Thursday, August 26, 2021

Marvel Entertainment and 2K Announce New RPG, "Marvel's Midnight Suns"

Darkness Falls. Rise Up! Marvel’s Midnight Suns Launches Worldwide in March 2022 from Firaxis Games

Confront the darker side of the Marvel Universe and live among its legends in an all-new tactical RPG by acclaimed developer Firaxis Games and 2K; tune-in to the world premiere of gameplay on September 1, 2021

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--2K and Marvel Entertainment announced today Marvel’s Midnight Suns, a new tactical RPG set in the darker side of the Marvel Universe that brings players face-to-face against supernatural forces as they team up with and live among the Midnight Suns, Earth’s last line of defense against the underworld. Marvel’s Midnight Suns is currently scheduled for launch in March 2022, and will be available on PlayStation®5, PlayStation®4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo™ Switch, and Windows PC via Steam and Epic Games Store.

    “Working with Marvel is a huge opportunity, and we're fully confident the team at Firaxis will deliver another outstanding game.”

Through a twisted marriage of magic and science, the nefarious force known as Hydra has revived Lilith, Mother of Demons, after centuries of slumber. Lilith will stop at nothing to complete an ancient prophecy and summon her evil master, Chthon. Pushed to the brink, the Avengers desperately look to fight fire with Hellfire by enlisting the help of the Midnight SunsNico Minoru, Blade, Magik, and Ghost Rider – young heroes with powers deeply rooted in the supernatural, formed to prevent the very prophecy Lilith aims to fulfill. Together, they resurrect an ancient warrior – the Hunter, Lilith’s forsaken child and the only hero known to have ever defeated her.

“We’re thrilled to team with Firaxis Games, who combine a history of building outstanding tactical games with an authentic love of Marvel’s supernatural side,” said Bill Rosemann, Vice President of Creative at Marvel Games. “Marvel’s Midnight Suns offers players the chance to not only live alongside legendary heroes, but to also experience an all-new, original story that dives deep into the monstrous shadows of the Marvel Universe. Darkness Falls. Rise Up!"

“I grew up reading and loving Marvel comics,” said Jake Solomon, Creative Director for Marvel’s Midnight Suns at Firaxis Games. “To be entrusted with these characters and their stories is an honor for me and the team. If you're a Marvel fan, or an RPG fan, or a fan of tactics games, Marvel’s Midnight Suns will make these beloved characters come alive in a way that you've never seen before.”

During the announcement at gamescom: Opening Night Live, 2K debuted a stunning cinematic trailer featuring the dramatic resurrection of the Hunter – the first customizable original hero in the Marvel Universe. Developed by Firaxis Games, the legendary studio behind the critically-acclaimed, world-renowned Civilization and XCOM franchises, Marvel’s Midnight Suns will feature an iconic collection of heroes spanning The Avengers, X-Men, Runaways, and more, promising cinematic tactical combat with a Super Hero flair, game-impacting friendships to forge, and an unforgettable adventure that showcases the darker side of Marvel.

“Marvel’s Midnight Suns is an incredibly ambitious title that looks to deliver a truly unique and groundbreaking experience,” said David Ismailer, President at 2K. “Working with Marvel is a huge opportunity, and we're fully confident the team at Firaxis will deliver another outstanding game."

"Collaborating with best-in-class development teams like Firaxis Games and publishers like 2K to craft exceptionally fun, fresh, and original takes on our IP is what Marvel Games strives for,” said Jay Ong, Executive Vice President of Marvel Games. “Our teams have been working closely and the results will be supernaturally exciting! We can’t wait for our fans to experience the engaging and compelling world within Marvel’s Midnight Suns."

Next week, 2K and Firaxis Games will look to reveal the world premiere of gameplay for Marvel’s Midnight Suns, showcasing a new engaging and deeply customizable tactical battle system where players assemble their team of heroes, assess the battlefield, and launch devastating iconic attacks against the forces of darkness. Viewers should tune in to www.midnightsuns.com at 11:30 a.m. PT on Wednesday, September 1, 2021.

For more information on the Marvel’s Midnight Suns, visit www.midnightsuns.com, become a fan on Facebook, subscribe on YouTube, follow on Twitter, and Instagram and join the conversation using the hashtag #DarknessFalls.

Marvel’s Midnight Suns is currently rated RP for Rating Pending by the ESRB. Firaxis Games is a 2K studio. 2K is a wholly owned publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ: TTWO).


About Marvel Entertainment:
Marvel Entertainment, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, is one of the world's most prominent character-based entertainment companies, built on a proven library of more than 8,000 characters featured in a variety of media for over eighty years. Marvel utilizes its character franchises in entertainment, licensing, publishing, games, and digital media. For more information visit marvel.com. © 2021 MARVEL

About Take-Two Interactive Software:
Headquartered in New York City, Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. is a leading developer, publisher, and marketer of interactive entertainment for consumers around the globe. We develop and publish products principally through Rockstar Games, 2K, Private Division, and T2 Mobile Games. Our products are designed for console systems and personal computers, including smartphones and tablets, and are delivered through physical retail, digital download, online platforms, and cloud streaming services. The Company’s common stock is publicly traded on NASDAQ under the symbol TTWO. For more corporate and product information please visit our website at http://www.take2games.com.

All trademarks and copyrights contained herein are the property of their respective holders.

About 2K:
Founded in 2005, 2K develops and publishes global interactive entertainment for console and handheld gaming systems, personal computers and mobile devices, with product availability including physical retail and digital download. The Company is home to many talented development studios, including Visual Concepts, Firaxis Games, Hangar 13, Cat Daddy Games, 31st Union and Cloud Chamber. 2K’s portfolio currently includes the renowned BioShock®, Borderlands™, Mafia and XCOM® franchises; NBA® 2K, the global phenomenon and highest rated** annual sports title for the current console generation; the critically acclaimed Sid Meier’s Civilization® series; the popular WWE® 2K and WWE® SuperCard franchises, as well as emerging properties NBA® 2K Playgrounds 2, Carnival Games and more. Additional information about 2K and its products may be found at 2k.com.

** According to 2008 – 2021 Metacritic.com

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Statements contained herein which are not historical facts are considered forward-looking statements under federal securities laws and may be identified by words such as "anticipates," "believes," "estimates," "expects," "intends," "plans," "potential," "predicts," "projects," "seeks," “should,” "will," or words of similar meaning and include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the outlook for the Company's future business and financial performance. Such forward-looking statements are based on the current beliefs of our management as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to them, which are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict. Actual outcomes and results may vary materially from these forward-looking statements based on a variety of risks and uncertainties including: the uncertainty of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and measures taken in response thereto; the effect that measures taken to mitigate the COVID-19 pandemic have on our operations, including our ability to timely deliver our titles and other products, and on the operations of our counterparties, including retailers and distributors; the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on both consumer demand and the discretionary spending patterns of our customers as the situation with the pandemic continues to evolve; the risks of conducting business internationally; the impact of reductions in interest rates by the Federal Reserve and other central banks, including on our short-term investment portfolio; the impact of potential inflation; volatility in foreign currency exchange rates; our dependence on key management and product development personnel; our dependence on our NBA 2K and Grand Theft Auto products and our ability to develop other hit titles; our ability to leverage opportunities on PlayStation®5 and Xbox Series X|S; the timely release and significant market acceptance of our games; the ability to maintain acceptable pricing levels on our games; and risks associated with international operations.

Other important factors and information are contained in the Company's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, including the risks summarized in the section entitled "Risk Factors," the Company’s most recent Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, and the Company's other periodic filings with the SEC, which can be accessed at www.take2games.com. All forward-looking statements are qualified by these cautionary statements and apply only as of the date they are made. The Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

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Wednesday, August 25, 2021

Comics Review: "DARK BLOOD #2": Ain't Nothing Like the Real Thing, Baby

DARK BLOOD #2 (OF 6)
BOOM! STUDIOS

STORY: LaToya Morgan
ART: Walt Barna with Moisés Hidalgo (pp. 10-12, 19)
COLORS: A.H.G.
LETTERS: Andworld Design
EDITOR: Dafna Pleban
COVER: Valentine De Landro
VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Juni Ba; Valentine De Landro; Taurin Clarke
24pp, Colors, 3.99 U.S.(August 2021)

Dark Blood created by LaToya Morgan

Dark Blood is a new six-issue comic book miniseries created and written by screenwriter LaToya Morgan (AMC’s “The Walking Dead,” “Into The Badlands”).  Published by BOOM! Studios, the series is drawn by Walt Barna; colored by A.H.G.; and lettered by Andworld Design.  The series focuses on a Black World War II veteran who discovers that he has strange new abilities.

Alabama, 1955.  After leaving his job at the diner, “Hardy's Eats,” Avery Aldridge, also known as “Double A,” has a fateful encounter with a racist.  Double A is a highly decorated World War II soldier, a former fighter pilot, a member of the soon-to-be-legendary “Red Tails.”  He is expected to act like a boy … when he is actually a very powerful man.  But this is “The Night of the Variance,” and everything is going to start to change – even the things some don't want changed.

Dark Blood #2 opens six months before the Variance and reflects that which occupies Avery's oft-troubled mind.  He thinks of his wife, Emma, and their daughter, Grace Emmadell.  We see his life in “Vale Junction,” a small Black community where everyone knows him and loves Emma's “Vale Junction Book Mobile.”  Even his wartime experiences, especially from a particular time in Austria, circa 1945, flits in and out of Avery's memories.

However, reality intrudes after an altercation leaves Avery hurt.  Dr. Carlisle, a white university doctor, is the unlikely bystander who steps in to help, offering Avery immediate first aid.  As luck … would have it, Dr. Carlisle also operates a clinic “right outside of town on the old Rickman Farm” where he offers free medical care.  But nothing is really free...

THE LOWDOWN:  The indignities that Avery Aldridge suffers in Dark Blood #2 are familiar to me because I have experienced some of them and others were told to me via first hand or second hand accounts.  I admire a writer who can take such things and transform them into drama.  When a writer takes reality and inflicts it on make-believe people in a way that hits the audience in the soft spots (the heart, the soul, the mind), that is some mighty powerful storytelling.

Television writer-producer LaToya Morgan (AMC's “TURN: Washington's Spies”) offers in Dark Blood a comic book that is both science fiction-fantasy/horror and historical or reality-based drama.  She makes the Jim Crow world in her corner of Alabama truly an awful place, but at the same time, she presents in Vale Junction a Black community permeated with love and possibilities.  And that was the world that Black Americans lived not that long ago.

There are times when Avery suffers the insults of White people, and I can feel the hoary ghost of Nat Turner scratching at every window of my soul.  A documentary film or a work of journalism in our world would take Avery's experiences and attempt to engage our intellect.  Great drama takes those same experiences and engages our soul and ensnares our imagination.  It is through such mighty and imaginative drama that Morgan makes Dark Blood work as serialized fiction, a kind of fantastic fiction born in our reality based histories.

By page design and panel composition, artist Walt Barna brings the compelling drama of Dark Blood #2 to life.  With each panel, he is like a photographer working the right angles and capturing the perfect moments as he builds this chapter/issue.  There are also some beautifully drawn pages by guest artist Moisés Hidalgo.  Of course, A.H.G.'s gorgeous colors shift with the winds of Avery's memories, as well as with the linear jooks of Morgan's narratives.  So I credit the colors with forcing me to pay attention to the graphics throughout Dark Blood, especially this second issue.

After reading the first issue, I thought that LaToya Morgan, Walt Barna, A.H.G., and Andworld Design were off to a most excellent start, offering something that had great promise.  Dark Blood #2 aggressively delivers on that great promise.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of modern science fiction and dark fantasy comic books will want to drink Dark Blood.

A+

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


Dark Blood trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WzzXIYr_FrA&feature=youtu.be
Dark Blood first loook: https://www.boom-studios.com/wordpress/archives/dark-blood-1-first-look/
https://twitter.com/MorganicInk
https://twitter.com/WaltBarna
https://twitter.com/AHGColor
https://twitter.com/andworlddesign

https://twitter.com/boomstudios
https://www.boom-studios.com/wordpress/
https://www.facebook.com/BOOMStudiosComics
https://www.instagram.com/boom_studios/


The text is copyright © 2021 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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Comics Review: "The Invincible Red Sonja #4" Does Kick Ass

[Note on the cover art: As far as I could find out, the numbering is wrong and this is cover of "The Invincible Red Sonja #4.]

THE INVINCIBLE RED SONJA #4
DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT

STORY: Amanda Conner and Jimmy Palmiotti
ARTIST: Moritat
COLORS: Matt Carter
LETTERS: Dave Sharpe
EDITOR: Matt Idleson
COVER: Amanda Conner with Paul Mounts
VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Joseph Michael Linsner; Amanda Conner with Paul Mounts; Celina;
32pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (August 2021)

Rated Teen+

Red Sonja is female high fantasy and sword and sorcery hero.  She first appeared in Conan the Barbarian #23 (cover dated February 1973) and was created by writer Roy Thomas and artist Barry Windsor-Smith.  Red Sonja was loosely based on “Red Sonya of Rogatino,” a female character that appeared in the 1934 short story, “The Shadow of the Vulture,” written by Conan the Cimmerian's creator, Robert E. Howard.

In 2005, Dynamite Entertainment began publishing comic books featuring differing versions of the character.  One of those is The Invincible Red Sonja.  It is written by Amanda Conner and Jimmy Palmiotti; drawn by Moritat; colored by Matt Carter; and lettered by Dave Sharpe.  In this recently launched series, Red Sonja finds herself on a spectacular journey filled with pirates, mermaids, princesses, and political intrigue as the fate of two kingdoms hangs in the balance.

As The Invincible Red Sonja #4 opens, the She-Devil with a Sword watches as Bahira Yakootah, the Lord of Thieves, summons demons from molten lava in his mission to kill the King of Erkhara.  In her bid to stop him, however, Red Sonja, commits a fatal act that determine her fate.  Now, death descends on Erkhara, Erkhara destabilizes, and Sonja may find herself even worse off.

THE LOWDOWN:  Dynamite Entertainment's marketing department recently began providing me with PDF review copies of some of their titles.  One of them is The Invincible Red Sonja #4, which is the first issue of the series that I have read, but this is not my first experience with the character.  I have actually read various Red Sonja titles over my time as a comic book fan, including a few recently published by Dynamite.

Under a gorgeous cover drawn by Amanda Conner and colored by Paul Mounts, Conner and Palmiotti deliver a surprisingly rousing story.  Although it is but one part of a story arc, this fourth chapter is quite entertaining by itself.  This is one of the best Red Sonja comic books that I have ever read, and I am certainly enjoying this more than I do Conner and Palmiotti's Harley Quinn comic books.

Moritat's illustrations remind me of the art of the late Vaughn Bode.  Moritat's graphical storytelling is over the top in a way a Red Sonja or Conan the Barbarian comic book should be, and the characters' emotions also leap off the page.  Matt Carter's colors give the story some edge and also seem to quicken the pace of the story, along with Dave Sharpe's letters.

Honestly, I did not expect much from The Invincible Red Sonja #4, but now, I gotta have more.  It's like my sword and sorcery crack.  I'd do anything … for another issue.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of Red Sonja comic books will want to read The Invincible Red Sonja.

A

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


https://twitter.com/DynamiteComics
https://www.dynamite.com/htmlfiles/
https://www.facebook.com/DynamiteComics/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNOH4PEsl8dyZ2Tj7XUlY7w
https://www.linkedin.com/company/dynamite-entertainment


The text is copyright © 2021 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for syndication rights and fees.

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Monday, August 23, 2021

BOOM! Studios Shipping from Diamond Distributors for August 25, 2021

BOOM! STUDIOS

APR211217    BUFFY VAMPIRE SLAYER LEGACY EDITION TP VOL 05    $29.99
JUN219133    DARK BLOOD #1 (OF 6) 3RD PTG DE LANDRO    $3.99
JUN211072    DARK BLOOD #2 (OF 6) CVR A DE LANDRO    $3.99
JUN211073    DARK BLOOD #2 (OF 6) CVR B BA    $3.99
JUN211041    DUNE HOUSE ATREIDES #9 (OF 12) CVR A CAGLE    $4.99
JUN211042    DUNE HOUSE ATREIDES #9 (OF 12) CVR B WARD    $4.99
JUN211062    FIREFLY #32 CVR A BENGAL    $3.99
JUN211063    FIREFLY #32 CVR B CARPENTER    $3.99
JUN211080    GOOD LUCK #3 (OF 5) CVR A CORONA    $3.99
JUN211077    ONCE & FUTURE #19 CVR A MORA    $3.99
JUN211088    SOMETHING IS KILLING THE CHILDREN #19 CVR A DELL EDERA    $3.99


Dark Horse Comics Shipping from Diamond Distributors for August 25, 2021

DARK HORSE COMICS

APR210399    BACON & OTHER MONSTROUS TALES HC (RES) (C: 0-1-2)    $19.99
MAR210314    BERSERK DELUXE EDITION HC VOL 08 (C: 0-1-2)    $49.99
MAY210303    FAR CRY RITE OF PASSAGE #3 (OF 3)    $3.99
JUN210332    NORSE MYTHOLOGY II #3 (OF 6) CVR A RUSSELL (MR) (C: 1-0-0)    $3.99
JUN210333    NORSE MYTHOLOGY II #3 (OF 6) CVR B MACK (MR) (C: 1-0-0)    $3.99
APR210395    VICTORIES OMNIBUS TP (C: 0-1-2)    $29.99


Dynamite Entertainment Shipping from Diamond Distributors for August 25, 2021

DYNAMITE

JUN210923    BETTIE PAGE & CURSE OF THE BANSHEE #3 CVR M LINSNER LTD VIRG    $50.00
JUN210924    BETTIE PAGE & CURSE OF THE BANSHEE #3 CVR N MYCHAELS LTD VIR    $50.00
JUN210927    DEJAH THORIS VS JOHN CARTER OF MARS #2 CVR A PARRILLO    $3.99
JUN210928    DEJAH THORIS VS JOHN CARTER OF MARS #2 CVR B LINSNER    $3.99
JUN210929    DEJAH THORIS VS JOHN CARTER OF MARS #2 CVR C MIRACOLO    $3.99
JUN210930    DEJAH THORIS VS JOHN CARTER OF MARS #2 CVR D COSPLAY    $3.99
JUN219118    DEJAH THORIS VS JOHN CARTER OF MARS #2 CVR N PREMIUM FIUMARA    $3.99
JUN210853    KISS PHANTOM OBSESSION #1 CVR O CELOR LTD VIRGIN    $50.00
JUN210854    KISS PHANTOM OBSESSION #1 CVR P SEELEY LTD VIRGIN    $50.00
JUN210895    RED SONJA BLACK WHITE RED #2 CVR L MEYERS LTD VIRGIN (C: 0-1    $50.00
JUN210969    SONJAVERSAL #7 CVR A PARRILLO    $3.99
JUN210970    SONJAVERSAL #7 CVR B LINSNER    $3.99
JUN210971    SONJAVERSAL #7 CVR C LEE & CHUNG    $3.99
JUN210972    SONJAVERSAL #7 CVR D YOON    $3.99
JUN210973    SONJAVERSAL #7 CVR E COSPLAY    $3.99
JUN219128    SONJAVERSAL #7 CVR N PREMIUM PARRILLO VIRGIN    $3.99
APR211084    VAMPIRELLA #22 PARRILLO LTD VIRGIN CVR    $50.00
MAY210829    VAMPIRELLA #23 CVR A PARRILLO    $3.99
MAY210830    VAMPIRELLA #23 CVR B MASTRAZZO    $3.99
MAY210831    VAMPIRELLA #23 CVR C MAER    $3.99
MAY210832    VAMPIRELLA #23 CVR D LOUW    $3.99
MAY210833    VAMPIRELLA #23 CVR E COSPLAY    $3.99
JUN219122    VAMPIRELLA #23 CVR O PREMIUM WHITE    $3.99
JUN219123    VAMPIRELLA #23 CVR P PREMIUM CASTRO    $3.99


IDW Publishing Shipping from Diamond Distributors for August 25, 2021

IDW PUBLISHING

MAY210434    BEAUTY OF HORROR COLORING BOOK VOL 05 HAUNT OF FAME (C: 0-1-    $16.99
FEB210466    SPACECRAFT SMITHSONIAN COLORING BOOK (C: 0-1-0)    $16.99
JUN210491    TMNT ONGOING #120 CVR A NISHIJIMA    $3.99
JUN210492    TMNT ONGOING #120 CVR B EASTMAN    $3.99
JUN210500    TRANSFORMERS BEAST WARS #7 CVR A OSSIO    $3.99
JUN210501    TRANSFORMERS BEAST WARS #7 CVR B PIRRIE    $3.99
JUN210497    TRANSFORMERS SHATTERED GLASS #1 (OF 5) CVR A MILNE    $3.99
JUN210498    TRANSFORMERS SHATTERED GLASS #1 (OF 5) CVR B KHANNA    $3.99
JUN210503    USAGI YOJIMBO DRAGON BELLOW CONSPIRACY #3 (OF 6)    $3.99