All the news that's unfit to print
I'm heading over to the first GalaxyCon Saint Louis shortly. I plan to browse many vendors, take photos of cool cosplayers (always get permission, friends), say hello to the show's guests, and check out a panel/event or two! I'm excited and encourage you to check back tomorrow for a post (or multiple posts) discussing everything!
"Free Comic Book Day," as an official event, is actually trademarked. It was owned by Diamond, but...yeah, Diamond as we know it is dead and gone. It has been bought from Diamond by Universal Distribution, which is (most likely) good news! Universal Distribution handles a lot of comics in Canada and is moving into the United States to a degree (working with DC for US distribution already). I, for one, am glad Free Comic Book Day will at least survive the trainwreck that has been the Diamond bankruptcy and demise.
DC shuttered its Vertigo line some years ago. It kinda brought it back with the Black Label line (more adult takes on Superheroes, for the most part), but not really. It was discussed by DC how Vertigo would return, but then radio silence on the subject...until now.
At NYCC 2025, DC announced a whole slew of new quirky-sounding titles with Vertigo and some old favorites returning/getting relabeled. "100 Bullets: The US of Anger," marks that series coming back, along with, "The Nice House by the Sea," and its predecessor, "The Nice House on the Lake," retroactively becoming Vertigo. There will be zombie stories ("Bleeding Hearts," and "Necretaceous,") as well as thrillers ("The Black Tower: A Raven Conspiracy," and "The Peril of the Brutal Dark: An Ezra Cain Mystery,") plus some weird horror ("Fanatic," and, "A Walking Shadow,") to name just some upcoming comics.
I am all for a bigger publisher trying out quirky and weird stuff because thanks to being larger, they can afford strange little experimental books (in theory, at least). I look forward to Vertigo's official return this February 2026.
Every once in awhile McDonald's does their Monopoly game promotion. It's been a bit (almost 10 years), what with the, "McMillions Scandal," that happened, but it is back, with a twist. You now use the McDonald's app to play the game with digital pieces as well as physical peel-off ones (that you have to scan in the app to know what you got--the app is basically mandatory to play). You can win money, a Jeep, vacations, or (most likely) some free food.
I don't plan to intentionally go to McDonald's for the purpose of playing this new Monopoly game, but considering it is Clarkson's favorite restaurant, I am sure we will be there often enough to get some food items with pieces I'll need to scan. If I can get some free fries or a burrito out of it, why not? Good luck to everyone who tries it out!
New York Comic-Con will be occurring in New York City this weekend (funny enough, while I'm busy at a different convention, GalaxyCon STL). That show officially starts tomorrow, but is doing a, "Retailer Day," right now. Two early announcements out of NYCC 2025 have come from Marvel and are intriguing.
Another, "Moon Knight," Relaunch.
Jed MacKay has been writing some form of, "Moon Knight," for quite some time (with various artists on the differing series), and that makes me happy as he is good at it. I will admit it has been confusing, however, as we had, "Moon Knight," which led into, "Vengeance of the Moon Knight," and that turned into, "Moon Knight: Fist of Khonshu," before it was just announced it is ending. However, there is no need to fret as the same writer (MacKay) will be continuing the epic saga he's been telling over all the series with the latest Moon Knight title, "Marc Spector: Moon Knight," which is a nice homage to the first series with that name from back in the day. As long as we keep getting quality Moon Knight content, I don't mind the renaming and renumbering of series too much--it most likely confuses more casual fans/readers of the character, however. Look for the latest series this February 2026.
The Ultimate Universe Truly Ending?
I've blogged about the idea that it seems outlandish for Marvel to truly pull the plug on this latest Ultimate Universe, as it has been a critical hit and made good money. That said, they are doubling down on the idea that they are actually going to shut it down in April of 2026 when, "Utlimate: Endgame," concludes. If Marvel really does end this Ultimate Universe I would appluad their metaphorical brass balls (and I'd expect some characters to be folded back into the regualr 616 Universe). I still feel like we are heading toward some kind of relaunch/reboot that allows this current Ultimate Universe to stand alone but gives, "Birth," to a new one. Prove me wrong, Marvel.
14 years ago, I met the woman who would become my wife, Samii! I had no clue on that day we'd fall in love and get married (our first date was kind of awkward), but here we are all this time later. We've got our old cats, awesome (human) children, and I'm so thankful she is my wife. Life after having met Samii is just that much more special than my existence before her. She is my person, and I love her so much!
"In Our Dreams Awake," is a cool indie comic. It features a man named Jason Byron who isn't sure what is a dream and what is a reality. Sometimes he's in a fantastical medieval realm full of magic. Other times, he's in a cyberpunk future full of all kinds of exotic space aliens. written by John McGuire (in the fantasy era) as well as Egg Embry (in the future) and illustrated by Edgar Salazar with inks and colors by Genaro Olavarrieta & Javi Laparra in the magical past and Rolands Kalnins doing art and colors in the surreal future, there is quite a big creative team! They all sync up together expertly, however.
There is a Kickstarter that just launched for the third issue, and backers new to the series can get the first two as well. I had a chance to read the first two issues and a preview copy of the third. The alternating between Worlds starts with them seeming quite separate, but by the third issue, realities are clearly starting to collide and mesh together in strange ways. If you liked the first two issues, the third one is spectacular and if you're new to the series this Kickstarter campaign is a stellar way to jump in and read the first 3/4 of the series with a fourth and final issue coming in the future.
 |
| A scene from the first issue showing the realities could be bumping up against each other! |
5 out of 5 Stars (for the first three issues).
You don’t merely read, “The Witch’s Egg,” a new original graphic novel, you experience it. Written and illustrated by Donya Todd, every page stands as a surreal piece of art. Between cat witches, a Work King, magical toads, supernatural hares, and more, it is a wild ride. At its heart, however, “The Witch’s Egg,” is a story of how we will do anything we can for our children in an effort to ensure they live a safe and happy life.
This book contains metaphors for domestic violence, the challenges of parenthood, and just wanting to be happy despite how hard life can get. Simple concepts wrapped in extremely beautiful and complex imagery. Seriously, I cannot applaud Todd enough for her amazing artistry. This book is truly a feast for the eyes while also inspiring deep thought.
“The Witch’s Egg,” is a superb book that invites reflection on its story content and will inspire gasps of joy (and sometimes fear at the scary imagery) from the stellar illustrations. It was officially released today, and I highly encourage you to seek out a copy from your preferred source of books.
5 out of 5 Stars.
Note: An advance copy was provided, upon my request, by the publisher, Avery Hill Publishing, for the purposes of review.
