Welcome back to The Rundown, our daily breakdown on comic news stories we missed from the previous day. Have a link to share? Email our team at rundown@multiversitycomics.com.
– Hugh Jackman, James Mangold, and producer Hutch Parker have given a post-mortem interview about Logan, where they touch on a wide range of subjects about the breakout film. The most intriguing bit is that Mangold is working on a script for a spin-off involving Dafne Keen’s Laura/X-23, and original X-23 creator, Craig Kyle, is working with Mangold on the treatment. This is in spite of the fact that the film was specifically created not to set up a shared universe or sequels. Mangold cited Wonder Woman as a jumping off point for more female-led films, his included. The Logan team also discussed the film’s surprise success, Jackman being at peace playing the character for the last time, and the potential for awards recognition for Patrick Stewart.
– In other Craig Kyle-related news, the Thor: Ragnarok co-writer is developing a new live-action adaptation of “Ga-Rei,” a manga by Hajime Segawa that tells the story of two young girls “destined to define the fate of the living and the dead.” The manga was originally adapted as a 12-episode anime. Kyle is pretty confident about the series, saying that it has the potential to be the next Game of Thrones. Sure, as long as it’s better than the last big American live-action manga adaptation.
– In competing feats of pure capitalism, both DC and Marvel announced car-based tie-in comics for their upcoming films. DC is partnering with Mercedes-Benz to release a series of six Justice League tie-in motion comics that will be posted on the car manufacturer’s Instagram. The series was written by DC’s Creative Director of Theatrical content Adam Schlagman with art by Jason Badower. “Joyride,” the first chapter, is available now, and features all kinds of gratuitous product placement, cheesy dialogue, and photo referenced artwork. Marvel and Lexus are releasing a (traditional) digital graphic novel, called “Black Panther: Soul of a Machine,” by Fabian Nicieza, Andrea Di Vito, and Sotocolor. The first four chapters of that series are currently available, with the next four being released on November 12. Amazingly, there’s not even a Lexus reference until chapter three.
– Grant Morrison is returning to Batman in February. Morrison will be co-writing the previously announced “Dark Knight Rising: The Wild Hunt” #1 with Scott Snyder, as part of the “Dark Nights: Metal” event. Morrison’s original run with the character spanned eight years and multiple titles, and the main villain of “Dark Nights: Metal,” Barbatos, played a major role in it. This is a great issue for Morrison to be involved in as it promises to show effects of the event across the multiverse, according to Snyder. “I couldn’t be more thrilled or honored to work with Grant on this,” he said of the announcement.
– Batman: The Animated Series writer and Harley Quinn co-creator Paul Dini has created a Kickstarter for a new graphic novel, called “Boo & Hiss,” with artist Dave Alverez. The 48-page book is basically Tom & Jerry, if Tom caught and ate Jerry and then Jerry came back as a ghost to haunt Tom. The creators promise the story will be “overflowing with cat-astrophic calamities and mouse-y mayhem!” The team has even included a retailer-friendly tier where shops can get 2-for-1 pricing for buying in bulk. At the time of writing, the project has $2,280 of their $15,000 goal with 29 days to go.
– Tom King announced that he and Fransesco Francavilla are teaming up to tell a Sgt. Rock story in “DC Universe Holiday Special 2017” #1. According to the solicit text, “Sgt. Rock fights the Nazis on Hanukah.” Sounds like a story we all need right now. The holiday special will also feature Greg Rucka, Dennis O’Neil, Jeff Lemire, Max Landis, Christopher Priest, Shea Fontana, Joshua Williamson, Steve Epting, Rafael Albuquerque, Bliquis Evely, Otto Schmidt, Neil Googe, Francis Manapul, and a cover by Andy Kubert. The 96-page one-shot comes out on December 6.
– Z2 Comics has released a trailer for their new original graphic novel written by former editor-in-chief of The Onion, Will Tracey, and Viceland’s Gabe Koplowitz, with art from Miguel Porto. “Allen: Son of Hellcock” is a fantasy parody that centers on the difficulty of living up to “the legacy of a famous parent — especially if that parent happens to be the greatest warrior of all time, and all you want to do is draw comic books.” The book promises “elves, ogres, minotaur landlords and urinating horse-donkeys.” Seems legit. The OGN is in comic stores today, and will be in bookstores on November 14.
– The Walking Dead‘s ratings domination may be starting to fade. The season eight premiere (and 100th episode) brought in 11.4 million total viewers in the 18-49 demographic. This was the lowest opening ratings since season three’s premiere, and down 40 percent since last season. Even with the decline in viewership, it still remains the number one show on television in that key 18-49 demo, outpacing shows like The Big Bang Theory and This Is Us.
– DC has announced the latest class of artists that will participate in this year’s DC Artist Workshop. Members include Amancay Nahuelpan (“Calexit”), Aneke (“Gotham City Garage”), Domo Stanton (“Prez”), Isaac Goodhart (“Postal”), Max Raynor (“2000 AD”), and Priscilla Petraites (“Brilliant Trash”). The two-week workshop will take place at DC’s headquarters in Burbank, CA, and will be led by Andy Kubert, Klaus Janson, and Jim Lee.
