Welcome back to The Beat Digest, a twice-weekly round-up of the biggest comics-related news stories we’ve missed every Tuesday and Friday. Is there a story out there you think we should cover? Be sure to let us know in the comments.
§ Nearly three years after its third volume was left incomplete as a result of AfterShock’s bankruptcy, Maniac of New York creators Elliott Kalan and Andrea Mutti will reunite at Mad Cave on a new book, Barbarian Behind Bars, starting February 11. The five-issue fantasy series follows a public defender, who lands a most unusual defendant: a warrior with a magic axe, who doesn’t speak English, and was charged with murder after decapitating his opponent in broad daylight. However, “he may not live to go to trial, with all the enemies he’s making in prison. Good thing his cellmate grills a mean cheese sandwich.”
§ Titan Comics also revealed Diablo: Dawn of Hatred will begin on February 11. The series, by Cullen Bunn and Daniele Serra, received a prelude on Free Comic Book Day earlier this year, and follows the barbarian Derris, who finds himself the reluctant protector of Akarat, the newly resurrected founder of the Church of Light. It marks the first Diablo series from the publisher, aside from a canceled Marv Wolfman and Piotr Kowalski project in 2018, and the fourth comics series overall, following books from Dark Horse, DC, and Blizzard Publishing in 2001, 2011, and 2023.
§ In further barbarian news, AIPT shares Ignition Press will release Just Brutal, a fantasy comedy series by Dennis Hopeless and Brahm Revel (TMNT: Jennika), also starting February 11. The book revolves around the two Savage siblings, who discover their recently separated parents are immortal ex-barbarian warriors. When an evil sorcerer they once defeated returns with a vengeance, the four “cram into the family minivan for a road-trip-to-Armageddon, and whether they survive may depend on whether their parents can stop fighting each other long enough to fight evil.”
§ Image announced D’orc, an ongoing fantasy series starring a half-dwarf, half-Orc, by writer/artist Brett Bean (I Hate Fairyland). The comedic book follows the titular orphan, and his talking shield, as they try to survive in the middle of a war, when a prophecy reveals he’s destined to end the world. “Soon, every human, elf, goblin, dwarf, Snargletooth, Necroid, Ice Giant, Trauma Llama, and at least three other unpronounceable magical creatures will know his name. Unfortunately, so will his enemies.” Issue #1 releases February 4.
§ Dynamite have taken Soo Lee‘s adaptation of The Wizard of Oz to Kickstarter, where it has already exceeded its $1939 goal multiple times over. The graphic novelization of the original film, which turned 85 last year, was originally meant to hit stores in September. The crowdfunded release, which has arrives while Wicked: For Good tears up the box office, features exclusive covers by Jae Lee, Eric Shanower, and Alex Ross, as well as Lee’s studies for her take on the iconic characters.
§ Via The Hollywood Reporter, Sonic the Hedgehog producer Neal H. Moritz will oversee a new live-action Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles film. The movie, which would mark the first live-action entry since 2014’s Out of the Shadows, is purportedly unconnected to the one Colin and Casey Jost were writing, as well as the previously reported Last Ronin film, with Paramount’s new management hoping Moritz can repeat what he did with Sonic for the turtles. (Incidentally, Par had delayed the animated Mutant Mayhem‘s sequel until September 17, 2027, apparently to avoid moving Sonic the Hedgehog 4 after March 19, 2027.)
§ Assassin’s Creed Shadows is getting an Attack on Titan collaboration, which will be available in the game from today until Monday, December 22. The crossover offers a free new mission where Yasuke and Naoe must rescue a kidnapped Titan Shifter, complete with a location resembling the manga’s Underground Chapel, and in-game store items like Titan and Mikasa Ackerman outfits for the respective two playable characters.
§ In further gaming news, Dotemu released the opening sequence for Marvel Cosmic Invasion. The game will be released on PC, Nintendo Switch and Switch 2, PlayStation 4 and 5, and Xbox Series S/X on Monday, December 1.
§ Finally, prolific German character actor Udo Kier died on Sunday, November 23, aged 81. Originally famed for starring in the 1970s films Flesh for Frankenstein and Blood for Dracula, Kier’s credits included multiple collaborations with Lars von Trier, as well as Suspiria, Ace Ventura: Pet Detective, Barb Wire, Blade, Armageddon, Shadow of the Vampire, Justice League (where he voiced Music Master), Beware the Batman (as Mister Toad), and Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated (in the recurring role of Professor Pericles). An openly gay man, he is survived by his partner, artist Delbert McBride, and is set to posthumously appear in the Hideo Kojima game OD.
