What Removing Vertigo, Ink and Zoom Will Mean For the Entire DC Comics Line - Bleeding Cool News

A few weeks ago, Bleeding Cool ran the news that DC Comics was to ‘shutter’ Vertigo. We stated that some books would move to Black Label, and some would no longer be published. We were told, repeatedly, that we were wrong, and we were talking nonsense.

Since then, Scott Snyder stated that American Vampire looked like it may be coming from Black Label in 2020, and on Tuesday Image Comics announced they’d be publishing the comic SFSX (Safe Sex), previously announced as coming from DC Vertigo.

And then, yesterday DC Comics stated that they were going to shutter Vertigo – and more besides. The DC Ink and DC Zoom imprints, launched with such pomp and circumstance a few years ago would also be done away with.

Instead, we would have three brands, DC Kids, DC and DC Black Label. We heard that the latter was getting a new logo based around the classic DC Bullet logo. This may tie in with that.

To justify the change Publisher Dan DiDio was quoted as saying ‘we’re returning to a singular presentation of the DC brand that was present throughout most of our history until 1993 when we launched Vertigo to provide an outlet for edgier material. That kind of material is now mainstream across all genres, so we thought it was the right time to bring greater clarity to the DC brand and reinforce our commitment to storytelling for all of our fans in every age group. This new system will replace the age ratings we currently use on our material.

With Jim Lee, Publisher, quoted as saying,

What we’ve done here is apply an ages and stages organizing philosophy that will strengthen what we’re already doing well, whether that is our move into the young adult and middle grade audience or our long track record of success with creator-driven pop-up lines. We will also continue to publish creator-owned projects, and will evaluate and assign to the appropriate label to help our fans find the best books for their interests. These new labels not only bring greater consistency and focus to our characters, but they also open up a wealth of new opportunities for the talent working on our books.

However, what I have been told is that this comes straight from the top. The previous new imprints were set up under the auspices of former DC President Diane Nelson and this is a way of undoing that. The new President Pamela Lifford, I am told, has a particular disdain for imprints. And reducing them to three, designated purely by age, is the minimum needed to get the job done.

Lots of people have looked to sales performance of recent Vertigo books to justify the change but they ignore the main aspects behind the decision – or that Vertigo sales are, mostly unreported and the estimated stats grossly underestimate sales. Ask a Vertigo creator to show you their sales report/royalty statements sometime.

Firstly, top talent deserting Vertigo after contractual changes imposed when Alan Horn was chairman of Warners, the loss of two figures most associated with the imprint Karen Berger and then Shelly Bond, and then the impact of Batman Damned putting every book at DC Comics under the spotlight for anything that might damage the DC brand, with Second Coming and SFSX (Safe Sex) being early casualties. And all this was fuel to the fire of President Pamela Lifford getting rid of what she saw as superfluous imprints.

So now we have three. And rather than imprints, they are to be regarded as age barriers, replacing the previous guidelines:

• E – EVERYONE – Appropriate for readers of all ages. May contain cartoon violence and/or some comic mischief.
• T – TEEN – Appropriate for readers aged 12 and older. May contain mild violence, language and/or suggestive themes.
• T+ – TEEN PLUS – Appropriate for readers aged 15 and older. May contain moderate violence, mild profanity, graphic imagery and/or suggestive themes.
• M – MATURE – Appropriate for readers aged 17 and older. May contain intense violence, extensive profanity, nudity, sexual themes and other content suitable only for older readers.

Which will now be thus:

• DC Kids will focus on readers ages 8-12 and offer content created specifically for the middle-grade reader
• DC, focusing on ages 13+, will primarily be the current DC universe of characters
• DC Black Label will focus on content appropriate for readers 17 and older

So right away there is a bigger impact. A number of DC Universe regular titles are currently published as T+ – Teen Plus, appropriate for readers aged 15 and over. Upcoming titles for August and September includes The Batman Who Laughs, Batman Vs Ra’s Al Ghul, Year Of The Villain one-shots, Wildcats, Harley Quinn & Poison Ivy, Batman And The Outsiders, Flash Forward, Catwoman, DCased, Deathstroke, Event Leviathan, Freedom Fighters, The Green Lantern, Harley Quinn, Justice League, Justice League Dark, Justice League Odyssey, Martian Manhunter, Red Hood: Outlaw, Superman’s Friend Jimmy Olsen, Gotham City Monsters and Young Justice.

Those titles are either going to move to Black Label, or have their content toned down so that they are 13+ suitable. Batman Who Laughs, Batman Vs Ra’s Al Ghul, Wildcats, they could be Black Label. But the rest? No chance.

All in the long shadow of the Batpenis…

(Last Updated June 22, 2019 4:10 am )

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https://www.bleedingcool.com/2019/06/22/removing-vertigo-ink-zoom-dc-comics/

2019-06-22 13:04:31Z
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Halle Berry Victimized by Man Trying to Steal Her Home - TMZ

Halle Berry Man Tries to Steal Her Home

6/22/2019 1:00 AM PDT

EXCLUSIVE

Halle Berry damn near returned to her home to find the locks changed and a strange man living inside.

Law enforcement sources tell TMZ ... 59-year-old Ronald Eugene Griffin first showed up at an L.A. property owned by the actress in January and allegedly fiddled with the locks, but took off when he was approached by Halle's gardener.

A couple months later, in March ... cops received a trespassing call from workers at Berry's pad, who said Griffin was there with a locksmith trying to get in, claiming he was the new owner of the home and had the deed to prove it.

We're told he'd already managed to have one of the locks changed, and actually made a call to the police when he was confronted by the employees at the house. Yes, he was audacious enough to call the cops claiming ownership and pointing the finger at Halle's employees as trespassers!!!

According to law enforcement ... when police arrived Griffin maintained he was the owner of the house, but LAPD detectives quickly determined Griffin had fraudulently changed the title of the residence.

Halle told the detectives she had no idea who he was ... and definitely didn't give him permission to be at her home.

Griffin was later arrested and hit with a felony count of procuring and offering a false warranty deed and an additional count of petty theft. His bond's set at $36k.

Strangely enough ... we're told the guy didn't even know it was Halle's place. Just luck of the draw for her.

This isn't the first time Halle's had major issues with intruders. Back in 2011, she came home, walked in the kitchen and told cops, "As I opened my glass kitchen door and closed it behind me, all of a sudden I sensed someone behind me and turned to see the intruder standing less than a foot behind me, staring through my glass kitchen door."  The guy was arrested.  

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2019-06-22 08:00:00Z
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Lisa Marie Presley's son looks just like Elvis' 'twin' in rare family photo, fans say - USA TODAY

Cydney Henderson USA TODAY

Published 11:51 PM EDT Jun 21, 2019

A picture of Lisa Marie Presley's son channeling her famous father, Elvis Presley, has the internet all shook up. 

Presley shared a rare family photo on Twitter Thursday with her four children – daughter Riley Keough, 30, son Benjamin Keough, 26 and twin daughters Harper and Finley  Lockwood, 10.

"Mama Lion with cubs," she captioned the black-and-white picture of herself hugging her brood during a Los Angeles gathering for Riley's 30th birthday in late May. 

But, it was one specific family member who caught people's attention.

Fans couldn't help but notice Benjamin's striking resemblance to his iconic grandfather Elvis Presley, the "King of Rock and Roll" himself.

Related: John Stamos and son Billy wear matching Elvis Presley jumpsuits in rockin' birthday photo

"Your son is a twin of your Dad! Nice family!" one user commented, while another added, "Very cool how your son has your Dad's traits and yours."

One fan wrote, "While your son is identical to your father, but then you are also!"

Earlier this year, Presley opened up about her past addiction to opioids and painkillers, crediting her children with giving her the "purpose to heal."

Presley wrote the foreword to Harry Nelson's book, "The United States of Opioids: A Prescription for Liberating a Nation in Pain." She revealed that she became addicted to opioids after her doctors prescribed them following the birth of her twins in 2008.

"I am grateful to be alive today, and to have four beautiful children who have given me a sense of purpose that has carried me through dark times," she wrote.

More: Arnold Schwarzenegger's son Joseph Baena re-creates his iconic bodybuilding pose

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2019-06-22 03:51:00Z
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Why Does Meghan Markle Get Blamed for Everything in Prince Harry's Life? - Showbiz Cheat Sheet

When Prince Harry began his relationship with Suits actress Meghan Markle, the royal was noticeably happier. The handsome prince was constantly smiling, his face beaming with joy, and when Meghan was by his side, his happiness reached an entirely new level.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle | Samir Hussein/WireImage

It was clear that Harry was genuinely in love, and suddenly Meghan became one of the most popular women in the entire world. Fans just couldn’t get enough. Everyone was waiting to see how their relationship would evolve. When the couple became engaged, the public was ecstatic, just bursting with happiness for the soon to be Duke and Duchess of Sussex.

Ever since their marriage, however, it seems that Harry’s life is changing. While some may say that this is completely normal, others are pointing the finger at his wife. So, why does Meghan get blamed for everything in Harry’s life?

Is Meghan Markle really pushing out his friends?

Before meeting Meghan Markle, Prince Harry had a large circle of close friends. They were his buddies, as well as his close confidants. Since the royal wedding, it seems that Harry only has time for Meghan. Now that baby Archie is here, he is focusing on being the best dad he possibly can.

According to Meghan’s former friend, TV presenter Lizzie Cundy, Meghan has “pushed out” most of Harry’s friends in the short time that they have been married. Cundy also claims to have been “ghosted” by Meghan, seemingly cut out of her life after five years. According to Harry’s friend Tom Inskip, after advising Harry not to get married at all, he has been completely fazed out of the prince’s life. 

Prince Harry has new priorities

It used to be that Prince Harry was always up for a good time with friends. He has been photographed outside of London nightclubs and at sporting events. He was always wearing a huge smile and appearing to be enjoying himself.

Since his relationship with Meghan began, and especially since announcing her pregnancy, many of his friends appear to have been shut-out of his life. But the fact is the Duke of Sussex has new priorities now, especially as a new father. His behavior is not unusual for a new father and husband who is trying to give his new family the attention that they need and deserve.

Meghan Markle has changed Harry for the better

Many royal fans can agree that Meghan has certainly changed Harry for the better. It used to be that scandals would manage to find their way to the prince. We can all remember incidents that he was involved in, such as a scuffle with a photographer outside of a London nightclub.

In addition, Harry was a pretty heavy drinker and smoker in his bachelor days. Since his marriage, Meghan has encouraged him to be healthier, eat better, exercise, and give up alcohol and cigarettes. It’s a pretty safe bet that we won’t see Prince Harry in questionable situations like we used to.

Why is Meghan always blamed for everything in Harry’s life?

We have to wonder why Meghan is always coming under fire for everything that goes on in her husband’s life. Some people may feel that Meghan is trying to change not only the monarchy but also trying to control Harry’s life altogether.

According to a royal commentator, Meghan always seems to take the blame simply because she is “different.” It would appear as though Harry will not stand for everyone placing blame on Meghan. He has made it clear that he plans to stand by her side no matter what.

Most people can say that they have never seen Prince Harry so happy. Clearly, the changes that Meghan has made in his life are having a positive impact.

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2019-06-21 15:47:36Z
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Cardi B indicted on unspecified charges in alleged strip-club brawl - NBC News

Cardi B was indicted in New York Friday on unspecified charges stemming from a strip club brawl last year, according to prosecutors in Queens.

Her case will remained sealed until her arraignment next week. The "Please Me" singer had rejected a plea deal to a Class A misdemeanor in April for allegedly attacking a pair of bartending sisters at a Queens nightclub on Aug. 29, 2018.

Cardi B reportedly suspected one of the sisters was having an affair with her husband, Offset, whose band, Migos, was performing at the strip club on the night of the fight. She was caught on video throwing an ice bucket at the sisters, whom she has since been court-ordered to stay away from.

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Cardi B announced her split from Offset in an Instagram post in December of last year, months after the pair welcomed a baby girl. The two appeared at the Grammys together in February, where Cardi B accepted the award for Best Rap Album.

The rapper, whose real name is Belcalis Almanzar, is set to be arraigned on June 25.

Elisha Fieldstadt

Elisha Fieldstadt is a breaking news reporter for NBC News.

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2019-06-21 14:57:00Z
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Cardi B Indicted By Grand Jury for Felonies in Strip Club Brawl - TMZ

Cardi B Indicted by Grand Jury for Felonies ... In Strip Club Brawl

6/21/2019 7:09 AM PDT

Exclusive Details

Cardi B has been indicted by a grand jury on multiple charges -- including 2 felonies -- in connection with a brawl at a New York strip club ... TMZ has confirmed. 

TMZ broke the story ...Cardi was arrested in October for allegedly ordering an attack on 2 strip club bartenders -- Jade and Baddie G. The 2 women claim they were injured during the brawl when Cardi's people began throwing bottles and chairs.

The incident, which went down in August, was allegedly triggered after Cardi accused Jade of sleeping with Offset.

The grand jury has indicted Cardi on 14 charges, including 2 counts of felony attempted assault with intent to cause serious physical injury. Other charges include misdemeanor reckless endangerment, assault, criminal solicitation, conspiracy and harassment.  

She was initially charged with 2 misdemeanors ... assault and reckless endangerment, but that's all superseded by the grand jury indictment.  

Cardi rejected a plea deal, which would have given her a conditional discharge in return for pleading guilty to a single misdemeanor. The problem ... if she misstepped during the conditional period, she'd be in big trouble.

Prosecution sources told TMZ last month they decided to take the matter to the grand jury because of information they discovered during their investigation. They would not be specific.

Cardi didn't seem worried about the turn of events last night.  She hit up the ASCAP Rhythm and Soul Music Awards in Bev Hills with Offset. She won an award for Songwriter of the Year.

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2019-06-21 14:09:00Z
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James Bond director Cary Fukunaga responds to rumors that his video game habits have delayed production - Fox News

Report: James Bond to drive battery-powered Aston Martin in next 007 flick

According to an insider close to the production, Daniel Craig's James Bond will be taking the wheel of another Aston Martin in the next installment of the 007 franchise. This time around, however, the sporty luxury car will be decked out with more than just the standard Q Branch issued gadgets. The car will be a limited edition Rapide E sedan, which is a zero-emissions vehicle, and uses twin electric motors to deliver 600 hp.

The director of the upcoming James Bond film responded to rumors that his alleged intense video game habits have delayed the already-ailing production process.

Filmmaker Cary Fukunaga was brought on to the project, tentatively titled “Bond 25,” in March after Danny Boyle confirmed he was stepping away from the project after a script dispute. However, according to a new report, the crew on set is downright mutinous after Fukunaga reportedly kept them waiting more than three hours while he was in his trailer playing PlayStation.

Director Cary Fukunaga and cast member Daniel Craig attend the "Bond 25" film launch at Ian Fleming's Home 'GoldenEye' on April 25, 2019 in Montego Bay, Jamaica. Filming of "Bond 25" has faced a series of setbacks, with some insiders claiming the movie is "doomed." (Getty)

To make up for lost time, The Sun reports crew members were asked to work over the weekend, which included Father’s Day. However, in a recent Instagram post in which he thanked the hard work of his crew, Fukunaga directly addressed the rumors and shot them down as untrue.

DANIEL CRAIG, RAMI MALEK CAN'T FILM NEW JAMES BOND MOVIE AT THE SAME TIME: REPORT

“So sure [directing is] hard, but it’s still the best job in the world and I’d never disrespect the hardest working cast and crew. We’re all in this together. 🍀 As for my PS4 relationship, if my RDR2 progress is any indication, it’s been stunted at 63% for months and if anyone spoils the end for me before I wrap on B25 I’m going to be p---ed,” the director said, referencing the hit game “Red Dead Redemption 2.”

For those unfamiliar with gaming lingo, the director is saying that he’s only progressed through 63 percent of the storyline and hasn’t had time to finish the game, which came out in October, and therefore doesn't know how the story ends. According to IGN, the game's campaign can take up to 60 hours in total. Fukunaga claims that being hard at work on “Bond 25” is what’s holding him back, which runs in contrast to rumors that he sat for an intense gaming session while he was supposed to be working.

HALLE BERRY CHOOSES NEXT JAMES BOND ACTOR: 'I'D GO FOR HIM'

Fans are sensitive about any delays to “Bond 25” as it’s production has already been marred by an accident on set that forced star, Daniel Craig, to undergo ankle surgery and stop working for two weeks. However, producers said that they were still able to continue without him and that the film is still expected to drop in April 2020 as planned.

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Also starring in the film are Jeffrey Wright, Rami Malek, Ana de Armas, Lashana Lynch, Billy Magnussen, David Dencik and Dali Benssalah. Returning franchise cast members include Ralph Fiennes, Lea Seydoux, Naomie Harris, Rory Kinnear and Ben Whishaw.

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2019-06-21 14:07:22Z
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