The Rundown: “Beasts of Burden” Goes to Film, Jeff Parker Goes to Oni, and more

Welcome back to The Rundown, our daily breakdown on news stories we missed from the previous day. Have a link to share? Email me at david@multiversitycomics.com.

– Here’s an absolute fact: we LOVE Beasts of Burden. That comic absolutely rules. Evan Dorkin and Jill Thompson created one of the most fun and occasionally touching books on the market, and certainly one of the most original. Now, it appears that it’s being adapted into a movie, as Shane Acker – the director of the visually stunning 9 – will be bringing it to life. In theory, it’s a great marriage of creative minds, as Dorkin/Thompson established a story with a lot of heart and great character, and Acker is a genius at bringing atypical ideas to life visually. Very curious to see what happens with this, as it gets developed. H/T to ComicVine for that one.

– Just recently, we shared that Jeff Parker’s straight up awesome Dark Avengers was ending, and we hoped that he’d be taking over another book – besides the also quality Red She Hulk – sooner rather than later. It appears we’re getting that, as over at Periscope Studios they shared some pages from a new Parker book that may or may not be coming from Oni Press. With art by Sandy Jarrell and colors by Kevin Volo, it’s definitely one to watch. Follow this link to see four pages of this upcoming mystery book, and keep it in mind as announcements come and pull lists need to be updated..

– Sometimes, it’s the little things that are cool. While these days, people are getting hyped for the new Guardians of the Galaxy from Bendis and McNiven, I still get my kicks from Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning’s brilliant run on the book a few years back. They had the perfect minds for cosmic Marvel, and it was a shame it wasn’t a bigger hit. As we all know, James Gunn is adapting Guardians for Marvel Films, but as proof that he’s coming from a good direction, he shared a picture of him hanging with DnA on set. I’m sold.

– Comics Alliance has a look at a ComicsPro specific variant of Francesco Francavilla’s fantastic Black Beetle #1. With only 300 made, this is one of the more rare variant’s you’ll find, and it’s exceptionally cool if only because it comes from one of the best cover guys out there in Francavilla. On that note, any retailers who want to give up their copy, you know where I am.