That’s one way to get out of a double date.
Amazing Spider-Man (Vol. 1) #335
Published: c. May, 1990?
Cover Date: July, 1990
“Shocks!”
Writer: David Michelinie
Artist: Erik Larsen
Inker: Terry Austin
Letterer: Rick Parker
Colorist: Bob Sharen
Young Justice v3 #5 - “Seven Crises V” (2019) pencil by John Timms, Kris Anka, & Evan Shaner ink by John Timms color by Gabe Eltaeb
Welcome to the once-every-four-years Leap Day edition of The Issue. At issue today is Leslie's Magazine, February 29, 1912 edition. One of the most important non-fiction titles in American history, the series got its start as Frank Leslie's Illustrated Newspaper in 1855. "Frank Leslie" was actually an English engraver named Henry Carter who had gotten his start at the Illustrated London News, and then moved to America to start his own publishing house. Through a few format and title tweaks, the series provides a spectacular look at an important stretch of American history from right before the Civil War to right after World War I. Painter and illustrator James Montgomery Flagg created a spectacular series of covers for Leslie's during WWI, including what is probably the most famous magazine cover in history — the "I Want You" Uncle Sam image, which was a Leslie's cover before it became a wartime poster and proceeded to take its place in history.
The Issue is a regular column about vintage comics and other vintage periodicals from throughout world history. The idea behind The Issue is simple: for each post, I'll choose something from my collection and talk about what's going on in it, and discuss the publishers and creators behind it. And essentially I'm just going to end up stepping through comics history one issue at a time. There is just one rule in The Issue: No recent stuff. Everything will be from before 1940, and most of it will be from before 1920.
I like the Leslie's run a lot for the reasons outlined at the top of this post. Browsing through a short stack of acquired copies some time ago, this February 29, 1912 issue of the series made me pause and look a little longer. Finally, I got the light-bulb moment: that leaping through a big ring cover device looked awfully familiar. But… Leap Year. Could it be?
The cover reminded me of two classic and iconic Golden Age comic book covers, and my hunch checked out. All three of these leaping-through-rings covers were published on or near Leap Day in a Leap Year.
In these examples, the Leap Years in question are 1912, 1940 and 1948. The issue of Leslie's (which was a weekly) is actually cover-dated on Leap Day, February 29. Detective Comics #38 has a copyright date of March 5, according to Library of Congress data. That means that it was almost certainly available in some areas on Leap Day, since in practice the street date of monthly periodicals would vary by several days from place to place around the country. Flash Comics #92 had a cover-date of February, which means that retailers were meant to pull that issue from the stands in that month. This too means that the issue was on the stands fairly close to Leap Day.
Is this all a coincidence…? I don't think so. As the Leslie's cover suggests, the ring is important to the symbolism because the original leap-year folklore is marriage-based. It's not an incredible leap (so to speak) to generalize that idea to partnership (in the case of Detective Comics #38's introduction of Robin) or attaining status as a character and team member (in the case of Black Canary having gotten a solo series soon after her debut in Flash Comics #86, and then joining the Justice Society of America in All Star Comics #38) .
Please note that I am not claiming that this is the basis for every comic cover ever created that features a character jumping through a hoop. Rather, I think that the Leslie's cover demonstrates the genesis of the symbolism as a cover device used for Leap Day, and this was carried forward for a little while by some cover illustrators. Solidifying this theory will require more research, which is ongoing. In the meantime, consider it a small leap of faith.
The post THE ISSUE: Robin and Black Canary Leaping Through Leap Day appeared first on Bleeding Cool News And Rumors.
The post ETSY OF THE DAY appeared first on Berkeley Place.
Absolute Carnage #1 (2019)interior inks pencil by Ryan Stegman ink by JP Mayer
Young Justice v3 #5 - “Seven Crises V” (2019) pencil by John Timms, Kris Anka, & Evan Shaner ink by John Timms color by Gabe Eltaeb
Absolute Carnage #1 (2019)interior inks pencil by Ryan Stegman ink by JP Mayer
Whether you play the games or simply remember them from your childhood, Pokemon is an international cultural staple. People sometimes play the games, and just sort of keep to themselves. Others hop online and talk Pokemon 24/7 in dedicated communities. Then, there are the competitive circles. Pokemon tournaments run year round, and bring together players of all ages, genders, and backgrounds. A recent winner is really helping remind fans why the series is so influential and inspiring. Meet Simone Lim, the young Pokemon champion capturing hearts all over the world.
Image Credit: Pokemon Company
At seven years old, Simone Lim is a young newcomer to the competitive Pokemon scene. In fact, calling her a newcomer makes her sound like she’s been around for a year or so. In all honesty, Lim came from seemingly nowhere. She is in her first year of competitive play, and shocked tons of fans and opponents at the 2020 Pokémon Oceania tournament.
In her bouts, she racked up impressive wins by making the most of her Tyranitar and some savvy strategy. To capture the championship, she even beat 1st ranked Justin Miranda-Radbord, a 21-time regional champion. Ranked fourth in the Malaysia Regionals and at a competition in Singapore, we knew she was good. Even so, her finish in Oceania showed more skills than we were expecting. My favorite moment? When asked at the end of her winner’s interview if she wanted to say anything else, she simply said “no,” and walked off stage.
I think my favorite part of seeing footage of Lim’s victory is that she’s just enjoying every minute of it. She takes time to thank her coach and family, all the while holding an Eevee plush. I mean, c’mon! eSports aren’t for a single type of person. No gender, religion, region, or artificial demographic can limit someone in a game. We see moments like when a Pokemon hashtag goes viral just how much fans love these games. Sword and Shield sold insane amounts of games on the Switch, but was riddled with drama after leaks showed major changes to Pokemon Sword and Pokemon Shield.
Image Credit: Pokemon Company
Lim’s promise is high, but she’s still in the Juniors division. For now, she’ll stay there and likely make a huge name for herself. A benefit of having Juniors play it out is getting to watch them grow up in the scene. Many go on to join the adult leagues and do incredibly well. Hopefully, as long as Simone Lim is having fun, she continues her career in competitive Pokemon tournaments. The most exiting thing is seeing Pokemon fans from all over the world come together to rally behind Lim. She’s a good reminder of what makes gaming so special to all of us: young, old, and everything in between. If you enjoy games, then you probably love seeing stories like this. You can watch the full Oceania Juniors finals here.
What do you think of the new young Pokemon champion? Let us know in the comments! Thanks for reading Comic Years for all things gaming, comics, and pop culture!
Featured Image Credit: The Pokemon Company
Young Pokemon Champion Rallies the Community Together
Taylor Bauer
Towards the end of 2019, Marvel Comics announced a partnership with Tsuburaya to publish new Ultraman comics for U.S. audiences. Now, at today’s “Next Big Thing” panel at C2E2, Marvel editor-in-chief C.B. Cebulski revealed new details about the publisher’s plans for Ultraman, including the creative team who will be working on the character. The Rise of Ultraman will be Marvel’s first series starring the iconic Japanese character. It will be written by Ryan Higgins and Mat Groom, and illustrated by Francesco Manna. The series will focus on the first generation of Ultraman.
In a statement, Higgins and Groom discussed their history with Ultraman, and their excitement at working with the classic character:
“A few years ago, thanks to my time on Power Rangers, I was able to discover and learn more about Tokusatsu. With its wildly different conventions and inspirations, Tokusatsu — and Ultraman in particular — has been a huge source of joy for me,” said Higgins. “It’s a genre so ripe with possibilities, even down to what we conceive of in the structure of super hero storytelling. It’s both an honor and a privilege to bring Ultraman to Marvel.”
“Monsters in fiction have been embodying all that is dark and scary in our world for as long as we’ve been telling stories. But I don’t think anybody understood the immense scale of our most pressing problems quite like Eiji Tsuburaya,” shared Groom. “He imagined the darkness looming overhead as tall as skyscrapers— alien and unknowable and ANGRY. But he also imagined us being able to stand up to those monsters, by rising above our worst impulses and embracing a nobler way of being. He imagined ULTRAMAN. What does that mean in this complex, contradictory world of lies? We’re going to find out…”
No plot details have yet been revealed about The Rise of Ultraman, but with that title and its focus on the original iteration of the character it seems likely that the series will feature an origin story for the character and his lineage. The two preview images released along with the statement did not include artist credits, but from the signature the artist appears to be Ed McGuinness, though I’m unsure of the colorist.
The Rise of Ultraman is set to debut later in 2020.
The post C2E2 ’20: Marvel reveals details of THE RISE OF ULTRAMAN by Higgins, Groom, & Manna appeared first on The Beat.
At the big Marvel panel at C2E2 in Chicago, Venom writer Donny Cates was on hand to talk about upcoming Venom storylines – and make some announcements as well.
The upcoming Venom #26 drawn by Iban Coello will feature the Ultimate Reed Richards revealing his ultimate plan. Cates talked about how The Maker has been using the Ultimate Venom Symbiote as a way to slip through to other dimensional universes, which is pretty much his entire bag these days after Secret Wars.
As for the character on the front cover of Venom #26, they are called Virus, who is after Eddie Brock's son – and human symbiote Dylan Brock. But Virus will make their debut in the Free Comic Book Day Spider-Man/Venom issue, on the first Saturday of May.
VENOM #26
(W) Donny Cates (A) Iban Coello (CA) Ryan Stegman
"VENOM BEYOND" BEGINS HERE!
If you thought VENOM ISLAND was insane comic book action of the highest order, then shut your yapper and face front, True Believer, because we're about to outdo ourselves!
For months, the Maker has been fascinated with symbiotes. IN THIS ISSUE we find out why – and what he intends to do with any he can get his hands on…
Rated T+In Shops: May 13, 2020
SRP: $3.99
The post New Character Virus to Debut on Free Comic Book Day, Then in Venom #26 – C2E2 appeared first on Bleeding Cool News And Rumors.
Marvel announced a new series at their Next Big Thing panel at C2E2 Saturday, and Bleeding Cool Ace Reporter David Pierce was on hand to send us the big news. Kyle Higgins will be the writer of a new Ultraman series with Mat Groom and Francesco Manna, launching later this year.
Marvel also showed off some Ultraman promo art by Ed McGuinness and Matthew Wilson.
One of the most popular and licensed heroes in the word, Ultraman got his humble beginnings on a Japanese TV show in the 1990s. Bleeding Cool reported that Marvel had made a deal with Tsuburaya Productions to bring Ultraman to American Comics. Editor-in-Chief C.B. Cebulski, who also has a Japanese origin story, said at the time:
As one of the world's most popular franchises, Ultraman has brought together some of the most passionate fandoms in pop culture today, and we can't wait to bring his story to even more fans around the globe. Like Marvel, Ultraman captivated generations by telling spectacular stories grounded in the real world, and it continues to be a beloved classic through its television shows, movies, toys, games, comics, and more. We are so thrilled to introduce new chapters to the Ultraman Multiverse next year.
And now we have the details… well, some of them at least.
Stay tuned for more news out of C2E2.
The post Kyle Higgins to Write New Ultraman Series at Marvel appeared first on Bleeding Cool News And Rumors.
Does the God of Thunder need a blue chew?
Marvel is hosting their Next Big Thing panel at C2E2 right now, but it's Thor's current big thing we're concerned about. Bleeding Cool Ace Reporter David Pierce is on hand at the panel sending us breaking news, and what you're about to learn about Thor may have you slumping flacidly down in your seat.
Yes, that's right, Thor is having hammer problems. Since the start of his newly rebooted series, Thor has been having trouble holding his Mjolnir erect, and it looks like things are about to go from bad to worse with a new storyline called Hammerfall.
Don't feel bad, Thor. We hear that happens to lots of guys.
Marvel sent the official solicit out to compliant media partner sites (those are the ones that don't write articles claiming their characters are suffering from impotence). Check it out below.
Thor #7
Written by Donny Cates, Art by Aaron Kuder
Cover by Olivier Coipel
New story arc details: Something is wrong with Mjolnir… And this is a poor time for the All-Father of Asgard to lose his primary weapon. The Golden City is in chaos after Galactus' ill-timed visit, and there are new threats on the horizon. Thor needs his hammer now more than ever…and yet the Uru grows heavier with every passing day. What will it take for the God of Thunder to hang on to one of the most powerful weapons in the Multiverse?
On sale June 2020
The post Thor to Have Trouble Getting it Up as Hammerfall Begins in Thor #7 appeared first on Bleeding Cool News And Rumors.
Another first is coming up from the House of Ideas this March. Immortal Hulk #33 is hitting stores on March 25th, and while it will be the 750th issue of Hulk in terms of legacy numbering, it's another milestone that caught our ear at the Next Big Thing panel at C2E2. Bleeding Cool Ace Reporter and shoe-in for next year's journalism Eisner David Pierce was on hand at the panel to send us breaking news, and he provided us this juice quote from Al Ewing:
"Hulk #33 will be the issue where they succeed with the long-standing goal of making a reader vomit while reading the issue."
IMMORTAL HULK #33
JAN200899
(W) Al Ewing (A) Joe Bennett (CA) Alex Ross
• Celebrating 750 ISSUES of the INCREDIBLE H%LKTM! Something is wrong. Something has compromised the simulacrum.
• EXTRA-SIZE HULK-SM&SHING ACTIONTM! Banner is refusing to yield. Something is wrong.
• PL#S! ENTER – THE THOUGHTFUL MAN! Something is wrong. Something is wrong. Something is wrong.
Rated T+
In Shops: Mar 25, 2020
SRP: $5.99
It's nice to have aspirations. Though to be fair, we're thinking of vomitting over the thought of paying six bucks for a single-issue comic book.
Here's some preview art of Immortal Hulk #34 shown of at the panel.
Ewing also revealed that Immortal Hulk #36 will be "horrible and heartbreaking."
You may recall that's the issue we speculated could be the book's last, leading to a relaunch, perhaps with a different title.
IMMORTAL HULK #36
AL EWING (W) • JOE BENNETT (A) • Cover by ALEX ROSS
DARK MARVEL VARIANT COVER BY TBA
• NO HAPPY ENDINGS.
32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99
Well, that's not happening.
Well, there's always next issue.
The post Marvel Plans to Make Readers Vomit with Immortal Hulk #33 appeared first on Bleeding Cool News And Rumors.
At the Next Big Thing Panel at C2E2 Saturday, Marvel announced that Black Panther #25 will be writer Ta-Nehisi Coates' final issue on the series. It's something we saw coming with the Intergalactic Empire of Wakanda storyline wrapping up, but big news nonetheless. Will Marvel bring a new writer on to pick up with Black Panther #26? Or is it time for a relaunch? Either way, it's big news.
Oh, who are we kidding. It's Marvel in 2020. Definitely a relaunch.
No follow-up creative team was announced at the panel. Bleeding Cool Ace Reporter David Pierce was on hand to send us the big news along with a photo of the cover to Black Panther #25. Stay tuned for more news from the Next Big Thing panel.
UPDATE: Marvel sent the official solicit out to compliant media partner sites (those are the ones that don't send their con reporters to ask about Wolverine's two dicks).
Black Panther #25
Written by Ta-Nehisi Coates, Art by Daniel Acuna
THE FINAL ISSUE OF TA-NEHISI COATES' LANDMARK RUN!
It's the end of an era for the Black Panther as renowned writer Ta-Nehisi Coates concludes his Wakandan epic! Over four years, Coates has taken the Black Panther to hell and back and expanded Wakanda into the distant stars. Now, in his final issue, he brings T'Challa full circle, back to the home he left behind…and the crown he has never fully accepted. This is the story of a king who sought to be a hero, a hero who was reduced to a slave, a slave who advanced into legend…and the man who has struggled to hold up an empire in his bare hands. The journey will conclude, but the legend remains. Don't miss the close of a historic epoch in comic history!
On sale June 2020
The post Ta-Nehisi Coates to Leave Black Panther After Issue #25 appeared first on Bleeding Cool News And Rumors.
Young Justice v3 #6 - “Seven Crises VI” (2019) pencil & ink by John Timms color by Gabe Eltaeb
It’s the fight of the century, folks! Spider-Man versus his greatest foe! Of course we speak of none other than… Chance! So will he or won’t he be able to steal the web shooter right off of the webhead’s wrist (like a certain ninja thief community)? Find out with Dark Mark in this review of issue of ASM!
Story Title: Breaking News part 3
Writer: Nick Spencer
Artist: Iban Coello and Ze Carlos
Colorist: Brian Reber and Pete Pantazis
Letterer: VC’s Joe Caramanga
Cover Artist: Patrick Gleason and Marte Gracia
Asst. Editor: Kathleen Wisneki
Editor: Nick Lowe
Published: February 26, 2020
Foreigner lost a lot of money in a bet with Chance at the supervillain casino called The Palace. To get him back, he tricked Chance into stealing Spider-Man’s web shooters. JJJ, trying to help Spider-Man, got him on the bad side of Spidey’s super-secret-top-rogue-S.H.I.E.L.D.-agent sister. Of course, Spidey thinks this is pretty much his fault, so he decided to go on Jameson’s new Podcast, just to get interrupted by Chance, who doesn’t believe in using stealth to go steal from a superhero.
Chance and Spider-Man square off, ready to fight and in a slugfest worthy of John Romita Sr, only to get stopped by JJJ in one of JJJ’s best lines ever!
Chance takes some hits, but does manage to land a few blows of his own. All the while Foreigner is watching and revealing that he knows how Chance cheats. Chance whispers for Spidey to punch him, thus ending the fight making Chance lose, though he overplays the turmoil this causes. Spidey is still scratching his head when a leer of Jack O’Lanterns* sent by the Foreigner shows up and helps Chance win the bet, much against his will. Spidey is about to go after them when JJJ reminds him he needs to finish the podcast, which he does. It is a success, and Spidey’s PR goes through the roof (and to my fellow UNC fans out there, we all know the ceiling is the roof!). Meanwhile, Chance reveals that this winning of his bet will ruin him and that’s when Foreigner moves to “save” Chance by placing Chance in his debt. Meanwhile, back at the Palace, Jamie is using Clairvoyant to score big at the casino games. Nora pays Peter a visit, much to Randy’s nightmarish fears, and has snooped through his stuff enough to find a spare Spider-Man mask, which she writes off as just Peter and MJ doing something kinky. She offers Peter a job at Threats and Menace, but not get pictures.
But rather to bring Spider-Man’s story to the masses. Peter is lured in by the money offered, but hasn’t committed to the job yet. In a bit of both situational, dramatic, and verbal irony**, we learn that Nora is being bankrolled by Chameleon.
PASS – The whole podcast with Jonah is well done. I want to hear the whole thing!
FAIL – I can’t follow why Chance is ruined. I am considering that this may be my fault, but I asked Chi-Town and he didn’t know either and I figured since he is from Chicago, he knows all about crime and cheating and corruption. I saw The Untouchables. I know all about the “Chicago way”.
PASS – So many Jack O’Lanterns!
PASS – Chance – I’ve never been too keen one way or the other for this guy, but man! You take a C lister and put him in the hands of Spencer and you can take my money all day long Marvel!
PASS – The art has been consistently good on the books. I’m sure Neil can tell you which artist did which panel and which colorist did which, but to my unartistic eye, I’m enjoying recognizing characters and having the ability to follow action. This is not being sarcastic. With needing a rotating art team, we have been very lucky to have so many come through that match up well with Spencer and Spider-Man.
OOTI (Onomatopoeia of the Issue)
This is quite a noisy issue! I had a few to pull from (assuming I have Coello or Carlos to thank for that) and because I cannot imagine at all how this sound goes with a punch to the face, I’m going with this one:
On a scale of 1 (POW) to 10 (BLRKBQRKPQRBLNB), BRAM rates a 7.5 – it’s simple, yet intriguing.
Chance – I’ll start by being a bit persnickety here. I have two problems that distract me from the story. One is Chance’s predicament. I am perfectly fine with the Foreigner getting one over on Chance. I love watching villain interaction. I am just an idiot, apparently.
I know Chance is cheating somehow with the time, but how he is ruined because he won and how Foreigner understands that if he wins all is over is just something that boggles me. I have no doubt, however, that Crawlspace readers will come and enlighten this ignoramus and set the record straight. You guys are pretty smart like that.
Jamie – The other minor issue deals with Jamie. One, how is he at the Palace? Was I wrongly under the impression that this casino was for villains and rich people with little to no morals only? If I was not misinformed, then how the heck does a college kid (even one going his doctorate) even know about it, much less gain access to it? The other problem I had was this image:
OK, I know that this is for us, the reader, to make sure we understand what exactly he is doing, but come on! He’s got this bright glowy thing that is the size of his hand and people are wondering how he is winning? I watched Oceans 11 and Oceans 13, so I am a bit of an expert on casino security. This kid shouldn’t have even gotten through the door. I know, I know. It is not too big of an issue for me and I am willing to forgive all as long as this gets Spider-Man to the Palace.
Now, when Spider-Man does get himself up to the Palace to rescue Jamie (or the Palace comes to Jamie, either way), we will have to put up with a certain amount of Peter blaming himself for Jamie’s predicament since he is the one who powered it up. Also, this device will have to be destroyed, which means that Peter’s doctorate pursuit will have to take a hit.
Nora – I am much intrigued by this storyline. I thought Threats and Menaces was just going to be a side plot that would run as long as Peter needed the job, but with Chameleon pulling the strings? And, fess up here readers, who else thought the reveal was going to be Kindred?
Two things to think about with Nora. One is that she is willingly working with the Chameleon, which means she is knowingly pulling JJJ and Peter into this mess. I’m sure Chameleon won’t betray them all, aren’t you?
The other thing is that I wonder if Nora knows Peter’s identity. She completely dismisses the mask, but she does make sure she is openingly showing Peter that she found it. It could be that he just haphazardly left it laying on his bed, but his roommate is Boomerang, a guy who undoubtedly would go into a roommates room when they aren’t around just to get something he wants or needs, so I doubt Peter is that reckless. But then again… What do you think? Does Nora know Peter is Spidey or at least suspect?
Notice the new addition to the feature image? Bonus points to the first person to tell me WHO is man behind the mask!
I like the feel of the story and would like to go in the A range, but there are just too many little things that feel off for me.
B+
Still a good issue and I love the fact that we are consistently staying in the A/B range here with an occasional drop to C. And judging from the pools you guys are participating in, this is right in line with how we all feel.
Speaking of polls –
What grade do YOU give it?
OK, so finally we get to find out what we were teased about in the FCBD issue 40 issues ago with Boomerang. I don’t like how long it drug out, but hey! I’m not complaining if we get Spencer writing Boomerang again! Not excited about the mischief of Vermin*** on the cover, but I’m betting Boomerang can pull it off for us.
Nick Lowe has asked people to let the Spider office know how they are doing by sending an email to spideyoffice@marvel.com and to make sure you mark it “OK to print”. If you get published, make sure to draw our attention to it!
* ‘leer’ is the collective noun for jack o’lanterns
** Wow! All three irony types at the same time! Situational irony – a surprise twist (which we get with the Chameleon reveal) Dramatic irony – we know something the characters do not (and we know Chameleon is setting Spider-Man up) Verbal irony – what is said is not what is meant (sarcasm is a form of this and Nora’s sarcastic response about knee capping barely qualifies, but I’m making a ruling that it does)
*** ‘mischief’ is the collective noun for rats, but then you already knew that if you read my reviews
Sorry, but I am an English teacher…
‘Nuff Said!
An unenviable situation to be in.
Amazing Spider-Man (Vol. 1) #66
Published: c. September, 1968?
Cover Date: November, 1968
“The Madness of Mysterio!”
Writer: Stan Lee
Artist: John Romita and Don Heck
Inker: Mike Esposito
Letterer: Artie Simek
There are neither enough Black superheroes or Black creators in comics. That’s mindboggling considering the popularity of characters like Black Panther, Storm, Luke Cage, Cyborg, Jon Stewart, and Black Lightning. And we have creators like Christopher Priest, Kevin Grievoux, Karl Bollers, Amanda Stenberg, Reginald Hudlin, Mildred Louis, and Bryan Hill. But two of the best Black creators in comics or any medium is Ta-Nehisi Coates and Roxane Gay, and in 2016, they worked together on the great but short-lived World of Wakanda.
Coates has been writing Black Panther since 2016, and is now also writing Captain America. He also penned brilliant social commentary books such as Between the World and Me. Gay is pretty new to comics, but has some fantastic works like Hunger and Bad Feminist. Shortly after Coates started his Black Panther run, he and Gay teamed up with poet Yona Harvey, and artists Alitha E. Martinez and Afua Richardson for Black Panther: World of Wakanda.
(Image: World of Wakanda #2, by Roxane Gay, et. al., Marvel Comics)
Before Roxane Gay and Yona Harvey started writing World of Wakanda with Ta-Nehisi Coates, there were precisely zero Marvel comics written by a Black woman. After 70+ years, they were the first. Marvel Comics has a complicated history with diversity and representation. In their comics, writers and editors always promoted equality and diversity. In fact, Marvel has recently been reprinting Stan’s Soap Boxes from his days as editor-in-chief, some of which are shockingly political, considering comics really were for children at the time. But as liberal as Stan and the many writers, artists, and editors that came after him were and are, the Marvel bullpen was very…white. Not just white, but white men. The first Black creator at Marvel was inker Billy Graham, who worked on Hero for Hire in the 1970s, Luke Cage’s original title.
There is some debate, however, if Gay and Harvey were the first Black women to write for Marvel, or if Nilah Magruder, who wrote a digital one-shot about Rocket Raccoon counts first. The answer—who cares? Depending on the announcements, when they were contracted, how long it took to create the comic, and a dozen other factors, the fact remains that before 2016, not a single Black woman had ever written a Marvel Comic. And there still aren’t enough. Sure, Nnedi Okorafor is writing Shuri, but it would be great to see writers like Tomi Adeyemi, Temi Oh, and Nalo Hopkinson write for Marvel too. Or hire other Black women in comics, like Concrete Park’s Erika Alexander, or (H) afrocentric’s Juliana Smith.
(Image: World of Wakanda #4, by Roxane Gay, et al., Marvel Comics)
At the heart of World of Wakanda, Roxane Gay tells a story of love vs. duty. But since this is a superhero comic set in Wakanda by a brilliant LGBTQ writer, it’s a little more than that. Two of the most interesting characters that came out of Coates’ Black Panther run are the Midnight Angels. Here, we see them before they leave the Dora Milaje. Ayo and Aneka love their country, but they also love each other dearly.
However, the rules of the Dora Milaje makes this a problem. Every woman who serves in this elite force not only protects the King, but they have to be available to him as potential wives. If that feels a little skeevy, that’s because it is. Ayo has no problem breaking tradition, but for Aneka, it’s harder to go back on her pledge, even if she doesn’t want to be with any man.
World of Wakanda is also about questioning our leaders, and what isn’t more American than that? The series takes place through a span of events that profoundly impacted Wakanda. Most notably, Avengers Vs. X-Men, when Namor, an X-Man at the time, flooded the Golden City. Many of the Dora Milaje held King T’Challa responsible since Namor attacked the city because the Avengers were using Wakanda as a base.
Then the events of Infinity nearly destroyed them again, and T’Challa was nowhere to be found—but he was working with Namor, which did not sit well with his personal guard. As the country spins further into chaos and Queen Shuri dies at the hand of Thanos’ Black Order, the Dora Milaje are forced to question if they serve a King who lost his way, or the country itself.
(Image: World of Wakanda #1, by Roxane Gay, et al., Marvel Comics)
Just as Gay and Coates introduce us to the Midnight Angels, Yona Harvey’s story in World of Wakanda introduces us to Zenzi. Zenzi is the survivor of experimental treatments, and can amplify the emotions of people around her. She’d later become the leader of “The People,” but here, she’s just a lost woman looking for direction. She finds this by helping the people of Wakanda after Namor’s attack, learning that instead of relying on King T’Challa, they need to rely on themselves. This short story drives the point that Gay makes in World of Wakanda—community above a figurehead. I wish we had several issues in this volume focusing on Zenzi. She’s an incredible character, and Harvey writes her wonderfully.
(Image: World of Wakanda #6, by Rembert Browne, et al., Marvel Comics)
Though Kevin “Kasper” Cole might not be the most recognizable superhero in comics, he played a vital role in Black Panther lore, using the Black Panther mantle to take down organized crime in New York City. This was after he lost his job as an NYPD officer. When Black Panther returned, Kasper became the White Tiger, using an alternate Black Panther suit. But he has a lot going on in his life. He’s back on the force, but behind a desk and not making enough money to support his family…and then T’Challa asks him for a favor. The mutant villain Vanisher is smuggling raw Vibranium into New York.
While Roxane Gay and Yona Harvey’s stories in World of Wakanda are in Wakanda, Browne’s takes place in NYC. This gives a much broader definition of World. It’s a reminder that Black Panther has an impact all over the world. The character spent a lot of time in New York City, after all, so a piece of Wakanda will always be in NYC. Browne widened the scope to show Wakanda’s influence beyond its borders.
However, we still get a character-driven story. Kasper doesn’t want to be the White Tiger anymore. He literally can’t afford it. But even though Wakanda isn’t his home, Kasper still wants to help. He might not be the most famous superhero, but White Tiger exemplifies what makes the best kind of superhero—the ones who are there, in the background, or as a side character, and yet still as heroic as the “A-Listers.”
(Image: World of Wakanda #5, by Roxane Gay, et al., Marvel Comics)
Though Roxane Gay is featured in the recent Marvel Voices, World of Wakanda is her only series at Marvel. Marvel canceled this series far too quickly. They needed the movie to create buzz, giving Black Panther series get momentum. Another victim to lousy planning on Marvel’s end was Coates’s Black Panther and the Crew. But beyond the World of Wakanda characters, there are dozens of characters Roxane Gay could write wonderfully. Her take on Kamal Khan would be fascinating. And any mutant living on Krakoa—they’re bringing back some obscure favorites, but Storm and Rogue? Definitely. Or Gamora and the Guardians of the Galaxy. Seriously, she has the wit and character depth to take these characters to places we haven’t seen before. For now, we’ll just have to enjoy her new graphic novel from TKO, The Banks.
(Featured Image: World of Wakanda #1, by Roxane Gay et al., Marvel Comics)
Black History Month Graphic Novel Spotlight: World of Wakanda by Roxane Gay, Ta-Nehisi Coates, Yona Harvey, and More
Roman Colombo
Annually C2E2 and the Hero Initiative host the drink and draw the night before the show starts. It's held at the Hyatt attached to the McCormick Center at the entry to the show floor.
For a $25 donation you get to have a randomly picked artist draw on a coaster as you watch. It's a great chance to chat with the artist and watch them draw.
I got in line last night at the 8:00 start time and I have to say the crowd was large, it was 10:30 by the time I got to the front of the line and got my coaster done. Be sure to check out the Hero Initiative they donate all of the money to artists in need.
The post Drinking and Drawing the Night Before C2E2 appeared first on Bleeding Cool News And Rumors.
James Haick, President of Scout Comics writes about a new product launch at ComicsPRO last weekend. You can catch up with all of Bleeding Cool's ComicsPRO coverage right here.
My name is James Haick and I became President and partner at Scout Comics and Entertainment a little over a year ago. Never in my wildest dreams did I ever expect to be in this position with such a great company. I'll never forget the magical moment that made me a die-hard comic book fan.
I was twelve years old and It was the week that Superman #75 hit the shelves. I collected some comics, but this was the first time I had ever been to an actual comic book shop. I was drawn in by the amazing displays this shop created one day after school. There was character, creator and genre displays helping highlight some of the best comics at the time. I was hooked. Until then, I had to search to find my comics buried among hundreds of magazines at the grocery store. These impactful displays helped introduce me to hundreds of new comics over the years that I would have never even known about.
In order to stand out in a crowd sometimes you have to do things a bit… different. Scout Comics is doing just that with the vending machine display pilot program. We announced this program this past weekend at ComicsPRO in Portland. The Scout Comics team and I have came up with a very innovative display that looks very similar to a vending machine.
There's more to it than just a cool looking cardboard display, it's a consignment program as well. Return-ability has been a popular topic discussed amongst comic shops and publishers for the past several years. There's great points made on both sides of this coin. Myself and the rest of my partners at Scout put our collective heads together and came up with this program that we believe is a win/win for everyone involved. The retailer, the publisher, the creators and of course the comic book fans. I always insisted there had to be a new creative ways to get great comics in the hands of readers. This is the first of many NEW ideas that we here at Scout have planned in the next 12 months that will hopefully do just that.
If you're a brick and mortars retailer and would like to hear more about this pilot program, please contact us at the following email address: store@scoutcomics.com. Scout Comics has been on the rise every since its inception back in 2016 We recently announced adding Don Handfield to our back office team, along with 6 new imprints. For more information, check out our website, www.scoutcomics.com.
The post Scout Comics Launches Vending Machine Display at ComicsPRO appeared first on Bleeding Cool News And Rumors.
The first story arc featuring the core team comes to a close in New Mutants #7 by @JHickman, @RodReis, #TravisLanham, and @hellomuller.
The post The Space Saga Comes To An End In New Mutants #7 appeared first on The Daily Fandom.
Oh boy. So, your tulip Batman #89, the first cameo appearance of the Joker's new girlfriend Punchline that came out on February 19th, have been selling for up to $50 on eBay. with her first full (if silent) appearance, Hell Arisen #3 published on February 26th, going for a similar amount. Brian Hibbs has written about the effect of this sort of nonsense.
Well, who fancies some more? Because Harley Quinn and the Birds Of Prey #1 by Jimmy Palmiotti and Amanda Conner one week before Batman #89, on February 12th. One full week before Batman #89. Which features, the Joker talking to… someone, when taking a call from Harley Quinn. And them talking back. Now there are no identifying features as to whether this is, or is not Punchline. But if not her… then who? And why would she be in silhouette?
Harley Quinn and the Birds Of Prey #2 out on April 8th may provide further details… the issue is currently selling copies for cover price. Might that change?
HARLEY QUINN & BIRDS OF PREY #1 (OF 4) (MR)
(W) Amanda Conner, Jimmy Palmiotti (A/CA) Amanda Conner
DC Black Label Prestige Plus 8.5" x 10.875"
The creative team that transformed Harley Quinn forever returns to shake up her world once more-and this time, the gloves are off! Harley Quinn has avoided Gotham City ever since she broke up with The Joker and found a home, and a kind of family, in Coney Island. But when she gets an offer she can't refuse, she has no choice but to slip back into the city as quietly as she can, hoping to be gone before anyone – especially her ex – learns she's been there. But for Harley, "as quietly as she can" is plenty loud… and before she can say "Holee bounty hunters, Batman," The Joker's sicced every super-villain in the city on her pretty ombré head-and the only team tough enough (or crazy enough) to come to her defense is the Birds of Prey! The foul-mouthed, no-holds-barred sequel to one of DC's raciest runs is here! Get on board early, before we come to our senses!In Shops: Feb 12, 2020 SRP: $5.99HARLEY QUINN & THE BIRDS OF PREY #2 (OF 4) (MR)
(W) Jimmy Palmiotti, Amanda Conner (A/CA) Amanda Conner
DC BLACK LABEL AGES 17+
Over the course of her illustrious and very high-class career, Harley's met pretty much every super-villain who ever worked in Gotham City. Some hate her. Some love her. But none of that's gonna matter once they see how many zeroes there are on the bounty The Joker's offering for her head! Sorry, Harley-it's just business. Your next of kin will understand, right? Meanwhile, Cassandra Cain finds herself in the unenviable position of being Harley Quinn's bodyguard…but this could be her opportunity to learn a little about, y'know, loosening up? If she's currently wound too tight, then just sit next to Auntie Harley…she's got more than her share of loose screws! 8.5"x 10.875"In Shops: Apr 08, 2020 SRP: $5.99
The post Could Harley Quinn and the Birds Of Prey #1 be the Actual First Appearance of Punchline appeared first on Bleeding Cool News And Rumors.
