TRASH IN MY EYE Reviews: Netflix

Showing posts with label Netflix. Show all posts

Sunday, November 10, 2024

Comics Review: "NEMESIS: ROGUES' GALLERY #4" Has a Perfect Last Panel

NEMESIS: ROGUES' GALLERY #4 (OF 5)

DARK HORSE COMICS/Netflix

STORY: Mark Millar

ART: Valerio Giangiordano

COLORS: Lee Loughridge

LETTERS: Clem Robins

EDITOR: Daniel Chabon

EDITORIAL PRODUCTION: Sarah Unwin

COVER: Valerio Giangiordano with Lee Loughridge

32pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. (November 2024)

Age range: 14+

Nemesis created by Mark Millar and Steve McNiven

Nemesis: Rogues' Gallery is a five-issue comic book miniseries from writer Mark Millar. It is a sequel to the miniseries, Nemesis Reloaded (2023) and Big Game (2023). Published by Dark Horse comics, the new series finds the super-killer, Nemesis, on a mission of revenge. Rogues' Gallery is drawn by Valerio Giangiordano; colored by Lee Loughridge; and lettered by Clem Robins.

Nemesis: Rogues Gallery finds Nemesis on a mission to once again be the world's greatest super-villain. Now, out for revenge against everyone who wronged him, Nemesis must rebuild his empire and his fortune... this time with a sidekick, Pedro Hernandez, following him every step of the way.

Nemesis: Rogues Gallery #4 opens in the compound of billionaire Adrian Zigo. Nemesis and Pedro are there in their fake billionaire identities under the guise of attending Zigo's charity auction. The duo is really present in order to launch their plot to steal a hundred million-dollar diamond.

But there is always a surprise, and it comes in the form of an attack led by Andy, the nurse who was once kind to Nemesis before the villain blinded him. Andy and his men are surprisingly well armed, but the biggest surprise is the identity of the person who joins the attack against Nemesis and Pedro.

THE LOWDOWN: This is the second time that I have been on any kind of list that provides PDF copies of titles published by Dark Horse Comics. The latest comic book to mark my return is Nemesis: Rogues' Gallery #4.

Mark Millar continues to deliver in this, the ultimate modern super-villain comic book franchise. For the fourth issue, Millar unleashes action violence on a level to match that of a Hollywood action movie. However, Millar is never without surprises, and he offers two shockers, one related to the real-world that took my breath away.

Artist Valerio Giangiordano continues to deliver stellar storytelling with a gritty, crime-noir take on violent superhero/fantasy action. Why do what everyone else is doing when you can do you, as Giangiordano is doing. There is a deranged, edgy comedy vibe here that takes Nemesis to a new level. Colorist Lee Loughridge, who knows how to deal with “the dark,” perfectly accentuates Valerio's storytelling with colors that suggest murder, mayhem, explosions, and more murder. Letterer Clem Robins captures the deranged narcissism of the title character by making us believe this comic book has a soundtrack.

Nemesis: Rogues' Gallery promised to be a good time, and it has delivered all the way to the penultimate issue. It may also end up being the best evil Batman comic book in ages.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of Mark Millar's comic books and of Valerio Giangiordano's art will desire Nemesis: Rogues' Gallery.

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

https://www.mrmarkmillar.com/

https://twitter.com/mrmarkmillar

https://twitter.com/netflix

http://www.millarworld.tv/

https://www.darkhorse.com/

https://x.com/darkhorsecomics/

https://www.facebook.com/darkhorsecomics/

https://www.instagram.com/DarkHorseComics/

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Amazon wants me to inform/remind you that any affiliate links found on this page are PAID ADS, but I technically only get paid (eventually) if you click on affiliate links like these, BOOKS PAGE, GRAPHIC NOVELS, or MANGA PAGE and BUY something(s).

Monday, November 4, 2024

Comics Review: "THE MAGIC ORDER 5 #" - You're Just Caroline from the Block

THE MAGIC ORDER 5 #2 (OF 6)

DARK HORSE COMICS/Netflix

STORY: Mark Millar

ART: Matteo Buffagni

COLORS: Giovanna Niro

LETTERS: Clem Robins

EDITOR: Daniel Chabon

EDITORIAL: Sarah Unwin

COVER: Matteo Buffagni with Giovanna Niro

VARIANT COVER ARTIST: Matteo Buffagni

32pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. (October 2024)

Rating: 18+

The Magic Order created by Mark Millar at Netflix

“The Death of Cordelia Moonstone”

The Magic Order 5 is a six-issue miniseries from writer Mark Millar and artist Matteo Buffagni. This is the fifth installment of The Magic Order series, which began with the 2018-19 miniseries written by Millar and drawn by Olivier Coipel. The Magic Order is a band of sorcerers, magicians, and wizards – with a focus on the Moonstone family and its leader, Cordelia Moonstone – that live ordinary lives by day, but protect humanity from darkness and monsters of impossible sizes by night. Colorist Giovanna Niro and letterer Clem Robins complete the series creative team.

The Magic Order 5 finds Cordelia preparing for the end, her punishment for using black magic. However, a new case has dropped itself in front of her, but it all may be a front for some really bad people trying to collect the price on Cordelia's head.

The Magic Order 5 #2 opens in Lincoln Park Hospital, Chicago. Cordelia is under the care of a psychiatrist who insists that her name is not Cordelia Moonstone, but is instead “Caroline Stone.” Also, She isn't the leader of monster fighting wizards; she is really a hotel receptionist.

Cordelia Moonstone was raised to believe that her family was all that stood between the world we know and the other world of eternal darkness. Has it all been in her imagination? Is she really simply just a woman with serious mental health problems? Are the only monsters the ones that exist in her head? Clyde Bailey, a former really bad hombre, may be the only one who can answer those questions.

THE LOWDOWN: This is the second time that I have been on any kind of list that provides PDF copies of titles published by Dark Horse Comics. The latest received is The Magic Order 5 #2.

Mark Millar is probably the only “mainstream” comic book writer who delivers outstanding pop comics every time, and I don't mean starts off great and... peters out. I mean A-rated entertainment every time. The Magic Order 5 has certainly started out as consistently outstanding pop comics. As Millar executes twists and turns in the narrative, we have no choice but to batten down the hatches as we vainly try to figure out where this franchise ends, why it ends, and how it ends.

The art team of Matteo Buffagni and colorist Giovanna Niro deliver stellar work early in this series. The compositions have a fine art quality that when merged with the plot creates a disquieting sense of doom. This makes The Magic Order 5 seem like a well-appointed funeral. Finally, Clem Robins's lettering is the gentle chamber music by which to read this deathwatch.

The Magic Order 5 is plotting something mind-bending; that I know, dear readers. Don't miss it.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of Mark Millar and of The Magic Order will want to read The Magic Order 5.

A+

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

https://www.mrmarkmillar.com/

https://twitter.com/mrmarkmillar

https://twitter.com/netflix

https://twitter.com/themagicorder

http://www.millarworld.tv/

https://www.darkhorse.com/

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Friday, November 1, 2024

Comics Review: "NIGHT CLUB II #3" - Sh*t Gets Deep

NIGHT CLUB II #3 (OF 6)

DARK HORSE COMICS/Netflix

STORY: Mark Millar

ART: Juanan Ramírez

COLORS: Fabiana Mascolo

LETTERS: Clem Robins

EDITOR: Daniel Chabon

COVER: Juanan Ramírez with Fabiana Mascolo

EDITORIAL: Sarah Unwin

VARIANT COVER ARTIST: Juanan Ramirez

32pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. (October 2024)

Rating: 18+

Night Club created by Mark Millar at Netflix

Night Club II is a six-issue miniseries written and created by Mark Millar and drawn by Juanan Ramírez. A Dark Horse Comics publication and a Netflix production, Night Club II is a sequel to the 2023 miniseries, Night Club. Both series focus on a teen boy who is bitten by a vampire and decides to make the best of his new condition. Colorist Fabiana Mascolo and letterer Clem Robins complete Night Club II's creative team.

Night Club II focuses on 17-year-old Danny Garcia. After being turned into a vampire, he passed his new found powers unto his friends, DJ Sam Huxley and Amy Chen. Now, they're the superheroes: Starguard (Danny), Thundercloud (Sam), Yellowbird (Amy). But jealousy has broken up this vampire-superhero trio...

Night Club II #3 opens as Sam begins to realize that he has made a mistake. However, he is NOT ready to realize how big a mistake it is. Once upon a time, three nerdy friends became the first vampire-superheroes and also the coolest superheroes around. Now, their high school's worst bullies are a new gang of vampires. Will this be a case of out with the old (The Night Club) and in the with the new (the assholes)?

THE LOWDOWN: This is the second time that I have been on any kind of list that provides PDF copies of titles published by Dark Horse Comics. The latest received is Night Club II #3.

Writer Mark Millar used the first issue of Night Club II to bring us to the current state of affairs. With the second issue, Millar quickly moved things forward, and shit got real deep, real quick. The result is that issue #3 is the best and most consequential of this series... so far. Millar has mastered upping the ante, so he is relishing slowly tearing down everything we thought we knew about The Night Club.

Artist Juanan Ramírez has built this narrative on capturing the reckless nature of young people with too much power, regardless of whether this power is natural or supernatural and criminal or evil. Now, Ramirez wants to rub the consequences in our faces with his quicksilver storytelling. Colorist Fabiana Mascolo brings the funk to Ramirez widescreen antics in a way that makes this story pop off the page. Clem Robins' lettering, as always, is a perfect accompaniment.

Yeah, shit 'bout to get even deeper.

Night Club II does not disappoint, dear readers. It's taking us where we never expected to go in vampire comic books.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of Mark Millar and of vampire comic books will want to be bitten by Night Club II.

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

https://twitter.com/mrmarkmillar

https://twitter.com/netflix

https://www.mrmarkmillar.com/

http://www.millarworld.tv/

https://www.darkhorse.com/

https://x.com/darkhorsecomics/

https://www.facebook.com/darkhorsecomics/

https://www.instagram.com/DarkHorseComics/

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Monday, October 21, 2024

Comics Review: "PRODIGY: Slaves of Mars #3" - Remembers it for You Wholesale

PRODIGY: SLAVES OF MARS #3 (OF 5)

DARK HORSE COMICS/Netflix

STORY: Mark Millar

ART: Stefano Landini

COLORS: Michele Assarasakorn

LETTERS: Clem Robins

EDITOR: Daniel Chabon

EDITORIAL: Sarah Unwin

COVER: Stefano Landini with Michele Assarasakorn

VARIANT COVER ARTIST: Stefano Landini

32pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. (October 2024)

Rated M / Mature

Prodigy created by Mark Millar at Netflix

Prodigy: Slaves of Mars is a five-issue comic book miniseries produced by writer Mark Millar. It is the third entry in the Prodigy series, following the original 2018-19 six-issue miniseries, Prodigy, and the 2022 miniseries, Prodigy: The Icarus Society. This new series' creative team is comprised of artist Stefano Landini; colorist Michele Assarasakorn; and letterer Clem Robins. Prodigy focuses on the adventures of the world's smartest man, Edison Crane.

In Prodigy: Slaves of Mars, Edison returns to New York City from an adventure in the Himalayas to find his company, Crane Solutions, in disarray. He also learns that his father, the former Senator Whitney Crane, is dead on Mars after discovering some shocking secret. Now, a wanted man, Edison only has one person left to whom he can turn. That would be his older, smarter brother, Elijah Crane.

Prodigy: Slaves of Mars #3 opens with the Crane brothers still on the run. Froth Schroeder, the man who tore down Edison's life and likely killed their father, continues to hunt them. He's also closer to them than they realize.

Edison and Elijah have to team up in order to find out who murdered their father, and that investigation might take them to a secret colony on the surface of Mars. First, however, there is going to be a never-to-be-forgotten fight at the White House Press Association Dinner.

THE LOWDOWN: This is the second time that I have been on any kind of list that provides PDF copies of titles published by Dark Horse Comics. The latest title to mark my return is Prodigy: Slaves of Mars #3.

Of course, Prodigy: Slaves of Mars #3 is a blast to read, just as the first two issues were. Writer Mark Millar teases us with more of his obsessions with “Ancient Aliens” and secret space programs. You already know about Millar's love of secrets and conspiracies if you have read Prodigy: The Icarus Society #1 or read Prodigy: The Evil Earth, the trade collection of the first miniseries.

The art team of illustrator Stefano Landini and colorist Michele Assarasakorn continues to throw caution to the wind. They present graphical storytelling that races from page to page in a loose drawing style and muted coloring style that captures the weird aesthetic of this franchise. As always, Clem Robins provides the perfect soundtrack to this chapter with his classic lettering.

Prodigy is back. The Slaves of Mars are calling us. Don't be a fool, dear readers; get this.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of Mark Millar and of his comic book, Prodigy, will want to read Prodigy: Slaves of Mars.

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a "I Reads You"

https://www.mrmarkmillar.com/

http://www.millarworld.tv/

https://twitter.com/mrmarkmillar

https://www.netflix.com/

https://twitter.com/netflix

https://www.darkhorse.com/

https://x.com/darkhorsecomics/

https://www.facebook.com/darkhorsecomics/

https://www.instagram.com/DarkHorseComics/

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Saturday, October 12, 2024

Negromancer News Bits and Bites from Oct 6th to 12th, 2024 - UPDATE #11

by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

You can support Leroy via Paypal or on Patreon:

Amazon wants me to inform/remind you that any affiliate links found on this page are PAID ADS, but I technically only get paid (eventually) if you click on affiliate links like this, MOVIES PAGE, and BUY something(s).

ENTERTAINMENT AND CULTURE NEWS:

TREATS: From AnotherCookie?: There is a new online cookie retailer, "AnotherCookie?" The cookies are delicious.

ANIMATION - From Deadline: Writer-director Chris Sanders confirms that DreamWorks Animation is developing a sequel to his current hit animated feature, "The Wild Robot."

NETFLIX - From Deadline: Netflix will not give a third season to "Unstable," the comedy series starring and co-created by Rob Lowe and his son, John Owen Lowe.

From Deadline: Netflix is developing a TV series based on Jane Austen's beloved 1813 novel, "Pride and Prejudice," which has been previously adapted for film and television many, many, many times.

STREAMING - From Deadline: Three characters from "The Big Bang Theory" may lead a spinoff series for Max. The series, which is still in early development, would feature comic book store owner, Stuart Bloom (Kevin Sussman), geologist Bert Kibbler (Brian Posehn), and Stuart's girlfriend, Denise (Lauren Lapkus).

MOVIES - From THR: Christopher Nolan's next project after his Oscar-winning "Oppenheimer" will also find its home at Universal Pictures. Matt Damon is in talks to star in the film. The title and subject matter of the 2026 film remain unannounced.

AMAZON - From Deadline: Although its third season does not arrive until 2025, Amazaon's "Jack Reacher" has been approved for a Season Four.

From Variety: "Jack Reacher" star, Alan Ritchson, to star in the film adaptation of "Counting Miracles," from bestselling author, Nicholas Sparks.

SCANDAL - From RNS: The preeminent sex pests of the late Rev. Jerry Faldwell's empire, his son, Jerry, Jr., and Junior's wife, Beckie, are back in the good graces of the empire.

MOVIES - From Deadline: In November (2024), Poland’s "Camerimage Film Festival" will host what it has described as a tribute debut screening of the Alex Baldwin Western film, "Rust," to honor the late Ukrainian cinematographer Halyna Hutchins. Hutchins was killed in an accidental shooting on the set of "Rust," where she was the cinematographer. Some in the Director of Photography / cinematography community find the idea of screening the film in Hutchins' honor distasteful.

BOX OFFICE - From BoxOfficePro: The winner of the 10/4 to 10/6/24 weekend box office is Warner's Bros. Pictures' "Joker: Folie a Deux" with an estimated take of 40 million dollars.

MOVIES - From JoBlo: Katy O'Brian ("Love Lies Bleeding," "Twisters") is supposedly joining Glen Powell in the remake of the 1987's "The Running Man," which will be co-written and directed by Edgar Wright.

POLITICS - From RollingStone: Grammy-winning recording artist, Bruce Springsteen, endorses the VP Kamala Harris-Gov Tim Walz ticket for President of the United States.

Saturday, October 5, 2024

Comics Review: "NEMESIS: ROGUES' GALLERY #3" - Enter the Rogues

NEMESIS: ROGUES' GALLERY #3 (OF 5)

DARK HORSE COMICS

STORY: Mark Millar

ART: Valerio Giangiordano

COLORS: Lee Loughridge

LETTERS: Clem Robins

EDITOR: Daniel Chabon

EDITORIAL PRODUCTION: Sarah Unwin

COVER: Valerio Giangiordano with Lee Loughridge

32pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. (October 2024)

Age range: 14+

Nemesis created by Mark Millar and Steve McNiven

Nemesis: Rogues' Gallery is a five-issue comic book miniseries from writer Mark Millar. It is a sequel to the miniseries, Nemesis Reloaded (2023) and Big Game (2023). Published by Dark Horse comics, the new series finds the super-killer, Nemesis, on a mission of revenge. Rogues' Gallery is drawn by Valerio Giangiordano; colored by Lee Loughridge; and lettered by Clem Robins.

Nemesis: Rogues Gallery #3 opens after Nemesis and Pedro enjoy a night of debauchery. They steal weapons and tech in preparation for a big score at a charity auction being held by billionaire, Adrian Zigo. However, Nemesis does not realize that the family of some of his victims have also come to possess super-tech technology.

THE LOWDOWN: This is the second time that I have been on any kind of list that provides PDF copies of titles published by Dark Horse Comics. I mark my return with Nemesis: Rogues' Gallery #3.

Mark Millar continues to deliver the ultimate modern super-villain comic book. In this third issue, Millar offers lots of really dark, really black comedy. He also throws a wrinkle into Nemesis pimp game with a new complication.

Artist Valerio Giangiordano has taken Nemesis: Rogues' Gallery down a different path, both visually and graphically in terms of story, from that of the franchise's earlier artists. Valerio captures all the darkness, vileness, and evil in Nemesis and places him at the heart of some nasty, hard-hitting storytelling. With this issue, he gives the narrative its deranged, edgy comedy vibe, proving this character is not one note. Colorist Lee Loughridge, who knows how to deal with “the dark,” perfectly accentuates Valerio's storytelling with colors that suggest murder, both muted and glaring. Letterer Clem Robins captures the deranged narcissism of the lead in this new series.

Nemesis: Rogues' Gallery promises to be a good time, which is has delivered, thus far. It may also end up being the best evil Batman comic book in ages.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of Mark Millar's comic books and of Valerio Giangiordano's art will desire Nemesis: Rogues' Gallery.

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

https://www.mrmarkmillar.com/

https://twitter.com/mrmarkmillar

https://twitter.com/netflix

http://www.millarworld.tv/

https://www.darkhorse.com/

https://x.com/darkhorsecomics/

https://www.facebook.com/darkhorsecomics/

https://www.instagram.com/DarkHorseComics/

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Wednesday, October 2, 2024

Comics Review: "NIGHT CLUB II #2" - Stupid Is as Stupid Does

NIGHT CLUB II #2 (OF 6)

DARK HORSE COMICS

STORY: Mark Millar

ART: Juanan Ramírez

COLORS: Fabiana Mascolo

LETTERS: Clem Robins

COVER: Juanan Ramírez with Fabiana Mascolo

EDITORIAL: Sarah Unwin

VARIANT COVER ARTIST: Juanan Ramirez

32pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. (September 2024)

Rating: 18+

Night Club created by Mark Millar at Netflix

Night Club II is a new six-issue miniseries written and created by Mark Millar and drawn by Juanan Ramírez. A Dark Horse Comics publication and a Netflix production, Night Club II is a sequel to the 2023 miniseries, Night Club. Both series focus on a teen boy who is bitten by a vampire and decides to make the best of his new condition. Colorist Fabiana Mascolo and letterer Clem Robins complete Night Club II's creative team.

Night Club II focuses on 17-year-old Danny Garcia. After being turned into a vampire, he passed his new found powers unto his friends, DJ Sam Huxley and Amy Chen. Now, they're the superheroes: Starguard (Danny), Thundercloud (Sam), Yellowbird (Amy). But jealousy has broken up this vampire-superhero trio...

Night Club II #2 opens as Sam turns down an offer for new employment. Now, he is burying his bitterness about the relationship between Danny and Amy between the legs of his new “girlfriend,” Kendra McQuade.

Not long ago, Sam was the sweet, chubby best friend at school. Then, he became a vampire- powered jock who hammered win after win on the basketball court. The girls love him, but has all that crazy stupid love simply made Sam stupid enough to create trouble for himself?

THE LOWDOWN: This is the second time that I have been on any kind of list that provides PDF copies of titles published by Dark Horse Comics. The latest received is Night Club II #2.

After reading the first issue of Night Club II, I suddenly remembered how much I really liked the first series and how much I really missed it. However, the first issue of the second series was just a reminder of of the first series' craziness and warm-up for the new craziness that writer Mark Millar would bring to Night Club II #2. I still say that this franchise is a vampire-superhero hybrid that takes DC Comics' Teen Titans and gives them a supernatural teen dysfunction makeover.

Artist Juanan Ramírez has built this narrative on capturing the reckless nature of young people with too much power, regardless of whether this power is natural or supernatural and criminal or evil. Colorist Fabiana Mascolo brings the funk to Ramirez widescreen antics in a way that makes this story pop on the page. Clem Robins' lettering, as always, is a perfect accompaniment.

Night Club II does not disappoint, dear readers. It's taking us where we never expected to go.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of Mark Millar and of vampire comic books will want to be bitten by Night Club II.

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

https://twitter.com/mrmarkmillar

https://twitter.com/netflix

https://www.mrmarkmillar.com/

http://www.millarworld.tv/

https://www.darkhorse.com/

https://x.com/darkhorsecomics/

https://www.facebook.com/darkhorsecomics/

https://www.instagram.com/DarkHorseComics/

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Monday, September 30, 2024

Negromancer News Bits and Bites from September 22nd to 31st, 2024 - UPDATE #16

by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

You can support Leroy via Paypal or on Patreon:

ENTERTAINMENT AND CULTURE NEWS:

BOX OFFICE - From BoxOfficePro: The winner of the 8/27 to 8/29/2024 weekend box office is Universal/DreamWorks Animation's "The Wild Robot" with an estimated haul of 35 million dollars.

STREAMING - From Deadline: Season 2 of the Paramount+ series, "Tulsa King," has opened to series record views.

DISNEY - From Deadline: Disney has initiated another round of layoffs... I mean, "cost-saving initiatives" of corporate staffers.

DISNEY - From Deadline: 20th Television has closed a first-look deal with Angela Bassett, Courtney B. Vance and their Bassett Vance Productions to develop and executive produce comedy, drama, limited series and TV movies for linear networks and streamers, with an emphasis on platforms across Disney Entertainment Television.

BOX OFFICE - From BoxOfficePro: The winner of the 9/20 to 9/22/2024 weekend box office is Warner Bros. Pictures' Beetlejuice Beetlejuice with an estimated take of 26 million dollars.

OSCARS:

From Deadline: The site has a roundup of international films that have been submitted to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) to compete in the category, "Best International Feature Film" at the 97th Academy Awards.

From Deadline: Brazil has selected Walter Salles' "I’m Still Here" to represent it in the "Best International Feature Film" at the 97th Academy Awards.

From Deadline: India has selected "Laapataa Ladies (Lost Ladies)" as its candidate for the "Best International Feature Film" category at the 97th Academy Awards.

NETFLIX/ANIMATION - From Deadline: Netflix is starting again with its animated adaptation of table-top game Magic: The Gathering, after departing with previous creative talent in 2019 and again in 2021. The new showrunner will be Terry Matalas, who was recently named showrunner of Marvel’s a "Vision" series for Disney+.

OBITS:

From ESPN: Congolese-American basketball player and humanitarian, Dikembe Mutombo, has died at the age of 58, Monday, September 30, 2024 after a battle with brain cancer. After a career at Georgetown University, Mutombo was drafted by the Denver Nuggets of the NBA as the fourth pick in the first round of the 1991 NBA Draft. He won the "Defensive Player of the Year Award" four times, a record he shares with two other players. He played with Philadelphia 76ers in 2001 when they lost the 2000-01 NBA Finals to the Los Angeles Lakers. Mutombo was elected in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2015. After his career ended, Mutombo worked extensively for charitable and humanitarian causes, including starting the "Dikembe Mutombo Foundation, to improve living conditions in his home country of the Democratic Republic of Congo.

From Variety: American actor, songwriter, and country singer, Kris Kristofferson, has died at the age of 88, Saturday, September 28, 2024. Among his songwriting credits are such hits as "Me and Bobby McGee" and originally recorded by Roger Miller (1971) and "Help Me Make it Through the Night," which he originally recorded. He was a member of the American country music supergroup, "The Highwaymen" (1985-95) with Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, and Willie Nelson. As an actor, he is best known for "Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid," "A Star is Born" (1976), "Lone Star" (1996), and the "Blade" film trilogy (1998-2004). Kristofferson was nominated for 13 Grammy Awards and won three. He was also nominated for a "Best Original Score" Oscar for the 1980 film, "Songwriter."

From Deadline: Hollywood reacts to the passing of Kris Kristofferson.

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From Deadline: American actor Drake Hogestyn has died at the age of 70, Saturday, September 28, 2024. He died one day before his 71st birthday (Sept. 29th) of complications from pancreatic cancer. Hogestyn, was best known for playing the role of "John Blake" in the former NBC/ now Peacock soap opera series, "Days of Our Live," from 1986 to 2009 and from 2011 to the present in over four thousand episodes.

From Variety: The English film, television, and theatrical actress, Maggie Smith, has died at the age of 89, Friday, September 27, 2024. Modern audiences know her for the role of "Minerva McGonagall" in the "Harry Potter" film franchise" and for the role of Countess Violent Crawley in the "Downton Abbey" (2010-15) TV series and films. Smith was nominated for six Academy Awards and won twice: "Best Actress" ("The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie," 1969) and "Best Supporting Actress" ("California Suite," 1978). She also won four Emmy Awards, four British Academy Film Awards, and a Tony Award.

From EW: Whoopi Goldberg pays tribute to her friend and "Sister Act" co-star, Maggie Smith, who died Fri., Sept. 27th.

From Deadline: Maggie Smith, a career in photos.

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From Deadline: American film and television actor, John Ashton, has died at the age of 76, Thursday, September 26, 2024, after a battle with cancer. Ashton is best known for the role of Sgt. John Taggart in "Beverly Hills Cop" (1984), "Beverly Hills Cop II" (1987), and as "Chief John Taggart" in "Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F" (2024). He also had memorable roles in "Some Kind of Wonderful" (1987) and "Midnight Run" (1988), to name a few. Ashton also appeared in numerous TV series, including "Dallas," "M*A*S*H," and "Starsky & Hutch" to name a few.

Friday, September 27, 2024

Comics Review: "THE MAGIC ORDER 5 #1" is Absolutely Ultimate

THE MAGIC ORDER 5 #1 (OF 6)

DARK HORSE COMICS/Netflix

STORY: Mark Millar

ART: Matteo Buffagni

COLORS: Giovanna Niro

LETTERS: Clem Robins

EDITOR: Daniel Chabon

EDITORIAL: Sarah Unwin

COVER: Matteo Buffagni Giovanna Niro

VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Matteo Buffagni; Jae Lee with June Chung

32pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. (September 2024)

Rating: 18+

The Magic Order created by Mark Millar at Netflix

“The Death of Cordelia Moonstone”

The Magic Order 5 is a six-issue miniseries from writer Mark Millar and artist Matteo Buffagni. This is the fifth installment of The Magic Order series, which began with the 2018-19 miniseries written by Millar and drawn by Olivier Coipel. The Magic Order is a band of sorcerers, magicians, and wizards – with a focus on the Moonstone family – that live ordinary lives by day, but protect humanity from darkness and monsters of impossible sizes by night. Colorist Giovanna Niro and letterer Clem Robins complete the series creative team.

The Magic Order 5 #1 opens in the aftermath of the end of Madame Albany and the “wizard wars.” Cordelia Moonstone is preparing for the end, but a new case has dropped itself in front of her. A woman named Carly Summers has had two of her children kidnapped eight years apart by a man who never opens his eyes. He also beats Carly with a baseball bat before snatching away each child.

Cordelia's investigation, however, with her apprentices, Gator Lloyd and Ashley McPherson, goes bad. The time to pay the ultimate prices for her sins is now.

THE LOWDOWN: This is the second time that I have been on any kind of list that provides PDF copies of titles published by Dark Horse Comics. The latest received is The Magic Order 5 #1.

The Magic Order #1, The Magic Order 2 #1, The Magic Order 3 #1, and The Magic Order 4 #1 all started off with a bang. Why open with a whimper when you can medieval on your reader's ass and he or she will gladly come back for more. Mark Millar is probably the only “mainstream” comic book writer who consistently delivers outstanding pop comics. He has taken many of the genres and sub-genres in which Marvel and DC Comics' ply their trade and lifted them to the heights of high-concept, inventive entertainment.

One of them is magical fantasy, and Mark has made The Magic Order explosive and outrageous in a way that Marvel has not with its various Doctor Strange comic book series. If you want to read a comic book that is as close to the intensity and insanity of Marvel Studios' 2022 film, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, then you don't want a Doctor Strange comic book. You want The Magic Order 5 #1.

The art team of Matteo Buffagni and colorist Giovanna Niro deliver stellar work in this debut issue. It is as if they are doing fine art Eurocomics for a Louvre publication. Buffagni's art makes the world of the natural and supernatural a seamless whole where no one's power makes him or her safe. Niro's color blends the horrific with the surreal to prepare us for many surprises to come. Finally, Clem Robins's lettering is the machine gun cherry on top of this narrative.

The Magic Order 5 is supposed to conclude this franchise. Dear readers, let us gather here today and for the next five issues for what I suspect will be the grandest of send-offs.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of Mark Millar and of The Magic Order will want to read The Magic Order 5.

A+

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

https://www.mrmarkmillar.com/

https://twitter.com/mrmarkmillar

https://twitter.com/netflix

https://twitter.com/themagicorder

http://www.millarworld.tv/

https://www.darkhorse.com/

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Sunday, September 22, 2024

Review: Netflix's "UGLIES" is Ernest, Lightweight Entertainment

TRASH IN MY EYE No. 43 of 2024 (No. 1987) by Leroy Douresseaux

Uglies (2024)

Running time: 100 minutes (1 hour, 40 minutes)

MPA – PG-13 for some violence and action, and brief strong language

DIRECTOR: McG

WRITERS: Jacob Forman, Vanessa Taylor, and Whit Anderson (based on the novel by Scott Westerfeld)

PRODUCERS: John David, Jordan Davis, McG, Robyn Meisinger, Dan Spilo, and Mary Viola

CINEMATOGRAPHER: Xiaolong Liu

EDITORS: Martin Bernfeld and Brad Besser

COMPOSER: Edward Shearmur

SCI-FI/DRAMA/ACTION

Starring: Joey King, Brianne Tju, Keith Powers, Chase Stokes, Laverne Cox, Charmin Lee, Jay DeVon Johnson, Jan Luis Castellanos, Zamani Wilder, Joseph Echavarria, Gabriella Garcia, Ash Maeda, Jordan Sherley, Sarah Vattano, and Ashton Essex Bright

SUMMARY OF THE REVIEW:

Uglies is an entertaining and good, but not great science fiction film, but unlike The Hunger Games films, Uglies leans more towards teen viewers than it does towards a general adult audience

The film has high production values, which really show in the scenes that take place in “The City”

Although it leans towards younger viewers, Uglies makes points about conformity and individuality as fiercely as grown-up science fiction films

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Uglies is a 2024 American science fiction-drama film from director McG. The film is based on the 2005 novel, Uglies, by Scott Westerfeld. Uglies is a Netflix Original and debuted on the Netflix streaming service September 13, 2024. Uglies the movie is set in a futuristic society in which everyone is considered “ugly” until the receive the compulsory operation that makes them “pretty,” and it focuses on a teen girl who begins to have doubts about the surgery.

Uglies opens in a world that once saw civilization fall apart. In the future, humanity exhausts the planet of all its natural resources. The result is chaos, war, and destruction. Eventually, science creates a new energy source and also develops a surgery that makes everyone “pretty.” This new society believes that if everyone is perfect and thinks alike, then, there won't be any conflict. Everyone gets the surgery which transforms them into one of the “Pretties” at the age of 16.

When the story begins, Tally Youngblood (Joey King) is three months away from her 16th birthday and her surgery. She lives in a dorm with all the other kids who have not had the surgery and who are known as “Uglies.” However, her friend, Peris (Chase Stokes), is about to have the surgery that will make him pretty. Tally and Peris promise to keep in touch after he moves to “the City” where all the “Pretties” live, but things don't work out as they planned.

Tally befriends fellow “ugly,” Shay (Brianne Tju), and Shay has a secret. There is a place outside the City called “The Smoke.” It is a land of freedom and nature, and the people there have not had the surgery. The community is lead by the mysterious David (Keith Powers). Tally is intrigued, but she is caught in the middle. One part of her wants to be independent and different, but another part of her wants to have the surgery, become pretty, and look like everyone else. The decision Tally makes will change the lives of people both in the City and in the Smoke.

I have not read the novel, Uglies, or its sequels. However, I became familiar with the series through a pair of paperback original graphic novels based on the books, Uglies: Shay's Story and Uglies: Cutters, both released in 2012.

I don't see Uglies the movie as being similar to other films based on young adult (YA) dystopian science fiction novels, such as The Hunger Games (2012) and Divergent (2014). Uglies has me thinking about another dystopian science fiction film adapted from a novel. That would be the 1976 film, Logan's Run, based on the 1967 novel, Logan's Run, which was written by William F. Nolan and George Clayton Johnson. I recently watch Logan's Run on the Turner Classic Movies (TCM) cable network, and I thought of it as I watched Uglies. Both stories deal with characters forced to decide whether it is better to live in a safe, clean, and conformist, though macabre dystopian society or in the great wide and wild open.

Beyond similarities to the aforementioned films, Uglies deals with themes of change, both emotional and physical. Yes, Uglies can seem superficial at times. The film's special visual effects turn the City into a shining and gleaming Oz of non-stop parties under a sky lit up pyrotechnic fireworks. Behind the prettiness, however, is Joey King as Tally doing her best to convey the internal struggles inside the girl. King delivers a strong performance that sells the world of Uglies the film because it would crumble without a strong dramatic lead, which King is here. King makes Tally's conflicts seem genuine, and I often found myself confused by her motivations and actions because they felt like the result of an internal struggle. As slight as the film feels, King makes Tally feel like a real young woman struggling with a decision that will change her in ways she may not like, but a change she believes she has to accept.

The Uglies novel is the first in a series, so Uglies the movie could have a sequel. While it is good, but not great, Uglies is still a dystopian sci-fi film that the family can enjoy together.

6 of 10

★★★ out of 4 stars

Sunday, September 22, 2024

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Sunday, September 15, 2024

Comics Review: "PRODIGY: Slaves of Mars #2" Says "Bruh?..."

PRODIGY: SLAVES OF MARS #2 (OF 5)

DARK HORSE COMICS/Netflix

STORY: Mark Millar

ART: Stefano Landini

COLORS: Michele Assarasakorn

LETTERS: Clem Robins

EDITOR: Daniel Chabon

EDITORIAL: Sarah Unwin

COVER: Stefano Landini with Michele Assarasakorn

VARIANT COVER ARTIST: Stefano Landini

32pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. (September 2024)

Rated M / Mature

Prodigy created by Mark Millar at Netflix

Prodigy: Slaves of Mars is a new five-issue comic book miniseries produced by writer Mark Millar. It is the third entry in the Prodigy series, following the original 2018-19 six-issue miniseries, Prodigy, and the 2022 miniseries, Prodigy: The Icarus Society. This new series' creative team is comprised of artist Stefano Landini; colorist Michele Assarasakorn; and letterer Clem Robins. Prodigy focuses on the adventures of the world's smartest man, Edison Crane.

In Prodigy: Slaves of Mars, Edison returns to New York City from an adventure in the Himalayas to find his company, Crane Solutions, in disarray. He also learns that his father, the former Senator Whitney Crane, is dead on Mars after discovering some shocking secret. Now, a wanted man, Edison only has one person left to whom he can turn. That would be his older, smarter brother, Elijah Crane.

Prodigy: Slaves of Mars #2 opens in Baltimore, Maryland. The Crane brothers are reunited just in time to discover that each feels differently about the death of their recently deceased father. Now, they are about to go on the run as Froth Schroeder, the man who tore down Edison's life and likely killed their father, sets his sights on both brothers.

Meanwhile, what does this have to do with the ancient secrets of Mars and Martian rulers on Earth? And where does the Kepler-11 star system fit into all this?

THE LOWDOWN: This is the second time that I have been on any kind of list that provides PDF copies of titles published by Dark Horse Comics. I mark my return with Prodigy: Slaves of Mars #2.

Of course, Prodigy: Slaves of Mars #2 is a blast to read, just as issue #1 was. Millar's mixture of ancient aliens, secret societies, large conspiracies, and deep history runs throughout the Prodigy comic books. You would already know that, dear readers, if you had read Prodigy: The Icarus Society #1 or read Prodigy: The Evil Earth, the trade collection of the first miniseries.

The art team of illustrator Stefano Landini and colorist Michele Assarasakorn throws caution to the wind and presents graphical storytelling that races from page to page in a loose drawing style and muted coloring style. Landini's art recalls the ancient mysteries vibe of the film, Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981), and he uses it quite effectively to keep me reading. Landini makes me excited about following Edison and Elijah on a great adventure. As always, also, Clem Robins provides the perfect soundtrack to this chapter with his classic lettering.

Prodigy is back. The Slaves of Mars are calling us. Don't be a fool, dear readers; get this.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of Mark Millar and of his comic book, Prodigy, will want to read Prodigy: Slaves of Mars.

A+

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

https://www.mrmarkmillar.com/

http://www.millarworld.tv/

https://twitter.com/mrmarkmillar

https://www.netflix.com/

https://twitter.com/netflix

https://www.darkhorse.com/

https://x.com/darkhorsecomics/

https://www.facebook.com/darkhorsecomics/

https://www.instagram.com/DarkHorseComics/

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Monday, September 2, 2024

Comics Review: "NEMESIS: ROGUES' GALLERY #2": Cop-Killers and Sidekicks

NEMESIS: ROGUES' GALLERY #2 (OF 5)

DARK HORSE COMICS

STORY: Mark Millar

ART: Valerio Giangiordano

COLORS: Lee Loughridge

LETTERS: Clem Robins

EDITORS: Sarah Unwin; Daniel Chabon

COVER: Valerio Giangiordano with Lee Loughridge

32pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. (August 2024)

Age range: 14+

Nemesis created by Mark Millar and Steve McNiven

Nemesis: Rogues' Gallery is a five-issue comic book miniseries from writer Mark Millar. It is a sequel to the miniseries, Nemesis Reloaded (2023) and Big Game (2023). Published by Dark Horse comics, the new series finds the super-killer, Nemesis, on a mission of revenge. Rogues' Gallery is drawn by Valerio Giangiordano; colored by Lee Loughridge; and lettered by Clem Robins.

Nemesis: Rogues Gallery finds Nemesis, once the world's greatest super-villain, with a plan to be just that, again. Now, bent on a mission of revenge against everyone who wronged him, Nemesis must rebuild his empire and his fortune.

Nemesis: Rogues Gallery #2 opens in the Tribunal de Justica in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Six counts of murder; 27 counts of aggravated assault; 3 counts of burglary, and four counts of antisocial behavior: that is Pedro Hernandez. He has been in and out of detention centers since he was six years old, and he shows no signs of rehabilitation or remorse. This is the day of reckoning for Pedro.

Or this is the day he can become Nemesis' new partner-in-crime, “Rookie.”

Meanwhile, Andy, the security guard betrayed by Nemesis, is a new man... and a new weapon of vengeance.

THE LOWDOWN: This is the second time that I have been on any kind of list that provides PDF copies of titles published by Dark Horse Comics. I mark my return with Nemesis: Rogues' Gallery #2.

Mark Millar continues to deliver the ultimate modern super-villain comic book. The Nemesis line of comics offers something like Batman as a deranged killer. However, I must point out that when it comes to Nemesis: Rogues' Gallery, the artist drives the narrative with the most power.

The artists of the earlier series, Steve McNiven (Nemesis) and Jorge Jiménez (Nemesis: Reloaded), offered art and graphic storytelling that emphasized the crazy, the sexy, and the cool of showy super-villain. Nemesis was a bad ass and a murderer, and the storytelling of the earlier series captured the exhilaration of Frank Miller and Klaus Janson's Daredevil and Batman: The Dark Knight Returns. In the first series, Nemesis was like the Batman of DKR, and in Nemesis: Reloaded, Nemesis was like Daredevil's killer dude, Bullseye.

Valerio Giangiordano of Rome, Italy takes Nemesis: Rogues' Gallery down a different path, both visually and graphically. No longer is Nemesis a sexy killer. Valerio captures all the darkness, vileness, and evil in Nemesis and places him at the heart of some nasty, hard-hitting storytelling. In a way, Valerio turns Rogues' Gallery into something like one of those gritty 1970s crime movies. Tonally, all three Nemesis series are different, but in this third series, Valerio takes charge and takes Nemesis down a more sinister and edgier path than any comic books that feature Nemesis have previously done.

Colorist Lee Loughridge, who knows how to deal with “the dark,” perfectly accentuates Valerio's storytelling with colors that suggest murder, both muted and glaring. Letterer Clem Robins captures the darker wasteland of this new series.

Nemesis: Rogues' Gallery promises to be a good time. It may also end up being the best evil Batman comic book in ages.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of Mark Millar's comic books and of Valerio Giangiordano's art will desire Nemesis: Rogues' Gallery.

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

https://www.mrmarkmillar.com/

https://twitter.com/mrmarkmillar

https://twitter.com/netflix

http://www.millarworld.tv/

https://www.darkhorse.com/

https://x.com/darkhorsecomics/

https://www.facebook.com/darkhorsecomics/

https://www.instagram.com/DarkHorseComics/

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Sunday, September 1, 2024

Review: Netflix's "THE UNION" is Weak Spy Thriller Tea

TRASH IN MY EYE No. 40 of 2024 (No. 1984) by Leroy Douresseaux

The Union (2024)

Running time: 107 minutes (1 hour, 47 minutes)

MPA – PG-13 for sequences of strong violence, suggestive material and some strong language

DIRECTOR: Julian Farino

WRITERS: Joe Barton and David Guggenheim; from a story by David Guggenheim

PRODUCERS: Stephen Levinson, Mark Wahlberg, and Jeff G. Waxman

CINEMATOGRAPHER: Alan Stewart (D.o.P.)

EDITOR: Pia Di Ciaula

COMPOSER: Rupert Gregson-Williams

ACTION/COMEDY/ROMANCE and SPY/THRILLER

Starring: Mark Wahlberg, Halle Berry, J.K. Simmons, Mike Colter, Alice Lee, Jessica De Gouw, Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje, Jackie Earle Haley, Lucy Cork, Stephen Campbell Moore

SUMMARY OF THE REVIEW:

If you are a fan of Mark Wahlberg and/or Halle Berry, you may want to watch this film

Although it does have some good moments and some good production values, “The Union,” comes across as a big-budget made-for-television spy movie or maybe even a straight-to-DVD spy movie

As a romantic comedy, Wahlberg and Berry have good screen chemistry, but the violence in “The Union” makes it hard to be a romantic-comedy

The film ultimately comes across as an average hodge-podge of genres that is only worth your time when you have time to waste

The Union is a 2024 American spy-thriller and action-romantic-comedy from director Julian Farino. Starring Mark Wahlberg and Halle Berry, the film is a “Netflix Original,” and began streaming on Netflix August 16, 2024. The Union focuses on a down-to earth construction worker who is thrust into the world of spies and secret agents by his high school sweetheart, who is a secret agent.

The Union introduces, “the Union,” a covert agency whose agents work behind the scenes as everyday blue collar workers such as road crews, construction workers, garbage collectors, and water and wastewater treatment operators, to name a few. The film opens in the Grand Hotel Castelletto in Trieste, Italy, where the Union prepares to bring in CIA turncoat, Derek Mitchell. However, the mission is botched, and only veteran agent, Roxanne Hall (Halle Berry), survives, but she has a plan.

Roxanne returns to her hometown of Paterson, New Jersey, where she recruits her high school sweetheart, Michael “Mike” McKenna (Mark Wahlberg), a construction worker, into the Union. Despite the protestations of her boss, Tom Brennan (J.K. Simmons), Roxanne convinces Mike to join the Union. Before long, Roxanne and Mike are on a mission, but once again, things go awry. Now, the former lovers have to straighten out this mess and recover some sensitive government intelligence that, if sold on the black market, will endanger the lives of every American spy and secret agent.

Comic book writer, artist, and publisher, Jimmy Palmiotti (DC Comics' Harley Quinn and Radical Publisher's Time Bomb), suggested via Twitter that the 2010 Tom Cruise-Cameron Diaz film, Knight and Day, offers something similar to The Union, but is much better at it. I've been putting off seeing Knight and Day for 14 years, and after trudging through The Union, I think it's time I did the damn thing and saw it.

I like Mark Wahlberg, and Halle Berry is one of my favorite Hollywood people of all time. I really wanted to watch The Union because of them, and I found their screen chemistry sometimes sweet and charming. However, I found The Union to be a slog that took me over a week to watch, as I mostly viewed it in bits and pieces. Sometimes, I had to do something, and other times, I stopped simply because I was bored.

However, the film is not a total loss. It is at times, pleasingly pleasant, although had I watched it in an actual movie theater, I would have not found it pleasant at all. Still, there is about a third of a good action movie here. The Union is for serious fans of Mark Wahlberg and Halle Berry. That's all I can say. That's all I should say, lest I say worse, and this review comes back to haunt me.

5 of 10

C+

★★½ out of 4 stars

Sunday, September 1, 2024

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Saturday, August 31, 2024

Negromancer News Bits and Bites from August 25th to 31st, 2024 - UPDATE #12

by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

You can support Leroy via Paypal or on Patreon:

ENTERTAINMENT AND CULTURE NEWS:

MOVIES/BOOKS - From TheNewYorker and RSN: "Remembering a Childhood in the South Bronx" by Al Pacino, an excerpt from his memoir, "Sonny Boy."

MOVIES - From Deadline: The next "Jurassic World" film has a title and some first-look photos. "Jurassic World: Rebirth" is due July 2, 2025.

TELEVISION - From Deadline: "John Wick" franchise director, Chad Stahelski, is developing author Jonathan Maberry's "Joe Ledger" novel series for television.

VENCIE FILM FESTIVAL - From Deadline: In Venice to receive the Venice Film Festival's "Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement Award," Sigourney Weaver talks about her work in the "Alien" and "Avatar" franchises. She looks back at her career and talks about upcoming films.

From Deadline: At the Venice Film Festival 2024, director Tim Burton talks about his new film, "Beetlejuice Beetlejuice," which makes its premiere.

From Deadline: The critics are talking about Beetlejuice Beetlejuice after its Venice Film Festival premiere.

NETFLIX - From Variety: What's coming to Netflix in September 2024? How about "Uglies," which is based on Scott Westerfeld's dystopian novel series, on Sept. 13th.

TELEVISION - From Deadline: Actress Erika Alexander, who starred as "Maxine Shaw" in in the former Fox sitcom, "Living Single," is partnering with "WeScreenplay" to bolster opportunities for underrepresented voices and marginalized people. Alexander and her production partner, Ben Arnon, are working with "WeScreenplay Diverse Voices Labs" to offer a series of workshops, mentorship programs, and writing labs designed to empower writers from diverse backgrounds.

BOX OFFICE - From BoxOfficePro: The winner of the 8/23 to 8/25/2024 weekend box office is Disney/Marvel's "Deadpool & Wolverine" with an estimated take of 18.3 million dollars.

From Deadline: "Inside Out 2" becomes the first animated film to cross the one-billion dollar mark in overseas box office. It is currently at 1.003 billion dollars.

From Deadline: The 15th anniversary release of the 2009 animated film, Coraline, is among the top performers at the indie box office.

TELEVISION - From THR: Angela Bassett speaks on why she initially declined the offer to narrate National Geographic's Emmy-nominated documentary miniseries, "Queens." The series examines animal matriarchies from Costa Rica to the Congo.

STREAMING - From Deadline: Chick-Fil-A is developing its on streaming service. It will apparently focus on "family-friendly" unscripted series.

Saturday, August 24, 2024

Comics Review: "NIGHT CLUB II #1" - Young Vampires Beefin'

NIGHT CLUB II #1 (OF 6)

DARK HORSE COMICS

STORY: Mark Millar

ART: Juanan Ramírez

COLORS: Fabiana Mascolo

LETTERS: Clem Robins

COVER: Juanan Ramírez with Fabiana Mascolo

EDITORIAL: Sarah Unwin

VARIANT COVER ARTIST: Jae Lee with June Chung

32pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. (August 2024)

Rated M / Mature

Night Club created by Mark Millar at Netflix

Night Club introduces 17-year-old Danny Garcia, who had ambitions to gain fame and fortune as a YouTube star. After being turned into a vampire, he passed his new found powers unto his friends, DJ Sam Huxley and Amy Chen. Now, they're the superheroes: Starguard (Danny), Thundercloud (Sam), Yellowbird (Amy). But jealousy has broken up this vampire-superhero trio...

Night Club II #1 opens with Danny and Amy, now a couple, still playing superheroes and filming it for their lucrative YouTube page. They are actively attacking the drug empire of Rufus Tee, much to the chagrin of the police. Meanwhile, former “band mate,” Sam is using his vampire powers to ball hard, and now, he's gotten an attractive offer from a man who should be his enemy.

THE LOWDOWN: This is the second time that I have been on any kind of list that provides PDF copies of titles published by Dark Horse Comics. The latest received is Night Club II #1.

Reading this first issue of Night Club II, I suddenly remembered how much I really liked the first series and how much I really missed it. I'd love for Night Club to be an ongoing series, but I know that Millarworld doesn't really work that way. Night Club will have a beginning, middle, and end, but I feel like, as far as a vampire-superhero hybrid goes, it could be like DC Comics' Teen Titans.

Instead of offering big surprises in this return, writer Mark Millar and artist Juanan Ramírez build on the narrative that began in Night Club #1 and came to a head in Night Club #6. Millar provides the character drama, and Ramirez spreads it out in big panels and in widescreen storytelling. I think this means that there will be a lot of force applied by various interested parties to other interested parties in this second installment, and I think we'll like it, dear readers.

If you have ever seen the 1987 vampire film, The Lost Boys, you might have wondered what it would be like if the vampire boys got to play to their own interests. Maybe, Night Club II is that story.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of Mark Millar and of vampire comic books will want to be bitten by Night Club II.

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

https://twitter.com/mrmarkmillar

https://twitter.com/netflix

https://www.mrmarkmillar.com/

http://www.millarworld.tv/

https://www.darkhorse.com/

https://x.com/darkhorsecomics/

https://www.facebook.com/darkhorsecomics/

https://www.instagram.com/DarkHorseComics/

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Tuesday, August 6, 2024

Comics Review: "PRODIGY: Slaves of Mars #1" is an Explosive Opener

PRODIGY: SLAVES OF MARS #1 (OF 5)

DARK HORSE COMICS/Netflix

STORY: Mark Millar

ART: Stefano Landini

COLORS: Michele Assarasakorn

LETTERS: Clem Robins

EDITORIAL: Sarah Unwin

COVER: Stefano Landini with Michele Assarasakorn

VARIANT COVER ARTIST: Stefano Landini

32pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. (August 2024)

Rated M / Mature

Prodigy created by Mark Millar at Netflix

Prodigy: Slaves of Mars is a new five-issue comic book miniseries produced by writer Mark Millar. It is the third entry in the Prodigy series, following the original 2018-19 six-issue miniseries, Prodigy, and the 2022 miniseries, Prodigy: The Icarus Society. This new series' creative team is comprised of artist Stefano Landini; colorist Michele Assarasakorn; and letterer Clem Robins. Prodigy focuses on the adventures of the world's smartest man, Edison Crane.

Prodigy: Slaves of Mars #1 finds Edison returning to New York City from an adventure in the Himalayas. However, all is not as it should be, as Edison finds his company, Crane Solutions, in disarray. He also learns that his father, the former Senator Whitney Crane, is dead on Mars after discovering some shocking secret.

Now, a wanted man, Edison only has one person left to whom he can turn. That would be his older, smarter brother, Elijah Crane.

THE LOWDOWN: This is the second time that I have been on any kind of list that provides PDF copies of titles published by Dark Horse Comics. I mark my return with Prodigy: Slaves of Mars #1.

Of course, the first issue of Prodigy: Slaves of Mars is a blast to read. You would already know that, dear readers, if you had read Prodigy: The Icarus Society #1 or read Prodigy: The Evil Earth, the trade collection of the first miniseries.

Millar uses Prodigy: Slaves of Mars #1 to introduce readers to Edison Crane's state of mind (more or less). In the previous series, The Icarus Society, Edison needed a challenge. This time, however, he is really busy, and there is a new challenger who has come in at the wrong time. This new challenger also seems to be behind all of Edison's new troubles. Kudos to Millar for offering a story that challenges both hero and readers.

The art team of illustrator Stefano Landini and colorist Michele Assarasakorn throws caution to the wind and presents graphical storytelling that races from page to page in a loose drawing style and muted coloring style. This is what conveys Edison Crane's troubles plainly and bluntly. As always, Clem Robins provided the perfect soundtrack to the chaos with his classic lettering.

Prodigy is back. The Slaves of Mars are calling us. Don't be a fool, dear readers; get this.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of Mark Millar and of his comic book, Prodigy, will want to read Prodigy: Slaves of Mars.

A+

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

https://www.mrmarkmillar.com/

http://www.millarworld.tv/

https://twitter.com/mrmarkmillar

https://www.netflix.com/

https://twitter.com/netflix

https://www.darkhorse.com/

https://x.com/darkhorsecomics/

https://www.facebook.com/darkhorsecomics/

https://www.instagram.com/DarkHorseComics/

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Sunday, July 28, 2024

Comics Review: "NEMESIS: ROGUES' GALLERY #1" Starts a New Reload

NEMESIS: ROGUES' GALLERY #1 (OF 5)

DARK HORSE COMICS

STORY: Mark Millar

ART: Valerio Giangiordano

COLORS: Lee Loughridge

LETTERS: Clem Robins

EDITOR: Sarah Unwin

COVER: Valerio Giangiordano with Lee Loughridge

VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Jae Lee with June Chung

32pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. (July 2024)

Age range: 14+

Nemesis created by Mark Millar and Steve McNiven

Nemesis: Rogues' Gallery is a five-issue comic book miniseries from writer Mark Millar. It is a sequel to the miniseries, Nemesis Reloaded (2023) and Big Game (2023). Published by Dark Horse comics, the new series finds the super-killer, Nemesis, on a mission of revenge. Rogues' Gallery is drawn by Valerio Giangiordano; colored by Lee Loughridge; and lettered by Clem Robins.

Nemesis: Rogues Gallery #1 opens in the hospital wing of Colton Brown Penitentiary, California. Nemesis was the world's greatest super-villain. Now, he is merely a paraplegic (as a result of the battle with the superheroes that began in Big Game #1) named Matthew Anderson. However, his former acquaintances, a group lurking in their Temple of Panza, can bring him back to what he was, but is he willing to pay the price?

Meanwhile, someone Nemesis hurt is also getting an offer he won't refuse.

THE LOWDOWN: This is the second time that I have been on any kind of list that provides PDF copies of titles published by Dark Horse Comics. I mark my return with Nemesis: Rogues' Gallery #1.

Nemesis Reloaded #1 was a helluva first issue. This first issue of Nemesis: Rogues' Gallery is a bit more subdued. It's an introduction to Nemesis' situation and how he got there. This is like Millard's quiet before the storm, but oh, what a storm it will be judging by the last page.

The art by Valerio Giangiordano provides the perfectly dark, edgy, and moody storytelling this issue needs. Giangiordano's art is like a mash-up of the graphic stylings of Frank Quietly and of the late Richard Corben, and it perfectly depicts the restrained intensity of Nemesis' utter insanity. Lee Loughridge colors the art by actually dialing back on the colors, and this steeps the story in darkness even more. Clem Robins, as usual, captures the spirit of Millar's ideas with his pitch-perfect lettering.

Nemesis: Rogues' Gallery promises to be a good time. It may also end up being the best Batman comic book in ages.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of Mark Millar's comic books will desire Nemesis: Rogues' Gallery.

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

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