Monday, February 10, 2025

Comics Review: "SAVAGE TALES #1" Offers a Fab Four of Tales

SAVAGE TALES #1 (2025)
DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT

STORY: David Avallone; Kurt Busiek
ART: Hamish Cook; Eman Casallos; Mariano Benitez Chapo; Benjamin Dewey
COLORS: Jorge Sutil
LETTERS: Jeff Eckleberry; Simon Bowland
COVER: Arthur Suydam
VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Liam Sharp; Rafael Kayanan; Arthur Suydam
32pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. (February 2025)

Rated Teen+

Savage Tales is the title of an anthology comic book series that has been used by both Dynamite Entertainment and Marvel Comics (twice).  Dynamite recently brought its version back as a series of occasionally-published one-shots.

The 2025 edition of Savage Tales #1 has four short stories.  Three of them are new stories written by David Avallone.  These stories feature Gullivar of Mars (drawn by Hamish Cook); John Carter and Dejah Thoris of Mars (drawn by Eman Casallos); and Vampirella (drawn by Mariano Benitez Chapo).  All of Avallone's stories are colored by Jorge Sutil and lettered by Jeff Eckleberry.

The fourth entry is a Red Sonja story written by Kurt Busiek; drawn by Benjamin Dewey; and lettered by Simon Bowland.  This story was originally published in Red Sonja: Black, White, Red #1 (July 2021).

I will summarize and review each story individually.

THE LOWDOWN:  Since July 2021, the marketing department at Dynamite Entertainment has been providing me with PDF review copies of some of their titles.  One of them is the 2025 edition of Savage Tales #1, but this is not the first time I have read a Dynamite Savage Tales comic book.

Gullivar of Mars: “His War Chapter Three” by Avallone and Cook:

Captain Gullivar Jones is based on the character, Lt. Gulllivar Jones, who first appeared in the novel, Lieut. Gullivar Jones: His Vacation, written by Edwin Lester Arnold and published in 1905.  Writer David Avallone has been reworking the character over the past few years.

“His War” chronicles Jones' life since he first left Mars and eventually fought in “the Great War” (World War I).  Now, Jones has returned to Mars twenty years after his original time on the planet.  What he discovers is that he might be the reason for the once lush planet's sorry state, and his reunion with his beloved “Heru” (a princess of Mars) is also off to a sorry state.

Avallone has a deft touch with vintage and classic characters, and because of author Edwin Lester Arnold's influence on the science fiction sub-genre, “planetary romance,” Gullivar Jones is both vintage and classic.  This may be the best chapter of Avallone's revival yet, primarily because he immediately puts Jones in a life or death situation.  Hamish Cook's art and storytelling captures the edgy mood and tense action of the story's first person narration.  Cook makes me wish that this story could be published as a graphic novel.

John Carter and Dejah Thoris of Mars: “A Mutiny on Mars” by Avallone and Casallos:

“A Mutiny on Mars” opens in the distant past on the planet of “Barsoom” (Mars”) and finds royal couple, John Carter and Dejah Thoris, on a scientific expedition.  Instead of science, they find betrayal and a plot to kidnap John.

Avallone weaves a nice tale that will entertain those familiar with the world of Edgar Rice Burroughs' “Barsoom” series.  Eman Casallos and Jorge Sutil's art and colors give this story the kind of exotic and esoteric aesthetic that at least I expect of comic book stories set in the world of Barsoom.

Vampirella: “The Real Thing” by Avallone and Chapo:

Avallone weaves a rather surprising and delightful tale featuring Vampirella, a truly classic character that often suffers from overexposure.  Vampirella is working as a lowly assistant on the television series, “Draculette.”  Among the production crew, there are some real doubters who are about to discover the truth about vampires.  The question is whether or not Vampirella will step in to save the day or let the blood flow.

Mariano Benitez Chapo proves to be perfectly capable of turning Avallone's humorous scripts into a fun comics story that pops on the page.  Avallone is really good at blending supernatural horror comics with humor comics, and Chapo's art captures the snappiness of Avallone's banter here.  They'd make a good pairing on an Elvira series.  As he does in the other two original stories, Jeff Eckleberry adds a stylish flair with his lettering for this story.

Red Sonja: “Seeing Red” by Busiek and Dewey:

“Seeing Red” opens in a place called the “Mountains of Night” where Red Sonja will enter a crypt as part of a deal she made with an ambitious wannabe ruler.  What she's finds is certain death at the hands or claws of a creature that moves too fast for her to see.  And that's got the “She-Devil with a Sword” seeing red.

I did read the 2021 Red Sonja: Black, White, Red series – every issue except the first, so “Seeing Red” is new to me.  Kurt Busiek delivers a tale that reads as if it is a Conan the Barbarian tale from Marvel Comics' classic black and white magazine, The Savage Sword of Conan.  Benjamin Dewey's art certainly sells this story's classic Marvel vibe with rock-solid compositions that are perfect for Red Sonja's comic book brand of sword and sorcery.  As always I love the pounding vibe Simon Bowland's lettering gives this story.

If I had to reluctantly pick a favorite comics story in Savage Tales #1 (2025), it would be a difficult choice.  So, I will instead suggest you get this comic book, dear readers, and decide for yourself.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of anthology comic books will want to read Savage Tales #1.

A

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


https://x.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 © 2025 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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

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).


Saturday, February 8, 2025

Negromancer News Bits and Bites from February 1st to 8th, 2025 - UPDATE #7

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).

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

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

NEWS:

AWARDS - From Deadline:  The winners at the 2025 / 30th Annual Critics Choice Awards have been announced.  "Anora" wins "Best Picture."

MOVIES - From DeadlineWill Graham will direct Daniel Radcliffe and Lucas Hedges in the Vietnam War thriller, "Trust the Man."

GRAMMYS - From EW:  The winners at the 2025 / 67th Grammy Awards have been announced.  Beyonce won "Album of the Year" for her country album, "Cowboy Carter." Kendrick Lamar had the night's biggest haul, winning five awards, including "Record of the Year" and "Song of the Year," for "Not Like Us," his diss track of fellow rapper, Drake.

From EW:  Beyonce finally won the coveted "Album of the Year" Grammy Award at the 67th Annual Grammy Awards.  "The Queen B" had been passed over in her four previous nominations in that category (for the LPs: "Renaissance," "Lemondade," "Beyonce," and "I Am... Sasha Fierce."

BOX OFFICE - From BoxOfficePro:  The winner of the 1/31 to 2/2/2025 weekend box office is Universal/DreamWorks Animation's "Dog Man" with an estimated take of 36 million dollars.

MOVIES - From DeadlineSideshow and Janus Films will release "The Shrouds," written and directed by David Cronenberg on Friday, April 18th in New York and Los Angeles.  It will expand nationwide on Friday, April 25th.  The horror drama film stars Vincent Cassel, Diane Kruger, Guy Pearce, and Sandrine Holt.

MOVIES - From Deadline:  In the wake of his acclaimed film, "Hard Truths," Mike Leigh will begin shooting his next film this year.

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

MOVIE AWARDS:

From THR:  The winners for the 2025 / 82nd Annual Golden Globes have been announced.  "Emilia Perez" won "Best Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy" and "Best Motion Picture - Non-English Language."  "The Brutalist" won "Best Motion Picture - Drama."  "Wicked" won in the new category, "Cinematic and Box Office Achievement."  "Flow" won "Best Motion Picture - Animated."

From AMPAS:  The nominations for the 2025 / 97th Academy Awards have been announced the winners will be announced Sunday, March 2, 2025.

From THR:  The nominations for the 2025 / 36th Producers Guild of America Awards have been announced.  The winners will be announced Sat. Feb. 8th.

From BBC:  The nominations for the 2025 / 78th British Academy Film Awards (BAFTAs) have been announced.  "Conclave" leads with 12 nominations.  The winners will be Sunday, Feb. 16th, 2025.

From Deadline:  The nominations for the 2025 / 77th Annual Directors Guild Awards have been announced.  In the awards' marquee category, "Theatrical Feature Film," the nominees are Jacques Audiard ("Emilia Perez"), Sean Baker ("Anora"), Edward Berger ("Conclave"), Brady Corbet ("The Brutalist"), and James Mangold ("A Complete Unknown").  The winners will be announced February 8th.

From EW:  The Screen Actors Guild has cancelled the 2025 / 31st SAG Awards nominations announcement live-stream because of the current wildfires sweeing through the Los Angeles area.  The nominations will be announced Thursday morning, January 9th via press release and on SAG Awards website.  The SAG Award ceremony will be hired Feb. 23rd.

From AwardsWatch:  The nominations for the 2025 / 56th Annual NAACP Image Awards have been announced.  Netflix's "The Piano Lesson" leads with 14 nominations.  The winners will be announced February 21st and 22nd.

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 2025 / 45th London Critics Circle Film Awards were announced. "The Brutalist" was named "Film of the Year."

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 2024 Online Film Critics Society (OFCS) Awards have been announced.  "Anora" was named "Best Picture."

From AwardsWatch:  The International Press Academy has announced the winners at the 2025 / 29th Satellite Awards in Motion Pictures and Television.  "The Brutalist" won "Motion Picture, Drama" and "Anora" won "Motion Picture, Comedy or Musical."

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 2024 Denver Film Critics Society (DFCS) Awards have been announced.  "Dune: Part Two" has been named "Best Film."

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 2024 Pittsburgh Film Critics Association (PFCA) Awards have been announced. This is the association inaugural awards announcement.  "The Substance" was named "Best Picture."

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 2024 Chicago Independent Critics (CIC) Awards have been announced.  "The Substance" has won seven awards, including "Best Indepent Film," "Best Director" (Coralie Fargeat), and "Best Actress" (Demi Moore).  "Dune: Part Two" won "Best Studio Film."

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 2024 Women Film Critics Circle (WFCC) Awards have been announced.  "Emilia Perez" wins "Best Movie About Women."  Coralie Fargeat's "The Substance" wins "Best Movie By a Woman" (directing)

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the annual Portland Critics Association (PCA) Awards have been announced.  "The Brutalist" won in 10 of the 13 categories in which it was nominated, including "Best Picture," "Best Director" (Brady Corbet), and "Best Actor" (Adrien Brody). 

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 2024 North Dakota Film Society (NDFS) Awards have been announced.  "Anora" won five awards, including "Best Picture," "Best Director" (Sean Baker), and "Best Actress" (Mikey Madison).

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 2024 Hawaii Film Critics Society (HFCS) Awards have been announced.  "The Brutalist" took four awards, including "Best Picture" and "Best Actor" (Adrien Brody). 

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 2024 Utah Film Critics Association (UFCA) Awards have been announced.  "The Wild Robot" won two awards - "Best Picture" and "Best Animated Feature."

From AwardsWatch:  The winners of the Minnesota Film Critics Association (MNFCA) Awards have been announced.  "The Brutalist" has taken five awards, including "Best Picture," "Best Director" (Brady Corbet), and "Best Actor" (Adrien Brody). 

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 2024 Music City Film Critics Association (MCFCA) Awards have been announced.  "Dune: Part Two" has won four awards, including "Best Picture" and "Best Director" (Denis Villeneuve).

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 2024 Georgia Film Critics Association (GFCA) Awards have been announced.  "Anora" won four awards, including "Best Picture," "Best Director" (Sean Baker), and "Best Actress" (Mikey Madison).

From AwardsWatch:  The winners of the 2024 Alliance of Women Film Journalists (AWFJ) EDA Awards have been announced.  "The Brutalist" has won "Best Film."

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 2024 Austin Film Critics Association (AFCA) Awards have been announced.  "Anora" won five awards, including "Best Film," "Best Director" (Sean Baker), and "Best Actress" (Mikey Madison).

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 2024 Kansas City Film Critics Circle (KCFCC) Awards have been announced.  "The Substance" has won six awards, including "Best Film," "Best Director" (Coralie Fargeat), and "Best Actress" (Demi Moore). 

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 2024 Greater Western New York Film Critics Association (GWNYFCA) Awards have been announced.  "Challengers" has won "Best Film" and "Best Director" (Luca Guadagnino).

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 2024 DiscussingFilm's Global Film Critics Awards have been announced.  "Nickel Boys" won "Best Picture."

From EW:  The nominations for the 2025 / 82nd Annual Golden Globes have been announced.  "Emilia Perez" leads with 10 nominations.  The winners will be announced January 5, 2025 on CBS and Paramount+.

From THR:  The winners at the 2025 National Society of Film Critics (NSFC) Awards have been announced. "Nickel Boys" has won the award for "Best Picture" of 2024.

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 2024 Oklahoma Film Critics Circle (OFCC) Awards have been announced.  "Conclave" won five awards, including "Best Film," "Best Director" (Edward Berger), and "Best Actor" (Ralph Fiennes).

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the North Carolina Film Critics Association (NCFCA) Awards have been announced.  "Conclave" has won three awards, including "Best Narrative Film."

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 2024 Columbia Film Critics Association (COFCA) Awards have been announced. "The Substance" has won four awards, including "Best Film," "Best Director" (Coralie Fargeat), and "Best Actress" (Demi Moore), 

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 29th Capri, Hollywood-International Film Festival Awards have been announced. "Emilia Perez" won six awards, including "Best Picture."

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 2024 Critics Association of Central Florda (CACF) Awards have been announced.  "Anora" has been named "Best Picture."

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 2024 UK Film Critics Association (UKFCA) Awards have been announced. "Dune: Part Two" won "Film of the Year" and "Best Director" (Denis Villeneuve).

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 2024 North Texas Film Critics Association (NTFCA) Awards have been announced. "Anora" has won four awards, including "Best Picture," "Best Director" (Sean Baker), and "Best Actress" (Mikey Madison).

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 2024 Online Association of Female Film Critics (OAFFC) Awards have been announced.  "The Substance" won six awards, including "Best Director" (Coralie Fargeat). and "Best Leading Performance" (Demi Moore).  "The Substance" shared the "Best Film" honor with "Anora."

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 2024 Philadelphia Film Critics Circle (PFCCA) Awards have been announced.  "Anora" won six awards, including "Best Film," "Best Director" (Sean Baker), and "Best Actress" (Mikey Madison).

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 2024 Florida Film Critics Circle (FFCC) Awards have announced.  "The Beast" has won "Best Picture" and "Best Director" (Bertrand Bonello).

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 2024 Nevada Film Critics Society (NFCS) Awards have been announced.  "The Brutalist" has taken six awards, including "Best Picture," "Best Director" (Brady Corbet), and "Best Actor" (Adrien Brody). 

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 2024 Dublin Film Critics Circle (DFCC) Awards have been announced.  "The Zone of Interest" was named "Best Film" and its director, Jonathan Glazer, won "Best Director."  Although the film was released in Dublin this year, it was eligible for the Academy Awards in 2023.

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 2024 Dallas-Fort Worth Film Critic Association (DFWFCA) Awards have been announced.  "Anora" has won three awards: "Best Picture," "Best Director" (Sean Baker), and "Best Actress" (Mikey Madison).

From AwardsWatch:  The winners of the 2024 Southeastern Film Critics Associations (SFCA) Awards have been announced.  "Anora" has been named "Best Film."

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 2024 Iowa Film Critics Association (IFCA) Awards have been announced.  "Anora" won three awards: "Best Film," "Best Director" (Sean Baker), and "Best Actress" (Mikey Madison).

From AwardsWatch: The winners at the 2024 New York Film Critics Online (NYFCO) Awards have been announced.  "The Substance" has won "Best Picture" and "Best Director" (Coralie Fargeat)

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 2024 Seattle Film Critics Society (SFCS) Awards have been announced.  "The Substance" has been named "Best Picture."

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 2024 Phoenix Film Critics Society (PFCS) Awards have been announced.  "The Brutalist" has been named "Best Picture."

From AwardsWatch:  The winners of the 2024 Indiana Film Journalists Association (IFJA) Awards.  "The Substance" has won six awards, including "Best Film," "Best Director" (Coralie Fargeat), and "Best Leading Performance" (Demi Moore), and "Best Supporting Performance" (Margaret Qualley).

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 2024 Toronto Film Critics Association (TFCA) Awards have been announced.  "Nickel Boys" has won "Best Picture" and "Best Director" (RaMell Ross)

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 2024 St. Louis Film Critics Association (StLFCA) Awards have been announced. "Dune: Part Two" has won three awards, including "Film" and "Best Director" (Denis Villeneuve).

From AwardsWatch:  The Producers Guild of America (PGA) has announced the nominations in the category of "Outstanding Producer of Documentary Motion Pictures." The winners at the 2025 / 39th Annual Producers Guild Awards will be announced Saturday, February 8, 2024.

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 2024 San Francisco Bay Area Film Critics Circle Awards have been announced. "Anora" has been named "Best Film."

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 2024 Boston Online Film Critics Association (BOFCA) Awards have been announced. "The Brutalist" has taken five awards, including "Best Picture," "Best Director" (Brady Corbet), and "Best Actor" (Adrien Brody). 

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 2024 Las Vegas Film Critics Society (LVFCS) Awards have been announced.  "Dune: Part Two" has won six awards, including "Best Picture" and "Best Director" (Denis Villeneuve).

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 2024 African-American Film Critics Association (AAFCA) Awards have been announced.  "Nickel Boys" has won "Best Picture" and "Best Director" (RaMell Ross). "Sing Sing" has won "Best Actor" (Colman Domingo) and "Best Supporting Actor" (Clarence Maclin).

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 2024 Phoenix Critics Circle (PCC) Awards have been announced.  "The Brutalist" has been named "Best Picture."  The films four total wins including for "Best Director" (Brady Corbet) and "Best Actor" (Adrien Brody).

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 2024 Chicago Film Critics (CFC) Awards have been announced.  "The Brutalist" has won "Best Picture."

From AwardsWatch:  The winners of the 2024 San Diego Film Critics Society (SDFCS) Awards have been announced.  "Sing Sing" won "Best Picture," won of three awards it received.

From AwardsWatch:  The winners of the 2024 Michigan Movie Critics Guild (MMCG) Awards have been announced.  "Anora" was named "Best Picture," one of its four wins.

From AwardsWatch:  The winners of the 2024 Atlanta Film Critics Circle Awards have been announced.  "Anora" was named "Best Film," one of four awards it won.

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 2024 Washington Area Film Critics Association Awards have been announced.  "Wicked" has won the award for "Best Feature."

From AwardsWatch:  The winners of the 49th Los Angeles Film Critics Association Awards have been announced.  "Anora" was named "Best Picture."  Marianne Jean-Baptiste (for "Hard Truths") became the first Black woman to win a lead performance honor in the groups history.

From AwardsWatch:  The winners for the 2024 / 27th British Independent Film Awards have been announced.  The Irish film, "Kneecap," wins "Best British Independent Film."

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 2024 Boston Society of Film Critics (BSFC) have been announced.  "Anora" wins "Best Picture," "Best Director" (Sean Baker), "Best Actress" (Mikey Madison), and "Best Original Screenplay."

From AFI:  The American Film Institute has named its top ten films and television series.  Among the films honored are "Dune: Part Two," "Nickel Boys," and "Wicked."

From THR:  The winners at the 2024 / 37th European Film Awards have been announced.  "Emilia Perez" wins the award for "European Film."  It also won the directing (Jacques Audiard), writing (Audiard), and actress (Karla Sofia Gascon) honors.

From NBR:  The National Board of Review has named its 2024 film honorees.  "Wicked" wins "Best Film" and "Best Director" (for John M. Chu).

From Deadline:  The nominations for the 2025 / 40th Film Independent Spirit Awards have been announced.  Cannes 2024 Palme d'Or winner, "Anora," and "I Saw the TV Glow" each lead with six nominations apiece.  The winners will be announced Saturday, February 22, 2025.

From Deadline:  The winners of the 2024 / 90th New York Film Critics Circle Awards have been announced.  Director Brady Corbet's three-hour epic, "The Brutalist," has won "Best Film" and its star, Adrian Brody, has won "Best Actor."

From Variety:  The winners at the 2024 / 34th Gotham Awards have been announced.  Writer-director Aaron Schimberg's "A Different Man" has won the "Best Feature" award.

From Deadline:  The 2024 / 34th Gotham Awards kick off the 2024-25 movie awards season by announcing its nominations for achievement in film.  Director Sean Baker's "Anora," which won the Palme d'Or at Cannes this year, leads with four nominations.  The winners will be announced Monday, December 2, 2024.

From Deadline:  The nominations for the 2024 / 27th British Independent Film Awards have been announced.  The Irish film, "Kneecap," leads with 14 nominations. The winners will be announced Sunday, December 8, 2024.

BEST PICTURE WINNER COUNT:

From AwardsWatch:  This link will take you, dear readers, to "AwardWatch's" article, "Who Won What? - The 2024/2025 Film Award Precursor Guide."

"Anora": 17 wins (Atlanta Film Critics Circle; Austin Film Critics Association; Boston Society of Film Critics; CACF; Critics Choice Awards; DFWFCA; Georgia Film Critics Association; IFCA; LAFCA; Michigan Movie Critics Guild; North Dakota Film Society; OAFFC; NTFCA; Philadelphia Film Critics Circle; Satellite Awards; SFBAFCC; SFCA)

"The Beast": 1 win (Florida Film Critics Circle)

"The Brutalist": 13 wins (AWFJ; BOFCA; Chicago Film Critics; Golden Globes-Drama; HFCS; London Critics Circle; MNFCA; Nevada Film Critics Society; NYFCC; Phoenix Critics Circle; Phoenix Film Critics Circle; Portland Critics Association; Satellite Awards)

"Challengers": 1 win (GWNYFCA)

"Conclave":  2 wins (North Carolina Film Critics Association; Oklahoma Film Critics Circle)

"A Different Man": 1 win (Gotham Awards)

"Dune: Part Two" - 6 wins (Chicago Independent Critics; LVFCS; Music City Film Critics Associations; St.LFCA; UKFCA)

"Emilia Perez":  4 wins (Capri, Denver Film Critics Society; Hollywood-International Film Festival Awards; European Film Awards; Golden Globes-Comedy or Musical; WFCC)

"Kneecap": 1 win (British Independent Film Awards)

"Nickel Boys": 4 wins (AAFCA; DiscussingFilm; National Society of Film Critics; TFCA)

"Sing Sing": 1 win (San Diego Film Critics Society)

"The Substance": 9 wins (Chicago Independent Critics; COFCA; Indiana Film Journalists Association; KCFCC; NYFCO; OAFFC; Pittsburgh Film Critics Association; Seattle Film Critics Society; WFCC)

"Wicked": 2 wins (National Board of Review; WAFCA)

"The Wild Robot":  1 win (Utah Film Critics Association)

----


Thursday, February 6, 2025

Comics Review: "CONAN THE BARBARIAN #10" - Sails the Seas of Fate

CONAN THE BARBARIAN #10 (2023)
TITAN COMICS/Heroic Signatures

STORY: Jim Zub
ART: Roberto de la Torre
COLORS: Diego Rodriguez
LETTERS: Richard Starkings and Tyler of Comicraft
EDITOR: Chris Butera
COVER: Alan Quah
VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: E.M. Gist; Roberto de la Torre; David Aja; Alan Quah
32pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (May 2024)

Suggested for mature readers

“The Age Unconquered” Part II: “Far Shores & Fearless Men”

Conan the Cimmerian was born in the pulp fiction of Robert E. Howard (REH), first appearing in the magazine, Weird Tales (1932).  In 1970, Marvel Comics brought Conan to the world of comic books via the title, Conan the Barbarian. With only a few pauses, Conan comic books have been published for the better part of five decades.

Titan Comics and Heroic Signatures are the new producers of Conan comic books, and they launched a new Conan the Barbarian series in 2023.  The current story arc is written by Jim Zub; drawn by Roberto de la Torre; colored by Dean White and Diego Rodriguez; and lettered by Richard Starkings and Comicraft.  Entitled “The Age Unconquered,” this arc finds Conan's body and/or soul transported 80,000 years into the past

Conan the Barbarian #10 (“Far Shores & Fearless Men”) opens in the dreams of Kull of Atlantis (also known as “Kull the Conqueror”).  Once awakened, Kull must confront the blind rage and mania that caused him to turn on his his loyal Pict fighter, Brule the Spear-slayer, and also caused him to engage Conan in fierce battle.

Conan!  Kull!  Brule the Spear-slayer!  How can this be when tens of thousands of years separate the time of Conan from the time of Kull and Brule?  Well, the result of Conan's encounter with a shard of the “Black Stone” has thrown him thousands of years into the past and has him currently located in Kull's capital, Valusia, “the City of Wonders.”

Now, Conan finds himself swept up in Kull's journey to find the source of the darkness that threatens his kingdom.  Kull believes the source of the darkness is in Atlantis, the land of his birth.  It will be a hard journey, however, and Conan, Kull, and Brule may find death before they reach their destination.

THE LOWDOWN:  Titan Comics has been providing me with PDF copies of their publications for review for several years now.  Conan the Barbarian #10 is one of them.

Writer Jim Zub has moved the Conan the Barbarian comic book series in a new direction.  Zub has transported Conan out of “the Hyborean Age,” the age in which Conan's creator, Robert E. Howard, set his adventures.  Zub has moved Conan into the past to “the Thurian Age,” the time in which Howard sets the adventures of Conan's precursor, Kull of Atlantis, another of his creations.

It is a big change, but it allows Zub to make Conan a stranger in a strange land, and that itself presents new opportunities for conflict and tension.  This tenth issue quickly resolves the conflicts of issue #9 and Zub begins to hypnotize his readers with an alluring journey into darkness.  Great action, great mystery, and great darkness and sorcery:  Zub makes it hard to stop reading.

I must admit that artist Roberto de la Torre, with his haunted storytelling, is the big star on this creative team.  Mixing elements and graphical styles of Frank Frazetta, Al Williamson, and John Buscema, de la Torre guides this second chapter from the mists of lost time and gleam of shining cities into darkness, death, and sorcery.  It is nice to see de la Torre recall the Conan comic books of yesteryear in telling this fantastic story, and it is nice that Diego Rodriguez's colors enrich the shadows and gloom.  Richard Starking's stark lettering is the pounding audio track to this fine opening chapter.

“The Age Unconquered” may end up conquering us, dear readers, as it carries us to a new direction for Conan the Barbarian.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of Conan comic books will want to try Titan Comics and Heroic Signatures' Conan the Barbarian.

[This comic book includes the essay, “Kull of Atlantis: Barbarian King of an Antediluvian Empire” the tenth installment of Conan/Howard essays by Jeffrey Shanks.  It also includes a Q&A with Roberto de la Torre.]

A

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


https://titan-comics.com/
https://twitter.com/ComicsTitan
https://www.instagram.com/titancomics/
https://www.facebook.com/ComicsTitan


The text is copyright © 2025 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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

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).


Tuesday, February 4, 2025

Marvel Debuts "The Fantastic Four: First Steps" Teaser Trailer

Disney and Marvel Studios has released the first teaser trailer for its upcoming film, "The Fantastic Four: First Steps."  Based on the Marvel Comics title, the film stars Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn,, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach.

Set against the vibrant backdrop of a 1960s-inspired, retro-futuristic world, Marvel Studios’ "The Fantastic Four: First Steps" introduces Marvel’s First Family — Reed Richards/Mister Fantastic (Pascal), Sue Storm/Invisible Woman (Kirby), Johnny Storm/Human Torch (Quinn), and Ben Grimm/The Thing (Moss-Bachrach) — as they face their most daunting challenge yet.  Forced to balance their roles as heroes with the strength of their family bond, they must defend Earth from a ravenous space god called Galactus (Ralph Ineson) and his enigmatic Herald, Silver Surfer (Julia Garner).  And if Galactus’ plan to devour the entire planet and everyone on it weren’t bad enough, it suddenly gets very personal.

The action adventure also stars Paul Walter Hauser, John Malkovich, Natasha Lyonne, and Sarah Niles.

Directed by Matt Shakman, produced by Kevin Feige, and executive produced by Louis D’Esposito, Grant Curtis, and Tim Lewis, "The Fantastic Four: First Steps" opens in theaters July 25, 2025.

I've embedded the teaser trailer below for your viewing enjoyment:

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



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

Monday, February 3, 2025

BOOM! Studios Shipping from Diamond Distributors for February 5, 2025

BOOM! STUDIOS

DEC240056 BRONZE FACES #1 (OF 6) CVR A SHOF $4.99
DEC240057 BRONZE FACES #1 (OF 6) CVR B TEFENKGI $4.99
DEC240058 BRONZE FACES #1 (OF 6) CVR C ANNIVERSAY VAR MORA $4.99
SEP240051 GRIM #21 CVR A FLAVIANO $3.99
SEP240052 GRIM #21 CVR B RIVAS $3.99
SEP240053 GRIM #21 CVR C 20TH ANNIVERSARY VAR $3.99
SEP240056 GRIM #21 CVR F 20 COPY INCV 20TH ANNV LEE $3.99
OCT240100 JIM HENSONS LABYRINTH ORIGINAL MOTION PICTURE ADAPTATION HC $19.99
OCT240101 JIM HENSONS LABYRINTH ORIGINAL MOTION PICTURE ADAPTATION TP $12.99
SEP240084 RED BEFORE BLACK #4 (OF 6) CVR A SUDZUKA (MR) $4.99
OCT240070 RONIN ISLAND COMPLETE COLLECTION TP (C: 0-1-2) $19.99
DEC240104 WHEN I LAY MY VENGEANCE UPON THEE #2 (OF 5) CVR A REBELKA $4.99
DEC240105 WHEN I LAY MY VENGEANCE UPON THEE #2 (OF 5) CVR B VAR PHILLI $4.99

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


DC Comics Shipping from Lunar Distributors for February 5, 2025

DC COMICS:

Absolute Power HC, $29.99
Absolute Power Origins TP, $17.99
Absolute Power Task Force VII TP, $17.99
Absolute Superman #4 (Cover A Rafa Sandoval), $4.99
Absolute Superman #4 (Cover B David Talaski Card Stock Variant), $5.99
Absolute Superman #4 (Cover C Rahzzah Card Stock Variant), $5.99
Absolute Superman #4 (Cover D Keron Grant Card Stock Variant), AR
Absolute Superman #4 (Cover E David Talaski Virgin Card Stock Variant), AR
Absolute Superman #4 (Cover F Kaare Andrews Card Stock Variant), AR
Batgirl #4 (Cover A David Talaski), $3.99
Batgirl #4 (Cover B Sozomaika Card Stock Variant), $4.99
Batman #157 (Cover A Jorge Jimenez), $4.99
Batman #157 (Cover B Tony Harris Card Stock Variant), $5.99
Batman #157 (Cover C Tony S. Daniel Card Stock Variant), $5.99
Batman #157 (Cover D Mitch Gerads Hush Card Stock Variant), $5.99
Batman #157 (Cover E Jorge Jimenez Foil Variant), $7.99
Batman #157 (Cover F Jerome Opena Card Stock Variant), AR
Batman #157 (Cover G Rafael Grassetti Card Stock Variant), AR
Batman '89 TP, $17.99
Batman And Robin By Peter J. Tomasi And Patrick Gleason Volume 2 TP, $39.99
Batman Off-World #6 (Of 6)(Cover A Doug Mahnke & Jaime Mendoza), $3.99
Batman Off-World #6 (Of 6)(Cover B Dan Mora Card Stock Variant), $4.99
Batman Off-World #6 (Of 6)(Cover C Alan Quah Card Stock Variant), AR
Batman The Long Halloween #1 (Facsimile Edition)(Cover A Tim Sale), $4.99
Batman The Long Halloween #1 (Facsimile Edition)(Cover B Tim Sale Foil Variant), $6.99
Birds Of Prey #18 (Cover A Dan Panosian Connecting Variant), $3.99
Birds Of Prey #18 (Cover B Serg Acuna Card Stock Variant), $4.99
Birds Of Prey #18 (Cover C Edwin Galmon Card Stock Variant), $4.99
Birds Of Prey #18 (Cover D Rian Gonzales Card Stock Variant), AR
DC Finest Teen Titans The Judas Contract TP, $39.99
Flash By Mark Waid Omnibus Volume 2 HC, $150.00
Icon Vs. Hardware TP, $19.99
JSA #4 (Cover A Cully Hamner), $3.99
JSA #4 (Cover B Sweeney Boo Card Stock Variant), $4.99
JSA #4 (Cover C Riley Rossmo Card Stock Variant), $4.99
JSA #4 (Cover D Ryan Benjamin Black History Month Card Stock Variant), $4.99
JSA #4 (Cover E Dale Eaglesham Card Stock Variant), AR
Justice League The Atom Project #2 (Of 6)(Cover A Mike Perkins), $3.99
Justice League The Atom Project #2 (Of 6)(Cover B Lesley Leirix Li Card Stock Variant), $4.99
Justice League The Atom Project #2 (Of 6)(Cover C Kevin Wada Card Stock Variant), $4.99
Justice League The Atom Project #2 (Of 6)(Cover D Carmine Di Giandomenico Card Stock Variant), AR
Little Batman Month One #4 (Of 4)(Cover A Patrick Ballesteros), $4.99
Milestone Compendium 4 TP, $59.99
Poison Ivy #30 (Cover A Jessica Fong Wraparound Variant), $3.99
Poison Ivy #30 (Cover B Jenny Frison Card Stock Variant), $4.99
Poison Ivy #30 (Cover C Pablo Villalobos Card Stock Variant), $4.99
Poison Ivy #30 (Cover D Jorge Fornes Hush Card Stock Variant), $4.99
Poison Ivy #30 (Cover E Jessica Fong Wraparound Foil Variant), $6.99
Poison Ivy #30 (Cover F Sarah Baslaim Card Stock Variant), AR
Poison Ivy #30 (Cover G Jenny Frison Virgin Card Stock Variant), AR
Scooby-Doo Where Are You #132 (Cover A Randy Elliott), $2.99
Shazam #20 (Cover A Gleb Melnikov), $3.99
Shazam #20 (Cover B InHyuk Lee Card Stock Variant), $4.99
Shazam #20 (Cover C Mark Spears Card Stock Variant), $4.99
Two-Face #3 (Of 6)(Cover A Baldemar Rivas), $3.99
Two-Face #3 (Of 6)(Cover B Christian Ward Card Stock Variant), $4.99

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


Dynamite Entertainment Shipping from Diamond Distributors for February 5, 2025

DYNAMITE

OCT240222 BARBARELLA #3 CVR E LINSNER LTD VIRGIN (C: 0-1-2) $50.00
SEP240247 DISNEY VILLAINS CRUELLA DE VIL HC (C: 0-1-2) $19.99
SEP240246 DISNEY VILLAINS CRUELLA DE VIL TP (C: 0-1-2) $14.99
SEP240165 GREEN HORNET MISS FURY #1 CVR H CASE METAL PREMIUM $100.00
OCT240206 GREEN HORNET MISS FURY #2 CVR A FRANCAVILLA $4.99
OCT240207 GREEN HORNET MISS FURY #2 CVR B LEE & CHUNG $4.99
OCT240208 GREEN HORNET MISS FURY #2 CVR C CASE $4.99
OCT240209 GREEN HORNET MISS FURY #2 CVR D EDGAR $4.99
DEC240261 INFECTED BY ART VOL 12 HC (C: 0-1-2) $39.99
DEC240296 PATHFINDER WORLDSCAPE HC VOL 03 (C: 0-1-2) $29.99
DEC240251 SAVAGE TALES WINTER 2025 SP #1 CVR A SUYDAM $5.99
DEC240252 SAVAGE TALES WINTER 2025 SP #1 CVR B BARENDS $5.99
DEC240253 SAVAGE TALES WINTER 2025 SP #1 CVR C LINSNER $5.99
DEC240254 SAVAGE TALES WINTER 2025 SP #1 CVR D COSPLAY $5.99
NOV240270 SPACE GHOST #9 CVR E MATTINA METAL PREMIUM (C: 1-1-2) $100.00
NOV240285 TERMINATOR #4 CVR G SHALVEY METAL PREMIUM (C: 0-1-2) $100.00
NOV240160 ZOOTOPIA #1 CVR I FORSTNER METAL PREMIUM (C: 1-0-0) $100.00

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