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, the first trailer for Warner Bros.’s upcoming Joker movie, directed by Todd Phillips and starring Joaquin Phoenix, debuted yesterday.
– Japanese publisher Kodansha announced the nominees for its 43rd Annual Manga Awards, spread across the categories of Best Shonen Manga, Best Shojo Manga, and Best General Manga. You can check out the 12 titles that made the cut by clicking over to Anime News Network, which has the full list of nominees. The winners will be announced on May 10.
– In other manga-related news, “Akira” author Katsuhiro Otomo is revisiting his 1980s war story series “Kibun wa mō Sensō,” which translates to “The Mood Is Already That of War.” Crunchyroll reports that Otomo and writing partner Toshihiko Yahagi will produce a new one-shot sequel that will run in the next issue of “Manga Action,” available in Japan on April 16.
– Marvel’s Black Widow film gained both a confirmed and potential cast member yesterday. The Hollywood Reporter says that Stranger Things star David Harbour is locked to appear in the Scarlett Johansson vehicle, while Variety reports that Rachel Weisz is in early talks to join the cast. There are no details yet as to what characters either actor might play.
– “Champions” writer Jim Zub took to Twitter to speak out against piracy in comics, claiming yesterday’s issue #4 was downloaded by “thousands” just hours after its release. “If you love this series/these characters, please consider paying for it, otherwise we won’t be around long enough to deliver on its potential,” he said. “That’s the simple truth. We’re not in cancellation territory yet, but industry wide monthly sales aren’t good right now. It’s a problem.” Zub added he didn’t want to “paint all [fans] with one label,” but “we all lose out” when they pirate their favorite creators’ work.
– According to Global Newswire, Garfield’s getting in on the recent STEM comics craze. Everyone’s favorite lasagna-loving cat is partnering with Lerner Publishing Group for a four book series that will introduce readers to “the most noteworthy STEM discoveries, breakthroughs, and inventions with his trademark laugh-out-loud commentary.” The publisher will also launch “Garfield’s Guide to Creating Your Own Comic Strip,” which will walk young artists through the various pieces that make up a comic. The new series will debut this fall.
– And in a couple last pieces of manga-related news, Anime News Network reported that Ed Sheeran’s “Supermarket Flowers” received a new music video from award-winning manga artist Yoriko Hoshi (featuring Sheeran’s cats Calippo and Dorito), while Crunchyroll reported that “My Hero Academia” is receiving the Monopoly treatment.
