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On today’s comic book news for August 25, 2023, the Ultimate Universe returns to Marvel. Plus, Tom King offers his updated riff on Animal Farm for BOOM! Studios. And Stan Sakai takes Usagi back to space.
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Episode Transcript:
The Ultimate Universe returns!
Tom King takes on Animal Farm.
Stan Sakai heads to space.
This is Comic Book Club News for August 25, 2023.
The Ultimate Universe Returns To Marvel:
The Ultimate Universe is officially returning to Marvel, with the appropriately named Ultimate Universe #1.
As revealed as part of Marvel’s November solicitations, after the events of the currently running Ultimate Invasion miniseries, “a new team of heroes bands together to save the future! From mastermind Jonathan Hickman and superstar artist Stefano Caselli, don’t miss out on this foundational issue for the new line of Ultimate Comics!”
That’s right: the comics line that arguably helped create the Marvel Cinematic Universe is coming back to the House of Ideas. While the solicit itself is light on info, the cover included clearly shows Ultimate versions of Captain America, Thor, and Iron Man. Silhouetted in the back look to be Spider-Man, Black Panther, and… Mr. Pointy-Head? Not sure who the third person is, but if it’s Mr. Pointy-Head you all owe me a Coke.
The issue will be released at some point in November, followed by the teased new Ultimate Comics. Smart money says there will be a new Ultimate Spider-Man title and an Ultimate Avengers title. But stay tuned for more news as this develops.
Tom King Adapting Animal Farm:
Tom King is pound for pound one of the best comic book writers working today, and now he’s going to the pound… The Animal Pound, thanks to his just announced new comic book for BOOM! Studios.
In the loose adaptation of George Orwell’s classic Animal Farm, King will team with artist Peter Gross, color artist Tamra Bonvillain, and letterer Clayton Cowles for the new title.
“Animal Pound is the most ambitious story I’ve ever told, and I feel like a fool for trying to do it,” said Tom King via press release provided to Comic Book Club News. “But the story came to me strong, and with Peter drawing, I know we’ll pull it off; we’ll make something as insane, stunning, and frightful as the times we live in.”
Per the title, the new series will transport the events of the animal uprising from a farm, to a pound. It will also serve as an allegory for current issues, versus the original, which was about the events leading up to the Russian Revolution of 1917. The new version will find the animals splitting into a two-party system that leads to “fear and fascism.”
Animal Pound will be released as an Ashcan in comic book stores on November 15. The series officially hits comic stores on December 20.
Usagi Yojimbo Goes Back To Space:
Usagi u-spaceo? Stan Sakai’s classic rabbit ronin is heading back into space — again — with a new, color version of Space Usagi: Death and Honor #1.
Released by Dark Horse Comics and Dogu Publishing, the new printing is written, drawn and lettered by Sakai as usual. It will also feature brand new colors by Emi Fuji, and cover art by Sweeney Boo.
Here’s the synopsis, per Dark Horse: “As a general of the Shirohoshi Clan’s space fleet, it’s Usagi’s responsibility to keep the lord and his heir safe. Now tasked with the education and protection of the lord’s heir, Usagi must remain vigilant at all times to protect the heir from a murderous plot and an unexpected betrayal. The rabbit ronin’s classic adventure in space—now in color!”
The first issue of the three-issue miniseries will hit comic shops on November 15, 2023.
For Comic Book Club News, I’m Alex Zalben. And fun fact, this podcast is also an updated version of the events leading to the Russian Revolution of 1917.
Got tips or stories you’d like us to cover? Email us at comicbookclublive@gmail.com.
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