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 2021 Doug Wright Awards revealed this year’s best books by Canadian cartoonists.
– Marvel have teased ‘The Trial of Magneto,’ the latest danger on Krakoa emerging out of the upcoming ‘Hellfire Gala,’ for August 2021. No story details have been revealed by Marvel as of yet, but the promo features artwork by John Romita Jr. who was the main artist on the original ‘Trial of Magneto’ story from “Uncanny X-Men” #200. The artist also recently announced he would be returning to Marvel as a regular artist, making him a likely candidate to be involved in the upcoming X-Men story. Magneto currently regularly appears in “S.W.O.R.D.” by Al Ewing and Valerio Schiti, meaning the story could take place in that title; he also has a chance of appearing in the upcoming “X-Men” relaunch by Gerry Duggan and Pepe Larraz, or the classified X-title by Leah Williams and Valerio Schiti, which is also set to begin in August 2021.
– Supergirl star Melissa Benoist is collaborating with comic writer Mariko Tamaki and her twin sister Jessica Benoist on the prose YA fantasy novel The Powers: Haven’s Secret. “I am so thrilled to share that I am publishing my first book with my sister Jessica Benoist and author Mariko Tamaki on October 19th,” said Benoist. “Haven’s Secret is the first in our middle grade fantasy series from Abrams Kids about two sisters with extraordinary powers.” The novel is currently available to preorder for US$18.99. Tamaki is also currently the curator of another Abrams Books line, Surely Books, which will debut later this year with Terry Blas and Claudia Aguirre’s “Lifetime Passes.”
– Meanwhile, Supergirl has a new guardian, with actress Azie Tesfai making her debut as Guardian in the 12th episode of Superirl season 6. Tesfai will be co-writing, co-producing and co-starring as Kelly Olsen in the episode, titled “Blind Spots,” working alongside director David Ramsey, who will also be appearing as John Diggle. The episode is set to tackle themes around racism and racial inequality. Kelly Olsen is the sister of James Olsen (Mehcad Brooks), the last character to bear the mantle of Guardian, who left the show in its fifth season. Supergirl’s mid-season finale airs May 12, before returning with the second half of season six from August 24, including “Blind Spots” on September 21.
– Also in the Arrowverse, the CW introduced Stephanie Brown (aka Spoiler, Batgirl, and Robin) on Sunday’s episode of Batwoman, “I’ll Give You a Clue,” alongside her father Cluemaster. The Bat-family hero was played by Morgan Kohan, while Rick Miller portrayed Cluemaster. Showrunner Caroline Dries confirmed that we won’t see Stephanie Brown in costume just yet. “We’d love to bring them back in season 3, as they are rich, interesting characters,” said Dries, “and from the looks of things, Luke and Stephanie have some unresolved business!” Stay tuned for our thoughts on the episode itself.
– Toei Animation have officially announced a sequel to Dragon Ball Super: Broly coming in 2022. The film was accidentally leaked by Toei Animation Europe on May 5, with the official announcement coming on May 9, which is recognized as Goku Day. The film will feature a screenplay and character designs by original series creator Akira Toriyama. This will be the 21st film in the Dragon Ball franchise, and the third with direct involvement from Toriyama. “Be prepared for some extreme and entertaining bouts, which may feature an unexpected character,” said Toriyama. “We’ll be charting through some unexplored territory in terms of the visual aesthetics to give the audience an amazing ride, so I hope everybody will look forward to the new movie!”
– Santiago Garcia and Luis Bostos’s Spanish-language graphic novel “Garcia!” is being adapted to TV for HBO Max. The series, based on the Astiberri Ediciones comic, follows young investigative reporter Antonia (Veki Velilla), who discovers fascist era super-soldier Garcia (Francisco Ortiz), and awakens him from his 70-year cryogenic slumber. The show will be written and co-created by Sara Antuña and Carlos de Pando, with Miguel Salvat, Steve Matthews and Antony Root executive producing. HBO Max’s Garcia is expected to release in 2022.
– Lastly, Jimmy Rich, who served as Robert Downey Jr.’s assistant for 18 years, died in a car accident last Monday night. He was only 52. “He was a brother, my right hand man, an uncle to our kids and beloved by all who experienced his singular character and wit,” said Downey Jr. “My condolences to his beautiful family, and the legacy of hope and redemption his life will continue to represent. Peace Be Unto You.” The pair first collaborated in 2003 with The Singing Detective, and Rich would go on to serve as Downey Jr.’s assistant on 22 of his feature length projects for the next 18 years, including the entirety of his Marvel catalogue.
