TRASH IN MY EYE Reviews

Monday, November 25, 2024

Comic Books, Magazines and Books from Diamond Distributors for November 27, 2024

COMICS & GRAPHIC NOVELS

AUG242493 7TH LOOP VILLAINESS CAREFREE LIFE GN VOL 06 (C: 0-1-2) $13.99

SEP242479 ALWAYS A CATCH GN VOL 01 (MR) (C: 0-1-2) $12.99

AUG241140 ANANSI BOYS I #6 CVR A MACK $3.99

AUG241141 ANANSI BOYS I #6 CVR B MARTINBROUGH $3.99

SEP241791 ANIMALS #1 (OF 2) CVR A 2ND PTG (MR) $6.99

SEP241792 ANIMALS #1 (OF 2) CVR B CARLO ROMERO (MR) $6.99

SEP241793 ANIMALS #2 (OF 2) CVR A (MR) $6.99

SEP241794 ANIMALS #2 (OF 2) CVR B (MR) $6.99

AUG241586 ARMORED #4 CVR A MACK (C: 0-1-2) $4.99

AUG242439 AYAKASHI TRIANGLE GN VOL 12 (MR) (C: 0-1-1) $13.99

SEP241356 BABS #4 (OF 6) CVR A BURROWS (MR) $3.99

AUG242173 BAD OMENS CONCRETE JUNGLE TP VOL 01 (MR) (C: 0-1-2) $19.99

JUN241971 BANSHEES #1 (OF 5) 2ND PTG $4.99

AUG242172 BASIC INSTINCT TP VOL 01 (MR) (C: 0-1-2) $19.99

SEP241130 BETTY #8 FACSIMILE ED $3.99

JUL241277 BIRBAL THE WISE TP (C: 0-1-2) $10.00

JUN241973 BLACK DEMON TALES DESCENT #1 CVR A LOBA (RES) $4.99

JUN241974 BLACK DEMON TALES DESCENT #1 CVR B FINNEGAN (RES) $4.99

AUG242495 BLACK NIGHT PARADE GN VOL 05 (MR) (C: 0-1-2) $13.99

SEP241385 BLACK WHITE & BLOODSHOT #3 (OF 4) CVR F FURUKAWA VIRGIN (MR) $4.99

SEP241387 BLACK WHITE & BLOODSHOT #3 (OF 4) CVR H ORTIZ VIRGIN (MR) $4.99

SEP242367 BOY I LOVED BECAME JADED EMPEROR GN VOL 02 (C: 0-1-0) $13.99

AUG241737 BTTM FDRS HC (NEW PTG) $29.99

AUG242496 CANDY & CIGARETTES GN VOL 10 (MR) (C: 0-1-1) $13.99

AUG241158 CARLYLE SCHOOL FOR KINGS #2 $3.99

AUG242497 CHILLIN ANOTHER WORLD LEVEL 2 SUPER CHEAT POWERS GN VOL 09 ( $13.99

AUG247901 COME FIND ME AN AUTUMNAL OFFERING CVR J CON EXC LOTAY UNDRES $8.99

SEP241715 COMPLETE CREPAX HC BOX SET VOL 07-08 (MR) (C: 0-1-2) $150.00

SEP241714 COMPLETE I RENE TARDI POW HC (C: 0-1-2) $99.99

AUG240500 COWL 1964 #3 (OF 3) CVR A REIS $3.99

AUG240501 COWL 1964 #3 (OF 3) CVR B MCMAHON $3.99

SEP240537 CREEPSHOW VOL 3 #3 (OF 5) CVR A CARR (MR) $3.99

SEP240538 CREEPSHOW VOL 3 #3 (OF 5) CVR B MORAZZO (MR) $3.99

SEP241391 DAMAGED PEOPLE #4 (OF 4) CVR A CONNELLY $4.99

SEP241392 DAMAGED PEOPLE #4 (OF 4) CVR B CONNELLY B&W $4.99

SEP241930 DAMNED DELUXE OMNIBUS ED HC $39.99

SEP241865 DAY OF THE DEAD GIRL #2 CVR A CULEBRAS $3.99

SEP241866 DAY OF THE DEAD GIRL #2 CVR B SANAPO $3.99

AUG242233 DEAD SAMURAI #1 CVR A BILL SIENKIEWICZ (MR) $5.99

AUG242352 DISNEY TWISTED WONDERLAND OFFICIAL ART BOOK HC (C: 0-1-2) $30.00

AUG242503 DUNGEON OF BLACK COMPANY GN VOL 11 (MR) (C: 0-1-2) $13.99

SEP241648 DUNGEONS AND DIMWITS HOLIDAY SPECIAL #1 (C: 0-1-1) $5.99

SEP242368 EDENS ZERO GN VOL 30 (C: 0-1-2) $10.99

SEP240547 FALLING IN LOVE ON PATH TO HELL #6 CVR A BROWN (MR) $3.99

FEB241235 FEARLESS DAWN THE BOMB #4 (OF 4) CVR A MANNION (MR) $4.99

FEB241237 FEARLESS DAWN THE BOMB #4 (OF 4) CVR B MANNION (MR) $4.99

FEB241238 FEARLESS DAWN THE BOMB #4 (OF 4) CVR C BLANK SKETCH (MR) $4.99

FEB241239 FEARLESS DAWN THE BOMB #4 (OF 4) CVR D MANNION (MR) $4.99

SEP240549 FERAL #8 CVR A FORSTNER & FLEECS $3.99

SEP240550 FERAL #8 CVR B FORSTNER & FLEECS $3.99

JUL242358 FIRST NIGHT WITH DUKE GN VOL 06 (C: 0-1-1) $22.99

SEP241938 FLASH GORDON ADVENTURES GN VOL 01 FLASH OF GREATNESS (C: 0-1 $7.99

SEP241937 FLASH GORDON ADVENTURES HC GN VOL 01 FLASH OF GREATNESS (C: $12.99

SEP241836 GATCHAMAN #5 CVR A INAKI MIRANDA $4.99

SEP241837 GATCHAMAN #5 CVR B SANFORD GREENE CONNECTING $4.99

SEP241839 GATCHAMAN GALACTOR #4 (OF 4) $4.99

AUG248871 GI JOE (2024) #1 PX EXC VAR (NET) $10.00

SEP241113 GRIMM FAIRY TALES #90 CVR A LUCA STRATI $4.99

SEP241114 GRIMM FAIRY TALES #90 CVR B IGOR VITORINO $4.99

SEP241115 GRIMM FAIRY TALES #90 CVR C SANJU NIVANGUNE $4.99

SEP241116 GRIMM FAIRY TALES #90 CVR D IGNACIO NOE $4.99

SEP240562 GROMMETS #6 (OF 7) CVR A PARSON $3.99

AUG242507 HATE ME BUT LET ME STAY GN VOL 02 (MR) $14.99

AUG242508 HEADHUNTED TO ANOTHER WORLD SALARYMAN GN VOL 07 (C: 0-1-0) $12.99

SEP242370 HEROIC LEGEND OF ARSLAN GN VOL 20 (C: 0-1-2) $10.99

SEP240478 HORNSBY & HALO #1 CVR A SNEJBJERG & KALISZ $3.99

SEP240479 HORNSBY & HALO #1 CVR B REIS & MIKI $3.99

JUL247514 HORNSBY & HALO #1 CVR F BLANK SKETCH CVR $3.99

SEP240568 HYDE STREET #2 CVR A REIS MIKI ANDERSON $3.99

SEP240569 HYDE STREET #2 CVR B SNEJBJERG & ANDERSON $3.99

SEP240570 HYDE STREET #2 CVR C PERALTA $3.99

SEP242373 I CROSSED DRESSED FOR IRL MEETUP GN VOL 02 (RES) (C: 0-1-2) $16.99

JUL242384 I THINK I TURNED MY FRIEND INTO A GIRL GN VOL 07 (C: 0-1-2) $13.99

SEP248053 ICE GUY & COOL GIRL GN VOL 08 (C: 0-1-0) $14.99

AUG242512 IM EVIL LORD OF AN INTERGALACTIC EMPIRE GN VOL 05 (MR) (C: 0 $13.99

SEP242375 IM STANDING ON MILLION LIVES GN VOL 18 (MR) (C: 0-1-2) $10.99

SEP248112 IT HAPPENED ON HYDE STREET DEVOUR (ONE-SHOT) 2ND PTG $5.99

SEP242258 JOJOS BIZARRE ADV PART 6 STONE OCEAN HC VOL 07 (C: 0-1-2) $25.00

AUG241459 KAMEN AMERICA FAITH OF FATHERS CVR B 8HUSA (C: 0-0-1) $15.99

JUL242027 KERPOW #1 CVR A TOM FYANS $4.99

JUL242028 KERPOW #1 CVR B CARLOS NIETO $4.99

SEP240582 KNIGHTS VS SAMURAI #3 CVR A COLAK $2.99

SEP247999 KNIGHTS VS SAMURAI #3 CVR B MELE $2.99

OCT241651 LEBANON IS BURNING AND OTHER DISPATCHES GN (C: 0-1-1) $21.95

JUN242329 LETS BUY LAND & CULTIVATE IT GN VOL 06 (C: 0-1-2) $13.99

SEP241093 LIQUID KILL VOL 2 #2 (OF 4) CVR A MENHEERE (MR) $4.99

SEP241094 LIQUID KILL VOL 2 #2 (OF 4) CVR B IUMAZARK (MR) $4.99

SEP241095 LIQUID KILL VOL 2 #2 (OF 4) CVR C YUNE (MR) $4.99

SEP241939 LOST IN THE FUTURE GN VOL 01 THE STORM (C: 0-1-1) $12.99

SEP241943 LOUD HOUSE 3IN1 GN VOL 07 BUMP IT LOUD (C: 1-1-0) $14.99

SEP242516 LUMINE GN VOL 02 (C: 0-1-1) $19.99

AUG241578 MIDNIGHT TIGER ORIGINS HC (C: 0-1-2) $29.99

SEP242012 MILK RUN #1 CVR A JARRET KATZ $4.99

SEP242013 MILK RUN #1 CVR B LAURA HELSBY $4.99

JUL242118 MUERTANA #3 (MR) (C: 0-1-2) $5.95

SEP241857 MURDER KINGDOM #2 (OF 5) $4.99

JUL241844 MY DEAR PIERROT GN (C: 0-1-2) $27.99

JUL241845 MY DEAR PIERROT HC (C: 0-1-2) $34.99

SEP240588 NAPALM LULLABY #7 CVR A BENGAL $3.99

SEP240589 NAPALM LULLABY #7 CVR B EPHK $3.99

SEP242377 NINJA VS GOKUDO GN VOL 04 (C: 0-1-2) $13.99

AUG248215 NO SPICY ROMANCE ALLOWED GN (MR) (C: 0-1-2) $15.99

JUL241097 ODDLY PEDESTRIAN LIFE CHRISTOPHER CHAOS #13 CVR A ROBLES $4.99

JUL241098 ODDLY PEDESTRIAN LIFE CHRISTOPHER CHAOS #13 CVR B IBANEZ $4.99

AUG242516 OTONARI COMPLEX GN VOL 02 (C: 0-1-1) $14.99

AUG241370 PRAHLAD TP THE TALE OF DEVOTION FROM THE BHAGWAT PURANA (C: $10.00

SEP241368 RESURGENCE #3 (OF 4) CVR A FAJARDO $4.99

SEP241369 RESURGENCE #3 (OF 4) CVR B BALDO $4.99

SEP241370 RESURGENCE #3 (OF 4) CVR C (X VAR) ORTIZ $4.99

SEP241371 RESURGENCE #3 (OF 4) CVR D FAJARDO VIRGIN $4.99

SEP241372 RESURGENCE #3 (OF 4) CVR E BALDO VIRIN $4.99

SEP241373 RESURGENCE #3 (OF 4) CVR F ORTIZ VIRGIN $4.99

SEP241920 RICK AND MORTY SUPER SPECIAL HOLIDAY EXTRAVAGANZA #1 CVR A ( $7.99

SEP241921 RICK AND MORTY SUPER SPECIAL HOLIDAY EXTRAVAGANZA #1 CVR B ( $7.99

SEP241922 RICK AND MORTY SUPER SPECIAL HOLIDAY EXTRAVAGANZA #1 CVR C ( $7.99

AUG240571 ROGUE SUN #23 $3.99

JUL240540 SAVAGE DRAGON #273 CVR A LARSEN (MR) $3.99

JUL240541 SAVAGE DRAGON #273 CVR B LARSEN (MR) $3.99

JUL240542 SAVAGE DRAGON #273 CVR C PINTO (MR) $3.99

MAR240474 SAVAGE SWORD CONAN ORIGINAL OMNI DIRECT MARKET HC VOL 09 (RE $150.00

MAR240473 SAVAGE SWORD CONAN ORIGINAL OMNI REG ED HC VOL 09 (RES) (MR) $150.00

SEP241905 SECTAURS #2 CVR A WEAVER $4.99

SEP241906 SECTAURS #2 CVR B POLLINA & RENZI $4.99

SEP241907 SECTAURS #2 CVR C PORTELA & PACIAROTTI $4.99

AUG241183 SERPENT IN GARDEN ED GREY LAST BATTLE FOR ENGLAND #1 $3.99

SEP241916 SESAME STREET #4 CVR A DOVE $3.99

SEP241917 SESAME STREET #4 CVR B HUNTING $3.99

SEP241918 SESAME STREET #4 CVR C COLORING $3.99

SEP242512 SHIMAZAKI IN THE LAND OF PEACE GN VOL 01 (C: 0-1-2) $13.95

SEP242060 SILVERLINE CHRISTMAS SPECIAL 2024 $4.99

SEP241945 SMURFS TALES GN VOL 11 SMURFS AND PURPLE BEANS (C: 1-0-0) $14.99

SEP241944 SMURFS TALES HC VOL 11 SMURFS AND PURPLE BEANS (C: 1-1-0) $22.99

JUN241998 SNAPS #1 CVR A JON CLARK (RES) $4.99

JUN241999 SNAPS #1 CVR B JON CLARK (RES) $4.99

JUN242000 SNAPS #1 CVR C JON CLARK (RES) $4.99

SEP241858 SOUL TAKER #5 (OF 6) (MR) $4.99

AUG240586 SPAWN #359 CVR A BARENDS $2.99

AUG240587 SPAWN #359 CVR B CARLOS $2.99

SEP241284 STAR TREK DEFIANT #21 CVR A UNZUETA $4.99

SEP241285 STAR TREK DEFIANT #21 CVR B WU $4.99

JUL241112 STAR WARS HIGH REPUBLIC ADV ECHOES OF FEAR #3 $4.99

AUG241188 STAR WARS HIGH REPUBLIC PHASE III DISPATCHES #2 $3.99

SEP241815 STITCHES #1 (OF 3) CVR A ROB PRIOR (MR) $5.99

SEP241816 STITCHES #1 (OF 3) CVR B CAMERON PRIOR (MR) $5.99

SEP241817 STITCHES #1 (OF 3) CVR C TODD SKULL NAOMI GRIFFIN (MR) $5.99

SEP241818 STITCHES #1 (OF 3) CVR D TODD SKULL METAL CVR (MR) $99.99

SEP241819 STITCHES #1 (OF 3) CVR E BLANK SKETCH (MR) $9.99

SEP241820 STITCHES #1 (OF 3) CVR F HOLOFOIL FLIP (MR) $19.99

AUG241371 STORIES FROM JATAKAS HC (C: 0-1-2) $25.00

AUG241369 STORIES OF RAMA HC (C: 0-1-2) $25.00

SEP241849 SYNAP #1 (OF 5) CVR A IVAN TAO $4.99

SEP241850 SYNAP #1 (OF 5) CVR B STEPHEN BYRNE $4.99

JUL241275 TALES OF DURGA TP TALES OF MOTHER GODDESS (C: 0-1-2) $10.00

AUG241368 TALES OF HUMOUR HC (C: 0-1-2) $25.00

SEP241592 TAROT WITCH OF THE BLACK ROSE #144 (MR) (C: 0-0-1) $4.99

SEP241291 TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES 2024 #4 CVR A ALBUQUERQUE $4.99

SEP241292 TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES 2024 #4 CVR B BURNHAM $4.99

SEP241293 TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES 2024 #4 CVR C EASTMAN $4.99

SEP241294 TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES 2024 #4 CVR D GONZO $4.99

SEP241295 TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES 2024 #4 CVR E BURNHAM $4.99

JUN241992 THIRTEEN ORIGINS THE SHAPER #1 (RES) $4.99

JUL241353 TIBBI & HER PSYCHEDELIC MUSHROOMS #1 CVR A (C: 0-0-1) $4.99

JUL241354 TIBBI & HER PSYCHEDELIC MUSHROOMS #1 CVR B PSYCHEDELIC (C: 0 $9.99

SEP240619 TIN CAN SOCIETY #3 (OF 9) CVR A MOBILI & CHUCKRY $3.99

JUL241278 TINKLE GOLD TP VOL 03 (C: 0-1-2) $20.00

JUL241279 TINKLE ORIGINS HC VOL 01 (C: 0-1-2) $25.00

AUG241373 TINKLE ORIGINS HC VOL 04 (C: 0-1-2) $25.00

JUL241276 TIRUPATI TP THE LORD OF TIRUMALA (C: 0-1-2) $10.00

SEP241319 TMNT SATURDAY MORNING ADV #19 CVR A SCHOENING $3.99

SEP241320 TMNT SATURDAY MORNING ADV #19 CVR B ARQ $3.99

AUG247598 TODAI REVENGERS OMNIBUS GN VOL 01 (C: 0-1-1) $22.99

SEP240626 ULTRAMEGA BY JAMES HARREN #7 CVR A HARREN & STEWART (MR) $7.99

SEP240627 ULTRAMEGA BY JAMES HARREN #7 CVR B WALTA (MR) $7.99

SEP240630 UNIVERSAL MONSTERS FRANKENSTEIN #4 (OF 4) CVR A WALSH $4.99

SEP240631 UNIVERSAL MONSTERS FRANKENSTEIN #4 (OF 4) CVR B FRISON $4.99

SEP241096 VAMPIRO ROCKABILLY APOCALYPSE #2 (OF 5) CVR A GALLUR (MR) $4.99

SEP241097 VAMPIRO ROCKABILLY APOCALYPSE #2 (OF 5) CVR B NAPALM (MR) $4.99

SEP241098 VAMPIRO ROCKABILLY APOCALYPSE #2 (OF 5) CVR C HILLS (MR) $4.99

SEP240636 VIOLENT FLOWERS #3 (OF 4) CVR A LLOVET (MR) $3.99

SEP240637 VIOLENT FLOWERS #3 (OF 4) CVR B LLOVET (MR) $3.99

SEP240639 VIOLENT FLOWERS #3 (OF 4) CVR D ORELLANA (MR) $3.99

SEP240640 VOID RIVALS #14 CVR A DE FELICI $3.99

SEP240641 VOID RIVALS #14 CVR B HILL $3.99

AUG241190 WELCOME TO THE MAYNARD #1 CVR A BONE $4.99

AUG241191 WELCOME TO THE MAYNARD #1 CVR B SAMNEE $4.99

JUL247013 WELCOME TO THE MAYNARD #1 CVR C FOC MOON $4.99

SEP241932 WET MOON 20TH ANNIV OMNIBUS GN VOL 01 $34.99

SEP241859 WHEN THE BLOOD HAS DRIED TP (C: 0-1-0) $17.99

AUG242442 WITCHES OF ADAMAS GN VOL 09 (MR) (C: 0-1-2) $14.99

SEP241133 WORLD OF BETTY & VERONICA JUMBO COMICS DIGEST #37 $9.99

MAGAZINES

JUL242096 BACK ISSUE #156 (C: 0-1-1) $10.95

JUL242097 BRICKJOURNAL #87 (C: 0-1-2) $10.95

AUG241599 COMIC SHOP NEWS (100CT BUNDLE) #1945 (NET) $18.99

JUN241736 HORRORHOUND #103 (C: 0-1-1) $9.99

AUG240439 STAR TREK EXPLORER MAGAZINE #13 NEWSSTAND ED (C: 0-1-2) $9.99

AUG240438 STAR TREK EXPLORER MAGAZINE #13 PX ED (C: 0-1-2) $9.99

BOOKS

SEP242364 CHERRY BLOSSOMS AFTER WINTER SC NOVEL VOL 01 (MR) (C: 0-1-2) $20.00

AUG242110 COLLECTING LAUREL & HARDY AUTOGRAPHS POSTERS COMICS HC (C: 0 $50.00

SEP241630 FANTASTIC FOUR ULTIMATE GUIDE HC (C: 0-1-2) $30.00

AUG240443 FANTASY WORLDS OF IRWIN ALLEN HC (C: 0-1-2) $89.99

SEP242063 GHOST SPIDERS UNBREAKABLE MISSION HC (C: 0-1-0) $17.99

AUG240444 GODZILLA OFFICIAL COOKBOOK HC (C: 0-1-2) $34.95

SEP241756 JIMMY CARTER LITTLE GOLDEN BOOK HC (C: 1-1-2) $5.99

SEP241632 MARVEL ENCYCLOPEDIA COLL ED HC (C: 0-1-2) $150.00

AUG242532 MUSHOKU TENSEI REDUNDANT REINCARNATION LN VOL 01 (MR) (C: 0- $15.99

JUN242393 MY HATEFUL MAN LIGHT NOVEL SC VOL 02 (MR) (C: 0-1-2) $19.99

SEP241795 NOSFERATU UNBOUND SC (MR) (C: 0-1-1) $14.99

SEP241759 POPE FRANCIS LITTLE GOLDEN BOOK HC (C: 1-1-2) $5.99

AUG242345 STUDIO GHIBLI ARCHITECTURE IN ANIMATION HC (C: 0-1-2) $35.00

AUG242536 SWORD OF DEMON HUNTER KIJIN GENTOSHO SC NOVEL VOL 07 (MR) (C $15.99

AUG242527 YOUVE GOT MAIL PERILS OF PIGEON POST L NOVEL VOL 02 (MR) (C: $19.99

DARK HORSE COMICS

JUL242850 AMAZON TV FALLOUT MAXIMUS FIGURE (NET) (C: 0-1-2) $69.99

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

Review: "GLADIATOR II" Happily Chases the Ghosts of the Original

TRASH IN MY EYE No. 52 of 2024 (No. 1996) by Leroy Douresseaux

Gladiator II (2024)

Running time: 148 minutes (2 hours, 28 minutes)

MPA – R for strong bloody violence

DIRECTOR: Ridley Scott

WRITERS: David Scarpa; from a story by Peter Craig and David Scarpa (based on the characters created by David Franzoni)

PRODUCERS: David Franzoni, Douglas Wick, Lucy Fisher, Michael Pruss, and Ridley Scott

CINEMATOGRAPHER: John Mathieson (D.o.P.)

EDITORS: Sam Restivo and Claire Simpson

COMPOSER: Harry Gregson-Williams

DRAMA/HISTORICAL

Starring: Paul Mescal, Pedro Pascal, Joseph Quinn, Fred Hechinger, Derek Jacobi,Yuval Gonen, Rory McCann, Matt Lucas, Alexander Karim, and Peter Mensah with Connie Nielsen and Denzel Washington

SUMMARY OF THIS REVIEW:

“Gladiator II” is slavishly devoted to its predecessor, 2000's “Best Picture” Oscar-winner, “Gladiator,” sometimes to its detriment.

The new film's lead, Paul Mescal, carries this film with help from Pedro Pascal, Connie Nielsen, Alexander Karim, and with a delightfully nutty turn by Denzel Washington.

Ultimately, “Gladiator II” does stand on its own because of big action set pieces, heart-stopping gladiator combat, and a crazy final duel.

Gladiator II is a 2024 drama and historical film from director Ridley Scott. It is a sequel to the Academy Award-winning “Best Picture of the Year” (2000), Gladiator. Gladiator II focuses on a soldier-turned-slave who must look to his past if he is going to return the glory of Rome to its people as his late grandfather once wished.

Gladiator opens sixteen years after the death of Emperor Marcus Aurelius. Rome is ruled by the corrupt twin brothers, Emperors Geta (Joseph Quinn) and Caracalla (Fred Hechinger), and the corruption is so terrible that the city of Rome seems near collapse.

Meanwhile, General Marcus Acacius (Pedro Pascal) lead's the Roman navy in an invasion of the North African province of Numidia. Acacius is unaware that Numidia is the home of Marcus Aurelius' grandson, Lucius Verus Aurelius (Paul Mescal), who now goes by the name “Hanno.” During the battle, Acacius orders the killing of Hanno's wife, Arishat (Yuval Gonen), and Hanno is taken prisoner.

Hanno is sold to Macrinus (Denzel Washington), a stablemaster who owns and trains gladiators, and Hanno proves to be a talented gladiator. In him, Macrinus sees an opportunity to position himself next to power in Rome, so he offers Hanno a path to revenge against Acacius. However, Acacius' wife is Lucilla (Connie Nielsen), the daughter of Marcus Aurelius, and she is starting to believe that she recognizes this alluring stranger who calls himself Hanno.

In anticipation of seeing Gladiator II, I decided to watch the original film, Gladiator (2000) in its entirety for the first time since I first saw it in a movie theater with some friends back in May of 2000. I have to be honest, Gladiator II is not nearly the film that Gladiator is, and that's okay.

Gladiator II is a very good film on its own. The “battle for Numidia,” which is in the film's first act, is as exciting and as gory as I expected it to be. The gladiatorial events in the new film are quite nice, although admittedly not as nice as the original's.

As the lead in Gladiator II, Paul Mescal as Hanno/Lucius is not as powerful as Russell Crowe was as Maximus Decimus Meridius in Gladiator. Crowe stood astride that film, using his dominating screen presence to carry Gladiator's straightforward, sword-and-sandals, revenge tale to box office and Oscar glory. Gladiator II does not give Mescal a straightforward, sword-and-sandals tale of revenge. The Rome of this new film is a hot mess of corruption, led by two homicidal narcissists. The Roman emperors of this film, Geta and Caracalla, are not as lusciously evil as Joaquin Phoenix's Emperor Commodus in the original film. They are simply petty, murderous, vain, egotistical tyrants. Thus, Hanno/Lucius' revenge story is overshadowed by the hot mess that is Geta/Caracalla's Rome, which is complicated by the shifting schemes of Denzel Washington's Macrinus.

Still, Mescal manages to make Hanno/Lucius the center of Gladiator II, even as director Ridley Scott and screenwriter David Scarpa chase the ghosts of the original film. Mescal brings balance to Hanno/Lucius rage with thoughtfulness and humility that truly makes the character not so much the lone hero, as he is one-of-the-people and a man of the people who can start Rome on a path to redemption.

Gladiator II is also helped by the fact that Denzel Washington, as Macrinus, delivers a dominating performance that makes his supporting character a co-lead. Paul Mescal may be a rising star, but Denzel Washington is the kind of established movie star and Hollywood icon whose presence is fuels a film's theatrical push.

Gladiator II won't get out of Gladiator's shadow, but its wild battle scenes and crazy gladiatorial spectacles combined with some key performances should allow the new film to casts its own shadow. Besides, if you have seen Gladiator, dear readers, you know that you are itching to see Gladiator II.

7 of 10

B+

★★★½ out of 4 stars

Monday, November 25, 2024

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

Sunday, November 24, 2024

Comics Review: "SPACE GHOST #6" Burns Like a Wildfire

SPACE GHOST VOL. 1 #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; Anthony Marques and J. Bone

32pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. (October 2024)

Rated “Teen”

“Two Against Moltar!”

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.

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 1, it is written by David Pepose; drawn by Jonathan Lau; colored by Andrew Dalhouse; and lettered by Taylor Esposito. In the new series, twins Jan and Jace Keplar and their pet monkey, Blip, meet that legendary cosmic vigilante known as “the Space Ghost.”

Space Ghost Volume 1 #6 (“Two Against Moltar!”) opens in the wake of the events in Zorak's lair on Grax-3. Jace feels mentally shattered by the tough choice he had to make in that battle with religious zealot. Now, Space Ghost and Jan fight as a duo, while Jace has decided that he no longer wants to be in on the action and violence.

Meanwhile, Robo-Corp is working hard to keep the forces of the Galactic Federation busy and distracted. To that end, Robo-Corp's CEO, Doctor Xander Ibal, has decided to assist their heaviest hitter, Moltar, in his quest for vengeance against Contra Industries. That Moltar's attack on Contra can gain Ibal access to “Lucidium crystals” is an unexpected bonus. Will Space Ghost and Jan alone be enough to stop the fiery, molten insanity of Moltar?

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 Volume 1 #6 is the latest.

Writer David Pepose and artist Jonathan Lau are creating a true heir to Hanna-Barbera's original “Space Ghost” television series. They have fashioned a kind of sci-fi, outer space, Film-Noir sensibility to add to the original production's moody and ominous atmosphere. Pepose and Lau have brought freshness and newness to Space Ghost without resorting to a reboot. There are no dark and gritty theatrics of the kind that have plagued modern comic books ever since Batman: The Dark Knight Returns and Watchmen made the industry's balls drop nearly four decades ago.

Space Ghost #6 is a special issue because the authors have seriously considered the trials and tribulations of a child soldier without turning Space Ghost into an episode of “Frontline.” This issue brings some threads from the first story arc to a close, nicely, I must say. As usual, Andrew Dalhouse's lovely colors add the perfect moody haunted tones, and letterer Taylor Esposito once again adds the fuel to make it all burn, baby, burn.

I'm having a blast reading Space Ghost Volume 1, dear readers. I want this for you, too. This Space Ghost is super, man.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of Dynamite Entertainment's Warner Bros. comic book series will want to read Space Ghost Volume 1.

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

https://twitter.com/DynamiteComics

https://www.dynamite.com/htmlfiles/

https://www.facebook.com/DynamiteComics/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNOH4PEsl8dyZ2Tj7XUlY7w

https://www.linkedin.com/company/dynamite-entertainment

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

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).

Saturday, November 23, 2024

Review: Netflix's "HOT FROSTY" is a Warm Cup of Christmas Cheer

TRASH IN MY EYE No. 51 of 2024 (No. 1995) by Leroy Douresseaux

Hot Frosty (2024) – TV Movie

Running time: 90 minutes

Rated: TV-PG

DIRECTOR: Jerry Ciccoritti

WRITER: Russell Hainline

PRODUCERS: Michael Barbuto, Shane Boucher, and Joel S. Rice; Aren Prupas and Jonas Prupas – executive producers

CINEMATOGRAPHER: Eric Cayla

EDITOR: Julia Blau

COMPOSER: Ari Posner

ROMANCE/COMEDY/CHRISTMAS

Starring: Lacey Chabert, Dustin Milligan, Lauren Holly, Chrishell Strause, Dan Lett, Katy Mixon Greer, Sherry Miller, Bobby Daniels, Shiloh Obasi, Sophia Webster, Allan Royal, Jennie Esnard, Joe Lo Truglio, and Craig Robinson

SUMMARY OF THE REVIEW:

--Hot Frosty personifies both the silly scenarios and frothy goodness of Christmas television movies, which should please fans of holiday movies

--Hot Frosty is an ode to the joy of life and to enjoying life – at Christmas time and beyond

Hot Frosty is a 2024 American romantic-comedy and Christmas television film from director Jerry Ciccoritti. The film is a “Netflix Original” and began streaming on the service Wednesday, November 13, 2024. The film focuses on a widow who magically brings a snowman to life as a real man who promptly brings light back into her life.

Hot Frosty introduces Kathy Barrett (Lacey Chabert), who owns and operates Kathy's Kafe in the downtown section of the small town of Hope Springs. The cafe is mainly the focus of her life, and her home life, including her house, is slowly falling apart. Kathy is a widow and she mourns her late husband, Paul, a handyman who kept the house repaired and her heart whole.

It is Christmas time, and Kathy isn't feeling the holiday spirit or cheer. However, some of her friends want to change things. Mel (Sherry Miller) and her husband, Theo (Dan Lett), own and operate a clothing shop, “Reclaimed Rags.” This year, they give Kathy a red scarf, one that is “destined” to help her to seek happiness after her bereavement.

Hope Springs is also in the middle of its “Annual Snow Sculpture Competition.” On her way home one night, Kathy walks by the entries in the snow sculpture competition. One of them is of a seemingly naked, muscular young man. Not feeling the magic of Mel and Theo's red scarf, Kathy drapes it over the sculpture. Later that night, that snow sculpture (called “the Snowman”) comes to life. Calling himself, “Jack” (Dustin Milligan), the suddenly alive snowman finds his way to Kathy. Doubtful at first, she believes that Jack is indeed the snowman upon which she draped the scarf. Before long, his innocence and boundless joy are breaking down the barriers Kathy put up to protect herself. But she soon realizes a painful truth: Jack is doomed to melt.

Lacey Chabert is a former child actress with a long career in film and an even longer career in television, which includes voice-over work. I keep forgetting that she appeared in the original Mean Girls (2004). Now, audiences know Lacey for her near constant presence on the American cable television network, the “Hallmark Channel” and on its sister network, “Hallmark Movies & Mysteries.” In addition to series work, Chabert has appeared in over thirty television films for the network, as of this writing. One of those TV films, Time for Us to Come Home for Christmas (2020), is one of my all-time favorite Christmas movies.

So about Hot Frosty: Netflix is in the middle of releasing several Christmas-themed films. I don't know if they have done this in previous years, but some of the 2024 releases intrigue me. Hot Frosty immediately caught my attention.

Honestly, I have to admit that I think that Hot Frosty's screenplay, written by Russell Hainline, could be adapted, with a few changes, as a gay-themed romance. Magically bringing an ice sculpture of a muscular man to life and falling in love with him seems like it could be a gay fantasy, gay fan fiction,a gay daydream... or wet dream.

Obviously, Hot Frosty's scenario is preposterous, but this is a Christmas movie. That genre has a lot of leeway so that such films can simply be feel-good and spread Christmas cheer or at least lay down a foundation for that. I have to give director Jerry Ciccoritti credit in assuring that Hot Frosty does have some substance. Basically, the film is the story about two characters. First, there is Jack, an object brought to life by magic, and he really wants to live and to enjoy that life. The tension and conflict in the story comes from the human lead, Kathy, who is just going through the motions of life everyday and who seems disinterested in life. Jack has to show Kathy that she can find love and happiness, again... if she really wants that.

The joy in Hot Frosty is not in its lack of realism or even in its overwhelming nonsensical nature. The joy is in watching Jack discover the joys of life and in turn, showing Kathy that she can enjoy life after loss – in spite of her determination not to enjoy life. I say, “Pshaw!.” the cynicism. Hot Frosty is not a great movie, but it is great entertainment. Dear readers, I can't imagine a Christmas season in which Hot Frosty won't feel like a welcomed warm chocolaty drink.

7 of 10

B+

★★★½ out of 4 stars

Saturday, November 23, 2024

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

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

Negromancer News Bits and Bites from Nov. 17th to 23rd, 2024 - 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.

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

NEWS:

AMAZON - From Deadline: Idris Elba is set to star as "Man-At-Arms" in Amazon/MGM's "Masters of the Universe." Nicholas Galitzine is set to play "He-Man" in a film directed by Travis Knight.

MOVIES - From WorldofReel: Robert Pattinson has been cast in Christopher Nolan's next film which begins shooting in several countries across Europe. Pattinson was previously in Nolan's wonderful film, "Tenet."

CELEBRITY - From THR: "The Hollywood Reporter" names their 10 hottest young stars in Hollywood."

CABLE - From Deadline: Comcast is spinning off all its linear cable networks (except "Bravo") into a separate company apart from NBCUniversal. The castoffs... err... I mean spinoffs include MSNBC, CNCB, E!, Syfy, and USA, to name a few.

TELEVISION - From Deadline: Season 5 of the CBS hit, "The Equalizer," will introduce two guest characters with the potential to spun off into their own series.

MOVIES - From Esquire: Although "The Equalizer 3" (which I still haven't seen) suggests that the series is done, Denzel Washington confirms that "The Equalizer 4" and "The Equalizer 5" are in development.

STREAMING - From Variety: Oscar-winner Javier Bardem will star as the villain, "Max Cady," in the Apple TV+ series, "Cape Fear." Steven Spielberg and Martin Scorsese, who directed the 1991 film version of "Cape Fear," are among the series executive producers.

BOX OFFICE - From BoxOfficePro: The winner of the 11/15 to 11/17/2024 weekend box office is Amazon/MGM Studios' "Red One" with an estimated take of 34 million dollars.

From Variety: Director Edward Berger's awards-season favorite, "Conclave," is making money at the domestic box office.

MOVIES - From Deadline: During the press tour for "Gladiator II," Denzel Washington explains why he made some clunkers (bad films) after earning an Oscar nomination for his role in "Malcolm X" (1992).

From WorldofReel: Denzel Washington says that he has spoken to director Paul Thomas Anderson ("Licorice Pizza") about working together.

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

MOVIE AWARDS:

From Deadline: The 2024 / 34th Gotham Awards kick off the 2024-25 movie awards season by announcing its nominations for achievement in film. Director Sean Baker's "Anora," which won the Palme d'Or at Cannes this year, leads with four nominations. The winners will be announced Monday, December 2, 2024.

From Deadline: The nominations for the 2024 British Independent Film Awards have been announced. The Irish film, "Kneecap," leads with 14 nominations. The winners will be announced Sunday, December 8, 2024.

Friday, November 22, 2024

Comcast Plans to Dump Most of Its Cable Television Networks into Spin-off Company

Comcast Announces Intention to Create Leading Independent Media Business Through Spin-off of Select Cable Television Networks

New company to provide world-class news, sports and entertainment with significant scale and resources

Media veterans Mark Lazarus and Anand Kini to lead the new company

Comcast will continue its strategic focus on driving its core growth businesses, including residential broadband, wireless, business services and NBCUniversal’s streaming, studios and theme parks

Tax-free transaction expected to be completed in approximately one year

PHILADELPHIA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Comcast Corporation (NASDAQ: CMCSA) today announced its intent to create a new publicly traded company comprised of a strong portfolio of NBCUniversal’s cable television networks, including USA Network, CNBC, MSNBC, Oxygen, E!, SYFY and Golf Channel along with complementary digital assets including Fandango and Rotten Tomatoes, GolfNow and Sports Engine, through a tax-free spin-off. The well-capitalized independent company (“SpinCo”) will have significant scale as a pure-play set of assets anchored by leading news, sports and entertainment content.

SpinCo will be an industry-leading news, sports and entertainment cable television business with a focused strategic direction. SpinCo’s stable of marquee brands will provide a diverse and differentiated content offering that will reach approximately 70 million U.S. households.

“When you look at our assets, talented management team and balance sheet strength, we are able to set these businesses up for future growth,” said Brian L. Roberts, Chairman and CEO of Comcast. “With significant financial resources from day one, SpinCo will be ideally positioned for success and highly attractive to investors, content creators, distributors and potential partners.”

The planned spin-off will also strategically position NBCUniversal with its leading broadcast and streaming media properties, including NBC entertainment, sports, news and Bravo – which all power Peacock – along with Telemundo, the theme parks business and film and television studios.

“This transaction positions both SpinCo and NBCUniversal to play offense in a changing media landscape,” said Mike Cavanagh, President of Comcast. “Taken together, the entirety of NBCUniversal will be on a new growth trajectory, fueled by our world-class content, technology, IP, properties and talent – all working in concert with each other as an integrated media company.”

As a global media and technology company, Comcast will be well-positioned to continue to invest in its strategic core growth businesses across its Content & Experiences and Connectivity & Platforms businesses, including residential broadband, wireless, business services, streaming, studios and theme parks. The transaction is expected to be accretive to revenue growth at Comcast and approximately neutral to Comcast’s leverage position. The company does not anticipate any change to its credit profile or ratings as a result of this transaction.

SpinCo Leadership Team and Profile:

SpinCo will be led by an experienced and well-respected management team. Mark Lazarus, current Chairman of NBCUniversal Media Group, will serve as the company’s Chief Executive Officer, and Anand Kini, current Chief Financial Officer of NBCUniversal and EVP of Corporate Strategy at Comcast, as its Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer. Together they will lead the development of an independent strategy, while also establishing SpinCo as a potential partner and acquirer of other complementary media businesses.

“As a standalone company with these outstanding assets, we will be better positioned to serve our audiences and drive shareholder returns in this incredibly dynamic media environment across news, sports and entertainment,” said Mark Lazarus. “We see a real opportunity to invest and build additional scale and I'm excited about the growth opportunities this transition will unlock. Our financial strength will also provide capacity for an attractive capital return policy while allowing for investment in the growth of these businesses.”

Over the last twelve months ended September 30, 2024, SpinCo generated approximately $7 billion in revenue. SpinCo will have the same dual-class share structure as Comcast. As an independent company, SpinCo will be better positioned to achieve long-term growth and create value for stakeholders, benefitting from:

Financial flexibility to pursue growth opportunities
A dedicated management team with deep sector expertise that can tailor decisions and allocate capital based on the needs of the business
Well capitalized balance sheet with strong credit metrics
Capacity for attractive capital return policy to drive shareholder value
Increased operational focus
Dedicated board of directors
While SpinCo will operate as an independent business, it will enter into a transition services agreement with NBCUniversal to allow SpinCo to operate seamlessly from day one.

Transaction Details:

Comcast is targeting to complete the spin-off in approximately one year, subject to the satisfaction of customary conditions, including obtaining final approval from the Comcast Board of Directors, satisfactory completion of SpinCo financing, receipt of tax opinions and receipt of any regulatory approvals. There can be no assurance that a separation transaction will occur, or, if one does occur, of its terms or timing.

Advisors:

Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC and Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC are serving as financial advisors to Comcast, and Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP is serving as legal counsel.

About Comcast Corporation:

Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA) is a global media and technology company. From the connectivity and platforms we provide, to the content and experiences we create, our businesses reach hundreds of millions of customers, viewers, and guests worldwide. We deliver world-class broadband, wireless, and video through Xfinity, Comcast Business, and Sky; produce, distribute, and stream leading entertainment, sports, and news through brands including NBC, Telemundo, Universal, Peacock, and Sky; and bring incredible theme parks and attractions to life through Universal Destinations & Experiences. Visit www.comcastcorporation.com for more information.

Caution Concerning Forward-Looking Statements:

This press release includes statements that may constitute forward-looking statements. In evaluating these statements, readers should consider various factors, including the risks and uncertainties we describe in the “Risk Factors” sections of our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, our most recent Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and other reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from these forward-looking statements include changes in and/or risks associated with: the competitive environment; consumer behavior; the advertising market; consumer acceptance of our content; programming costs; key distribution and/or licensing agreements; use and protection of our intellectual property; our reliance on third-party hardware, software and operational support; keeping pace with technological developments; cyber attacks, security breaches or technology disruptions; weak economic conditions; acquisitions and strategic initiatives; operating businesses internationally; natural disasters, severe weather-related and other uncontrollable events; loss of key personnel; labor disputes; laws and regulations; adverse decisions in litigation or governmental investigations; and other risks described from time to time in reports and other documents we file with the SEC. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date they are made, and involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events or our actual results to differ materially from those expressed in any such forward-looking statements. We undertake no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether because of new information, future events or otherwise. The amount and timing of any dividends and share repurchases are subject to business, economic and other relevant factors.

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

Thursday, November 21, 2024

Comics Review: "SCOOBY-DOO, Where Are You? #130" Showcases Valerio Chiola

SCOOBY-DOO, WHERE ARE YOU? (2010) #130

DC COMICS

STORY: Sholly Fisch; Scotty Beatty

PENCILS: Valerio Chiola; Robert Pope

INKS: Valerio Chiola; Scott McRae

COLORS: Valerio Chiola; Heroic Age

LETTERS: Saida Temofonte; Dezi Sienty

EDITORS: Courtney Jordan; Kwanza Johnson (reprint)

COVER: Valerio Chiola

32pp, Color, $2.99 U.S. (December 2024)

Ages 8+

“Mayor May Not!”

Welcome, dear readers, to my continuing journey through the Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? comic book series, which began publication in 2010. I continue to renew my subscription so that I can continue to review this series for you, dear readers.

Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #130 opens with “Mayor May Not!,” which is written by Sholly Fisch and drawn by Valerio Chiola. The story finds Mystery Inc.: Scooby-Doo, Shaggy, Fred, Daphne, and Velma attending a costume ball thrown by Mayor Flowers. The party is also a campaign event for the mayor's reelection campaign. It seems as if the mayor has invited the whole city to this event, but did he also unknowingly invite a werewolf?

As usual, the second story, “Paranoidal Activity,” is a reprint story. It is written by Scott Beatty and drawn by Robert Pope and Scott McRae. [This story was originally published in Scooby-Doo, Where Are You #19 (cover date: May 2012).] The story opens as the Mystery Machine drives up to “the Spectral Silk Mill.” Mystery Inc. has been called to this old silk mill by its current owners, Mr. Stanislaus and Mr. Oliveri, to discover if the place really is haunted. For their latest case, the gang has decided to test their new high tech equipment in the detection of ghosts. Will that work, or will it just get in the way of the ghost-busting?

Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #130 doesn't really have a theme so much as it finds its ghostly instigators in suspects that manage to be both surprising and expected. This isn't a particularly good issue, but like #129, the lead story is drawn by Valerio Chiola. I really dig Chiola's quirky and funky illustrative style which brings some needed freshness to the pages of this series that is well into its second decade. Chiola's squashed and stretched art reminds me of legendary cartoonist and Plastic Man creator, Jack Cole, and it looks like some of the graphical storytelling frequently found in kids' comics and graphic novels.

Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #130 may not be top of the line, but it is still a Scooby-Doo comic book. So grab your “Scooby Snacks” and read this issue, and maybe watch a Scooby-Doo movie, later. And until next time, Scooby-Dooby-Doo!

[This comic book includes a seven-page preview of the DC Comics original graphic novel, “Deadman Tells the Spooky Tales” by Franco and Sara Richard, Isaac Goodhart, and others.]

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

https://www.dccomics.com/

https://twitter.com/DCComics

https://www.facebook.com/dccomics

https://www.youtube.com/user/DCEntertainmentTV

https://www.pinterest.com/dccomics/

https://www.periscope.tv/DCComics/1ZkKzezXwZdxv

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