Comic Books, Magazines and Books from Diamond Distributors for March 22, 2023

COMICS & GRAPHIC NOVELS

JUN228981 2 POINT 5 DIMENSIONAL SEDUCTION GN VOL 05 (MR) $13.99

OCT222180 A CONDITION OF LOVE GN VOL 02 $10.99

DEC221872 ABANDONED EMPRESS GN VOL 04 (MR) $20.00

DEC221658 ADVENTURES OF CTHULHU JR AND FRIENDS TP $19.99

JAN232144 ALICE IN BORDERLAND GN VOL 05 $19.99

JUN229079 ANCIENT MAGUS BRIDE ALCHEMISTS BLUE GN VOL 06 $12.99

JAN231231 ARCHIE DECADES THE 1960S TP $11.99

JUN229005 ARIFURETA COMMONPLACE TO STRONGEST GN VOL 10 (MR) $12.99

JUN222360 ASSASSINS CREED DYNASTY GN VOL 05 $14.99

NOV221780 ATONEMENT BELL #3 (MR) $3.95

DEC221864 BANISHED FROM HERO PARTY QUIET COUNTRYSIDE GN VOL 04 $13.00

JAN231222 BATCAT GN VOL 01 $13.99

NOV221293 BATMAN #125 CVR A & D TURNER SET $59.99

JAN232145 BEAST COMPLEX GN VOL 02 $12.99

JAN232004 BELLE FROM BEYOND CVR A BRANDON PETERSON $5.99

JAN232005 BELLE FROM BEYOND CVR B IGOR VITORINO $5.99

JAN232006 BELLE FROM BEYOND CVR C JOHN ROYLE $5.99

JAN232007 BELLE FROM BEYOND CVR D IGNACIO NOE $5.99

JAN231538 BELLE OF THE BALL GN $17.99

JAN231539 BELLE OF THE BALL HC GN $24.99

JAN231871 BEN MORTARA AND THIEVES OF GOLDEN TABLE #1 (OF 4) $4.99

JAN231226 BRIGHT FAMILY GN  02 FAMILY VACATION $12.99

JAN231227 BRIGHT FAMILY HC GN VOL 02 FAMILY VACATION $21.99

DEC221849 CALL NAME OF NIGHT GN VOL 01 $13.00

JAN231960 CHANGELINGS #2 (OF 7) $3.99

JAN232153 CHILDREN OF WHALES GN VOL 21 $12.99

DEC221856 COFFEE MOON GN VOL 02 $13.00

JAN231855 COMICS FOR CHOICE ILLUS ABORTION STORIES 2ND ED (MR) $29.99

JAN232147 CRAZY FOOD TRUCK GN VOL 03 (MR) $12.99

FEB231200 CROSSED BADLANDS ART DECO BAG SET A (5CT) (MR) $19.99

FEB231201 CROSSED BADLANDS ART DECO BAG SET B (5CT) (MR) $19.99

FEB231202 CROSSED BADLANDS ART DECO BAG SET C (5CT) (MR) $19.99

FEB231203 CROSSED BADLANDS ART DECO BAG SET D (5CT) (MR) $19.99

FEB231204 CROSSED BADLANDS ART DECO BAG SET E (5CT) (MR) $19.99

FEB231205 CROSSED BADLANDS ART DECO BAG SET F (5CT) (MR) $19.99

JAN231874 CURSE OF CLEAVER COUNTY #1 (MR) $4.99

JAN231803 DARKLAND #4 (OF 4) $4.99

JAN231867 DEEP DARK #1 (OF 4) (MR) $4.99

FEB221309 DESTINY NY #13 (MR) $3.99

NOV221439 DF BATMAN SPAWN #1 CGC GRADED $92.27

SEP221554 DF DARK CRISIS GREEN LANTERN #1 JOHNSON SGN $39.99

JUN221491 DF DEADLY NEIGHBORHOOD SPIDERMAN #1 RAHZZAH SGN $29.99

JUN221492 DF DEADLY NEIGHBORHOOD SPIDERMAN #1 RAHZZAH SILVER SGN $62.00

DEC221293 DF FLASH #123 FACSIMILE CGC GRADED $99.99

DEC221279 DF INCREDIBLE HULK #1 FACSIMILE CGC GRADED $99.99

JUN221513 DF PREDATOR #1 RAHZZAH SGN $29.99

AUG222175 DO YOU LIKE BIG GIRLS GN VOL 06 (MR) $13.99

JAN231567 DOG MAN GN VOL 11 TWENTY THOUSAND FLEAS UNDER SEA $14.99

JAN231568 DOG MAN HC GN W DJ VOL 11 TWENTY THOUSAND FLEAS UNDER SEA (C $24.99

JAN231950 DOOR TO DOOR NIGHT BY NIGHT #4 CVR A CANTIRINO & CUNNIFFE $4.99

JAN231951 DOOR TO DOOR NIGHT BY NIGHT #4 CVR B HURTT $4.99

JUN228896 DOUGHNUTS UNDER CRESCENT MOON GN VOL 04 (MR) $13.99

JUN229001 DUKE OF DEATH & HIS MAID GN VOL 05 $12.99

JUN228930 ECCENTRIC DOCTOR OF MOON FLOWER KINGDOM GN VOL 01 $14.99

JAN231535 EPHEMERA HC $24.99

FEB231196 ESCAPE OF THE LIVING DEAD NIGHTMARES BAG SET (5CT) (MR) $19.99

JAN231866 ETHERES $4.99

NOV221276 EXCITING COMICS #32 $4.99

DEC221613 FALLEN #1 $3.95

APR228770 FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE TRACE OF TWO PASTS HC NOVEL $24.99

JAN231880 FIRSTBORNS #4 (OF 5) CVR A VASSALLO (MR) $3.99

JAN231881 FIRSTBORNS #4 (OF 5) CVR B VASSALLO (MR) $3.99

NOV221728 FRANK FRAZETTAS DAWN ATTACK #3 (OF 5) CVR A OLIVETTI $4.99

NOV221729 FRANK FRAZETTAS DAWN ATTACK #3 (OF 5) CVR B FRAZETTA $4.99

FEB231198 GARTH ENNIS 303 PLATINUM FOIL BAG SET (6CT) (MR) $19.99

DEC221868 GOBLIN SLAYER SIDE STORY II DAI KATANA GN VOL 04 (MR) $13.00

APR221244 GOLD DIGGER #296 $3.99

SEP228162 GUN HONEY BLOOD FOR BLOOD #3 (OF 4) 2ND PTG YOON COPIC (MR) $3.99

DEC221256 HARVEY KNIGHTS ODYSSEY GN $24.95

DEC221859 HIRANO & KAGIURA GN VOL 02 $13.00

JUN228900 HIS MAJESTY DEMON KINGS HOUSEKEEPER GN VOL 03 $13.99

DEC221534 HOSTAGE SLIPCASE HC VOL 01 $49.99

JAN238813 I DIDNT MEAN TO FALL IN LOVE GN (MR) $14.99

OCT222186 IN CLEAR MOONLIT DUSK GN VOL 03 $12.99

JAN231540 IN LIMBO GRAPHIC MEMOIR SC $17.99

DEC221860 IN THE LAND OF LEADALE GN VOL 03 $13.00

JAN232142 INSOMNIACS AFTER SCHOOL GN VOL 01 $12.99

JUN228984 ITS JUST NOT MY NIGHT FALLEN VAMPIRE QUEEN GN VOL 03 (MR) (C $13.99

DEC221865 IVE BEEN KILLING SLIMES 300 YEARS MAXED OUT GN VOL 10 $13.00

JAN232138 JUJUTSU KAISEN GN VOL 19 $9.99

JAN231961 KARA GUARDIAN OF REALMS #2 (OF 11) $3.99

DEC221869 KEPT PRESSING 100 MILLION YEAR BUTTON ON TOP GN VOL 02 (MR) $13.00

JAN231879 KINGDOM COME DELIVERANCE TP VOL 01 (MR) $16.99

DEC221853 KINIRO MOSAIC BEST WISHES GN $17.00

SEP221784 KNIGHTS OF THE DINNER TABLE #302 $6.99

JAN231669 KUNG FU LEGUME #5 (OF 5) $5.99

FEB231236 LADY DEATH AMORAL BAG SET (5CT) (MR) $19.99

FEB231237 LADY DEATH CRAVEN BAG SET (5CT) (MR) $19.99

FEB231235 LADY DEATH DARING BAG SET (5CT) (MR) $19.99

FEB231239 LADY DEATH DESTINY BAG SET (5CT) (MR) $19.99

JAN231430 LADY DEATH NECROTIC GENESIS #2 (OF 2) CVR A BERNARD STANDARD $5.99

JAN231431 LADY DEATH NECROTIC GENESIS #2 (OF 2) CVR B DEADLY THOUGHTS $5.99

JAN231432 LADY DEATH NECROTIC GENESIS #2 (OF 2) CVR C TUCCI PREMIUM FO $30.00

JAN231433 LADY DEATH NECROTIC GENESIS #2 (OF 2) CVR D NAUGHTY (MR) $40.00

FEB231240 LADY DEATH RIBALD BAG SET (5CT) (MR) $19.99

JAN231435 LADY DEATH TREACHEROUS INFAMY PREMIERE ED (MR) $25.00

FEB231238 LADY DEATH WANTON BAG SET (5CT) (MR) $19.99

DEC221873 LAST CRUSADE RISE NEW WORLD GN VOL 05 $13.00

JUN228995 LAZY DUNGEON MASTER GN VOL 03 $13.99

JAN231843 LITTLE GUARDIANS TP VOL 01 TRAIL BY SPIRIT FIRE $14.99

FEB231195 LIVING DEAD LEATHER BAG SET (3CT) (MR) $24.99

FEB231241 LOOKERS POV BAG SET (5CT) (MR) $19.99

DEC221874 LOVE OF KILL GN VOL 11 $13.00

JAN231677 MEESH THE BAD DEMON GN VOL 01 $13.99

JAN231678 MEESH THE BAD DEMON HC GN VOL 01 $21.99

JAN232146 MOBILE SUIT GUNDAM THUNDERBOLT GN VOL 19 $14.99

DEC221867 MONSTABOO GN VOL 03 (MR) $13.00

DEC221576 MONSTERS METAL BLOODY VALENTINE ONE SHOT CVR A CHRISTENSEN $6.66

JAN231084 MORIARTY CLOCKWORK EMPIRE #2 CVR A CARANFA (MR) $4.99

JAN231085 MORIARTY CLOCKWORK EMPIRE #2 CVR B SUBIC (MR) $4.99

JAN231086 MORIARTY CLOCKWORK EMPIRE #2 CVR C VAUGHAN (MR) $4.99

NOV221374 MOTHER 47 ONE SHOT CVR A MEATH $8.99

NOV221375 MOTHER 47 ONE SHOT CVR B HOWARD $8.99

NOV221376 MOTHER 47 ONE SHOT CVR C MEATH $8.99

JAN238367 MR EASTA #2 2ND PRINTING $4.99

DEC221809 MR MINI MART GN (NEW PTG) $14.95

JUN228997 MY REPAIR SKILL BECAME A VERSATILE CHEAT GN VOL 03 $12.99

FEB231194 NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD ROTTING BAG SET (5CT) (MR) $19.99

JAN231864 NIGHTWALKERS #3 (OF 5) CVR A BOCARDO (MR) $3.99

JAN231865 NIGHTWALKERS #3 (OF 5) CVR B BOCARDO (MR) $3.99

OCT221386 NINJA HIGH SCHOOL #186 $4.99

SEP222242 NORAGAMI OMNIBUS GN VOL 04 $19.99

JAN232149 OROCHI PERFECT ED GN VOL 04 (MR) $26.99

DEC221850 OTHERWORLDER EXPLORING DUNGEON GN VOL 01 $13.00

JAN231764 PACEY PACKER GN VOL 01 UNICORN TRACKER $7.99

JAN231765 PACEY PACKER UNICORN TRACKER GN VOL 04 DRAGON RIDER $7.99

DEC221792 PHOENIX FILES #2 (OF 3) CVR A DREW EDWARD JOHNSON $5.99

DEC221793 PHOENIX FILES #2 (OF 3) CVR B IGOR VITORINO $5.99

DEC221794 PHOENIX FILES #2 (OF 3) CVR C ABBONDANZA $5.99

DEC221795 PHOENIX FILES #2 (OF 3) CVR D ANTHONY SPAY $5.99

DEC221875 PLEASE PUT THEM ON TAKAMINE-SAN GN VOL 05 (MR) $13.00

JAN231389 POP UP #1 (OF 4) $4.99

JAN231229 POPS CHOCKLIT SHOPPE OF HORRORS ONESHOT CVR A GORHAM $3.99

JAN231230 POPS CHOCKLIT SHOPPE OF HORRORS ONESHOT CVR B FRANCAVILLA $3.99

JAN231889 POPSCARS #1 (OF 6) CVR A (MR) $3.99

JAN231890 POPSCARS #1 (OF 6) CVR B (MR) $3.99

JAN231891 POPSCARS #1 (OF 6) CVR C (MR) $3.99

JAN231893 POPSCARS #1 (OF 6) CVR E 2000 LTD ED (MR) $3.99

JUN228935 PULSE GN VOL 03 $19.99

DEC221729 QUESTS ASIDE TP VOL 01 $17.99

FEB231242 RAVENING BLOODY BAG SET (5CT) (MR) $19.99

DEC221890 REMARRIED EMPRESS GN VOL 02 $20.00

DEC221871 REZERO FROZEN BOND GN VOL 03 (MR) $13.00

JAN231722 RICK AND MORTY VS CTHULHU #4 CVR A LITTLE $3.99

JAN231723 RICK AND MORTY VS CTHULHU #4 CVR B CANNON $3.99

JAN231724 RICK AND MORTY VS CTHULHU #4 CVR C LEE $3.99

JAN238369 ROAD TRIP TO HELL #1 2ND PTG $4.99

JAN231543 SCIENCE COMICS PERIODIC TABLE OF ELEMENTS HC GN $21.99

JAN231542 SCIENCE COMICS PERIODIC TABLE OF ELEMENTS SC GN $12.99

NOV221378 SERENO #1 CVR B MANSO $5.99

NOV221379 SERENO #1 CVR C VECCHIO $5.99

NOV222127 SEVEN DEADLY SINS OMNIBUS GN VOL 09 (RES) $19.99

NOV221922 SHADOW SERVICE TP VOL 03 $17.99

DEC221863 SHADOWS HOUSE GN VOL 03 $13.00

DEC221644 SHE BITES TP VOL 01 $14.99

DEC221862 SHE LOVES TO COOK & SHE LOVES TO EAT GN VOL 02 (MR) $15.00

DEC221858 SHY GN VOL 02 $13.00

DEC228689 SKULL DRAGONS PRECIOUS DAUGHTER GN VOL 01 $13.99

DEC221866 SO WHATS WRONG GETTING REBORN AS A GOBLIN GN VOL 02 $13.00

DEC221892 SOLO LEVELING GN VOL 06 (MR) $20.00

DEC221129 SPECTREMAN HEROES #5 (OF 5) CVR A SPECTREMAN $4.99

DEC221130 SPECTREMAN HEROES #5 (OF 5) CVR B SPECTREMAN ZORNOW $9.99

JAN232140 SPY X FAMILY GN VOL 09 $9.99

OCT221482 STEALING OZ #4 (OF 4) $5.99

FEB231199 STREETS OF GLORY PLATINUM FOIL BAG SET (6CT) (MR) $19.99

DEC221857 STUDIO APT GOOD LIGHTING ANGEL INCLUDED GN VOL 02 (MR) $13.00

JAN231526 T*TS & CL*TS 1972-1987 HC (MR) $59.99

NOV221368 TAROT WITCH OF THE BLACK ROSE #66 CLASSIC BUNDLE (MR) $15.00

FEB231246 THRESHOLD ALLURE LUSCIOUS BAG SET (4CT) (MR) $19.99

FEB231243 THRESHOLD ALLURE PANDORA BAG SET (4CT) (MR) $19.99

FEB231249 THRESHOLD PANDORA HUNTREESS BAG SET (4CT) (MR) $19.99

FEB231247 THRESHOLD PANDORA MYTHIC BAG SET (4CT) (MR) $19.99

DEC221891 TOMB RAIDER KING GN VOL 02 $20.00

DEC221854 TOURING AFTER THE APOCALYPSE GN VOL 02 $13.00

JAN231275 TOWER #2 (OF 5) CVR A MKIZE & DALHOUSE $4.99

JAN231544 TRAVIS DAVENTHORPE FOR THE WIN GN VOL 01 $13.99

JUN228999 TUNNEL TO SUMMER EXIT OF GOODBYES ULTRAMARINE GN VOL 03 $12.99

FEB231197 UBER TERRORS BAG SET (5CT) (MR) $19.99

FEB231248 UNHOLY GYPSY GOLD FOIL BAG SET (3CT) (MR) $14.99

OCT222194 UQ HOLDER GN VOL 28 (MR) $10.99

DEC221852 VILLAINESS STANS HEROES ANTANGONIST SUPPORT GN VOL 01 $13.00

JAN231530 WALT DISNEY MICKEY & DONALD DOORBELL TOLLS & OTHER TALES HC $29.99

JAN231763 WAR PARTY #3 (OF 7) (MR) $3.99

JAN231820 WE WICKED ONES #1 CVR A DAVID MACK $4.99

FEB231244 WEBWITCH TIM VIGIL BAG SET (5CT) (MR) $19.99

NOV221920 WEST OF SUNDOWN TP VOL 01 $17.99

JAN238581 WHY YOULL NEVER FIND THE ONE & WHY IT DOESNT MATTER SC $19.95

DEC221870 WRONG TO PICK UP GIRLS IN DUNGEON II GN VOL 03 (MR) $13.00

JAN231923 X-O MANOWAR UNCONQUERED #1 CVR A SHARP (RES) (MR) $3.99

JAN231924 X-O MANOWAR UNCONQUERED #1 CVR B MALAVIA (RES) (MR) $3.99

JAN231925 X-O MANOWAR UNCONQUERED #1 CVR C STAEHLE (RES) (MR) $3.99

JAN231927 X-O MANOWAR UNCONQUERED #1 CVR E BLANK VAR (RES) (MR) $3.99

DEC221876 YOWAMUSHI PEDAL GN VOL 22 $24.00

JAN231868 ZOMBICIDE DAY ONE #3 (OF 4) CVR A BABICH & MOUTRAN (MR) $3.99

JAN231869 ZOMBICIDE DAY ONE #3 (OF 4) CVR B CROSA (MR) $3.99

MAGAZINES

JAN231440 COMIC SHOP NEWS (100CT BUNDLE) #1857 $PI

FEB231530 NIB WINTER 2023 $14.95

JAN231907 TOYCOLLECTR MAGAZINE #4 (MR) $14.99

BOOKS

DEC221880 AFTER REJECTED & HIGH SCHOOL RUNAWAY NOVEL SC VOL 03 $15.00

JAN231657 ALICE IN WONDERLAND OFFICIAL COOKBOOK $27.99

DEC221886 BANISHED HEROES PARTY QUIET LIFE COUNTRYSIDE NOVEL SC VOL 08 $15.00

JUL229237 CHOCOBO & AIRSHIP A FINAL FANTASY BOOK HC $17.99

DEC221882 EXECUTIONER & HER WAY OF LIFE NOVEL SC VOL 06 $15.00

DEC221877 HOLLOW REGALIA LIGHT NOVEL SC VOL 01 $15.00

JAN231573 IN EVERY GENERATION A SLAYER IS BORN SC $19.99

DEC221878 ISHURA LIGHT NOVEL VOL 03 (MR) $15.00

DEC221535 KOLCHAK NOSEFERATU PROSE NOVEL SC $9.99

FEB231217 KWAIDAN COLLECTION HC $100.00

DEC221884 LAST CRUSADE RISE NEW WORLD LIGHT NOVEL SC VOL 11 $15.00

JAN231091 LIFE IS STRANGE STEPHS STORY SC NOVEL $15.95

JAN231155 MARVEL HEROINES NOVEL SC SILVER SABLE PAYBACK $16.95

JAN231145 MARVEL VALUE STAMPS VISUAL HISTORY HC (RES) $29.99

JUN228987 MUSHOKU TENSEI JOBLESS REINCARNATION LIGHT NOVEL VOL 21 (MR) $13.99

DEC221888 OVERLORD LIGHT NOVEL HC VOL 15 (MR) $20.00

DEC221883 RASCAL DOES NOT DREAM OF A LOST SINGER LIGHT NOVEL SC $15.00

DEC221885 RE ZERO SLIAW LIGHT NOVEL SC VOL 21 $15.00

JAN231274 RINGMASTER VINCE MCMAHON & UNMAKING OF AMERICA $29.99

DEC221879 SILENT WITCH LIGHT NOVEL SC VOL 03 $15.00

NOV222069 SOLO LEVELING LIGHT NOVEL SC VOL 07 $15.00

JAN231793 STAR WARS SUPER COLLECTORS WISH BOOK VOL 02 TOYS 1977-2022 ( $39.99

JAN231792 STAR WARS SUPER COLLECTORS WISH BOOK VOL 03 COLL 2011-22 $39.99

DEC221889 SWORD ART ONLINE NOVEL SC VOL 26 $15.00

JAN231959 TACOS TODAY EL TORO & FRIENDS HC $12.99

JUN228988 THOUGH I AM AN INEPT VILLAINESS L NOVEL VOL 03 $14.99

JUN228520 VIVY PROTOTYPE L NOVEL VOL 03 $14.99

DEC221887 WANDERING WITCH JOURNEY ELAINA LIGHT NOVEL SC VOL 10 $15.00

-------------------

DC Comics Shipping from Lunar Distributors for March 21, 2023

DC COMICS:

Batman And The Joker The Deadly Duo #4 (Of 7)(2nd Printing Cover A Marc Silvestri), $4.99

Batman One Bad Day Ra’s al Ghul #1 (One Shot)(Cover A Ivan Reis & Danny Miki), $7.99

Batman One Bad Day Ra’s al Ghul #1 (One Shot)(Cover B Jim Lee Scott Williams & Alex Sinclair), $7.99

Batman One Bad Day Ra’s al Ghul #1 (One Shot)(Cover C Bill Sienkiewicz), AR

Batman One Bad Day Ra’s al Ghul #1 (One Shot)(Cover D Bruno Redondo), AR

Batman One Bad Day Ra’s al Ghul #1 (One Shot)(Cover E Brian Bolland), AR

Batman One Bad Day Ra’s al Ghul #1 (One Shot)(Cover F Giuseppe Camuncoli & Arif Prianto Premium Variant), AR

Batman One Bad Day Ra’s al Ghul #1 (One Shot)(Cover G Giuseppe Camuncoli & Arif Prianto Premium Lineup Variant), AR

Batman Superman World’s Finest #13 (Cover A Dan Mora), $3.99

Batman Superman World’s Finest #13 (Cover B Christian Ward Card Stock Variant), $4.99

Batman Superman World’s Finest #13 (Cover C Jesus Merino & Adriano Lucas Shazam Fury Of The Gods Movie Card Stock Variant), $4.99

Batman Superman World’s Finest #13 (Cover D Fico Ossio Card Stock Variant), AR

Batman Superman World’s Finest #13 (Cover E Baldemar Rivas Card Stock Variant), AR

Black Adam #9 (Of 12)(Cover A Irvin Rodriguez), $3.99

Black Adam #9 (Of 12)(Cover B Tiago Da Silva Card Stock Variant), $4.99

Black Adam #9 (Of 12)(Cover C John Giang Card Stock Variant), $4.99

Black Adam #9 (Of 12)(Cover D Ibrahim Moustafa Card Stock Variant), AR

Catwoman #53 (Cover A David Nakayama), $3.99

Catwoman #53 (Cover B Sergio Acuna Card Stock Variant), $4.99

Catwoman #53 (Cover C Sweeney Boo Card Stock Variant), $4.99

Catwoman #53 (Cover D Rian Gonzales Card Stock Variant), AR

Catwoman #53 (Cover E Sweeney Boo Foil Variant), AR

Catwoman #53 (Cover F Qistina Khalidah International Women’s Day Card Stock Variant), AR

DCeased War Of The Undead Gods #7 (Of 8)(Cover A Howard Porter), $3.99

DCeased War Of The Undead Gods #7 (Of 8)(Cover B Ben Oliver Homage Card Stock Variant), $4.99

DCeased War Of The Undead Gods #7 (Of 8)(Cover C Kael Ngu Acetate Card Stock Variant), $4.99

DCeased War Of The Undead Gods #7 (Of 8)(Cover D Francesco Mattina Card Stock Variant), AR

DCeased War Of The Undead Gods #7 (Of 8)(Cover E Sun Khamunaki Card Stock Variant), AR

DC’s Legion Of Bloom #1 (One Shot)(Cover A Juan Gedeon), $9.99

DC’s Legion Of Bloom #1 (One Shot)(Cover B Derrick Chew), $9.99

DC’s Legion Of Bloom #1 (One Shot)(Cover C Mike Perkins), $9.99

DC’s Legion Of Bloom #1 (One Shot)(Cover D Vasco Georgiev), AR

Flash #795 (Cover A Taurin Clarke)(One-Minute War), $3.99

Flash #795 (Cover B David Nakayama Card Stock Variant)(One-Minute War), $4.99

Flash #795 (Cover C Marco Dalfonso Card Stock Variant)(One-Minute War), $4.99

Flash #795 (Cover D Eleonora Carlini Card Stock Variant)(One-Minute War), AR

Flash #795 (Cover E Taurin Clarke Foil Variant)(One-Minute War), AR

G.C.P.D. The Blue Wall #6 (Of 6)(Cover A Reiko Murakami), $3.99

G.C.P.D. The Blue Wall #6 (Of 6)(Cover B Francesco Francavilla Card Stock Variant), $4.99

Harley Quinn The Animated Series Legion Of Bats #6 (Of 6)(Cover A Yoshi Yoshitani), $3.99

Harley Quinn The Animated Series Legion Of Bats #6 (Of 6)(Cover B Dan Hipp Card Stock Variant), $4.99

Harley Quinn The Animated Series Legion Of Bats #6 (Of 6)(Cover C Dominike Domo Stanton Card Stock Variant), AR

Harley Quinn Volume 3 Verdict HC (2021), $24.99

Lazarus Planet Next Evolution #1 (One Shot)(2nd Printing Cover A David Marquez), $4.99

Milestone 30th Anniversary Special #1 (One Shot)(Cover A Denys Cowan), $9.99

Milestone 30th Anniversary Special #1 (One Shot)(Cover B Nikolas Draper-Ivey), $9.99

Milestone 30th Anniversary Special #1 (One Shot)(Cover C Christopher Jones), $9.99

Milestone 30th Anniversary Special #1 (One Shot)(Cover D Scott Jeralds), $9.99

Milestone 30th Anniversary Special #1 (One Shot)(Cover E Bill Sienkiewicz), AR

Milestone 30th Anniversary Special #1 (One Shot)(Cover F Nikolas Draper-Ivey Foil Variant), AR

Multiversity Teen Justice TP, $16.99

Nightwing #102 (Cover A Bruno Redondo), $4.99

Nightwing #102 (Cover B Travis Moore Card Stock Variant), $5.99

Nightwing #102 (Cover C Jamal Campbell Card Stock Variant), $5.99

Nightwing #102 (Cover D Vasco Georgiev Card Stock Variant), AR

Power Girl Power Trip TP, $39.99

Robin Volume 3 Secrets And Shadows TP, $19.99

Superman #2 (Cover A Jamal Campbell), $4.99

Superman #2 (Cover B Tony S Daniel Card Stock Variant), $5.99

Superman #2 (Cover C Gabriel Rodriguez Card Stock Variant), $5.99

Superman #2 (Cover D Jonboy Meyers Card Stock Variant, $5.99

Superman #2 (Cover E Nathan Szerdy Card Stock Variant), $5.99

Superman #2 (Cover F Juanjo Lopez Card Stock Variant), AR

Superman #2 (Cover G Rahzzah Card Stock Variant), AR

Superman #2 (Cover H Jamal Campbell Foil Variant), AR

Superman #2 (Cover I Jamal Campbell Design Card Stock Variant), AR

Swamp Thing Green Hell #3 (Of 3)(Cover A Doug Mahnke), $6.99

Swamp Thing Green Hell #3 (Of 3)(Cover B Christian Ward), $6.99

Swamp Thing Green Hell #3 (Of 3)(Cover C Travel Foreman), AR

Wonder Woman #797 (Cover A Yanick Paquette)(Revenge Of The Gods), $4.99

Wonder Woman #797 (Cover B Babs Tarr Card Stock Variant)(Revenge Of The Gods), $5.99

Wonder Woman #797 (Cover C Joelle Jones Card Stock Variant)(Revenge Of The Gods), $5.99

Wonder Woman #797 (Cover D Pop Mhan Shazam Fury Of The Gods Movie Card Stock Variant)(Revenge Of The Gods), $5.99

Wonder Woman #797 (Cover E Zu Orzu Card Stock Variant)(Revenge Of The Gods), AR

Wonder Woman #797 (Cover F Yanick Paquette Foil Variant)(Revenge Of The Gods), AR

Wonder Woman #797 (Cover G Jasmin Darnell International Women’s Day Card Stock Variant)(Revenge Of The Gods), AR

--------------------------

Review: What's Love Got to Do With It" - The First Time the Oscars Screwed Angela Bassett

TRASH IN MY EYE No. 13 of 2023 (No. 1902) by Leroy Douresseaux

What's Love Got to Do With It (1993)

Running time:  118 minutes (1 hour, 58 minutes)

MPAA – R for domestic violence, strong language, drug use and some sexuality

DIRECTOR:  Brian Gibson

WRITER:  Kate Lanier (based on the book, I, Tina, by Tina Turner and Kurt Loder)

PRODUCERS:  Doug Chapin, Barry Krost, and Kate Lanier

CINEMATOGRAPHER:  Jamie Anderson

EDITOR:  Stuart Pappé

COMPOSER:  Stanley Clarke

Academy Award nominee

BIOPIC/DRAMA/MUSIC

Starring:  Angela Bassett, Laurence Fishburne, Jenifer Lewis, Chi McBride, Vanessa Bell Calloway, Phyllis Yvonne Stickney, Pamela Tyson, Khandi Alexander, Penny Johnson, Richard T. Jones, James Reyne, and RaéVen Kelly

What's Love Got to Do with It is a 1993 biopic and music film directed by Brian Gibson.  It is an adaptation of the 1986 autobiography, I, Tina, by Tina Turner and Kurt Loder and is also based on the life of American music icon and Grammy Award-winning recording artist, Tina Turner.

The film takes its name from Tina's 1984 hit single, “What's Love Got to Do with It,” which was a Billboard magazine “Hot 100” #1 single.  What's Love Got to Do With It the movie is a fictional depiction of Tina's professional and personal life with her former husband, the late Ike Turner (1931-2007), who was a musician, bandleader, record producer, singer-songwriter and Grammy Award winner.  The film follows Tina Turner's life from her upbringing in rural Tennessee (early 1950s), through her rise to music stardom and her abusive marriage to Ike Turner (1960s-70s), and finally, to her career revival as a solo artist (early to mid 1980s).

What's Love Got to Do with It introduces Anna Mae Bullock (Angela Bassett).  In 1958, she moves to St. Louis where she reunites with her elder sister, Alline Bullock (Phyllis Yvonne Stickney), and her mother, Zelma Bullock (Jenifer Lewis). Not long after her arrival, Anna is taken by Alline to a nightclub at East St. Louis where she sees a performance by “Ike Turner and the Kings of Rhythm.”  Ike Turner (Laurence Fishburne) is a charismatic bandleader, and Anna, who likes to sing, wishes she could perform with his wild band, the Kings of Rhythm.

When she finally gets a chance to perform onstage with Ike and his band, Anna impresses him with her singing and her exuberant stage presence.  Ike offers to mentor Anna and to produce her music, and he gives her the stage name “Tina Turner.”  In time, Ike and Anna develop a close relationship and eventually marry.  The musical act, “Ike & Tina Turner” (the “Ike & Tina Turner Revue” when performing live) become stars, but Ike has a dark side.  He is addicted to narcotics and is violent and abusive.  And Tina feels the brunt of his physical abuse.  Will Anna/Tina find the courage to break away from him and forge her own career path?

Until recently, I had never watched What's Love Got to Do with It in its entirety.  I decided to watch it in anticipation of Angela Bassett hopefully winning the “Best Supporting Actress” Oscar at the recent 95th Academy Awards (March 12, 2023) for her performance as “Queen Ramonda” in Disney/Marvel Studios' hit film, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.  Unfortunately, Bassett did not win, nor did she win the “Best Actress” Oscar for which she was nominated 29 years ago for her performance in What's Love Got to Do with It?

The shame of it is that in the case of What's Love Got to Do with It, it is Bassett's performance, along with Laurence Fishburne's, that carries this film.  Quality wise and in terms of production and execution, What's Love Got to Do with It is a theatrical film that plays like a television movies.  Had What's Love Got to Do with It been a TV movie it would have been a much-talked about “television event,” but the end result would have been an elevated melodrama.

The film's direction, by the late Brian Gibson (1944-2004), emphasizes spousal abuse as style over the substance of plot and character.  The screenplay, written by Kate Lanier (who is also one of the film's producers), suffers from what plagues many biographical films and celebrity biopics.  That is the problem with time.  Rather than focus on a specific and pivotal moment in time, What's Love Got to Do with It, like other biopics, covers multiple decades.  By my estimation, the film covers roughly 1950 to 1983.  The first depiction of Ike abusing Tina is about 55 minutes into the movie, but one of the supporting characters states that this particular incident isn't the first time Ike has hit Tina.  So basically, the film skips over key early moments in Ike and Tina's tumultuous relationship.  [Both Tina and Ike apparently were not happy with the accuracy of this film.]

What's Love Got to Do with It is elevated because of the performances by both Bassett and Fishburne, as well as those of the supporting cast.  Jenifer Lewis proves once again why she is a national film treasure as Anna's mother, Zelma.  The shamefully underrated and underutilized Vanessa Bell Calloway shines in important and key moments of this film.  Laurence Fishburne does more than just make Ike Turner a monster.  He deftly conveys Ike's bitterness and resentment and especially his sense that he has never really gotten what he deserves in terms of financial success, record sales, and industry credit for what he contributed to both the art and business of popular music.

The treasure in What's Love Got to Do with It is, of course, Angela Bassett.  The real-life Tina Turner's voice was dubbed into this movie for the scenes in which Bassett's Turner has to sing.  Still, Bassett offers a richly crafted fictional version of Anna Mae Bullock/Tina Turner.  Her emotions resonate, and her joy and happiness, love and pride, and fear and sorrow come across as genuine.  In this film's quiet, reflective moments, Bassett seems as if she is really thinking Tina's thoughts.  That alone should have earned Bassett an Oscar win back on March 21, 1994 at the 66th Academy Awards.  What should have made Bassett a shoo-in is the physicality of her performance and the way she transformed her body for the role.  It's all superb:  the dancing, posing, and movement on stage; how she mimics the real Tina Turner's facial expressions on stage and when she sings; and the way Bassett carries herself and moves through the trials and tribulations of her life offstage as Ike Turner's wife.

Let's be honest; What's Love Got to Do with It would work better as a TV miniseries.  Let's be real; if Angela Bassett were a white actress, she would have won an Oscar already, probably for What' s Love Got to Do with It.  Not having an Oscar does not change the fact that Bassett has been one of the most versatile and charismatic actors of the large and small screen.  Bassett has also given commanding performances and has been a dominating presence in a number of supporting and small roles in popular films released over the better part of the last four decades.  Although Bassett has not received her Oscar crown, her performance in What's Love Got to Do with It remains her crowning achievement … in a career that should have had more of them since then.

7 of 10

B+

★★★½ out of 4 stars

Sunday, March 19, 2023

NOTES:

1994 Academy Awards, USA:  2 nominations:  “Best Actor in a Leading Role” (Laurence Fishburne) and “Best Actress in a Leading Role” (Angela Bassett)

1994 Golden Globes, USA:  1 win: “Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture - Comedy or Musical” (Angela Bassett)

1995 Image Awards (NAACP): 1 win: “Outstanding Lead Actress in a Motion Picture” (Angela Bassett); 3 nominations: “Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture” (Laurence Fishburne), “Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture” (Jenifer Lewis), and “Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture” (Vanessa Bell Calloway)

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Comics Review: "THE BATMAN & SCOOBY-DOO MYSTERIES #4" is Purr-Fectly Haunted

THE BATMAN & SCOOBY-DOO MYSTERIES (2022) #4

DC COMICS

STORY: Amanda Deibert

ART: Scott Jeralds

COLORS: Carrie Strachan

LETTERS: Saida Temofonte

EDITOR: Kristy Quinn

COVER: Scott Jeralds with Carrie Strachan

32pp, Color, $2.99 U.S. (March 2023)

Ages 8+

Batman created by Bob Kane with Bill Finger

“Gold/Fish”

The Batman & Scooby-Doo Mysteries was a 12-issue comic book limited series that DC Comics published in 2021 and 2022.  The series brought the characters from both the Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? and Batman comic book series together.  Over the past five decades, Scooby-Doo and friends have joined Batman and (often) Robin to solve mysteries in various animated television series and comic books.

The Batman & Scooby-Doo Mysteries sold well enough that DC Comics began a second series in October 2022.  The Batman & Scooby-Doo Mysteries #4 (“Gold/Fish”) is written by Amanda Deibert; drawn by Scott Jeralds; colored Carrie Strachan; and lettered by Saida Temofonte.

The Batman & Scooby-Doo Mysteries #4 (“Gold/Fish”) opens in Beach City, which his apparently a resort locale near Gotham City.  Inside a well-appointed beach house, widow Dottie Richards is about to get the scare of her life – from her vengeful ghost of her late husband, Roger.  Luckily, it's Batman to the rescue!

The Dark Knight has been investigating a series of ghostly apparitions in Gotham City, and he asks Mystery Inc. to check out the sightings in Beach City while he continues his investigations in Gotham.  Velma suspects that the hauntings are related to a psychic named Madame Clara Voyante.  When Velma finds herself being haunted, Mystery Inc. discovers that they may have more ghosts on their hands than they can possibly handle.  And is Batman facing a familiar foe from his rogues gallery?

THE LOWDOWN:  As a child, the most important characters in my life were Batman and Robin and Scooby-Doo and company.  I am still excited about the worlds of Batman and Scooby-Doo coming together.  Obviously, The Batman & Scooby-Doo Mysteries is one of those comic book series that is perfectly made for me.

The Batman & Scooby-Doo Mysteries #4 is written by television writer and recent comic book scribe, Amanda Deibert.  She is currently writing Dynamite Entertainment's delightful Darkwing Duck comic book series.  “Gold/Fish” is entertaining because of the offbeat sensibilities Deibert brings to the story, especially the odd collection of spirits haunting various characters.  It seems that anyone with a connection to a deceased person – intimated or tenuous – can be haunted in the strangest ways.  The story also presents a more personal side of Velma, which makes “Gold/Fish” seem like more than just another episode of this series.

Scott Jeralds is one of my favorite Scooby-Doo comic book artists, and he makes this story bouncy with true-blue Scooby-Doo energy.  This story hops around and is happy; it reads like a classic, good-times, kid comic book.  Carrie Strachan's colors light up this story, as well as capture the delights of the classic blue-gray Batman costume.  Do you need more classic vibes?  There is Saida Temofonte pitch-perfect lettering.

So, until next Bat-time, have a Scooby-Dooby-Doo day, dear readers.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of the union of the worlds of Batman and Scooby-Doo will want The Batman & Scooby-Doo Mysteries.

[This comic book includes a seven-page preview of the DC Comics original graphic novel, “Deadman Tells the Spooky Tales” by Franco and various artists.]

A

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

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Negromancer News Bits and Bites from March 12th to 18th, 2023 - Update #10

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

You can support Leroy via Paypal or on Patreon:

ENTERTAINMENT AND CULTURE NEWS:

TV/SCANDAL - From Deadline:  Actor Ingo Rademacher says that ABC fired him from "General Hospital" because he likes Donald Trump.  His lawsuit against the network faces a March 30th summary judgment hearing.

MOVIES - From Deadline:  16 years after the union on the crime drama, American Gangster, star Denzel Washington and director Ridley Scott are reuniting for a sequel to Scott's Oscar-winning flick, "Gladiator" (2000).  Recent Oscar-nominee, Paul Mescal, will star opposite Washington.

MOVIES - From Deadline:  Director Nancy Meyers' next film, a pricey romantic comedy, was dropped by Netflix, reportedly over its budget. Warner Bros is in talks to pick up the film.

MOVIES - From THR:  Sources say Oscar-nominated director and Oscar-winning screenwriter, Quentin Tarantino, has written a script entitled, "The Movie Critic," and that he will begin directing it this Fall with a female lead.

DISNEY - From Deadline:  The Disney+ series, "Willow," a sequel to the 1988 fantasy film of the same name, will not get a second season.

BOX OFFICE - From BoxOfficePro:  The winner of the 3/10 to 3/12/2023 weekend box office is Paramount Pictures' "Scream IV" with an estimated take of 44.5 million dollars.

MOVIES - From Variety:  Actress Jenna Ortega is in talks to star in director Tim Burton's "Beetlejuice 2." Orgeta headlines' Burton's "Wednesday" series for Netflix.

OBITS:

From Deadline:  The actor, Lance Reddick, has died at the age of 60, Friday, March 17, 2023.  Reddick was best known for his work in HBO'S "The Wire" (2002-08), Fox's "Fringe" (2008-13), and Amazon's "Bosch" (2014-20).  In film, he was best known for the role of "Charon" in the "John Wick" film franchise.

From Deadline:  The author and novelist, John Jakes, has died at the age of 90, Saturday, March 11, 2023.  Jakes was best known for his book series, the "North and South" trilogy: "North and South" (1982), "Love and War" (1984), and "Heaven and Hell" (1984).  All three books were adapted into television miniseries for ABC.  Jakes was also known for the eight book series, "The Kent Family Chronicles," the first three of which were adapted into TV movies.

OSCARS:

From Deadline:   In a heartwarming image, "Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom" stars Harrison Ford and newly-minted Oscar winner Ke Huy Quan reunited again on stage at the 95th Academy Awards at the culmination of the ceremony when Ford presented the "Best Picture" award to "Everything Everywhere All At Once," in which Quan starred.

From Variety:  Ruth E. Carter has won the Oscar for "Best Costume Design" for "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever" at the 95th Academy Awards. That makes her the FIRST black woman to win two Oscars. She also won "Best Costume Design" for her work on "Black Panther."

From EW:  EW.com interviews four anonymous assholes who also happen to be Oscars voters about their "brutally honest ballots" - how and why they made the choices they did.  What they say reflects why the Oscar have always been overrated and why they are becoming trashier.

From Oscar:  The nominations for the 2023 / 95th Academy Awards have been announced.  The winners will be announced Sunday, March 12, 2023.

AWARDS:

From THR:  The winners at the 2023 Writers Guild Awards have been announced.  "Everything Everywhere All at Once" (original screenplay) and "Women Talking" (adapted screenplay) were the top winners.

From Deadline:  The winners at the 2023 / 38th Film Independent Spirit Awards have been announced.  "Everything Everywhere All at Once" won six trophies, including "Best Feature."

From Deadline:  The winners at the 2023 / 29th annual Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards have been announced.  "Everything Everywhere All at Once" wins the big prize, "Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture," one of four awards the film won.

From Deadline:  The winners at the 2023 / 34th annual Producers Guild Awards have been announced.  "Everything Everywhere All at Once" wins the top prize, "Darryl F. Zanuck Award for Outstanding  Producer of Theatrical Motion Pictures."

From Deadline:  At the 2023 / 50th annual Annie Awards (for animated productions), "Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio" wins the "Best Feature" award, one of its four wins.  "Best Indie Feature" goes to "Marcel the Shell with Shoes On."

From Variety:  The winners of the 2023 EE BAFTA Film Awards have been announced.  The French film, "All Quiet on the Western Front" wins a record seven awards including "Best Film."  "The Banshees of Inisherin" won four, including "Best British Film."

From Deadline:  The winners of the 75th annual Directors Guild Awards have been announced.  The top honor, "Outstanding Directorial Achievment in a Theatrical Feature Film," went to Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert for "Everything Everywhere All at Once."

From Deadline:   The winners at the 2023 / 21st annual VES Awards, handed out by the Visual Effects Society, have been announced.  "Avatar: The Way of Water" topped the night with 9 wins.

From Deadline:  "Top Gun: Maverick" wins "Best Picture" at the "AARP Movies for Grownups Awards" held Saturday night in Beverly Hills.

From Variety:  The nominations for the 2023 Writers Guild Awards have been announced.  Winners will be announced Sunday, March 5, 2023.

From Variety:  The nominations for the 2023 EE BAFTA Awards have been announced. The Netflix World War I drama, "All Quiet on the Western Front," leads with 14 nominations.  The winners will be announced Sunday, February 19, 2023.

From Deadline:  The winners were announced at the 2023 / 28th annual Critics Choice Awards.  "Everything Everywhere All at Once" was named "Best Picture."

From Deadline:  The nominees for the 2023 / 34th Producers Guild of America Awards have been announced in both film and TV categories.  The winners will be announced Sat. Feb. 25th, 2023.

From Deadline:  The nominations for the 2023 / 29th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards have been announced.  The winners will be announced Sun., Feb. 26th, 2023.

From Deadline:  The National Society of Film Critics has named "Tar" its "Best Picture" of 2023 and its star, Cate Blanchette, as "Best Actress."

From Deadline:  The nominations for the 2023 / 23rd Annual Black Reel Awards have been announced.  "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever" and "The Woman King" have tied for the lead in nominations with 14 apiece.  The winners will be announced February 6, 2023.

From Deadline:  The Black Film Critics Circle named "The Woman King" the "Best Film" of 2022.

From Deadline:  The winners of the 2022 Los Angeles Film Critics Association (LAFCA) Awards have been announced.  "Everything Everywhere All at Once" and "Tar" tie for "Best Picture" award.

From Deadline:  The nominations for the 2023 / 80th annual Golden Globes Awards were announced today (Mon., Dec. 12th).  "The Banshees of Inisherin" led the film field with eight nominations. ABC's "Abbot Elementary" lead the TV side with five nominations.  The winners will be announced January 10, 2023.

From Deadline:  The American Film Institute (AFI) has named its "AFI Awards Film" list of "Top 10 Films of 2022."  The list includes "Avatar: The Way of Water," "Top Gun: Maverick," and "The Woman King."

From THR:  The African-American Film Critics Association name "The Woman King" the "Best Film of 2022."

From Deadline:  The nominations for the "2023 Critics Choice Awards" in the television categories have been announced.  ABC's sitcom, "Abbot Elementary" leads the nominations.  The winners will be announced Sunday, January 15, 2023 and broadcast on The CW.

From Variety:  The 2022 / 88th Annual New York Film Critics Circle (NYFCC) Awards have been announced.  Todd Field's "Tar" wins "Best Film" and "Best Actress" (Cate Blanchett).  Keke Palmer wins "Best Supporting Actress" for her performance in "Nope."

From Deadline:  "Everything Everywhere All at Once" wins the "Best Feature" award at the 2022 / 32nd Annual Gotham Awards, one of two wins for the film.

From IndieWire:  The nominations for the 2023 Film Independent Spirit Awards have been announced.   "Everything Everywhere All at Once" leads with eight nominations.  The winners will be announced March 4th, 2023.

From Variety:  The nominations for the 2022 / 32nd Annual Gotham Awards were announced a month ago.  Todd Field's "Tar" leads with five nominations.  The winners will be announced Monday, November 28th.

---------------

BRITTNEY GRINER:

From CBSNews:  WNBA star Brittney Griner has been released from her Russian imprisonment in a one-for-one prisoner swap for notorious international arms dealer, Viktor Bout.

From NBCNews:   Brittney Griner will enter a system of isolation, grueling labor and psychological torment when she is transferred to a penal colony, the successor to the infamous Russian gulag, to fulfill a nine-year sentence handed down Tuesday in Moscow, former prisoners and advocates said.

From NBCNews:  A Russian court has rejected Brittney Griner's appeal of her nine-year prison sentence on (fake) drug charges.

From Reuters:  Russia says that it is ready to talk prisoner swamp for Brittney Griner and U.S. Marine veteran Paul Whelan, but also scolds the U.S. Embassy.

From TheDailyBeast:   Legendary NBA bad boy and champion (Detroit Pistons, Chicago Bulls), Dennis Rodman claims that he has been given permission to go to Russia and help free imprisoned hostage, WNBA star, Brittney Griner.

From Vox:  Vox's Jonathan Guyer talks the Brittney Griner case with Danielle Gilbert, a Dartmouth professor who is writing a book about states and rogue actors that take hostages.

From ESPN:   A Russian court sentenced WNBA star Brittney Griner to nine years in prison Thursday, Aug. 4th.  Griner was arrested Feb. 17 for bringing cannabis into the country and pleaded guilty July 7, though the case continued under Russian law.

From ESPN:  The Biden administration has offered a deal to Russia aimed at bringing home WNBA star Brittney Griner and another jailed American, Paul Whelan, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Wednesday.

From RSN:  "Will Support From LeBron James, Joe Rogan, Kim Kardashian, and Other Celebrities Help Free Brittney Griner From a Russian Prison?" by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar via Substack

From ESPN:  Detained WNBA star Brittney Griner pleaded guilty on Thursday to bringing hashish oil into Russia, telling a judge that she had done so "inadvertently" while asking the court for mercy.

From CBSSports:  The Brittney Griner situation explained.

From RSN:  According to The Washington Post Editorial Board: "Brittney Griner is a hostage, plain and simple."

---------------------

Comics Review: Betcha By Golly, Wow: "MONARCH #2" Feels Like Its Building a Classic

MONARCH #2

IMAGE COMICS

STORY: Rodney Barnes

ART: Alex Lins

COLORS: Luis Nct with Mar Silvestre Galotto

LETTERS: Marshall Dillon

EDITOR: Greg Tumbarello

COVER: Alex Lins with Luis Nct

VARIANT COVER ARTIST: Chris Visions

28pp, Colors, 3.99 U.S. (March 2023)

Rated “T/ Teen”

“Stranger from Above” Part II: “Home Sweet Home”

Monarch is a new young adult science fiction graphic novel from writer Rodney Barnes.  It is being serialized as a comic book series by Image Comics.  The rest of Monarch's creative team includes artist Alex Lins, colorist Luis Nct; and letterer Marshall Dillon.  The series focuses on Travon, a boy from Compton, CA who leads the resistance to an alien invasion.

Monarch #2 (“Home Sweet Home”) opens in Compton, and like everywhere else, it is under attack by strange beings from another world.  Travon finds himself captured and at the mercy of these strange beings, but what do they want with him?  Why are they attacking Earth?  Will he ever see his beloved Daysha again, or is he as doomed as the rest of the world?

Or will the answers to some of these questions blow Travon's mind?

THE LOWDOWN:  I think that Rodney Barnes has previously stated that the science fiction alien invasion films, Independence Day (1996) and Attack the Block (2011), are influences in the creation of Monarch.  The two films are vastly different, but both remain popular long after their respective theatrical releases.

I would say that Monarch is more like Attack the Block, a film that is full of surprises.  Monarch certainly is a box of surprises, as this second issue reveals.  This chapter, “Home Sweet Home,” is about embracing the mystery, and the best science fiction isn't just about technology and strange scenarios.  It is also about exploration and discovery and a sense of mystery to go with a sense of wonder.

Artist Alex Lins perfectly captures the real qualities of Miss Wilamae's fairy-like tale and the surreal qualities of Travon's haunting new reality.  Lins' graphical storytelling soars with imagination, as it must for a narrative that seems like one determined to break walls.  Luis Nct's color and Marshall Dillon's letters make Monarch feel like an old-fashioned rollicking adventure comic book full of strange beings and stranger things.

Monarch #2 is also heartfelt.  Barnes really takes time to consider the struggles of young minds with difficult matters, unbelievable truths, and harsh realities.  I can't wait to read more, and I want you to read it now, dear readers.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of YA science fiction and of alien invasions will want to read Monarch.

A+

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

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Comics Review: "NEMESIS RELOADED #3" - Like a Grenade in Your Perfect Wet Dream

NEMESIS RELOADED #3 (OF 5)

IMAGE COMICS/Netflix

STORY: Mark Millar

ART: Jorge Jiménez

COLORS: Giovanna Niro

LETTERS: Clem Robins

EDITOR: Sarah Unwin

COVER: Jorge Jiménez with Giovanna Niro

VARIANT COVER ARTIST: Ryan Sook

28pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (March 2023)

Rated M / Mature

Nemesis created by Mark Millar and Steve McNiven

Nemesis Reloaded is a five-issue comic book series from writer Mark Millar.  It is a soft reboot of Nemesis, Millar's 2010-11 four-issue comic book miniseries that he created with artist Steve McNiven.

Nemesis: Reloaded is drawn by Jorge Jiménez; colored by Giovanna Niro; and lettered by Clem Robins.  In the new series, Nemesis has plans for Los Angeles and its ruling class.  By the time he is done, the city won't be the same, nor will its top politicians.  And maybe the secrets of Nemesis will be revealed.

Nemesis Reloaded #3 opens in Los Angeles, a city under siege.  Nemesis has just snatched up another chief of police, and it is time for him to start revealing to a specific set of men why he is killing them … deliciously.  Who is Matthew Anderson?  How is he able to create a suicide bomber?  And can the National Guard save L.A. from the kind of chaos one only sees in zombie movies?

THE LOWDOWN:  In my reviews of the first two issues of Nemesis Reloaded, I talked about how they fit in the tradition of the groundbreaking and daring comic books of the 1980s, especially of the early to mid-1980s.

With Nemesis Reloaded #3, Millar and his (handsome) artist-cohort, Jorge Jiménez, have gone past daring.  Let's be honest, dear readers.  If bosses of Marvel or DC Comics of the 1980s had allowed their star creators to do what Millar-Jiménez is doing here, the corporate overlords would have fired them – maybe even cleaned house.

The more violence Nemesis unleashes on L.A., the more I love reading this comic book.  It feels like a drug.  The simple truth is that I enjoy reading Nemesis Reloaded so much that I would do anything … anything … if I could just read the rest of it now.  Seriously, this pure pop confection of crazy, sexy, cool violence is a great read.  It is the kind of invigorating, big-action, high-octane entertainment that movies usually give us.

We get all this, and Millar and Jiménez still have Matthew's origin story to tell.  I think they are going to drag us through broken glass to read it.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of comic books that make readers beg for more will desire Nemesis Reloaded.

A+

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

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