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, Dark Horse Comics have announced “The True Lives Of The Fabulous Killjoys: National Anthem,” a follow-up to Gerard Way’s 2013 series that was based on the My Chemical Romance album, Danger Days: The True Lives of the Fabulous Killjoys.
– “Spider-Woman” #5, releasing this October, marks the 100th issue since her debut in “Marvel Spotlight” #32 in 1977. “Spider-Woman” #5 will be a special giant-sized issue of the current run by Karla Pancheco and Pere Pérez, with an explosive cover by Greg Land. It will follow Jessica Drew and her continued feud with Octavia Vermis, the daughter of her HYDRA foe, Otto Vermis.
– Marvel also announced that their popular superhero family, the Fantastic Four, will be undergoing a “new, major, permanent status quo change” this October, which is just in time for the 25th issue of the current ongoing title written by Dan Slott. Marvel has revealed the solicit for “Fantastic Four” #25 ahead of their full October 2020 solicitations coming later this month. You can read the solicit here along with a full breakdown.
– Chris Ryall is stepping down as President/Publisher of IDW Publishing. He had previously been the chief creative officer, and editor-in-chief of IDW, from 2004 to 2018; he left the company to work at Skybound for six months before assuming his last role in December 2018. Ryall said, “Change is often hard, and I will miss this extended family I have worked with for more than 15 years. In the past year alone, we brought on some amazing hires, expanded the scope of many of the departments, and re-focused the foundation of the business to best support the integrated multi-media company that IDW has become. Our collective success with the entertainment team on Locke & Key has been a crowning moment for the entire company. I’m so proud of this special place and the incredible people who work here. I know that I leave IDW perfectly poised for continued success.” Ryall will continue to edit any upcoming “Locke & Key” comics.
– According to The Hollywood Reporter, last month’s voting irregularities at the Eisner Awards were caused by “an error that cross-linked certain accounts and allowed voters not only to see personal information listed in the linked account but to change the other person’s vote.” Comic-Con International stated, “We are committed to ensuring the voting process is as safe and secure as possible and are exploring the use of a new and secure voting platform for 2021. We hope you will join us for Comic-Con@Home on Friday, July 24, to watch the new online version of the Eisner Awards.”
– Artist Alex Ross will be attending the virtual Comic-Con@Home event through his YouTube channel with a brand new documentary that chronicles his impressive career. Watch the exclusive preview from Syfy Wire here. The 30-minute documentary, directed by Remsy Atassi, will premiere exclusively on the Alex Ross YouTube channel on Wednesday, July 22, at 8 p.m. ET. The documentary will feature a look at Ross’s new releases as well an in-depth look at his process. It will also be packed with exclusive new interviews, hundreds of popular fan questions, and unveilings of new artwork for 2020. Alex Ross will also offer exclusive fine art and signed comics for Comic-Con@Home that you can find here.
– The final three volumes of Hiroyuki Takei’s hit manga series, “Shaman King,” are finally making their English translation debut on Tuesday, July 28, after a 16-year wait. The final three volumes, as well as the 32 before them, will all include new covers illustrated by Takei, and go on sale on July 28 on comiXology and Kindle, as a part of a broader relationship between Kodansha and Amazon. The total 35-volume series will also be free for Kindle Unlimited and comiXology Unlimited members.
– “Tomb Raider: Inferno” co-writer Jackson Lanzing has confirmed that the original script for the first issue explicitly confirmed Lara Croft as realizing she has romantic feelings for her friend Samantha “Sam” Nishimura. Lanzing confirmed this in a Twitter exchange with Gail Simone, after she had theorized that Lara and Sam were “1000% gay for each other.” Lanzing stated that the issue meant to feature a kiss between the two, but ultimately was changed to a hug. A reason for this change was not offered.
– IDW Games have announced that they have partnered with CMON Limited to launch a BackerKit preorder campaign for Arcadia Quest: Usagi Yojimbo Hero Pack, an expansion to the adventure board game that features characters from Stan Sakai’s comic book, “Usagi Yojimbo.” The campaign lasts until August 14. The Usagi Yojimbo Hero Pack includes a Miniature Model and Character Card for each of the comic book characters. For more information, visit the BackerKit campaign page.
– Finally, DC Universe has discreetly ended its annual subscription package option. The site now only offers a $7.99 monthly rate for the streaming service. No official announcement has been made by DC or Warner Bros. about the change in subscription plans.
