Issue #12 - The Sponsor, Big City Comics & The Scene
This one has a lot of juice. Take your time.
Hey, amazing comic fans (dudes and dudettes alike),
I mentioned this in our last issue, but this is the first edition sponsored by 1440. If you’d like to support me, check out their ad above or below. Every penny I earn from them will go right back into the comic community—funding campaigns on Zoop and Kickstarter or helping local artists (like the one I’ll mention later, wink wink). Plus, honestly, 1440 is one of the best newsletters around, so it’s a win-win for everyone.
Thanks for reading!
Highlight #1: DC Comics Absolute Event Planned for The End Of 2025
DC Comics announced plans for a major event in its Absolute Universe, scheduled for the end of 2025, as reported on March 10, 2025, by Bleeding Cool DC Comics Absolute Event. Scott Snyder, a key creative figure, discussed this on the Comic Watchers podcast, hinting at a multi-year meta-story that could redefine DC's narrative landscape. This announcement is significant for fans, promising expansive storytelling and potential new series, aligning with DC's strategy to refresh its universe. → Read More
Hightlight #2: 'Aliens Vs. Avengers' Crossover Gains Acclaim
The "Aliens Vs. Avengers" comic series, written by Jonathan Hickman and illustrated by Esad Ribić, has been praised for its unique blend of existential body horror and sci-fi adventure. The narrative features aged Avengers facing formidable challenges, appealing to fans of both franchises. → Read More
Highlight #3: Antarctic Press Celebrates 40 Years Amid Uncertainty
San Antonio-based comic book company Antarctic Press, known for titles like "Warrior Nun," is celebrating its 40th anniversary. However, the company faces challenges following the bankruptcy of its distributor, Diamond, and is exploring crowdfunding and direct sales to continue its mission. → Read more
Hightlight #4: Emerald City Comic Con (ECCC) 2025, held from March 6 to March 9 at the Seattle Convention Center, showcased a variety of exciting events and announcements. Here are some of the highlights
Major Announcements:
Terry Brooks Announces Retirement: Renowned fantasy author Terry Brooks revealed his retirement and introduced Delilah S. Dawson as his successor for the Shannara series. Brooks' final novel, "Galaphile: The First Druids of Shannara," is set for release on March 11, 2025. → Read more
"Ultimate Oz Universe: The Lost Lands" Unveiled: A new 144-page graphic novel, "Ultimate Oz Universe: The Lost Lands," co-written by Larry King, was announced. This novel explores uncharted territories of the Oz universe and is scheduled for release on November 12, 2025. → Read more
Celebrity Panels and Reunions:
"Hannibal" Cast Reunion: Actors Mads Mikkelsen and Hugh Dancy reunited to discuss the enduring legacy of the "Hannibal" series, reflecting on its impact a decade after its conclusion. → Read more
"Star Trek: Strange New Worlds" Panel: Cast members Anson Mount, Celia Rose Gooding, and Melissa Navia shared insights into the upcoming season of "Star Trek: Strange New Worlds," including behind-the-scenes anecdotes and character developments. → Read More
Cosplay Highlights:
Cosplay Central Costume Showcase: ECCC 2025 featured a vibrant array of cosplay, with attendees showcasing intricate costumes ranging from classic characters like Luigi and Wolverine to creative interpretations such as the Muppets' "Yip Yip" aliens. → Read more
Convention Evolution:
Discussion on Comic Cons as Festivals: The convention highlighted a trend of comic cons evolving into broader festivals, incorporating diverse elements like music, comedy, and interactive workshops to enhance attendee experiences. → Read more
Indie & Mainstream Spotlights of the Week
Author: Deniz Camp
Artist: Juan Frigeri
Released: Mar 5, 2025
Publisher: Marvel
Summary: NAMOR AND THE RED SKULL! Captain America and the Human Torch lead a team to recruit their old comrade — Namor! But they’ll have to get through the Red Skull Gang first!
Author: Geoff Johns
Artist: Brad Anderson
Released: Mar 5, 2025
Publisher: Image Comics
Summary: The hit horror series continues! Witness, if you will, the demise of a good man in a town without pity. A caring man, with aspirations to be known among his peers as one of Hollywood's finest actors, only to see these colleagues snicker at him when he's typecast as a famous film monster made of human patchwork parts. But, as we'll see, life imitates art in Tinseltown, down a boulevard called… Hyde Street.
Letters from the Creator (Backmatter that is somehow in the Middle)
I always kick off my newsletter by writing this section first, even though it lands in the middle for your reading convenience. Each week, my goal is to distill the past seven days of comic-related events into a format that’s easy for you to follow. And here’s a little behind-the-scenes tidbit: I’ve been writing this newsletter weekly, but I’ve been mostly disconnected from the comic world for the last five years.
Before this hiatus, I moved to Australia, and since then, I haven’t really plugged into the local comic scene. Life got busy—building a new life tends to do that. But a few days ago, something shifted. I took myself to “Big City Comics” and had one of the best comic discussions I’ve had in years with the owner, Mark. I used to think I had a solid grip on comics, but chatting with a comic store owner quickly reminds you how much there is to catch up on. And hey, I quickly met a local indie author, Eli Abidin, who is the author of Son of Man.
Now, I’m determined to get more involved in Australia’s local comic scene. The talent here is unreal—some of the best local artists I’ve encountered—and the community is alive with events everywhere. A huge thanks to Mark for being so warm and welcoming; he’s easily the friendliest person I’ve met in a while. If you’re in Melbourne, do yourself a favor and stop by Big City Comics. Call ahead—you’ll want to meet him.
The Interesting Finds
H2SH smashes it with 400,000+ copies ordered
Because it can’t be all butterflies and rainbows
What is the worst comic book or graphic novel you’ve ever read? : r/comicbooks
www.reddit.com/r/comicbooks/comments/1j581ur/what_is_the_worst_comic_book_or_graphic_novel
To no one’s surprise, BRZRKR is going to the big screen
Justin Lin Teams with Keanu Reeves for Gritty Action Movie ‘BRZRKR’ (Exclusive)
Mattson Tomlin ('The Batman 2') is writing the script for the adaptation of the Boom! Studios comic book.
www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/keanu-reeves-brzrkr-movie-justin-lin-1236157199
Keep an eye out for
Secret Wars #2 - +1,233% increase in copies sold this week versus the previous week due to UNCONFIRMED concept art that leaked online leading fans to believe elements from the Secret Wars 2015 story arc may be integrated into the upcoming film starring Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom → Check it here
Impact Winter #1 - +967% increase in copies sold this week versus the previous week after Netflix acquired the rights to the Impact Winter property → Check it out here
Thanks for reading this week’s release!
Angelos