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.
– Meet the latest superhero to hit the small screen: Black Lightning, a father who’s reluctantly forced back into the vigilante game who will now become a part of the DC TV Universe on CW. See the first image here, which highlights Black Lightning’s slick costume as its worn by Cress Williams, the actor who will portray Jefferson Pierce. The first-ever African-American DC super hero was created by Tony Isablla and Trevor Von Eeden in 1977, and executive producer Salim Akil thinks that resurrecting such a relatable hero will restore a sense of hope in society.
– Marvel’s upcoming Black Panther movie, which is set to release next February, has officially cast Letitia Wright as T’Challa’s sister, Shuri. She joins Chadwick Boseman, Michael B. Jordan, Danai Gurira, and Lupita Nyong’o for director Ryan Coogler’s third feature film. Shuri has been a fundamental character in Ta-Nehisi Coates’ ongoing "Black Panther" series.
– In other MCU related news, Gwyneth Paltrow is rumored to reprise her role as Pepper Potts in this year’s Spider-Man: Homecoming. Also rumored to return is another character we haven’t seen since Iron Man 3, Happy Hogan, played by Jon Favreau. It wouldn’t be surprising if this were true, as Tony Stark plays a pivotal role in the upcoming film. We’ll know for sure once Spider-Man: Homecoming hits theaters this July.
– Eric Powell’s hilarious and rip-roaring series at Dark Horse, "The Goon," is subject of an already funded Kickstarter campaign that aims to translate the beloved property to an RPG setting for the Savage Worlds tabletop game. According to Shane Hensley, the president of Pinnacle Entertainment Group, the game has already been written and approved, and the funding will go towards creating "all the extra goodies like the kick-ass Miniatures, Bennies, Game Master’s screen, new adventures, and more!" As of writing, the Kickstarter has surpassed $17k with a $5k goal. This joins the equally successful "Fear Agent" for Savage Worlds Kickstarter, which adapts Rick Remender’s pulpy sci-fi in the same way.
– In celebration of Wonder Woman Day on June 3, DC Comics will be publishing two free comic books. The first features a chapter from "DC Super Hero Girls" Volume 3: ‘Summer Olympus’ from Shea Fontana and Yancey Labat. The second is a reprint of "Wonder Woman" #1 by Greg Rucka and Liam Sharp. The comics will be free to customers, but similar to Free Comic Book Day, Retailers will have to fork up some cash with hopes that these promotional books will drive sales.
– Due to frequent delays, Young Animal’s "Doom Patrol" from Gerard Way and Nick Derington will be temporarily postponed (not cancelled) after issue #6 releases on April 19, concluding the first arc. Issues #7, #8, and #9 were previously solicited for April, May, and June, but now it looks like we shouldn’t expect the next issue until at least July. Be on the lookout in upcoming DC solicitations.
– In gaming news, EA has officially announced that Star Wars Battlefront II will release this year. A first look at the game will premier with the Star Wars Celebration on April 15 during a dedicated panel, where a trailer for the game is slated to debut. The footage will be accessible online.
