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 Max Fiumara gave an interview about joining the “Black Hammer” Universe, Jason Aaron and Mike Del Mundo are relaunching “Thor” in June and ”Multiple Man” is getting a miniseries from Matthew Rosenberg and Andy MacDonald.
– Dark Horse Comics announced the release dates from two new “Avatar-The Last Airbender” books scheduled for this fall. The first “Avatar: The Last Airbender – Imbalance Part 1,” which was previously announced during NYCC, will be on shelves October 10th. The other, a new one-shot titled “Team Avatar Tales,” will feature short stories from the “Avatar” universe. Some are from previous Free Comic Book Day publications, and others are new stories from the likes of Carla Speed McNeil (“Finder”), Ron Koertge (“Vampire Planet”), Dave Scheidt (Dreamworks Trolls), and Sara Goetter (“Dungeon Critters”) to name a few.
– BOOM! Studios announced a new three-part “Adventure Time” miniseries, “The Beginning of the End,” coming this May from writer Ted Anderson (“My Little Pony”) and artist Marina Julia (“Lumberjanes,” “SLAM! The Next Jam”). According to the press release, “The Beginning of the End” is a story that will take Finn to confront past, present and future alternate versions of himself, while Jake gathers help from all around Ooo and elsewhere to save Finn from the consequences of a promise he does not recall.
– On Sunday, between stand up sets, comedian, writer, director, producer and friend of all things geek, genre and comics Kevin Smith had a massive heart attack, resulting from a 100% blockage of the LAD artery, the one often referred to as the “widow maker.” He was rushed to a Glendale hospital, where the emergency staff saved his life, and where he penned a revealing and heartfelt Facebook commentary about nearly dying. We wish Smith a speedy recovery and the best of health.
– Gemma Chan, best known for her role in the AMC/Channel 4 series Humans, joins the growing cast of Marvel Entertainment’s upcoming Captain Marvel film. Chan will be playing “Captain Marvel” antagonist Doctor Minerva (Minn-Erva), a Kree scientist and spy.
– When The Punisher returns to Netflix for season 2 it will return with three new cast members. Marvel veteran writer and executive producer Jeph Loeb said new cast members Josh Stewart (Shooter), Floriana Lima (Supergirl), and Giorgia Whigham (Scream) are “remarkable talents,” and bring much to the next chapter in Frank Castle’s story.
– With its individual issues plagued with publishing delays, the collection of Alex De Campi and Chris Cross’s “Bankshot,” which was expected February 28th, was canceled by Dark Horse Comics. The final issue of the series is months behind schedule, and is currently expected in June 2018.
– Titan Comics announced that due to delays, “Warhammer 40,000: Deathwatch,” by Aaron Dembski Bowden and Tazio Bettin, has being resolicited to debut May 9th. The first issue was originally due out on January 3rd.
– YALSA (Young Adult Library Services Administration) posted their “Teen Top Ten” list for Best Graphic Novels 2018. The list includes “The Backstagers,” “Brave,” “I am Alfonzo Jones,” “Jonsey,” “Kindred,” “Lighter Then My Shadow,” “My Brother’s Husband,” “Pashima” and “Spillzone.”
– Eric Cline wrote a thoughtful critique of Yaoi Manga over at AIPT (Adventures in Poor Taste) that is worth reading. He looks at the positives of finding gay male relationships representation in comics and the toxic issues of some of the storytelling tropes that have become common in the genre that is generally written for women by women in Japan.
– In celebration of the success of Black Panther, the Walt Disney Company is donating $1 million in support to STEM programs to the Boys and Girls Club of America. Disney intends the funds to support existing Science Technology Engineering and Math programs and establish new ones in the more disadvantaged communities of Atlanta, GA; Baltimore, MD; Chicago, IL; Harlem, NY; Hartford, CT; Memphis, TN; New Orleans, LA; Oakland, CA; Orlando, FL; Philadelphia, PA; Washington, DC; and Watts, CA.
– Diamond Comics Distribution announced a $5000.00 grant for comic store improvementson February 26th. The award is open to brick and mortar comic shops worldwide, and was created in memorium of the late Outside Sales Manager David Hawksworth, who spent 20 years with Diamond traveling and meeting with local store owners helping them grow their businesses.
– Nickelodeon announced the full list of Nominees for the 2018 Kids Choice Awards. There are numerous comics related nominations among the long list of nominees include: Wonder Woman, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, Spider-Man: Homecoming, Star Wars: The Last Jedi and Thor: Ragnarok for best picture, The LEGO Batman Movie for best animated film, while Gal Gadot, Daisy Ridley, Zoe Saldana, Chris Hemworth, Ben Affleck and Chris Pratt were nominated in the acting categories.
