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Reporting on the Planet Daily FREE Volume 7 | Issue 2 dailyplanetdc.com August 14, 2020

DCPUBLISHER HIT WITH COMICS MAJOR LAYOFFS, LOSES 1/3 OF ITS WORKFORCE By Zack Benz Daily Planet

Monday’s WarnerMedia layoffs have affected a signif- icant number of high-level figures at DC Comics, ac- cording to The Reporter. Among those losing their jobs are editor-in-chief Bob Harris, senior VP of publish- ing strategy and support services Hank Kanalz, VP of marketing and creative ser- vices Jonah Weiland, VP global publishing initiatives and digital strategy Bobbie Chase, senior story editor Brian Cunningham, and ex- ecutive editor Mark Doyle, who oversaw the rollout of the Black Label graphic novels. Jim Lee remains the CCO. About one third of DC’s editorial staff members will be laid off. DC Direct, DC Comics’ merchandising and collectables manufacturer of 22 years, was also stricken by layoffs and will be closed for DC Comics is one of the world’s leading publishers. The company is home to numerous iconic characters including , and Wonder the time being. Woman. The DC Logo is a trademark of DC Comics “DC Universe was DOA as soon as the AT&T merger happened,” said one source to . Massive showcase set for DC FanDome on August 22 The streaming service, DC The ultimate 24-hour Imagine all the Super He- woman, , Black exclusive footage, and ven- your level of fandom, there Universe, has seen a large experience for the world’s roes and Super-Villains Lightning, DC Super Hero ture into themed worlds is something for you. portion of their staff mem- greatest fans is almost you’ve ever loved finally Girls, DC’s Legends of To- designed to entertain , Chair and bers laid off as well. Not sur- here. coming together in one morrow, DC’s Stargirl, everyone from movie and Chief Executive Officer, prising as WarnerMedia has Mark your calendars for place to celebrate DC’s Doom Patrol, The , TV superfans to gamers Warner Bros., said, “There is been shifting its focus to A u g u s t 2 2 a t D C Fa n- past, present and future. Harley Quinn, the Snyder- and readers, to families no fan like a DC fan. For HBO Max in recent weeks. Dome.com Accessible for 24 hours at Cut of , Lu- and kids. With special pre- more than 85 years, the DC Universe is home to Join fans from all 7 D C Fa n D o m e .co m , t h e c i f e r , P e n n y w o r t h , sentations to engage fans world has turned to DC’s live -a c tion series such continents for the largest global event will immerse SHAZAM!, The Suicide in every time zone across inspiring heroes and sto- a s D o o m gathering of talent, fans into the DC Multi- Squad, , Super- the globe, you’ll have the ries to lift us up and enter- Patrol, and Stargirl announcements and con- v e r s e , w i t h n e w a n- man & Lois, Teen Titans opportunity to have an ex- tain us, and this massive, (which is moving to The tent reveals in the history nouncements f rom WB GO!, Titans, , perience that’s all your immersive digital event CW), as well as the popular of DC. Games, Film and TV, and : own. Inside this virtual will give everyone new animated series, Young Jus- On Saturday, August 22, comics, as well as an un- and, coming this fall to world, fans will also get ac- ways to personalize their tice and Harley Quinn. Many starting at 10 a.m. PDT, precedented opportunity theaters worldwide, Won- cess to localized events, journey through the DC said shows are now available Warner Bros. will welcome to hear from the casts and der Woman 1984. featuring the faces and Universe without lines, on HBO Max. DC Universe fans everywhere into the creators behind your fa- The DC FanDome is the voices f rom countries without tickets and with- launched in May 2018. DC FanDome—a free vir- vorite feature films and TV place to hear highly antici- around the world in their out boundaries. The layoffs came as DC tual fan experience where series, including: Aqua- pated announcements local language. No matter Comics was on the precipice no badge is required. man, , Bat- and the latest news, see where you live, your age or Continued on Page 4 of their major online event, DC Fandome. The 24 hour event is set for Aug. 22 and consists of a massive star studded line up from across the . An official DC Comics statement has not yet been made. Want your byline on this page? Contact us at our contribution page online! dailyplanetdc.com @DailyPlanetDC | 1 Funnies August 14, 2020

Continued in next weeks online edition.

Uncovering the truth in Minnesota By Sarah Knieff & Izabel John- Sarah is currently a senior son at the University of Min- nesota Duluth and will The Daily Planet is excited graduate in December 2020 to announce our new col- with a bachelor’s in journal- laboration with investiga- ism and a minor in profes- tive podcast, “Uncovering sional writing. the Truth in Minnesota” The inspiration for the “Uncovering the Truth in podcast comes from Sarah Minnesota” is an investiga- and Izabel’s love for writing. tive podcast based out of They wanted to be able to the state of Minnesota. Un- use journalism on their own constrained, unbiased, and terms in order to bring is- driven for the truth, follow sues to light that they be- Sarah Knieff and Izabel l i eve h ave n’ t re ce i ve d Johnson as they use jour- enough public attention. nalism to tell the untold sto- The podcast will feature ries of Minnesota. episodes on current news, Izabel is a senior at the cold cases, political issues, University of Minnesota Du- unsolved mysteries, sex traf- luth and will graduate in ficking, the dark history of The Daily Planet is where heroes are born and the story continues. We are proud to report on the planet, daily. The Planet is a nonprofit news organization inspired by DC Comics. Our organization prides itself on journalistic integrity. We hope to help inform the world in order to make it a better place. All of our December 2020 with a Minnesota, and much more. writers and content contributors are volunteers from across the globe with a passion for comics, writing, news and entertainment. The Daily Planet has always been a beacon of hope for our publisher, Zack Benz. It is his life’s mission to make it shine in a similar light to so many around the world. We’re a voice for the people by Bachelor’s degree in jour- Follow Sarah and Izabel the people. Except as noted, all books, titles, characters, character names, slogans, logos, and related indicia are trademarks and copyright of DC Comics and/or WildStorm Productions, an imprint of DC Comics. nalism and a minor in as they uncover the hidden We are not paid for, sponsored by, or affiliated with DC Comics or Warner Brothers. side of Minnesota. The Daily Planet logo was originally designed by Jason Sweers. communication. The DC logo is a trademark of DC Comics. dailyplanetdc.com @DailyPlanetDC | 2 News August 14, 2020 The Bark and its bite The battle to save a news organization

By Zack Benz Statesman made its re- Daily Planet branding transition into The Bark. A more suitable The University of Min- name for a news organiza- nesota Duluth’s (UMD) tion at a university with a student news organization, bulldog mascot in the The Bark, allowed me the middle of a nature centric chance to accept myself city. wholeheartedly. That’s why It was modern, colorful Kirby’s decision to evict the and multimedia focused. student news organization Their main goal was to from their office broke my catch up with today’s era heart. I was angry. I still am. bringing the news that The Bark serves as the matters to each student official news organization and faculty member at for UMD and not only in- UMD. I was honored to be a forms over 10,000 students part of such an organiza- and faculty, but the Twin tion. Ports regional community I flourished there. I broke as well. out of my shell and found “You were timid but ea- my community. As I previ- ger,” 2018 Editor-in-Chief ously stated during an in- Natalie Grant said. “You terview in a Duluth News 'The Bark' team from the 2019 Fall Semester. Photo courtesy UMD's Minnesota Public Interest Research Group (MPIRG) were very introverted and I Tribune article, I wouldn’t could tell you wanted to have stayed at the school if belong somewhere. And I not for The Bark. program is expanding to to hear of the eviction with The Bark has meant a lot media responsibility, with could tell you were super I felt more and more become a full-year first no prior communication. to Stang. It’s where she priority assigned to certain eager to learn and help. It comfortable in my own year experience. Because “It was a shock to hear a cemented some of her standards of fairness and was ref reshing to see skin as time went on. I of this change, we find staple of the university best friendships and al- integrity. The Bark is a someone who cared so opened up to others and ourselves in the unfortu- [could] be so easily pushed lowed her the chance to publication created by much about the organiza- started connecting. I felt so nate position of needing to aside,” Cornelius said. advance in her field of students and published by tion. The Bark was your welcomed at UMD, thanks use The Bark’s current According to Cornelius, study. Something we both the University of Min- home immediately.” to The Bark, that I came space for our program.” the eviction was especially have in common. nesota Duluth Board of I remember the mo- out. The Bark, and those The email continued on upsetting because she “It allowed me to try Publications. It seeks to ment she was talking involved, absolutely saved stating that Kirby needed worked so hard to ensure something I was interested provide fair, informative, about with such clarity it my life. It also helped me the space for their student the publication’s survival. in and since has helped me responsible and profes- could’ve taken place yes- g r o w a s a j o u r n a l i s t workers. “After all the financial meet some of my best sional coverage of UMD terday. It was a sunny af- through practice. “We have explored other downfalls The Bark had friends and grow exponen- students, faculty, staff and ternoon and I was wander- “[You became] punctual, alternatives in the building, received in recent years, it tially in my field,” Stang their surrounding com- ing around without cause. I reliable, and ethical,” Kot- but we simply don’t have was left at a very promising stated. “It’s given me so munities.” honestly don’t know what tke said about my progres- the space to run it any- point regardless of COVID much practice at talking to “I believe, very much, in possessed me to walk to sion. “You could be count- where else,” the email stat- impacts [at the end of people and speaking up the role of the news,” Uni- the outdoor fair. The only ed on, and for a college- ed. “As you can imagine, Spring 2020].” with my ideas.” versity of Minnesota Presi- places I would go were student run news org, that time is of the essence as The “financial downfalls” This passion helped dent Joan Gabel said dur- classes and my apartment. was a big deal. You took on welcome week approach- Cornelius noted were a spark Stang’s choice in re- ing a recorded 2019 con- “You were quiet yet curi- harder topics. You covered es, so we need to take resi- drop in advertising rev- sponse. Stang reached out versation on recent events ous and seemed like you protests and le- to the universi- that affected The Bark. “It’s had gathered up a lot of gal cases. You t y ’ s B o a r d o f a difficult time, nationally, courage to approach our maintained your “We view the eviction as an attempt to sup- Publications, a around freedom of infor- table,” 2018 Art Director s t r o n g m o r a l committee cre- mation and respect for the Becka Kottke, said. “You code through- press our First Amendment rights.” ated to protect role of journalism and signed your name to our out.” The Bark, who journalism with integrity.” - THE BARK 2020-2021 STAFF little clipboard and showed These were all advised that she Gabel stated that prop- up to the next team meet- attributes I couldn’t have dence in the office by Au- enue and major budget draft a letter of response. erly reported news is im- ing. I remember feeling retained if not for the work gust 1” cuts to the magazine from Kirby later responded portant to society but elated when several people I’ve done for The Bark. I The email also stated Student Services Fees. after the letter gained budgets can be a really who had put their also covered a compo- that since The Bark has “I genuinely hope that some publicity. tough conversation to names actually showed up, nent for graduation at the made its transition to a the university starts to According to The Bark, have. Gabel thinks many of you being one of them.” publication: my internship digital first news source show more love and ap- Kirby permitted the stu- society’s “critical functions” Kottke mentioned that requirement. The Bark of- they hadn’t been utilizing preciation to the students dent publication to stay in have to rethink what they having others show up to fers the opportunity for the space. This couldn’t be who make up The Bark or- their office for the upcom- do in order to be efficient. the team meeting made journalism major students further from the truth. As a ganization,” Cornelius said. ing school year, or until a “The hope would be that her feel like more people, to intern, a convenience for former student worker at “Several colleges are repre- new home was found. The [ n e w s o r g a n i z a t i o n s ] than those already in- those who don’t have the The Bark, I can attest the sented within The Bark of- fight continues for the wo u l d n’ t s h u t d ow n ,” volved, cared about the means for transportation. office was used often. fice and that shouldn’t go publication to secure a Gabel said. “That’s a sin- organization. She also As time progressed, I It was a space for meet- so unnoticed and unap- permanent home. cere hope. Before we mentioned that I was very was promoted from intern ings, interviews and always preciated.” This eviction felt like a would reach a critical different. to reporter and advanced remained open to the A f t e r r e c e i v i n g t h e final nail on what would’ve point like [a shut down] we “You were timid in meet- all the way to print manag- campus community. It was alarming email, the current been The Bark’s coffin at should be able to have on- ings at first, but as you be- ing editor, all phenomenal a space for everybody, and Bark staff didn’t know UMD. After continuous going conversations.” came more comfortable in titles for my resume. My everyone used it. what to do. With most pre- pressure, obscure obsta- For me, having the op- the office you spoke up work with The Bark also Worse yet, The Bark paring for the upcoming cles and what seemed like portunity to record history more often,” Kottke said. rewarded me with seven thought the office was part school year during a pan- impractical hoops for the while also providing a “More than anything, as Minnesota Newspaper As- of their rental agreement demic, staff members were paper to jump through, voice to those in need was you took on more and sociation College Better with Kirby. The student caught off guard. support f rom UMD felt incredibly insightful. The more stories, we began to N e w s p a p e r C o n t e s t news organization pays “I had no warning or scarce. Any community Bark was my home away notice the talent shining awards. $10,000 for their office and idea that this could hap- without access to fair, un- f rom home, and even through your writing.” The Bark received an Kirby services annually. pen to us and happen so biased reporting suffers though I’ve graduated The reason I remained email from UMD’s Kirby “We did pay for the fast,” current Editor-in- from misinformation. from UMD, I’ll continue to so meek and confined was Student Center July 21. The space according to Jeni Chief Heidi Stang said. “I The Bark’s introduction assist in the fight to pre- because I’m gay. Coming email was sent by Assistant Eltink,” former Business was also just immediately to their code of ethics de- serve the organization. f rom the Iron Range, Director of the Kirby Stu- Manager Courtney Cor- distressed because I had scribes the importance of There would not be a where being different dent Center Jessica Gile nelius said. Jeni Eltink is no clue where we were go- press best. Daily Planet if not for The wasn’t historically accept- Eaton who gave The Bark the Director of Kirby. ing to go or how we were “The First Amendment Bark, and for that I am for- able, I kept that part of my- nine days to vacate their “In prior years we did not going to keep track of protects freedom of ex- ever grateful. self hidden. I didn’t want home. have the funds to pay but everything. I immediately pression. The United States anyone else to know be- “Kirby is now the home we did this year,” Cornelius called Grace Henriksen Court, almost cause I hadn’t accepted it. of Bulldog Beginnings,” the continued. [the current Business Man- without exception, has re- Later that semester, Oc- email read. “Rather than Cornelius stated that it ager] and told her what inforced that f reedom. tober 2017 to be exact, The just welcome week, this was extremely frustrating was happening.” That freedom demands dailyplanetdc.com @DailyPlanetDC | 3 Features August 14, 2020 DC FanDome continued Lois Lane proves you don’t need from page 1 With DC FanDome, we’re able to give fans from superpowers to be a hero around the world an excit- ing and unparalleled way to connect with all their fa- By Brianna Taggart while investigating the vorite DC characters, as well Daily Planet truth and always fighting as the incredible talent who for the freedom of the bring them to life on the people. And, just like their page and screen.” BOOM! POW! superh ero boyf rien ds, KABAM! they’re constantly striving Guest list and putting themselves in The disguised hero • harm’s way to make the skirts around a building • Anna Diop world a better place. keeping their eye on the • Asher Angel As a woman journalist, villain wreaking havoc • Barbara Muschietti these characters mean among the city, waiting for • Brandon McKnight everything to me. They their next move. They pull • Brandon Vietti show that you don’t have out their superpower from • Brec Bassinger to be from an otherworldly within and capture photos • Brenton Thwaites place or get bit from a ra- of the in order to • Brett Dalton dioactive spider in order to seize the truth on film. • Brian Michael Bendis help make the world a bet- They frantically write • Caity Lotz ter place. Many times, we down what they see and • Candice Patton meet these characters hear until they have the • Carlos Valdes chasing down the same chance to inevitably and • China Anna McClain villains as their super coun- metaphorically pull the • Chris Daughtry mask off the villain, putting • them behind bars and re- • Clay Enos vealing the truth to the • Hans Zimmer people. The disguised pro- • Curran Walters tagonist once again wins • Dan Jurgens the battle for democracy • Danica McKellar and freedom and helps • Danielle Panabaker give a voice to the voice- • Darren Criss less. • David Harewood Who did you think of • Dwayne Johnson when reading this? Did you • Elizabeth Tulloch think of Superman, The • Ezra Miller Flash, Spiderman, Batman, • Captain America or anoth- • Gene Luen Yang er one of your favorite su- • Grant Morrison perheroes? Plot twist: it • Grant Gustin was about none of them • Greg Berlanti but rather their investiga- • Greg Weisman tive journalist girlfriends— Lois Lane has been a part of the Superman mythos since the beginning, always inspiring girls and boys to be their best. Photo • Idris Elba Lois Lane, Iris West, and courtesy DC Comics • Jai Courtney Gwen Stacey. • • Jim Lee The unexpected hero terparts. like watching two heroes As a budding journalist it is viduals they have never • John Dimaggio I have grown up watch- They reflect courage in fighting against a third. intimidating to be entering met. • John Glover ing these strong women their eyes when they chase She inspired me my senior the field that has been For the past couple of • John Cena on the big screen. I have down a story they’re pas- year of high school to con- dubbed “an enemy of the years, I have felt an eeriness • Joshua Orpin grown to see them posi- sionate about. They just tinue pursuing my love of people” by the current U.S. floating in the journalism • Kaley Cuoco tively influence the world don a press badge, a note- journalism. president. field. However, Lois Lane’s • Lynda Carter book, and a recorder in- Because of that, repre- character, along with the and fight for what they be- Fighting our own vil- • Marc Guggenheim lieve in and they continue stead of a suit. senting these strong fe- other powerful women • Margot Robbie to inspire me. As disappointing as “Bat- lains male characters is becom- journalists found in both • In many ways, they are man v Superman: Dawn of Unfortunately, journal- ing more and more impor- Marvel and DC Comics, has • Matt Bomer heroes of their own: fight- Justice” was for me, Lois ists in reality are facing tant. Media is important. given me hope and pride • Nathan Fillion ing for what they believe in Lane was the one shining their own villain. It’s impactful. It is what for the field. • while going up against light. She was always on a The term “fake news” helps shape how people I may not have lighting • people who may be bigger mission and helped fight has sadly become an om- view the world and tells speed, be able to fly, have • and stronger than them alongside Superman. It was nipresent discussion lately. countless stories of indi- super strength, or be able • Wright to shoot spider webs out of • Robyn Smith my hands that allow me to • Ron Funches swing from buildings, but I • Ryan Potter do have the articles that I • Scott Snyder write. And the truth behind • Sean Gunn them. • Tara Strong Who cares about being • Teagan Croft like Superman? I want to • Tim Daly be like Lois Lane. • Todd Helbing • Tyler Hoechlin Editors note: This arti- • Val Kilmer cle was originally pub- • Viola Davis lished in 2019. We’ve se- • Vita Ayala lected to republish in hon- • Walter Garcia or of the icons birthday, • Wesley Barker which will be Monday, Aug. • Wilson Cruz 17. Lois Lane’s career spans • Yancey Labat more than eight decades. • Yolanda Ross Superman, the World’s • Yuri Lowenthal Greatest Super Hero, has • Yvette Monreal had the love of Lois Lane • Zachary Levi since he first appeared • way back in 1938. Without • Ziggy Marley Lois, there would be no Su- perman. Check out DC FanDome’s complete line up at this Zack Benz fantastic list, composed by In most forms of media Lois Lane is a beacon for the Man of Steel, the key to him remembering that all that power doesn’t make Editor-in-Chief Alex Zalben from Decider you a god. They don’t even make you super, it’s what’s inside that does. Photo courtesy Warner Brothers dot com. dailyplanetdc.com @DailyPlanetDC | 4