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 a move that could be quite simple, or could have some very interesting and, perhaps, damaging effects, Archie has received “working capital and growth financing” from Veritas Partners, a finance firm. Few details were given, so it is unclear as to whether this is a loan, or a purchasing of a portion of Archie as a corporation. The news can be taken a few ways: was Archie this hard up for liquid assets that this was necessary to save the business? Does this allow them to do more, and more quickly, than they would’ve been able to do without the infusion? The Newsarama article I linked to specifically mentions that this is funding both the current slate of Archie comics, as well as growth into new media – possibly meaning the CW’s Riverdale I suppose? (Although, wouldn’t those funds come primarily from the Network and/or advertisers?) This is a fascinating story that we will keep reporting on as more details become clear.
– According to Joe Quesada, Marvel Studios now has the rights to use Namor in their film/television properties. If he doesn’t show up in one of the now-untitled Infinity War films, I would be quite surprised. Or, maybe, in Black Panther? That would be pretty dope.
– Two front runners have emerged for the director’s chair for Captain Marvel – The Babadook director Jennifer Kent, and Niki Caro, best known for directing Whale Rider. To be totally honest, I haven’t seen a film directed by either, but I do like that Marvel is keeping its work to have the film directed by a woman.
– And, finally, speaking of directors, Rick Famuyiwa, late of Dope and Confirmation (for HBO) has signed on to direct the Flash’s solo film. Much like the Captain Marvel front runners, I know little of his work, though I have seen Confirmation, but the buzz around Dope suggests that Famuyiwa might be an interesting fit. Of course, he does have that terrible Flash costume to work with, so let’s all wish him the best.
