Comic Books, Magazines and Books from Diamond Distributors for December 16, 2020

COMICS & GRAPHIC NOVELS

OCT201797    20TH CENTURY BOYS TP VOL 10 PERFECT ED URASAWA    $19.99
SEP201786    ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF DUKES DAUGHTER GN VOL 07 (MR)    $12.99
OCT201502    AGGRETSUKO MEET HER FRIENDS #2 CVR A DAGUNA    $3.99
OCT201503    AGGRETSUKO MEET HER FRIENDS #2 CVR B    $3.99
OCT201242    AMERICAN RONIN #3 (OF 5) (MR)    $3.99
OCT201547    ATLANTIS WASN`T BUILT FOR TOURISTS #4    $3.99
OCT201475    BALLAD OF YAYA GN VOL 07 TRAP    $9.99
OCT201476    BALLAD OF YAYA GN VOL 08 RETURN    $9.99
OCT201477    BALLAD OF YAYA GN VOL 09 SONATA    $9.99
OCT201672    BEETHOVEN FINAL SYMPHONY HC    $24.99
JUL201581    BELLE OATH OF THORNS TP    $19.99
SEP201788    BL METAMORPHOSIS GN VOL 03    $12.99
OCT201583    BLADE RUNNER 2029 #1 CVR A MOMOKO    $3.99
OCT201584    BLADE RUNNER 2029 #1 CVR B MEAD    $3.99
OCT201585    BLADE RUNNER 2029 #1 CVR C DAGNINO    $3.99
OCT201586    BLADE RUNNER 2029 #1 CVR D VALLETTA    $3.99
OCT201587    BLADE RUNNER 2029 #1 CVR E COSPLAY    $3.99
OCT201798    BLUE FLAG GN VOL 05    $12.99
OCT201282    CANUCK BEYOND #1    $4.99
OCT201425    CAT KID COMIC CLUB HC GN VOL 01    $12.99
JUL201558    CHASING THE BIRD CHARLIE PARKER IN CALIFORNIA HC GN    $24.99
OCT201548    CONCRETE JUNGLE #3    $3.99
OCT201596    CUTTING EDGE SIRENS SONG #2 CVR A TURINI (RES) (MR)    $5.99
OCT201597    CUTTING EDGE SIRENS SONG #2 CVR B ALBERTI (RES) (MR)    $5.99
JUL201153    DETECTIVE COMICS #1027 HAESER SGN RMRK SKETCH    $80.00
MAR201834    DF VENOM #25 CATES SGN    $49.99
APR201808    DF VENOM #26 CATES SGN    $49.99
OCT201589    DOCTOR WHO COMICS #2 CVR A MOMOKO    $3.99
OCT201590    DOCTOR WHO COMICS #2 CVR B PHOTO    $3.99
OCT201591    DOCTOR WHO COMICS #2 CVR C JONES    $3.99
OCT208147    DOCTOR WHO COMICS #2 FOC PEACH MOMOKO SKETCH CVR    $3.99
OCT201743    DRIFTING DRAGONS GN VOL 07    $12.99
OCT201745    FAIRY TAIL 100 YEARS QUEST GN VOL 06    $10.99
OCT201254    FREAK SNOW WASHED IN BLOOD GN SGN ED (MR)    $19.99
SEP201620    GLEIPNIR GN VOL 08 (MR)    $12.99
OCT201799    GOLDEN KAMUY GN VOL 19 (MR)    $12.99
SEP201582    GRIMM FAIRY TALES #43 CVR A VITORINO    $3.99
SEP201583    GRIMM FAIRY TALES #43 CVR B WHITE    $3.99
SEP201584    GRIMM FAIRY TALES #43 CVR C CARDY    $3.99
SEP201585    GRIMM FAIRY TALES #43 CVR D GARVEY    $3.99
SEP201480    HORIZON ZERO DAWN #1-4 MOMOKO PACK    $29.99
OCT201255    HOTLINE MIAMI WILDLIFE #4 (OF 8) (MR)    $3.99
JUL201792    HOW HEAVY ARE DUMBBELLS YOU LIFT GN VOL 04 (MR)    $12.99
SEP201794    HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DEVIL GN VOL 04 (MR)    $12.99
SEP201593    KIMAGURE ORANGE ROAD OMNIBUS GN VOL 05    $24.95
SEP201049    KING TANK GIRL #2 (OF 5) CVR A PARSON    $3.99
SEP201050    KING TANK GIRL #2 (OF 5) CVR B SCALERA CARDSTOCK    $5.99
AUG201834    KINOS JOURNEY BEAUTIFUL WORLD GN VOL 07    $12.95
OCT201800    LEVIUS EST GN VOL 07    $12.99
OCT201598    LIFE IS STRANGE PARTNERS IN TIME #3 CVR A LEONARDI (RES) (MR    $3.99
OCT201599    LIFE IS STRANGE PARTNERS IN TIME #3 CVR B GRALEY (RES) (MR)    $3.99
OCT201600    LIFE IS STRANGE PARTNERS IN TIME #3 CVR C TSHIRT (RES) (MR)    $3.99
OCT201545    MACHINE GIRL & SPACE INVADERS #2 (MR)    $3.95
JUL201160    MAESTRO #1 DAVID SGN    $29.99
OCT201810    MAISON IKKOKU COLLECTORS EDITION TP VOL 02    $24.99
JUL201138    MERCY SPARX #14 CVR A HERRERA (MR)    $7.99
SEP201689    MERMAID SAGA COLLECTORS EDITION GN VOL 01    $24.99
OCT201052    MISKATONIC #2    $3.99
SEP201799    MONSTER MUSUME GN VOL 16 (MR)    $12.99
SEP201801    MY MONSTER SECRET GN VOL 22    $12.99
SEP201802    MY STATUS AS ASSASSIN EXCEEDS HERO GN VOL 03    $12.99
OCT201256    NECROMORFUS #3 (MR)    $3.99
SEP201264    NIGHT HUNTERS #1 (OF 4)    $4.99
OCT201812    NO GUNS LIFE GN VOL 08    $12.99
OCT201077    OGGY AND THE COCKROACHES OGGY NEW YEAR #1 CVR A GALLANT    $3.99
OCT201078    OGGY AND THE COCKROACHES OGGY NEW YEAR #1 CVR B RANKINE WRAP    $4.99
OCT201079    OGGY AND THE COCKROACHES OGGY NEW YEAR #1 CVR C LTD ED    $9.99
JUN208516    PAUL AT HOME GN    $24.95
OCT201398    PSYCHODRAMA ILLUSTRATED #3 (MR)    $4.99
OCT201639    RAI (2019) #10 CVR A DIAZ    $3.99
OCT201640    RAI (2019) #10 CVR B TORRE    $3.99
OCT201554    RED X-MAS #1 (MR)    $3.99
OCT201791    REMINA HC JUNJI ITO    $22.99
OCT201663    RESONANT #6 (MR)    $3.99
OCT201543    RIPTIDE DRAKEN #4 (OF 4)    $3.95
SEP209322    RIVERDALE DIARIES HC VOL 01 HELLO BETTY (RES)    $24.99
OCT201555    SAM & HIS TALKING GUN #1    $3.99
OCT201063    SECOND COMING ONLY BEGOTTEN SON #1 CVR A PACE    $3.99
JUL209482    SERA & ROYAL STARS #10    $3.99
OCT201556    SH*TSHOW #1 CVR A  SIMAO    $3.99
SEP201808    SORCERER KING & GOLEM OF BARBARIAN QUEEN GN VOL 01    $12.99
OCT201560    STAR BASTARD LOGGERHEAD ONE SHOT CVR A (MR)    $3.99
JAN201751    STAR WARS RISE KYLO REN #1 SOULE SGN    $49.99
OCT201471    STARGAZER #4 (OF 6)    $3.99
JAN201750    STRANGE ADVENTURES #1 KING SGN    $49.99
SEP208178    SWORD ART ONLINE PLATINUM COLLECTORS ED HC BOXSET    $200.00
JUL201810    SYRUP YURI ANTHOLOGY GN VOL 02 (MR)    $13.99
OCT201437    TAARNA (2020) #1 (OF 6)    $3.99
JUN201306    TAMMY & JINTY SPECIAL 2020    $9.99
SEP201149    TAROT WITCH OF THE BLACK ROSE #119 COSPLAYER PHOTO DLX ED (M    $19.99
SEP201150    TAROT WITCH OF THE BLACK ROSE TP VOL 11 SKYCLAD SGN ED (MR)    $34.99
OCT201748    THAT TIME I GOT REINCARNATED AS A SLIME GN VOL 15 (MR)    $12.99
SEP201627    UQ HOLDER GN VOL 21 (MR)    $10.99
SEP201703    URUSEI YATSURA GN VOL 08    $19.99
OCT201510    VAIN #3    $3.99
OCT201057    WE LIVE #3    $3.99
OCT201429    WINGS OF FIRE HC GN VOL 04 DARK SECRET    $24.99
OCT201428    WINGS OF FIRE SC GN VOL 04 DARK SECRET    $12.99
OCT201753    WITH DOG AND CAT EVERYDAY IS FUN GN VOL 02    $12.95
MAR202295    YURI IS MY JOB GN VOL 06 (MR)    $12.99
SEP201010    ZOMBIE TRAMP ONGOING #76 CVR A MACCAGNI (MR)    $4.99
SEP201011    ZOMBIE TRAMP ONGOING #76 CVR B MACCAGNI RISQUE (MR)    $4.99
SEP201012    ZOMBIE TRAMP ONGOING #76 CVR C BUDD (MR)    $4.99
SEP201013    ZOMBIE TRAMP ONGOING #76 CVR D BUDD RISQUE (MR)    $4.99
SEP201014    ZOMBIE TRAMP ONGOING #76 CVR E TOQUEEN (MR)    $4.99
SEP201015    ZOMBIE TRAMP ONGOING #76 CVR F TOQUEEN RISQUE (MR)    $9.99

MAGAZINES

SEP201523    ALTER EGO #167    $9.95
AUG201695    BRICKJOURNAL #65    $9.95
APR202113    COMIC BOOK CREATOR #24    $9.95
OCT201296    COMIC SHOP NEWS [90CT BUNDLE] #1739    $PI
AUG201403    HEAVY METAL #302 CVR A REILLY (MR)    $13.99
AUG201404    HEAVY METAL #302 CVR B SCHMIDT (MR)    $13.99
SEP201324    LITTLE SHOPPE OF HORRORS #45    $10.95
OCT201466    LOCUS #719    $8.99
AUG201696    RETROFAN MAGAZINE #12    $9.95
SEP201490    STAR TREK MAGAZINE #78 NEWSSTAND ED    $9.99
SEP201491    STAR TREK MAGAZINE #78 PX    $9.99
OCT201671    VAMPIRESS CARMILLA MAGAZINE #1 (MR)    $5.95

BOOKS

SEP201811    BLOOM INTO YOU LIGHT NOVEL SC VOL 03    $13.99
SEP201812    DIDNT I SAY MAKE ABILITIES AVERAGE NOVEL SC VOL 11    $13.99
SEP201814    HOW REALIST HERO REBUILT KINGDOM LIGHT NOVEL VOL 09    $13.99
SEP201815    INVINCIBLE SHOVEL LIGHT NOVEL SC VOL 03 (MR)    $13.99
AUG201561    MINES BIGGER THAN YOURS    $29.99
SEP201817    MUSHOKU TENSEI JOBLESS REINCARNATION LIGHT NOVEL SC VOL 08 (    $13.99
APR201858    OBJECT COMPENDIUM HC    $49.95
SEP201701    TOKYO GHOUL RE ILLUSTRATIONS HC ZAKKI    $30.00

DC Comics New Releases from Lunar/UCS Distributors for December 15, 2020

DC COMICS:

Amethyst #6 (Of 6), $3.99
Aquaman #66 (Cover A Mike McKone), $3.99
Aquaman #66 (Cover B Dima Ivanov), AR
Batgirl #50 (Riley Rossmo 2nd Printing Variant Cover), $5.99
Batman #105 (Cover A Jorge Jimenez), $3.99
Batman #105 (Cover B Francesco Mattina Card Stock Variant), AR
Batman #105 (Cover C Jorge Jimenez Batman Card Stock Variant), AR
Batman City Of Bane Complete Collection TP, $29.99
Batman’s Grave #12 (Of 12)(Cover A Bryan Hitch), $3.99
Batman’s Grave #12 (Of 12)(Cover B Kevin Nowlan), AR
Catwoman #28 (Cover A Joelle Jones), $3.99
Catwoman #28 (Cover B Jenny Frison), AR
Dark Nights Death Metal #6 (Of 7)(Cover A Greg Capullo & Jonathan Glapion Foil Embossed Variant), $4.99
Dark Nights Death Metal #6 (Of 7)(Cover B David Finch Swamp Thing Variant), AR
Dark Nights Death Metal #6 (Of 7)(Cover C Stanley Artgerm Lau Mister Miracle Variant), AR
Dark Nights Death Metal #6 (Of 7)(Cover D Lucio Parrillo B Rex Variant), AR
Dark Nights Death Metal #6 (Of 7)(Cover E Doug Manhke), AR
Dark Nights Death Metal #6 (Of 7)(Cover F Greg Capullo & Jonathan Glapion Black & White Variant), AR
Green Lantern Season Two #10 (Of 12)(Cover A Liam Sharp), $3.99
Green Lantern Season Two #10 (Of 12)(Cover B J.G. Jones), AR
Injustice Gods Among Us Omnibus Volume 2 HC, $125.00
Justice League #58 (Cover A Francis Manapul), $3.99
Justice League #58 (Cover B Jen Bartel), AR
Nightwing #77 (Cover A Travis Moore), $3.99
Nightwing #77 (Cover B Alan Quah), AR
Rorschach #3 (Of 12)(Cover A Jorge Fornes), $4.99
Rorschach #3 (Of 12)(Cover B Jock Variant), AR
Scooby-Doo Where Are You #107 (Cover A Derek Fridolfs), $2.99
Superman #28 (Cover A Ivan Reis & Joe Prado), $3.99
Superman #28 (Cover B Kael Ngu Card Stock Variant), AR
Tales From The Dark Multiverse Crisis On Infinite Earths #1 (Cover A David Marquez), $5.99
Teen Titans Endless Winter Special #1 (One Shot)(Cover A Bernard Chang), $3.99
Teen Titans Endless Winter Special #1 (One Shot)(Cover B Simone Di Meo), AR
Transmetropolitan Volume 4 TP, $29.99
V For Vendetta TP (Black Label Edition), $24.99

"Wonder Woman 1984" Makes Virtual World Premiere Tues., Dec. 15th

DC FanDome Presents: “Wonder Woman 1984” Virtual World Premiere Fan-first Event on Tuesday, December 15 at 12 PM PST

Watch the Virtual Red Carpet With the Stars of “Wonder Woman 1984” From Anywhere in the World—Just a Click Away

Certain Lucky Loyalty Program Moviegoers Can Watch the Virtual Premiere on the Big Screen and Be the First Audiences to Experience the Full-length Movie in Select CinemaSafe IMAX & Premium Format Theaters

BURBANK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--“Wonder Woman 1984” star Gal Gadot took to TikTok and announced that, via the hugely popular DC FanDome virtual event platform, fans around the globe will have a front row seat to the digital red carpet for Warner Bros. Pictures’ and Patty Jenkins’ hugely anticipated DC Super Hero action adventure. Some lucky fans will also be among the first audiences anywhere to see the entire film on the big screen in select theaters around the world.

Jenkins and Gadot stated, “We have the best fans in the world and that’s why we’re so excited to celebrate the launch of ‘Wonder Woman 1984’ in such a big way. Having it be a virtual event allows us to share the moment with Wonder Woman superfans everywhere who might not otherwise have the chance to experience a movie premiere.”

The Virtual World Premiere Red Carpet: Taking place in the ultimate fan-first destination, the DC FanDome Hall of Heroes, “attendees” can join the celebration of the upcoming film. In true Hollywood fashion, the film’s director, Patty Jenkins, and stars Gal Gadot, Chris Pine, Kristen Wiig and Pedro Pascal – along with a special guest – will be on the red carpet to talk with host Tiffany Smith, and answer questions from fans. As Gadot herself revealed via TikTok today, the virtual event takes place on December 15 at 12:00 PM PST.

When they “arrive,” viewers can check out the massive screens within the Hall of Heroes as they project fans from around the world. Next, they will be treated to a special behind-the-scenes featurette, leading into the talent from “Wonder Woman 1984” stepping onto the carpet and into frame for an exciting conversation about the film. Later, the audience will enjoy a one-of-a-kind performance from world-renowned composer Hans Zimmer, who created the score. And there will be an exclusive sneak peek at the highly anticipated film.

To watch the Virtual Red Carpet, fans can go to:

•     DCFanDome.com, which will be supported across all WB, DC, HBO Max and AT&T social channels; and
•     TikTok, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and Facebook.
•     On Demand on HBO Max (in app and on the website); and
•     On Demand on talent and Warner Bros./WarnerMedia social channels; and
•     Select exhibition partners.

The In-Theater Virtual Premiere + Feature Film Experience: Certain lucky loyalty program members will be offered the opportunity to watch the Virtual Red Carpet on the big screen in select CinemaSafe theaters in IMAX and premium formats. Immediately following the event, they will be the first audiences to experience the full-length feature film “Wonder Woman 1984.”

DC FanDome Presents “Wonder Woman 1984” will also support World Central Kitchen, a nonprofit, non-governmental organization founded by chef José Andrés that uses the power of food to heal communities and strengthen economies in times of crisis and beyond. Fans interested in donating will find a link on the DC FanDome site beginning on the 15th.

From director Patty Jenkins and starring Gal Gadot in the title role, “Wonder Woman 1984” fast forwards to the 1980s as Wonder Woman’s next big screen adventure finds her riding lightning across the sky, donning wings of gold, and chasing a dream while in pursuit of two new formidable foes: Max Lord and the Cheetah.

In “Wonder Woman 1984,” the fate of the world is once more on the line, and only Wonder Woman can save it. This new chapter in the Wonder Woman story finds Diana Prince living quietly among mortals in the vibrant, sleek 1980s—an era of excess driven by the pursuit of having it all. Though she’s come into her full powers, she maintains a low profile, curating ancient artifacts and only performing her superheroic acts incognito. But now, Diana will have to step directly into the spotlight and muster all her wisdom, strength and courage in order to save mankind from a world of its own making.

The film also stars Chris Pine as Steve Trevor, Kristen Wiig as the Cheetah, Pedro Pascal as Max Lord, Robin Wright as Antiope and Connie Nielsen as Hippolyta.

Charles Roven, Deborah Snyder, Zack Snyder, Patty Jenkins, Gal Gadot and Stephen Jones produced the film. Rebecca Steel Roven Oakley, Richard Suckle, Marianne Jenkins, Geoff Johns, Walter Hamada, Chantal Nong Vo and Wesley Coller served as the executive producers.

Jenkins directed from a screenplay she wrote with Geoff Johns & Dave Callaham, story by Jenkins & Johns, based on characters from DC. Wonder Woman was created by William Moulton Marston. Joining the director behind the scenes are several members of her “Wonder Woman” team, including director of photography Matthew Jensen, Oscar-nominated production designer Aline Bonetto (“Amélie”), and Oscar-winning costume designer Lindy Hemming (“Topsy-Turvy”). Oscar-nominated editor Richard Pearson (“United 93”) cut the film. The music is by Oscar-winning composer Hans Zimmer (“Dunkirk,” “The Lion King”).

Warner Bros. Pictures Presents an Atlas Entertainment/Stone Quarry Production, a Patty Jenkins Film, “Wonder Woman 1984.” The film is distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures. It will be released in theaters internationally beginning December 16, and in the U.S. in theaters and on HBO Max on December 25, 2020.

www.wonderwomanmovie.com

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

Negromancer News Bits and Bites from December 6th to 12th, 2020 - Update #24

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

Support Leroy on Patreon:

ENTERTAINMENT AND CULTURE NEWS:

OBIT-COVID-19 - From YahooEntertainment:   Country music's first Black icon, Charley Pride, has died of COVID-19.

MOVIES - From CNN:   It is official, actor Harrison Ford will return for a fifth film in the "Indiana Jones" series, which began in 1981 with the Oscar-winning "Raiders of the Lost Ark."  The film is due July 2022.

PIXAR - From Deadline: Pixar is working on an origin movie for "Buzz Lightyear," the space hero from "Toy Story."  "Captain America's" Chris Evans will voice the lead role.  The film is due in July 2022.

DISNEY+ - From Deadline:   Whoopi Goldberg is returning for a third "Sister Act" film.  Goldberg will reprise her role of Deloris Wilson for "Sister Act 3" and will produce the film along with Tyler Perry for Disney+.

DISNEY+ - From Variety:   Disney+ announces 10 new "Star Wars"-related series and 10 new series from Marvel Studios.

BLM - From WebMD:   In an article for "WebMD," college and pro basketball legend and champion, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar talks about the health of African-Americans and the risks to that posted by the healthcare system.

STREAMING - From BleedingCool:   Amazon is developing a TV series based on the 1997 teen horror flick, "I Know What You Did Last Summer."  Craig Macneill will direct the series pilot.

STREAMING - From Deadline:   Kevin Hart and Wesley Snipes will play brothers in "True Story," a Netflix limited series drama.  It written and executive produced by Eric Newman of "Narcos: Mexico."

TELEVISION - From Deadline:  HBO has been working on a reboot of its vampire melodrama, "True Blood."  Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa (creator of "Riverdale") and Jami O'Brien (creator of AMC'S "NOS4A2") will write the pilot with O'Brien acting as the executive producer with Alan Ball, creator of the original series.

MOVIES - From IndieWire:  The best undistributed films of 2020

OSCARS - From Deadline:   Jesse Collins, Stacey Sher, and Oscar-winning director Steven Soderbergh have been announced as the producers for the 93rd Academy Awards, which will be held Sunday, April 25th, 2021.

WARNER MEDIA - From THR:  Oscar-nominated director, Christopher Nolan, rips into WarnerMedia's announced plan to release its 2021 film slate on its streaming service, HBO Max, which Nolan calls "the worst streaming service."

STAR TREK - From Deadline:  Actors who have starred in the "Star Trek" franchise, from the original series to the recent "Star Trek: Discovery," will hold a virtual fund raiser for U.S. Senate candidates from Georgia, Democrats Jon Ossoff and Rev. Raphael Warnock, on Sat. Dec. 12th, 2020.

MOVIES - From Deadline:   Constantin Film has issued an apology for its film, "Monster Hunter," an adaptation of the popular video game.  The film contains dialogue that was considered offensive in China, where the film has been a hit.

BOX OFFICE - From Deadline:  The winner of the 12/4 to 12/6/2020 weekend box office is DreamWorks Animation's "The Croods: A New Age" with an estimated take of 4.4 million dollars.

MOVIES - From YahooEntertainment:  Oscar-winning screenwriter Alan Ball wonders about the legacy of the Oscar-winning film he wrote, "American Beauty" (1999), because of the scandals related to the film's star, Kevin Spacey.  Spacey won a "Best Actor" Oscar for his performance, but the last few years have seen Spacey beset by accusations of predatory behavior and sexual assault.

TELEVISION - From ShadowandAct:  Oscar and Emmy-winning actress Regina King is producing "Slay," an African-American themed supernatural drama that is in development at The CW.

TELEVISION - From LATimes:  Inside the TV networks' battle for Christmas movie supremacy 

OBITS:

From TMZ:  Character actor and occasional professional wrestler, Tom "Tiny" Lister, Jr. was found dead in his apartment, Thursday, December 10, 2020.  Lister is best known for playing the character, "Deebo," in "Friday" (1995) and its sequel, "Next Friday" (2000).  He appeared in numerous other films, including "The Fifth Element" (1997) and "The Dark Knight" (2008), to name a few.

From Deadline:  The film and television actress, Natalie Desselle, has died at the age of 83, Monday, December 7, 2020 of colon cancer.  Her best known film roles were in "B.A.P.S." (1997) and "Madea's Big Happy Family" (2010).  Desselle made her television debut on a 1996 episode of ABC's former family sitcom, "Family Matters."  Desselle was a main cast member on UPN's TV series, "Eve" (2003-06).

From BET:  Halle Berry issues a statement about the passing of Natalie Desselle, who co-starred with her in "B.A.P.S."

 

From BET:  Halley Berry posts new emotional tribute to former co-star, Natalie Desselle, who died Monday morning, Dec. 7th. 

From YahooEntertainment:  Halle Berry and other celebs react to the death of Natalie Desselle.

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

From Deadline:   Film and television character actor and stage actor, Warren Berlinger, has died at the age of 83, Wednesday, December 2, 2020.  He was known for playing next to bigger stars, including a role in the Elvis Presley film, "Spinout" (1966).  Later in his career, he made numerous guest appearances on such TV series as "Happy Days," "Murder, She Wrote," and "Friends," to name a few.  He began his stage career as a nine-year-old in the 1946 Broadway production of "Annie Get Your Gun," and he went on to perform on stage in "Blue Denim" and "Happy Time," to name a few.

From Deadline:   The actor television actor, David Landers, has died at the age of 73, Friday, December 4, 2020.  Landers is best known for playing the role of "Squiggy" on the former ABC sitcom, "Laverne & Shirley" (1976-83).  He was also a noted voice actor who performed in multiple animated film and TV series.

COVID-19:

From CDC:   The Centers for Disease Control has a "COVID Data Tracker."

From YahooNews:  Why does COVID-19 kill some people and hardly affects others?

From YahooNews:  Yahoo has a dedicated page of links updating news about COVID-19.

From Deadline:  The news site "Deadline" has a dedicated page for news about coronavirus and the film, TV, and entertainment industries.

From TheNewYorker:  The venerable magazine has a dedicate COVID-19 page free to all readers.

From YahooNews:  Re: the federal government's response to COVID-19: What if the most important election of our lifetime was the last one - 2016?

From YahooLife:  What is "happy hypoxia?"  And do you have this COVID-19 symptom?

From JuanCole:  Remember when President Donald went crazy and suggested that we ingest household cleaning supplies and UV light to fight COVID-19.  Here is the video and commentary from Juan Cole.

From TheIntercept:  The federal government has ramped up security and police-related spending in response to the COVID-19/coronavirus pandemic, including issuing contracts for riot gear, disclosures show. The purchase orders include requests for disposable cuffs, gas masks, ballistic helmets, and riot gloves...

From TheAtlantic:  The Coronavirus Was an Emergency Until Trump Found Out Who Was Dying. The pandemic has exposed the bitter terms of our racial contract, which deems certain lives of greater value than others.

From ProPublica:  Hospital's Secret COVID-19 Policy Separated Native American Mothers From Their Newborns

From TheGuardian:  More than 20 million Americans could have contracted COVID-19, experts say.

From RSN/WashPost:  The COVID-19 mutation that has taken over the world.

7/13 - From YahooSports:  Maybe a pandemic means that there will not be college football this fall.

7/13- From YahooNews:  The CDC adds four new symptoms (including nausea and purple or blue lesions on feet and toes) to the list of COVID-19 symptoms.

7/19 - From YahooFinance:  Harvard Public Health professor Dr. Howard Koh says the U.S. "needs to regroup" to find COVID-19.

7/22 - From YahooNews:  A public health employee predicted Florida's coronavirus catastrophe — then she was fired.

7/22 - From YahooLifestyle:  Florida mom loses son, 20, to coronavirus, and then days later, her daughter.

7/23 - From TheWrap:  The site has a list of movie and TV stars, entertainment and sports figures who have tested positive for COVID-19

From Bloomberg:  Will the COVID-19 pandemic turn Millennials into socialists?

7/27 - From CNN:   Chief of critical care at Baltimore's Mercy Medical Center, Dr. Joseph Costa, passes away due to Covid-19 complications... after treating the hospital's sickest COVID-19 patients.  He was 56 and leaves behind family, including a husband of 28 years.

7/31 - From Slate:  COVID-19 is airborne - for reals!

8/9 - From YahooAFP:  According to the real-time tally kept by John Hopkins University, the United States has hit 5 million cases of COVID-19.

8/16 - From Truthout: COVID Deaths Continue to Surge in Countries Led by Far Right Authoritarians

9/19 - From WashPost:  U.S. coronavirus death toll reaches 200,000

9/23 - From CNBC:  Mark Cuban, who owns the NBA's Dallas Mavericks and star of ABC's "Shark Tank," suggests that every household in American get a $1000 check every two weeks for the next two months.

11/7 - From YahooNews:  "It's a slaughter," doctors say of new coronavirus wave.

11/13 - YahooNews:  "We blew it": U.S. reaches 'explosive' COVID-19 spread as virus is nearly impossible to control, experts say.

11/29 From LATimes:  California sets record with most COVID-19 hospitalizations since pandemic began

12/6 - From YahooNBC:  President Donald has announced that his lawyer, former mayor of New York City, Rudy Giulani, has tested positive for COVID-19.

BLACK LIVES MATTER:

From RSN:   Judge's Blistering Opinion Says Courts Have Placed Police Beyond Accountability

From TheGuardian:  Yusef Salaam, one of the "Central Park Five," says in an interview, "Trump would have had me hanging from a tree in Central Park."

From NPR:  Prosecutors' plea deal required drug suspect to name Breonna Taylor a "co-defendant."

From ChicagoSunTimes:  Rev. Jesse Jackson: America has millions of people in poverty because Americans choose not to demand the policies that would lift them out of poverty.

From APNews:  No one will be held accountable for the killing of Louisville African-American resident, Breonna Taylor.

From Channel4:  Revealed: Trump campaign strategy to deter millions of Black Americans from voting in 2016

From GuardianUK:  California is going to consider paying reparations to the descendants of African slaves after adopting a landmark law to study and to develop proposals around the issue.

From TheRoot:   What to Do When Your Country Turns Into a Dumpster Fire

From Vox:  It's True: 1 in 1,000 Black Americans Have Died in the Covid-19 Pandemic

From CBS:  Breonna Taylor's boyfriend certain cops didn't identify themselves

From DonaldTrump:  Well, because it has been in the news a lot lately (via Ice Cube and Li'l Wayne), here is "The Platinum Plan."  It is impressive, but no Republican Congress would go along with even 10 percent of this plan which is basically a long list of promises to the Black Americans - individually and as a group.

From Truthout:   Yes, 55 Percent of White Women Voted for Trump. No, I’m Not Surprised.

Sony Pictures and AT&T Reach a $1.175 Billion Deal on Crunchyroll

AT&T to Sell Crunchyroll to Sony’s Funimation Global Group

CULVER CITY, Calif. & DALLAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sony Pictures Entertainment Inc. and AT&T Inc.* (NYSE:T) announced that AT&T agreed to sell its Crunchyroll anime business to Funimation Global Group, LLC. Funimation is a joint venture between Sony Pictures Entertainment Inc. and Sony Music Entertainment (Japan) Inc.’s subsidiary, Aniplex Inc.

Crunchyroll is a premier anime direct-to-consumer service within AT&T’s WarnerMedia segment with more than 3 million SVOD subscribers and growing. It serves 90 million registered users across more than 200 countries and territories offering AVOD, mobile games, manga, events merchandise and distribution. The combination of Crunchyroll and Funimation provides the opportunity to broaden distribution for their content partners and expand fan-centric offerings for consumers.

“The Crunchyroll team has done an extraordinary job of not only growing the Crunchyroll brand but also building a passionate community of anime fans. Crunchyroll’s success is a direct result of the company’s culture and commitment to their fans,” said Tony Goncalves, Chief Revenue Officer, WarnerMedia. “By combining with Funimation, they will continue to nurture a global community and bring more anime to more people. I’m incredibly proud of the Crunchyroll team and what they have been able to accomplish in the digital media space in such a short period of time. They’ve created an end-to-end global ecosystem for this incredible art form.”

“We are proud to bring Crunchyroll into the Sony family,” said Tony Vinciquerra, Chairman and CEO of Sony Pictures Entertainment. “Through Funimation and our terrific partners at Aniplex and Sony Music Entertainment Japan, we have a deep understanding of this global artform and are well-positioned to deliver outstanding content to audiences around the world. Together with Crunchyroll, we will create the best possible experience for fans and greater opportunity for creators, producers and publishers in Japan and elsewhere. Funimation has been doing this for over 25 years and we look forward to continuing to leverage the power of creativity and technology to succeed in this rapidly growing segment of entertainment.”

The purchase price for the transaction is $1.175 billion subject to customary working capital and other adjustments, and the proceeds will be paid in cash at closing. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals.

*About AT&T:
AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) is a diversified, global leader in telecommunications, media and entertainment, and technology. WarnerMedia is a leading media and entertainment company that creates and distributes premium and popular content to global audiences through its consumer brands, including: HBO, HBO Max, Warner Bros., TNT, TBS, truTV, CNN, DC Entertainment, New Line, Cartoon Network, Adult Swim and Turner Classic Movies. Xandr, now part of WarnerMedia, provides marketers with innovative and relevant advertising solutions for consumers around premium video content and digital advertising through its platform. AT&T Communications provides more than 100 million U.S. consumers with entertainment and communications experiences across TV, mobile and broadband. Plus, it serves high-speed, highly secure connectivity and smart solutions to nearly 3 million business customers. AT&T Latin America provides pay-TV services across 10 countries and territories in Latin America and the Caribbean and wireless services to consumers and businesses in Mexico.

AT&T products and services are provided or offered by subsidiaries and affiliates of AT&T Inc. under the AT&T brand and not by AT&T Inc. Additional information is available at about.att.com. © 2020 AT&T Intellectual Property. All rights reserved. AT&T, the Globe logo and other marks are trademarks and service marks of AT&T Intellectual Property and/or AT&T affiliated companies. FirstNet and the FirstNet logo are registered trademarks and service marks of the First Responder Network Authority. All other marks contained herein are the property of their respective owners.

About Crunchyroll:
Crunchyroll connects anime and manga fans across 200+ countries and territories with 360-degree experiences. Fans have access to the one of the largest collections of licensed anime through Crunchyroll, Anime Digital Network (in partnership with Citel, a subsidiary of Média-Participations), and Anime on Demand video streaming services, translated in multiple languages for viewers worldwide. Crunchyroll's services also extend to licensing of theatrical, TV, home video, consumer product, and video game rights.

Fans engage further with events (including owned events Crunchyroll Expo, Anime Awards, Crunchyroll Movie Nights, KAZÉ Movie Nights), consumer products through eCommerce and retail partners (Crunchyroll, KAZÉ, AV Visionen), Crunchyroll Games, KAZÉ Games, and manga (KAZÉ Manga, Crunchyroll Manga app, Crunchyroll Manga Store).

Crunchyroll was founded in 2006 and is headquartered in San Francisco, with offices in Los Angeles, Tokyo, Paris, Lausanne, Chisinau, and Berlin (AV Visionen). VRV (U.S.) and Eye See Movies (Germany) are also Crunchyroll brands.

About Sony Pictures Entertainment:
Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) is a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sony Corporation. SPE's global operations encompass motion picture production, acquisition, and distribution; television production, acquisition, and distribution; television networks; digital content creation and distribution; operation of studio facilities; and development of new entertainment products, services and technologies. SPE’s Motion Picture Group production organizations include Columbia Pictures, Sony Pictures Animation, Screen Gems, TriStar Pictures, 3000 Pictures, Stage 6 Films, AFFIRM Films, and Sony Pictures Classics. For additional information, visit http://www.sonypictures.com/corp/divisions.html.

About Funimation:
Funimation distributes the best anime to a passionate, global community of fans. For over 25 years, Funimation has been delivering anime to fans and is pioneering an omnichannel approach to engaging and entertaining millions where they want it most—streaming, home entertainment, theatrical, e-commerce, merchandising, live events, and more.

Funimation’s streaming services offer a growing catalog of over 700 anime series and 13,000+ hours of content available on 15 platforms and in 49 countries. Funimation’s in-house team designs must-have, exclusive collectibles distributed through major retailers and an e-commerce site; Funimation’s theatrical division has distributed and marketed 6 of the top 20 anime films in the U.S. As pioneers of the SimulDub™, Funimation is the gold standard for foreign language dubbing of Japanese anime with the highest quality standards and fidelity to the original artists. With a fan-centric approach, Funimation has built a social community of tens of millions of followers and earned the trust of Japan’s most iconic creators.

Funimation has nine offices in six countries and hundreds of employees worldwide. As an independently operated joint venture between U.S.-based Sony Pictures Entertainment and Japan’s Aniplex Inc., a subsidiary of Sony Music Entertainment (Japan) Inc., Funimation benefits from deep entertainment expertise across cultures, territories, and languages.

To learn more about Funimation, visit funimation.com and follow Funimation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Cautionary Language Concerning Forward-Looking Statements:
Information set forth in this news release contains financial estimates and other forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties, and actual results might differ materially. A discussion of factors that may affect future results is contained in AT&T’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. AT&T disclaims any obligation to update and revise statements contained in this news release based on new information or otherwise.

This news release may contain certain non-GAAP financial measures. Reconciliations between the non-GAAP financial measures and the GAAP financial measures are available on the company’s website at https://investors.att.com.

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Jesse Collins, Stacey Sher, and Steven Soderbergh Announced as Producers of 2020 Oscars Ceremony

JESSE COLLINS, STACEY SHER AND STEVEN SODERBERGH TO PRODUCE THE 93RD OSCARS®

Emmy®-nominated producer Jesse Collins, Oscar®-nominated producer Stacey Sher and Oscar-winning filmmaker Steven Soderbergh will produce the 93rd Oscars®, Academy President David Rubin announced today.  It will be their first involvement with the Oscars, which airs live on ABC and broadcast outlets worldwide on Sunday, April 25, 2021.

“The upcoming Oscars is the perfect occasion for innovation and for re-envisioning the possibilities for the awards show.  This is a dream team who will respond directly to these times,” said Academy President David Rubin and Academy CEO Dawn Hudson. “The Academy is excited to work with them to deliver an event that reflects the worldwide love of movies and how they connect us and entertain us when we need them the most.”

“We're thrilled and terrified in equal measure. Because of the extraordinary situation we're all in, there’s an opportunity to focus on the movies and the people who make them in a new way, and we hope to create a show that really FEELS like the movies we all love,” said Collins, Sher and Soderbergh.

“Jesse, Stacey and Steven are the ideal storytellers to harness the uniqueness of this moment and celebrate the artists who are dedicated to telling stories that stand the test of time,” said Craig Erwich, president of Hulu Originals and ABC Entertainment. “By enlisting this incredibly talented team of television and film producers, I’m confident we will deliver a prestigious event that will be remembered for years to come.”

Collins has produced numerous awards shows and events including the Grammy Awards®, BET Awards, UNCF An Evening of Stars®, Black Girls Rock! and Soul Train® Awards, and such television series and specials as “John Lewis: Celebrating a Hero,” “Bookmarks: Celebrating Black Voices,” “Change Together: From the March on Washington to Today,” “Sunday Best,” “American Soul,” “Rhythm + Flow” and “The New Edition Story.”  He earned an Emmy nomination for the 61st Grammy Awards in 2019.  Collins also has been tapped to co-executive produce the upcoming Grammy Awards and executive produce the Pepsi Super Bowl LV Halftime Show, both in early 2021.  He is the founder and CEO of Jesse Collins Entertainment, a full-service television and film entertainment production company.

Sher earned Best Picture Oscar nominations for “Django Unchained” (2012) and “Erin Brockovich” (2000).  She has produced or executive produced more than two dozen major motion pictures, including such notable films as “Pulp Fiction,” “The Hateful Eight,” “Contagion,” “Garden State,” “Man on the Moon,” “Out of Sight,” “Gattaca,” “Get Shorty” and “Reality Bites.”  Her television credits include such series as “Mrs. America,” which earned 10 Emmy nominations, “Reno 911!,” “Into the Badlands” and “Sweet/Vicious.”  She also served as an executive producer on the Oscar-winning documentary short subject “Period. End of Sentence.” (2018).  Sher is currently a producer on the Aretha Franklin biographical film “Respect,” starring Jennifer Hudson, set for release in August of 2021.

Soderbergh won a Directing Oscar for “Traffic” in 2000 and earned a nomination for directing “Erin Brockovich” that same year.  He also earned a writing nomination for “sex, lies, and videotape” (1989), his feature film directorial debut.  A prolific writer, director, producer, cinematographer and editor, he has directed more than 30 films in a three-decade career, including “Magic Mike,” “Contagion,” the “Ocean’s” trilogy, “Out of Sight” and, most recently, “Let Them All Talk,” premiering this month.  He also has produced or executive produced a wide range of projects for both film and television, including “Bill & Ted Face the Music,” “The Report,” “Ocean’s Eight,” “Citizenfour,” “Michael Clayton,” “Good Night, and Good Luck.” and two seasons of his own series, “The Knick.”

The 93rd Oscars will be held on Sunday, April 25, 2021, and will be televised live on ABC and in more than 225 countries and territories worldwide.

# # #

ABOUT THE ACADEMY:
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is a global community of more than 10,000 of the most accomplished artists, filmmakers and executives working in film. In addition to celebrating and recognizing excellence in filmmaking through the Oscars, the Academy supports a wide range of initiatives to promote the art and science of the movies, including public programming, educational outreach and the upcoming Academy Museum of Motion Pictures.

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Movie Review: "Bloodshot" Surprises

TRASH IN MY EYE No. 23 (of 2020) by Leroy Douresseaux

Bloodshot (2020)

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

Running time:  109 minutes (1 hour, 49 minutes)
MPAA – PG-13 for intense sequences of violence, some suggestive material and language
DIRECTOR:  David S.F. Wilson
WRITERS: Jeff Wadlow and Eric Heisserer; from a story by Jeff Wadlow (based on the Valiant Comics character)
PRODUCERS:  Vin Diesel, Toby Jaffe, Neal H. Moritz, and Dinesh Shamdasani
CINEMATOGRAPHER:  Jacques Jouffret (D.o.P.)
EDITOR:  Jim May
COMPOSER:  Steve Jablonsky

SUPERHERO/FANTASY/SCI-FI/ACTION

Starring:  Vin Diesel, Guy Pearce, Eiza González, Sam Heughan, Lamorne Morris, Alex Hernandez, Toby Kebbell, Talulah Riley, Siddharth Dhananjay, and Jóhannes Haukur Jóhannesson

Bloodshot is a 2020 superhero and science fiction film directed by David S.F. Wilson.  The film features the Valiant Comics' character, Bloodshot, that was created by Kevin VanHook, Don Perlin, and Bob Layton.  Blooshot focuses on a slain Marine brought back to life as a super-powered weapon.

Bloodshot introduces U.S. Marine Ray Garrison (Vin Diesel).  After leading a successful rescue operation in Mombasa, Ray and his wife, Gina (Talulah Riley), travel to a beachside town on Italy's Amalfi Coast for a holiday.  However, a notorious terrorist, Martin Axe (Toby Kebbell), kidnaps Ray and Gina and demands that Ray reveal the source of the information the Marines used for the Mombasa hostage operation.  Then, things turn ugly.

Ray awakens in a lab at the headquarters of RST (Rising Spirit Tech), a company that specializes in developing cybernetic enhancements for disabled United States' military personnel.  The company's CEO, Dr. Emil Harting (Guy Pearce), tells Ray that he is the first successful candidate that they have resurrected using a special “nanite technology.”  As he embarks on his first kill-mission, Ray does not realize that very little of what he believes is true.

While watching Bloodshot, I realized that Vin Diesel has starred in a lot of science fiction and fantasy films.  They are an odd lot of high concepts and box office misfires – for the most part.  Bloodshot is one of those films that had its release truncated by the closure of most movie theaters in North America by the COVID-19 pandemic shutdown.  I am not sure if Bloodshot would have been much of a box office hit if it had had a full release...

...But it is a surprisingly enjoyable movie.  The truth is that this is something I would enjoy watching on DVD (which is how I saw the film via DVD Netflix), but, because it is based on a comic book, there is a good chance that I would have made a trip to the movie theater to see it.  Now, that I have seen it, I want to recommend it to fans of movies based on comic books and also to Vin Diesel fans.  Bloodshot is not a “Fast & Furious” film, but its action is... fast and furious... coincidentally.

Bloodshot's revenge-fantasy-within-a-revenge-tale plot delivers a lot of good action sequences.  This narrative's themes, built around the ideas of freedom, choice, control, and reality actually resonate.  While watching this movie, I often found myself asking questions like, “How free am I really?” and “How much freedom of choice is actually of my choosing?”  Bloodshot is like a story by the late author, Philip K. Dick, in which the lead character faces the truth that the reality in which he thinks he lives... is not real... or at least, it is not in his control.

Bloodshot is not a mindless action movie, and it is certainly a stronger take on the story of a military-type discovering that his body or part of it has been stolen than the 2019 Will Smith vehicle, Gemini Man.  However, Bloodshot would be a much stronger film if Vin Diesel were a better actor.  Diesel's acting range mostly runs from smooth guy to menacing guy to enraged guy.  This film's script certainly gives him plenty of scenes when Diesel has to be angry or at least to seethe.  Whenever Diesel's Ray Garrison has to be thoughtful, the film quickly moves on.

As for the supporting characters, the film's writing also doesn't offer anything more than familiar character types.  Still, actor Lamorne Morris manages to make his character, the coding rebel-genius, Wilfred Wigans, excellent comic relief.  Both actor and character are worth seeing again.

So I can honestly say that director David S.F. Wilson delivers a film that is more (at least, a little more) than it seems on the surface.  Bloodshot does not have any of those awful dry moments that make me want to fall asleep when watching an alleged action movie (which happens a lot... the aforementioned Gemini Man).  It is pretty much a fast-moving, highly-entertaining thrill machine.  Bloodshot has an excellent last act featuring a eye-spinning epic battle in and around an elevator shaft, and remember: the writing is smart enough to take its themes and ideas seriously.  In fact, Bloodshot is good enough to warrant a sequel – even if the box office... reality might keep that from happening.

6 of 10
B

Monday, September 28, 2020


The text is copyright © 2020 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for syndication rights and fees.

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