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.
– ComiXology has revealed the upcoming boxing graphic novel “Night at the Belfry.” The OGN, written and illustrated by Xavier Saxon, follows 73-year old retired mailman and boxer Jason Random, who’s inspired to return to the ring after being mugged on the subway. This will be Saxon’s first graphic novel, who credits both the themes of “undue importance to an, in retrospect, insignificant period of one’s own life,” and the visual image of a boxing match in a bell tower, as inspiration. “Night at the Bellfry” is due out on October 18, free of charge to all comiXology Unlimited subscribers.
– Fans of Neil Gaiman’s “The Sandman” received a pleasant surprise when The Sandman: Act III suddenly appeared on Audible.com. James McAvoy returns to the audio drama series, voicing the title role in all nineteen episodes of the new installment, which adapts the ‘Brief Lives’ and ‘Worlds’ End’ arcs. New additions to the cast include David Harewood as Destruction, Wil Wheaton as Brant Tucker, and KJ Apa as Prez. Dirk Maggs returns to direct and co-produce, as does Gaiman to narrate.
– First Second has announced their Spring 2023 release schedule. The schedule lists all the publisher’s upcoming output from their middle-grade books to adult-targeted releases. Middle-grade releases include writer Zach Weinersmith and artist Boulet’s “Bea Wolf” (due out February 21), which retells the story of Beowulf, only starring “the most mischievous kid of them all” defending a magical, age-defying treehouse from cranky neighbors.
Notable amongst First Second’s YA announcements is Mari Costa’s “Belle of the Ball.” The rom-com OGN (March 21) follows a love triangle between shy main character Belle, head cheerleader Chloe, and Chloe’s girlfriend Regina. The YA line-up also includes Deb JJ Lee’s graphic memoir “Limbo” (March 7), and “Hungry Ghost” (April 24), Victoria Ying’s poignant story of a girl with an eating disorder.
Listed among the upcoming books for older readers is “Reynard’s Tale,” “Zita the Spacegirl” and “Little Robot” creator Ben Hatke’s first foray into adult-targeted graphic novels, inspired by 12th century folklore about the title trickster fox (April 18). Also, writer Ronald Wimberly and artist Brahm Revel will tell the story of Eugene Bullard in “Now Let Me Fly” (January 3). Bullard was the first African American fighter pilot, who served in France during World War I after being denied the opportunity in the States. For more from First Second, head to ICv2.
– Writer Roger Stern and artist Mark Bagley’s three-issue “Avengers Two” miniseries is getting a re-release from Marvel. “Avengers Two: Wonder Man and Beast – Marvel Tales” #1 hits shelves on January 18, with a brand new cover from Nick Bradshaw. Originally published in 2000, the comic sees Wonder Man return to California after his latest resurrection, reconnecting with teammate and friend Beast, and battling Lady Lotus and the Living Colossus along the way.
– In more Marvel news, Unlimited subscribers can read “Marvel’s Voices: Miles Morales Infinity Comic” #18 now on the app. The latest installment of the “Marvel’s Voices” anthology is from creators creators Mohale Mashigo, Julian Shaw, and Manuel Puppo. It sees Miles rescue an entire bank from Lady Stilt-Man. New installments of “Marvel Voices” will go live on the app every Wednesday.
– Finally, Coolio has died at the age of 59. The legendary rapper and actor was found unresponsive after a heart attack at a friend’s house in Los Angeles, his manager said in a statement. Coolio, real name Artis Leon Ivey Jr., was best known for the songs “Gangsta’s Paradise” and “Fantastic Voyage,” as well as the Kenan & Kel theme. His acting roles included Futurama, Static Shock, Charmed, Gravity Falls, the director’s cut of Daredevil, and Batman & Robin, in a cameo that was intended to set him up playing Scarecrow in the sequel. He is survived by his ex-wife and six children.
