The Saturday Post: Classics Re-imagined, Movies & More

The Saturday Post has been absent for the last couple of weeks for a variety of reasons that I won’t bore you with … but regardless, it’s BACK and let’s get on with a recap of the latest YA-related news:

* Fans of The Hunger Games were (mostly) bummed to learn this week that director Gary Ross is not expected to return to direct the sequel, Catching Fire.

* Have you learned about #DivergentNation yet? Get ready for the release of Insurgent by Veronica Roth by checking out this link!

*Lots of new updates about the City of Bones movie, based on Cassandra Clare’s best-selling series!

* Speaking of Cassie — check out some more still images from the book trailer for City of Lost Souls.

* This week, we got to see the book trailer for Of Poseidon by Anna Banks, in stores May 22nd:

*The upcoming new book When You Were Mine by Rebecca Serle, which reimagines the story of Romeo & Juliet, is being adapted for the big screen! Here’s news about the screenwriters working on it, and information about Lily Collins in talks to star in the movie.

In this intensely romantic, modern recounting of the greatest love story ever told, Romeo’s original intended—Juliet’s cousin Rosaline—tells her side of the tale. What’s in a name, Shakespeare? I’ll tell you: Everything.     Rosaline knows that she and Rob are destined to be together. Rose has been waiting for years for Rob to kiss her—and when he finally does, it’s perfect. But then Juliet moves back to town. Juliet, who used to be Rose’s best friend. Juliet, who now inexplicably hates her. Juliet, who is gorgeous, vindictive, and a little bit crazy…and who has set her sights on Rob. He doesn’t even stand a chance.     Rose is devastated over losing Rob to Juliet. This is not how the story was supposed to go. And when rumors start swirling about Juliet’s instability, her neediness, and her threats of suicide, Rose starts to fear not only for Rob’s heart, but also for his life. Because Shakespeare may have gotten the story wrong, but we all still know how it ends…

* I’m in love with the cover & concept behind this upcoming new release, Alice in Zombieland by Gena Showalter:

She won’t resist until she’s sent every walking corpse back to its grave. Forever.

Had anyone told Alice Bell that her entire life would change course between one heartbeat and the next, she would have laughed. From blissful to tragic, innocent to ruined? Please. But that’s all it took. One heartbeat. A blink, a breath, a second, and everything she knew and loved was gone.

Her father was right. The monsters are real….

To avenge her family, Ali must learn to fight the undead. To survive, she must learn to trust the baddest of the bad boys, Cole Holland. But Cole has secrets of his own, and if Ali isn’t careful, those secrets might just prove to be more dangerous than the zombies…

* If you’re a fan of cool twists on classic literary characters, then you’ll be excited to learn about two new graphic novel series coming from Bluewater Productions (the publisher of my comic book, FAME: Suzanne Collins):

With the success of classic titles such as “Quartermain” & “Sherlock Holmes” selling out, Bluewater is expanding into new territory with two more classic literature characters Shakespeare’s Juliet and Dorian Gray.  Coming this summer are two new series.

Juliet, a young woman frozen in time by ancient magics, is woken in a strange and modern world. As she struggles to reclaim who she once was, she must contend with over 500 years of cultural change. New friends, a new career, and a budding romance are all threatened by a secret organization, and it monsters, intent on destroying her. Is theonly chance she has of saving herself is a love from her past who may be the biggest monster of them all? Can Juliet free herself from the burdens of her world and become a hero? Or is the most tragic love story of all time doomed to repeat itself?

“Juliet” #1 is out in stores in June written by Zach Hunchar (Insane Jane) and newcomer Ethan Wright. Wright will be doing both the interiors and covers for the title.

“This was an exciting opportunity for several reasons,” began writer Zachary Hunchar. “World-build is always a fun challenge, and Juliet was no different given the possibilities involving such a rich and strong character. Then, being able to work with talented artist as Ethan Wright exponentially improves the experience.

“Dorian Gray” is another updated take from Bluewater based on the classic horror novel by Oscar Wilde.  “Dorian Gray “#1 is out in July and written by Darren G. Davis & Scott Davis (Wrath of the Titans/ Blackbeard Legacy) Federico De Luca (John Saul’s: God Project). De Luca will be doing both the interiors and covers for the title.

The Grays are a cursed family. Dorian Gray IV, the last of his line, struggles with the realization that his personal demons are exactly that…a supernatural force that plagues not only the Grays but many of society’s wealthiest families. Convinced his redemption is only secured through ridding the city of demons called the Morbi, Dorian launches an ongoing crusade for his soul.

Bluewater is also releasing a comic biography of Lord of the Rings author J.R.R. Tolkien:

He imagined realms of wizards, orcs and hobbits and elevated fantasy from pulp to respected literature. J.R.R. Tolkien, the iconic author who captivated generations with his rich and complex mythology of Middle Earth, is the subject of his own tale in a special edition of Bluewater Productions’ latest biography comic title “Orbit.”

Orbit: JRR Tolkien: True Lord of the Rings, releasing this May, will be sold exclusively through comic book shops.

For the comments: Any other news you’re excited about?