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 either david@multiversitycomics.com or brian@multiversitycomics.com.
– After much discussion, controversy, and subtweeting, DC has cancelled the “Batgirl” #41 variant cover by Rafael Albuquerque. This is a touchy subject for a few reasons, as it deals with a common interpretation of a past Batgirl story (many believe that she was sexually assaulted in “The Killing Joke,” even though that is left somewhat ambiguous), it deals with an artist’s intent versus the readership’s interpretation, and a variety of other factors. The cover has been cancelled as a result of Albuquerque himself requesting its cancellation, for reasons both fair and considerate. This conversation is far from over, but good for Albuquerque for caring about the opinions of others above his own payday.
– It isn’t a secret that “Skullkickers” is in the home stretch of its run, but the way that creators Jim Zub and Edwin Huang are getting to that finale is pretty fun, and carries on Zub’s long tradition of involving the fanbase in creative ways. Despite only being the 33rd issue, the final issue with be numbered #100 – but they are asking fans to tweet story ideas for issues 34-99, and the best answers will be printed in the back of #100. I can’t wait to see what the fanbase thinks up for it.
– Greg Berlanti, executive producer of Arrow and The Flash, discussed the proposed spinoff show, set to star Brandon Routh among others, and specifically mentions that there is a reason that one half of the Firestorm matrix, Victor Garber (Dr. Stein) is listed as part of the cast, but not Robbie Amell (Ronnie Raymond), but he can’t say why. Hmmm…theories?
– Nicholas Holt, the Beast of the X-Men: First Class series, says that the upcoming X-Men: Apocalypse is the final X-film for which he’s signed up. Whether this means that his character isn’t going to appear in future installments, or whether he is just opting out remains to be seen.
– In the least shocking news of the day, John Cassaday is leaving “Star Wars” with #6. That’s three more issues than I gave him in the informal Multiversity pool.
– Angela is traveling back to the 1600s for a Secret Wars tie-in. That’s so crazy it just might be fun!
– If rumors are to be believed, Suicide Squad will have the myth of Batman loom large in the minds of the government, and might be part of the reason the team is assembled.
– “Kill-Crazy Nymphos Attack!” is a new Kickstarted original graphic novel by Daniel Way and Rob Dumo. Now that’s a title.
– Will the same Daily Planet set from Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman be used in Supergirl?
– And, finally, if you’ve got $22,000 to spare, you can get a life sized (10 foot tall) replica of the Avengers: Age of Ultron Hulkbuster armor.
