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DEFIANT: THE STORY OF ROBERT SMALLS

From LEGION M...

"After years of development and support from our incredible community, the first volume of the DEFIANT graphic novel is finally complete and we are so happy to report that it turned out even better than we could have imagined.

The combination of Robert Smalls’ extraordinary true story, with the poignant and historically accurate writing from Rob Edwards (Captain America: Brave New World, The Princess and the Frog, King of Kings), and the artistic brilliance of the Stranger Comics creative team makes this book something truly special. It’s not just gorgeous to look at, it’s a compelling and emotional read that feels both timeless and urgent.

A FIRST LOOK: PROTOTYPE PHOTOS

We’re thrilled to share a few raw, unedited photos of the printed book we just received. Seeing it in hand for the first time was a moment we’ll never forget and we wanted you to be among the very first to get a peek. These are hot off the press and give you a real sense of the quality and care that has gone into this awesome book.

MAKE IT A BESTSELLER

The official launch is set for Juneteenth (June 19)! Our goal is to turn this masterpiece into a bestselling and award-winning graphic novel and we need your help to make that happen. So if you haven’t already, now’s the time to pre-order your copy on Amazon, where all sales count toward the bestseller lists. Or if you prefer to support local bookstores, you can also find the book at Bookshop.org

Plus... BIG NEWS ON THE FILM IS COMING SOON!"

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MY DEAD FRIEND ZOE is now available to watch from the comfort of home! So if you didn't have a chance to catch this award-winning film while it was in theaters (or you just want to watch it again) — now's your chance! AMAZON APPLE

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GET YOUR TICKETS — the film (starring Morgan Freeman, Ed Harris, Sonequa Martin-Green, Natalie Morales, Utkarsh Ambudkar, and Gloria Reuben) hits theaters nationwide THIS WEEK, starting with early sneak peek showings on February 27th! NOTE: not only is MY DEAD FRIEND ZOE entertaining, but it's also a movie that has the potential to have a positive impact on the lives of veterans and their families (and really anyone who has ever struggled with loss or grief in their lives). To best ensure that as many people as possible can see the film (particularly those who need it the most), Legion M is also proud to support a PAY IT FORWARD campaign for the film. Managed though the Bob Woodruff Foundation, 100% of funds contributed go towards free tickets for vets to this film, community screenings, and supporting veteran nonprofits.

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THE MAN IN THE WHITE VAN is now available on-demand!!

Watch via: Apple TV Amazon

(or your favorite VOD platform!)

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THE MAN IN THE WHITE VAN - Review

DISTRIBUTOR: Relativity Media

SYNOPSIS: In 1975 Florida, before the term "serial killer" was coined by the FBI, a string of violent disappearances linked to a mysterious white van went unnoticed. The film follows Annie, a young woman targeted by the van's driver, her concerns are dismissed by her parents and she's drawn into a terrifying ordeal. Based on the true story of Billy Mansfield Jr., the film portrays a chilling reality of a relentless stalker shattering a young woman's life in a simpler time.

REVIEW: Warren Skeels' "The Man in the White Van" masterfully blends true crime and horror, delivering a captivating and suspenseful entry to a successful year for the genres.

The film, written by Warren Skeels and Sharon Y. Cobb, focuses on Annie, her family, and the white van, effectively capturing the essence of the 1970s. The family dynamic portrays the concerns of that era and skillfully develops the characters. The story interweaves family scenes with Annie's passion for horseback riding and school, interspersed with flashbacks of the man's previous victims, building to Annie's encounter. Annie is portrayed as a strong, intelligent young woman, refreshingly assuming the "final girl" role. The parents' beliefs, such as "children should be seen and not heard" and dismissing Annie's concerns about the white van as attention-seeking behavior, reflect the attitudes of the time. As someone who grew up in the 70s, the dialogue and family situations felt genuine and effective.

The film effectively captures the era through its visuals, with cinematography and production design reminiscent of "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre" (1974). Like that film, this film builds tension through editing and sound design rather than excessive gore. When it comes to the ultimate confirmation, the score enhances sequences featuring the van, the man and his prey, creating an effect as potent as any classic slasher film. Period-accurate costumes, production design, and locations further immerse the viewer.

THE MAN IN THE WHITE VAN boasts a remarkable cast, with Ali Larter and Sean Astin convincingly portraying the adults of the era. Astin's interactions with the family unit evoke a sense of familiarity, reminiscent of this reviewer's own grandfather personality and philosophy. The sibling dynamics are expertly presented by Wolfe, Bassinger, and Warren. Wolfe shines as the emotionally strong middle child, contrasting with Bassinger's portrayal of the favored older child. The trio's chemistry is undeniable, particularly evident when the stalker's threat escalates. Wolfe seamlessly transitions into the heroine, while Bassinger embodies the damsel in distress. Their earlier lighthearted interactions add depth to the evolving tension and suspense. Wolfe, a seasoned young actress in the horror genre, delivers a multifaceted and powerful performance that surpasses the typical "final girl" trope.

Warren Skeels' debut feature film, THE MAN IN THE WHITE VAN, is an exceptional and memorable blend of true crime and horror. The film excels in capturing the 1970s setting and features a talented cast delivering an intense and thrilling experience. Scott Thomas Borland's memorable score effectively enhances the visuals and performances. Madison Wolfe's performance is phenomenal. The tale here is one of several stories based on the real-life serial killer Billy Mansfield Jr., and a potential possible sequel is hinted at with the closing scene. Skeels has also mentioned having a screenplay ready for a supernatural thriller, and based on his work in THE MAN IN THE WHITE VAN, I eagerly anticipate his next film.

CAST: Madison Wolfe, Brec Bassinger, Skai Jackson, Ali Larter, Gavin Warren, Sean Astin, Andy Sibley and Blake Drivas. CREW: Director/Screenplay/Producer - Warren Skeels; Screenplay - Sharon Y. Cobb; Producers - Anne Marie Gillen, Terri Lubaroff, Paul Scanlan & Michael Nole; Cinematographer - Gareth Paul Cox; Score - Scott Thomas Borland; Editor - Billy Gaggins; Production Designer - Lauren palding; Costume Designer - Tiger Curran; Special Effects Foreman - George Landrum Jr.; Visual Effects Consultant - Andru Davies. OFFICIAL: N.A. FACEBOOK: @WhiteVanMovie TWITTER: x.com/whitevanmovie TRAILER: https://youtu.be/IiDUCGPwxQs?si=XBsxOddQJNjp4N-O RELEASE DATE: In select theaters December 13th, 2024 FEARSmag Interview with WARREN SKEELS: HERE

**Until we can all head back into the theaters our “COVID Reel Value” will be similar to how you rate a film on digital platforms - 👍 (Like), 👌 (It’s just okay), or 👎 (Dislike)

Reviewed by Joseph B Mauceri

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The Man in the White Van opens in theaters across the country THIS FRIDAY (12/13/24)!! Tickets are on sale now! Find your closest theater and access exclusive discount offers here!

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From Legion M: "FTW?!? My Dead Friend Zoe hasn’t even released, but is already on a top 10 list with classics like Deer Hunter, Born on the 4th of July, and All’s Quiet on the Western Front. Thank you Collider.com for the honor — we CAN’T WAIT for everyone to see this when it hits theaters Feb 28!"

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Actress Natalie Morales joins Kyle Meredith With to talk about directing Andrew Bird, her Pearl Jam fandom, & diversity in the film industry.

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Do you plan to do any in-store events for "Defiant: The Story of Robert Smalls"?

This is an unofficial blog, but if we hear about anything that Legion M and/or Stranger Comics is planning, we'll be sure to share it. You if you are interested, you can also sign up here to get direct updates from Legion M, as well: https://join.legionm.com/robert-smalls-defiant/

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In theaters on Friday the 13th (in December)!

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Got plans this December? You do now! The Man in the White Van will be hitting theaters across the country on Friday the 13th!

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From the Legion M website... As announced last month, the retail editions of the Defiant: The Story of Robert Smalls Comic Books are hitting comic shops across the country over the next few months. Comic Issue #2 will be release in shops in December. So for the next couple of weeks (until October 24th), retailers can pre-order these special editions (featuring a unique cover different from our Kickstarter and Comic-Con versions), but we need your help to get Defiant into as many stores as possible!

Typically, independent comics often don’t make it onto shelves unless there's demand, and that’s where the power of the Legion comes in. By reaching out to your local comic shops and requesting Defiant Comic Book #2, you can help ensure they stock it. More books in stores mean more people discover the incredible story of Robert Smalls, which brings us one step closer to seeing it on the big screen.

We’d be so grateful if you could share the order codes below with your favorite comic retailers and encourage them to place a pre-order. Even better, if you don’t mind spending a few extra dollars, you can place an order for one (or more if you are aiming to get the “virgin” variant cover) yourself. Your support makes all the difference, and we couldn’t do this without you!

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Catalog: In the October "Diamond Previews" catalog (which comic shops can order from), Defiant Comic Book #2 will be listed under "Stranger Comics" which can be found in the independent publisher section on page 386.

What's Available For Pre-Order:

Defiant #2 Caanan White Main Cover - Diamond Order Code OCT241923

Defiant #2 1:10 Virgin Retailer Incentive Cover - Diamond Order Code OCT241924

Variant "Virgin" Cover: A virgin cover means that the full cover image is depicted without titles or logos. For Defiant Comic Book #2, there is a 1 in 10 ratio variant (often depicted as 1:10) that is a virgin of the main cover. This means that for every 10 regular copies a retailer orders, they can order 1 copy of the virgin cover, which helps to preserve the limited nature of the variant. With that in mind, while you may request the virgin variant from your retailer, they will likely charge more or require that you order more copies to be able to get it.

For folks that can't make it to stores: Can’t make it to your local shop in-person? You can pre-order through Diamond's Pullbox Service.

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Newest film - going into production soon!!