The next 80's Toy franchise to get a comic book is... not one I was expecting

[icon_uk]

In recent years we've had a spate of 80's toy related comic book launches.

Now, I'm not counting Transformers and GI Joe as they never really felt like they went away, but in recent years we've had a number of toy related titles ranging from the superb (Jem) to the middling (Rom) and the rather disappointing (Visionaries)

We've also see TV reboot everything from He-Man (in 2003 I grant you, but it was good), Thundercats (The terrific 2011 series and the 2018 one which might be a bit more questionable), My Little Pony (managing to get into it's 8th season and a theatrical movie) and Duck Tales (sublime).

However, I think it's safe to say I did not expect this.



A new all ages comic featuring a character I don't think I've ever even seen the opening credits of the cartoon of...





This is the official Press Release from Dynamite Entertainment.

Dynamite Entertainment and Hallmark today announced the classic character Rainbow Brite comes to comics and brings a little color to your life! The adventure begins for children and adults alike, as writer Jeremy Whitley (My Little Pony, Unstoppable Wasp) and artist Brittney Williams (Patsy Walker, A.K.A. Hellcat!, Goldie Vance) deliver a brand new all-ages monthly series.

Following the massive success of younger reader titles such as Grumpy Cat, Boo: The World’s Cutest Dog, and Bob’s Burgers, Nancy Drew, Dynamite Entertainment welcomes the most colorful girl in the world, Rainbow Brite, to their fall 2018 lineup.

“Rainbow Brite captured the imaginations of kids born in the ’80s (like myself) as a fantasy heroine who could change the world not just through magic, but through kindness,” stated author Jeremy Whitley. “She is a symbol of what can happen when we all work together and fight back against the shadows that want to drain all of the color from the world.”

In Rainbow Brite, Wisp and Willow are best friends who live in a small town. They are inseparable, until one night Wisp discovers something is stealing the color from the world. To escape their grasp, Wisp must use her wits and the help of a new friend…from somewhere else! Then the adventure begins…

“The world needs a young hero clad in a rainbow now more than ever in a world where things are often simplified into black and white and it’s easy for people to turn their back on people not like them,” added Whitley.

Jeremy Whitley is scheduled to sign Rainbow Brite posters from 4-5:30pm on Saturday, July 21 at the PopMinded by Hallmark booth #1505 at San Diego Comic-Con 2018.

“We’re very excited to release this series for younger readers,” said Nick Barrucci, CEO and Publisher of Dynamite Entertainment. “Rainbow Brite has some history in comics, so we’re pleased to bring her back to print with Jeremy’s story which fans of all ages will love.”

The debut issue of Rainbow Brite #1 delivers a wide selection of cover variants, providing fans and retailers a chance to collect the whole set! The cover artwork features the talents of Paulina Ganucheau (Zodiac Starforce), Tony Fleecs (My Little Pony), and a classic cover, respectively.

A Blank Authentix Edition will be available as a variant for Rainbow Brite #1 featuring the same great story, but with a blank cover for fans to get their favorite artist to draw their version of Rainbow Brite and friends.

Rainbow Brite #1 will be solicited in Diamond Comic Distributors’ August 2018 Previews catalog, the premier source of merchandise for the comic book specialty market, and slated for release in October 2018. Comic book fans are encouraged to reserve copies of Rainbow Brite #1 with their local comic book retailers. Rainbow Brite #1 will also be available for individual customer purchase through digital platforms courtesy of Comixology, Kindle, iBooks, Google Play, Dynamite Digital, iVerse, Madefire, and Dark Horse Digital.


I feel woefully ill equipped to comment, so does anyone else on the community with actually memories of this have any opinions/memories?



 

Comments

[cygnia]

I wonder if the comic will blame Murky Dismal's mother issues like the cartoon did...?

[kamino_neko]

We've also see TV reboot everything from He-Man (in 2003 I grant you, but it was good), Thundercats (The terrific 2011 series and the 2018 one which might be a bit more questionable), My Little Pony (managing to get into it's 8th season and a theatrical movie) and Duck Tales (sublime).

Don't forget She-Ra, which we've gotten a few looks at the designs for in the last few days. (I am actually not a fan of She-Ra's...she's wearing bike shorts, which doesn't work with the rest of the design. Breeches would have worked a lot better...with different boots. Her leg coverings are just a disaster, really. Catra is kinda adorable, though.)

[Edit - scrolled down further and see you mentioned She-Ra in the OTT thread. Heh.]

[joetuss]

No Silverhawks?

[icon_uk]

Not yet! :)

[freezer]

I find the lack of a Voltron mention disturbing.

[icon_uk]

Oops, my bad! :)

[freezer]

Seriously, though, the show is awesome (Even if the end of Season 6 was a bit Excuse Plot/Sequel Bait-y) and anyone who hasn't checked out Legendary Defender really should. The seventh (and presumably final) season drops in August. #IllStopNow

[janegray]

I respectfully disagree. I've grown to truly despise the show.

YMMV, different strokes for different folks.

[freezer]

If you don't mind elaborating on your disdain? The worst I've heard from people about the show is "Meh. S'alright."

[dewinged]

Voltron is contracted for 78 half-hour episodes. Season 6 ended with episode #52.

[locuatico]

From what I have heard, there is actually a huge Deviantart fandom dedicated to magical girl Au of this franchise.

[icon_uk]

Well, Jem got off the ground partly due to Sophie Cambells beautiful redesigns on her DA page, so there's precedent.

I'm just pleased it's aiming to be all ages.

[ericadawn16]

Rainbow Brite's merchandise line is still alive and kicking...and adding characters...at Hallmark stores.

[janegray]

Hum... I never liked Rainbow Brite as a kid, but I do like that cover a lot. I'd be curious to check the comic out.

[tripodeca113]

I think I'm too young to know what this is.

[sindra]

You missed out on a truly magical time to be a kid.

[icon_uk]

It also meant they missed out on Teddy Ruxpin and Rubik the Magic Cube, so these things tend to balance out! ;)

[remial]

my first thought is "if you though Jem and the Holograms" got f***ed in comics and a live action movie, hold my beer..."

[icon_uk]

The movie I won't argue on, but I thought the Jem comic was pretty darned incredible as a reboot.

And since this aimed for all ages, and is from Jeremy Whitley, the creator of Princeless, I think this one is in safe hands.

[ericadawn16]

I want Jem to have another tv series or movie BUT it must be based off Thompson and Campbell. It was just so perfect.

[sindra]

I secretly wondered if we'd get a Rainbow Brite reboot. It was ripe for bringing back. I was just old enough to remember watching the original cartoon and knew this (and Strawberry Shortcake) had potential.

[icon_uk]

"Strawberry Shortcake" has had a recent cartoon remake, as have the "Care Bears" come to that.

[ericadawn16]

Rainbow Brite has had previous remakes actually. There was a 1996 line of dolls that was weird. 2003 had a line almost like the originals. 2009 and 2014 both had webisodes based on Rainbow Brite but by different companies. However, Hallmark now has full control and are making sure everything is in the spirit of the original series which makes me very intrigued about this new comic.

[freezer]

Full disclosure: 90% of what I know of Rainbow Brite comes from Robot Chicken and Rule 34.

[tcampbell1000]

This is such a DEEPLY WEIRD cover design. It's not exactly dark or edgy or sexualized, but it's got this "heh heh I'm a badass" vibe that I don't associate with the character at all. I feel like maybe I've seen it applied to another character more appropriately, but I can't remember who or where.

[endis_ni]

I am squeakingly excited! I loved Rainbow Brite as a very small Ni, I wouldn't be surprised if my Mum still has my RB pillowcases on top of the wardrobe.

In retrospect now though, this is probably the best medium to bring back those little Rainbow Sprites, and I'm rather hoping the Colour Kids are going to get some minor costume tweaks, because the early 80s were the haven of some dicey fashion choices.

[icon_uk]

Yeah, I think I see what you mean! :D

[endis_ni]

Indigo! Shy Violet! My two favourites growing up!

Wow, Patty O'Green was a bad idea on several different levels, wasn't she?

[icon_uk]

Faith and Begorrah! This colleen wouldn't be hailing from the Emerald Isle now would she be?

[endis_ni]

I don't remember if she had a dodgy accent (there's a mercy, at least!) but I think it's safe to say that's what they were going for.