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Valiant Hero Of The Week: Ninjak, Faith, Roku and Ivar, Timewalker

Posted on May 4, 2020 by Alex K Cossa

Every Monday for the next few weeks, Valiant Entertainment is running a poll on their Twitter feed to provide fans with some escapism while new comics are in short supply. The poll allows Valiant fans the opportunity to select the Hero Of The Week from four choices – this week, the poll features Ninjak, Faith, Roku and Ivar, Timewalker. That week’s hero will then be the focus of free pdfs featuring the character, videos from Valiant staff, giveaways and more.

Which superhero would win a karaoke contest: Ninjak, Faith, Roku, or Ivar?

And make sure to tell us what song they'd sing!#ValiantAndQuarantine #Karaoke
— Valiant Comics (@ValiantComics) May 4, 2020

At Graphic Policy, we’re going to be running a spotlight on the winning character all week through various features depending on the character, but at the very least you’ll see our favorite covers and stories.

But Valiant has a lot of great characters, and it’d be a shame to not let you know which stories to read to get to know some of them a little more in case they don’t end up winning the fan vote. This week’s characters are a prime example of this, and the exact reason that we wanted to shine a little light on all four ahead of the week.

Below you’ll find a brief snapshot of the character and a trade paperback or two to check out. For fun, I’ll also note who I think is most likely to win (bear in mind this is being written on Sunday).

Ninjak

Who is he? A blend of Batman and James Bond. Colin King is at the peak of human conditioning, both physical and mental, has access to near limitless financial resources, and also works on contract for MI6 as a high tech ninja operative. If you’re looking for something familiar from Valiant, then you’d think that Ninjak would scratch the Batman itch, but unlike Batman, Ninjak has no problem using his weapons to their full deadly potential. Although Ninjak has yet to feature in a movie, he was the star of Ninjak Vs. The Valiant Universe, a webseries produced by Bat In The Sun that you can probably find on Youtube now. My money would be on Ninjak taking the week.

What should you read? Ninjak: Weaponeer. This collection covers the first five issues of Ninjak’s Valiant Entertainment relaunch, and is written by Matt Kindt and features Clay Mann, Butch Guice, and Juan Jose Ryp‘s artistic talents. This is where you’ll want to go for your introduction to the character, despite his first appearance coming in an issue of X-O Manowar a couple of years prior. We’re (re)introduced to Colin King and discover how he became Ninjak in flashbacks that twin with the present as King hunts down the Shadow Seven. It’s a spy thriller in the vein of James Bond, but starring a character who is closer to Batman than most other agents.

Purchase: Amazon (Hardcover) – Amazon (Paperback) – Kindle – comiXology – Bookshop – TFAW

Faith

Who is she? Valiant’s resident comic book fan who develops super powers, Faith Herbert is all of us in some form or another. Her alter ego, Summer, is based entirely on what Faith thinks a superhero should be. She uses the codename Zephyr as a superhero, which means that Faith is trying her best to be who she things she should be, rather than who she is – which all comes to a head in a certain scene in Holywood and Vine. For a time, Faith was being pushed as Valiant’s Next Big Thing, and I totally understand that, but unfortunately she didn’t resonate as well with readers as she perhaps could have.

What should you read? Faith: Hollywood and Vine is the character’s debut miniseries, and has one of my all-time favorite scenes in the book. Jody Houser takes every comic trope regarding secret identities you can think of and the laughs. It’s the single thing I keep thinking about when rereading this book, and her act makes me question other heroes who won’t do the same.

Despite Faith featuring in the utterly phenomenal Harbinger series, it is her solo miniseries that really propels the character forward – and it doesn’t hurt that the story is really cool.

Purchase: Amazon – Kindle – comiXology – Bookshop

Roku

Who is she? One of Ninjak’s rogues gallery, Roku is an assassin with the ability to control her steel-like hair. A former MI:6 agent, she has a deep history with Ninjak that she barely remembers.

What should you read? Honestly, the best thing you can read actually prominently features Ninjak because up until Roku had her own miniseries, she was used as a villain in the Ninjak series. That miniseries… well it was okay, but it isn’t one I’d recommend as the best thing to read featuring the character, so instead check out Ninjak: Weaponeer. Yes, that’s the same book I mentioned above, but because Roku isn’t the protagonist, her story isn’t the focal point of the series, so if you want to at least enjoy what you’re reading of her, it helps to understand the story itself.

Purchase: Amazon (Hardcover) – Amazon (Paperback) – Kindle – comiXology – Bookshop – TFAW

Ivar, Timewalker

Who is he? The older brother of the immortals Armstrong and Eternal Warrior, or Aram and Gilad Anni-Padda, Ivar is an incredibly intelligent man who has the ability to hop through time portals from one era to the next. Ivar reminds me of Doctor Who in someways, done only as Valiant can. Ivar’s time travelling can mean he visits his brothers every couple of jumps, which could easily mean a good couple hundred years between sights of Ivar if you’re Gilad or Aram. It’s a fun aspect to the brother’s relationship that’s played well in the below series.

What should you read? Ivar, Timewalker: Making History is the only real series that features Ivar with anything more than a cameo or featured appearance. It also happens to be one of my favorite comic book stories from Valiant or any publisher. It’s definitely the best time-traveling comic I’ve read, in part because you can start with any of the three volumes and still get a fantastic story so long as you read in consecutive order. Whether you’re reading 1, 2, 3, or 3,1,2 you’re in for an absolutely fantastic piece of comic book storytelling.

Purchase: Amazon – Kindle – comiXology – Bookshop – TFAW

This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links and make a purchase, we’ll receive a percentage of the sale. Graphic Policy does purchase items from this site. Making purchases through these links helps support the site

Comics

Underrated: Bloodshot Reborn: Colorado (Redux)

Posted on April 4, 2020 by Alex K Cossa

This is a column that focuses on something or some things from the comic book sphere of influence that may not get the credit and recognition it deserves. Whether that’s a list of comic book movies, ongoing comics, or a set of stories featuring a certain character. The columns may take the form of a bullet pointed list, or a slightly longer thinkpiece – there’s really no formula for this other than whether the things being covered are Underrated in some way. This week: Bloodshot Reborn: Colorado

I wanted to revisit this book, because I’ve recently reread and still don’t think it gets the attention it deserves. This originally ran in July of 2018.

Jeff Lemire has been writing Bloodshot across various series for a long time. Longer, even, than I have been reading. Two days ago, I picked up the first volume of Bloodshot Reborn as despite reading from around the eighth issue of the series on, I had never actually read the opening to the series. The blurb on the back of this book gives you a pretty good idea of the book’s plot, but what it doesn’t do is tell you that this book is so much more than your typical superhero story.

Bloodshot’s nanites made him a nearly unstoppable killing machine. His enhanced strength, speed, endurance, and healing made him the perfect weapon, and he served his masters at Project Rising Spirit — a private contractor trafficking in violence — very well. Now, Bloodshot is a shadow of his former self. He lives in self-imposed exile, reeling from the consequences of his past life and the recent events that nearly drove him mad. But when a rash of shootings by gunmen who appear to look just like Bloodshot begin, his guilt will send him on a mission to stop the killers, even if it means diving head-long into the violence that nearly destroyed him.

Picking up after the events of The Valiant (expect spoilers for that book if you haven’t read it), Colorado opens with a monologue telling you who Bloodshot was juxtaposed against images in stark contrast to who he is now. Lemire wastes no tie in showing you that a man who was forced to kill for others has, seemingly, wasted his opportunity at a second chance for a normal life. Within a page or two, you’re hitting rock bottom with the man formerly known as Bloodshot. You can feel his guilt and shame emanating from the paper as you turn the page, and not once do you blame him for what he’s going through.

This is a man who was broken, and who doesn’t know how to move past what he was. Who woke up from a nightmare only to understand that he was the monster, and now wears the question of whether he deserves to move on as an armour.

Bloodshot Reborn: Colorado is an origin story, of sorts, for Ray Garrison. Which means you don’t need to have read Bloodshot prior to picking up this comic (and, really, although the first series post Valiant relaunch is good, it pales in comparison to the more psychological horror take on the character that Lemire presents us with). This first volume in the series is a brilliant read; I devoured it in one sitting and immediately wanted to read more. I am a huge fan of Jeff Lemire, and think his take on the character is a vastly underrated one when looked at in the grand scheme of the comics read world.

Lemire’s take on Bloodshot is my favourite version of the character, but the opening of his story takes more from the horror genre than one would initially expect. The character’s inner turmoil is obvious and very clear to the reader as Ray Garrison struggles to discover who he is now that he’s no longer a monster; and his biggest fear, and one he must confront as the volume progresses, is that he’s nobody. Without the monster, he is a shell of a man.

Bloodshot Reborn: Colorado is a book I can’t speak highly enough of (were this a review I’d be giving it a solid 10; the art is every bit as impressive as the story), and it genuinely surprised me that I hadn’t heard much about it prior to reading it myself. Maybe that was part of the magic, that unexpected kick in the teeth, but this first volume of Bloodshot Reborn needs to find its place on your shelf – whether physical or digital.

Join us next week when we look at something else that is, for whatever reason, Underrated.

Valiant Hero Of The Week: Bloodshot

Posted on April 1, 2020 by Alex K Cossa

Every Monday for the next few weeks, Valiant Entertainment is running a poll on Twitter to provide fans with some escapism while new comics are in short supply. The poll allows Valiant fans the opportunity to select the “Hero Of The Week” from four choices – this week, the poll featured Bloodshot, Ninjak, Punk Mambo, and Quantum & Woody. That week’s hero will then be the focus of free pdfs featuring the character, videos from Valiant staff, giveaways and more.

This week’s winner, perhaps unsurprisingly, was…

Bloodshot

Who is he? A dead man brought back to life with billions of tiny machines in his blood that grant him enhanced strength, stamina and an incredible ability to heal from anything. This dude makes Deadpool look frail. Bloodshot is also the only Valiant character to be featured in a major motion picture with Sony’s Bloodshot released just before North America began to shut down due to the pandemic. You can find it digitally now if you didn’t see it in theaters, and because of that, I won’t go too much into his background because the movie does a pretty solid job of capturing the essence of the character.

What should you read?

Bloodshot Reborn: Colorado. Written by Jeff Lemire with art by Mico Suayan, this is the beginning of one of my favorite runs in comics that stretches through Reborn, USA and Salvation. Picking up just after Bloodshot has regained his humanity after being freed of his nanites, the former super-soldier finds himself a shadow of what he was. So why does he feel so guilty about a string of murders he has no connection to? You’ve really got to read this to appreciate how well Lemire toys with your emotional connection to the character – and Suayan’s art has to be seen to be believed. This is a great starting point for a different kind of superhero story that’s more horror noir than capes and cowls, and it doesn’t require you to learn an extensive history about the character if you don’t want to. But if you do, then this won’t ruin any of the previous stories the character has featured in other than part of The Valiant‘s climax.

Buy Now: Amazon – Kindle – comiXology – TFAW

Bloodshot: Definitive Edition. This book contains the first baker’s dozen plus a zero issue of the 2012 Bloodshot series. With all but the zero issue being written by Duane Swierczynski (Matt Kindt handles the zero issue), this is the place to go if you want to learn more about the Bloodshot you’ve seen in the movies. The Definitive Edition takes Bloodshot from the character’s first appearance in the relaunched Valiant universe and fleshes out a lot more of the character, with much of the movie being inspired by what you’ll read here. There are other stories in the list I’ve enjoyed more, but none give you as clear a starting point to the character as this one.

Buy Now: Amazon – Kindle – comiXology

The Valiant written by Matt Kindt and Jeff Lemire isn’t strictly a Bloodshot story, but the character does feature prominently in the book. You’ll probably see this book featured in a couple different character’s reading lists over the coming weeks because the book does feature a lot of the major Valiant heroes.As an introduction to the Valiant universe as a whole, this is brilliant, but it’s also the bridge between Bloodshot and Bloodshot Reborn and is a pretty key moment in Bloodshot’s story as it transitions between series. The premise is centered around a loose group of allies headed by the Eternal Warrior trying to stop the Immortal Enemy from murdering the Geomancer, the person who speaks for the planet. For over ten thousand years, the Eternal Warrior has protected the Earth and her chosen voice from countless threats. He has failed only three times at the hands of the Immortal Enemy, with each failure ushering in a dark period in humanity. With the Immortal Enemy returning once again, the Eternal Warrior has gathered the heroes of the Valiant Universe to protect the Geomancer.

Buy Now: Amazon Hardcover/Paperback – Kindle – comiXology – TFAW

Bloodshot: Book One Contrary to what you might be expecting, this is actually one of the newest books that Valiant have released as it collects the first three issues of the 2019 Bloodshot as well as the Bloodshot Free Comic Book Day Special from the same year. This book is a frantic, fast paced story that will give you barely half a second to breath throughout the duration. We find a fresh take on the character here courtesy of Tim Seeley that doesn’t wipe away the previous work other writers have done on the character, but it also doesn’t rely on said work. If you’re new to the character then this one of the best places to start that isn’t the beginning (which you can find in The Definitive Edition), and it’s especially ideal if you want an action comic that’s pure fun. There’s less substance here than in some of the above books, but this is the one to read if you want to turn your brain off and just enjoy the comics.

Buy Now: Amazon – Kindle – comiXology – Zeus Comics

It’s worth noting that you can get Deluxe Editions of many of these stories that collect what amounts to three trades in a hardcover. They are comparatively better value, but present a higher initial cost (based on standard retail pricing not including sales and discounts).

The above options are all good starting points for you if you’re wanting to learn more about Valiant’s unstoppable killing machine.

Comics

Movie Review: Bloodshot

Posted on March 30, 2020 by Alex K Cossa

The very first feature-length film based on a Valiant property was released on digital this weekend after spending a short time in theaters; Sony Pictures‘ Bloodshot starring Vin Diesel as the title character. I was able to get to the cinema a few days ago to check out the film, and have been thinking about it on and off for a few days. I wanted the film to sit with me so that I could really mull my thoughts about the movie.

Before we get anywhere, there won’t be any plot specific spoilers in the below review assuming you’ve watched the trailers released.

The character originated in the 90’s, created by Kevin Van Hook, Don Perlin and Bob Layton, is a recently deceased man brought back by a shady weapons tech corporation for their own use by the use of billions of tiny robots in his bloodstream. it’s these little machines that give him an ability to heal from pretty much anything, enhanced physical attributes, the ability to “talk” to other machines and ghost-white skin with a never healing open wound on his chest.

Bloodshot takes the core concept of the character and throws in an equal blend of Vin Diesel, an A to B plot with a twist that’s revealed in the international trailers (or, you know, is in the comics), of well-paced action. And humor – most intentional, some not. But that’s as far as the movie uses its comic book inspiration. For the most part, this is a straight action movie that just happens to be based on a comic book. It’s a break from the MCU movies we’ve seen over the last few years and their somewhat formulaic (but no less enjoyable) superhero stories. Bloodshot is more Terminator and Pitch Black that it is Iron Man.

It’s refreshing in its simplicity, and while I saw the twist coming long before my arse was in the chair, there’s a chance that those who aren’t readers will be taken by surprise. It’s a very well-orchestrated film.

It feels disingenuous to say that this movie is a pretty straight forward action film, but it really is. Despite the potential to really explore the themes of a man being manipulated by technology and corporations to do things he’s barely aware of, the film requires less of your grey matter than it could have. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but it does mean that Bloodshot needs to stand on its own as a competent action movie, and it does just that. There’s no real Easter Eggs in the movie that’ll alienate moviegoers, and there’s absolutely nothing here other than Bloodshot. The film doesn’t try to introduce characters for the next movie in a potential Valiant Cinematic Universe. I get the sense that if that happens, then this was a good starting point. If it doesn’t, then we still get a solid action flick.

The only issue I had with the comic book adaptation part of the movie was honestly an aesthetic choice. Bloodshot’s two most defining aspects are his white skin and the bloody circle on his chest. Neither of which are present for any great length of time in the movie and certainly not long enough to make a lasting impression. Other than that, though, I’ve no real complaints about the movie. It took a comic book I enjoyed, honored the core concept of the character and touched on a couple of themes that could have been explored further. Which brings me to this; letting go of the past to embrace the future and the manipulation of humanity by technology and corporations are great backdrops to this film and fit the source material very well.

Bloodshot isn’t on par with Endgame, but then to compare the two is like comparing a tomato with Stonehenge. They’re just two totally different things. What Bloodshot does incredibly well is telling a story that translates very well as a comic book adaptation to the big screen (or to a streaming service near you now that the movie has been released digitally already). It never strays too far from an action movie formula, which isn’t a bad thing. I enjoyed the hell out of this movie as a fan of the comics and the character when I saw it in theaters, and I’m enjoying it again now.

Bloodshot isn’t a perfect movie, but it’s damn fun. And that’s what matters.

Valiant Hero Of The Week: Bloodshot vs. Ninjak vs. Punk Mambo vs. Quantum & Woody

Posted on March 30, 2020 by Alex K Cossa

Every Monday for the next few weeks, Valiant Entertainment is running a poll on their Twitter feed to provide fans with some escapism while new comics are in short supply. The poll allows Valiant fans the opportunity to select the Hero Of The Week from four choices – this week, the poll features Bloodshot, Ninjak, Punk Mambo, and Quantum & Woody. That week’s hero will then be the focus of free pdfs featuring the character, videos from Valiant staff, giveaways and more.

Who would win in a steel cage match: Bloodshot, Quantum & Woody, Punk Mambo, or Ninjak?

Vote now to decide the first Valiant Hero of the Week, and tell us your reasoning in the comments using #ValiantAndQuarantine! https://t.co/zmCx1OFjMi
— Valiant Comics (@ValiantComics) March 30, 2020

Bloodshot

What should you read? Valiant have published a lot of really good Bloodshot comics over the years, but if I had to tell you to read just one story arc it would be Bloodshot Reborn: Colorado. Written by Jeff Lemire with art by Mico Suayan, this is the beginning of one of my favorite runs in comics. Picking up just after Bloodshot has regained his humanity after being freed of his nanites, the former super-soldier finds himself a shadow of what he was. So why does he feel so guilty about a string of murders he has no connection to? You’ve really got to read this to appreciate how well Lemire toys with your emotional connection to the character – and Suayan’s art has to be seen to be believed.

Ninjak

Punk Mambo

Who is she? A sarcastic biting magician in the vein of John Constantine, Punk Mambo has very few figs to give about anybody. Her complete disregard for authority is fitting given the character’s name, and as such she works incredibly well against characters with a more straightforward motivation seen in books like Rapture or her self titled miniseries.

What should you read? Of all the characters in today’s poll, Punk Mambo is the one who hasn’t had that many appearances I’ve actually read. She first appeared in Shadowman #13, which is a series I haven’t even come close to finishing yet (I’ve got the first eight issues, so haven’t seen her introduction). My introduction to the character came in the story I’m going to recommend to you; Ninjak: Operation Deadside. Watching Punk Mambo and Ninjak interact with each other is one of the absolute highlights of the story as she ends up being the foil to everything Ninjak says and does. It was this story that got me hooked on the character, so I’m hoping you’ll have the same result.

Quantum and Woody

Who are they? Yes, they. While one can wonder about the technicality of including two characters as one, Quantum and Woody are inseparable. Including one and not the other would make as much sense as playing football without a ball. It’s just not the same. Quantum and Woody are adoptive brothers who must touch the golden bracelets on their arms once every 24 hours or they’ll explode into nothingness – potentially taking the planet with them. That the brothers are polar opposites only makes the comics even better; Eric Henderson, aka Quantum, hides his identity to protect those around him because he wants to be a hero. Woody Henderson doesn’t. He’s all about the fame.

What should you read? Honestly, the Quantum and Woody story I’m the most taken with is the one being released currently. However, that’s not ideal for you if you’re looking to check them out now because the last two issues will be released…. eventually. Instead, then, I’ll point you to Quantum And Woody: The World’s Worst Superhero Team because it’ll introduce these guys to you in the most honest way possible. The title alone should give you an idea as to what you should expect; this book isn’t dark and moody but is injected with humor as it deals with the estranged brother’s relationship and their new place in the world.

Comics

You Can Stay Valiant at Home with the Valiant Hero of the Week

Posted on March 27, 2020 by Graphic Policy Team

There’s a new way to stay Valiant while you stay home: Valiant Hero of the Week!

We want to offer some entertainment and escapism for Valiant fans during this challenging period. Every Monday for the next several weeks, Valiant will post a poll on Twitter that features four heroes, and the fans will determine who becomes the Valiant Hero of the Week! Once a hero is selected by the end of Monday, they will be celebrated throughout the week with:

Engaging social content encouraging fans to share their favorite art, covers, stories, and more
Free PDFs featuring the hero
Videos from Valiant staff saying why they love the hero and suggesting ways to celebrate
Giveaways
And more!

Valiant Hero of the Week kicks off on Monday (March 30th) and the first poll will feature Bloodshot, Punk Mambo, Quantum & Woody, and Ninjak. Who will you vote for?

An Unknown Box Office Leads to On Demand Boom

Posted on March 23, 2020 by Brett

It’s unknown when and if weekend box office results will be released. Major chains like AMC and Regal have shut down due to coronavirus leaving thousands of screens dark.

That has lead movie studios to shift their strategies either forgoing theatrical releases or crunching the time frame when movies are released for On Demand consumption early. It’s a massive shift in the industry and unknown if it’ll continue once the crisis has abated.

We’ll have an update when/if the weekend box office numbers are released but below is when you can watch some recent releases from the safety and comfort of your own home.

Emma
Original Release Date: Feb. 21
On Demand Plans: Universal has made the Jane Austen adaptation available as a 48-hour rental for $19.99 through numerous providers.

The Hunt
Original Release Date: March 13
OnDemand Plans: Universal has made the Betty Gilpin thriller available as a 48-hour rental for $19.99 through numerous providers.

The Invisible Man
Original Release Date: Feb. 28
On Demand Plans: Universal has made the Elisabeth Moss thriller available as a 48-hour rental for $19.99 through numerous providers.

Onward
Original Release Date: March 6
On Demand Plans: Disney has released Onward for digital download beginning this past Friday (March 20) via numerous providers; the Pixar film will begin streaming on Disney+ starting April 3.

The Gentlemen
Original Release Date: Jan. 24
On Demand Plans: Guy Ritchie’s return to the crime thriller will arrive via digital download on Tuesday, March 24.

Birds of Prey
Original Release Date: Feb. 7
On Demand Plans: Warner Bros. will make Margot Robbie’s R-rated superhero movie available for digital purchase beginning Tuesday, March 24; the film is expected to release for rental in early April. It’s unknown when it’ll arrive on the DCUniverse digital platform.

The Way Back
Original Release Date: March 6
On Demand Plans: The Ben Affleck film is set to arrive via digital purchase download beginning Tuesday, March 24 courtesy of Warner Bros.

Sonic the Hedgehog
Original Release Date: Feb. 14
On Demand Plans: Paramount announced on March 20 that the hit video game adaptation would arrive to digital platforms for purchase beginning March 31.

Bloodshot
Original Release Date: March 13
On Demand Plans: Sony will release the Vin Diesel superhero movie onto digital platforms beginning Tuesday, March 24.

I Still Believe
Original Release Date: March 13
On Demand Plans: The Christian rock biopic starring Riverdale’s KJ Apa is set to become available via digital download on Friday, March 27.

Trolls World Tour
Original Release Date: April 10
On Demand Plans: The film will release on the same date but will do so digitally instead of in theaters.

The Lovebirds
Original Release Date: April 3
On Demand Plans: The movie was pulled from theaters and has found a home at Netflix. A release date hasn’t been announced.

Movies

Bloodshot Debuts Beating Expectations as the Box Office Tanks

Posted on March 16, 2020 by Brett

It was a rough weekend at the box office with the lowest earnings in two decades. The fears over the coronavirus kept audiences at home and theaters to close. Despite that, Sony‘s Bloodshot debuted beating expectations. Bloodshot is the latest comic based film, launching a potential new cinematic universe based on Valiant’s comics.

It opened with $9.3 million which actually beat expectations. The audience enjoyed it with a 78% on RottenTomatoes though critics gave it a 31% rating. The opening day audience gave it a “B” CinemaScore.

Internationally, the film opened in 50 markets and was #1 in over half of them. The film brought in $13 million overseas for an international total of $15.1 million. The film opened in Germany in November.

That opening is #154 on the comic film chart. With a budget of $45 million, the film will have a rough time making back its budget due to the current situation. Sony will have to get creative to salvage the situation. Expect an expedited digital release as one solution.

Birds of Prey continues to fight for every dollar at the box office but it looks like the current situation will impact it as well.

The film dropped to #11 at the weekend box office from last week’s #8. Birds of Prey brought in an estimated $555,000 over the weekend and $1.5 million over the week. It has earned $84 million in its six weeks.

The film has also earned about $1.1 million internationally. That brings the number to $114.3 million. The film nears $200 million worldwide and has earned $198.4 million.

The film opens in Japan on March 20 though it’s unknown if the virus outbreak will change that.

My Hero Academia: Heroes Rising continues to bring in the dollars. The film added $600,000 to its domestic total and $12,000 to its international total. It’s earned $28.4 million worldwide so far.

Joker continues to wind down its run at the box office.

Over the past two weeks, the film earned about $100,000 internationally.

The movie’s $1.074 billion is an amazing haul for a movie whose budget was just $55 million. It caps off a record-setting year for films based on comics.

The movie is currently ranked #11 in worldwide total for a comic adaptation. It’s about $6.8 million from passing The Dark Knight Rises and will crack the top ten at that point. It’s unlikely to do so but you never know.

When it comes to DC films, it’s a most interesting one. The film is marching along and it’s possible it will pass Aquaman‘s domestic total by the time its domestic run is over:

Film	Studio	Domestic Gross
Wonder Woman	WB	$412,563,408
Aquaman	WB	$335,061,807
Joker	WB	$335,451,311
Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice	WB	$330,360,194
Suicide Squad	WB	$325,100,054
Man of Steel	WB	$291,045,518
Justice League	WB	$229,024,295
Shazam!	WB	$140,371,656
Teen Titans Go! To the Movies	WB	$29,790,236

Joker has been doing quite well in international earnings where Warner Bros. has had issues in the past. Aquaman indicates a shift for the company and lessons seem to be continued with Joker.

Film	Studio	International Gross
Aquaman	WB	$813,100,000
Joker	WB	$738,800,000
Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice	WB	$542,900,000
Justice League	WB	$428,900,000
Suicide Squad	WB	$420,500,000
Wonder Woman	WB	$409,283,604
Man of Steel	WB	$377,000,000
Shazam!	WB	$225,600,000
Teen Titans Go! To the Movies	WB	$22,300,000

The film is now one of the most profitable comic film adaptations of all time. With a reported budget of $55 million, the movie has a 19.53x return so far. That’s the highest factor for any movie based on a comic beating The Mask which was the previous leader with a 15.29x factor.

The film hasn’t earned the most compared to the budget, that record is held by Avengers: Endgame. Despite a $356 million budget, that movie earned a “profit” of $2.442 billion. Joker has cracked the top ten though having so far earned a “profit” of $1.019 billion.

In a head-scratcher, Warner Bros.’ The Kitchen, based of the DC Vertigo comic, saw a massive boost internationally. While the movie had just $3.8 million reported last week, the total is now $106 million. It’s possible the numbers just took a while to come in, which is not uncommon. That has shifted the film from being a complete disaster to about break even.

Here’s where 2019’s comic films stand as far as the actual numbers.

Total Domestic Gross: $2.368 billion
Total International Gross: $5.066 billion
Worldwide Gross: $7.434 billion
Total Reported Budgets: $1.289 billion
Total “Profit”: $6.146 billion

Average Domestic Gross: $236.8 million
Average International Gross: $506.6 million
Average: Worldwide Gross: $743.4 million
Average Budget: $128.9 million
Average Profit: $614.6 million

Below is where the films released stand when it comes to being compared to this year’s averages. The bold numbers are above average while those below average are not.

Film	Studio	Domestic Gross
Avengers: Endgame	BV	$858,373,000
Captain Marvel	BV	$426,829,839
Spider-Man: Far From Home	Sony	$390,532,085
Joker	WB	$335,451,311
Shazam!	WB	$140,371,656
Alita: Battle Angel	Fox	$85,710,210
Dark Phoenix	Fox	$65,845,974
Dragon Ball Super: Broly	FUNamation Films	$30,712,119
Hellboy	Lions	$21,903,748
The Kitchen	WB	$12,180,032

Film	Studio	International Gross
Avengers: Endgame	BV	$1,939,427,564
Spider-Man: Far From Home	Sony	$741,396,434
Joker	WB	$738,800,000
Captain Marvel	BV	$701,444,955
Alita: Battle Angel	Fox	$319,142,333
Shazam!	WB	$225,600,000
Dark Phoenix	Fox	$186,597,000
The Kitchen	WB	$106,224,715
Dragon Ball Super: Broly	FUNamation Films	$83,390,702
Hellboy	Lions	$18,882,732

Film	Studio	Worldwide Gross
Avengers: Endgame	BV	$2,797,800,564
Spider-Man: Far From Home	Sony	$1,131,928,519
Captain Marvel	BV	$1,128,274,794
Joker	WB	$1,074,151,311
Alita: Battle Angel	Fox	$404,852,543
Shazam!	WB	$365,971,656
Dark Phoenix	Fox	$252,442,974
The Kitchen	WB	$118,404,747
Dragon Ball Super: Broly	FUNamation Films	$114,102,821
Hellboy	Lions	$40,786,480

Film	Studio	Gross-Budget
Avengers: Endgame	BV	$2,441,800,564
Joker	WB	$1,019,151,311
Captain Marvel	BV	$976,274,794
Spider-Man: Far From Home	Sony	$971,9285,519
Shazam!	WB	$265,971,656
Alita: Battle Angel	Fox	$234,852,543
Dragon Ball Super: Broly	FUNamation Films	$105,602,821
The Kitchen	WB	$81,404,747
Dark Phoenix	Fox	$52,442,974
Hellboy	Lions	-$9,213,520

Film	Studio	Gross/Budget
Joker	WB	19.53
Dragon Ball Super: Broly	FUNamation Films	13.42
Avengers: Endgame	BV	7.86
Spider-Man: Far From Home	Sony	7.07
Captain Marvel	BV	4.61
Shazam!	WB	3.66
The Kitchen	WB	3.20
Alita: Battle Angel	Fox	2.38
Dark Phoenix	Fox	1.26
Hellboy	Lions	0.82

US Box Office Drops to its Lowest in 2 Decades as Onward Repeats in First and 73% Drop

Posted on March 16, 2020 by Brett

It was a brutal weekend at the box office with only Onward breaking the $10 million mark, and it did just barely.

Ticket sales are lower than the post 9/11 attacks as theaters have closed and individuals are staying home to avoid the coronavirus. It’s unknown exactly how bad the weekend is but it is expected to be below the $59.7 million total from September 21, 2001 and may be below $54 million which was the total on January 14, 1998, the previous record low.

Onward, which was the previous weekend’s top film dropped over 73% earning an estimated $10.5 million. Internationally, the film earned $6.8 million from 47 markets. It’s now earned $101.7 million worldwide.

I Still Believe debuted in second place with an estimated $9.5 million. The film fell below expectations, which is understandable. It did earn an “A” CinemaScore and a 99% audience score on RottenTomatoes. The audience was 74% female and 73% were over the age of 25.

In third place was Sony’s Bloodshot, the newest comic cinematic universe to come to the screen. It opened with $9.3 million which actually beat expectations. The audience enjoyed it with a 78% on RottenTomatoes though critics gave it a 31% rating. The opening day audience gave it a “B” CinemaScore.

Internationally, the film opened in 50 markets and was #1 in over half of them. The film brought in $13 million overseas for an international total of $15.1 million.

The Invisible Man landed in third dipping 60% from the previous weekend. It earned $5.9 million in its third week of release. Internationally, it added $6.2 million. Worldwide its tally is $122.7 million.

Rounding out the top five was The Hunt which initially was delayed to the controversy of the film. It earned $5.3 million and received a “C+” CinemaScore and 65% audience score on RottenTomatores. Internationally it opened in four markets.

In comic related film news…

Birds of Prey dropped from last week’s #8 to #11 earning an estimated $555,000 to bring its domestic total to $84.1 million. With the current situation, the film is unlikely to cross the $100 million domestic mark by the time its run is over.

Things likely won’t get better for a while. A Quiet Place II was to open next weekend and projected a $60 million opening. That film is being moved to a different date. Mulan was to open on March 27 and that too is being moved. That film should have been a guaranteed hit and another win for Disney. There are no major films opening in the next few weeks and with the public urged to stay home, it may be until Marvel’s Black Widow in May before we see a turnaround.

We’ll be back in an hour for a deeper dive looking at 2019 and 2020’s comic adaptations.

Preview: Bloodshot Book Two TPB

Posted on March 14, 2020 by Graphic Policy Team

BLOODSHOT BOOK TWO TPB

Written by TIM SEELEY
Art by BRETT BOOTH
Cover by DECLAN SHALVEY
Collecting BLOODSHOT (2019) #4–6
On sale MARCH 18 | 112 pages, full color | $9.99 US | T+
TRADE PAPERBACK | ISBN: 978-1-68215-350-5

From the first shot to the long shot…

Bloodshot faces off against the secret global task force known as Black Bar side by side with a coalition of former agents that call themselves the Burned. From a monster-filled bullet train through the heart of darkness to the homegrown terrors of Miami, high-speed thrills and blood-curdling chills lurk behind every turn in the year’s best new action series!
Witness the Valiant supersoldier unleashed as New York Times bestselling writer Tim Seeley (Grayson) and comics icon Brett Booth (Titans) let loose a can’t-miss chapter of their pulse- pounding new series!

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