise up and stop them?

This is set in a not far future where our heroes have children. Frank Miller's signature gritty, dark, and scratchy style is in full glory and perfectly sets the tone for what is a rather dismal look at the future of the heroes we know and love.

The writing and art are expertly done and I love the nostalgic feeling the art gives me I get since I read Dark Knight years ago. There are mini-comics, which are interesting supplements to the main story but aren't necessary and I found myself skipping them on my first read through so I could get back to the main plot.

There are a few confusing character motivations, I'm not really happy with the Wonder Woman here and if you have to SAY a costume is too colorful for crime fighting, perhaps it should have been designed better in the first place but, I digress...

Compelling, entertaining, but depressing, I give this a 4 out of 5 since it was a downer. A great way to end this series, though. The release date for this book is September 19th, 2017.

Lenni Reviews: "Don't Be Cruel" vol 5 by Yonezou Nekota

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*This book was given to me in exchange for an honest review and is rated 18+

Maya and Nemugasa have grown since the first volume and now are at the point in their relationship where they even wear couples rings. But Maya is getting some interesting networking contacts and Nemugasa finds himself getting jealous. At the same time, Shimakawa, who knew Maya as a child, sees an opportunity to make a move on Nemugasa behind Maya's back.

Our main pair is a cute couple trying to figure out how their relationship is going now that they're in college and if you forget how they started out, they are a couple you root for and want to see happy. The art is soft and flowy and I have to admit they toned down the sex scenes as compared to the first volume. It's still explicit but more time is spent about their thoughts and search for jobs than boning. It's still an ok series, though! 3.7 .out of 5

 

 

Iron Fist and Luke Cage: Secret Empire #2 Preview

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Danny Rand and Luke Cage take on a hoard of demons - and blame Doctor Strange - in this preview of next week's Secret Empire #2 (via CBR).

SECRET EMPIRE #2 (of 9)

NICK SPENCER (W) • ANDREA SORRENTINO (A)

Cover by MARK BROOKS

Villain Variant Cover by Dan Mora

ACTION FIGURE VARIANT COVER BY JOHN TYLER CHRISTOPHER

VARIANT COVER BY J. SCOTT CAMPBELL

Hydra Hero VARIANT Cover by ANDREA SORRENTINO

Enshrouded in darkness, plagued by the minions of Baron Mordo and cut off from all assistance, The Defenders and Doctor Strange struggle to save the lives of the innocent people consigned to this hell on Earth. Will Dagger prove to be the key to stopping this nightmare? Meanwhile, will the appearance of a new hero provide Iron Man with the key to Captain America’s startling change? THE SECRET EMPIRE WILL DEFEND YOU!

48 PGS./Rated T+ …$4.99

Netfix Defenders Trailer

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Hey O&G fans, Today Netflix released the first official trailer for the defenders, featuring the revival of Elodie Yung's Elektra and the first video of Sigourney Weaver's Alexandria.

Here is a look at the Trailer:

Marvel's The Defenders follows Daredevil (Charlie Cox), Jessica Jones (Krysten Ritter), Luke Cage (Mike Colter) and Iron Fist (Finn Jones). A quartet of singular heroes with one common goal - to save New York City. This is the story of four solitary figures, burdened with their own personal challenges, who realize they just might be stronger when teamed together.

Defenders is scheduled to premiere August 18 on Netflix.

X-Men Gold and Blue Preview

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X-Men: Gold will be written by Marc Guggenheim with art by Ardian Syaf. The phase-shifting Kitty Pryde at long-last will become an X-Men team leader, whose squad includes Storm, Colossus, Nightcrawler, Old Man Logan, and Rachel Grey.

“Kitty is the right person to bring the X-Men into the future, to herald in the next era of the X-Men,” Guggenheim told us in a phone interview. “We are post the war with the Inhumans. The X-Men are sort of at a crossroads. They're at a point where they are trying to decide, is there a future for the X-Men?

X-MEN GOLD #1
MARC GUGGENHEIM (W) • ARDIAN SYAF (A/C)
HIP-HOP VARIANT COVER BY ANDRE LEROY DAVIS
VARIANT COVER BY David Marquez
CORNER BOX VARIANT COVER BY LEONARD KIRK
VARIANT COVER BY BILLY MARTIN
VARIANT COVER BY TBA
YOUNG VARIANT COVER BY SKOTTIE YOUNG
FROM THE ASHES OF INHUMANS VS X-MEN, AN ALL-NEW TEAM OF X-MEN RISES! Xavier’s dream comes full circle as KITTY PRYDE takes the reins and assembles a squad of the most iconic X-Men to fight at her side. STORM. COLOSSUS. NIGHTCRAWLER. OLD MAN LOGAN. PRESTIGE. They are X-MEN GOLD! And they’re on a mission to be Earth’s finest heroes, even when that means defending those who hate and fear them. Brought to you by an all-star creative team of Marc Guggenheim (X-MEN, S.H.I.E.L.D., television’s Arrow) and Ardian Syaf (BATGIRL, SUPERMAN/BATMAN, BRIGHTEST DAY), a new beginning for the strangest heroes of all starts here!
40 PGS./Rated T+ …$4.99

 

X-MEN BLUE #1

Written by CULLEN BUNN

Art by JORGE MOLINA & MATTEO BUFFAGNI

Cover by ART ADAMS

Corner Box Variant by LEONARD KIRK

Variant Covers by JIM LEE, BILLY MARTIN

SKOTTIE YOUNG and NEAL ADAMS

Hip-Hop Variant by RAMON VILLALOBOS 

Kirby 100th Variant by JACK KIRBY 

On-Sale – 04/12/17

CW releases first images of Black Lightning

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image credit: CW

Hey O&G fans, CW has released the first image of Cress Williams as Jefferson Pierce, the network's next DC TV show, Black Lightning.

The suit was designed by Laura Jean Shannon, who has also created costumes for other comic-based properties such as Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World and Iron Man.

Along with the image was an official synopsis for the show: "The first African-American DC Super Hero to have his own stand-alone comic title, Black Lightning is based on the character created by Tony Isabella with Trevor Von Eeden in 1977. Jefferson Pierce made his choice: he hung up the suit and his secret identity years ago, but with one daughter hell-bent on justice and the other a star student being recruited by a local gang, he’ll be pulled back into the fight as the wanted vigilante and DC legend — Black Lightning."

Black Lightning is currently in production in Atlanta.

Exclusive IRON FIST Clip on the CHIVE

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Hey O&G fans,  theCHIVE is giving Marvel fans an extra peak at the upcoming Netflix Original – Iron Fist with an exclusive clip only available on the site. The clip can only be accessed through a secret code and here’s how you can do it.

Visitors to theCHIVE can check out the clip by entering the “Up, Up, Down, Down, left, right, left, right, a, b”..................... Hmmmm this code sounds familiar. Well if you are not Video Game savvy or are all thumds, just enter  Danny Rand, into theCHIVE’s search function to reach the content. Enjoy the content exclusively from the CHIVE.

Domino is cast for Deadpool Sequel

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Hey O&G fans, after all the rumors and cast correction, Deadpoolhas finally cast Domino. Atlanta breakout Zazie Beetz will play Domino in the upcoming Deadpool sequel. Ryan Reynolds, made the announcement Thursday via Twitter, with the caption "Domino Effect." 

Producers were looking to specifically cast a black or Latina actress in the role of Domino, testing a variety of actresses, an finally chose Beetz. Deadpool 2 will be directed by John Wick filmmaker David Leitch, with original Deadpool scripters Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick returning to pen the follow-up for Fox, along with The Martian writer Drew Goddard. Simon Kinberg, Lauren Shuler Donner and Reynolds are set to produce.

 

Lenni Reviews: "Sweet Lullaby" 1-4 by Al Scherkenback and J. Briscoe Allison

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*This book was given to me in exchange for an honest review.


Lullaby is an assassin working for an organization run by her father. To get to their targets, they go deep undercover; calling the operations 'dreams.' Lullaby is swift and precise but also in love. She wonders if a normal life is even possible and is torn between her loyalty to her father and the possibility of a civilian life.

The story is told by jumping back and forth between Lullaby's childhood and her present day assignments. We get to see why she decided to become a killer, how she works, and what her usual targets are like. The entire organization uses sleep terms as monikers (Catnap, Z, Forty Winks, and the like), which I'm still on the fence about if that's clever or silly. But it wasn't enough to be distracting to the story. As for the art style, it kinda reminded me of Gen 13 in style and the lines, color, and lettering are well done and fun to look at.

The way the narrative is structured, I found it hard to really sink into the story. The moment I felt engaged, the timeline switched again. Not to say the story is bad at all. Interesting if a bit scattered; I give this a 3.5 out of 5.