Neil Gaiman: Production of 'The Sandman' Netflix adaptation on hold due to COVID-19

Image courtesy of DC Comics/Vertigo

It's been a long road trying to get the adaptation of Neil Gaiman's beloved comic series, The Sandman, off the ground. And just as it was about to go into production as a Netflix original, the production got temporarily shut down because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Gaiman shared some details over on his Tumblr about where the show was before production stopped. He said, "It's going really well, except it's kind of hibernating right now until people start making TV again. The scripts for the first season are written, casting had started, directors hired, sets were being built. Everything was ready to go into production, and then we moved into a pause. As soon as the world is ready to make TV drama, Sandman will move smoothly back into being made. In the meantime, we are taking the opportunity to get the scripts as good as we can."

While the wait might be too much for some fans, others might be heartened to hear that the production is moving forward. After waiting for the franchise to be turned into a show or movie since the '90s, we're getting closer to this 11-episode Netflix series, and that's something we're looking forward to seeing once this pandemic is over.

Source: IndieWire

Netflix and Mark Millar announce next comic book project called ‘Space Bandits'

Netflix is publishing another Mark Millar comic book called Space Bandits. Millar describes it as “female Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid set in space.” It’s a story involving two of the most wanted felons in the universe who run their own heists across the galaxies until a betrayal sends them down a path of revenge. Matteo Scalera will be illustrating the story. Industry veteran Howard Chaykin will illustrate five limited edition covers, the first of which will sell for 75 cents. The others will sell for US$4 when the first issue comes out in stores and digital platforms on July 3rd.  

Netflix bought Millar’s publishing house in 2017 and has worked with the writer to publish his books as well as turn his existing properties into TV shows and movies. 

Source: Variety 

Comixology to introduce its own line of original comics

Exclusivity is a game that isn’t limited to certain industries. To get people to use and stay with your products, you have to offer them compelling content (think Netflix). And so Comixology is introducing its own original comics aptly called comiXology Originals. The new line will feature content from creators and publishers such as Boom! Studios, the late cartoonist and Mad editor Harvey Kurtzman, and Valiant Entertainment. Some of the new titles include Adventure Time Marshall Lee Spectacular from award-winning writer Mariko Tamaki and a finished version of Harvey Kurtzman’s Marley’s Ghost. The digital-only original titles will be available to both Comixology and Kindle customers.

Source: The Verge

'Avatar' trilogy expands into comic books

Just in case you didn't get enough of James Cameron's Avatar and its upcoming two movies, the universe is expanding into the graphic novel market. The comics will cover "the time before, during, and after the events of the original Avatar film." So, it's basically a prequel and sequel all rolled into one or rather the stuff they couldn't put in the film. Of course, we're assuming those coming after the movie should be after the second and third movie, because that will just completely spoil the story for the upcoming films. 

Source: io9