Negromancer's "STAR WARS" Link-O-Rama 2026 - UPDATE #7

by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

You can support Leroy via Paypal or on Patreon.

Amazon wants me to inform/remind you that any affiliate links found on this page are PAID ADS, but I technically only get paid (eventually) if you click on affiliate links like this, MOVIES PAGE, and BUY something(s).

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NEWS AND RUMORS:

OBIT - From Collider:  American voice actor, Tom Kane, has died at the age of 64, Monday, May 18, 2026.  Kane was best known for his voice work in the Star Wars franchise, mainly for animation and video games.  He provided the voice of "Yoda" in the 2003 "Star Wars: Clone Wars" animated shorts for Cartoon Network.  He voiced Yoda again in the 2008 "Star Wars: The Clone Wars" animated film.  For Cartoon Network's "Star Wars: The Clone Wars" animated series, he voiced a number of characters, including Yoda, and he provided the narration for each episode.  Kane's extensive list of credits in film, TV, and video games stretch over three decades and include voice performances in "The Powerpuff Girls" (Cartoon Network) and "The Wild Thornberries" (Nickelodeon), to name a few.

OBIT - From TheWrap:  Star Wars actor, Michael Pennington, has died at the age of 82. His family announced his death Sunday, May 10, 2026.  Pennington played "Death Star Commander Moff Jerjerood," who was in charge of the construction of the new Death Star, in "Return of the Jedi" (1983).  Pennington was a writer, director, and actor known for his work on the English stage, including his performance with the Royal Shakespeare Company.

DARTH MAUL - From YouTube:  Disney+ has released the first official trailer for its new animated series, "Star Wars: Maul - Shadow Lord." The first two episodes debut April 6th.

THE MANDALORIAN - From YouTube:  Disney has released an official trailer for "The Mandalorian and Grogu" film.  It is due in theaters and IMAX May 22, 2026.

DARTH MAUL - From StarWars:  Disney+ has released the first teaser trailer for its upcoming Lucasfilm animated series, "Star Wars: Maul - Shadow Lord."  The series set for an April 6th debut on Disney+.

COMICS - From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics unveils "Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge - Echoes Of The Empire," a five-issue comic book miniseries launching April 2026.  Set on Batuu, the comic connects to Disney’s "Galaxy’s Edge Park," and also expands the "Star Wars" timeline with classic heroes.  Readers should expect appearances from Luke Skywalker, Leia, and Chewbacca facing the Empire over a dangerous relic.  It is written by Ethan Sacks and drawn by Jethro Morales and Roi Mercado.

DAVE FILONI - From TheWrap:  As Kathleen Kennedy steps down as President of Lucasfilm and Dave Filoni becomes Chief Creative Officer comes a report that Filoni did not like Lucasfilm's Emmy-winning hit, "Andor." Lynwen Brennan is also announced as co-president.

From Forbes:  Reports state that Lucasfilm, Chief Creative Office (CCO), Dave Filoni, will become president of Lucasfilm when current president Kathleen Kennedy steps down.  A director, producer, and screenwriter, Filoni is known for directing the 2008 animated film, "Star Wars: Clone Wars" and the upcoming live-action film, "The Mandalorian and Grogu."  Filoni was also the writer, director, and executive producer on Lucasfilm/Disney+ television series like "The Mandalorian," "The Book of Boba Fett," and "Ahsoka."

COMICS - From BleedingCool:  "Star Wars: Shadow of Maul" is a five-issue comic book miniseries that will act as a prequel to upcoming Disney+ animated series, "Maul - Shadow Lord."  The comic book is written by Benjamin Percy and drawn by Madibek Musabekov, and the first issue arrives March 2026.

FRANCHISE - From YahooTotalFilm:  Despite working on Star Wars properties since "The Phantom Menace," Lucasfilm design director Doug Chiang says that only George Lucas truly knows what Star Wars design is. "I don’t always get it 100 per cent right."

COMICS - From BleedingCool:  Artist Taurin Clarke is Marvel Comics' "Star Wars Black History Month" cover artist for February 2026.

From BleedingCool:  Ahmed Best, the voice actor best known for the role of "Jar Jar Binks" in the "Star Wars" prequel trilogy, will co-write an official Star Wars Jar Jar Binks comic book for Marvel Comics.  The one-shot comic book is due February 2026 and will be co-written by Marc Guggenheim and illustrated by Kieran McKeown and Laura Braga.

From FlickeringMyth:  Dark Horse Comics has announced that it will return to the High Republic era of "Star Wars" next year with the six-issue limited series, "Star Wars: The High Republic Adventures – Pathfinders."  The series will be written by George Mann ("Star Wars: Hyperspace Stories – Qui-Gon") and drawn by Partha Pratim, Jagdish Kumar, and Michael Atiyeh ("Star Wars: Hyperspace Stories: The Bad Batch").  The first issue is scheduled to arrive March 11, 2026.

THE MANDALORIAN - From YouTube:  Lucasfilm has released the first official trailer for "The Mandalorian and Grogu," which is due in theaters May 22, 2026.

STARFIGHTER - From IGN:  Lucasfilm offers a new set photo from "Star Wars: Starfighter," featuring cast members, Ryan Gosling and Flynn Gray. The film is due May 28, 2027.

From THR:  The latest Star Wars movie, "Star Wars: Starfighter," started shooting on Thursday (Aug. 28th) in the U.K.  Lucasfilm marked the ocassion by releasing an image of star Ryan Gosling and new cast member, Flynn Gray, in front of a speeder.  Lucasfilm also revealed the latest additions to the cast.  Including Flynn Gray, they are Aaron Pierre, Simon Bird, Jamael Westman, Daniel Ings, and Amy Adams.  The film is being directed by Shawn Levy and stars Ryan Gosling. Mia Goth and Matt Smith were already revealed to be in the cast, playing villains.

From Deadline:  Matt Smith ("Doctor Who") will star alongside Ryan Gosling as a villain in the "Star Wars" film, "Star Wars: Starfighter," which is scheduled for a 2027 release.

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Link-o-Rama 2025.

Link-o-Rama 2024.

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STAR WARS Movie Reviews:

From Negromancer:  "Star Wars"
From Negromancer:  "The Empire Strikes Back"
From Negromancer:  "Return of the Jedi"

From Negromancer:  "Star Wars: The Phantom Menace"

From Negromancer:  "Star Wars: Attack of the Clones"

From Negromancer:  "Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith"

From Negromancer:  "Star Wars: The Force Awakens
From Negromancer:  "Star Wars: The Last Jedi"
From Negromancer:  "Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker"

From Negromancer:  "Star Wars: The Clone Wars" (2008 animated film)
From Negromancer:  "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story"
From Negromancer:  "Solo: A Star Wars Story" 

I Reads You "Star Wars Central" comics and graphic novel review page is here.

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Amazon wants me to inform you that the link below is a PAID AD, but I technically only get paid (eventually) if you click on the ad below AND buy something(s).

Negromancer News Bits and Bites from May 17th to 23rd, 2026 - UPDATE #1

hosted_button_id=THVYNJDCMWQBJ" target="_blank">Paypal or on Patreon:

Amazon wants me to inform/remind you that any affiliate links found on this page are PAID ADS, but I technically only get paid (eventually) if you click on affiliate links like this, MOVIES PAGE, and BUY something(s).

TREATS: From AnotherCookie?:  There is a new online cookie retailer, "AnotherCookie?" The cookies are delicious.

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NEWS:

BOX OFFICE - From BoxOfficePro:  The winner of the 5/15 to 5/17/2026 weekend box office is Lionsgate's "Michael" with an estimated take of 26.1 million dollars.

MOVIES - From WorldofReel:  "World of Reel" says a source at Warner Bros. indicated that the studio has no plans to release director Kevin Costner's "Horizon An American Saga: Chapter 2." "Horizon: Chapter 1" grossed $38 million dollars when released in 2024, the same year that Chapter 2 was supposed to be released.

Negromancer News Bits and Bites from May 10th to 16th, 2026 - UPDATE #8

by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

You can support Leroy via Paypal or on Patreon:

Amazon wants me to inform/remind you that any affiliate links found on this page are PAID ADS, but I technically only get paid (eventually) if you click on affiliate links like this, MOVIES PAGE, and BUY something(s).

TREATS: From AnotherCookie?:  There is a new online cookie retailer, "AnotherCookie?" The cookies are delicious.

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NEWS:

MOVIES - From IndieWire:  It has been way more than a decade since the release of writer-director John Sayles "Go For Sisters" (2013).  His new film, "I Passed This Way," is set to star Oscar-winners, Amy Madigan and Chris Cooper, and is being shopped 2026 Cannes Film Market.

OSCARS - From Deadline:  Conan O'Brien will return as the host of the Oscars ceremony for a third year in a row.  The 99th Academy Awards will air on ABC and Hulu on March 14, 2027.

MOVIES - From THR:  Oscar-winning actress Lupita Nyong’o plays two roles in director Christopher Nolan's upcoming "The Odyssey." She is "Helen of Troy," the most beautiful woman in the world who is married to Menelaus (played by Jon Bernthal) and gets blamed for starting a war after she’s spirited away by a prince. Nyong'o also plays Helen’s sister, "Clytemnestra," who is married to Menelaus’ brother, Agamemnon (played by Benny Safdie).

AMAZON - From Deadline:  Emmy-winner, Aaron Paul ("Breaking Bad"), will join the cast of "Fallout" Season 3.

BOX OFFICE - From BoxOfficePro:  The winner of the 5/8 to 5/10/2026 weekend box office is 20th Century Studios' "The Devil Wears Prada 2" with an estimated take of 43 million dollars.

NETFLIX - From WorldofReel:  Shawn Levy will direct Netflix's "Somewhere Out There," which is based on a spec script by Max Taxe that Netflix won in a competitive bidding war.

OBITS:

From RollingStone:  American singer, songwriter, record producer, musician, and recording class, Clarence Carter, has died at the age of 90, Thursday, May 14, 2026. Born blind, Carter was known for his bawdy R&B and soul music recordings and was an influential figure in Southern soul music.  Carter's best known singles include "Tell Daddy" (1967), "Slip Away" (1968), "Back Door Santa" (1968), "Patches" (1970), and "Strokin'" (1986).  According to IMDb, Carter's songs appeared in at least 51 films and television episodes, including "Hawkeye" (2021, Marvel/Disney+), "Licorice Pizza" (2021), and "Almost Famous" (2000), to name a few.  Carter was a two-time Grammy Award nominee.

From THR:  American film and television actor, Donald Gibb, has died at the age of 71, Tuesday, May 12, 2026.  Gibb is best known as the dimwitted and aggressive fraternity brother, "Frederick 'Ogre' Palowaski" in the 1984 comedy film, "Revenge of the Nerds," and its sequels, "Revenge of the Nerds II: Nerds in Paradise" (1987) and the made-for-TV comedy, "Revenge of the Nerds IV: Nerds in Love" (1994).  He is also known for roles in the films "Bloodsport" (1988) and "Bloodsport II: The Kumite (1996).  Gibb also appeared in all seven seasons of HBO's "1st & Ten" (1984-91) and in all seven episodes of the former ABC sitcom, "Stand by Your Man" (1992).  Gibb also had an extensive list of TV credits, appearing in such series as "The X-Files" (Fox), "Step by Step" (ABC), "Weird Science" (USA Network), and "The Young and the Restless" (CBS).

From ESPN:  Former American collegiate and professional basketball player, Jason Collins, has died at the age of 47, Tuesday, May 12, 2026.  After playing basketball for Stanford University, Collins was drafted in the first round of the 2001 NBA Draft by the Houston Rockets. He played for seven teams over 13 seasons.  After the 2012-13 season, Collins came out as gay, become the first openly gay NBA player.  In February 2014, while playing for the Brooklyn Nets, Collins became the first openly gay athlete to play in one of the four major North American professional sports league.

Negromancer's Marvel Studios Link-o-Rama 2026 - UPDATE #6

by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

Support Leroy on Patreon:

Amazon wants me to inform/remind you that any affiliate links found on this page are PAID ADS, but I technically only get paid (eventually) if you click on affiliate links like this, MOVIES PAGE, and BUY something(s).

TREATS: Looking for a delicious treat? Try AnotherCookie.

NEWS:

X-MEN - From MensHeath:  Lee Sung Jin, the creator Netflix's "Beef," gave "Men's Health" an interview about the series.  Lee is also working on Marvel Studio's planned "X-Men" movie and he talks about that film's focus on characters.

ENDGAME  - From Variety:  The 2019 Marvel Studios blockbuster, "Avengers: Endgame" will get a September 25th, 2026 re-release that will include brand new footage that ties it into the upcoming "Avengers: Doomsday," which is due December 2026.

WONDER MAN - From THR:  The Disney+ Marvel Studios streaming series, "Wonder Man," will return for a second season.  Yahya Abdul-Mateen II will return as "Simon Williams/Wonder Man" and Sir Ben Kingsley will return as "Trevor Slattery."

SPIDER-MAN - From ComicBookMovie:  A trailer of some sorts for the upcoming Sony/Marvel Studios film, "Spider-Man: Brand New Day," may debut as soon as next week.

AVENGERS DOOMSDAY - From YouTube:  The latest "Avengers: Doomsday" (#4) teaser trailer is now on YouTube.  This one features Shuri, M'Baku, Namor and others from the world of the "Black Panther" and also Ben Grimm of the "Fantastic Four."  "Avengers: Doomsday" arrives December 18, 2026.

From YouTube:  The latest "Avengers: Doomsday" (#3) teaser trailer is now on YouTube.  This one features Professor X, Magneto, and Cyclops.  "Avengers: Doomsday" arrives December 18, 2026.

From YouTube:  The latest "Avengers: Doomsday" (#2) teaser trailer is now on YouTube. It focuses on the Avenger, "Thor."  The film arrives in theaters December 18, 2026.

From YouTube:  The first of four "Avengers: Doomsday" teaser trailers is now officially on YouTube. This one focuses on Steve Rogers/Captain America.

BLADE - From DarkHorizons:  Rumors abound that Marvel is no longer developing a solo feature film starring its vampire hunter, "Blade," who was supposed to be played by Oscar-winner Mahershala Ali. Rumors also say "Blade" will make his debut in a "Midnight Sons" feature film.

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AVENGERS - From CinemaBlend:  Rumors abound that Disney/Marvel will release four teaser trailers for "Avengers: Doomsday."  Each one will appear at the head of "Avatar: Fire and Ash" on a rotation of one week each.

From ComicBookMovies:  After joining "Spider-Man: Brand New Day," actress Sadie Sink will reportedly joining "Avengers: Secret Wars," according to various reports and rumors.

SPIDER-MAN - From Deadline:  Sources tell "Deadline" that actor Marvin Jones III has been tapped for the role of "Tombstone" in Sony/Marvel's 2026 film, "Spider-Man: Brand New Day."  He also performed the voice of Tombstone in "Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse" (2018) and will reprise the role in "Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse" (2027).  Jones is also known as the rapper, "Krondon," a member of the rap trio, "Strong Arm Steady."

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MARVEL CINEMATIC UNIVERSE (MCU):

Review: Iron Man (2008)

Review: The Incredible Hulk (2008)

Review: Iron Man 2 (2010)

Review: Thor (2011)

Review:  Captain America: The First Avenger (2011)

Review:  Marvel's The Avengers (2012)

Review: Iron Man 3 (2013)

Review: Thor: The Dark World (2013)

Review: Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014)

Review: Guardians of the Galaxy (2014)

Review:  Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015)

Review: Ant-Man (2015)

Review: Captain America: Civil War (2016)

Review: Doctor Strange (2016)

Review: Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017)

Review:  Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017)

Review: Thor: Ragnarok (2017)

Review:  Black Panther (2018)

Review:  Avengers: Infinity War (2018)

Review: Ant-Man and the Wasp (2018)

Review:  Captain Marvel (2019)

Review: Avengers: Endgame (2019)

Review:  Spider-Man: Far From Home (2019)

Review: Black Widow (2021)

Review: Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (2021)

Review: Eternals (2021)

Review: Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021)

Review: Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (2022)

Review: Thor: Love and Thunder (2022)

Review: Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022)

Review: Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania (2023)

Review: Guardians of the Galaxy, Vol. 3 (2023)

Review: The Marvels (2023)

Review: Deadpool & Wolverine (2024)

Review: Captain America: Brave New World (2025)

Review: Thunderbolts* (2025)

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Click here for the 2025 edition of "Marvel Studios Negromancer Link-o-Rama"

Click here for the 2024 edition of "Marvel Studios Negromancer Link-o-Rama"

Click here for the 2023 edition of "Marvel Studios Negromancer Link-o-Rama"

Click here for the 2022 edition of "Marvel Studios Negromancer Link-o-Rama"

Click here for the 2021 edition of "Marvel Studios Negromancer Link-o-Rama."

Click here for the 2020 edition of "Marvel Studios Negromancer Link-o-Rama."

Click here for the 2019 edition of "Marvel Studios Negromancer Link-o-Rama."

Click here for the 2018 edition of "Marvel Studios Negromancer Link-o-Rama."

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Amazon wants me to inform you that the link below is a PAID AD, but I technically only get paid (eventually) if you click on the ad below AND buy something(s).

Negromancer News Bits and Bites from May 1st to 9th, 2026 - UPDATE #10

by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

You can support Leroy via Paypal or on Patreon:

Amazon wants me to inform/remind you that any affiliate links found on this page are PAID ADS, but I technically only get paid (eventually) if you click on affiliate links like this, MOVIES PAGE, and BUY something(s).

TREATS: From AnotherCookie?:  There is a new online cookie retailer, "AnotherCookie?" The cookies are delicious.

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NEWS:

TELEVISION - From Deadline:  NBC‘s "pilot season" is over. Four of the network’s eight pilots are going to series.  They are the dramas, "The Rockford Files," starring David Boreanaz, and "Line of Fire," starring Peter Krause.  Also going to series are the comedies "Sunset P.I." (single-camera), starring Jake Johnson, and "Newlyweds" (multi-camera), starring Téa Leoni and Tim Daly.  All four come from NBC sibling studio, Universal Television. The four that did not make it are "Key Witness," "What the Dead Know," "Puzzled," and "Jill & Ginger."

BUSINESS - From Variety:  Oscar-nominated actor Mark Ruffalo says that many actors are against the Paramount-Skydance/Warner Bros. Discovery merger, but don't want to make their objections public because of the fear of being blacklisted.

AMAZON - From Deadline:  The hot rumor is that Amazon Prime will reboot NBC's former reality TV series, "The Apprentice" (2004-17), which was hosted by Donald Trump for the first 14 of its 15 seasons.  The reboot would have (wait for it) Donald Trump, Jr. as the host.

BOX OFFICE - From BoxOfficePro:  The winner of the 5/1 to 5/3/2026 weekend box office is 20th Century Studios' "The Devil Wears Prada 2" with an estimated take of 77 million dollars.

SAG - From Deadline:  The actors' unions, SAG-AFTRA, have reached a tentative four-year deal with the Hollywood studios to avoid an actors strike.

MOVIES - From WorldofReel:  After the difficulties of the two-part "Mission: Impossible" film franchise finale, Tom Cruise and Christopher McQuarrie are taking a break from each other. So McQuarrie won't be involved with "Top Gun 3"... reportedly.

DOCUMENTARY - From Variety:  Five hours of never-before-heard Princess Diana recordings will be the basis of a new documentary series, entitled "Diana: The Unheard Truth."  It is set to launch August 31, 2027, the 30th anniversary of her murder.

MUSIC - From THR:  Writer Leena Tailor of "The Hollywood Reporter" tells us "How the Backstreet Boys Helped Breathe New Life Into “Dying” Vegas with Multimillion-Dollar Sphere Residency"

OBITS:

From CNN:   American businessman, media mogul, television producer, and philanthropist, Ted Turner, has died at the 87, Wednesday, April 6, 2026.  In June 1980, he launched "Cable News Network" (CNN), the first 24-hour cable news channel.  He also launched WTBS (or "TBS"), the first national "superstation."  Turner would go on to create such cable networks as "TNT," Turner Classic Movies" (TCM), and "Cartoon Network."  During his ownership of the "Atlanta Braves" Major League Baseball (MLB) franchise, the team won the 1995 World Series.  These are just a few of his accomplishments.

From THR:  American film and television actor and professional football player, Beau Starr, has died at the age of 81, Friday, April 24, 2026.  Starr may be best known for playing "Sheriff Ben Meeker" in "Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers" (1988) and "Halloween 5: The Revenge of Michael Myers" (1989).  His other notable film appearances includes roles in films such as "Goodfellas" (1980), "Hoodlum" (1997), and "Cinderella Man" (2005).  He was a main character in the Canadian crime comedy-drama series, "Due South" (1994-1999).  Starr also appeared in numerous TV series and movies, including "Hill Street Blues," "The A-Team," "Perry Mason: The Case of the Ruthless Reporter" (1991), "Murder, She Wrote," and "Cagney & Lacey: True Convictions" (1996), to name a few.  As a pro football player, Starr spent three years on the NFL's New York Jets taxi squad, and he played for two seasons in the Canadian Football League (CFL).

From Deadline:  American actress and boxing referee, Gwen Farrell, has died at the age of 93, Thursday, April 30, 2026.  Farrell played recurring nurse roles in 26 episodes of the former CBS sitcom, "M*A*S*H" (1972-83), over the course of the series' 11-year run, including in the series finale in 1983.  In 1979, Farrell became the first female licensed boxing referee.  On June  5, 1988, she became the first woman to officiate a world title fight - the "junior-middleweight" bout between Pedro Ortega and Luis “Yory Boy” Campas in Tijuana, Mexico.  In 1993, she worked on "ESPN Top Rank Boxing."  Farrell was inducted into the World Boxing Hall of Fame and the California Boxing Hall of Fame.

A Negromancer May 2026

Welcome to May 2026. Welcome to Negromancer 2.0.  This is the rebirth of the Negromancer, the former movie review site, as a movie review and entertainment and culture news blog.

All images and text appearing on this blog are © copyright and/or trademarks of their respective owners.

While you're at it, have AnotherCookie.

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Also, my first original graphic novel, THE WRATH OF KARAPACE: A BIG SPIRITS EPIC, which is published by Candle Light Press.  Co-created by Carter J. Allen, (Warning Comics), The Wrath of Karapace is now on sale at Amazon and Barnes and Noble online.

Other online shops that are selling "The Wrath of Karapace" include the following:

- AmazonUK;

- Bookshop.org;

- ElmStreetBooks;

- the German book shop, OrrellFussli;

- Powells.com;

- Russell Books.com;

- SuperBookDeals.com;

- Walmart online.

Of note, The Wrath of Karapace is also available on eBay from a few different sellers.

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"The Wrath of Karapace" also a "Google Books" listing.

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Amazon wants me to inform/remind you that any affiliate links found on this page are PAID ADS, but I technically only get paid (eventually) if you click on affiliate links like these, BOOKS PAGE, GRAPHIC NOVELS, or MANGA PAGE and BUY something(s).

Negromancer News Bits and Bites from April 26th to 30th, 2026 - UPDATE #4

by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

You can support Leroy via Paypal or on Patreon:

Amazon wants me to inform/remind you that any affiliate links found on this page are PAID ADS, but I technically only get paid (eventually) if you click on affiliate links like this, MOVIES PAGE, and BUY something(s).

TREATS: From AnotherCookie?:  There is a new online cookie retailer, "AnotherCookie?" The cookies are delicious.

-------------------

NEWS:

OSCARS - From Deadline:  In an exclusive story, "Deadline" has reported that Oscar-winner, Pavel Talankin’s Oscar for the documentary feature film, "Mr. Nobody Against Putin," has disappeared.  This happened after TSA officials at JFK Airport in New York refused to let Talankin board a flight with the statuette, declaring it could be used as a weapon.  Talakin shared a win at the recent 98th Academy Awards for "Best Feature Documentary" with U.S. documentary filmmaker, David Borenstein, Halle Faber, and Alzbeta Karaskova.  Two airline employees boxed the item and gave Talankin a ticket for the package, but when he arrived at his destination, the box could not be found...

MOVIES - From WorldofReel:  Sony Pictures is developing a film that will bring the worlds of Quentin Tarantino's Oscar-winning "Django Unchained" (2012) and the Oscar-nominated "The Mask of Zorro" (1998) together.  The film will be written by Oscar-winner Brian Helgeland ("L.A. Confidential") and will be based on the 2015 crossover comic book miniseries, "Django/Zorro" (Dynamite Entertainment), which acted as a sequel to Django Unchained.  [Here is my review of "Django/Zorro #1.]

BOX OFFICE - From BoxOfficePro:  The winner of the 4/24 to 4/26/2026 weekend box office is Lionsgate's "Michael" with an estimated 97 million dollars.

OBITS:

From Variety:  The American toy designer, businessman, and inventor, Roger Sweet, has died at the age of 91, Tuesday, April 28, 2026.  Sweet is best known for his work as a lead designer at toy manufacturer, Mattel.  Sweet was as the lead designer of the team that created the superhero, "He-Man," and the "Masters of the Universe" toy line.

From Deadline:  Film writer and television writer and producer, Gerry Conway, has died at the age of 73.  Conway wrote the screenplays for two films, the animated "Fire and Ice" (1983) and "Conan the Destroyer" (1984).  He was a writer-producer for NBC's "Law & Order" (1999-2006).  He wrote episodes of such animated TV series as "G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero," "The Transformers," and "My Little Pony," to name a few.  Conway was also a legendary comic book writer and editor.  He co-created "The Punisher" for Marvel and is considered to be one of the authors who expanded and deepened what came to be known as the "Marvel Universe."

Comics Review: "BATMAN #6" Has a "Long Night"

BATMAN (2025) #6

DC COMICS

STORY: Matt Fraction

ART: Jorge Jimenez

COLORS: Tomeu Morey

LETTERS: Clayton Cowles with Jorge Jimenez

EDITOR: Rob Levin

COVER: Jorge Jimenez

VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Jim Lee and Scott Williams with Alex Sinclair; Julian Totino Tedesco; Gerald Parel; David Aja; Chrissie Zullo-Uminga; Jorge Jimenez

36pp, Color, $4.99 U.S., (April 2026)

Batman created by Bob Kane and Bill Finger

Rating: 13+

“Long Night”

DC Comics recently relaunched its Batman flagship comic book series – the third time in 14 years.  It is written by Matt Fraction; drawn by Jorge Jimenez; colored by Tomeu Morey; and lettered by Clayton Cowles.  DC is pushing the series as the dawn of new era in Batman comic books.

Batman #6 (“Long Night”) opens in the Meinsutorito neighborhood in Gotham City's Little Tokyo.  Bruce Wayne and Dr. Annika Zeller had a date night adventure featuring the legendary 000 Gang marks and the sinister assassin known as “The Ojo.”  Now, Dr. Zeller has some rather interesting things to say concerning Damien Wayne.

Meanwhile, Hugo Strange launches his latest batch of “Monster Men.”  Plus, Gotham City is a powder keg, and someone has noticed that Commissioner Vandal Savage's dangerous activities are contributing to it.

THE LOWDOWN:  For years, I had a subscription to DC Comics' Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? ongoing comic book series.  It was quietly canceled within the last year, but I had 14 issues left in my subscription.  Midtown Comics in NYC, which manages DC Comics' subscriptions, gave me the option of choosing any new DC title I wanted to continue my subscription, so I chose Batman – just in time for this new era, and this is my fifth review of this new series.

I'm enjoying the recent bump in activity from writer Matt Fraction and artist Jorge Jimenez's Batman.  The Fraction-Jimenez team offered third and fourth issues of this new series that each seemed to be in a holding pattern.  Now, the fifth and sixth issues bring back at least some of the intensity that had me comparing the first two issues of the Fraction-Jimenez's Batman to Frank Miller's Batman: The Dark Knight Returns.

I enjoyed this sixth issue, and it has me anticipating the next issue.  This was a fun read that had me engaged in what was happening and what I hoped was going to happen.  I suggest that you, dear readers, join the fun.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of Batman comic books will want to read Batman 2025.

A-

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

[This comic book includes two previews:  First, is a four-page preview of “DC x AEW #1” from writer Steve Orlando; artist Travis Mercer; colorist Andrew Dalhouse; and lettered by Josh Reed.

And seven-page preview of “Bleeding Hearts #1” by writer Deniz Camp; artist Stipan Morian; colorist Matt Hollingsworth; and letterer Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou.]

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"Batman #6" will be printed in the collection, BATMAN VOL. 1: DAYLIGHT, which is available at Amazon.

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The text is copyright © 2026 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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Negromancer News Bits and Bites from April 19th to 25th, 2026 - UPDATE #8

by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

You can support Leroy via Paypal or on Patreon:

Amazon wants me to inform/remind you that any affiliate links found on this page are PAID ADS, but I technically only get paid (eventually) if you click on affiliate links like this, MOVIES PAGE, and BUY something(s).

TREATS: From AnotherCookie?:  There is a new online cookie retailer, "AnotherCookie?" The cookies are delicious.

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NEWS:

MOVIES - From WorldofReel: The recently announced, "Miami Vice '85," been moved to 2028 by Universal Pictures, which has moved "The Mummy 4" October 15, 2027.

From Deadline:  Universal Pictures’ upcoming "Miami Vice" movie officially has its Tubbs and Crockett as Oscar-winner Michael B. Jordan and Oscar-nominee Austin Butler are set to star.  The film also has an official title, "Miami Vice ’85."  Directed by Joseph Kosinski, the film will be shot for IMAX and is set to debut on August 6, 2027.  The film explores the glamour and corruption of mid-1980s Miami, and it is inspired by the pilot episode and the first season of "Miami Vice."

MOVIES - From Deadline:  Paramount TV has a hot property in a television series based on Oscar-nominated writer-director James Mangold's breakthrough film, "Cop Land" (1997).

MOVIES - From WorldofReel:  Because of scheduling, "Top Gun: Maverick" director Joseph Kosinski cannot to direct the planned third film in the franchise.  The search is on for a new director.

CELEBRITY - From APNews:  Eddie Murphy received the American Film Institute (AFI) "Lifetime Achievement Award." His acceptance speech draws a standing ovation.

From EW:  Eddie Murphy's costar in DreamWorks Animation's "Shrek" films, Mike Myers, dresses in full Shrek character makeup at the AFI Lifetime Achievement Award ceremony in honor to order Murphy.

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BOX OFFICE - From BoxOfficePro:  The winner of the 4/17 to 4/19/2026 weekend box office is Universal/Illumination Entertainment's "The Super Mario Galaxy Movie" with an estimated take of 35 million dollars.

OBITS:

From Variety:  American film and television actor and film producer, Patrick Muldoon, has died at the age of 57, Sunday, April 19, 2026.  He was best known for his TV work, which included the former NBC daytime soap opeara, "Days of Our Lives;" and a recurring role on the former Fox primetime soap, "Melrose Place."  Muldoon also appeared in a number of TV movies.  His best known film roles were in the films, "Starship Troopers" (1997) and "Stigmata" (1999).

From Deadline:  American film and television actor and voice performer, Rif Hutton, has died at the age of 73, Saturday, April 18, 2026.  Hutton was best known for his roles on the former ABC medical sitcom, "Doogie Howser, M.D.," and former legal drama, "JAG."  Hutton also provided the voices for the "walkers" in multiple episodes of AMC's "The Walking Dead" and its spin-off series.  Hutton was also a voice performer in multiple animated feature films, including "Shrek" (2001), "Madagascar" (2005), "The Princess and the Frog" (2009), "ParaNorman" (2012), and "Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse" (2018).

Comics Review: "SPACE GHOST Volume 2 #6" Calls to the Blood

SPACE GHOST VOL. 2 #6

DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT

STORY: David Pepose

ART: Jonathan Lau

COLORS: Andrew Dalhouse

LETTERS: Taylor Esposito

EDITOR: Joseph Rybandt

COVER: Francesco Mattina

VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Jae Lee with June Chung; Bjorn Barends; Michael Cho; Francesco Mattina

32pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. (December 2025)

Rated “Teen”

“The Night of the Space Vampires!”

Space Ghost is a superhero character created by the American animation studio and production company, Hanna-Barbera Productions.  The character first appeared in the Saturday morning cartoon series, “Space Ghost,” which was originally broadcast on CBS from September 1966 to September 1967 for 20 episodes.  Space Ghost shared his television series with a second feature, entitled “Dino Boy in the Lost Valley.”  Space Ghost was designed by cartoonist and comic book artist, Alex Toth (1928-2006), who created the character with Hanna-Barbera's founders, William Hanna (1910-2001) and Joseph Barbera (1911-2006).

In his original incarnation, Space Ghost was a superhero whose base of operations was a small world known as “Ghost Planet.”  He fought super-villains in outer space with his teen sidekicks, Jan and Jace, and their monkey, Blip.  His main weapons were power bands he wore around his wrists and lower arms; the bands fired off multiple energy beam-based attacks, including heat, cold, and force, to name a few.  Space Ghost could also fly, survive in space, and turn invisible (his “Inviso Power”).  He also had a space ship known as “the Phantom Cruiser.”

Space Ghost sporadically appeared in various comic book publications over a fifty year period.  Dynamite Entertainment has just launched a new Space Ghost comic book as part of its licensing agreement with Warner Bros.  Entitled Space Ghost Volume 2, it is written by David Pepose; drawn by Jonathan Lau; colored by Andrew Dalhouse; and lettered by Taylor Esposito.  In the new series, The Space Ghost and his surrogate children, the twins Jan and Jace Keplar, and their monkey, Blip, fight the forces of darkness across the vastness of space.

Space Ghost Volume 2 #6 (“The Night of the Space Vampires!”) opens in Eclipse Sector 00Z4.  It is the location of “Space Station Cosmos,” and Dr. Henry Contra (Jan and Jace's maternal grandfather) has just alerted Space Ghost that the station has gone silent.  According to Dr. Contra, the station's last transmission included sounds of the station's crew screaming.

Space Ghost and the twins decide to investigate the station's situation only to discover that the station's crew members have been turned into bloodthirsty “Space Vampires.”  It gets worse when one of the creatures also manages to infect Space Ghost.  Now Jan, Jace, and Blip must find a way to not only survive the space vampires and the Space Vampire King, but also to contain the deadly contagion before it spreads across the galaxy.

THE LOWDOWN:  Since July 2021, Dynamite Entertainment's marketing department has been providing me with PDF review copies of some of their titles.  Space Ghost #6, Volume Two is one that I have received, but it is not the first Space Ghost comic book that I have read.

Under a killer main cover by Francesco Mattina, the creative team of writer David Pepose and artist Jonathan Lau offer their most frightening space story yet.  That's saying a lot because Pepose and Lau have presented their readers with some pretty intense and harrowing adventures over the last few years, including the previous two-part tale about a war of crystals and sharks.

Yes, I am a fan of vampire fiction, and the Space Vampires are as delightfully entertaining as they are gleefully ravenous.  I felt joy and apprehension while reading this tale.  I'm enjoying Pepose's unique spin on vampires, and Lau's graphical storytelling, which conveys the endless hunger of the monsters, caused as many chills as it did thrills.  Pepose and Lau are masters of standalone and of two-part comic book adventures.

I highly recommend Space Ghost Volume 2, dear readers.  If you want good comic books, you want this – even if you don't know it yet.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of Dynamite Entertainment's Warner Bros. comic book series will want to read Space Ghost Volume Two.

A

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

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The text is copyright © 2026 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for syndication rights and fees.

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Negromancer News Bits and Bites from April 12th to 18th, 2026 - UPDATE #6

by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

You can support Leroy via Paypal or on Patreon:

Amazon wants me to inform/remind you that any affiliate links found on this page are PAID ADS, but I technically only get paid (eventually) if you click on affiliate links like this, MOVIES PAGE, and BUY something(s).

TREATS: From AnotherCookie?:  There is a new online cookie retailer, "AnotherCookie?" The cookies are delicious.

-------------------

NEWS:

MOVIES - From THR:  David Harbour will join actor Noah Centineo in the latest "Rambo" film, "John Rambo."  Centineo will play John Rambo.  Harbour will apparently play "Major Trautman," Rambo's commanding officer, a role originated by the late Richard Crenna in the film, "First Blood" (1982).

AMAZON - From Deadline:  Amazon MGM Studios is developing a live-action remake of the 1992 animated film, "FernGully: The Last Rainforest."  Marielle Heller is set to direct the film from her own script.

MOVIES - From Deadline:  Over 1000 Hollywood figures sign an open letter opposing the merger of Skydance Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery.  The signees include J.J. Abrams, Glenn Close, Bryan Cranston, Jane Fonda, Joaquin Phoenix, Mark Ruffalo, Kristen Stewart, and Ben Stiller, to name a few.

BOX OFFICE - From BoxOfficePro:  The winner of the 4/10 to 4/12/2026 weekend box office is Universal/Illumination Entertainment's "The Super Mario Galaxy Movie" with an estimated take of 69 million dollars.

STREAMING - From Fangoria:  HBO's popular horror anthology series, "Tales from the Crypt" (1989-96) is finally coming to streaming.  The service, "Shudder," will carry all seven seasons, beginning May 1st, 2026.

OBITS:

From THR:  Canadian television creator, writer, and puppeteer, Sid Krofft, has died at the age of 96, Friday, April 10, 2026.  With his younger brother, the late Marty Krofft (1937-2023), Sid formed the production company, Sid and Marty Krofft Pictures, through which they made numerous children's television and variety programs.  The best known were "H.R. Pufnstuf" (1969), "The Banana Splits" (1968-70), "Lidsville" (1971), "Sigmund the Sea Monsters" (1973-75), and "Land of the Lost" (1974-76), to name a few.  In 2018, both brothers received an "Lifetime Achievement" Emmy Award.  Previously, Sid shared three Daytime Emmy Award nominations with his brother and their collaborators.

From THR:  The stage, film, and television actor, Carl W. Crudup, has died at the age of 79, January 10, 2026 after a battle with prostate cancer it was recently reported.  Over a five decade career, Crudup appeared in such TV series as PBS's "Great Performances," "The Six Million Dollar Man," "The Rockford Files," "ER," and Marvel's "Agent Carter," to name a few.

Comics Review: "DC/MARVEL: SUPERGIRL/BLADE #1" vs the Mojoworld

DC/MARVEL SUPERGIRL/BLADE

DC COMICS/Marvel Comics

STORY: CRC Payne

LAYOUTS: Mikel Janin

FINISHES: Hugo Petrus

COLORS: Marcelo Maiolo

LETTERS: Pat Brosseau

EDITOR: Katie Kubert

COVER: Mikel Janin

36pp, Color, $0.00 U.S., (June 2026)

Supergirl created by Otto Binder and Al Plastino; Blade created by Marv Wolfman and Gene Colan

Marvel and DC Comics have been publishing crossover comic books blending their favorite heroes in all-new adventures.  Titles published by Marvel are labeled “Marvel/DC,” and DC Comics' side is “DC/Marvel.”

The latest DC/Marvel title is DC/Marvel: Supergirl/Blade, a digital-first comic book that is available to read for free at “DC Universe Infinite” website and on the “DC Go” app.  The story is written by CRC Payne; drawn by Mikel Janin (layouts) and Hugo Petrus (finishes); colored by Marcelo Maiolo; and lettered by Pat Brosseau.  In the story, the “Girl of Steel” and “the Daywalker” find themselves in clutches of Mojo, the master of the “Mojoverse,” who wants Supergirl and Blade to star in one of his new gladiator-like television series?

DC/Marvel: Supergirl/Blade opens on Mojoworld, where its ruler, Mojo, the meta television show tycoon is looking for his next TV hit.  In the hopes of entertaining the denizens of Mojoworld, Mojo has come up with a new idea.  How about a romance series starring a strong female?

He kidnaps Supergirl and pits her against a trio of vampires.  That's more than enough reason to bring in the male lead – Blade the vampire slayer.  Trapped on Mojo's sound stage, Supergirl and Blade will be forced to battle bloodsucking foes, engage in melodramatic tropes, and take on Mojo himself.  Now, this unlikely duo must team up to fight their way to freedom before the show’s final twist becomes their series finale and the end of their lives.

THE LOWDOWN:  I have been mostly ignoring the Marvel-DC Comics crossovers, but I love me some Blade.  I was excited by the recent, surprise news about Supergirl/Blade, and I became even more excited when I learned that it would be free to read.

Supergirl/Blade is a totally unexpected team-up, and while this comic book does not feature an intense struggle against evil in support of continuity, it is still a charming digital comic.  I must give writer CRC Payne credit for finding a way to create a delightful tale featuring two mismatched characters that is also an appropriate for comics readers of all ages.

The art team of Mikel Janin (layouts), Hugo Petrus (finishes), and Marcelo Maiolo (colors) delivers straightforward storytelling that grounds the weirdness of this team-up.  This is straightforward entertaining weird fiction.  Pat Brosseau's classic lettering puts the finishing touches on this comics tale that makes it seem as timeless as it is unusual.

Dear readers, I suggest taking a trip over to “DC Universe Infinite” and enjoying Supergirl/Blade.  It isn't monumental, but I had fun reading it.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of DC/Marvel crossovers will want to read DC/Marvel Supergirl/Blade.

B

Sunday, April 12, 2026

"DC/Marvel: Supergirl/Blade" will be collected in the collection, "DC/MARVEL: THE COSMIC KISS CAPER AND OTHER STORIES," which will be available in hardcover and paperback editions from Amazon in September 2026.

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The text is copyright © 2026 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

----------------------

Amazon wants me to inform/remind you that any affiliate links found on this page are PAID ADS, but I technically only get paid (eventually) if you click on affiliate links like these, BOOKS PAGE, GRAPHIC NOVELS, or MANGA PAGE and BUY something(s).

Negromancer News Bits and Bites from April 1st to 11th, 2026 - UPDATE #13

by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

You can support Leroy via Paypal or on Patreon:

Amazon wants me to inform/remind you that any affiliate links found on this page are PAID ADS, but I technically only get paid (eventually) if you click on affiliate links like this, MOVIES PAGE, and BUY something(s).

TREATS: From AnotherCookie?:  There is a new online cookie retailer, "AnotherCookie?" The cookies are delicious.

-------------------

NEWS:

DISNEY - From WSJ:  New Disney CEO Josh D'Amaro's opening salvo is to layoff at least 1000 employees.

From WorldofReel:  The fallout of Pixar's cancelled animated film, "Be Fri," has come to include word that executives were concerned that the story would emphasize (shudder, gasp, choke)... "girl power!"

MOVIES - From THR:  Cinema United, the largest exhibition trade organization in the world, confirmed the formation of a "Filmmaker Leadership Council" that will provide “meaningful support” for theatrical exhibition of movies. It will be led by blockbuster veteran, Jerry Bruckheimer, and Oscar winning producer, Emma Thomas. as chair and vice chair respectively.  Rounding out the council will be Oscar winners Ryan Coogler and Brad Bird, and Oscar nominees Jason Reitman and Celine Song.

SCANDAL - From Variety:  Jeff Shell has exited his role as president of Paramount Skydance due to a controversy.  He stepped down as CEO of NBCUniversal in 2023 because of an inappropriate relationship.

MOVIES - From WorldofReel:  HBO Max has begun show "Alien 3: The Assembly Cut."  This is a 2 hour and 25 minute-version of director David Fincher's 1992 "Alien" sequel, "Alien 3."  It is 31 minutes longer that the original release.  Fincher chose not be involved with the new release.

BOX OFFICE - From BoxOfficePro:  The winner of the 4/3 to 4/5/2026 weekend box office is Universal/Illumination's "The Super Mario Galaxy Movie" with an estimated take of $130.94 million dollars.

STREAMING - From WorldofReel:  Disgraced movie star, Jonathan Majors, was injured on the set of a film for "The Daily Wire," and the Wire's response is "we don't negotiate with terrorists."

DISNEY+ - From Variety:  Disney+ has greenlit an "Animorphs" television series.  It is in early development and is executive produced by Ryan Coogler through Proximity Media. Writer Bayan Wolcott is penning the scripts. The project is an adaptation of the 1996-2001 Scholastic books series by Katherine Applegate and Michael Grant.  The books focused on kids who fight the parasitic "Yeerks" invading Earth.  The series blended action, body horror, and moral depth over its 54 volumes that sold over 35 million copies.

APPLE - From WorldofReel:  David E. Kelly is adapting Tom Wolfe's 1987, "The Bonfire of the Vanities" for Apple TV+.  Matt Reeves ("The Batman") is set to direct the series.  The novel was previously adapted in to film by director Brian De Palma. Starring Tom Hanks and released in 1990, the movie was and still is considered a disaster.

MOVIES - From Deadline:  Sisters Lilla and Nora Zuckerman are writing "Scream 8."  They were recently showrunner for Peacock's streaming series, "Poker Face."

MOVIES - From Variety: Sony Pictures is developing a biopic about famed CBS anchor and journalist, the late Walter Cronkite. The film will be an adaptation of Douglas Brinkley's 2012 biography, "Cronkite."

BUSINESS - From Variety:  J.J. Abrams is downsizing his production company, "Bad Robot," and is moving it from Los Angeles to New York.

MOVIES - From WorldofReel:  The critically-acclaimed and hit horror film, "Weapons," will get a prequel film.  Entitled "Gladys," it will focus on Weapons' villain, "Aunt Gladys," who was portrayed by Amy Madigan, who, in turn, was a "Best Supporting Actress" Oscar for her performance.  Zach Cregger, creator of "Weapons," will write the screenplay with Zach Shields. There is no word as to whether or not Cregger will direct, "Gladys."

TELEVISION - From EW:  HBO's teen drama, "Euphoria," returns April 12, 2026, but it won't be about teens...

Review: "MADEA'S DESTINATION WEDDING" is the Best Netflix "Madea"

TRASH IN MY EYE No. 7 of 2026 (No. 2055) by Leroy Douresseaux

Tyler Perry's Madea's Destination Wedding (2025)

Running time:  102 minutes (1 hour, 42 minutes)

Rating: MPA – PG-13 for strong language, crude/sexual material, drug material, and some violence

WRITER/DIRECTOR:  Tyler Perry

PRODUCERS:  Tyler Perry, Angi Bones, and Yolanda T. Cochran

CINEMATOGRAPHERS:  Justyn Moro (D.o.P.) and Michael Wilson (D.o.P.)

EDITOR:  Larry Sexton

COMPOSER:  Jongnic Tontemps

COMEDY/DRAMA

Starring:  Tyler Perry, Cassi Davis, David Mann, Tamela J. Mann, Taja V. Simpson, Diamond White, Jermaine Harris, Xavier Smalls,Walnette Carrington, and Brandon Sutton

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SUMMARY OF REVIEW:

Madea's Destination Wedding is a true return to form for the “Madea” film series. Everything that Madea films do well, this film does exceptionally well

The film's beautiful locations make this movie the best-looking “Madea” movie to date. Between the comedy and pretty locations, I felt like I wanted to be there

Madea's Destination Wedding is a long-deserved gift to Madea fans, but it can also work as a good introduction to this series for newcomers

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Madea's Destination Wedding is a 2025 American comedy-drama film from writer-director Tyler Perry.  It is the 14th film in the “Madea” film series.  The film is also a Netflix original and began streaming on service July 11, 2025.  In Madea's Destination Wedding, Madea travels to the Bahamas for her granddaughter's wedding, but tensions, strangeness, and suspicions abound.

Madea's Destination Wedding finds U.S. Attorney Brian Simmons (Tyler Perry) having dinner with his daughter, Tiffany (Diamond White); son, “BJ” (Jermaine Harris); and their mother, Brian's ex-wife, Debrah (Taja V. Simpson).  Tiffany and Debrah surprise Brian with the introduction of Tiffany's boyfriend, Zavier (Xavier Smalls)... and with the news that Tiffany and Zavier are getting married.  The surprises don't stop; the nuptials will happen as a “destination wedding” in the Bahamas.

Now, Brian is forced to lead a caravan of relatives to the Bahamas.  That includes his aunt, Mabel “Madea” Simmons (Tyler Perry); his father and Madea's older brother, Uncle Joe Simmons (Tyler Perry); Madea's daughter, Cora Simmons (Tamela J. Mann); Cora's supposed father, Mr. Brown (David Mann); Madea's cousin, Aunt Bam (Tamela J. Mann), and BJ.  They arrive to find that the Bahamas are beautiful and the hotel is luxurious and opulent.

However, there is more to Tiffany and Zavier's wedding than what appears on the surface, and the results may lead to disaster, heartache, and a canceled wedding.  Meanwhile, Madea and company are enjoying the idea of “put it on the room” too much.

Madea's Destination Wedding is the best Madea movie since 2019's A Madea Family Funeral (which was originally supposed to be the final film in the series).  It is certainly much better than 2022's Netflix original Madea film, A Madea Homecoming.  Madea's Destination Wedding picks up story elements from Boo! A Madea Halloween (2016) and Boo 2! A Madea Halloween (2017), which largely dealt with the melodrama surrounding Brian Simmons' daughter, Tiffany, who is engaged to be married in this new film.

I thoroughly enjoyed Madea's Destination Wedding.  I felt so good after watching it that I didn't want it to end.  It reminds me of the run of Madea films beginning in the 20-10s with Madeas Big Happy Family (2011), which all offered a delightful mix of Christian moralism, family reconciliation and forgiveness, redemption, and lots of yucks from Madea and company.  If Tyler Perry can't make future Madea movies like Madea's Destination Wedding, then, he should retire the series.

I had forgotten to watch Madea's Destination Wedding when it first arrived last year, but I recently watched it in preparation for the new “Uncle Joe” film, Joe's College Road Trip (2026).  I am happy that I got around to watching this.  Madea's Destination Wedding is true to the spirit of the best Madea films, with smatterings of Christian spirituality, faith, forgiveness, redemption, and a great deal of broad comedy and slapstick.  And Madea's Destination Wedding does it well enough to make me feel good about watching it.

7 of 10

A-

★★★½ out of 4 stars

The text is copyright © 2026 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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Comics Review: "CABRA CINI: Voodoo Junkie Hitwoman #1/2" is All Good

CABRA CINI: VOODOO JUNKIE HITWOMAN #½

(A Prelude to  Cabra Cini: Voodoo Junkie Hitwoman Vol. 1)

ACTUALITY PRESS

STORY: Sam Johnson

ART: Bruno Letizia with R.D. Ricci; Nathan Ramirez; R.D. Ricci

COLORS: Harwan Stia Yoga; Mark Dodson; D'Anthony Mathenia; Aljosa Tomic

LETTERS: Bruno Letizia; Nathan Ramirez; Chas! Pangburn; Micah Myers

COVER ARTIST: Carlos Villas

42pp, Color, (March 2026)

Suggest for mature readers

Cabra Cini created by Sam Johnson

Cabra Cini is a comics character created by writer Sam Johnson.  He is best known as the writer and creator of the sexy superhero, Geek-Girl.  Cabra Cini is a former sex worker who used “voodoo magik” to free herself of her abusive pimp/boyfriend.  Now, she is a hit woman addicted to voodoo.

Cabra Cini is about to get her first trade paperback collection, Cabra Cini: Voodoo Junkie Hitwoman Vol. 1.  Sam Johnson has launched a Kickstarter campaign to help fund the collection.  To help promote the campaign, Johnson compiled a special digital comic book that offers some of the stories that will be found in the trade.  He sent me a copy the PDF, Cabra Cini: Voodoo Junkie Hitwoman #½.

Cabra Cini: Voodoo Junkie Hitwoman #1/2 opens with a “Prologue” written by Johnson and drawn by Bruno Letizia with R.D. Ricci.  “Prologue” asks the question, what would you do if the clumsy antics of a young werewolf interrupted your sex life.  If you're Cabra Cini, you fix him...

The next story is “White Out.”  It is set in Detroit and is written by Johnson and drawn by Nathan Ramirez.  There is a new killer in town, “White Out.”  He's dressed in white from head to toe and he likes to kill Black men; plus, he has plans for the neighborhood.  All Cabra Cini wanted to do was prepare dinner for her man, Geoff, but now she is forced to face a dangerous, enigmatic stranger.

“The Ballad of La Chica Cabra,” written by Johnson and is drawn by R.D. Ricci, opens in Detroit in Cabra's apartment.  Her lover, Geoff, has a few questions, and Cabra explains the origins of her name, “Cabra,” and the origins of her identity.  Meanwhile, White Out is looking for her.

“Sliding in the Wreckage,” written by Johnson and drawn by R.D. Ricci, opens five weeks later.  Cabra is traveling through “Limbo” and “The Infinite.”  The Infinite's ruler, “the Rook,” grows angrier with each of Cabra's intrusions, so he has planned his cruelest response yet.  But is Cabra really as vulnerable as she seems?

THE LOWDOWN:  Sam Johnson has been sending me PDF review copies of his comic books for over a decade.  In that time, he has gradually developed into one of the most original voices in superhero comic books.  Most of you, dear readers, have not heard of him because he does not write for Marvel or DC Comics.  Recently, some fans have been lamenting their relatively late discovery of Robert Kirkman, Cory Walker, and Ryan Ottley's superhero comic book series, Invincible (Image Comics).  Eventually, many of you will be offering the same lamentations about Johnson's Geek-Girl and also his delightfully weird Cabra Cini: Voodoo Junkie Hitwoman.

Two of the stories included in Cabra Cini: Voodoo Junkie Hitwoman #1/2 also appeared in Cabra Cini: Voodoo Junkie Hitwoman #1, which offered its delightfully weird wares back in 2022.  The two newer stories in this digital comic book, “The Ballad of La Chica Cabra” and “Sliding in the Wreckage,” are not so much weird as they are edgy and dark.  To me, Johnson is at his most self-assured in spinning tales of Cabra Cini to date.  He can shift the mood from strange and surreal to down and gritty in a seamless flow.

In the newer stories, artist R.D. Ricci takes Johnson's scripts and turns them into comic book storytelling that is both polished and potent.  We get professional chops, but the art ain't too proud to offer some enjoyable ultra-violence.  Ricci makes me feel the threat and danger of Cabra Cini's adversaries, and he left me wanting more of this fear and dread.

In the earlier stories, “Prologue” and “White Out,” five artists: Nathan Ramirez, Bruno Letizia, R.D. Ricci, Pablo Zambrano, and Jorge Oliveira use their diverse talents and approaches to graphical storytelling to pull these stories together.  The change in artists isn't jarring because they seem to share a similar aesthetic.  In fact, having several artists helps to make Cabra Cini come across more like a multifaceted character and less like a mere clever name and idea.

My opinion of Cabra Cini: Voodoo Junkie Hitwoman #1/2 is about the same as it was for the 2022 Cabra Cini one-shot.  Both are certainly excellent enough to make me heartily recommend that readers consider contributing to the crowdfunding campaign for Cabra Cini: Voodoo Junkie Hitwoman Volume 1.  However, I want to say that this new one-shot is better at declaring that Cabra Cini is something truly unique and undeniably entertaining.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of writer Sam Johnson's comic books will want to fund Cabra Cini: Voodoo Junkie Hitwoman, Vol. 1.

A+

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

Cabra Cini: Voodoo Junkie Hitwoman Vol. 1 is available on Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/geekgirlcomics/cabracini. There is also a YouTube trailer for the Kickstarter campaign: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9UP-bO-UXa8

https://x.com/daSamJohnson

https://samjohnsoncomics.wixsite.com/geekgirlcomics

The text is copyright © 2026 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for syndication rights and fees.

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Review: "GHOST IN THE SHELL" is Still a Stunning Feat

TRASH IN MY EYE No. 147 (of 2003) by Leroy Douresseaux

Kokaku kidotai (1995) – anime

COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: Japan

Ghost in the Shell (1996) – U.S. English dub release

Running time:  83 minutes (1 hour, 23 minutes)

MPAA – R

DIRECTOR:  Mamoru Oshii

WRITER:  Kazunori Ito, based upon the graphic novel by Masamune Shirow

PRODUCERS:  Mitsuhisa Ishikawa, Ken Iyadomi, Ken Matsumoto, and Yoshimasa Mizuo

CINEMATOGRAPHER:  Hisao Shirai (D.o.P.)

EDITOR:  Shuichi Kakesu

COMPOSER:  Kenji Kawai

ANIME/SCI-FI/ACTION

Starring:  (English dub voices) Mimi Wood, Richard Epcar, Christopher Joyce, William Frederick, Ben Isaacson, Abe Lasser, and Hank Smith

Kokaku kidotai is a 1995 sci-fi, cyberpunk, and action-thriller anime film from director Mamoru Oshii.  It is best known by its English title, Ghost in the Shell.  This animated film is based on the manga, Ghost in the Shell, from creator, Masamune Shirow.  Ghost in the Shell the film follows a cyborg policewoman and her partner as they hunt a mysterious and powerful hacker called “the Puppet Master.”

Some aficionados consider the film, Ghost in the Shell, to be the second greatest anime (Japanese animation) film of all time behind the venerable Akira.  However, at the time of its release, Ghost in the Shell so stunned audiences with its futuristic look and dazzling blend of traditional and computer animation that some people considered it to be the future of anime and also the top achievement in the history of anime.

Ghost in the Shell opens in the year 2029.  A female cyborg cop, Major Motoko (Mimi Woods), and her partner, Batou (Richard Epcar), hunt a mysterious and powerful computer hacker called “The Puppet Master” (Abe Lasser).  In the year 2029, society is information driven, and humans are connected on a mass basis to an omnipresent interactive information network.

Sophisticated criminals are hacking into the network, so the government forms “Section 9,” which is led by powerfully advanced cyborgs like Motoko, who hunt the hackers.  But in order to discover the secrets of the Puppet Master, Motoko will have to unravel the secrets of “Project 2501.”

Ghost in the Shell's story can get a little confusing at times.  The writer of the manga upon which this movie is based put a lot of thought and research into his project.  The “ghost” of the title is a soul or psyche, and the “shell” of the title is the body of the cyborg.  I would suggest, dear readers, that you pay close attention and follow the dense social, political, and philosophical ideas of the film.  In fact, this Ghost in the Shell anime was one of the smarter, science fiction movies of its time, granted that it does occasionally get ahead of itself and spews too many ideas.

As good as the story and script are, the grand achievement of this film is its animation.  Anime filmmakers have been ahead of everyone else in animating the human figure in a dramatic context.  No one really approaches the grace and the artistry of movement in the animated humans in Disney film, but Japanese animators have done excellent work in creating animated figures that move with fantastic bursts of energy during action sequences that depict sword duels, gunfights, martial arts and hand to hand combat, and wielding great arcs of eldritch and magical energy.

The quality of Ghost in the Shell’s car chases and gunfights rival those found in big, budget live action films, which makes this film feel bracing and invigorating.  The beauty of both the hand rendered animation and computer animation totally captures the power of action and movement.  Ghost in the Shell is explosive eye candy; imagine the artistry of Disney matched with the intensity of a James Cameron action flick.

Fans of anime and of science fiction love this film, but it is something special,  So it should be enjoyed by people who love film and spectacular cinematic achievement.

8 of 10

A

★★★★ out of 4 stars

EDITED:  Wednesday, April 1, 2026

The text is copyright © 2026 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for syndication rights and fees.

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