Lenni Reviews: "Don't Be Cruel" vol 5 by Yonezou Nekota

(Image Source)

*This book was given to me in exchange for an honest review and is rated 18+

Maya and Nemugasa have grown since the first volume and now are at the point in their relationship where they even wear couples rings. But Maya is getting some interesting networking contacts and Nemugasa finds himself getting jealous. At the same time, Shimakawa, who knew Maya as a child, sees an opportunity to make a move on Nemugasa behind Maya's back.

Our main pair is a cute couple trying to figure out how their relationship is going now that they're in college and if you forget how they started out, they are a couple you root for and want to see happy. The art is soft and flowy and I have to admit they toned down the sex scenes as compared to the first volume. It's still explicit but more time is spent about their thoughts and search for jobs than boning. It's still an ok series, though! 3.7 .out of 5

Iron Fist and Luke Cage: Secret Empire #2 Preview

Danny Rand and Luke Cage take on a hoard of demons - and blame Doctor Strange - in this preview of next week's Secret Empire #2 (via CBR).

SECRET EMPIRE #2 (of 9)

NICK SPENCER (W) • ANDREA SORRENTINO (A)

Cover by MARK BROOKS

Villain Variant Cover by Dan Mora

ACTION FIGURE VARIANT COVER BY JOHN TYLER CHRISTOPHER

VARIANT COVER BY J. SCOTT CAMPBELL

Hydra Hero VARIANT Cover by ANDREA SORRENTINO

Enshrouded in darkness, plagued by the minions of Baron Mordo and cut off from all assistance, The Defenders and Doctor Strange struggle to save the lives of the innocent people consigned to this hell on Earth. Will Dagger prove to be the key to stopping this nightmare? Meanwhile, will the appearance of a new hero provide Iron Man with the key to Captain America’s startling change? THE SECRET EMPIRE WILL DEFEND YOU!

48 PGS./Rated T+ …$4.99

Netfix Defenders Trailer

Hey O&G fans, Today Netflix released the first official trailer for the defenders, featuring the revival of Elodie Yung's Elektra and the first video of Sigourney Weaver's Alexandria.

Here is a look at the Trailer:

Marvel's The Defenders follows Daredevil (Charlie Cox), Jessica Jones (Krysten Ritter), Luke Cage (Mike Colter) and Iron Fist (Finn Jones). A quartet of singular heroes with one common goal - to save New York City. This is the story of four solitary figures, burdened with their own personal challenges, who realize they just might be stronger when teamed together.

Defenders is scheduled to premiere August 18 on Netflix.

X-Men Gold and Blue Preview

X-Men: Gold will be written by Marc Guggenheim with art by Ardian Syaf. The phase-shifting Kitty Pryde at long-last will become an X-Men team leader, whose squad includes Storm, Colossus, Nightcrawler, Old Man Logan, and Rachel Grey.

“Kitty is the right person to bring the X-Men into the future, to herald in the next era of the X-Men,” Guggenheim told us in a phone interview. “We are post the war with the Inhumans. The X-Men are sort of at a crossroads. They're at a point where they are trying to decide, is there a future for the X-Men?

X-MEN GOLD #1
MARC GUGGENHEIM (W) • ARDIAN SYAF (A/C)
HIP-HOP VARIANT COVER BY ANDRE LEROY DAVIS
VARIANT COVER BY David Marquez
CORNER BOX VARIANT COVER BY LEONARD KIRK
VARIANT COVER BY BILLY MARTIN
VARIANT COVER BY TBA
YOUNG VARIANT COVER BY SKOTTIE YOUNG
FROM THE ASHES OF INHUMANS VS X-MEN, AN ALL-NEW TEAM OF X-MEN RISES! Xavier’s dream comes full circle as KITTY PRYDE takes the reins and assembles a squad of the most iconic X-Men to fight at her side. STORM. COLOSSUS. NIGHTCRAWLER. OLD MAN LOGAN. PRESTIGE. They are X-MEN GOLD! And they’re on a mission to be Earth’s finest heroes, even when that means defending those who hate and fear them. Brought to you by an all-star creative team of Marc Guggenheim (X-MEN, S.H.I.E.L.D., television’s Arrow) and Ardian Syaf (BATGIRL, SUPERMAN/BATMAN, BRIGHTEST DAY), a new beginning for the strangest heroes of all starts here!
40 PGS./Rated T+ …$4.99

X-MEN BLUE #1

Written by CULLEN BUNN

Art by JORGE MOLINA & MATTEO BUFFAGNI

Cover by ART ADAMS

Corner Box Variant by LEONARD KIRK

Variant Covers by JIM LEE, BILLY MARTIN

SKOTTIE YOUNG and NEAL ADAMS

Hip-Hop Variant by RAMON VILLALOBOS 

Kirby 100th Variant by JACK KIRBY 

On-Sale – 04/12/17

CW releases first images of Black Lightning

image credit: CW

Hey O&G fans, CW has released the first image of Cress Williams as Jefferson Pierce, the network's next DC TV show, Black Lightning.

The suit was designed by Laura Jean Shannon, who has also created costumes for other comic-based properties such as Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World and Iron Man.

Along with the image was an official synopsis for the show: "The first African-American DC Super Hero to have his own stand-alone comic title, Black Lightning is based on the character created by Tony Isabella with Trevor Von Eeden in 1977. Jefferson Pierce made his choice: he hung up the suit and his secret identity years ago, but with one daughter hell-bent on justice and the other a star student being recruited by a local gang, he’ll be pulled back into the fight as the wanted vigilante and DC legend — Black Lightning."

Black Lightning is currently in production in Atlanta.

Exclusive IRON FIST Clip on the CHIVE

Hey O&G fans,  theCHIVE is giving Marvel fans an extra peak at the upcoming Netflix Original – Iron Fist with an exclusive clip only available on the site. The clip can only be accessed through a secret code and here’s how you can do it.

Visitors to theCHIVE can check out the clip by entering the “Up, Up, Down, Down, left, right, left, right, a, b”..................... Hmmmm this code sounds familiar. Well if you are not Video Game savvy or are all thumds, just enter  Danny Rand, into theCHIVE’s search function to reach the content. Enjoy the content exclusively from the CHIVE.

Domino is cast for Deadpool Sequel

Hey O&G fans, after all the rumors and cast correction, Deadpoolhas finally cast Domino. Atlanta breakout Zazie Beetz will play Domino in the upcoming Deadpool sequel. Ryan Reynolds, made the announcement Thursday via Twitter, with the caption "Domino Effect." 

Producers were looking to specifically cast a black or Latina actress in the role of Domino, testing a variety of actresses, an finally chose Beetz. Deadpool 2 will be directed by John Wick filmmaker David Leitch, with original Deadpool scripters Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick returning to pen the follow-up for Fox, along with The Martian writer Drew Goddard. Simon Kinberg, Lauren Shuler Donner and Reynolds are set to produce.

Lenni Reviews: "Sweet Lullaby" 1-4 by Al Scherkenback and J. Briscoe Allison

(Image Source)

*This book was given to me in exchange for an honest review.

Lullaby is an assassin working for an organization run by her father. To get to their targets, they go deep undercover; calling the operations 'dreams.' Lullaby is swift and precise but also in love. She wonders if a normal life is even possible and is torn between her loyalty to her father and the possibility of a civilian life.

The story is told by jumping back and forth between Lullaby's childhood and her present day assignments. We get to see why she decided to become a killer, how she works, and what her usual targets are like. The entire organization uses sleep terms as monikers (Catnap, Z, Forty Winks, and the like), which I'm still on the fence about if that's clever or silly. But it wasn't enough to be distracting to the story. As for the art style, it kinda reminded me of Gen 13 in style and the lines, color, and lettering are well done and fun to look at.

The way the narrative is structured, I found it hard to really sink into the story. The moment I felt engaged, the timeline switched again. Not to say the story is bad at all. Interesting if a bit scattered; I give this a 3.5 out of 5.

Justice League Dark Review

Hey O&G fans, DC has released another animation in the Justice League series. Justice League Dark is the continuation in the Justice League series (JL War, JL battle for Atlantis, and.....) Here is a bit about the story: All over the world, people suddenly begin panicking as they start to see everyone around them as demonic monsters and end up killing a good number of innocents before the members of the Justice League can stop them. Deliberating about this strange outbreak, most of the League's members come to the conclusion that magic must be involved in this. Despite his own past experiences with magic, Batman expresses his skepticism and walks out; but as he returns to Wayne Manor to rest, he is temporarily possessed by Deadman, before he regains consciousness and finds the word "Constantine" written all over the walls.

Note: The Justice League Dark originally featured John Constantine, Madame Xanadu, Deadman, Shade, the Changing Man and Zatanna. The team consists of the more supernatural members of the DC Universe, handling situations deemed unfit for the traditional Justice League.

REVIEW

First thing fans can get excited about is the return of everyone's favorite occult investigator Matt Ryan as John Constantine ( well atleast his voice ). This is perfect since the CW announced they'll be continuing his adventures as animated shorts. JL Dark is one of the few R-rated animated movies (don't know why it rated R not much other than language), which it hopes to gain more viewers. The Title is Justice League , but other than a few appearances, the only member throughout the movie is Batman.

The story opens when some really horrific crimes start happening in Gotham City and Metropolis. A woman mows down innocent pedestrians with her car. A guy holds his wife and children at gunpoint. A woman is about to toss her baby off a building. The thing is, all of them swear up and down that the things they’re mowing down, holding at gunpoint, and about to chuck off a roof are demons. The Movie is as dark as the title suggest, with mood, actions and back stories about the characters. That said, there’s also plenty of humor in the film, too. This is about John Constantine, after all, who never met a wisecrack he didn’t like.

One thing I really loved about the movie is you find out how powerful Zatana really is! I'm trying not to give too much away, but damn! The introduction of characters like Deadman and swampthing shows fans DC is really expanding and not just using the same heroes and villians. The voice acting is always on point. Matt Ryan is just as brilliant voicing Constantine as he is playing him live action with Jason O'Mara reprising his role as Batman/Bruce Wayne.

Overall this 115 min movie is worth the watch. The story and action  will keep you entertained through out, It does justice to the main cast of characters by telling their tragic origin stories and showing off their quirky personalities. I'm giving Justice League Dark4 stars out of 5.

by Sean Tucker

Marvel has cast the live action Runaways series on Hulu

Marvel was moving forward on an adaptation of Brian K. Vaughan’s comic series Runaways as a TV show for Hulu. Gossip Girl creators and showrunners Josh Schwartz and Stephanie Savage would be handling the series, which is about a group of teenagers who discover that their parents are a cadre of supervillains known as “The Pride” and runaway only to discover their unusual birthrights.

Rhenzy Felix (Teen Wolf, Casual) as Alex Wilder, "a loud-and-proud nerd. Admittedly a bit of a loner, Alex spends much of his free-time playing video games, but deep down, what he wants most is to reunite his childhood group of friends."

Lyrica Okano (The Affair, Unforgettable) as Nico Minoru. "[She]–tough, intelligent, and independent–embodies teenage angst. A budding 'Wiccan,' Nico’s carefully crafted goth appearance isolates her from her peers and family, but maybe what she really needs is someone to talk to."

Virginia Gardner (Goat, Little Bitches) as Karolina Dean, described as "model-perfect exterior with a lot going on behind her professionally whitened smile, is burdened by the lofty expectations and responsibilities put upon her by her parents. Underneath her veneer of privilege and perfection, Karolina is experiencing a newfound eagerness to explore her identity and pursue her own desires."

Ariela Barer (New Girl, One Day At A Time) as Gert Yorkes. "[Gert] is a purple-haired, bespectacled, contemporary riot grrrl. Never passing up a moment to stand on a soapbox, Gert sometimes wields her persona as a brash social justice warrior to mask her true feelings."

Gregg Sulkin (Faking It, Don't Hang Up, Anti Social) as Chase Stein, a "lacrosse-playing, high school heartthrob. "While many write him off as a dumb jock, Chase exhibits flashes of untapped brilliance in engineering, not unlike his wildly successful father’s."

Allegra Acosta (100 Things To Do Before High School, Just Add Magic) as Molly Hernandez (not Molly Hayes, as in the comic books), "the youngest and most innocent member of her friend group, is known for her peppy positivity and a deep yearning to belong."

"Every teenager thinks their parents are evil. What if you found out they actually were?  Marvel’s Runaways is the story of six diverse teenagers who can barely stand each other but who must unite against a common foe–their parents."

source: Newsarama

Baywatch Reboot Actor in Talks to play Black Manta

The Get Down actor Yahya Abdul-Mateen II is in talks to star in Aquaman as the villain, Black Manta, according to The Hollywood Reporter. The actor recently finished filming a role in the upcoming Baywatch reboot, which co-stars DC's upcoming Black Adam, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson.

Little is known about the role on film, however in comic books Black Manta is a man from the surface world who now lives under the ocean and has sworn revenge on his former home.

Abdul-Mateen would join Jason Momoa in the title role, alongside Amber Heard as Mera, Willem Dafoe as Vulko, and Patrick Wilson as Ocean Master.

Aquaman is due out in theaters October 5, 2018.

CLOAK AND DAGGER TV SERIES CAST THE LEADS

Freeform's Marvel TV series Cloak & Dagger has cast its leads, both former Disney Channel stars. Olivia Holt will play Tandy Bowen, A.K.A. Dagger, who has the power to throw bolts of light, while Aubrey Joseph will play Tyrone Johnson, who has the power to maipulate darkness.

Cloak & Dagger has been in the works for almost five years, according to the report, and will center on the romance between Tyrone and Tandy.

“The characters of Tandy and Tyrone have always stood out to me ever since I first met them in the pages of Marvel comics when I was a boy," explained showrunner Joe Pokaski. "When  Olivia and Aubrey read for the roles, these characters leapt off the page. We’re so excited to see what these talented young actors bring to the Marvel Universe."

Marvel also released official descriptions of the characters. It describes Tandy as follows: "Once a privileged little girl, Tandy Bowen watched as her family was destroyed by a disastrous storm that uprooted her life. Now in her late teens, an unexpected encounter with a boy named Tyrone sparks a life changing event."

Meanwhile, Tyrone is described as such: "Young Tyrone Johnson wanted nothing more than to prove he was fearless.  But when everything he held close was taken away, life taught Tyrone to be afraid.  Now older and more sheltered, Tyrone closes himself off. But when he meets a girl named Tandy his life changes Forever."

No projected premiere date has been announced for Cloak & Dagger.

Thanos Kills The Marvel Universe in ZERO DAY

Thanos may have been defeated like a chump in the recent Civil War II, but the Mad Titan looks to be getting his revenge by standing atop a mountain of fallen Marvel heroes in a first look at January 18's U.S.Avengers #2.

As teased in this week's U.S.Avengers #1, this appears to be "Zero Day" - a calamatous event that the future Danielle Cage warned heroes about over the course of recent New Avengers issues.

Here is the solicitation for that issue.

U.S.AVENGERS #2
AL EWING (W) • PACO MEDINA (A/C)
Variant Cover by DAVID NAKAYAMA
• Welcome to the $kullocracy! The Golden Skull launches his takeover bid — and it’s so crazy it just might work!
• How do the U.S.Avengers respond to the looming threat? Tuxedos. Really well-fitted tuxedos.
• Plus! Where were you on Zero Day — the day Captain America died?
32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99

The Youngest Spider-Girl in Trouble: Amazing Spiderman Renew your vows

Annie May must save the day in this preview of next week's Amazing Spider-Man: Renew Your Vows #3.

AMAZING SPIDER-MAN: RENEW YOUR VOWS #3
GERRY CONWAY (w) • RYAN STEGMAN (a/C)
VARIANT COVER BY JOE QUINONES
• The Mole Man has attacked New York, and Spider-Man and MJ are down for the count!
• There’s only one person who can save them… their daughter!!
• On a school night?!
32 PGS./Rated T …$3.99

News: Woody Harrelson in Talks for a major Star Wars Role

Woody Harrelson is in talks to take play Han Solo's as-yet-unnamed mentor in the smuggler's upcoming Star Wars spin-off film, according to Variety. Little else is known about the role, including whether the character will be someone from previously established Star Wars lore, or an entirely new creation.

The as-yet untitled film stars Alden Ehrenreich as Han Solo, Donald Glover as Lando Calrissian, and Emilia Clarke in an unnamed role. The Han Solo film is scheduled for a May 25, 2018 theatrical release.