Dead Teenagers #2 by Jude Ellison S. Doyle, Caitlin Yarsky & Becca Carey from ONI Press
Dead Teenagers #1 Cover E 1 in 20 Ratio Variant Cover by Ro Stein, ONI Press
PREVIOUSLY:
First, lets start with a quick crash course to get you caught up with this insane comic book series. The year is 1997, Alicia, J.T., Ryder & Brandy were trying to enjoy their High School Prom Night. Unfortunately, they found themselves in a murderous time loop. They endlessly go through exactly what you think. They prepare for prom, go to the prom, and inevitably die that same night. From car accidents to being eaten by aliens, this group of friends goes through all imaginable scenarios.
TRAPPED IN A LOOP
Fortunately, there’s a twist; they are aware of their situation. So, they actively try everything and anything they can think of to change their outcome. Eventually, they realize there’s another participant in their never-ending scenario. This stranger changed everything when he killed Alicia and transported the rest of the group into the future.
*SPOILERS FOR ISSUE #2*
Dead Teenagers #2 Cover by Naomi Franquiz, ONI Press
SOLICITATION:
“For five friends, being trapped in an infinite loop of murder on Prom Night ’97 was a living hell. They’re about to find out that being an adult in 2026 is much, much worse. High school seniors J.T., Ryder, and Brandy have been catapulted through time into their adult bodies…”
MIDLIFE, SUDDENLY
Finally, issue #2 takes us to the year 2026. Brandy, JT & Ryder wake up and realize they are no longer in High School. Also, it’s no longer prom night. Now they’re adults with families, careers, and responsibilities. However, they have no recollection of their lives. Absolutely no idea who these middle-aged versions of themselves are supposed to be. What they do know is that the hooded stranger who killed Alicia Torres caused this. With no clue of what’s happening, they can’t tell if they’re still inside a time loop. So, with that being said, they will try to play things safer.
Dead Teenagers #2 Cover B by Keyla Valerio, ONI Press
HOW ABOUT THE ART?
Obviously, the art is technically sound, and the coloring is quite vibrant. However, do not let the brightness aesthetics fool you, this ain’t no walk-in-the-park type of story. Definitely a credit to the artists who circumvented the genre of this story. Therefore, softening the actual horrors these characters are put through.
OVERALL GRADE: 8/10
FINAL THOUGHTS
Despite the bombastic fest that is the plot, some elements somewhat ground this story. Which is not an easy thing to pull off. But lo and behold, here we are. A group of teenagers who haven’t lived long enough have to discover themselves as middle-aged adults. While solving the mystery of the time trap and that one hooded stranger. In short, all sorts of entertainment are thrown at you at once.
LET US KNOW YOUR THOUGHTS ON DEAD TEENAGERS #2 IN THE COMMENTS SECTION BELOW:
Gotham City has embraced the Batman, and it has now grown far beyond anything Bruce has ever thought it could have become. As he becomes a symbol for the city, an evil emerges from the cornfields ready to create havoc. More than that, things begin to spiral out of control for Bruce as he gears up for his toughest challenge yet.
Absolute Batman #19. Credit DC Comics. Cover by Nick Dragotta and Frank Martin.
Creative Team: Written by Scott Snyder with art by Nick Dragotta and colors by Frank Martin. Letters by Tom Napolitano and cover by Nick Dragotta and Frank Martin.
SPOILERS AHEAD
The Story:
This has been a heavily hyped up and teased coming for Scarecrow, and it lives up to the hype. From the very first pages, a lot is happening as he emerges in the cornfield and immediately pits the two farmers against one another. This is just a simple taste of what we can expect from him in the future. What happens further in this issue was beyond anything I could have seen coming. We see Bruce and Waylon reunite, with Waylon looking healthier thanks to the cure Bruce gave him.
As we dive further into the pages, Scott continues to throw curveballs at us, and remember that anything can and will happen. Gordon has files that he needs to give Bruce, and ultimately falls to his death. This is perhaps the most shocking thing out of any of the 19 issues we have had to this moment. Scott and the crew are not afraid to shake up the status quo and remind us that this is a new take on Batman and Gotham. We are left reeling from this moment as Deathstroke unveils a team of Robins set to be unleashed upon the city to help police it.
The Art and Letters:
Dragotta and Martin absolutely nail this terrifying look of Scarecrow. Drawing him as a straw man with no shoes and a sinister look is such an amazing look for a character I have always been a fan of. There are subtle details in the ways we think he will operate, such as when he blows smoke from his cigarette, leaving us thinking that is how his toxin will work. More than that, I love the design of Slade Wilson as he is not the Slade we know and has suffered trauma and lost limbs. There are so many fantastic details hidden in the background, and the important scenes hit their marks. The way Tom lettered Scarecrow as well made his voice appear calm and smooth with underlying tones, something sinister there all the same, which set the tone for the comic straight off the bat.
Final Thoughts:
Absolute Batman #19 is as advertised. The team reminds us that while we know the names of these characters, we have no idea how things are set to play out at all. They aren’t afraid to shake things up and take chances, making this issue hit hard.
Overall Grade: 10/10
Be sure to let us know your thoughts in the comments below and check out more reviews by Matt!
On April 11th, the first ever Zelda Awards took place. Founded by Karla Medrano, The Zelda Awards were created to highlight the amazing contributions of women working to shape the comic book industry. Named after Zelda Jackie Ormes, the first Black woman cartoonist in the United States, the award show hosted by Dr. Angélique Roche showcased the best women working in comics today. Check out the article below for a breakdown of nominees and winners.
Winners and Nominees
Winners are in BOLD
Best Webcomic – All Ages
Kim Riot – Willow and the Family Ace Cammry Lapka – George Smith Kaja Foglio – Girl Genius Jihan Thomas – The Stolen Life of Henrietta Lacks Dr. Ebony Toussaint – Crash Cart Ashlee the Cartoonist – Flea Boy and The Weasel
Best Webcomic – Horror
Mary Landon – The Gray Charlie Ragnarok- The Killer Kiss Karen Hemmings – Love. Death. Eat. Repeat Rebecca Coulthart – Cheapjack Gentleman
Best Webcomic – Fantasy
Katie Hodges and Pam Bliss – The Extras Matta Sorcier – Sacrimony Feather Mage – Mage and Mimic Megan Gray – The Croaking J Hitz – The Barrier Scroll Tani Andrews – Seeds of Doubt
Best Webcomic – Sci-Fi
Willow White – Friends From The Cosmos Kaja Foglio – Girl Genius Hazel and Bell – Electric Bones Balce Arts and Carrie Linden – Planetarium Next Jen – Coexistence
Best Manga
Marie Grousette – Pandemonium Yamawe – Life Lessons From A UFO Catcher Kaj Kunstmann – Nyakuza Noodle Mai Matsuda – Hikaru In The Light C.J. McWillis – Tezra
Best Graphic Novel – Superheroes
Jamie Mcafee – Alexis Wyle Natosha Jones – The Grey Ashley Paige Van-de-Cruize – Na’Maksi Angelique Roche – Life Dream Shea Fontanta – DC Superheroes Agnes Garbowska – DC Superheroes (Illustrator)
Best Graphic Novel – Horror
Meredith McClaren – Meat Eaters Gigi Murakami – Resenter Amy Chu and Soo Lee – Carmilla Jazmine Joyner – Devour Nihaarika Negi – Hunger
Best Graphic Novel – Fantasy
N.S. Kane – Your Highness Ro Higashi – Half of The Crown Ariela Kristantina – The Girl Who Draws on Whales Jasmine Walls – The Last Session Madelein Holly Rosing – Morgana Pendragon Deena Mohamed – Your Wish is My Command
Best Graphic Novel – Sci-Fi
Jacqui Venturini – Outer Spaced M’shai Dash – Fumes Wendy Xu – The Infinity Particle Mindy Indy – Aer Head Stephanie Williams – Roots of Madness
Best Graphic Novel – Non-Fiction
Rachel M. Thomas – Shrink Emilia Strilchuk – Be Yourself Lisa Burdige – Love Letters, Everyday Shayna Jones – Hamer University Amy Kurzeil – Artificial: A Love Story
Best Children’s Graphic Novel
Shequeta Smith – Young Grandmaster Choi Meredith McClaren – Crumble Stephanie Cook – Pillow Talk Sharee Miller – Curl Friends Katie Shaw – Dragon Child Vera Brosgol – Plain Jane and the Mermaid
Best Children’s Horror
Kayden Phoenix – Witchtober Beatrice Robbins – Ghost Story Saga: Arthur’s Journey Whitney Gardner – Free Piano (Not Haunted) Jessica Maison Judd – Mary Shelley’s School For Monsters
Best Pencils/Inks
Chyna Rosemarea – Today is Different Ryan Oakley- Ride to Acceptance Asiah Fulmore – Temporal Lorna Dining – Charlie Sparks: Paranormal Investigator Yko – Jane Jet Skylar Partridge – Finders Keeper Francesca Fantini – Can I Scream Anna Wieszczyk – Mary Shelley’s School For Monsters
Best Colorist
Xenon Honchar – 30 Days of Night: Falling Sun Bex Glendining – On Starlight Shores Hai Kucifer – Chiropetera Sabine Rich – Fight Girls Gaby Zermeno – Flesh Fix Bia Navarro – Disinter
Best Letterer
Ariana Maher – Zatanna and the House of Secret Saida Temofonte – Press Guardian 1 Lydia Mieses Monette – Fennec Next Jen – Coexistence Jodie Troutman – Star Trek: Red Shirts Becca Carey – Temporal Shayna Jones – Hamer University
Best Cover
Tahilla and Tiah Ankum – Fumes Mikayla Moore – The Grey 3 Sana Takeda – Monstress 45 Juliet Nneka – Roots of Madness 4 Luisina Modica – Crystal Clear Pyro Tarcilia Neeves – Queen Bee Carla Wzygala – Skull Masquerade Angela Wu – Sol: The Ballad of Eternity Jan Apple – Mirrorverse
Best Series
Natosha Jones – The Grey Madeleine Holly Rosing- Boston Metaphysical Society: Mystery at Pikes Peak Matta Sorcier – Sacrimony Jacque Aye – Monster High N.S. Kane – Queen Bee Stephanie Williams – Roots of Madness Rebecca Coulthart – Cheapjack Gentleman
Best Single Issue
Jazmine Joyner – Devour Madeleine Holly Rosing – Morgana Pendragon 1 Natosha Jones – The Grey 3 Weyoldi Oldbear – The Clock Janice Dennie – Chalawan Uranus
Best Writer
Stephanie Williams Matta Sorcier Madeleine Holly Rosing N.S. Kane Natosha Jones Rebecca Coulthart
Emerging Trailblazer: Less Than 10 Years In The Industry
Emilia Stritchuck Dr. Ebony Toussaint Ashley Van de Cruize Lampkin Angela Wu Next Jen Ryan Oakley
Spirit of Zelda: More Than 10 Years In The Industry
Queenie Chan Kaja Foglio Nicola Scott Wendy Pini Kaj Kunstmann Francesca Fantini Rachel Dukes Tee Franklin
Ink The Future: Founder’s Award
Kayden Phoenix Stephanie Williams Shequeta Smith Regine Sawyer Stephanie Cooke Barbra Dillon Natosha Jones
Zelda Awards Logo. Image from The Zelda Awards
Congrats to all of the nominees and the winners. The team over at The Zelda Awards put on a really great awards show highlighting the outstanding and amazing work women are doing in comics. As someone who reviews comics, it’s fun to see artist, writers, colorers, and letterers that I love being honored and recognized for the great and creative work they are putting out into the world.
Until next time, may your pulls be magical, and your multiverse remain stable
Did you catch the Zelda Awards? Did any of the winners surprise you? Let me know in the comments below!
A huge thank you to Abrams ComicArts for the advanced copy of Marvels: The Novelization for review.
Marvels: The Novelization is available everywhere on May 19th, 2026 and can be preordered at the link above
Where were you when you learned about “The Marvels”? Is a two-pronged question. If you’re a real life comic book fan, I’m probably referring to when you learned about the 1994 comic limited series from Marvel Comics. If you’re Phil Sheldon, you’re probably telling us through your own narrative. In 1994, Kurt Busiek and Alex Ross released The Marvels to the world.
The series, set between 1939 and 1974, puts us in the shoes of everyman news photographer Phil Sheldon. We get a glimpse of what life is like at the street level for everyday citizens of New York as they learn about superheroes that Phil dubs “Marvels”. From the original Human Torch to the X-Men, we see several major events of the Marvel comics universe through Phil’s eyes.
Enter Steve Darnall. Steve Darnall was Alex Ross’s original writing partner when the idea that would become The Marvels was concocted. Now, 32 years later, Darnall takes that seminal, award-winning series and turns it into a novel.
The Story
Marvels: The Novelization takes us through the oh so familiar events that happen in the original comics, but in a “Director’s Cut” style of prose. The novelization adheres much closer to what it feels like the original tone and vision of the Marvels limited series was. While the comic itself was only 180 or so pages across four issues, Marvels: The Novelization covers 368 pages of expanse. This novelization gives us significantly more context of the world, Phil Sheldon, and even Phil’s personal history and struggles that didn’t make the cut in the original comic series.
Unique to the novelization is a specific focus on Phil’s job as a photographer and his relationships. The novel dedicates time to Phil’s struggles with his equipment and what it is like trying to be a freelance photographer trying to capture these “gods” on film in the mid-century with mid-century equipment. Darnall gives us a much larger glimpse into the life of Phil and his relationship with his wife and kids. We also get new art, a new cover, and an afterword from Alex Ross reflecting on the legacy of the story
Marvels: The Novelization cover by Alex Ross. Image from Marvel and Abrams ComicArts
Review
Steve Darnall wrote a gem of a book with Marvels: The Novelization. As both a comic fan and a book lover, this was the perfect story for me. I really love the depth Darnall gives to Phil. The original series let us meet Phil, but Darnall lets us get to KNOW Phil. Seeing familiar characters with added context and story is so meaningful.
Darnall gives us some rare glimpses into Phil’s life that just didn’t make the cut for the comic series. I loved that this story started with the interview format. We meet Phil, having published his book “Marvels,” sitting down with an interviewer trying to milk more out of him. The interviewer and her boss, who sent her, feel like Phil has more to tell than just what he told us in Marvels. What follows is a trip through Phil’s life, his family, serving in a war, and the emergence of superheroes.
While issue #2 of the series showed us Phil’s own struggles with prejudice regarding the X-Men, I love that Darnell flushed out that story and that part of Phil more. Darnall takes everything we loved as comic fans about Marvel’s and gives it more depth, dimension, and story.
Final Thoughts
Marvel is really knocking it out of the park when it comes to adapting their comics and characters to novels right now. Marvels: The Novelization comes on the heels of amazing stories like Breaking the Dark and Enemy of My Enemy, featuring Jessica Jones and Daredevil, respectively. These stories are not simply cash grabs, but well-written works of art and Marvels: The Novelization is no exception. This story deserves a spot on the shelf of any comic book fan. Steve Darnell took everything I loved about the Marvels limited series and managed to give me more.
Overall Grade: 5/5
Once you get a chance to check out Marvels: The Novelization, stop back by and let me know what you thought in the comments.
2 responses to “Marvels: The Novelization – Book Review”
Nicholas Sinisi
What did you think of Darnall writing that Phil Sheldon heard the infamous “SNAP” even thought he was watching the incidents from the ground and watching it via a long-range camera lens? Seems unlikely. Still, it’s a very good read…
We’re at that point in the year where many TV shows are about to air their season or series finales. Well, my new series, The Watchlist, is here to help you find more shows & movies to add to your streaming/TV watchlist.
If you’re in the market for something to watch, but you don’t necessarily want a US-made series, I have you covered. There are some amazing series coming out of Canada, many of which are accessible here in the States. These 5 are ones that I have watched, and are also a mix of popular shows and a couple of hidden gems.
1. Hudson & Rex
Hudson & Rex Season 8 Cast Poster (Credit: Shaftsbury Productions/Pope Productions/Beta Film/Citytv)
So, if you follow me on my Substack, I have talked about Hudson & Rex at length on there. I always say that Murdoch Mysteries was my entry to Canadian TV, but Hudson & Rex was my first true love with Canadian TV. This series, while based on a German series from the mid/late 90s/early 00s, honors that classic series while also being able to hold its own.
While it originally launched in 2019 on Canadian network Citytv, I feel like it has taken a life of its own since then. Now, everyone will probably ask: what season do we start with? While I feel like a lot of people will say that you can jump in really anywhere, this is one where starting from the first season is your best bet.
That first episode really sets up the series, and you get introduced to everyone. Some fun ones & some that have really interesting cases to watch throughout the series include:
Season 1:
Episode 1: The Hunt
Episode 2: Fearless Freaks
Episode 3: Haunted By The Past
Episode 4: School Daze
Episode 10: Art Of Darkness
Season 2:
Episode 2: On Ice
Episode 9: Bullet In The Water
Episode 14: Tunnel Vision
Episode 16: Flair Of The Dog
Episode 17: The Graveyard Shift
Season 3:
Episode 1: Origins
Episode 4: Under Pressure
Episode 5: Prescription-Rex!
Episode 6: Endless Summer
Episode 9: Grave Matters
Season 4:
Episode 1: Sid And Nancy
Episode 2: Opps I Bit It Again
Episode 14: Roll The Bones
Episode 15: Nightmare On Water St.
Episode 16: Dog Days Are Over
Season 5:
Episode 1: Lost In The Barrens
Episode 7: The Date Escape
Episode 15: Northern Rexposure
Episode 16: Due North
Episode 17: Lost And Found
Episode 18: Jail Break
Episode 19: The Cook, The Chief, The Cop And His Lover
Episode 20: One For The Road
Season 6:
Episode 1: Ghost Ship
Episode 2: The Good, The Bad, And The Rex
Episode 4: Hour Of The Dog
Episode 8: Doghouse
Episode 10: Who’s Your Caddy?
Episode 11: Dog And Pony Show
Episode 14: Death On The Doorstep
Episode 15: Wag the Dog
Episode 16: Rex, Drugs & Rock ‘N’ Roll
Season 7:
Episode 1: Double Dog Dare
Episode 2: A Room With A Clue
Episode 7: Kiss The Cod And Make Them Die
Episode 8: Hot Prowl In The City
Season 8:
Episode 1: Into The Wilds
Episode 2: Runaway Witness
Episode 3: Best Kind
Episode 4: Of All The Gin Joints
Episode 6: Conspiracy Theory
Episode 7: Criminal Rex
Episode 8: Bird’s Eye View
Episode 9: All The Wrong Moves
Episode 10: Murder Al Fesco
Episode 11: Trial By Fire
Episode 12: The Briny Deep
Episode 13: Heist For The Holidays (Part 1)
Episode 14: Heist For The Holidays (Part 2)
As for where this airs, it’s home streaming service here in the States is UP Faith & Family. Now, there is a warning: Season 2, Episode 2, Season 5, Episode 7, and Season 7, Episode 2 are missing on the streaming service. The show also airs on:
Season 8 doesn’t have a premiere date as of yet in the US, but it should be within the next few months or so.
2. North Of North
North Of North Season One Cast Poster (Credit: Netflix/CBC/APTN)
Meanwhile, if you are looking for a heartwarming comedy, then Netflix’s North of North is the perfect pick for you.
Actress Anna Lambe leads this fantastic series about a woman living in Canada’s Northwest Territories. This comedy is one of Netflix’s best, and the 20 nominations it got this year at the Canadian Screen Awards kinda solidifies its place in the comedy scene.
Now, every episode of the series is worth watching, but Episode 6 is specifically worth paying attention to. This is streaming on Netflix to watch and enjoy.
3. Republic Of Doyle
Republic Of Doyle Cast Poster (Credit: CBC)
Republic of Doyle is a series that I only found out about late last year, and it is a fantastic series. It’s about a Father/Son family-run PI agency in St. John’s, Newfoundland. Now this 6-season series is both hilarious and heartfelt at the same time. I love how every episode has a different case, but that is what makes it so fun to watch.
I also love seeing the family dynamics in the show as well. It really is a beautiful and amazing series. It streams on both Tubi and YouTube.
4. Sullivan’s Crossing
Sullivan’s Crossing Season 4 Cast Poster (Credit: CTV)
Sullivan’s Crossing is a beautiful series. It’s based on Robyn Carr’s What We Find book series, and it’s quite a series to watch. It’s a drama with some comedy and lighthearted moments, and the cast for the series is incredible. I love all of the characters in the series, but the show’s main character, Maggie, is incredible. She brings so much heart to the series.
All of the supporting characters are also amazing as well. Everyone works so well together in the show. Every season is incredible, and the latest season is premiering here in a few weeks. It is streaming on both Netflix and The CW.
5. Wild Cards
Wild Cards Season 3 Cast Poster (Credit: Fifth Season TV Distribution/CBC/The CW)
Finally, we bring up Wild Cards.
This series is on its 3rd season. It is a police procedural, much in the way that Hudson & Rex is, but it’s also a comedy as well, with a lot of wonderful comedic moments in it. I love this series so much, and each season has gotten better and better.
This current season has been incredible to watch, and with the final coming next week here, I’m interested to see how it sets us up for Season 4. This streams on both Prime Video and The CW.
These are just some of the fantastic Canadian TV Shows that are accessible here in the States. There are so many other shows available to watch, including:
Queen In Black #2 Cover By Ryan Stegman (Credit: Marvel Comics)
This event is spinning out of both Al Ewing’s current Venom series and the upcoming Knull limited series. Marvel just recently revealed details for Queen In Black: Venom Unchained, and we now have a look at the other tie-ins releasing as well. Al Ewing said this about the event:
“One of the joys of QUEEN IN BLACK is going big and weird with symbiotes and aliens… and they don’t come much bigger and weirder than the Symbiote Intelligence!”
Queen In Black #2 is out on July 29th, and the issue’s description reads:
“Hela has seized Knull’s throne and commands a legion of deadly symbiotes as the Queen in Black! Meanwhile, Knull has conquered the Lightforce Dimension, claiming a new power and army as the God of the Void! Two of the most powerful evils in the galaxy are at war, and Earth is the final prize!”
You can see the rest of the announced tie-in below:
Queen In Black: Defenders Of Light And Dark
Queen In Black: Defenders Of Light And Dark #1 Cover By David Marquez (Credit: Marvel Comics)
“UNLEASH THE HEROES!
Beta Ray Bill is the only hero in Midgard who remembers Hela, the Goddess of Death… but does that mean he and his team can counter a Queen in Black? Meanwhile, Tony Stark’s all-new Black Metal Armor is the ultimate weapon against Knull, God of the Void… but does he have command of his own defense squad? This all leads to the mission that’ll decide the outcome of the Queen in Black saga!”
Queen In Black: Hela
Queen In Black: Hela #1 Cover By Pasqual Ferry (Credit: Marvel Comics)
“THE QUEEN TAKES HER THRONE!
All the secrets of the Queen in Black—revealed! Why were Hela and Tyr in Midgard when the Rainbow Bridge fell? How did she cage Knull, God of the Void? And which Thor tried to stop her? Balder the Brave seeks the answers from Karnilla of the Norns… but will he live to tell anyone else?”
Queen In Black: Thor
Queen In Black: Thor #1 Cover By Pasqual Ferry (Credit: Marvel Comics)
“A TRUE KING RISES!
As Beta Ray Bill battles Hela at the edge of space, he considers his role as the heir of Thor’s story… little dreaming that the story continues with Sigurd Jarlson or that the Death-Goddess has plans for the Mortal Thor. Somewhere in the city, a man with a hammer is about to face the ultimate test.”
Venom #260
Venom #260 Cover By Carlos Gomez (Credit: Marvel Comics)
“THE LEGACY OF THE LETHAL PROTECTOR REVEALED!
Months ago, Dylan Brock was killed by Carnage—and granted an audience with the Eventuality, the ultimate iteration of his father. He asked five questions and he was given five answers – hints at a dark future waiting for him. Now that future is here…”
Studio Hermitage’s beautiful TTRPG, Our Brilliant Ruin, is getting it’s long awaited Hardcover release later this year. This world is a beautiful upstairs-downstairs drama-filled world, and this guide will help with creating your world for it.
The book’s full description reads:
“Our Brilliant Ruin is set in the Dramark, a place where the last fragile remains of society burn with excess and intrigue in the shadow of a dying world. The Ruin, a preternatural force befouling everything it touches, has ravaged geography and culture alike, wreaking destructive havoc and transforming both people and animals into monstrous creatures. With the world plunged into darkness, how will you spend the time you have left?
Dive into the dramatic world of Our Brilliant Ruin with the official tabletop role-playing rulebook, created by Studio Hermitage and now available from Dark Horse Books. This full-color hardcover tome will be your guide to the Dramark, its inhabitants, and the horrors that lurk in its shadows as you launch your next saga.”
Our Brilliant Ruin TTRPG Rulebook releases September 15th.
Dungeons & Dragons: Ravenloft #1 Main Cover (Credit: Dark Horse Comics)
Dungeons & Dragons: Ravenloft is a new 4-issue series coming from an amazing creative team, including:
Writer: Amy Chu (Carmilla: The First Vampire, Red Sonja)
Artist: Ariela Kristantina (The Girl Who Draws on Whales, Adora and the Distance)
Colorist: Arif Prianto (Poison Ivy, Green Lantern Corps)
Letterer: Haley Rose-Lyon (BUMP: A Horror Anthology, Jill and the Killers)
The first issue will also have amazing covers from artists like:
Guillem March
Riley Rossmo
Francesco Francavilla
Todor Hristov
Angela Wu
The comic’s full description reads:
“Ravenloft is falling apart, and nobody knows why. Fortunately, monster hunter Ez D’Avenir is on the case! She’s searching the frozen wasteland of Lamordia for an undead creature that may hold the key to Ravenloft’s fate. But when Darklord Viktra Mordenheim catches wind of her quest, Ez is suddenly the one being hunted!”
Dungeons & Dragons: Ravenloft #1 releases August 19th.
It’s been right at a month since Amazon Prime Video rolled out its newest original series, “Scarpetta”. The high-profile forensic crime thriller is based on the iconic book series by Patricia Cornwell. After decades of anticipation, Cornwell fans, myself included, get our first adaptation of her most famous character, Dr. Kay Scarpetta, on the screen.
The Story
The series unfolds across two timelines. Both follow Dr. Kay Scarpetta, but at different times in her career. While the story begins in 1998, the series opens with Dr. Scarpetta returning to her old stomping grounds, having returned to her position as the Chief Medical Examiner of Virginia (sworn in by author Patricia Cornwell in a cameo appearance). The series jumps right into the action, bringing Dr. Scarpetta to a grisly murder that terrifyingly resembles her career-defining case from 28 years earlier.
The series then brings in the second timeline as we jump back to 1998, as Dr. Scarpetta becomes the newest Chief Medical Examiner of Virginia and begins to investigate a series of brutal stranglings. The series continues to jump back and forth between the dual narrative, introducing us to key characters, including Kay’s husband, Benton; her partner/investigator, Pete; her sister, Dorothy; and her niece, Lucy. All the while, we see the toll a lifetime around death begins to take on Kay as she begins to wonder if she put the wrong man away all those years ago.
Scarpetta Promotional Image. Image from Prime Video
Series Background
The first season of this series consists of eight episodes. Unique among today’s modern television, Season 2 was given the green light before the premiere of Season 1, with production beginning in March 2026, shortly after the Season 1 premiere. Also unique is that the dual timeline allows showrunner Liz Sarnoff to adapt two of Cornwell’s novels to tell the story. The 1998 timeline is heavily based on Cornwell’s first novel to feature Kay Scarpetta, Postmortem, and the present-day timeline adapts the 25th novel of the series, Autopsy. The adapting of both books in the Scarpetta series (currently at 29 books) allows Sarnoff to create a narrative bridge between the past and the present with the present case involving a suspect from the original Postmortem case.
Review
This series is off to a very good start. The team picked two really good stories within the Scarpetta series to adapt. The dual timeline offers a look at both modern tech and classic sleuthing. It’s clear that Amazon believed in this series and pulled out all the stops. Despite utilizing dual timelines, the series features a star-studded present-day cast as well as lesser-known but still amazing actors for the 1998 timeline. Nicole Kidman takes on the task of playing Dr. Scarpetta in the present-day timeline, with Rosy McEwen doing an amazing job as the 1998 version of Kay. Jaime Lee Curtis serves as the present version of Kay’s sister Dorothy, Simon Baker as Kay’s husband and FBI profiler Benton Wesley, and Ariana Debose as Lucy, Kay’s niece.
The dual timeline really works. The season is enjoyable and features some really solid forensic science as well as an in-depth look at Kay’s family dynamics. The show focuses heavily on its psychological complexity and isn’t afraid to show the reality of crime scenes and homicides. It is not for the faint of heart, with Prime offering realistic depictions of autopsies and homicide scenes. The utilization of the modern book Autopsy from 2024 allows the show to really highlight Lucy through the lens of technology and AI.
Final Thoughts
Scarpetta on Amazon Prime is a really good adaptation of Cornwell’s character. As good as it is, there is room for improvement. This show is a classic example of being harmed by an A-list cast. As good as the show is, when you realize how star-studded the cast is, you just feel like you want a little bit more. I highly recommend the show and that everyone check it out. However, when you see the cast, and you get to the end of season one, it leaves you wishing there was a little more. It feels like there’s another level this show can reach that it doesn’t quite get to in season one. Here’s hoping they can turn it up a notch in season 2.
Overall Grade: 4/5
What did you think about Scarpetta? Let me know in the comments below
Who would’ve thought that Michael Scott and the Dunder Mifflin Employees would inspire what would become a genre defining film, but that’s exactly what director, Markian Tarasiuk has done with his pseudo-found footage film, ‘Hunting Matthew Nichols,’ which is equal parts ‘Blair Witch Project’ and ‘The Office,’ all of which works remarkably well. The film takes a genre that finds itself often times relegated to the bargain bin and breaths fresh life into it. ‘Hunting Matthew Nichols’ is what happens when creativity drives a project that is a clear labor of love. It’s refreshing.
Tara Nichols has never been able to let go of her brother, Matthew, who disappeared with a friend 20 years ago. The circumstances were mysterious and the investigative work had holes in it. Turning her trauma into a documentary to finally get to the bottom of her brother’s disappearance, Tara pushes the limits of her own sanity and mental well being hunting Matthew down at all cost. It’s this compelling story, cast, and dedication to authenticity that makes ‘Hunting Matthew Nichols’ such an incredible cinematic experience.
Miranda MacDougall and Markian Tarasiuk in ‘Hunting Matthew Nichols.’ Courtesy of Dropshock Pictures.
A Defining Genre-Bending Approach
‘Hunting Matthew Nichols’ is not a found footage film. If anything, it’s a pseudo-found footage film that takes everything that makes the genre unique and throws it back in it’s face. It presents itself in a way that always keeps the audience offbalance. They’re never quite sure what it is. That dedication to authenticity is why Tarasiuk’s debut feature stands out as something fresh. The film’s approach to keeping the root in reality blurs the lines of actor and victim.
The use of the documentary to tell the story was such a clever decision. While it seems simple, it opens the story up to being so much more. The choice allows the film to turn on a dime and shift in a way that’s both shocking and horrifying. The moment the audience realizes that they are no longer watching a documentary is jarring in a way that snaps the audience back into the reality of “did this actually happen?” This creative decision keeps the audience on its toes and the suspense at the highest level.
Miranda MacDougall in ‘Hunting Matthew Nichols.’ Courtesy of Dropshock Pictures.
Terrifyingly Well Cast
‘Hunting Matthew Nichols’ does not work without an exceptional cast. The cast in this case, though small, has clearly bought in on the film and it shows. Tarasiuk has put together an A team that clearly had the sole mission of putting forth their absolute best effort. For a film like this to work, it needs authenticity and believability and this cast knew that and provided it.
When the film first began, I was confused by Miranda MacDougall’s performance. It felt very hollow and manufactured…and then the audience was allowed behind the camera and her tone and presence changed entirely. It was an act for the camera that set the tone of who Tara Nichols is and what she’s trying to achieve. For me, that choice made the rest of her performance feel real and as if she was ACTUALLY Tara. MacDougall’s protrayal of how the whole experience was affecting Tara and her overall mental state was exceptional. Truly, her entire performance was captivating.
Tarasiuk pulled double duty going both in front of and behind the camera. His role as the director served as a foil to Detective Pam Hamilton, played by Christine Willes. Both do their best to guide Tara, but to no avail. There is a moment between Tara and Detective Hamilton, however, that is some of the best filmwork and acting that I’ve seen in quite some time. Willes comes off as genuine, like she had been working the beat for 20 years and had been around long enough to have seen more than one Tara Nichols. MacDougall presents as broken, wanting only to find her long lost brother. The scene is devastatingly real.
Miranda MacDougall and Markian Tarasiuk in ‘Hunting Matthew Nichols.’ Courtesy of Dropshock Pictures.
Final Thought:
‘Hunting Matthew Nichols’ is shot of adrenaline to a genre that has been circling the drain since 1999. It’s use of personal anguish and actual horror are going to shock audiences in a way that they haven’t been in years.
