Akira Yoshida Presents: Seven Comics We’d Like to Give Donald Trump for Christmas

Editor’s Note:  “Akira Yoshida Presents” is a feature posted on behalf of guest contributor Akira Yoshida, who writes the blog posts other contributors don’t want to post using their real names….

As we approach the end of the year, it is common for comics blogs to prepare a list of their favorite comics. Such lists provide bloggers with an opportunity to recommend comics that they hope will provide entertainment and perspective to others.

During this holiday season, a time of peace and sharing, Nothing But Comics would like to make some respectful comics recommendations to President Donald Trump, in the hopes that these comics might entertain and enlighten America’s president.

John Mollo, Costume Designer for Star Wars, Has Passed Away

John Mollo, as reported by The Times, has passed away at the age of 86. His expertise was in military history, serving as a consultant for period dramas such as Stanley Kubrick’s Barry Lyndon. Following the completion of his work with Kubrick, Mollo was invited to quite a different British production: George Lucas’ then untitled third feature film. Mollo brought no previous experience with science fiction to Star Wars, instead drawing on World War I trench armor for Darth Vader and Nazi storm troopers for the Galactic Empire’s, um, storm troopers (subtle Lucas was not). At Lucas’ suggestion, he turned to the imagery of the American West for the narrative’s heroes. As such, Mollo had a large hand in some of the most iconic visual designs in 20th Century popular culture and for his efforts was awarded an Oscar for Best Costume Design. He followed up Star Wars with Ridley Scott’s Alien, creating clothes which contributed to the Nostromo‘s lived-in feel. He returned to Star Wars for The Empire Strikes Back. In 1983 he won a second Oscar for Ghandi (shared with Bhanu Athaiya.

For more, please see The Hollywood Reporter.

Rest in Peace.

First Trailer for The Death of Stalin

Armando Iannucci is one of the greatest satirists currently working. Over the course of series such as Alan Partridge, The Armando Iannucci Shows, Thick of It and Veep, he has honed a styled defined by hilarious wit and biting social critique. So, tackling the backroom squabbling of Soviet Russia would be a natural fit for his talents. Adapted from the French graphic novel of the same name by Fabien Nury and Thierry Robin, The Death of Stalin is a comedic look at the power struggle following the dictator’s demise and features some top notch talent.

 

The Death of Stalin stars Steve Buscemi, Jeffrey Tambor, Simon Russell Beale, Jason Isaacs and Michael Palin. After debuting at the Toronto Film Festival, IFC Films plans a fall US release.

Cheers

Freeze Frame 7/14/2017

From Dark Days The Casting #1 by John Romita Jr, Klaus Janson, Alex Sinclair & Jeremiah Skipper

Awesome Con 2017: Ryan North

During last month’s Awesome Con in Washington DC, I was able to speak with writer Ryan North for a few minutes about his recent work for The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl and Jughead. Unfortunately a technical glitch prevented the entire interview from recording. The first segment covering his Jughead run can be heard above

Awesome Con 2017: Magdalene Visaggio

At last month’s Awesome Con in Washington DC, I took a few minutes to chat with writer Magdalene Visaggio about her recent work for Black Mask, particularly the excellent Quantum Teens Are Go. We also touched on her Element Girl backup story for Young Animal’s Shade, the Changing Girl #4.

Cosmo’s Gallery, 6-19-17

Wonder Woman by Tula Lotay

Uncovering the Best Covers, 6-15-17

Want to know what covers caught our attention this week?

Curious what our eyes fell in love with at first sight?

Well, here they are, the most memorable images on the stands this Wednesday . . .

Creighton wades deeper into . . .

Grass Kings #4 by Tula Lotay

Awesome Con 2017: Chatting with Greg Capullo

This weekend brings the return of Washington D.C.’s annual Awesome Con. This year’s guest list includes artist Greg Capullo, whose long career in the industry includes such high-profile properties as Spawn and Batman. His creator-owned work ranges from The Creech to Reborn. In advance of Awesome Con, I recently had an extended conversation with Capullo covering various aspects of his work, including his creative process for Batman, the importance of artistic collaboration and his experience working at Image during different phases of their history.

Thanks to Greg Capullo and Awesome Con for making this interview possible.

Adam West Passes Away at 88

Actor Adam West, forever associated with his breakout role as Batman, has died following a short battle with leukemia. According to a family statement West died peacefully in his sleep surrounded by loved ones. West was born in Walla Walla, Washington, where he grew up on a ranch. While West had a long career in movies and on TV, he is best known for his iconic portrayal of Batman in the 1960s ABC series and related feature film. West’s performance helped define the show’s trademark pop-art vibe and cheeky tone. There were other Batmans on screen before him, but West’s was the first to become a true cultural force and make a star out its actor. The show only last three seasons but it defined the character in the public’s mind for decades until Tim Burton’s darker vision arrived at the end of the 80s. West, for his part, embraced the lighter tone of the show. According to the family”s statement, West “always saw himself as The Bright Knight and aspired to make a positive impact on his fans’ lives. He was and always will be our hero.”

For more details, see The Hollywood Reporter.

Rest in Peace Adam West