Disney's boss on Marvel and Star Wars films beyond those that have already been announced...
You can’t say this is the biggest surprise on the planet, but Disney has plans for the Marvel cinematic universe, and the Star Wars movies, beyond the films that have been announced thus far.
The Walt Disney Company’s chief Bob Iger has been nattering about what’s next, and with regards Star Wars, thus far everything up to Star Wars: Episode IX in 2019 has been announced. Beyond that? “I had a meeting yesterday with Kathy Kennedy [Lucasfilm boss] and we mapped out – well, we reviewed, the Star Wars plans we have til 2020”, Iger revealed.
The strong likelihood is that the 2020 movie is another standalone Star Wars spin-off movie, although this hasn’t been confirmed.
Still, Iger did reveal that a writer had been hired for whatever the Star Wars 2020 project is. And he teased that “we have movies in development for Star Wars til then, and we started talking about what we’re going to do in 2021 and beyond”.
Turning his attention to Marvel, Iger also revealed that a meeting had happened there a week and a half ago, to oversee the films that it has lined up in the Marvel cinematic universe until the end of the decade. And then? “We too are beginning to talk about what we do the next decade, and so on”, Iger revealed.
Don’t fear then, chums. There’s going to be no shortage of Star Wars and Marvel movies for the next five years at the very least – and very likely beyond that...............
Following the record-shattering success of Rebirth, DC Entertainment
(DCE) is set to take over New York Comic Con with a stellar line up of guests, panels and exclusive announcements. Fans attending the annual pop culture event, held at the Javits Convention Center from October 6-9, will be the first to learn exciting details about the first publishing event of the Rebirth era, JUSTICE LEAGUE VS. SUICIDE SQUAD, the next wave of exciting Rebirth story arcs (and some surprise new titles), and the star-studded KAMANDI Challenge. New York Comic Con will celebrate the 75th anniversary of Wonder Woman on the event’s official program cover with artwork by DC Publisher Jim Lee, and by revealing in person the highly anticipated Wonder Woman Forever Stamps on Friday, October 7!
DCE’s massive booth (South Concourse, Booth #4002) will be the go-to place for fans to the biggest names in comics and get the latest peeks at forthcoming releases from the world of DC. The expansive booth will also offer attendees the rare chance to get a close look at costumes and props from the upcoming “Wonder Woman” 2017 feature film - including the costume donned by star Gal Gadot – along with the original costume worn by Lynda Carter in the 1970s “Wonder Woman” television series! Fans of DC Super Hero Girls will have a chance to meet and greet their favorite Super Hero High characters in costume throughout the weekend, as well as have their pictures taken in front of “green screen” backgrounds featuring popular DC and Warner Bros themes.
DC’s lineup of panel programming for New York Comic Con is packed with fan-favorite talent, first looks and celebrations. Download the new DC All Access mobile app for a complete list of panels and talent signings, behind-the-scenes coverage and in-depth interviews directly from DC’s web series, “DC All Access.” The app is available for free at the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store.
•With a record-setting 12 million copies shipped this summer, the “Rebirth – What’s Next?” panel will be packed with superstar talent dishing the latest on their current and upcoming story arcs, including Amanda Conner and Jimmy Palmiotti (HARLEY QUINN), Juan Ferreyra (GREEN ARROW), Ben Percy (GREEN ARROW, TEEN TITANS), Christopher Priest (DEATHSTROKE), Greg Rucka (WONDER WOMAN), Rob Venditti (HAL JORDAN AND THE GREEN LANTERN CORPS). Joshua Williamson (THE FLASH) will also be on hand to talk about what’s next for the Scarlet Speedster and reveal details on what’s to come in the first major event for Rebirth, JUSTICE LEAGE VS. SUICIDE SQUAD! Saturday, 11:00am, Room 1A06
•One of the world’s most popular Super Heroes and a powerful global symbol of justice, equality and peace will be center stage at the “Wonder Woman 75” panel. The event will include a collection of writers and artists who continue to create thrilling stories for the iconic Amazonian Super Hero including Marc Andreyko (WONDER WOMAN ’77), José Luis García-López (SENSATION COMICS FEATURING WONDER WOMAN), Yanick Paquette (WONDER WOMAN: EARTH ONE), Greg Rucka (WONDER WOMAN), Jill Thompson (WONDER WOMAN: THE TRUE AMAZON), Cat Staggs (ADVENTURES OF SUPERGIRL) and Shea Fontana (DC SUPER HERO GIRLS: HITS AND MYTHS). Friday, 5:15pm, Room 1A24
•The DC All Access Panel is the place to be for the latest news not only on comics, but the latest news from other DC and Warner Bros divisions, including DC Collectibles, Warner Bros Interactive Entertainment, and more! Top talent including Shea Fontana (DC SUPER HERO GIRLS: HITS AND MYTHS), Marguerite Bennett (DC COMICS BOMBSHELLS), Kevin Kiniry (DC Collectibles), Steve Orlando (MIDNIGHTER & APOLLO) and Joshua Williamson (THE FLASH, Vertigo’s FROSTBITE) will all be on hand to talk about what’s to come in the DC Universe. Thursday, 1:45pm, Room 1A24
•Eisner-winning writer and My Chemical Romance front man Gerard Way will reveal more details about his brand new pop-up imprint at the “DC’s Young Animal” panel which will also feature fellow collaborators Nick Derington (DOOM PATROL), Jody Houser (MOTHER PANIC), Marley Zarcone (SHADE, THE CHANGING GIRL), and more. Friday, 1:30pm, Room 1A06
•Take a trip to Gotham City at the “DC Batman” panel to find out what’s in store for the World’s Greatest Detective and his cohorts. Alongside the BATMAN team Tom King and David Finch and ALL STAR BATMAN writer Scott Snyder this must-attend panel will also feature Julie Benson and Shawna Benson (BATGIRL AND THE BIRDS OF PREY, Steve Orlando (BATMAN: NIGHT OF THE MONSTER MEN), Tim Seeley (NIGHTWING), James Tynion IV (DETECTIVE COMICS), and more! Friday, 12:45pm, Main Stage
•Soar to new heights with the Man of Steel at the “DC Superman” panel. Set to include DC writers and artists including the SUPERMAN team including Pat Gleason, Peter Tomasi, and Doug Mahnke, along with Phil Jimenez (SUPERWOMAN) and Steve Orlando (SUPERGIRL), fans will get a sneak peek at what’s to hit the streets of Metropolis and beyond. Thursday, 4:15pm, Room 1A24
•Artists and writers behind some of the most groundbreaking series from the consistently innovative imprint will come together at the “Vertigo” panel. Fan-favorites Scott Snyder and Marguerite Bennett will talk about the recently released AMERICAN VAMPIRE ANTHOLOGY, while SHERIFF OF BABYLON writer Tom King will discuss his critically acclaimed series. Plus Tim Seeley will preview the comic sequel to the 80’s cult classic film THE LOST BOYS, Joshua Williamson will discuss his new mystery series FROSTBITE and Matthew Sturges and David Justus will talk about the newest chapter in the FABLES legacy, EVERAFTER: FROM THE PAGES OF FABLES. Friday, 4:00pm, Room 1A24
•Once again, the funniest panel at the Con will star “The Gang Of Usual Idiots” at the hilarious “MAD” panel. Join John Ficarra, Sam Viviano, Desmond Devlin, Tom Bunk and Jonathan Bresman from the long-running humor magazine for a side-splitting look at MAD, and an unforgettable Q&A. Sunday, 1:15pm, Room 1A21
•The Graphitti Designs booth #1744 in the South Concourse next to the DC booth will also once again carry highly collectible, exclusive variant comic books available for New York Comic Con attendees only including ALL STAR BATMAN #1 (cover by John Romita Jr.), HARLEY QUINN #1 (cover by Amanda Conner), SUICIDE SQUAD #1 (cover by Jim Lee), TRINITY #1 (cover by Francis Manapul), SUPERGIRL #1 (cover by Emanuela Lupacchino), HE-MAN/THUNDERCATS (cover by Freddie Williams II), DOOM PATROL #1 (cover by Nick Derington), BATMAN BEYOND REBIRTH #1 (cover by Ryan Sook) and TEEN TITANS REBIRTH #1 (cover by Jonboy Meyers). All books will feature a special metallic foil treatment on the cover art, will be priced at $15 each, and are only available while supplies last.
Marvel Goes To War Armed With Retailer Exclusive Covers, Through October And November
It was IDW who started it, with a Godzilla launch in 2011. The idea that retailers could commission their own exclusive cover of a regularly released comic book if they ordered a very large amount, which they could sell for a premium or use as a promotional device for the store.
It can be a lot more work for publisher, printer and distributor alike. But it can make a massive difference to sales – in the short term at least.
Image Comics has banned them, stating that the extra work does not justify any bump in long term sales – simply there isn’t one, and it becomes a distraction.
But as August’s stats reveal, that distraction can really juice those numbers.
We’ve seen all the retailer exclusive covers for Champions #1, which – along with the Scholastic Book Fair exclusive variant will see sales of over 400,000.
Text up for Marvel is the launch of the new Invincible Iron Man #1, featuring Iron Heart in the lead.
But it is being followed up by more retailer exclusives from Marvel than ever before.
Marvel Goes To War Armed With Retailer Exclusive Covers, Through October And November
It was IDW who started it, with a Godzilla launch in 2011. The idea that retailers could commission their own exclusive cover of a regularly released comic book if they ordered a very large amount, which they could sell for a premium or use as a promotional device for the store.
It can be a lot more work for publisher, printer and distributor alike. But it can make a massive difference to sales – in the short term at least.
Image Comics has banned them, stating that the extra work does not justify any bump in long term sales – simply there isn’t one, and it becomes a distraction.
But as August’s stats reveal, that distraction can really juice those numbers.
We’ve seen all the retailer exclusive covers for Champions #1, which – along with the Scholastic Book Fair exclusive variant will see sales of over 400,000.
Text up for Marvel is the launch of the new Invincible Iron Man #1, featuring Iron Heart in the lead.
But it is being followed up by more retailer exclusives from Marvel than ever before.
Marvel Teases Major Character's Death In Civil War II
(Photo: Marvel Comics)
The core issue of Civil War II is whether or not future wrongs can be or should be prevented by a singular person's visions of what's to come. A number of the visions seen by the young Inhuman Ulysses have come true, and in Civil War II #5 his vision puts a beloved character under the microscope.
(Photo: Marvel Comics)
Spoilers to follow, so if you haven't read the issue you can turn back now.
In issue #5 the staredown from the ending moments of the last issue boils over into complete mayhem, and neither side is looking to lose. Stark enlisted the help of both Captain Americas, Doctor Strange, the All New X-Men, the All New Avengers, and more. On Captain Marvel's side are the remnants of her Ultimates, Alpha Flight, the Extraordinary X-Men, and the Guardian's of the Galaxy.
After a high pitched back and forth, Ulysses seems to breakdown thanks to the chaos that erupts below, as his power takes the form of tendrils expanding out into the world. It engulfs the heroes with his latest vision, and as they stand there in awe, they see Miles Morales standing over the impaled body of Steve Rogers. The group understandably doesn't know how to process it, but without missing a beat, Captain Marvel tells Morales he's under arrest.
(Photo: Marvel Comics)
The group understandably doesn't know how to process it, but without missing a beat, Captain Marvel tells Morales he's under arrest.
Well, what do you think? Do you think her actions are justified, or after all the unevenness she's seen in Ulysses, should Captain Marvel take a step back in trusting his visions so blindingly?
Disney has withdrawn a children's costume promoting its forthcoming film Moana, after accusations of cultural appropriation.
The costume, a full-body suit with brown skin, traditional tattoos, grass skirt and bone necklace, represents the character Maui, considered a demi-god and ancestor by many Polynesians.
"The team behind Moana has taken great care to respect the cultures of the Pacific Islands that inspired the film, and we regret that the Maui costume has offended some," it said in a statement.
The film, due for release in November, tells the story of Moana, a young girl who teams up with the demi-god Maui to make an ocean voyage and save her people.
The character of Moana has been widely welcomed because she is feisty, independent and with a more realistic body shape than most Disney female leads.
But when the trailer for Moana was released in June, many people were offended by the depiction of Maui, saying he was an "obese" caricature of Polynesian men.
Among the merchandise promoting the film was the Maui costume, on sale for about $44 (£34).
It was advertised as helping children "set off on adventures", with his "signature tattoos" and clothing.
Among the angry responses were people saying "our skin is not a costume", and pointing out that white-skin outfits are never sold for white characters.
A Pacific Islander view: Arieta Tegeilolo Talanoa Tora Rika
I understand the reasoning behind the grass skirt and the necklace, but the brown skin is too far, and the tattoos are culturally misappropriated.
Tattoos are deeply meaningful to Pacific people. Like a fingerprint, a tattoo is unique to each person.
Our markings tell a personal story that we carry with us on our skin, everywhere we go - constantly reminding us of our values, our people, and our identity.
It is considered taboo and extremely disrespectful in many Pacific cultures to wear the markings of a people or place that you are not spiritually or physically connected to.
After the release of Moana, Maui may be a Disney character to some, but to many Pacific people, he is very real - a hero, ancestor, demi-God and a spiritual guide.
Marvel Unleashed Monsters collection and Champions collectible short box
With the previews rolling out this week, Marvel has announced a few huge projects but here are the thigns that caught our attention at Stately Beat Manor:
Monsters Unleashes, written by Cullen Bunn, is the “mini event” for Marvel early next year and they’re kicking things off with with the MONSTERS UNLEASHED PRELUDE TPBin January, a $34.99 hardcover reprint of some ultra-tasty old Monster comics by some of comics greatest featuring such immortals as Monstrom, Grottu, Moomba, Bruttu, Orrgo, Elsa Bloodstone, Lady Hellbender, Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur and more. I don’t see Braggadoom on this list but otherwise it is promising. And don’t let the Greg Land cover fool you; inside its some old timey Kirby stuff with newer monsters stuff:
MONSTERS UNLEASHED PRELUDE TPB collects FEARLESS DEFENDERS #8, MARVEL ZOMBIES (2015) #1, MOON GIRL AND DEVIL DINOSAUR #1, TOTALLY AWESOME HULK #2-3 and material from STRANGE TALES (1951) #73 & #90, TALES TO ASTONISH (1959) #11-13, #15, #17, #19 and #23; and TALES OF SUSPENSE #15, #17, #19 and #22.
MONSTERS UNLEASHED PRELUDE (OCT161023)ISBN: 978-1-302-90089-2Written by STAN LEE, LARRY LIEBER, CULLEN BUNN, SIMON SPURRIER, AMY REEDER, BRANDON MONTCLARE and GREG PAKArt by JACK KIRBY, WILL SLINEY, KEV WALKER, NATACHA BUSTOS & FRANK CHONew Cover by GREG LAND264 pgs…$34.99FOC – 11/14/16, On-Sale – 01/04/17
BUT THAT IS NOT ALL. Marvel is getting into the collectible box market — that’s right, collectible boxes to put your collectibles in. Wheels within wheels. I’ve been seeing these popping up many places, and Marvel is getting into the act with a Champions-covered short box. These hit in December, and what better way to accessorize your shelf porn, dorm room or basement?
Featuring characters you know and love, these sturdy boxes feature artwork by some of the industry’s finest artists. Kicking off this bold new initiative? Marvel’s newest teen team supreme – the CHAMPIONS! Measuring in at 15-1/2” x 7-5/8” x 10-7/8” – these beautifully rendered boxed hold anywhere from 150 to 200 of your favorite Marvel comics! The Champions are out to “Change the World”, and they’re starting with the way you store your comics! Look for the first ever MARVEL GRAPHIC COMIC BOXES in stores December 2016! Plus, be on the lookout for other designs coming soon!
MARVEL GRAPHIC COMIC BOXES (AUG168477) MSRP: $5.00 each Available December 2016!
Marvel Pinball [$0.99] is about to get some of the most iconic female super heroes and super villains in a very fun new pack. I like the way Marvel Pinball has been expanding, and what an easy way for the developer to increase the game's revenue. Marvel's Women of Power pack is bringing two new tables and characters like Ms. Marvel, Black Widow, Squirrel Girl, Spider-Gwen, and more. The A-Force table brings an alternate Soviet-dominated reality and features an interesting storyline involving the destruction of a Cosmic Cube. The table's Wizard Mode lets you control Black Widow and Madame Masque directly as you try and keep the Cosmic Cube balls alive.
The second table is the Champions one, and in that you have to defeat Bombshell with Ms. Marvel in an original storyline where Kamala needs to take on Bombshell after a bank robbery. In order to do so, you'll be utilizing Squirrel Girl's "army" to track down the criminals and then Spider-Gwen's webbing to take them down. It all sounds quite fun. TheMarvel's Women of Power packs will come to iOS and Android on September 27th, so get ready.
Marvel has announced that its new series U.S. Avengers is set to receive a series of State Variant covers, with each U.S state assigned one specific member of Earth’s Mightiest Heroes! Check out the main cover below, followed by the variants for Iron Man, Black Widow, Captain America, Beast, Winter Soldier, Spectrum, Luke Cage and Sam Wilson…
The security of the Marvel Universe is fractured. The world’s first line of defense, S.H.I.E.L.D., can no longer be trusted. The United States no longer has a super-spy agency with its best interests at heart – until now. Prepare for the U.S.AVENGERS! They’re the team you can trust!
For the launch of this all-new series, U.S.AVENGERS #1 will feature over 50 unique variants assigning one Avengers to that state! Sam Wilson soars high over Maryland, Iron Man rockets across the Golden State of California, Black Widow defends the Constitution State of Connecticut, and Spectrum shines a light on evil in Louisiana. With more state variants to be revealed in the upcoming days, which Avenger will be protecting you?
Action, adventure and intrigue draped in the red, white and blue! The U.S.AVENGERS are here and bringing along Avengers for every state. And eagle-eye readers may notice that all 50 variants will connect to form Old Glory herself, the flag of the United States of America.
Show you pride by tracking down the variants that speak the most you. Which of Earth’s Mightiest Heroes do you want protecting your home state? #USAvengers
Mike Colter stars as a reluctant hero who happens to be bulletproof in Marvel/Netflix’s “Luke Cage. (Marvel/Netflix)
Of all of Marvel’s current and upcoming Netflix series, “Luke Cage” was the one that required the most reinvention.
“Daredevil” had a rich comic book history of superhero/vigilante antics to draw inspiration from. The opening minutes of the first episode of “Jessica Jones” are straight out of the first issue of Marvel’s adults-only comic book “Alias” — Jessica throws a customer who’s not satisfied with her investigation results through a glass window and then reminds him he hasn’t paid the bill. “Iron Fist,” which debuts in 2017, will lean heavily on mystical martial arts.
“Luke Cage” doesn’t have such comic book luxuries of influence. The character’s comic book debut in the 1970s was Blaxploitation with super powers. We weren’t going to get the guy who said “who’s gonna f— with me? I’m the scariest n—- ever was,” which is a quote directly from Cage’s mouth in the Brian Michael Bendis-written first issue of “Alias.” And the PG-13 version of Cage currently featured in Marvel Comics wouldn’t be able to take advantage of Netflix’s more mature television freedoms.
Marvel and Netflix were going to have to create something new with him. What they’ve done in Luke Cage’s first live-action adaptation is create the best take on the character, who’s part of a small field of black superheroes who matter in the comic book mainstream.
The origin basics are there. Luke Cage is a bulletproof black man (you find out exactly how that came to be later in the season). But he’s no “hero for hire,” saving the day and then giving you a receipt. “Luke Cage” gives us a hero who feels that the bravest thing he can do (at least in the beginning) is stay out of sight. He’s not hiding behind a horned mask at night like Daredevil and can get along with his day when the sun comes up. Cage, played charismatically by Mike Colter, knows he can take down those who are bringing problems to his city, like the sophisticated gangster Cottonmouth (Mahershala Ali) and corrupt politician Mariah Dillard (Alfre Woodard), but not without possibly sacrificing those he has become close to, who he learns quickly aren’t as invulnerable as he is.
So when “Luke Cage” begins, you’re meeting an innocent man jailed for a crime he didn’t commit. Cage escapes, along with powers of invulnerability and super-strength he didn’t ask for after illegal experiments. He’s determined to never go back to jail. You’ll see the world he’s built for himself. That world is something we’ve yet to see in the live-action Marvel Universe. To put it simply, it’s a world that is … black.
Yes, “Luke Cage” is the blackest thing Marvel has done. By a lot. Black hero. Black love interest. Black villains. Black city. Scored by a soundtrack that is in itself another black character in this show (the series is scored by Ali Shaheed Muhammad, of the legendary hip-hop group A Tribe Called Quest, and Adrian Younge). There’s barbershop talk (where Cage works), anointing of ghetto passes to the few Italian brothers who will always be “down” (yes, Pat Riley makes the list), the n-word (said by those who would use it casually and others who will be quick to say they prefer not to use it at all) and as we see during his guest appearance/hook up with Jessica Jones, Luke Cage is quite the ladies’ man. He’s frequently asked out to “get some coffee” at the barbershop, despite being the guy who sweeps up the fallen hair on the floor. A cold and humorous reminder that some brothers just have it like that.
Misty Knight (Simone Missick) and Luke Cage (Mike Colter) are going after the bad guys from different sides of the law in Marvel/Netflix’s “Luke Cage.” (Marvel/Netflix)
“Luke Cage” isn’t trying to be a movement, producer-writer Cheo Hodari Coker has said, but it is a special moment in comic-book-inspired shows. Cage isn’t the first black superhero in Marvel’s live-action universe. We’ve had War Machine and the Falcon. But those are cool sidekicks who won’t be getting their own movies. Black Panther (Chadwick Boseman) finally arrived for Marvel in “Captain America: Civil War,” but his movie won’t be here until 2018.
The show doesn’t buckle under the pressure. If anything, the producers, writers and actors appear to know they’re a part of something that hasn’t been done before by Marvel and give it their all to make it spectacular. They succeeded.
Colter’s charisma isn’t showy — it comes through even as Cage is forced to try to keep things muted, whether he’s hiding or fighting. Even when he’s being riddled with bullets and tossing bad guys through windows, he looks as if he’s holding back, as if to say the “keep it 100” version of Luke Cage is something you’re just not ready for.
Simone Missick doesn’t have the same superhero persona as the Misty Knight from the comics (at least not yet), but she shines as a character with the tough task of being a police officer of color in a no-snitch culture that doesn’t trust law enforcement. She’s drawn to Cage, like so many at first, but forces herself to not fall victim to his charms when he keeps showing up at places where he shouldn’t be. Cage and Misty have the same bad guy in their sights (Cottonmouth), but believe in different methods when it comes to how to bring the bad guys in.
Ali’s Cottonmouth was a child of lost potential, thrown into organized crime at a young age, and eventually realizes he’s stuck there. But if he has to be there, he wants to be at the top. His covert collaboration with his cousin Mariah (Woodard) brings about the question of how far do you go to save the soul of your city? Their enemy is oncoming gentrification and what it could mean to their future Harlem interests. Mariah wants to keep Harlem black and has used some of Cottonmouth’s dirty money to do it, while Cottonmouth wants a crime empire and his luxurious night club (which provides some incredible musical performances from the likes of Raphael Saadiq, Faith Evans and more).
03:15
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Adekunle Abdulazeez
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