Andrea Ayres
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Articles by Andrea Ayres
Assembling The Savage Avengers With David Pepose
If you were tasked with assembling your ideal superhero team, who would be on it and does it have to include Wolverine? Would you mix members of the Avengers and X-Men or maybe even throw in an Inhuman or two? As comic fans, it’s something we daydream and debate about all the time, but I was wondering how does it really work when you launch a new team title at a Big 2 company with an expansive universe of superheroes.
INTERVIEW: Brian Hibbs on 33 Years of Comix Experience
Over the past nearly thirty-three years, Brian Hibbs has been running the San Francisco comics shop Comix Experience. Comix Experience isn’t Brian Hibbs’ only contribution to the comics industry. Hibbs also created and ran one of comics’ earliest review sites, Savage Critics, for years and has been writing about the comics industry in his column “Tilting at Windmills” since 1991.
Eternals post-credit scene and Kit Harington’s Black Knight blade, explained
It shouldn’t surprise anyone that a bunch of Eternals take center stage in Eternals, but the latest installment in the Marvel Cinematic Universe is hiding another superhero in the wings. This is why they invented post-credit scenes, after all.
Diana Fights Herself and a Couple Old Foes in Wonder Woman #782
In “Through a Glass Darkly,” Diana has traveled with Deadman to the resting place of Seigfried to hopefully put her feelings of him to rest as well. Wonder Woman #782 is written by Michael Conrad, Becky Cloonan, art by Marcio Takara, colored by Tamra Bonvillain, and lettered by Pat Brosseau.
Eternals post-credit scene and Kit Harington’s Black Knight blade, explained Original
It shouldn’t surprise anyone that a bunch of Eternals take center stage in Eternals, but the latest installment in the Marvel Cinematic Universe is hiding another superhero in the wings. This is why they invented post-credit scenes, after all.
Game of Thrones’ Emilia Clarke hopes her new comic sparks a conversation about menstruation
Image: Image Comics Emilia Clarke wants us to talk about periods, period. On Thursday, actress turned comics writer Emilia Clarke (Game of Thrones) joined the American Library Association’s Moni Barrette at New York Comic Con to talk about creating her debut comic M.O.M.: Mother of Madness (Image Comics), about a superhero mother who first discovers her powers while on her period.
The Sandman audio adaption is ‘an overnight success that took 30 years’
Neil Gaiman, the prolific creator and narrator of The Sandman, gave audiences the lowdown on the second season of DC and Audible’s groundbreaking radio drama adaptation Thursday at New York City Comic Con. While the panel was light on spoilers, one thing that we know for sure is that Hell makes for some strange bedfellows. Gaiman was joined by director Dirk Maggs and actors James McAvoy (Morpheus) and Kevin Smith (Merv Pumpkinhead).
DC Comics celebrates Wonder Woman’s 80th Anniversary with Queen Nubia
It’s been a wonder of a year for Wonder Woman. From the introduction of Wonder Girl Yara Flor to Diana’s trip to the Norse afterlife, the lassoed lady of truth plans to continue her dominion over the DC multiverse. As Wonder Woman prepares to celebrate her 80-year anniversary on October 21, DC prepares to pull out all the stops. Some of Wonder Woman’s current slate of writers and artists joined to discuss her future at San Diego Comic-Con.
Comic-Con: Robert Kirkman talks Invincible season 2, more Walking Dead
Comics and TV juggernaut Robert Kirkman has been working for decades as the co-creator behind the epic Invincibleand Walking Deadfranchises, and he’s no stranger to San Diego Comic-Con. This year the writer invited virtual attendees into his home to ask questions and get the lowdown on what is in store for his fictional creations and his imprint, Skybound Entertainment.
SDCC 2021: Marvel Comics’ X-Men writers on reviving Inferno for modern era
A powerhouse panel of Marvel Comics writing all-stars teased what’s in store for the future of the X-Men at San Diego Comic-Con. The big takeaway? The upcoming X-Men titles The Trial of Magneto and Inferno will bring the X-Men Universe to its knees in more ways than one. There have been many developments since the mutant nation of Krakoa held the cultural event of the decade. When the Hellfire Gala ended with issue #10 of Leah Williams’ X-Factor run. The most notable?
SDCC 2021: All panel streams, news, and trailers
Each July, comic, movie, TV, and cosplay fans descend upon southern California for the annual San Diego Comic-Con — or they usually do. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the convention pivoted online in the form of livestream panels airing on YouTube, Twitter, and wherever video players can be found. While much of the country has cautiously sprung back, SDCC 2021 continues the trend out of the safety of its patrons.
We Got Us a Shield Thief in United States of Captain America #1
The shield has been stolen! No one understands the value of the shield like those who’ve wielded it, so Steve Rogers and Sam Wilson set out on a road trip across America to chase down the thief. But instead, they find the Captains, everyday people from all walks of life who’ve taken up the mantle of Captain America to defend their communities. And for some reason, the shield thief wants them all dead. Can Sam and Steve get to them first?
The Many Deaths of Laila Starr #3: A Cigarette, a Party and a Pillow Factory
They grow up so fast — faster still if you spend the intervening years dead. Laila Starr has taken 12 years to come back to life and another to party, during which time Darius has grown to be a young man of 21. What sort of experiences has the child lived through — and what will happen when he experiences his second brush with Death? The Many Deaths of Laila Starr #3 is written by Ram V, illustrated by Filipe Andrade, with colors by Inês Amaro. Letters by AndWorld Design.
Arwen’s iconic costume became a prom dress with Lord of the Rings fans help
If you buy something from a Polygon link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics statement. Growing up, I wanted no part of my dad’s love of fantasy books. He was always trying to get the family to watch the Rankin/Bass version of The Hobbit,which frightened me more than it interested me. I never understood what he loved about wizards, or J.R.R Tolkien. It wasn’t until after he died that I discoveredmy own love of fantasy through The Lord of the Rings movies and online fandom.
Future State: Harley Quinn #1 review: Joker’s ex is more of a Batman now
poly-lt-wire-logo Image: DC Comics Filed under: Comics It’s tough times for Harley after Joker War, but she’s tougher. By Andrea Ayres Jan 5, 2021, 9:40am EST Geeze Puddin’, everything has gone all haywire! 2021 has started with quite a bang for the extended Batman Family in DC’s Future State and Harley Quinn is in a heap of trouble.
Xavier Files Best Comics Of 2020
As we close out the year that was, the staff at Xavier Files wanted to take a moment to highlight our favorite comics from throughout the year. There were so many great books that we couldn’t list them all, but we wanted to give our team to highlight an issue, an arc, a series, or a collection that really spoke to them this year. Hopefully, this helps you find something to love that you might have missed.
Would the Decompressed Nature of We Only Find Them When They're Dead Be Better Served in Trade? Let's Discuss.
The final showdown between Malik and Richter has begun on the surface of the god they’ve discovered. But will Malik survive long enough to find a living god, or has he doomed his crew to an unimaginable fate? Those eight bells mean it’s time to break down BOOM Studios’ We Only Find Them When They’re Dead #4 by Al Ewing, Simone di Meo, Mariasara Miotti and AndWorld Design. Cover by Simone di Meo Chris Eddleman: Andrea, it is time once again.
10 DC and Marvel comic book TV Christmas specials you can watch right now
Few events ring in the yuletide season like the TV Christmas special. And there’s nothing quite like seeing our favorite costumed heroes let their hair down and get into some merry mutant mischief — or just gather around a table with some superfriends. So, go on, grab a plate of cookies and a glass of milk and enjoy some seasonal cheer with the wombo combo of the superhero holiday TV special. Batman: The Animated Series Image: Warner Bros.
A Packed Week with Big Heads, Big Endings, and Big Stakes in Marvel Files with Miles Morales: Spider-Man #21, Black Widow #4, Champions #3, Fantastic Four: Road Trip #1, and M.O.D.O.K: Head Games #1! - Xavier Files
Hello friends and readers! It’s a chunky week as Jude Jones does double duty with Miles Morales: Spider-Man #21 and Champions #3, Andrea Ayres graces us with her opinions on Black Widow #4, Tony Thornley hits the road with Fantastic Four: Road Trip #1, and our boss Zachary Jenkins loses his head with M.O.D.O.K.: Head Games #1! Miles Morales: Spider-Man #21 Written by: Saladin Ahmed Pencils by: Marcelo Ferreira Inks by: Wayne Faucher Colors by: David Curiel Letters by: Cory Petit The hardest...
There's No Escaping the Cycle, and There's No Escaping This Review of 'We Only Find Them When They're Dead' #3
Captain Malik and the crew of the Vihaan II are trapped in warp space, as they’re pursued by the mysterious government agent Richter. They have two choices: drop out of warp speed and risk being destroyed by Richter, or stay in warp until their engines explode from overheating. Who will survive long enough to discover a living God? Andrea Ayres and Chris Eddleman continue their A-to-Z examination of Al Ewing, Simone di Meo, Mariasara Miotti and AndWorld Design’s We Only Find Them When They’re Dead.
The Final Verdict: Batman: Three Jokers Is Bad at Trauma (But Still Traumatized Our Three Critics)
It ends where it began. Batman, Batgirl and Red Hood hunt down the Jokers to stop their plan from coming to fruition and creating a new third Joker, hearts are broken and secrets are revealed in Batman: Three Jokers #3 from Geoff Johns, Jason Fabok and Brad Anderson.
Let's Explore Character Motivations in BOOM Studios' 'We Only Find Them When They're Dead' #2
Captain Malik and the crew of the Vihaan II escape from their tyrannical government – and chart a course straight to the first living god they can find. But the only thing more dangerous than what lies ahead of them … is who follows behind them. Andrea Ayres and Zach Rabiroff continue their A-to-Z examination of Al Ewing, Simone di Meo, Mariasara Miotti and AndWorld Design’s We Only Find Them When They’re Dead.
Three Critics, Three Jokers, One Really Ill-Advised Kiss
One Joker down, two to go. Batman, Batgirl and Red Hood are on a collision course with each other and the remaining two Jokers, and fresh wounds will be laid over their scars in Batman: Three Jokers #2 from Geoff Johns, Jason Fabok and Brad Anderson.
X Of Swords Chapter 2 Raises The Stakes When Death Has New Meaning In X-Factor #4
After their ill-fated trip to Otherworld, the mutants of Krakoa have learned a terrible truth and are preparing for war. But what is war without death? Leah Williams, Carlos Gomez, Israel Silva and Joe Caramagna show us in X-Factor #4. Cori McCreery: SWORDS! SWORDS! SWORDS! SWORDS! SWORDS! SWORDS! SWORDS! SWORDS! SWORDS! SWORDS! SWORDS! SWORDS! SWORDS! SWORDS! SWORDS! SWORDS! SWORDS! SWORDS! SWORDS! SWORDS! But uh. Also a very dense issue and uh, FEELINGS.
The Way Science Lecturers Teach Science Through Power-point
At a career that spans more than a few years, he’s produced quite a few documentaries and published lots of novels. Before going into the area of science instruction, Spangle functioned for NASA. He later became the producer to”The Discovery Channel’s Room Shuttle Endeavour”Space Shuttle Columbia”. The latter app was one of those very first to ever explore the aftermath of the space shuttle disaster. His publication,”hardly Any Breath”, is about students who lost his breath while in distance.
The subtle distinction
research in the University of Applied Science practitioners, researchers on the University -. As lots of imagine. Very as clear-cut, the variations are www.capstonepaper.net not in spite of this. For within the program on the Bologna reform the universities train job-related. And some schools create a identify with application-oriented investigation.
From Vonnegut to North, We Review BOOM's Adaptation of 'Slaughterhouse-Five'
The adaptation of Kurt Vonnegut’s Slaughterhouse-Five is here thanks to BOOM Studios, Ryan North and Albert Monteys. Color assistance comes courtesy of Richard Zaplana. The graphic novel adaptation brings Billy Pilgrim’s journey to life and updates it for a new generation of humans toiling with the cost of war, violence and insecurity. Jason Large: Kurt Vonnegut’s famous satire has been adapted into graphic novel form and written by *checks notes* the Dinosaur Comics guy?
Real-life video game industry nightmares overshadow fictional dystopia of 'Cyberpunk 2077'
Cover by Miguel Valderrama CD Projekt Red’s Cyberpunk 2077 has been one of the most anticipated video games since it was first announced in 2012. Coming off the massive success of The Witcher 3, the company is taking its RPG storytelling skills to a sci-fi universe. Cyberpunk 2077 is a story about a gritty sci-fi future featuring warring criminal organizations, corruption and body modification.
Cut To The Feeling And Solve The Mojoverse Mayhem In X-Factor #3
The Mojoverse is a cold and cruel place, where content creators fight for scraps to feed the empty void of validation inside them. Leah Williams, David Baldeón, and Israel Silva fight for their scraps in X-Factor #3. Cori McCreery: Leeeeeet’s get ready to RUUUUUUUUUUUMMBLEEEEE!!!!! It seems like just yesterday that we got X-Factor #2, and here we are already at #3. And #4 is but another three weeks away! We’re drowning in content before we get to sit out the rest of X of Swords, aren’t we, Andrea?
Tristan Palgren Talks About Testing Their Luck With Domino: Strays
Tristan Palgren is a Sci-Fi/Fantasy writer of the upcoming Domino: Strays, coming out on October 6th, 2020. Their debut novel Quietus, a genre-warping blend of historical fiction and space opera set during the Black Death, was published by Angry Robot Books March, 2018. The sequel, Terminus, was released in November, 2018. Andrea Ayers of Xavier Files sat down with Tristan to talk about Domino, X-Men, and juggling the launch of a new line of books.
Advance Review: 'We Only Find Them When They're Dead' brings high-concept sci-fi, god corpses
We Only Find Them When They’re Dead #1 is the new sci-epic from writer Al Ewing (Immortal Hulk), artist Simone Di Meo (Mighty Morphin Power Rangers), colorist Mariasara Miotti and letterer AndWorld Design. It tells the story of one man’s unending quest through space to discover the truth. Oh, and it’s also about harvesting giant robot corpses! Always Beautiful Zach Rabiroff: Eight bells and all is well, Andrea. The keyboard is sharp and ready for the work. The fingers are ripe and ready to type.
Three Critics Read Batman: Three Jokers #1
Five years ago, Batman made a startling discovery in the pages of Justice League #50: There are three Jokers. Teased since then, this week readers finally begin to get an answer to the mystery, and he’s taking Batgirl and Red Hood along for the ride. Does this really pay off that much lead time and teasing? Let’s find out in Batman: Three Jokers #1 from Geoff Johns, Jason Fabok and Brad Anderson.
The Team Whips Out New Uniforms As Mojoverse Mysteries Unfold In X-Factor #2
Sometimes you find a way to concur death, and wouldn’t cha know it? Someone died in a dimension obsessed with creating #content and you gotta find out if this is some ARG or a real murder. That’s where X-Factor comes in. They investigate the deaths so that mutants might once again live. Join Leah Williams, David Baldeón, and Israel Silva as they explore this new world order in X-Factor #2.
Review: 'Big Girls' #1 and the perils of gender essentialism
[Ed. note: Contains spoilers for Image’s Big Girls #1.] Let’s get straight into it. The premise of Big Girls #1 by Jason Howard appears interesting at first glance, right? A future world, big people fighting monsters? Yes. Cool. Cool. Except that’s about as exciting as it ever gets. Big Girls #1 wants to say more than it ever does. It promises a forward-thinking story but instead it feels trapped in the past.
Image's Hedra a Journey through Space, Time, Shapes and Semantic Memory
Cover by Jesse Lonergan Hedra took my breath away. I’ve read it three times, each time unearthing something different. It may be wordless, but it’s left me with a lot to say. Writer and artist Jesse Lonergan is the powerhouse behind Hedra, published by Image Comics. Translating the comic’s name from the ancient Greek, Hedra means “face of a geometrical solid.” It’s something Lonergan uses to his considerable advantage.
Krakoa Or Yancy Street? Franklin Richards Makes His Choice In X-Men/Fantastic Four #4
The Fantastic Four are all tied up in Empyre but before they get to that, they have to wrap up their wild adventures with the X-Men in X-Men/Fantastic Four #4 by Chip Zdarsky, Terry Dodson, Rachel Dodson, Ranson Getty, and Laura Martin. With Doom’s hand revealed, Franklin makes his choice between Yancy Street and Krakoa. Stephanie Burt: It’s been so long since the last one that I’m having trouble getting my brain back onto this island. I want to stay on Krakoa, or go in search of Kate Pryde.
WIRE Buzz: Snowpiercer cast boards virtual premiere; Disney's Frozen musical closes; and more
You know what they say — the more things change, the more they stay the same. It's a fitting adage for both TNT's new dystopian sci-fi series Snowpiercer and its virtual premiere which took place Thursday evening. The premiere was as ambitious as the new series, which TNT hopes will plow through the competition when it airs Sunday, May 17. The TNT series is based on director Bong Joon-ho's (Parasite) 2013 cult hit film and the 1982 French graphic novel, Le Transperceneige.
WIRE Buzz: Twilight Zone S2 drops far out images; David Ayer hints at more of Leto's Joker; more
The Twilight Zone's dimension of sight, sound, and mind isn't letting customers back in just yet, but CBS All Access is here to tease us along with the very first images fromSeason 2. Packed to the gills with famous actors (the rest of the cast was confirmed earlier this week), you can be sure that the genre anthology's second outing won't be skimping on the talent.
Emily Blunt & Dwayne Johnson looking to save the world and their marriage in Ball and Chain - Report
Emily Blunt and Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson are reportedly set to star in an adaptation of the superhero comicbook series Ball and Chain, which will find their characters fighting to save the world as well as their marriage. According to Deadline, Blunt and Johnson are in talks to play the husband and wife duo of Mallory and Edgar Bulson, who can't stand to be on the same planet as one another, let alone in the same room. The two are ready to end their marriage until a meteor gives them superpowers.
WIRE Buzz: Star Wars Celebration 2020 a go, for now; The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon still swinging; more
Greetings from the galaxy far, far away. Star Wars Celebration 2020 appears to be on, for now at least. Convention organizers ReedPop released a statement today giving an update on the Star Wars studded event, which is still scheduled to take place at the Anaheim Convention Center Aug. 27-29 in Anaheim, California. So far, most other conventions have been canceled due to the outbreak of COVID-19.
WIRE Buzz: May the 4th con goes virtual; Charlie Cox won't dare appear in Spider-Man 3; more
The force must truly be with all of us! Convention organizers ReedPop announced a virtual Star Wars convention to celebrate May the 4th and Revenge of the 5th. The two days of celebrations and revelry will feature multiple events including Q&As, live-tweeting of Star Wars films, and much more.
Animated Transformers prequel film rolling out with Toy Story 4 director
Hasbro and Paramount have reportedly hired Toy Story 4's Oscar-winning director Josh Cooley to helm a Transformers animated prequel film. According to Deadline, who first reported on the news, the theatrical feature will take place on Cyberton and focus on the relationship between Optimus Prime and Megatron. Cooley is reportedly working on a final draft of the script with Ant-Man and the Wasp writers Andrew Barrer & Gabriel Ferrari.
Heavy Metal announces VIRUS, a first of its kind creator-owned comics platform
The genre-bending, envelope-pushing magazine Heavy Metal has never been afraid of breaking a few rules — and it's about to do it again. SYFY WIRE is exclusively announcing the arrival of VIRUS, the new comics imprint from Heavy Metal. VIRUS is a creator-owned venture aimed at shaking up how people create and view comics.
WIRE Buzz: André Øvredal telling more Scary Stories; Doctor Aphra snags audiobook; more
Get ready for more nightmare fuel. Director André Øvredal is officially returning to direct Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark 2. The film's writers, Dan Hageman and Kevin Hageman will also be returning to pen the screenplay based on a story by Guillermo del Toro. Øvredal (The Autopsy of Jane Doe) directed the first Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark film, which was released last summer.
Back to the Future screenwriter slams DeLorean door on McFly family plot hole
Great Scott! We finally have the answer as to why Marty McFly's parents don't remember him as their pal Calvin Klein in Back to the Future, thanks to the film's screenwriter Bob Gale. In the 1985 film, Marty's parents George and Lorraine have no recollection of their son, played by Michael J. Fox, as their dear friend Calvin Klein. As Klein, Marty was responsible for setting his parents up on a date when he traveled back in time to the 1950s.
WIRE Buzz: New Doctor Who story; Roger Corman quarantine film fest; Spider-Man: Maximum Venom clips
If there is one thing we know about the time-traveling, TARDIS-navigating Doctor, it's that she tends to find the positive side in most scenarios — which now includes being cooped up inside 100 feet underground. In a new short story from famed Doctor Who writer Paul Cornell called "The Shadow Passes" the Doctor, Yaz, Graham and Ryan head off to the planet Calapia for some rest and relaxation only to find themselves in a lockdown of their own once they arrive.
WIRE Buzz: Messiah not saved; Legacies, The Flash delayed; Westworld's Warworld displayed
The Netflix drama series Messiah is out after one season at the digital streaming network. The news was revealed in an Instagram post by co-star Wil Traval. Traval's post reads: More Messiah "It’s a very sad day today. I have just received news from Netflix that there will be no season 2 of #messiah I wanted to say to all the fans thank you for your support and love.
I Am Legend virus misinformation inspires Will Smith to spread coronavirus truth
Will Smith wants you to know he's sorry — sorry for any misinformation you might have picked up from his post-apocalyptic film I Am Legend, which he jokingly referred to as cause for appearing on his wife Jada Pinkett Smith's family talk show, Red Table Talk, today. And all kidding aside, he used the show to help clear the air and spread some truth about how viruses work.
Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson test positive for coronavirus while on set in Australia
Academy-Award winning actor Tom Hanks and his wife, actor/singer Rita Wilson, have both tested positive for the coronavirus (COVID-19). The couple is currently in Australia, where the 63-year-old Hanks (Splash, Big, Toy Story) is preparing for his role in director Baz Luhrman's unnamed Elvis Presley film. Hanks made the announcement on Instagram: More Tom Hanks "Hello, folks. Rita and I are down here in Australia. We felt a bit tired, like we had colds, and some body aches.
First reactions to A Quiet Place Part II find critics screaming for more
A Quiet Place Part II is due in theaters in just a few short weeks, but critics already refuse to be silent about how much they loved the sequel. Those lucky enough to see an advanced screening of the film took to Twitter to share their enthusiastic first reactions tonight. One thing appears to be clear, this film is likely to make a big bang upon release.
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