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The latest and greatest news from the comics industry featuring print, film, and television.

Archie Comics has a few new releases this week. The first issue of Archie and Friends: Thrills and Chills tells the story of the gang running into their mirror-verse selves in “Return to Mirrorvale”, the issue’s lead story. Betty and Veronica get themselves into hot water in”Sunny With A Chance Of Rescue” from Betty and Veronica: Jumbo Comics Digest #306

Boom Studios announced several upcoming projects. First up, a second printing of Something Is Killing The Children #25. This issue transitions the series from its original limited-run design to an on-going title, and begins Erica Slaughter’s next arc facing off against monsters. This second run will feature a new cover design when it hits stands September 7th. First run issues are in stores now- if they’re not sold out already.

They also announced two new titles. Specs from writer David M. Booher, artist Chris Shehan, and colorist Roman Stevens, features the consequences for two teen boys after they receive a pair of magical and malicious glasses in the comic inspired by 80’s horror films.

In Behold Behemoth, a social worker finds that the monster that haunts his dreams may actually be real- and somehow involved in his brother’s sudden and horrid death. This horror comic series has writer Tate Brombal, Nick Robles, and letterer AndWorld Design on board as the creative team.

Both Specs and Behold Behemoth are scheduled to be released in November 2022.

Print

Dark Horse released the trade paperback of Cold Bodies this week. The series focused on the lasting effects of violent trauma through the lens of the survivor of a serial killer popularized in a “based on a true story” slasher movie. The comic from writer Magdalene Visaggio and artist Andrea Mutti is described as a “1980s meta-horror homage” making it perfect for fans of the Scream, Halloween, or Texas Chainsaw Massacre films. The trade paperback is available here or in digital.

TV

Dark Horse has also had their First Look Deal With Netflix extended after the success of season three of The Umbrella Academy. The Multi-year deal allows Netflix first dibs on adapting Dark Horse’s comic content for the streaming series and will continue with Matt Wagner’s Grendel adaptation, currently in post-production.

Print

DC announced a second arc for the solo Poison Ivy title, with a second six-issue order. Written by G. Willow Wilson, with the debut of DC Milestone graduate Atagun Ilhan as the interior artist for issues #7 and #8 before the return of Marcio Takara in Issue #9. Poison Ivy #1-3 are available now, and the second arc begins in December.

TV

DC took over Netflix with the streaming release of The Sandman, which spent the first seven days on the platform at the #1 series spot, with global watch hours totaling 69.48 million hours from August 1-7th- an impressive feat considering the show was released on August 5th.

_{Read “Awake vs. “Woke” for my spoiler-free Editorial review of the series.}

Film

The backlash from the decision to cancel Batgirl continues as more drama builds around the upcoming The Flash film. Star Ezra Miller was served with a charge of federal burglary from the state of Vermont while at their home this week, and the state’s Child Protective Service is actively searching for the woman and three children that Miller had been reportedly living with Miller. Reports of unsafe situations at Miller’s ranch have led to the state’s petition to remove the three children, aged five, four, and one from the care of their mother. She claims Miller was supporting her as she escaped an abusive relationship. Combined with Miller’s assault charges, burglary charges, and rumored cult, grooming, and predatory behaviors, executives at Warner Brothers and DC are said to be deep in discussion about how to proceed with press for the film.

Staffing

Image comics promoted two of their current staffers to new positions within the company. Former production artist Ryan Brewer is now the International Sales & Licensing Manager. Fellow former production artist Deanna Phelps is now Marketing Design Manager. Rich Fowlks and Wesley Griffith are joining Image as Production Artists.

Print

This week marked the debut of Love Everlasting, a new title from writer Tom King and artist Elsa Charretier. A tragic romance cycle comes full circle as Joan Peterson continuously is ripped from the arms of her love into bloody battles for her freedom.

Print

Gwen Stacy gets her long-overdue ending to her miniseries in Giant-Sized Gwen Stacy. This oversized issue collects Gwen Stacy #1 and #2, plus prints the story finale.

Another giant issue released this week was X-Men Legends #1. This massive issue finds some “missing” stories of the X-Men from writer Roy Thomas.

TV

Disney Plus dropped a series of shorts featuring everyone’s favorite tree this week. Each of Groot’s misadventures covers a part of Baby Groot’s growing up and getting into trouble. From his first steps to his magnum opus, fans can enjoy all five of the shorts now streaming.

Film

Following the controversy surrounding Marvel’s overworking and underpaying of their visual effect artists, there have now been rumors that Marvel will develop their own in-house VFZ team and stop outsourcing their films and projects to independent contractors. Time will tell if there’s any truth to that report.

Free online comic service Webtoons has found success with creator-based content series and English translations of popular Korean webcomics like All of Us Are Dead and True Beauty. Most recently, they’ve partnered with DC Comics for a slice-of-life look at Batman’s hectic family life, a thriller featuring Zatanna, and Vixen living in New York; Marvel for a digital Eternals series; and Archie Comics for an Ethel-focused web series.

Popular series Lore Olympus released the season two finale for the free-to-read patrons, which saw Persephone facing off against Kronos and reuniting with Hades. The series is taking a short break from fast-pass issues, but will return for paid content next week, continuing the tradition of offering the next three issues for paid coin instead of waiting. The first two seasons are now available to read.