INTERVIEW: Rodney Barnes pits ALICE COOPER against the forces of evil

Dynamite is set to release Alice Cooper #1 this October with writer Rodney Barnes leading the book. The new series features artist Edu Menna, who is known for his work on KISS, Barbarella, and Starfinder.

In this tale, the legendary rocker is up against the demonic forces of evil that are invading everything, including his own fanbase.

Barnes, writer/producer of The Boondocks, My Wife and Kids, and Winning Time: The Story of the Los Angeles Lakers, chatted with The Beat ahead of the comic’s debut this fall.

Deanna Destito: Were you an Alice Cooper fan before taking on this book?

Rodney Barnes: I was! Loved the music and the horror-themed style. Alice hit my radar at just the right time to become a fixture in my music consumption.

Destito: Why is a persona like Cooper such a perfect protagonist for the comic world?

Barnes: His larger-than-life persona! There are so many themes in his music and presentation that fit perfectly in the world of comics.

Destito: What inspired this particular tale?

Barnes: Merging the worlds of music and genre. Having Alice face Satan musically felt fun to me. Truly hoping the fans enjoy the journey as well.

Destito: Do you approach writing characters based on real people differently than those who are completely fictional?

Barnes: I try to incorporate aspects of the real person into the fantasy creation then go from there. With Alice, it was easy because of Neil Gaiman’s great work in establishing a fantasy world prior to me jumping in.

Destito: How has it been working with Dynamite and this creative team?

Barnes: It’s been great! I’ve done Army of Darkness 1979 and James Bond: Himeros so it’s like working with family.

Destito: For readers who may not know anything about Alice Cooper or who may be hesitant to pick up a music/horror genre book. why is this comic something they may like?

Barnes: One word: Fun. There’s comedy, action, and horror themes that don’t take themselves too seriously. So it’s a great jumping-on-point for fans of either genre.

Alice Cooper #1 is slated to release on October 4, 2023.

Black Mask launches new comic anthology to benefit striking writers

GENERAL STRIKE: Calexit & Other Tales of The Good Fight is a new comic book anthology from Black Mask Studios — written by striking WGA workers, with proceeds going to the WGA strike fund. The book will feature stories by Rodney Barnes, a writer/producer on the Boondocks cartoon; Brian Michael Bendis, creator of Miles Morales and Jessica Jones for Marvel as well as the Powers comic book and TV show; Judalina Neira, the WGA’s NBCU lot cordinator, who has worked on The Flash and The Boys TV series; and many others.

Black Mask Studios is run by comics and TV writer Matteo Pizzolo, who has said that the company will pay all of the writers by matching page rates from Marvel/DC books, and then match all those writers’ fees with donations to the Entertainment Community Fund. All of the creators involved will maintain ownership over their own IP as well. As Pizzolo told The Hollywood Reporter:

I’m a WGA member and my wife is in SAG, so we know firsthand the cost of this strike. It’s impacting so many people–writers and actors and their families for sure, but also everyone who works in the community and culture. Hopefully we can use our comics platform to help members of the creative community cover costs during this crisis while also telling badass and inspiring stories about Truth, Justice, and Collective Action.

The campaign is expected to go live some time this week.

GENERAL STRIKE: Calexit & Other Tales of The Good Fight

INTERVIEW: Rodney Barnes lays out what Zombie Love Studios is all about

Rodney Barnes has quickly become a distinctive and innovative voice in comics. Already having a storied career as a producer and screenwriter on shows such as The Boondocks and Everybody Hates Chris, Barnes exploded into the world of comics with his and Jason Shawn Alexander’s Philadelphia vampire comic Killadelphia, easily one of the best ongoing series on the stands today. He had written comics leading up to his megahit, but it was that one that elevated him in the comics work to being a writer you needed to pay attention to.

Barnes has parlayed his success with Killadelphia, as well as on licensed titles like Star Wars and Army of Darkness and on other creator-owned books like Monarch with Alex Lins, into creating his own company, the aptly-named Zombie Love Studios. He kicked things off with a book that found in blaxploitation its resounding first shot: Blacula: Return of the King, also illustrated by Shawn Alexander. It’s based on the fan-favorite 1972 vampire movie of the same name directed by William Crain. In the film, Prince Mamuwalde (the titular Blacula) meets with Dracula to strike a deal that would put a dent on the slave trade, but is immediately betrayed and turned into a vampire. He’s eventually stirred from his slumber after his coffin is sold and brought to LA in the ’70s. Barnes updated the iconic black vampire so it could exist within the racial chaos of today’s America, reflecting how society has reacted to police violence and predatory urban politics.

Blacula: Return of the King was not only a great book, it was a mission statement, a promise on the quality and depth of what’s to come. The story’s been envisioned as a trilogy, according to Barnes, with the other titles yet to be officially revealed. Zombie Love is also preparing for the release of Florence and Normandie, written by Barnes and rapper Xzibit with art from Jon Wayshak and Mar Silvestre, which puts the world’s first alien invasion right in the middle of the 1992 LA Riots (which began after four police officers were acquitted of excessive force charges in the Rodney King case).

The Beat sat caught up with Barnes at San Diego Comic Con for a quick chat on Zombie Love, its horror heart, and where it’s going.

Ricardo Serrano: Zombie Love started off with Blacula, a character with a peculiar place in horror history. Despite his popularity and dedicated fan base, some still see him as a kind of cult-following type character. What made you settle on Prince Mamuwalde for Zombie Love’s first book?

Rodney Barnes: I really loved the movie when I was a kid. As I got older and revisited it, you could see some of the problems that came with it being a blaxploitation film, along with some of the more problematic narrative elements that came with it given the times it was made in. Coming from a sentiment of nostalgia, I felt like I could update it. It was something that would take me back to my original love of horror. I thought it would be a worthy endeavor. So, I thought about a style and how it would look and then Jason Sean Alexander, my partner, he had a take on how the book could take different route than Killadelphia’s and we went to work.

Serrano: I picked up on that desire to update the character. In the movie, you kind of end up rooting for him for most of it, but then he reminds you he’s a vampire and that he’s, in essence, a predator. He ends up not even being an antihero.

Barnes: I think it’s not his fault. For lack of a better word, he is what he is. There’s the human part of him that remains, but he is a predator. The antihero part, the mixture of a lack of predictability as to who he’s going to be and of what he can be at any given moment is always present. And yet, he was a prince. His nobility is still there. There is a moral throughline even though it’s tempered with his vampiric aspects.

Serrano: There are hints of a shared universe within Return of the King. Is that something you want Zombie Love to focus on, or something you’re just playing around with?

Barnes: Playing around with it for now. When you have your own company, and you work your own stories, a lot of the characters start floating through some of the other works. A lot of those works are still under my control, so you never know when a character can pop up in one world from another. It’s kind of like how Stephen King will put a reference to Cujo in newer books, a hint to let readers know the possibility is there. Or like he does with Salem’s Lot, where you have something so ancient it can’t help but be a part of the larger thing. With me, you never know when Blacula might show up.

Serrano: Is there a specific style or signature that you’re hoping carries through for the studio? Something that gets it recognized immediately as a Zombie Love production?

Barnes: I think of it more about being a voice in horror. You know, places like Blumhouse have done a type of movie that feels like Blumhouse. I think we want to tell a story in a way that feels like a Zombie Love story, in the sense that it has a really clear voice that has some social relevance, but not to the point where it overwhelms the story. I want human stories set in a horrific setting.

Serrano: What can you reveal about the future of Zombie Love?

Barnes: We’ll be having a few announcements coming up, especially leading up to New York Comic Con. We’re already gearing up for Florence and Normandie with rapper/actor Xzibit, which we’re really excited about. We’ll be doing a preview of it at NYCC. It’s shaping up to be an interesting year for us.

KILLADELPHIA Exclusive Cover Reveal Ahead Of November Release

We have a special treat for you today in the form of Killadelphia. It’s a double-whammy on the docket as Image Comics kicks off a full month of “Killadelphia Summer Reading” with a tease of the critically acclaimed series’ return in November and an exclusive cover reveal. But that’s not all, gang. We’re celebrating the upcoming issue 31 with an exclusive cover reveal, plus we have the debut issue for you to read right now.

The ongoing series follows a small-town beat cop who returns home to bury his murdered father, revered Philadelphia detective James Sangster Sr. What Sangster Jr. doesn’t anticipate is unearthing a mystery unlocking a path of horrors that will shake his beliefs to the core. The city once stood as a symbol of liberty and freedom, but has since fallen prey to corruption, poverty, unemployment, brutality… and vampires. (Ok, you had us at “vampires.”)

And if you thought President of the United States John Adams was long-deceased, well, you’d be wrong. Turns out ‘ol Adams is in the throes of building an undead army to stage a bloody new American revolution. It’s up to Jimmy and an “unexpected companion” to thwart Adams’ bloodthirsty plans. Check out some more info about the latest issue and the exclusive Killadelphia Issue 31 cover reveal:

In this latest arc, villains have become heroes, with the line between good and evil blurred beyond recognition. Philadelphia is ravaged by the war between Heaven and Hell, and our heroes are DEAD…But from the ashes of despair comes the spark of hope that will set up a bold new direction for this series…and things will never be the same. To celebrate the upcoming continuation of this sold-out, award-nominated series’ return, here is a chance to start from the very beginning with the first full issue available to read for free!

Killadelphia-031_cover-color

From writer Rodney Barnes (Marvel’s Runaways and STARZ’s American Gods) and Jason Shawn Alexander (Spawn). Without further ado, we take you back to where it all started. Enjoy Killadelphia chapter 1, and dive into the series ahead of issue 31’s November release.

Award-Winning Creators Rodney Barnes and Vashti Harrison headline Virtual “Summer Camp” for Creatives

The Virtuous Con Summer Creators Workshop Returns for a second year with an all new lineup of virtual courses exclusively for writers and artists!

(Isstories Editorial):- Washington, D.C, District of Columbia Jun 23, 2023 (Issuewire.com) – If you’re a writer or artist looking to level up their skills, the Virtuous Con Summer Workshop Series is exactly what you need. Brought to you by Virtuous Con, the popular virtual comic book, fantasy, and sci-fi convention, this exclusive virtual program, scheduled to run from July 5 to July 30, 2023, will bring together an award-winning group of creators from fiction and graphic novels to work directly with students of all ages. The workshops will provide aspiring writers and artists a unique opportunity to learn from industry-leading talent and hone their skills in a supportive and inspiring environment.

The 2023 series launches July 5, 2023 with the workshop “Horror in Comics” taught by award-winning Hollywood producer and writer Rodney Barnes (The Boondocks, Winning Time, Wu-Tang: An American Saga) author of the graphic novels “Blacula: Return of the King” and the award-winning horror comic “Killadelphia”.

Following Barnes, on July 9,, the award-winning illustrator and writer Vashti Harrison (“Little Leaders”, “Hair Love”) will lead a “Techniques for Visual Storytelling” workshop. Harrison will also give away copies of her New York Times Best Seller “BIG” to early registrants.

Barnes and HARrison aren’t the only instructors sharing their creative knowledge. The workshop has a fantastic lineup of instructors including award-winning writers Leslye Penelope, (“Song of blood and Stone”, “The Monsters We Defy”), and Zig Zag Claybourne (“Afropuffs Are the Antennae of the Universe”). Attendees can also learn the creative ins and outs of graphic novels and comic books from creators Karla “Moon” Medrano (“Luna: Queen of the Mahru”), Tim Fielder (“Infinitum: An Afrofuturist’s Tale”), T.J. Sterling (“Joystick Angels”) and the Eisner-Award winning comic-book artist Alitha Martinez (“Black Panther: World of Wakanda”, “Nubia: Queen of the Amazons”).

The Virtuous Con Summer Writing Workshop Series will take place through virtual sessions every Wednesday throughout July. Secure your spot today by registering at the link below.

Virtuous Con Workshop Registration Here

ABOUT VIRTUOUS CON:

Virtuous Con is an entertainment company founded by Award-Winning Author Cerece Rennie Murphy. It empowers independent sci-fi, fantasy, and comics creators, offering a platform to showcase their work and connect with audiences. Committed to supporting BIPOC creatives, Virtuous Con creates virtual venues for engaging vendor experiences, live panel discussions, and opportunities for growth and exposure for artists and writers.

Comic-Con returns to San Diego. And guess who’s going to be there?

For the first time since 2019, Comic-Con is returning to the San Diego Convention Center on July 21 – 24, 2022!

And I will be there!

I will be at the event Friday the 22nd/Saturday the 23rd and I have some fun stuff in store.

Friday July 22nd:

2:30-3:30pm: How the Best Horror Comics Summon Readers’ Worst Nightmares

Join Michael Walsh (The Silver Coin), Joshua Williamson (Nailbiter), Trish Forstner (Stray Dogs), and myself as we discuss the horror genre’s revival over the past decade, what it takes to send chills down your readers’ spines, the nuance of dark storytelling, and why tales that thrill are now more popular than ever.

Click here to learn more about this event.

4pm-5pm: Comic signing at the image booth

I’ll be signing comics at the Image Booth from 4pm-5pm on Friday July 22nd. Bring copies of the Mandalorian issue #1 or any of my comics to get signed.

Saturday July 23rd:

5:30pm-6:30pm: Monsters Are for Everyone Panel

Whether in extreme horror, sci-fi explorations, or fantastical fun for kids, the love for monsters is real. Experts in the field Steve Niles and Shannon Eric Denton (Monster Forge Productions), Rodney Barnes (Killadelphia), Hans Rodionoff (Man-Thing), Brea Grant (Halloween II), Dirk Blackman (Underworld: Rise of the Lycans), Ken Lashley (Black Panther), Kevin Grevioux (Underworld), Tim Seeley (Hack/Slash), and Thomas Healy (Spawn EiC) discuss inspirations and their upcoming film, comics, and toy projects that revolve around this ever-evolving appreciation of the monstrous things that scare and delight us.

I hope that you’re as excited as I am!

Get more excited by checking out an at home panel I did for the 2020 virtual Comic-Con below.

Henry Barajas (author of La Voz de M.A.Y.O.: Tata Rambo), Rodney Barnes (author of Killadelphia), Darcy Van Poelgeest (author of Little Bird: The Fight for Elder’s Hope), and David F. Walker (author of Bitter Root) discuss comic books that tackle real world issues, be it environmental activism, civic engagement, physical and mental health awareness, and more, (including how their work is being used by librarians and educators). Viewers will leave with programming and acquisition ideas designed to inspire their readers to see the world differently and then change it for the better.

To learn more about the upcoming San Diego Comic-Con visit comic-con.org/cci. Updates will be made as they come in and there are a lot of great things in store.

I hope to see you there!

‘Blacula’ Graphic Novel Coming from Writer Rodney Barnes (Exclusive)

The TV writer, known for ‘Runaways’ ‘Winning Time: Rise of the Lakers Dynasty, and Wu-Tang: An American Saga, is teaming with his ‘Killadelphia’ artist Jason Shawn Alexander for a Blacula graphic novel.

Blacula is rising again. The cult classic horror character is returning in a new graphic novel from Rodney Barnes and artist Jason Shawn Alexander. The Blacula graphic novel has long been a passion project for Barnes, a veteran TV writer and producer whose credits include the Marvel/Hulu series Runaways and Starz’s American Gods.

Barnes grew up on the Universal monster movies, and his notion of what horror could be changed when he saw Blacula at age eight.

“I’d never seen anything with people of color prominently positioned in the piece,” Barnes told The Hollywood Reporter from the set of the upcoming HBO Lakers drama he is executive producing. “I was blown away. It was a lot more authentic than anything else I’d seen up until that point. It sort of lit a small flame in my imagination.”

Now Barnes is gearing up to publish the first of three planned graphic novels later in 2022. The first will pit Blacula against Dracula, and just like the films, there will be the opportunity to use horror to examine society.

“Blacula and Dracula have lived for hundreds of years. They’ve seen it all. So the

y have a different perspective, being able to hear the past, speak to the present,” said Barnes. “You really don’t have that with any other monsters because other monsters are just monsters, but vampires are manipulative. They also have good memories. They know who they were.”

MGM currently has a Blacula film in the works, while Barnes would be interested in pursuing something in television. Says the writer: “I’d love to be able to explore him beyond where we are now.”

Reposted from The Hollywood Reporter

THE MANDALORIAN COMIC ADAPTATION BLASTS OFF IN JULY – EXCLUSIVE

Get your beskar armor on and prepare to relive a memorable Star Wars adventure.

Starting this June, Marvel’s The Mandalorian will be an eight-issue, episode-by-episode adaptation of the Disney+ series’ first season, StarWars.com is thrilled to reveal. The series will be written by Rodney Barnes and illustrated by Georges Jeanty, with several variant covers available for each installment. For fans of The Mandalorian and Star Wars comic-book adaptations, it’s a chance to experience the events and characters of Season 1 in a whole new way. You can check out the main cover for issue #1 by Adi Granov, a stunning image of Mando ready for battle, below.

“The story of the Mandalorian checks so many boxes of the stuff I’m passionate

about,” Barnes tells StarWars.com. “I love Westerns, fantasy, science fiction, comedy, drama…it’s a dream gig for any writer. I’m just glad I was chosen for this assignment!”

“I’ve always thought an artist’s style is a lot like writing in short hand. It’s very subjective. What I bring to Star Wars is my detail and love for a galaxy far, far away,” adds Jeanty. “Star Wars, especially where bounty hunters are concerned, is a messy landscape. I love drawing all the little details. My look has always be detail oriented, and with The Mandalorian there is so much going on with the character and in the background, and I look forward to adding visually to the already rich tapestry that makes up this universe!”

Stay tuned to StarWars.com for more on Marvel’s Star Wars comics, including exclusive previews and much more.

See Marvel’s The Mandalorian and more on This Week! In Star Wars!

The Comic will be available to the public on July 6th.

Reposted from starwars.com