A Writer’s Commentary: Amy Chu talks KISS #1 with additional commentary by Kewber Baal, on sale now from Dynamite. Cover by Goni Montes with interiors by Kewber Baal.

Hi there, readers, putting together this behind-the-scenes look in the wee hours so bear with me. I had a crazy but wonderful night in New York City signing KISS #1 at Midtown Comics. I do think it’s really important that readers know how much work goes into the making of a monthly comic like this one. A comics script goes through multiple revisions between writer and editor, before it gets to the artist, then the art goes to the writer for another script revision before going to the letterer so the dialogue and captions can be adjusted to fit the art better. And ALL this needs to happen within the month, every month.

I think most of you know that script comes first, but after that writing process and styles can differ wildly. In my case, I’m more of a “Marvel” method writer than full script. I like collaborating with artists, especially when they are such huge KISS fans like Kewber and Schimerys Baal, and the letterer Troy Peteri. In the end I think everyone has a better time and you get a better book. Plus, everyone gets to put their Easter eggs in, so watch out for those!

[Note: Look for comments by artist Kewber Baal at the end of this Chu commentary.]

Page 1

Establishing shot. The city was actually more of a town in my mind, but Kewber really added a lot more into this page. This was the first page of art I saw, and I knew immediately that the Baals were going to rock these pages for the rest of the issue.

Pages 2-3

These next pages were critical for establishing some of the history, world-building and mood and also the last pages that were done. I am sure Kewber’s least favorite! For print comics, the odd number pages are the page turn pages so the bottom right corner is an important page turn. I try to make sure there’s a solid one right there.

Pages 4-5

Here we have the introduction of the twins Noa and Eran and their childhood friends Adi and Alex. Talking with Kelly Sue Deconnick, a HUGE KISS fan, cemented the idea that KISS were rock GODS, and as GODS they were timeless. So rather than focusing on them, I decided to create some new relatable characters. I wanted to make this story is for KISS fans, but also accessible to new readers.



Pages 6-7

The Four discover a way out of the city. The idea for the city of Blackwell came from the song Mr. Blackwell in the Elder album. So much of this issue came out of this album. If you listened to the album when it came out in 1981 and didn’t like it then, I really hope you revisit it now.

Pages 8-9

Aspiring artists — a good test for visual storytelling is if you take away all the dialogue and you can see what’s going on you’re doing an A+ job. That’s what Kewber and Schymirys did here. I kind of want to just take out all the dialogue here…

Pages 10-11

This turned into my favorite scene when the artwork came back. Especially where Adi hugs the tree. The kids are trying to reach the surface but they discover something entirely unexpected here. At this point I think I started cutting out a lot of unnecessary dialogue.

Pages 12-13

Can you tell Kewber likes splash pages?! There is a certain rhythm to structuring a comic — conventional wisdom says 5-7 panels per page, and splash pages every 4-5 pages or so, but there is no hard or fast rule.

Pages 14-15

“Only you have the answers.” Kewber added a lot of detail here that wasn’t in the script, taking full advantage of the double page spread opportunity here. I don’t tend to give much layout direction to someone like Kewber because I think he has a better sense of where he wants to take it. The downside, of course, is it’s going to be harder to read in the digital edition but hey, you can’t make everyone happy…



Pages 16-17

For the artists I work with, I usually set up a folder on Pinterest for photo references. I really dislike embedding them in the script, and this way it’s easier to collaborate on ideas. Here they really came in handy with the monastery. I found a bunch of real monasteries that Kewber used.

Pages 18-19

Big no-no in comics is endless talking heads so I really tried to keep things going while building the world. Fortunately Kewber had a lot of visual tricks — he had a nice idea of adding a cape for Noa. I didn’t really think much about it at the time, but I think it came out quite nice visually.

Page 20

Last page and first one I think about when scripting. Most of my stories I work backwards to make sure I’ve got good pacing and reveals and this is no exception. It’s got to tie up the issue, but also be enough to get you to #2 where we explain about the Elders and Morpheus.

Now that the script and art is complete, this is where I go back and think about comics journalist Heidi MacDonald’s “satisfying chunk” theory. Did you guys feel like you got a satisfying chunk of story for your time and dollars? Do you want more of the story at this point?And there you go! Hope you found this deep dive into my sleep-deprived brain interesting. Shout out to my super cool editors Anthony Marques and Joe Rybandt for basically saying, sure, sci-fi, robots, computers, why not?!, and to my kids for reading it pre-press and giving it the thumbs up.

I’m hoping your store has ordered it, but to be sure put this series on your pull list!



Comments from artist Kewber Baal:

Q: What was your favorite page or scene to draw in the first issue?

Kewber: It was the double spread page, when the kids are running away into the tunnels, and they see the KISS band, painted on the walls, for the first time. This was a scene that made me turn sad when I finished it; I wanted to spend more time on it.

Q: Who is your favorite character?

Kewber: This is an unfair question! Each character is developing its own personality, and I am enjoying working on each one a lot. For now, on KISS #1, I think my favorite character is Eram, he is the determined guy who wants to explore new things, and he does not believe everything people say. But I’m sure in the next chapters, my opinion will change!

Q: Which was the most difficult page/scene for you to draw?

Kewber: Definitely the first page. It was a big establishing shot for the entire series, the city, the mood, KISS, and I was drawing all of this for the first time. Everything still was new for me, I was still realizing I will draw a KISS series, and I felt I should define the style of the book, and prepare the readers for the story, in only one splash page. Well, I really hope I achieved that!

Following blockbuster series launches—ULTIMATE SPIDER-MAN, ULTIMATE BLACK PANTHER, and ULTIMATE X-MEN—the highly anticipated next title in Marvel’s new Ultimate Universe arrives this June: ULTIMATES! Directly spinning out of Jonathan Hickman’s foundation for the new Ultimate line, ULTIMATES will be written by Deniz Camp, known for his thought-provoking and socially relevant work on titles like Children of the Vault and 20th Century Men, and drawn by rising superstar Juan Frigeri, known for his acclaimed work on Invincible Iron Man. The series will introduce the all-new super hero team that will usher in the next wave of bold storytelling within the new Ultimate Universe. Months ago, Tony Stark sent Peter Parker a radioactive spider to set him back on the course to become Spider-Man. Since then, Iron Lad (Stark), Captain America, Doom, Thor, and Sif have begun to do the same for other lost heroes, building a network of super-powered heroes hungry for change… Over two years, they must band together to destroy the Maker’s Council and restore freedom and free will to a world ruled from the shadows. Fans can see their opening efforts in the all-new ULTIMATES #1 trailer, featuring never-before-seen artwork from both ULTIMATES #1 and FREE COMIC BOOK DAY 2024: AMAZING SPIDER-MAN/ULTIMATE UNIVERSE #1. "The new Ultimates line is the most exciting super hero comics event in years, and it’s humbling to be a part of it!" Camp shared. “We are reinventing these classic characters and archetypes to be as surprising and vital as when they were first introduced. Our Ultimates is an evolution not just of the Avengers, but of the whole super hero team concept; from the grand and operatic to the small and personal, THE ULTIMATES will feel like no Avengers or Ultimates comic ever before! That's our ambition, anyway; tune in to find out if we succeed.“ In 2002, Mark Millar and Bryan Hitch’s mega influential ULTIMATES series revolutionized the super hero epic, and its impact is still felt today! Now, 20 years later, Camp and Frigeri return the ULTIMATES to greatness with a modern take for a new world and a new generation of readers! The time has come for an ULTIMATE plan of action! Check out the trailer and preorder ULTIMATES #1 at your local comic shop today!

New York Times bestselling writer C.S. Pacat and lauded artist Johanna the Mad return to the high stakes world of Fence with FENCE CHALLENGERS: LONG SHOT, the next chapter in the Fence saga. The Kings Row fencers are fresh off of Halverton Training Camp and ready for State Championships, bringing with them the burden and blessing of a brand-new reputation as the underdog champions. As attraction rises between Nicholas and Seiji, the team will face old training rivals in their first match, but MacRob has a secret strategy that turns the tide… “The State championship begins! Everything the boys of Fence have fought for is on the line. Get ready for some epic showdowns–this is my favorite volume yet!” said bestselling author C.S. Pacat. “Kings Row heads on to a new challenge and they will need a lot more than just skill!” said series artist Johanna the Mad. “I hope readers enjoy diving into this new chapter as much as we do creating it!” FENCE CHALLENGERS: LONG SHOT #1 will be available in comic shops July 24, 2024. It is available for pre-order at your local comic shop. Digital copies can be purchased from content providers, including Kindle, iBooks, and Google Play. FENCE CHALLENGERS: LONG SHOT is the latest release from BOOM! Studios’ award-winning BOOM! Box imprint, home to groundbreaking original series such as Lumberjanes by Shannon Watters, Grace Ellis, Gus Allen, and ND Stevenson; Juliet Takes a Breath by Gabby Rivera and Celia Moscote; Giant Days by John Allison, Lissa Treiman, and Max Sarin; Mamo by Sas Milledge; Save Yourself! by Bones Leopard and Kelly and Nichole Matthews; Specter Inspectors by Bowen McCurdy and Kaitlyn Musto; The Last Witch by Conor McCreery and V.V. Glass; Ghosted in LA by Sina Grace and Siobhan Keenan; The Avant-Guards by Carly Usdin and Noah Hayes; Fence by C.S. Pacat and Johanna the Mad; Goldie Vance by Hope Larson and Brittney Williams; Hollow by Shannon Watters, Branden Boyer-White, and Berenice Nelle; Getting Dizzy by Shea Fontana and Celia Moscote; and the educational series Seen: True Stories of Marginalized Trailblazers.

Comedy Central has handed a 10-episode order to Golden Axe, a new animated series based on the popular Sega video game. Produced by CBS Studios in association with Sony Pictures Television and Original Film, Golden Axe voice cast is led by Emmy winner Matthew Rhys (The Americans), Danny Pudi (Mythic Quest), Lisa Gilroy (Jury Duty), Liam McIntyre (Spartacus) and Carl Tart (Grand Crew).Described as a hilarious and loving homage to Sega’s 1989 video game series, Golden Axe, from exec producers Mike McMahon and Joe Chandler, follows veteran warriors Ax Battler, Tyris Flare and Gilius Thunderhead as they once again battle to save Yuria from the evil giant Death Adder who just won’t seem to stay dead. Fortunately, this time they have the inexperienced and underprepared Hampton Squib on their side.McMahan (Star Trek: Lower Decks) and Chandler (American Dad!) will co-write the first episode and executive produce the series, with Chandler serving as showrunner. (via Deadline)

This summer, Werewolf By Night embarks on new adventures so violent and bloody, it can only be told in Marvel’s new Red Band format! WEREWOLF BY NIGHT, Jack Russell’s new solo ongoing series, will be written by Jason Loo, writer of the upcoming Werewolf By Night: Blood Hunt one-shot, and drawn by artist Sergio Dávila, known for his bold work on titles like Venom and Thor. Marvel’s premier horror icon will undergo a startling transformation during Blood Hunt that will cause his upcoming battles and hunts to be too graphic for some readers. Labeled with a Parental Advisory and polybagged to keep those weak of heart from experiencing its intensity, WEREWOLF BY NIGHT will mark a new chapter in the character’s 50-year storytelling history as Jack gets his claws, fangs, and fur blood-soaked like never before! FULL MOON RISE – WEREWOLF KILL! Jack Russell has been trying to live a simple life – but in the deadly and dramatic wake of the Blood Hunt, his life is about to be turned upside down in ways he never imagined! With new enemies hoping to extract a (literal) pound of flesh and Jack unsure if he can be trusted around old allies and a lost love, the original WEREWOLF BY NIGHT is in for the fight of his life…and he’s in it alone! “I give Jack Russell a taste of the life he wants before the Blood Hunt event rips it away and leaves blood on his hands,” Loo shared. “His new journey is to find redemption while figuring out his new lycanthropic transformation. No one is safe when the full moon is out. But luckily, Elsa Bloodstone is around to keep him in check.” “Our team is delivering a very metal, monster comic and we’re not holding back,” Loo continued. “I’m both shocked and impressed at myself for conjuring up these gruesome scenes from the dark recesses of my mind, then seeing them come to life with every gory detail thanks to penciler Sergio Dávila and inker JP Mayer, as our editors keep giving us the thumbs up of approval. This is literally our smash room in a Red Band comic.” “This has been a great experience,” Dávila added. “Jason Loo is writing a very wild Werewolf By Night and I’m having a lot of fun with the character. I’ve always enjoyed taking characters to the extreme and Werewolf By Night is someone very much tormented by his inner self, so this is a book full of intense action and lots of blood!” Check out E.M. Gist’s cover and preorder WEREWOLF BY NIGHT #1 at your local comic shop today!

Krakoa may fall, but the world is still mutantkind’s for the taking in NYX! Announced last week, the new series set in the upcoming From the Ashes era will explore how mutants navigate returning to the big city. Written by Collin Kelly and Jackson Lanzing and drawn by Francesco Mortarino, NYX won’t shy away from reflecting the harsh realities of life as a mix of iconic and fan-favorite mutants reenter a world filled with bigotry, mistrust, and misinformation. Without the X-Men’s guidance and Krakoa’s protection, they’ll shut out the noise and overcome the hate by doing what they do best—EVOLVING. But if you can count on anything, it’s that mutants are never all in agreement, and some are having a really hard time letting Krakoa go… Today, fans can see a new assortment of variant covers for the debut issue! Brought to you by acclaimed artists Rogê Antônio, Stanley “Artgerm” Lau, and Todd Nauck, the three new pieces spotlight Laura Kinney, AKA Wolverine, who made her comic book debut in the groundbreaking original NYX series as X-23. Throughout the new series, watch her do what she does best as she hunts down violent anti-mutant oppressors in the darkest corners of the city! Check out all three new covers now and preorder NYX #1 at your local comic shop today!

Elektra isn’t done with the Daredevil mantle just yet! Spinning out Saladin Ahmed and Aaron Kuder’s thought-provoking run of Daredevil, Elektra will embark on an all-new solo adventure this July in DAREDEVIL: WOMAN WITHOUT FEAR. The series will mark writer Erica Schultz’s return to the character, following her work on Daredevil: Gang War. Schultz will be joined by her Hallows’ Eve collaborator Michael Dowling. Elektra as Daredevil has been a celebrated evolution of the character, and her latest mission promises to be her most intense yet as she heads to the deadly streets of Madripoor to take on Crossbones, the new Punisher, and more. Readers will learn what pushes Elektra towards this quest in July’s DAREDEVIL #11, a show-stopping issue where Matt and Elektra’s will have a brutal showdown with Bullseye and Kingpin! After the stunning events of DAREDEVIL #11, Daredevil’s allies are left more vulnerable than ever before. If they’re able to survive, it will fall to Elektra and Matt Murdock to not only save their city as Daredevil, but also protect the people they love the most as they’re targeted by some of the most dangerous, violent elements the Marvel Universe has to offer! “To say that I am excited about writing Daredevil again is an understatement, Schultz shared. “I love the mantle of Daredevil, but I really love Elektra as Daredevil. Having written both Matt and Elektra wearing the red DD, I kind of lean toward the latter now!” Check out the covers for both DAREDEVIL #11 and DAREDEVIL: WOMAN WITHOUT FEAR #1 now and preorder them at your local comic shop.

James Gunn’s “Superman” has cast veteran character actor Pruitt Taylor Vince as Jonathan Kent aka Pa Kent, TheWrap is reporting. Jonathan Kent is Superman’s adopted father who finds the superhero when he first arrived on Earth as an infant in a Kryptonian spaceship in the fields of Kansas. The role was previously played by Kevin Costner in the 2013’s “Man of Steel,” and Glenn Ford in 1978’s “Superman.” “Superman” is the inaugural DC Studios film which is currently in production, which is part of “Chapter One: Gods and Monsters” of the relaunch of the new DC Universe. “Superman” will be released on July 11,2025.

Skybound and Image Comics today unveiled a chilling first look at Dark Ride #12, the epic series finale from the iconic Birthright team of writer Joshua Williamson (Duke, DC’s Superman), artist Andrei Bressan (DC’s Justice League Incarnate), colorist Adriano Lucas (DC’s Nightwing), and letterer Pat Brosseau (Creepshow). The finale of the acclaimed amusement park horror series arrives in comic book shops on May 15, 2024. "Thank you to everyone who bought the Dark Ride series,” said Joshua Williamson. “It has been great to find so many readers who were looking for a series that mixed two things that I'm obsessed with...horror and amusement parks. From the start the series was about horror and sacrifice, but it was really about family and letting go. Andrei, Adriano and Pat have done fabulous work on this series, and this is our second go around with doing a book from start to finish together. They are a team that I would ride a rollercoaster into hell with, and I look forward to our next projects together. Keep your arms and legs inside the ride vehicle, because this last issue is a dangerous one." Arthur Dante’s most haunting creation yet is brought to life, and a final sacrifice must be made to take control of Devil Land. But who will it be?   Dark Ride #12 concludes the impressive variant cover lineup that has run throughout the series. In addition to the main cover by Andrei Bressan and series colorist Adriano Lucas, Dark Ride’s Cover B variant features a frightening collage of Halloween and Danny D. Evil with an issue #12 cover by Caspar Wijngaard (Home Sick Pilots), while Cover C spotlights Devil Land’s femme fatale and horror aficionado, Halloween, by Luana Vecchio (Lovesick). Additionally, megastar creator Tony Fleecs (Stray Dogs, Star Wars Adventures) continues art directing the classic homage poster variant program that has run throughout the course of the series. The 1:25 incentives now span the Cover D slot of Dark Ride’s third arc, with Jay Fosgitt (Star Trek) at the helm for issue #12. "I can’t wait for readers to take one final ride and finish our saga at Devil Land!” said series editor, Amanda LaFranco. “From the very beginning, Josh has been weaving a tale of family horror and laying down the pieces for this big finale, from Arthur’s very first deal with the Devil, to the sacrifice now placed in the hands of each member of the Dante family. The entire creative team has been on fire for this final arc, and Josh, Andrei, Adriano, and Pat have been hellishly delighting on every page. I’m excited for readers to see what we’ve been building to.” Dark Ride #12 (Lunar Codes below SRP: $3.99) will be available at comic book shops and digital platforms including Amazon Kindle, Apple Books, comiXology, and Google Play on Wednesday, May 15, 2024.

The full list of covers is below:

Dark Ride #12 CVR A by Andrei Bressan and Adriano Lucas (Lunar Code 0124IM243)

Dark Ride #12 CVR B by Caspar Wijngaard (Lunar Code 0124IM244)

Dark Ride #12 CVR C by Luana Vecchio (Lunar Code 0124IM245)

Dark Ride #12 CVR D (1:25 Incentive) by Jay Fosgitt & Tony Fleecs (Lunar Code 0124IM246)

Warner Bros Pictures Animation is heading to the Discovery vault to adapt its Animal Planet series Meerkat Manor into an animated feature. Think Happy Feet: That George Miller-hatched franchise, which centered around tap-dancing penguins, raked in over a half-billion dollars at the global box office.Warner Bros. Discovery’s Animal Planet first aired Meerkat Manor in 2005, with the series becoming the network’s highest-rated show over its four seasons. The Emmy-nominated series reached 204 million households in more than 160 countries on the Animal Planet platform alone.The docuseries followed the Whiskers, a family of meerkats, as they struggled to survive in South Africa’s Kalahari Desert. Similar to Happy Feet, Warner Bros Pictures Animation will use photoreal animation to capture the Whiskers for their feature film debut.The Meerkat Manor movie will be produced by Seth Green and Tracy Falco of The Green Room. The film’s EPs are original series creator Caroline Hawkins as well as Clare Birks of Oxford Scientific Films. OSF is owned by ITV Studios. (via Deadline)

In the X-Men’s upcoming From the Ashes era, one of the team’s most crucial members goes solo! Announced last week, Jean Grey will become a galaxy-traversing super hero in Stephanie Phillips and Alessandro Miracolo’s PHOENIX. Emerging from the explosive finale of Krakoa with renewed purpose, Jean embraces what was always hers: the breathtaking power of the Phoenix Force. Alone in space, she not only must do what no one else can: she yearns to. Whatever Jean does – or fails to do – will bring darkness to the universe and haunt her in ways she can scarcely imagine… Today, fans can see her reborn on an assortment of new variant covers for the debut issue! Best-selling cover artists Aka and Rose Besch spotlight Jean’s new Phoenix costume, designed by series artist Miracolo. Both pieces will also be available as virgin variant covers. In addition, iconic Phoenix artist Greg Land reminds readers how terrifying the Phoenix can be with an incredible depiction of Dark Phoenix. Check out all three covers now and preorder PHOENIX #1 at your local comic shop today!