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.
In case you missed it, DC Comics have announced the “DC Primal Age 100-Page Giant” (a Target exclusive issue to launch their new toyline), and Rob Liefeld has announced he will write “Major X,” a six-issue Marvel Comics series introducing a new hero to the X-Men’s universe. Marvel also announced the five-part mini-series, “Star Wars: TIE Fighter,” written by Jody Houser, with art by Rogê Antônio, and “Symbiote Spider-Man,” a five-issue series from veteran writer Peter David and artist Greg Land. Finally, George Pérez has announced he is retiring from comics due to health issues.
– First up, Marvel have announced “Web of Venom: Cult of Carnage,” written by Frank Tieri (“Black Knight”) with art by Danilo S. Beyruth (“Man Without Fear,” “Web of Venom: Carnage Born”) and a cover by Josh Cassara (“Falcon”). In a press release via Newsarama, series editor Devin Lewis explained “For weeks, [Carnage]’s been working in the shadows, but now, he and his cult of psychotic, devoted acolytes will make their presence known in the biggest, baddest, and scariest way you’ve ever seen.” “Web of Venom: Cult of Carnage” will hit comic book shelves in April.
– ICv2 reports that Jim Aparo (“Brave and the Bold,” “Batman and the Outsiders”), June Tarpé Mills (“Miss Fury”), Dave Stevens (“The Rocketeer”), and Morrie Turner (“Wee Pals”) have been selected for the 2019 Eisner Hall of Fame. Additionally, four other creators from a shortlist of 14 creators will also be inducted. The 2019 Eisner judges are journalist Chris Arrant, academic/author Jared Gardner, librarian Traci Glass, retailer Jenn Haines, reviewer Steven Howearth, and comics creator Jimmie Robinson. Voting will be open until March 15, 2019, with the winners being inducted at San Diego Comic Con on July 19, 2019. To see the full list of nominees, head on over to ICv2.
– Beginning at January’s American Library Association Mid-Winter Conference in Seattle, DC Comics will launch the “Be a Hero, Read a Book” campaign. As reported by Newsarama, the campaign will promote reading by providing graphic novels and promotional materials featuring art from upcoming DC Zoom and DC Ink titles. Every month, DC will send excerpts of current DC Zoom and DC Ink titles with a piece of promotional art. The first piece of promotional art is drawn by Frances Manapul and features Batman reading the upcoming DC Zoom book “Super Sons: The PolarShield Project.” The campaign will also be a key component of Booklist’s first annual “Graphic Novels in Libraries Month,” which will promote reading comics and graphic novels in July. The American Library Association Mid-Winter Conference runs from January 25-28. “Super Sons: The PolarShield Project” by Ridley Pearson and Ile Gonzalez will be available on April 2, 2019.
– Bleeding Cool reports that Marvel is introducing a new rating, 10+, to promote books to middle grade readers. Some books with new ratings include “Spider-Man Loves Mary Jane” by Sean McKeever and Takeshi Miyazawa, “Hawkeye” by Kelly Thompson, Leonardo Romero and Michael Walsh, and “Miles Morales: Spider-Man” by Brian Bendis and Sarah Pachelli.
– Reuters reports France will put 14 people on trial over suspected connections to the deadly attacks in and around Paris in January 2015, including an attack on satirical publication Charlie Hebdo. The magazine was targeted in 2015 after publishing a cartoon featuring the prophet Muhammad. 12 people were killed in the attack. Ten of the 14 suspects are in custody, and one is under house arrest. Arrest warrants are out for the three others.
– Seattle-based web-comic “Penny Arcade” is partnering with Dungeons & Dragons publisher Wizards of the Coast to release an official “Acquisitions Incorporated Dungeon Manual.” It will be the first official third-party D&D book. The “Acquisitions Incorporated Dungeon Manual” will introduce new character positions. Penny Arcade hosts PAX, which is Seattle’s largest annual convention. To read more about this new partnership head on over to GeekWire.
–Newsarama has the CW’s first look at Dreamer, Nia Nal’s (Nicole Maines) upcoming superhero identity in Supergirl. Fans will get Nia’s backstory in January 27th’s episode of Supergirl, though she won’t be fully “suited up” until February 17th.
– Starbreeze will delay publisher Overkill’s Walking Dead game, that was due to hit consoles in February. Gamesindustry.biz has the latest report on Starbreeze’s troubles, as it has invested heavily in its Walking Dead game only to be met with several setbacks. Starbreeze promised “further information regarding the future release will be announced at a later date.”
– Finally, in celebration of BOOM! Studios new “Buffy the Vampire” series, we asked you all thought the best comic based on a television Series was. The results are in and the winner is “Buffy!” The Dark Horse iteration of the series got 28.8% of the vote; time will tell if the BOOM! version is as successful. “The Flintstones” came in second with 9.6%, and “Rick and Morty” closing out the top three with 7.7%.
