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, Oni Press have announced “Girl Haven.”
– Via Newsarama, Titan Comics have announced “Muhammad Ali, Kinshasa 1974,” written by Jean-David Morvan and illustrated by artist Rafael Ortiz. Titan calls the hardcover graphic novel, which depicts one of the most famous boxing matches in the world, “a whole new perspective on the most-watched live television event of its time!” The book also features images by photojournalist Abbas Attar. According to Titan, Abbas is unveiling photos kept in his personal archive for 36 years. “Muhammad Ali, Kinshasa 1974” will cost $29.99 and will be available in February 2021.
– Newsarama also reports that Marvel has informed retailers that “Avengers” #36, “Marvel Zombies: Resurrection” #2, and some variants for “Fantastic Four” #24 have been held up due to “problems originating at the printer.” The issues go on sale September 30, but a portion of stores will not receive copies (or only receive a portion of the copies ordered) until the following week. Head to Newsarama to get a closer look at which covers are affected.
– The New York Times reports cartoonist Jules Rivera will take over the newspaper comic strip, “Mark Trail.” The comic strip, which is about an outdoor magazine writer and environmentalism, debuted in 1946, and was created by the cartoonist Edward Benton Dodd, who worked on it until his retirement in 1978. Rivera, best known for her webcomic “Love, Joolz,” describes her take on “Mark Trail” as a “blowup,” with a bigger focus on the characters and themes of the strip but with a modern sensibility; she said it let her put her degree in electrical engineering and a background in STEM to use. Rivera will begin her tenure on October 12, 2020.
– Via press release, Asmodee Entertainment and CMON Ltd. have struck a deal that will see the bestselling board games Twilight Imperium and Android adapted to graphic novels, sometime in 2021. The partnership, announced this week, marks a major milestone for both companies; the latest expansion by Asmodee Entertainment into licensed publishing opportunities, while securing for CMON Ltd. their first foray into licenced comic publication for their brand new imprint Guillotine Press. Fans of both Twilight Imperium and Android can look forward to veteran creative talent onboard, as well as Kickstarter launches for the graphic novels in 2021.
– In an exclusive, Variety reports that Samuel L. Jackson will reprise his role as Nick Fury in a new Marvel series currently in development at Disney+. Jackson first appeared as Fury in Iron Man and has appeared in multiple films within the MCU since, most recently portraying Fury in Spider-Man: Far from Home, Avengers: Endgame, and Captain Marvel. The project will join WandaVision, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, Loki, and She-Hulk among others as the latest addition to the MCU. WandaVision is slated to be released later this year on Disney+.
– In an Instagram post, Javicia Leslie revealed a first look at her new Batwoman character, Ryan Wilder. Wilder will replace Ruby Rose’s Kate Kane as Batwoman. While Wilder is wearing Kate Kane’s suit, Leslie makes it clear in her post that eventually Wilder will be putting her own spin on the costume. Described as “likable, messy, a little goofy and untamed” by DC, “Ryan spent years as a drug-runner, dodging the GCPD and masking her pain with bad habits. She’s the most dangerous type of fighter: highly skilled and wildly undisciplined. An out lesbian. Athletic. Raw. Passionate. Fallible. And very much not your stereotypical all-American hero.” Batwoman season 2 is scheduled to debut on The CW in 2021.
– Via The Wrap, it was announced that Aldis Hodge is in talks to play the role of Hawkman opposite Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson in Black Adam. While there have been several DC heroes called Hawkman, the character that’s to be featured in Black Adam is reportedly Carter Hall, who discovers he’s the reincarnation of an ancient Egyptian prince, cursed and murdered by an evil priest. Due to COVID-19, it is currently unknown when Black Adam is expected to start production, but its release date is set for December 22, 2021.
Continued below– In a Collider exclusive, it was revealed that M. Night Shyamalan’s new movie Old is inspired by the French graphic novel “Sandcastle” by Pierre Oscar Levy and artist Frederik Peeters. “Sandcastle” follows a group of 13 people who aren’t able to leave a mysterious, secluded beach that hides a dark secret, and while Old is inspired by the graphic novel, it is said that it wouldn’t be a direct adaptation. Old features an ensemble cast including Gael Garcia Bernal. Production is already under way in the Dominican Republic, and the film is expected to be released July 23, 2021.
– Marvel have announced they’re teaming up with Barbie ahead of the release of Black Widow. The toy brand is releasing two new dolls featuring looks seen in the upcoming movie. You can choose from Natasha in her traditional all-black bodysuit, or her brand-new all-white outfit that debuts in the film. Each collectible doll stands 11.5 inches high with poseable arms and legs. Each doll also comes with a variety of additional pieces completing Black Widow’s signature look, including her batons, Black Widow bites, and holsters for extra gadgets. Black Widow is now slated to be released May 7, 2021.
– Finally, HBO released a video about Damon Lindelof and his relationship with his father and “Watchmen.” He talks about what inspired him to produce the television show. Watchmen won four Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Limited Series. You can watch HBO Backstories: Watchmen here.
