There has been an ongoing debate surrounding the compensation for creators of iconic characters that make out the ever-growing Marvel library. While you’d think that those that brought these characters to life would find some form of compensation for their work, the live-action adaptations have not been kind to these creators. America Chavez co-creator Joe Casey has now joined a group of creatives to speak out on the live-action compensation offered by Marvel.
He speaks out that this isn’t a topic about the ownership of the character, but rather their work being respected with a correct compensation, as he points out that he was offered a “pittance” ahead of her appearance in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, where America Chavez will be played by Xochitl Gomez. He gives the following statement:
The fact is Marvel owns America Chavez. That’s not in dispute on any level, but there are still systemic flaws in the way that creators are neither respected nor rewarded.
When Casey found out that they are adapting his character, he inquired the publisher, Marvel, for paperwork to see her previous appearances. It seems they tried to offer a cash offer, which he declined due to a special character agreement, which other creatives have pointed out as a way for Marvel to ensure they keep all rights. Supposedly the range of this offer is around $5,000 but that has been disputed. Supposedly, the conversations with Marvel are still ongoing. He’s not the only one discussing this issue which is also an issue with other comic
Chapter 1045 of One Piece has been quite the wild ride for readers. The previous entry has already pushed our understanding of just how Monkey D. Luffy’s powers work. Up to the revelation that his Gomu Gomu no Mi was actually the Hito Hito no Mi: Model Nika, he simply had a rubber body. While he could stretch his limbs in creative ways, it never reached the level it has now. Kaido’s Thunder Bagua left an imprint on his face as if he shaped permanently like the spike club that hit him. Hell, he even runs back like a Looney Tune after being pushed off the floating island. So, what exactly is going on?
While it seems quite bizarre, mangaka Eiichiro Oda is still sticking to his rule that Luffy’s powers are based on rubber. The only difference is what kind he is currently referencing. Up to this point, most of our theories were connected to the concept of synthetic or even natural rubber. That was why most of theories pointed to it potentiality being the Resin fruit, as natural rubber is commonly created through latex from the so-called rubber tree. Yet, Oda threw us a curve ball like no other with Luffy acting on some more cartoon-inspired moves.
Luffy’s power are technically still based on rubber, but one that is non-tangible. Most of the way Luffy is moving is clearly inspired by cartoons. It’s common knowledge he was inspired by watching the German-Austrian-Japanese animated series Vicky the Viking. So, the franchise has its roots in cartoons, especially looking back at the creative ways Luffy tackled each encounter throughout his travels in the East Blue and the Grand Line. Yet, now he’s truly embraced that aspect with his new powers that are based on rubber hose animation.
The name of this animation style is based on how limbs of characters are simple, without any specific articulation. It’s the grandfather of all modern animation before running out of style in 1930s, yet has seen a bit of a revival as of late. Steven Universe introduced the character of Spinel that moved in a similar fashion. The recently released The Cuphead Show! bases its entire animation style from that very era. So, it technically could be seen as the origin of the entire Western animation industry.
It even connects with the origin of his power. Nika was teased as the Sun God, a being that has quite the history. He was known to bring smiles to the faces of many’s for centuries. Perhaps that is why Oda took inspiration from the grandfather of all animation as the basis for the Devil Fruit’s abilities. Kaido has no idea what is happening, as his abilities seemingly force everything to apply to his rules. We literally see him grab the Beast Pirates’ nostril through his eyeballs before yanking himself out of the dragon’s stomach.
It’ll take some time to adjust to the ability, as it is quite a bit different from the Haki-focused combat from the New World. Yet, the power does also call back to some of his earliest and quite “inventive” ways of taking on his enemies. We’ve discussed it frequently on our Den Den Murphy podcast, but Water Luffy from Alabasta was one of the funniest and most out-of-nowhere ways of taking on his most fearsome foe yet. So, as we near the end for the franchise, we might see him get even more creative beyond what we already saw here.
Oda‘s creativity seemingly has no limits and the idea to stick true to Luffy’s powers being based on rubber. It always had some “cartoon”-inspired elements. So, rubber hose animation as part of his newly awakened power set is such a perfect way of staying true to what he set up while still catching people off-guard. This series never was about someone becoming the most powerful like Dragonball Z. It’s always been about freedom. If you’re powers are so ridiculous, you seemingly can do anything, why not embrace it?
The Batman finally released giving us a look at a superhero noir storyline, as Paul Dano‘s Riddler makes Bruce Wayne’s life a living hell. While we do learn quite a bit about the character, there’s a lot of history on how he created his elaborate traps and plans that we haven’t explored. Luckily, it seems that DC Comics had the same thought and revealed a new comic titled Riddler: Year One. Besides the cliché “YEar One” naming, what stands out is that the Riddler himself, Paul Dano, will be writing the storyline of the character he brought to life on the silver screen.
A new Riddler comic book hits stores this October with RIDDLER: YEAR ONE. Written by Paul Dano, unmask your first look here and see #TheBatman only in theaters now. pic.twitter.com/OVuIw7QEO0
The idea makes sense, and it seems very unlikely we’d get a spinoff series on HBO Max focused on the Riddler. So, it’s a great way to further explore his character and maybe even drop a few hints about his future in the newly established Batverse from Matt Reeves. As of now, only Colin Farrell‘s Penguin is getting his spinoff, as HBO Max officially announced it shortly after The Batman‘s release. We also know that another series is in development that will focus on Arkham, which originally was going to be about the GCPD but changed throughout production. It was the first series in development but seemingly production has been dragged out quite a bit. We’ll see what the cinematic future has in store for Dano‘s Riddler.
Black Adam is set to make his live-action debut in 2022 with his very own solo film starring the one and only Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson. The film was just recently hit with a three-month delay, setting the July release all the way back to October 21st. Luckily, fans won’t have to wait too long to get some Black Adam action, as the character is set to receive his own solo run with some amazing creative talent behind it.
DC Comics announced this morning that Christopher Priest, best known for his work on Black Panther, Deathstroke, and Justice League will tackle the new series. He is joined by artist Rafa Sandoval, known for his work on Flash, Green Lantern, and most recently Teen Titans Academy. The series will follow Black Adam facing a near-death experience that makes the 5000-year-old fallen champion begin his search for a successor for his power. Priest shares his excitement for the new project:
Forgive the cliché, but I’ve rarely been this excited about a new project, DC has provided an amazing opportunity for me to explore and, to some degree, reimagine this character in a very new light while bringing new challenges and consequences to a man who has lived far too long and is desperate for redemption. Rafa Sandoval brings palpable voltage to every panel, bringing out my Kirby-Simonson Big Noise instinct as Rafa’s gifts take me to places I never knew I wanted to go. My only regret is we only have 22 pages a month for this.
Christopher Priest
Black Adam #1 will hit shelves on June 21st, and it does sound like we’re getting a promising return for the character, which might even dissect the usual anti-hero in a way we might have at least expected. It makes you wonder if some elements on that are also inspired by the general direction the upcoming film is taking.
In 2008, Marvel Comics launched one of their biggest crossover series titled Secret Invasion. A world filled to the brim with superheroes ended up as a refuge for the shape-shifting aliens known as Skrulls. They replaced key figures across the globe before they would enact their plan to completely take over the planet. While our heroes did manage to save the day, it came at quite the cost. It looks like the ghosts of the past are here to haunt them once again, as Marvel Comics is reviving the event with a new sequel.
The new storyline will appear as a limited series by The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl‘s Ryan North and Daredevil artist Francesco Mobili. The Skrulls will once again attempt a coup upon Earth, but this time it won’t go exactly as they believe it will. North teased the upcoming sequel with the following quote:
It’s a sequel in that it takes place in the same Marvel Universe as the first one and everyone in the story remembers the first one happening, but it’s more of a standalone story because they’ve all learned from that adventure and aren’t interested in seeing it go the same way twice, where they almost lose the Earth to alien invaders. You don’t have to have any of the 2008 series to enjoy this, of course – the book tells you all you need to know – but if you have there’s a few little callbacks you’ll catch.
Ryan North
The Skrulls still believe that the Earth is rightfully theirs as they still search for a fitting new homeworld. Of course, the writer won’t give away any hints on who may have been replaced by a Skrull from our favorite heroes, but the discussions will most certainly be an exciting prospect as we face a similar challenge with Disney+’s live-action adaptation of the Secret Invasion storyline. Guess, 2022 will make us wonder: “Who do you trust?”
The Justice League has had a rough time lately. Their future in the DC Extended Universe remains uncertain. Good thing that we still have them in the comics, right? Well, not for long, as the team will be on their way out there as well. On the 30th anniversary of the Death of Superman comic, the superhero team will follow suit in The Death of The Justice League.
DC seems to be all in these days, as they will end the current Justice League comic with issue #75. As teased previously, the series will pay tribute to the Man of Steel’s similar fate, as he originally died in the same numbered issue and was not present in comic books for an entire year. Joshua Williamson will pen the demise of the iconic heroes and talked with Entertainment Weekly about the upcoming event.
It’s very serious, It’s an interesting opportunity to do this on the 30th anniversary of ‘The Death of Superman,’ which happened in Superman #75. We get to take Justice League #75 and do ‘Death of the Justice League.’ We want people to understand, this is serious and this is gonna have a major impact in the DCU moving forward.
Joshua Williamson
Williamson wants fans to know that this isn’t going to be the fakeout most think it will be. Some of DC’s biggest names will disappear from comics for some time.
I remember the experience of reading the build-up to ‘The Death of Superman’ and then waiting in the rain for my copy of issue #75. I think one reason that story was so powerful was that after the ‘Funeral for a Friend’ story, there were no Superman comics for three months. That’s part of what led us to make the decision that this is the last issue of Justice League. But then three months later, there’s still not gonna be a Justice League comic. It’s gonna be a while, and that’s gonna be a major part of what the DCU looks like after this story: There is no Justice League.
Joshua Williamson
In the comics, no one ever stays dead. Superman didn’t and ended up returning after only a year. Who knows, this time could be different, especially with Future State and Infinite Frontier bringing in many new legacy heroes. Without the Justice League and its consistent roster, this would open up a lot more possibilities for other characters to get their chances at solo runs. DC could allow some other characters to take the spotlight during the team’s absence. The Justice League’s end is set to hit shelves on April 19th with Justice League #75.
It’s going to be a big year for the DC Extended Universe, as there are quite a few projects in some form of development. Among them is the multiversal storyline of The Flash, which may rewrite the DCEU as we know it. Ezra Miller is set to return in the titular role, as he meets up with a new yet familiar face in the form of Michael Keaton‘s Bruce Wayne. We still know very little about the film’s plot, but it seems we might get some new information as of April in the form of a prelude comic series.
Writer Kenny Porter and artist Ricardo López Ortiz will tackle a three-issue comic series that’ll release monthly. The series titled The Flash: The Fastest Man Alive will tell the story of his conflict with a villain named Girder. He ends up learning how to take on this threat under the watchful eye of the Dark Knight, as he tries to face the metallic threat.
The first issue will release on April 26th and consists of 48 pages. The collection of all three issues will be made available in October ahead of the film’s release in November. The main cover will be drawn by Max Fiumara with a variant cover by the film’s director, Andy Muschietti. JuanFerreyra will prepare the cover for the second entry and the final issue will be by Jason Howard in July.
The Sandman Universe is all the rage these days as it starts to expand through different mediums. While we don’t have an exact release date for it yet, the live-action adaption of the classic Sandman comics is set to hit Netflix at some time this year. Turns out, that’s not the only project heading our way, as a new comic series set within the universe is hitting shelves in April, as James Tynion IV is making his grand return to DC to tackle a new entry in the expanding universe.
Tynion IV, best known for his work on Batman,Something is Killing the Children and Detective Comics will write Nightmare Country under the DC Black Label, which is part of the Sandman Universe series. It’ll follow the Corinthian, the personification of a nightmare with rows of teeth for eyes. He is a creation of the lord of dreams, Morpheus. He had the following to say on his new project:
I spent my teenage years reading and rereading the volumes of The Sandman, trying to absorb all of their secrets. The series taught me that anything and everything was possible in the comic book medium, and set me on the inexorable path of becoming a comic book writer.
James Tynion IV
Lisandro Estherren will draw the series after previously working on Redneck, a Skybound horror comic about vampires. Each issue will also feature nightmare dream sequences drawn by a guest artist with the first issue locking down Yanick Paquette. Nightmare Country is set to hit shelves on April 12 at your local comic shops.
We just got the trailer for the upcoming Moon Knight series heading to Disney+. Naturally, Marvel is using the opportunity to cross-promote with a brand new anthology series, which is the second comic book series for the iconic Marvel character. The four-issue anthology titled Moon Knight: Black, White, and Blood aims to explore the darker side of the titular hero and the one who may replace him.
There are three teams working on individual short stories, such as one being from writer Jonathan Hickman and artist Chris Bachalo. Marc Guggenheim is teaming up with Jorge Fornés while Murewa Ayodele will work with Dotun Akanda. The series is another addition to a series of anthology series with the “Black, White, And” concept. Deadpool, Wolverine, Carnage, and Elektra were the latest series to get an entry in this anthology series. DC also had a similar trend using color naming.
The first issue of the anthology will be made available in April, which is perfect timing, as the Disney+ series will release on March 30th. As the title implies, we might be in for a bloody adventure featuring the Fist of Khonshu and the recently introduced new character of Hunter’s Moon. Even as an anthology, it may offer some additional insight into what the future has in store for Moon Knight.
Following the conclusion of Jonathan Hickman’s 4-issue Inferno, Marvel Comics’ X-Men line will move out of the Reign of X era and into Destiny of X. Launching in 2022, Destiny of X will be comprised of 9 books and is being billed as the “Second Age of the X-Men of Krakoa.” In the weeks since the original announcement, more information about the line of books has made its way online, including creative teams and solicitations for some issues. With that in mind, here’s a look at what to expect from the line of books when they launch next year.
Immortal X-Men
Launching in March, Immortal X-Men will focus on the political machinations of the ruling body of Krakoa, the Quiet Council. Described by writer Kieron Gillen as a companion book to the main X-Men title by Gerry Duggan, Immortal X-Men will deal with the fallout of Inferno and the revelations of Ben Percy’sX Lives of Wolverinie/X Deaths of Wolverine. Artist Lucas Werneck will join Gillen in telling the story behind the scenes of the most powerful governing body on the planet. Immortal X-Men will be available at your local comic shop on March 30th. The full solicitation is available below.
IMMORTAL X-MEN #1 Kieron Gillen (W) • Lucas Werneck (A) • Cover by Mark Brooks Design Variant COVER by Tom Muller Headshot variant COVER by Todd NAUCK Carnage FOREVER variant COVER by TBA Quiet Council Variant COVER by Phil Noto Promo Variant COVER by Leinil FRANCIS Yu Teaser Variant COVER by Lucas Werneck Variant cover by Peach Momoko Variant cover by Oscar Vega WOMEN’S HISTORY VARIANT COVER BY EMA LUPACCHINO IN THE QUIET COUNCIL, NO ONE CAN HEAR YOU SCREAM! The Quiet Council rules the Krakoan age, for better… or worse. Now, shaken by INFERNO and X LIVES / X DEATHS OF WOLVERINE they strive to hold together, no matter how much they want to tear each other apart. Writer Kieron Gillen (UNCANNY X-MEN, ETERNALS, The Wicked + The Divine, Die) returns to the world of X with artist Lucas Werneck (TRIAL OF MAGNETO) to bring us all into the room where it happens. “It” being “the most powerful people on Earth deciding the fate of the whole planet.” Prepare for sinister secrets to be revealed and learn that some secrets are more sinister than others… 48 PGS./Rated T+ …$5.99
Marauders
One of the six titles that launched the Dawn of X era in 2019, Marauders is being relaunched with a new #1 in March. Steve Orlando will take over writing duties from Gerry Duggan and be giving Captain Kate Pryde and Bishop and all-new, all-different crew consisting of Aurora, Daken, Psylocke, Tempo, Somnus and a recently revealed final member: Cassandra Nova. Nova, the evil twin sister of Charles Xavier, will be helping the Marauders as they try to solve a mutant mystery over two billion years in the making. Eleonora Carlini will be handling the art on Orlando’s stories and the duo will actually make their debut on the book with Maruaders Annual # in January. Marauders #1 goes on sale March 30th; the full solicitation for the book is below.
MARAUDERS #1 STEVE ORLANDO (W) • ELEONORA CARLINI (A) • Cover by KAEL NGU Variant Cover by PEACH MOMOKO Design Variant COVER by Tom Muller Variant COVER by Skottie Young Promo Variant COVER by Leinil FRANCIS Yu Teaser Variant COVER by Eleonora Carlini Variant cover by Russell Dauterman Variant cover by Erica D’Urso Variant cover by Lucas Werneck NEW TEAM! NEW VILLAINS! NEW MYSTERIES! Captain Pryde and the Marauders are rededicating themselves to rescuing mutants, wherever they may be, and no matter how dangerous the odds against them are. But Captain Pryde’s crew is not yet complete! Against her better judgment, Pryde comes face-to-face with the final Marauder: Cassandra Nova! One of the most infamous villains in mutant history might be the Marauders’ only chance to unravel a mystery stretching two billion years into the past! 40 PGS./Rated T+ …$4.99
X-Force
Current X-Force writer Ben Percy will stay on for Destiny of X’s X-Force book, launching in April. The official teaser shows X-Force members Wolverine, Kid Omega, Beast, Force and Sage hooked into Cerebrex, which seems to be an upgraded version of the current Cerebro worn by Professor X. Artist Robert Gill, who has been working with Percy on X-Force for the last 4 issues will remain on the book.
Knights of X
Also launching in April, Knights of X will be, is some ways, a continuation of the current Excalibur book that launched during Dawn of X and “ended” with this month’s #26. Excalibur writer Tini Howard will be joined by artist Bob Quinn on Knights of X which, as it turns out, should be read “Knights of Ten” (the teaser reads, “Ten Realms, Ten Knights”). It’s expected to be set primarily in Otherworld and pick up where the events of Excalibur #26, which saw Betsy Braddock remain in Otherworld to fight Merlyn, left off.
X-Men
Gerry Duggan will remain on board the main X-title. The solicitation for X-Men #9, which can be seen below, hints at some big troubles ahead for the squad.
X-MEN #9 GERRY DUGGAN (W) • Javier Pina (A) • Cover by Pepe Larraz Trading Card Variant Cover by Russell Dauterman Promo Variant Cover by Leinil FRANCIS Yu • CARNAGE FOREVER Variant Cover by TBA STORMBREAKERS VARIANT COVER BY NATACHA BUSTOS The Quiet Council of Krakoa. The Great Ring of Arakko. The Central Column of Orchis. Three ruling bodies, all about to make vital decisions that will affect their people for years to come…and the X-Men are caught in the cross fire. 32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99
Legion of X
Details have yet to be released on Legion of X, but it seems likely that it will star Nightcrawler and Legion and be a bit of a continuation of Way of X, written by Si Spurrier and drawn by Bob Quinn. A new team, shown above, was teased at the end of X-Men: The Onslaught Revelation, which served as the end of the Way of X story. The team, featuring Juggernaut, Doctor Nemesis, Pixie, Forgetmenot and a newly resurrected Blindfold, who was originally kept out of the Resurrection Protocols due to Moira’s demands that no precog mutants be allowed to be brought back to life. With Destiny having been resurrected in Inferno and Blindfold on the way and Juggernaut, who was banned from Krakoa by Xavier, on the team, it seems like there truly are some big changes coming post-Inferno.
Wolverine
Again, no new details here but Ben Percy, whose run on the book has produced the best work on Wolverine in decades, will continue on. Wolverine will continue in April with issue 20 that will, apparently, feature Deadpool who has been notably absent from the X-line for the most part.
New Mutants
This looks like a potential continuation as well with Vita Ayala and Rod Reis working on issue #25 which is headed to stores in August. The description of the book, which can be read in full below, calls it a “perfect jumping-on point”for new readers.
THE LABORS OF MAGIK START HERE! The big two-five is here – and it’s the perfect jumping-on point for fans new and old! Illyana Rasputin is the Sorcerer Supreme and the rightful queen of Limbo…but she’s been awfully busy on Krakoa. Someone’s got their eye on the throne – and Magik isn’t the only queen in mutantdom. Vita Ayala and Rod Reis rekindle an old flame for a whole new generation of Magik lovers
X-Men Red
A Storm-centric book launching in April, X-Men Red will see Al Ewing and Stefano Caselli team up to tell the story of the Regent of Arakko defend the Red Planet.
Additional Titles
And while they were not teased as Destiny of X books, fans of the X-books can also look forward to a Gambit solo series, which sees the return of legendary X-Men writer and Gambit creator Chris Claremont, who will be working with artist Sid Kotian, and Giant-Size X-Men: Thunderbird, written by Steve Orlando and Nyla Rose, which will tell the tale of the newly resurrected John Proudstar.
More information on all these titles will be available when the full April solicitations are revealed in January.
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