Author - Jerry Paxton

Dark Horse & Wizards of the Coast Team Up for a New Publishing Program

Dark Horse Comics and Hasbro’s Wizards of the Coast announce an exciting new publishing line beginning in 2025, with comics and graphic novels expanding the worlds of DUNGEONS & DRAGONS and MAGIC: THE GATHERING! The officially licensed publishing program will feature original stories based on the popular fantasy roleplaying and trading card games. The first of these series will debut in summer 2025.

Dark Horse Comics first collaborated with Wizards of the Coast for MAGIC: THE GATHERING tie-in comics in the late ‘90s with MAGIC: THE GATHERING: Gerrard’s Quest and has more recently collaborated for the Stranger Things and DUNGEONS & DRAGONS miniseries. In this new era of MAGIC: THE GATHERING and DUNGEONS & DRAGONS, fans can expect comic series, graphic novels, art books and more. Stay tuned for more news and announcements to follow!

“If you’d told my 12-year-old self I’d get to work with incredible writers and artists to craft comics for DUNGEONS & DRAGONS and MAGIC: THE GATHERING, alongside such thoughtful and creative stewards of these licenses, I wouldn’t have believed you,” said senior editor Spencer Cushing. “The opportunity to work with Wizards of the Coast is a dream come true.”

“Having the opportunity to work with the Wizards of the Coast team on both DUNGEONS & DRAGONS and MAGIC: THE GATHERING is one of the most exciting opportunities I’ve had professionally,” added editor Brett Israel. “As an avid player and fan of the various stories and planes of these two iconic games, I cannot wait to work with many highly-skilled creators on growing these universes.”

“DUNGEONS & DRAGONS and MAGIC: THE GATHERING are two legendary games with incredibly strong fandoms and world-building gameplay,” said Marianne James, Senior Vice President, Licensed Consumer Products at Hasbro. “We are dedicated to expanding these universes through unique brand-offerings and world-class partnerships, ultimately bringing players and fans alike new, exciting ways to engage with these iconic franchise brands. From this licensed publishing program with Dark Horse Comics, we anticipate a lot of excitement to come with new artwork and creative storytelling.”

“We’re so excited to be teaming up with the incredible creatives at Dark Horse to invite fans and newcomers alike into the iconic fantasy world that has defined Magic: The Gathering for the past 30 years, told through a fresh new lens,” said Jackie Jones, Vice President of Creative, Magic: The Gathering. “Each series will feature epic, high-stakes stories across Magic’s visually stunning, diverse multiverse, told through the eyes of our most iconic, complex, and compelling heroes and anti-heroes – giving readers the opportunity to experience what makes Magic so unique and awesome.”

“This collaboration is akin to forging a legendary magical item! Dark Horse is just so awesome at bringing fantastical worlds to life on the page,” said Jess Lanzillo, Vice President of Franchise and Product for Dungeons & Dragons. “With D&D’s vast, imaginative realms and 50 years of thrilling adventure as their canvas, I’m excited to see what will unfold. This collaboration feels like the start of something truly special.”

Stay tuned for more news on upcoming DUNGEONS & DRAGONS and MAGIC: THE GATHERING projects in the near future!

Be sure to follow DarkHorseComics on social media and check our website, www.darkhorse.com for more news, announcements, and updates.

Queen Mary Set to Make MAJOR Announcements at Midsummer Scream Panel on July 28th

The iconic RMS Queen Mary is set to make waves at the upcoming MidSummer Scream event in Long Beach, bringing with it a series of major announcements and spine-tingling giveaways during its panel on Sunday, July 28th. As one of Long Beach’s most haunted landmarks, the Queen Mary invites MidSummer Scream attendees to continue the ghostly fun aboard the ship with free admission and access to themed spooky cocktails all weekend long with their MidSummer Scream pass.

The panel promises to be a haunting highlight of the event, featuring a distinguished lineup of speakers ready to share their eerie insights, chilling revelations, and exclusive first announcements. Panelists will include Dylan Matteson, Director of Experiences; April De Leon, Director of Tours and Attractions; Daniel Byrne, Manager of Tours and Attractions; Michal Rangel, Apparitionist with 57 Ghosts; Rebecca Knight, Founder of the Grey Ghost Project; Joseph Rodriguez-Jozwiak, City of Long Beach; and will be moderated by On-Air Radio Talent and Reporter, Nick Pagliochini.

For those attending MidSummer Scream, the perks extend beyond the convention center. Showing an event badge grants free admission to The Queen Mary all weekend July 26-28, providing a perfect opportunity to explore the ship’s haunted halls and many attractions. Guests can also enjoy a spooky cocktail in the ship’s iconic Observation Bar, adding an extra layer of thematic fright to their visit.

The Queen Mary’s participation in MidSummer Scream underscores its ongoing commitment to engaging with the community and enhancing the visitor experience. As the ship continues to evolve, these upcoming announcements are sure to send shivers of excitement down the spines of fans and newcomers alike.

The Queen Mary panel at MidSummer Scream is on Sunday, July 28th at 2:30pm on the Promenade Strage. For more information on the Queen Mary, visit queenmary.com, or connect with us on social @TheQueenMary.

TWD: Daryl Dixon Renewed for Third Season to be Produced and Set in Spain

Today at Comic-Con International, AMC Networks announced that The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon has been renewed for a third season that will be produced and set in Spain. Production of season three will begin next month and be based in Madrid, with extensive location shooting planned in the Galicia, Aragon, Catalonia and Valencia regions.

The announcement came during the show’s standing-room-only session in Hall H, attended by series stars and executive producers Norman Reedus and Melissa McBride, cast member Louis Puech Scigliuzzi, showrunner David Zabel and executive producer and director Greg Nicotero.

Season three tracks Carol (McBride) and Daryl (Reedus) as they continue their journey towards home and the ones they love. As they struggle to find their way back, the path takes them farther astray, leading them through distant lands with ever-changing and unfamiliar conditions as they witness the various effects of the Walker apocalypse.

“We are so proud of these shows and incredibly grateful for the way this new chapter in The Walking Dead Universe has been embraced by the fans,” said Dan McDermott, president of entertainment and AMC Studios for AMC Networks. “Sending Daryl, and then Carol, to France was such an inspired and visually striking move for this franchise, a chance to do something truly different. We can’t wait to continue the travels of this iconic duo with a third season produced and set in Spain, another beautiful country with a passionate TWD fanbase that is already buzzing with anticipation.”

Reedus said: “I couldn’t be more thrilled to announce a third season and to be working side by side with the brilliant Melissa McBride. Season two is some of my favorite storytelling of this series. Watching Melissa shine along with our brilliant cast and crew has been one of my fondest memories playing this character. I hope you enjoy it as much as we did making it and we can’t wait to keep the story going.”

McBride said: “I’m really appreciating the new challenges for Daryl and Carol being so far from all they’ve ever known… what it means for them, what it brings for each of them, apart and together. There’s still so much ahead to unpack in France for the coming season two, and a breathtaking finale. And now Spain! I already know that David Zabel’s storytelling is making the most of all that is so beautiful and unique to Spain. We start shooting there in just a few weeks… such excitement looking forward!”

Said Scott M. Gimple, chief content officer for The Walking Dead Universe: “France made Daryl and Carol’s story into an epic poem with what we found there. What’s to come in Spain may even surpass it — and we’re so damn happy to bring the audience more of the Terrific Two alongside new compelling characters, in a yet unseen, beautiful, horrific corner of their broken world.”

Zabel said: “We are all very excited to continue the epic and intimate story of these two friends Daryl and Carol trying to get back home. Exploring new spectacular European settings, we look forward to dramatizing the ways in which the Walker apocalypse has done to Spain what it did to France.”

Season two of The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon, The Book of Carol will premiere on AMC and AMC+ on September 29. When season one premiered in late 2023, it quickly became the #1 most-viewed premiere of all time on AMC+, the most-viewed season of any show in the history of AMC+ and a top acquisition driver in both the U.S. and Spain. It has only been eclipsed by The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live in those categories.

2024 Comic-Con Attendees Terrorized by Facehuggers and Chestbursters at Alien: Romulus Panel

Director/writer Fede Alvarez and cast members from the upcoming sci-hi/horror-thriller “Alien: Romulus,” including Cailee Spaeny, David Jonsson, Archie Renaux, Isabela Merced, and Spike Fearn took to the stage of Hall H at the San Diego Convention Center earlier today for a special Comic-Con panel in partnership with IMAX®. Tickets are now available for purchase at Fandango or wherever tickets are sold. The film from producer Ridley Scott opens exclusively in theaters nationwide August 16, 2024.

During the panel, which featured exclusive footage from the film as well as special taped content from Ridley Scott, Guillermo del Toro, and Dan Trachtenberg, a swarm of facehuggers flooded the room, overtaking the stage and facehugging a few attendees in the process. The culmination of the stunt was the iconic chestburster moment on the floor of Hall H, which surprised and terrified Comic-Con attendees. At the conclusion of the panel, the 6,000+ guests were gifted their own facehugger mask, which they wore for a group photo with Alvarez and the cast.

“Alien: Romulus” takes the phenomenally successful “Alien” franchise back to its roots: While scavenging the deep ends of a derelict space station, a group of young space colonizers come face to face with the most terrifying life form in the universe.

Fede Alvarez directs from a screenplay he wrote with frequent collaborator Rodo Sayagues based on characters created by Dan O’Bannon and Ronald Shusett. “Alien: Romulus” is produced by Ridley Scott, who directed the original “Alien” and produced and directed the series’ entries “Prometheus” and “Alien: Covenant,” Michael Pruss, and Walter Hill, with Fede Alvarez, Elizabeth Cantillon, Brent O’Connor, and Tom Moran serving as executive producers.

Marvel Comics Next Big Thing Panel Unveils Upcoming Comics

Each year at San Diego Comic-Con, fans gather at the Next Big Thing Panel to discover the biggest shakeups coming to Marvel Comics! This year was no different—in addition to revealing a teaser for ONE WORLD UNDER DOOM, a new status quo coming to the Marvel Universe following Blood Hunt, Editor-in-Chief C.B. Cebulski and a host of Marvel creators announced exciting new series, teased upcoming storylines, and debuted trailers for VENOM WAR and WOLVERINE: REVENGE!

Among the series announced was WEST COAST AVENGERS where writer Gerry Duggan and artist Danny Kim fire up this iconic team with a superstar lineup of Earth’s Mightiest Heroes, including a seemingly redeemed ULTRON, on sale in November! Fans also learned about December’s ULTIMATE UNIVERSE: ONE YEAR IN, a special one-shot finale to the first year of Marvel’s hit new Ultimate line; and Joe Kelly and Ed McGuinness’ 8 DEATHS OF SPIDER-MAN, a bold saga coming to the pages of AMAZING SPIDER-MAN starting in November, which will also debut a new DOOM-inspired Spider-Suit!

Plus, DOGPOOL, who makes his live-action debut in Deadpool & Wolverine, now stars in his very own Infinity Comic that became available on Marvel Unlimited live during the panel! Also coming to Marvel Unlimited in October is BEASTLY BUDDIES, a spooky series starring Elsa Bloodstone, Man-Thing, Werewolf by Night, and more horror favorites.

Read on for the full scoop!

WEST COAST AVENGERS #1

Written by GERRY DUGGAN
Art by DANNY KIM

ULTRON RETURNS…REDEEMED?

Iron Man and War Machine have put together a new team of Avengers – one that includes villains seeking a path to redemption. Their case study? Ultron – who, against all odds, seems to be walking the straight and narrow…for now. But does the success of one guarantee the success of all? Spider-Woman and Firestar have their doubts. And can any amount of heroics really absolve Ultron of his past?

ULTIMATE UNIVERSE: ONE YEAR IN #1

Written by DENIZ CAMP
Art by TBA

It’s been one year since the Maker was locked away and the Ultimate Universe was left in the hands of his villainous council. And in that time, heroes around the world have risen up, determined to fix this broken world. Now, with one year left until their leader’s return, the Maker’s Council launches a bold plan to wipe out these heroes. This oversized one-shot sets the stage for the second year of the Ultimate line and includes the debut of the Ultimate versions of two major Marvel characters!

BEASTLY BUDDIES INFINITY COMIC

Written by STEVE FOXE

Art by ARMAND BODNAR

Ted and Jack are best friends tackling the sorts of problems all modern readers can relate to: getting ousted from their ancestral castle by pitchfork-wielding villagers, unknowingly being pursued by infamous monster hunter Elsa Bloodstone, and trying to find a place for yourself in the world when one of you is a grouchy werewolf and the other is a plant-based nexus being. In a spooky twist in the comedic spirit of smash hits like It’s Jeff, Beastly Buddies follows Man-Thing and Werewolf by Night as they discover the lighter side of Marvel’s darkest corners on a quest to figure out where they fit in!

DOGPOOL INFINITY COMIC
Written by MACKENZIE CADENHEAD
Art by ENID BALÁM

Come on down to Old MacDeadpool’s Farm and get to know his favorite furry friends: Dogpool, Catpool and Mousepool! But don’t say we didn’t warn ya – their bites are worse than their barks! Check it out right now on Marvel Unlimited!

AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #61/#62

Written by JOE KELLY
Art by ED MCGUINNESSS

THE 8 DEATHS OF SPIDER-MAN BEGIN!

The world has changed, Doctor Doom is Sorcerer Supreme, but he has no plans to spend his time like his predecessor… Each year, Doctor Strange would use every ounce of his power and experience to save the world from an evil god and his scions. This year, Doom is delegating this task to…SPIDER-MAN?! The leader of Latveria has given Spider-Man a new, magic powered suit and EIGHT EXTRA LIVES with which to save (!?) the world. True believer, they won’t be enough…

Check out the covers and stay tuned for more San Diego Comic-Con news throughout the weekend! For more information, visit Marvel.com.

DOGPOOL INFINITY COMIC #1

Written by MACKENZIE CADENHEAD

Art by ENID BALÁM

Available Now!

BEASTLY BUDDIES INFINITY COMIC #1

Written by STEVE FOXE

Art by ARMAND BODNAR

Available 10/18

AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #61

Written by JOE KELLY

Art and Cover by ED MCGUINNESS

On Sale 11/13

AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #62

Written by JOE KELLY

Art and Cover by ED MCGUINNESS

On Sale 11/27

WEST COAST AVENGERS #1

Written by GERRY DUGGAN
Art by DANNY KIM
Cover by BEN HARVEY

Variant Cover by DANNY KIM

On Sale 11/27

ULTIMATE UNIVERSE: ONE YEAR IN #1

Written by DENIZ CAMP
Art by TBA

Cover by STEFANO CASELLI

On Sale 12/11

To find a comic shop near you, visit www.comicshoplocator.com

STLV: The 58-Year Mission Tickets On Sale Now

The 40-plus year tradition of Creation Entertainment’s Trek-themed conventions continues in 2024 at The Rio All-Suites Hotel & Casino for STLV: The 58-Year Mission on August 1-4, 2024!

Creation Entertainment’s STLV: Trek to Vegas is an annual convention held at the Rio All-Suites Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. A long-standing tradition, the convention offers fans a unique opportunity to meet their favorite actors and actresses. Attendees can participate in a variety of activities, including Q&A sessions with the stars, autograph signings, photo ops, and themed parties. The convention also features a cosplay competition, live music performances, and exclusive merchandise vendors. STLV: Trek to Vegas is a must-attend event for any Trek fan, providing a chance to immerse oneself in the beloved franchise and connect with fellow enthusiasts.


There are several ticketing options available but they do sell out, so be sure to grab them while they’re available. Ticket information and more can be found at the event’s official website.

For a look back at the 2023 event, click here!

SEGA Introduces Digital Starter Bundles for Yakuza & Like a Dragon Franchises

On July 26th, 2024, SEGA introduced two new digital bundles to celebrate the iconic ongoing franchise from its Ryu Ga Gotoku studio: the Yakuza Series Starter Pack and Like a Dragon Series Starter Pack, available now on PlayStation, Xbox, and Steam digital stores (availability varies by region). These bundles are the ideal starting point for new players looking to immerse themselves in the franchise and enjoy each series’ story from the beginning, all at a discounted price.

“As we continue to bring the Like a Dragon & Yakuza brand to new mediums, we saw a great opportunity to create clear starting points for new audiences to experience the games that inspired the upcoming Prime Video live-action show,” said Hiroyuki Sakamoto, Like a Dragon Series Chief Producer, Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio. “I hope offering these series starter packs at a value will create many new fans who play each series as we envisioned, from the beginning and in release order.”

  • Yakuza Series Starter Pack
    • Players can step up and start an action-packed, beat ‘em up adventure across Japan as Kazuma Kiryu, a legendary Yakuza known as the ‘Dragon of Dojima’ as he fights to protect his loved ones. The Yakuza Series Starter Pack includes Yakuza Kiwami and Yakuza Kiwami 2, remastered versions of the first two entries in the Yakuza series.
    • Price: $29.99 (MSRP)
  • Like a Dragon Series Starter Pack
    • Players can rise like a dragon in the epic RPG adventures across modern-day Japan and Hawaii with the unstoppable underdog, Ichiban Kasuga and his party of society’s outcasts. The Like a Dragon Series Starter pack offers a new point of entry in the Like a Dragon series with two acclaimed games: Yakuza: Like a Dragon and Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth.
    • Price: $79.99 (MSRP)

Now is the perfect time for new players to dive into the world of Yakuza/Like a Dragon before the upcoming Like a Dragon: Yakuza live-action show releases on Prime Video on October 24, 2024.

For those looking to fully immerse themselves in the Yakuza, SEGA is also expanding availability of The Yakuza Complete Series digital bundle from GOG to PlayStation, Xbox, and Steam digital stores (availability varies by region). This bundle consists of all seven games in the Yakuza series, from the prequel Yakuza 0 to climax of Yakuza 6, available for $109.99 (MSRP)

Arthur C. Clarke’s Venus Prime TV Series Details Revealed at SDCC

Volume Global, in association with Navajo Entertainment, Claxson Media, Fun Republic Pictures, Karma Film, Julijette, Palatin Media and Washington Square Entertainment, presented the highly anticipated adaptation of Arthur C. Clarke’s Venus Prime to an enthusiastic crowd at Comic-Con International in San Diego.

The panel, titled ‘Jonathan Frakes unveils ‘Arthur C. Clarke’s Venus Prime’ TV series,’ took place on Thursday, July 25th, at the San Diego Convention Center as part of Comic-Con International’s 2024 lineup.

Moderated by Comic-Con mainstay and legend Gary Miereanu, the panel featured special virtual appearances from director and Executive Producer Jonathan Frakes (Star Trek: First Contact, Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, The Librarians), and Executive Producer Lucas Vivo Garcia Lagos (Franklin: Historia de un Billete, Pacto de Sangre, Psiconautas), while the Emmy-nominated Co-Showrunners David Cormican (Tokyo Trial, Northern Rescue, ShadowHunters) and Dwayne Hill (Northern Rescue, Peg + Cat, Mean Girls), shared the stage with Miereanu along with fellow Executive Producer and Volume Global’s Michael Hamilton Wright (Hostile Takeover, King of Killers).

Fans of the bestselling book franchise were treated to an in-depth discussion about the upcoming TV series adaptation based on the books by sci-fi legend and Academy Award®-nominated screenwriter Sir Arthur C. Clarke (2001: A Space Odyssey) and author Paul Preuss who was also in attendance at the panel. The filmmakers explained their decision to use virtual production to bring this ambitious scripted series to life. Attendees who secured a seat received a Comic-Con exclusive, limited edition, numbered series poster featuring artwork by celebrated comic book cover artist Raúl Allén.

The filmmakers also previewed an exclusive sneak peek teaser, including a 30-second logo reveal clip. Emmy-award nominated Isabella ‘Machine’ Summers (Little Fires Everywhere; also of Florence and the Machine fame), was announced as the composer for the clip’s score, with an unreleased track entitled “Poetry.” The sneak peek will be made available by the producers to those not in attendance on the official YouTube page for the series:

Additionally, the team revealed the title of the series’ pilot episode: “Set Motus Est” (Latin meaning: Set in motion), and announced that the official filming location will be carried out in virtual production on the world’s second largest LED virtual production wall and largest in Canada, located in Regina, Saskatchewan, in partnership with Volume Global and Creative Saskatchewan.

“I’m no Kubrick, but I will do my best, I promise you”, shared Frakes in his message to fans. “We hope to be showing it to you next year at San Diego Comic-Con”.

A special announcement was also made by Frakes regarding a worldwide open casting call to discover the lead role of Sparta, with details for interested actresses available on Volume Global’s dedicated casting website (www.vgcasting.com). The filmmakers echoed Frakes’ invitation for fans to join them at next year’s Comic-Con for the world premiere of the series.

“Sci-fi has been a very big part of my world since I can remember,” added Executive Producer Lucas Vivo García Lagos. “At age 16, I read Venus Prime for the first time and couldn’t help but fall in love with the character of Sparta, her fragility and the quest for her identity — a skillful combination between mystery, action and love“.

The Venus Prime novels, originally published between 1987 and 1991, were re-issued with new cover artwork by Vanessa Maynard in 2021 by J. Boylston & Company Publishers. The series began with the release of Breaking Strain, the first novel in the Venus Prime franchise, nearly 35 years ago. Alan Morell of Creative Management Partners serves as Senior Advisor to Claxson, Washington Square Entertainment and J. Boylston & Company Publishers and negotiated the rights deal for the producers and publisher.

Hunt: Showdown 1896 Mammon’s Gulch Map Reveal Trailer

Brace yourselves! Mammon’s Gulch is coming to Hunt: Showdown 1896 on August 15th.

This map introduces a vast and detailed new biome, bringing you into the shadow of the mighty Colorado mountains. Adding the element of enhanced verticality and a host of new tactical vantage points.

The peaks tower over the region like sentinels, but hidden beneath the lush forests and soaring hilltops, corruption seethes from the mines and oil wells below the surface.

Date Everything Announcement Trailer Released

Today, Team17 Digital and Los Angeles-based developer Sassy Chap Games have announced a partnership to publish the upcoming sandbox dating simulator, Date Everything!. Coming to Steam, Nintendo Switch™, PlayStation®5 and Xbox Series X|S.

Date Everything! whisks players off into a world where everyday objects transform into romantic possibilities. From the refrigerator to the vacuum cleaner, the laundry basket to even the air itself, no object or concept is off limits for love.

Players will don “Dateviator” glasses and start chatting up objects around their home to find out who’s who and see what magic they can make. Each dateable object has three different relationship resolutions (Love, Friend, or Hate) leading to an endless panoply of playthroughs! With a critical path tying it all together and options for a wide array of player preferences and tastes, this game has something for everyone.

Date Everything! features:

  • 100 fully voiced datable characters for players to fall madly in love with.
  • Branching dialogue that leads to multiple endings for each character.
  • Over 4 hours of music with each dateable character featuring their own theme.
  • 11,000+ hand-drawn images.
  • 1.2 million words and 70,000 voicelines.
  • A fully interactive 3d overworld that changes based on choices made in the playthrough.
  • Full voice acting with a huge cast of familiar voices, including Felicia Day (Supernatural, The Magicians), Johnny Yong Bosch (Bleach, Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers) Grey DeLisle (Scooby-Doo, The Last Airbender), and more!

New LA-based developer Sassy Chap Games was established by a group of well-recognized voice actors, including Robbie Daymond (Marvel’s Spider-Man, Critical Role, HiFi-Rush), Ray Chase (Final Fantasy XV, X-Men ‘97, Licorice Pizza), Max Mittelman (One Punch Man, Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth, Persona 5), and Amanda Hufford (Genshin Impact, The Amazing Digital Circus).

Going from voicing games to creating them was a huge leap. Thankfully we’ve got some of the best talent in the business to make Date Everything! truly unique. We’re wildly proud of our game and can’t wait for audiences to share in this adventure!” said Robbie Daymond, Co-Creative Lead and Voice of the Hangers.

It has been such an amazing journey to bring this audacious dream into reality – we threw everything at this game AND the kitchen sink! We’ve gotten to know these wonderfully unique characters for such a long time, and couldn’t be more excited to introduce you to a hundred or so of our friends…” said Ray Chase, Lead Designer and Voice of the Wall.