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04/17/23 @ 12:37 pm EST
 DF Interview: Sean Phillips’ art brings to life a Jekyll-and-Hyde noir thriller in the ‘Night Fever’ graphic novel By Byron BrewerWho are you, really? Are you the things you do, or are you the person inside your mind? In Europe on a business trip, Jonathan Webb can't sleep. Instead, he finds himself wandering the night in a strange foreign city with his new friend, the mysterious and violent Rainer, as his guide. Rainer shows Jonathan the hidden world of the night, a world without rules or limits. But when the fun turns dangerous, Jonathan may find himself trapped in the dark. The question is, what will he do to get home? Night Fever is a pulse-pounding Jekyll-and-Hyde noir thriller about a man facing the darkness inside himself. This riveting tour of the night is a must-have for all Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips fans. I sat down with artist and buddy Sean Phillips to do more of a deep dive into this epic graphic novel. Byron Brewer: Sean, first: thanks as always for doing this interview. I don’t think I have missed you for a Brubaker/Phillips graphic novel adventure yet! And, as Ed has said, this IS “a weird one”. Second: For your tried-and-true fans, a little from my high school teachers: Compare and contrast your coming Night Fever with the B/P OGN it is closest to in style and tone (if there is one close to it). Sean Phillips: I’m always too close to these books to be that objective about them, but with a few weeks’ hindsight after finishing drawing Night Fever, I think it might be closest to Incognito in feel. Some of the parts definitely remind me of that. Not in the plot or characters but just in the weirdness. Otherwise, it’s just another of our books about a confused middle-aged man. Byron: Ed has said that this book contains “the best art of Sean’s entire career, which feels almost unbelievable. But it’s true.” Modesty accepted, your response or reaction? Sean Phillips: Well, hopefully I get better with each project but I’m never sure I accomplish what I set out to do. With this book, I had some things I wanted to try. As it is set in Europe in the 1970s, I thought I’d take some things from some of my favorite French comics from back then. A lot of French comics including Blueberry were drawn in two halves, with a horizontal gutter on every page. I thought that might be a subtle thing to work with, instead of the three tier grid I always use on my creator-owned books with Ed. I found it made for some interesting page layouts but Ed found it too different to write for that rhythm so we’re back to our usual grid on the next book. Because each page was drawn in two halves, I could draw them bigger too. Usually I work at 125% of print size but these are 200%. That means I could draw more detail while keeping to my usual pens and brushes. Byron: Talk about the world you are building here with Ed. What canvas will you be setting the readers down in when the graphic novel goes on-sale in the summer of 2023? Sean Phillips: Ed set the story in an unnamed Western European country so I decided to base it on the town of Angouleme in France as I’ve been there a few times for the comic festival and I thought it offered all the things the story needed visually. Also doesn’t hurt it’s chances of being published in France too! Byron: Introduce us to Jonathan Webb and his new friend, Rainer. Who are these men, and what is/will be the relationship between the two? Sean Phillips: Jonathan is an American editor at a book fair in France. When he can’t sleep because of jet lag, he goes out into the night where Rainer offers him a glimpse of all nocturnal treasures the city has to offer. It doesn’t go well for either of them… Byron: If my info is correct, this tale’s scribe was inspired by old Black Lizard noir novels and weird [that word again!] and sexy European comics from the ‘70s. What has been your muse, your inspiration for this new book? Sean Phillips: I looked at a few of my favorite European artists. Moebius, Bilal and Toppi all influenced me a little, but I’m way out of their league obviously. Mostly drawing this book was a great excuse to look at a lot of French comics. Byron: Can you give readers an overview of this novel, what it’s all about without spoilers? Sean Phillips: It’s about an uptight American middle-aged man who gets seduced by the bright lights of an exotic foreign city and gets in way over his head. Byron: Was there a character design or a set piece that you either really loved in the OGN or that presented unexpected difficulty? I know each of these characters is special, but was there one you could not wait to render? Sean Phillips: None of the characters were more difficult to draw than in other books but mostly I enjoyed drawing the old buildings of a French town rather than the American streets I usually have to draw. It always takes a lot of research whatever it is though. Byron: Sean, what other projects are set to rise from your artistic horizon soon? Sean Phillips: Ed and I are already deep into our next book, out in December. Apart from that, nothing else planned. Dynamic Forces would like to thank Sean Phillips for taking time out of his busy schedule to answer our questions. Night Fever from Image Comics is slated to be on sale June 14th! For more news and up-to-date announcements, join us here at Dynamic Forces, www.dynamicforces.com/htmlfiles/, “LIKE” us on Facebook, www.facebook.com/dynamicforcesinc, and follow us on Twitter, www.twitter.com/dynamicforces. 05/16/24 @ 10:12 pm EST
Earlier this week, Marvel proudly announced that Storm, one of comic books’ most iconic super heroes, will be joining the Avengers this August! It’s the first step in what promises to be a renaissance for the beloved character as Marvel will also be launching an all-new STORM solo ongoing series in October! Set in the X-Men’s highly anticipated From the Ashes era, STORM will be brought to life by Murewa Ayodele, the acclaimed writer behind Akogun: Brutalizer of Gods who made his Marvel debut last year with Moon Knight: Black, White & Blood and I Am Iron Man, and Lucas Werneck, the superstar artist known for his work on recent X-Men epics like Immortal X-Men and Sins of Sinister. Werneck also designed a stunning new costume for Storm’s exciting new venture into solo storytelling! Storm has always been a prime protector of the planet. With the loss of Krakoa, that position becomes more important to her than ever. From her new super hero headquarters, Storm begins making decisions that will forecast the future of the Marvel Universe. Her bold actions will stir forces around and even beyond Earth, calling forth enemies that match her strength and determination. Storm has never needed a throne to rule the skies. Now, watch in awe as this new series elevates her to the heights that only she can reach! Ororo Munroe has lived many lives. She’s been a thief, a goddess, an X-Man, a queen, and now…an Avenger! She is the most prominent, most respected and most powerful mutant on the world stage—and in that role, she intends to be a force for positive change. First up: a major meltdown at a nuclear facility in Oklahoma City draws Storm from her Sanctuary in Atlanta—and into a moral conflict that will test her iron resolve! As one of the year’s biggest launches, it’ll be packed with guest stars including Storm’s fellow Avengers, X-Factor’s Frenzy, and more! On the challenges Storm will face, Ayodele said, "As a fan of Storm, her duties to the X-Men, and what she stands for in various real-world communities, I would like to assure the audience that Storm is in danger. Extremely so. We love Ororo Munroe, and that is why we have crafted a thrilling story that will put the strength of her character on wide-open display. But when you’re an Omega-level mutant, few things can test your limits, and even fewer things can shatter those limits. For our STORM series, one thing we would like fans to remember is that there are threats that are beyond Omega. Prepare yourselves for an extraordinary display of superheroism that leaves knuckles bloody, knees bashed in, and mountains cratered. "We are building towards gargantuan conflicts that will shake the universe from Planet Earth to the Dimension of Manifestations,” Ayodele continued. “We are crafting stories filled to the brim with humanity, love, mystery, adventure, heartbreak, and ALL-OUT ACTION. Tom Brevoort, the editor behind Marvel’s most universe-shattering events, Lucas Werneck, the incredible artist known for his genius-level attention to design and character work, and I are cooking with supernovas on this series. So join us on this journey that promises to be exciting till the bitter-sweet end. Get ready for an ETERNAL STORM." "I still can't believe that Marvel gave me this gift,” Werneck added. “Storm is a character that I love, and I have so much respect for what this character represents to people. We’re working with so much love and devotion on this project, and I hope that fans enjoy it as much as we're enjoying making it.” Drawn by acclaimed artist Mateus Manhanini, the series’ covers will be just as breathtaking as Storm’s feats! Check out his debut issue cover now, and be there when the clouds part on STORM’s new era this October. 
... 05/16/24 @ 10:07 pm EST
Just in time for Deadpool’s return to the big screen, Rob Liefeld returns with his final Deadpool saga that is sure to take its place in Deadpool history! Rob Liefeld is finishing his work on Deadpool with his final blockbuster story in DEADPOOL TEAM-UP, a five-issue series launching in August. No one captures the Merc with the Mouth’s lovable insanity like Liefeld does, and in classic Deadpool fashion, Wade is holding nothing back in this latest round of unbridled action and high-stakes adventure. In addition to featuring Deadpool’s supporting cast—from his fan-favorite allies to deadly enemies and everyone in between—DEADPOOL TEAM-UP also sees Wade assemble a crew that’s wild even by his standards! When you need some hired hands, Deadpool is your man! But when the Merc with a Mouth needs assistance, he’s got friends (and frenemies) from across the Marvel Universe! Witness Rob Liefeld weave an epic tale bringing Wade Wilson together with Major X, Crystar, Ghost-Spider, Wolverine, and the Incredible Hulk for the first time, as the return of a LOST MARVEL COMICS CHARACTER necessitates the ultimate team-up mission! Liefeld said, "Everyone has that one comic with that obscure character that they always wanted more of. l, myself, have several of these and I pulled them from relative obscurity from the deepest corners of the Marvel Universe and placed them next to Deadpool, right at the center of an all new, cataclysmic adventure! This is some wonderfully weird stuff and I’m so excited to share it with the world. I promise you some familiar Marvel faces and take them to brand new places. Deadpool Team-Up is the most fun I’ve had in years! I’d like to thank C.B. Cebulski and Mark Basso for making this a great experience!” Like all of Marvel’s major launches, DEADPOOL TEAM-UP #1 will have a special Foil Variant Cover, also drawn by Liefeld. Preorder DEADPOOL TEAM-UP at your local comic shop!  
... 05/16/24 @ 10:14 pm EST
Mofac Animation has found Jesus.Oscar Isaac has signed on to portray Jesus Christ in The King of Kings, the animated family film being made by the South Korean-based animation house. At the same time, Forest Whitaker has been tapped to give voice to the apostle Peter. The duo join a growing A-list voice cast that includes Kenneth Branagh, Uma Thurman, and Jojo Rabbit actor Roman Griffin Davis. Seong-ho “Jay” Jang, known as a visual effects pioneer in Korea, is directing King of Kings while Anfernee Kim (Last Knights, John Woo’s The Crossing 2) is producing. The faith-based feature is very loosely inspired by The Life of Our Lord, a little-known Charles Dickens short story that was published posthumously and that depicted the life and times of Jesus. (via THR) 05/16/24 @ 11:42 am EST
Signature Entertainment has picked up UK and Irish rights to Unit 234, a thriller starring Don Johnson (Knives Out), Isabelle Fuhrman (Orphan: First Kill) and Jack Huston (Kill Your Darlings) from sales agent Radiant Films. The feature is directed by Tennant from a script written by Derek Steiner and is produced by Blythe Frank (Being Charlie), Hadeel Reda (The Ride), Lee Dreyfuss (The Misfits) and Productivity Media’s William Santor (Stockholm) and Doug Murray (Unplugging). The synopsis: After the shocking discovery of an unconscious man in a locked unit, the lone employee of a remote storage facility must fight to survive the night against a ruthless gang, dead set on retrieving their precious cargo – at any cost. (via Deadline) 05/16/24 @ 11:43 am EST
The dust was just beginning to settle and the smell of guzzolene was still in the air after Wednesday night’s high-octane Cannes premiere of Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga. But after more than a decade of development and a grueling shoot, the work was not done for filmmaker George Miller and stars Anya Taylor-Joy and Chris Hemsworth, who faced the international press during a lively conference to discuss the long journey to their Fury Road prequel. Australian filmmaker Miller has now made five Mad Max films over 45 years, but none have been as anticipated as Furiosa. That’s thanks to the pedigree of Fury Road, Miller’s 2015 film that introduced the world to Imperator Furiosa, played in that feature by Charlize Theron. It is considered one of the greatest action movies of all time and became a surprise awards season juggernaut that won six Oscars. “There are certainly other stories there. Mainly because in order to tell the story of Fury Road, we had to know the backstory of Furiosa and Max in the year before,” said Miller when asked if he has more Mad Max movies left in the tank. “That was a tool for the cast and crew. We know the Max story from the year before. I’ll definitely wait to see how this [Furiosa] goes, before we even think about it.” So far, the reception has been promising. On Wednesday night, Furiosa received a seven-minute standing ovation, one that potentially could have lasted longer as Miller took the microphone to speak, which had the perhaps unintended effect of silencing the applause. (via THR) ... 05/15/24 @ 9:36 pm EST
BOOM! Studios today revealed a first look at UNDERHEIST #4. The hit Stray Bullets creative team of David & Maria Lapham, along with colorist Hilary Jenkins (Grass Kings), continue a hellish new hardboiled heist series in UNDERHEIST, available May 2024. In the penultimate issue of the crime thriller, David falls victim to terrifying drug-addled visions that warp his sense of certainty, what’s real, and what’s actually going on. And through a series of mind-bending events involving Doc, Oscar, and Gabriella, David gets a phone call that could finally help with his money problems… UNDERHEIST #4 features a main cover and variant covers by David Lapham and Hilary Jenkins, with variants by Tyler Jenkins (Operation Sunshine: Already Dead) and Dan Panosian (Spider-Man: Shadow of the Green Goblin). UNDERHEIST is the newest release from BOOM! Studios’ eponymous imprint, home to critically acclaimed original series, including BRZRKR by Keanu Reeves, Matt Kindt, and Ron Garney; Something is Killing the Children by James Tynion IV and Werther Dell’Edera; Grim by Stephanie Phillips and Flaviano; Stuff of Nightmares by R.L. Stine and A.L. Kaplan; Damn Them All by Simon Spurrier and Charlie Adlard; Once Upon a Time at the End of the World by Jason Aaron, Alexandre Tefenkgi, Leila del Duca, and Nick Dragotta; Know Your Station by Sarah Gailey and Liana Kangas; A Vicious Circle by Mattson Tomlin and Lee Bermejo; The Neighbors by Jude Ellison S. Doyle and Letizia Cadonici; Ghostlore by Cullen Bunn and Leomacs; Sirens of the City by Joanne Starer and Khary Randolph; Coda by Simon Spurrier and Matías Bergara; Rare Flavours by Ram V and Filipe Andrade; and Animal Pound by Tom King and Peter Gross. The imprint also publishes popular licensed properties, including Dune: House Corrino from Brian Herbert, Kevin J. Anderson, and Simone Ragazzon; Mighty Morphin Power Rangers by Melissa Flores and Simona Di Gianfelice; and The Expanse: Dragon Tooth by Andy Diggle and Rubine. UNDERHEIST #4 will be available in comic shops May 29, 2024. It is available for pre-order at your local comic shop. Digital copies can be purchased from content providers, including comiXology, iBooks, Google Play, and Kindle. Underheist #4 A Main: JAN247615 Underheist #4 B Variant: JAN247616 Underheist #4 C 1:10 INCV: JAN247617 Underheist #4 D 1:25 INCV: JAN247618        
... 05/15/24 @ 9:27 pm EST
Marvel Comics proudly marks Iron Fist’s milestone 50th anniversary year with a special oversized one-shot! Hitting stands in August, IRON FIST 50TH ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL #1 will spotlight different eras of the mystical martial arts hero’s storied adventures with a wide variety of epic tales. Packed with superstar creators, the one-shot will see definitive Iron Fist writer Chris Claremont’s long-awaited return to the character as well as writer Alyssa Wong’s return to the journey of the current Iron Fist, Lin Lie! The legacy of Iron Fist is a long-lived legend spanning centuries…all the way back to the year 10,000,000 B.C.E.! After an expedition to find K'un-Lun left Danny Rand's parents dead, he found the path to the mystical city and gained the shattering power of the Iron Fist! After avenging his parents' deaths, Rand became an iconic super hero, working alongside teams like Heroes for Hire, the Defenders, and the Avengers. IRON FIST 50TH ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL will have a range of stories that spotlight Danny Rand’s past, present, and future! Here’s what fans can look forward to: · Visionary Iron Fist scribe Chris Claremont teams up with artist Lan Medina for a classic tale set during Iron Fist’s early years and co-starring Wolverine! · Alyssa Wong, the writer behind today’s Iron Fist, brings you the next chapter of Lin Lie’s saga alongside artist Von Randal. · Writer Justina Ireland and artist Elena Casagrande send Iron Fist on a mission where he join forces with his longtime allies—THE DAUGHTERS OF THE DRAGON! · Writer Frank Tieri and artist Ty Templeton’s story sees Iron Fist send out the call to his old teammates—HEROES FOR HIRE! · And writer Jason Loo and artist Whilce Portacio spotlight what the future may hold for Danny Rand! "Ever since I saw Danny Rand in those green and yellows, I was a fan—not just because we shared a name, but because that look was so iconic!” Editor Danny Khazem shared. “So to be able to work on this issue with all of these talented creators is a huge honor and pleasure. Danny's story has spanned five decades, but the legacy of the Iron Fist spans MILLIONS of years! And this issue dares to be the next step in not only the future of Danny Rand, but the future of the entire Iron Fist lore! Strap in as this is just the beginning!" Check out legendary creator Alan Davis’ main cover along with variant covers by Kevin Eastman and Howard Chaykin. Pick up IRON FIST 50TH ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL #1 at your local comic shop this August!   
... 05/15/24 @ 2:49 pm EST
Natasha Lyonne is the latest star to join The Fantastic Four. The actress is set to board the cast of the forthcoming Marvel Studios movie in an undisclosed role, The Hollywood Reporter confirmed. Matt Shakman is directing the high-profile Disney project that is aiming to begin filming mid-summer in England ahead of its planned release date of July 25, 2025. The Fantastic Four will star Pedro Pascal as scientist Reed Richards/Mr. Fantastic, Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm/Invisible Woman, Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm/Human Torch, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Richards’ pal Ben Grimm/The Thing. The cast also includes Julia Garner as a female Silver Surfer, in addition to unannounced roles for Paul Walter Hauser and John Malkovich. Additionally, news broke last week that British actor Ralph Ineson, known for his role in the Harry Potter films, is set to play The Fantastic Four’s primary antagonist, Galactus. 05/15/24 @ 2:47 pm EST
Oni Press, in collaboration with Sesame Workshop, the global impact nonprofit behind Sesame Street, is proud to present a whole new way to visit your friends Big Bird, Grover, and more in SESAME STREET #1 (of 4)– a brand-new comic book series made for the young and young-at-heart! The series features a rotating cast of fan-favorite comic talents across all four issues – beginning with writer Joey Esposito (Batman: Urban Legends) and artist Austin Baechle (Rick and Morty: The Coloring Book). See the iconic characters from one of the most famous streets in the world as they explore, learn, and play in the first of many new monthly adventures to come, available in comic shops everywhere August 28th! “Oni Press, a premier publisher of comic books, blends imaginative narratives with vivid graphic artistry,” said Gabriela Arenas, SVP of Global Licensing, Sesame Workshop. “We’re so pleased to team up to introduce kids and fans to visually innovative and fun stories featuring everyone’s favorite Sesame Street friends.” “We are incredibly excited and grateful to be able to partner with the incomparable Sesame Street, who has been at the forefront of children’s education since its inception in 1969,” said series Editor Megan Brown. “As someone who grew up with the likes of Big Bird, Elmo, and more, it’s been a joy to be able to enter this world and add to its comics legacy. We hope that readers of all ages will enjoy the wonderful and heartwarming antics of Grover, Bert & Ernie, The Count, Cookie Monster, and all the other residents as they take a trip down Sesame Street!”Grover wakes up to another beautiful day on Sesame Street! But he soon discovers that his friends each have a problem to solve before they can enjoy it. Read along in this brand-new comic book as Grover does what he does best: lends a helping hand. After all, the most fun on Sesame Street comes from working together! Featuring covers from colorful creators Austin Baechle (Rick and Morty: The Coloring Book), Erin Hunting (The Loud House, Catkwondo), and JustaSuta (My Little Pony), revisit the most celebrated neighborhood in the world when SESAME STREET: GROVER LENDS A HAND, the comic book, arrives August 28th! Talented writers Stephanie Williams (Wonder Woman: Black and Gold) and Mary Kenney (My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic) join the fun with self-contained stories in the series’ four-issue run, with magical artists Beth Hughes (Nat and Cat), Michela Cacciatore (Hades: I Am The End), Sean Dove (BroBots), and Alison Acton (The Books of Clash) bringing all your friends on Sesame Street to life! 
... 05/15/24 @ 2:38 pm EST
Let the music play! With the fall of Krakoa, the X-Men’s dream of coexistence has never felt more impossible. Luckily, mutantkind’s very own pop princess has a song that will unite the masses—and paint a big target on her back—in an all-new DAZZLER comic book limited series! From rising Marvel star Jason Loo (Sentry, Infinity Paws) and extraordinary Marvel newcomer artist Rafael Loureiro, DAZZLER will launch this September as part of the X-Men’s new From the Ashes era! No stranger to headlining, Alison Blaire enjoyed a successful solo career outside the X-Men in the 1980s with the fondly remembered and long-running Dazzler series. Now, she’s back to inspire a whole new generation, spreading a message of love and acceptance one sold-out show at a time. Her tour is for everyone, but backstage, Alison is joined by a crew of fellow mutants—head of security Domino, personal guard Strong Guy, one-man roadie Multiple Man, drummer Shark-Girl, and expert publicist Wind Dancer! Anti-mutant fervor has never felt more personal, but anyone who tries to dim Dazzler’s light will just have to face the music! OUT & PROUD AS A MUTANT AND BACK ON THE ROAD! Dazzler, Marvel’s glittering mutant songstress, has been in and out of the limelight over the years – but now the time has finally come for her to take center stage! Dazzler embarks on a new world tour, the culmination and celebration of her entire musical career. But while Dazzler may be ready to focus on her music, her celebrity-mutant status and a violent attack may sideline the entire endeavor before it’s even begun… “Rafael and I are giving everyone backstage access to the greatest show of the decade: the Dazzler World Tour!” Loo said. “Sounds exciting? Not for Dazzler when she’s facing tons of pressure from all sorts of people trying to cancel her shows. But she’s not going down without a fight.” "Ever since I can remember, I've been crazy about two things: music and drawing comics. To think that I would be able to combine both passions in my Marvel debut is beyond my wildest dreams. Not only that, but with such an amazing X-Men character as Dazzler—I absolutely had to jump at the chance!” Loureiro shared. “When I read Jason’s script, I kept thinking to myself ‘Oh, I'm gonna have so much fun with this!’ Now, Dazzler has a special place in my heart, and I can almost hear her singing inside my head with every page that I draw. I'm honored to be a part of this project, bringing her into the spotlight for all readers and lifting her to her rightful place as a super star!” Each issue of DAZZLER will also feature all-new song lyrics from Ali’s notebook! “Get ready to sing along to some new, original songs off of her new album!” Loo added. “Some of them may be about her exes.” Don’t miss the concert – and comic – event of the year! Check out the main cover from Terry Dodson and Rachel Dodson and preorder DAZZLER #1 at your local comic shop! 
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