Thursday, December 21, 2017
Wednesday, December 20, 2017
Sunday, December 17, 2017
Thursday, December 14, 2017
Tuesday, December 12, 2017
Thursday, December 7, 2017
Wednesday, December 6, 2017
Wednesday, November 29, 2017
Wednesday, November 22, 2017
Tuesday, November 21, 2017
Friday, November 17, 2017
Thursday, November 16, 2017
Monday, November 13, 2017
Friday, November 10, 2017
Thursday, November 9, 2017
Wednesday, November 8, 2017
Bruce Timm's Justice League
Before Samuel L. Jackson started assembling the Avengers, before Ben Affleck started gathering the League, and before Stephen Amell said "you have failed this city," Bruce Timm made a superhero shared universe that set the bar for all others. Back in the 1990's, the writer/director/producer gave us probably the greatest superhero series ever with Batman: The Animated Series, and then something great in Superman: The Animated Series. Then he brought it together with Justice League and Justice League: Unlimited. If you add Batman Beyond to the mix you've got a crossover universe that was fantastic to watch.
I remember watching Batman: The Animated Series on Saturday mornings. I was a bit older when Justice League came around in 2001, but through Netflix and streaming services I finished all four seasons many years ago. I grew up reading DC Comics, but this series introduced me to all the colorful characters DC has in their bank. I HIGHLY recommend Batman, Superman, and Justice League for anyone wanting to get a good grasp on all that DC superheroes are and can be.
With the JL heading to theaters next week for their first live-action(big screen) adaptation I thought I would share with you some of my favorite episodes of Timm's Justice Leagues series and just maybe you'll check them out to get ready for the Snyder/Whedon film.
JL: SEASON 1: EPISODES 5 & 6: THE ENEMY BELOW
Sure the series premiere 3-part was great as it introduced new characters not in the Batman and Superman cartoons like Hawkgirl, Wonder Woman, and Martain Manhunter, but these two episodes introduced us to Aquaman, and just how bad ass he can be. At the end of the first episode his brother has betrayed him to lead Atlantis against the "surface dwellers" and his infant child is about to die next to him.
Aquaman cuts off his own hand to free himself to save his child, teams up with the League to stop his brother, and ends up with a spear for a hand like he had in the comics at the time. This act of brutality was pretty raw for a show that was rated Y7 and let us know this series was not going to be all "fluff." I wonder how long till Mamoa gets his spear-hand?
JL: SEASON 2: EPISODES 1 & 2: TWILIGHT
Superman: The Animated Series finale was about Darkseid brainwashing Superman to lead his armies against Earth and losing the people's trust in the man of steel. So when Darkseid shows up at the Watchtower wanting the League's help because Brainiac is attacking Apokolips, Clark tells him to shove it. But of course, they fly off to battle, Darkseid betrays them, and Batman has to pull Superman off of Darkseid before the walls cave in on them. Part 2 ends with Clark in Batman's face saying "You know something, Bruce? You're not always right."
These episodes helped us see a different side of the big blue boy scout and also introduces us to the New Gods. We meet Orion, High Father, and a fantastic world that I hope we see live-action in the near future. Also, Superman burns through Darkseid's foot when he stomps on his face.
JL: SEASON 2: EPISODES 11 & 12: A BETTER WORLD
The Justice League meet an alternative version of themselves. They come from a reality where Lex Luthor has become president and killed the Flash. Also, Superman kills Luthor. The team is chained up while the Justice Lords try and bring peace to a reality not their own. This episode is very important to set-up the series from here on.
JL: SEASON 2: EPISODES 24, 25, & 26: STARCROSSED
In the season(series) finale the warriors of Hawkgirl's homeworld, Thanagra, come to Earth to invade, and Hawkgirl stands by her people, betraying her friends and possible love interest; Green Lantern. The League must free themselves if they are to save Earth.
Episodes leading up to this one begin a romantic relationship for John and Shayera, which is felt when she chooses her people over the League. This is also when the Leaguers finally reveal all their secret identities to each other in order to survive. And we get a kiss from another possible romance in the series; Batman and Wonder Woman.
JLU: SEASON 1: EPISODE 2: FOR THE MAN WHO HAS EVERYTHING
On Superman's birthday, Diana and Bruce visit him at the Fortress of Solitude to find him in a hypnotic sleep where Kal-El is living out a life with his family on a Krypton that never blew up. His friends must save Superman and defeat Mongul in the process.
Based on a famous Superman annual issue, this episode will pull at your heart strings and leave you crying. It always does me. Before Krypton begins to explode(in Clark's mind) he holds his son tight and says, "You are everything I ever wanted in a son. This is everything I ever wanted in a life.......but I have to go now." Kleenex please!
JLU: SEASON 1: EPISODE 6: FEARFUL SYMMETRY
Supergirl keeps having dreams about a life that isn't hers. When Green Arrow and The Question help her get to the bottom of it she finds out that her friend, Professor Hamilton, cloned her while she was injured in the Superman:The Animated Series finale. This helps set-up the best JLU episodes down the road.
JLU: SEASON 1: EPISODE 7: THE GREATEST STORY NEVER TOLD
Booster Gold is an ex-jock from the future who goes back in time (and uses future tech) to become a hero in the present. This is the funniest episode in the series as Booster is "crowd control" while the rest of Leaguers deal with big problems. Think of it like Buffy the Vampire Slayer's "Zeppo" episode. Oh and "thanks Green Lantern."
JLU: SEASON 2; EPISODE 1: THE CAT AND THE CANARY
Green Arrow has been flirting with Black Canary for a while now, but it's his infatuation with her that lands them both in trouble as they try to get her mentor, Wildcat, out of a MetaBrawl.
JLU: SEASON 2: EPISODE 7: CLASH
If you're curious about WB's upcoming Shazam film then watch this episode. We are introduced to Billy Batson and his alter-ego; Shazam. We also find out that Shazam can go toe-to-toe with Superman as Luthor plays them against each other in a brawl that destroys lots of buildings. This, again, sets up what is to come.
JLU: SEASON 2: EPISODES 9-12: QUESTION AUTHORITY, FLASHPOINT, PANIC IN THE SKY, AND DIVIDED WE FALL
This is where it all comes together! Cadmus and Luthor begin their plan to take down the Justice League. They blame them for a civilian attack, have their super army invade the Watchtower, and Luthor merges with Brainiac to take on the original JL members and possibly start them on the road to becoming the Justice Lords.
Some of the best episodes of TV ever! Superhero entertainment doesn't get better than this! Watch all those leading up to it and enjoy the awesomeness!
JLU: SEASON 2: EPISODE 13: EPILOGUE
To be honest, compared to the previous four episodes the 3rd season of this series doesn't even hold a candle to it, but this season finale is a glass of cold milk after the delicious cake you just ate. Incorporating Batman Beyond, Terry finds out his whole life was a plot by Amanda Waller to ensure there would always be a Batman, and tells him a story of how the Dark Knight is one of a kind.
If I were to make a Batman Beyond live-action trilogy I would start with the origin episodes, the Return of the Joker animated movie, and then this episode. Watch them and then tell me how right I am.
Tuesday, November 7, 2017
Monday, November 6, 2017
Sunday, November 5, 2017
Tuesday, October 31, 2017
Thursday, October 19, 2017
Tuesday, October 17, 2017
Monday, October 16, 2017
Friday, October 13, 2017
Thursday, October 12, 2017
Tuesday, October 10, 2017
Monday, October 9, 2017
Friday, October 6, 2017
Thursday, October 5, 2017
Tuesday, October 3, 2017
Monday, October 2, 2017
Thursday, September 28, 2017
Wednesday, September 27, 2017
Tuesday, September 26, 2017
Monday, September 25, 2017
Thursday, September 14, 2017
Tuesday, September 12, 2017
Friday, September 8, 2017
Assembling the Titans
Yesterday, more cast was announced for the upcoming Titans show to air on Warner Bros streaming service that will feature the third season of Young Justice. I'm not sure what all WB hopes to put on this service(though I hope it's all their DC Comics animated stuff) but they will soon have to compete with Disney who is pulling all their Marvel and Star Wars content off of Netflix in 2019 for their own streaming service. With each studio seeming like they will soon all have their own content we have to pay a monthly fee for decisions need to be made. CBS is betting that Trekkies will pay for their streaming service just to watch Star Trek: Discovery(and probably the only ones who will) but is YJ and Titans enough to get people to pay for the WB service? Young Justice is one of my favorite animated series, but what about Titans?
DC's Chief Creative Officer(and bad ass comic writer)Geoff Johns has tried to put a Teen Titans show on TV for a while. A few years ago it looked like it was coming to TNT with the help of Arrow and The Flash producer Greg Berlanti(and would not be set in the 'Arrowverse'). However, it appears WB took it from TNT and is using it as a kick-off series for their streaming service, but will it be any good?
When I was a teenager Geoff Johns was writing Teen Titans starring Superboy, Kid Flash, Wonder Girl, and Robin. And I have read quite a few stories involving Greg Perez's infamous The New Teen Titans. Post-Rebirth Titans takes some of those original Teen Titans and finds them as adults, still fighting crime together. I keep up with the series, as I am all about these once-young heroes now dealing with adult issues, and trying to keep their bonds together strong. So what will Titans by Warner Bros be about? Let's look at the cast.
1) Teagan Croft as Raven
Raven is basically a demon whose father is Trigon, an uber-evil demon that Raven has been battling most of her life. She's moody, strange, and sometimes a bit of a ticking time bomb. She's had relations with Beast Boy, who has not been named as being in this series. I don't see him being added either, mainly because the cost of having a character who can morph into any animal just sounds way to expensive for a TV series.
I'm not familiar with Croft, and if you look at her IMDB page she hasn't done much. So right now her performance can go either way.
2) Ann Diop as Starfire
She's an alien princess from the planet Tamaran and is quite powerful. She's known to go toe-to-toe with Wonder Woman. She starts off a bit naive but eventually grows into a strong character in Teen Titans. She also has a long-term relationship with Dick Grayson, former Robin(and Batman), and current Nightwing.
Diop's IMDB page is a bit longer than Croft's, but I have yet to see anything she's in. Her most recent work includes the last 24 miniseries; 24: Legacy. As long her chemistry works with Dick, I think she'll be ok. I'm just curious if they are gonna give her orange skin.
3) Brenton Thwaites as Nightwing
On the Titans IMDB page it just says Dick Grayson, but everyone is assuming we are getting our first ever live interpretation of Nightwing. Rumors of Chris O'Donnell doing a Nightwing spin-off was on the table back in the late 90's, but when Batman & Robin bombed those rumors were flushed away along with a fifth Batman film.
Being known as the founder(and most important member) of every Titans team; this casting was key. Thwaites has been in several big budget films like Gods of Egypt, Maleficent, and Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales. While none of those films were good, Thwaites has shown that he has decent acting chops, and he's just unknown enough to make the character fresh and make people see Nightwing; not Brenton Thwaites.
4) Alan Ritchson and Minka Kelly as Hawk and Dove
To be honest, I'm not a big fan of Hawk and Dove. Their best story line was in Geoff Johns Brightest Day miniseries, and even then I wasn't that interested. Rumors are said that they won't be in all the episodes, and may get their own spin-off .
Ritchson is most noticeable to fan boys as Aquaman in Smaville, and Kelly will always have my support for playing Lyla Garrity on one of my favorite TV series; Friday Night Lights. Both are seasoned TV thespians, so as much as I'm not a fan of the characters I'm excited for these actors to join the series. So now, I'm starting to feel that, if the story and production value are on par, this actually might just be a series to watch.
Saturday, September 2, 2017
Thursday, August 31, 2017
Tuesday, August 29, 2017
Saturday, August 26, 2017
Friday, August 25, 2017
Wednesday, August 23, 2017
Tuesday, August 22, 2017
My 3 Strikes Against The Defenders
This morning, as I was sipping on my coffee, I started skimming through The Defenders again on Netflix. I binged watched all 8 episodes on Friday and did my audio review on Sunday. But after re-watching a few episodes I started remembering things I forgot to mention in my review. I still thought it was great, but there are certain things that bug me. So I guess you can call this an epilogue to Sunday's review, but here are a few things that just didn't sit right with me:
STRIKE 1) I stated this on my audio podcast, but I think it's worth repeating. I hate Danny Rand. Iron Fist is one of my favorite Marvel characters, but the portrayal of Danny Rand in this Netflix universe is not the one I enjoy reading. He's a whiny little bitch who takes himself way to serious. Danny in the comics loves to crack jokes, often with his best friend; Luke Cage. The Finn Jones and Michael Coulter conversations where, I think, Danny's best scenes. Which is why I don't want a Luke Cage and Iron Fist season 2; I just want Heroes for Hire.
Now, we can say that this is all still "origin" stuff, which is why Danny isn't the IF we know from the comics, but what the hell is up with his iron fist impotence? In the Iron Fist series Danny couldn't harness his Chi because he wasn't focused. I thought we solved that problem? Danny couldn't call on his glowing hand when he was being tackled by Hand goons in the board room, but he had it working just seconds later when Luke showed up. What's the difference aside from it being an obvious plot convenience?
I think I've already expressed my feelings on Danny later on in the season when the team discovers what The Hand wants him for. He becomes irrational, and makes me hate him more. By the end of the season it looks like he may take over as the new Guardian of Hell's Kitchen. I just hope it's a better direction for the character.
STRIKE 2) While there is no doubting Sigorney Weaver is a great actress, her character of Alexandra started out interesting, but she wasn't really that menacing to me. I mean, we learned that she's lived for hundreds, if not thousands, of years. And yes, she seems to be the leader of The Hand, with hundreds of soldiers at her disposal. But I have to ask "why?" Aside from just being a bitch who wants to keep on living, what was her power? Madam Gao and the rest of the Fingers seem to have some power and skill. When did Alexandra use an ability that would make we, the audience, really fear her? After a while I was kind of relieved when Elektra killed her and took her place. I think Elektra's journey was far more interesting than an immortal business woman who bosses people around just because she's the meanest one.
STRIKE 3) Throughout the series we know The Hand wanted Danny. He was to open a door at the bottom of Midland Circle Financial that allegedly another Iron Fist closed(I'm hoping for Orson Randall). There were several mentions by the Fingers that they really wanted to "go back home" or back to K'un-L'un. This made me believe the door was a passage to(still missing) K'un-L'un.
But when the door opens we see that it's bones of Shao Lao, the dragon that gave Danny his powers, or at least a dragon like Shao Lao. The Hand begins taking the bones to make more "substance." That's it? They kept talking about how all of New York is in peril if Danny opens that door. So once they had mined all the bones then New York would, I'm guessing, collapse from a weak structure? The build up of this "terrible thing" made it seem like some dark power was underneath New York. But it was just dragon bones.
I just think the payoff was a bit week. So the Fingers continue to be immortal and a pain in the ass. Stick made it seem like an atomic bomb would go off. But actually, an old Chinese lady just gets to live a few more lifetimes. Am I missing something? Did I just not get what the place really was? If I am wrong, someone please tell me.
Sunday, August 20, 2017
Wednesday, August 16, 2017
Hi, I'm "one of those people" Who Signed Up For MoviePass
Hi, my name is Shawn and I'm one of these people who signed for MoviePass at $9.99 a month. Since I live in a "full house" these days it's better sometimes for me to blog rather than podcast, and being that it's a Wednesday night and my house has 5 people(and 1 dog) in it, I thought it'd be best to share my thoughts on this MoviePass deal via the written word. I'm not going to look up and reference anything so don't try and crosscheck my facts because I'm probably wrong. All of this will be off the top of my head.
Yesterday, while spending the day at Six Flags with my family, my Facebook was getting links and messages in regards to MoviePass lowering their price to $9.99 per month. MoviePass has been around for a few years. I've heard the basis of it, and thought it was a little overpriced. For a sum amount of money you can see one movie every day, but you can only see a movie one time. Example: If I see Spider-Man and I really liked it, I can not use my MoviePass to go back the next day(or any day) to see Spider-Man again. To me, the other big drawback is it's not "every" theater in the U.S. so chances are my closest theater won't accept MoviePass. However, one of the biggest theater chains in America, AMC, does accept MoviePass, and they are pissed.
They feel that by MoviePass lowering their prices astronomically it is a bad business plan that is doomed to fail, thereby hurting AMC's public image by being associated with MoviePass. From what I hear, MoviePass has to reimburse the theater for every ticket they sell, which will be way more than they'll get from memberships.
So in theory this all sounds like a bad business move right? Does anyone remember how Netflix started making money? They would ship you a dvd(sometimes 2-at-a-time) and then once you've watched it you ship it back. At minimum, from getting a dvd to getting another one would take maybe 3 days. So let's just say you got 2 per week, or 8 movies a month, but you only paid $7 for the subscription when it started. Sounds like they would go out of business right? How many days did you sit on your dvds, saying you were going to watch them only to keep them for weeks or months? MoviePass is banking on the same concept!
The average person goes to a movie maybe once or twice a month. Now, let's just say you go to the movie. You wants snacks right? Most movie theaters make their money off of popcorn and candy(which is why it's so expensive). That's money the theater gets every time you use your MoviePass. Also, most people don't like to go to the movies alone, so you want to bring a friend, and they don't have MoviePass. Well that's one full price ticket the theater gets, thanks to MoviePass.
For those who know me know I love movies(see this blog for reference). I try to see 2 new movies a week(whether in theater or on dvd). But I also spend a lot of time with my daughter. Add a job and the usual "normal stuff" and my only free time is 9pm-12am after my daughter goes to sleep and before I go to bed. I don't want to pay evening prices! Sure, I can go on Tuesdays to my closest theater when it's only $5-all-day, but some Tuesdays I just don't feel like going. MoviePass now allows me to go when I have free time, and for cheaper than the cheapest days. Another limitation is MoviePass will not work for 3D films. To that I say, "who still wants to see 3D movies, aside from maybe 1 or 2 a year?"
For the big movies(like Star Wars or Avengers) my wife and I buy our tickets weeks in advance, which MoviePass does not allow you to do. So every few months I plan on spending full price to go see the big films, but the other 90% of films my wife doesn't want to see I can go on my own for a good price.
Now, AMC I heard is trying to sue MoviePass or even get out of their contract with them. This news has made waves and MoviePass may be gone in a few months. And if it is, guess I'll just go back to renting movies from the public library. No worries. Like Netflix, MoviePass is banking on the laziness of the American people who say they're going to watch that dvd and send it back, or those people who plan on using that gym membership they haven't gone to in months. Also, how many more subscriptions has MoviePass gotten in the last few days that it didn't have last week; millions? Maybe AMC better calm down and think about how this might actually help declining ticket sales. I can also see that once so many people have MoviePass they raise the membership fee(Netflix did). For me, my cut off is $20 (4 x $5 movies a month)
Thursday, August 10, 2017
Tuesday, August 8, 2017
Sunday, August 6, 2017
Tuesday, August 1, 2017
Sunday, July 30, 2017
Thursday, July 27, 2017
Wednesday, July 26, 2017
Sunday, July 23, 2017
Friday, July 21, 2017
Tuesday, July 11, 2017
Thursday, July 6, 2017
Sunday, July 2, 2017
Friday, June 30, 2017
Tuesday, June 20, 2017
Thursday, June 15, 2017
The Defenders Is Hopefully What We'll Get From Netflix
As much as I enjoy my television programs taking a break this time of year so I don't have to worry if I'm caught up on Arrow, not all shows are on summer vacation. I'm looking forward to diving into the newest season of Game of Thrones and also intrigued as to how Marvel's The Defenders will be.
When Netflix first announced to add a piece of the Marvel Cinematic Universe to their programming I was excited. Fast foward a few years later and we've gotten some great hours of viewing, and a few not that great. But in a few months the pay-off will be here. Much like their big screen adaptations, all the heroes of New York will team up in one series; The Defenders. And much like with X-Men or Spider-Man, Marvel is hoping to sell more books by syncing the characters continuity with what fans will know having just watched the character in another form of media.
The original Defenders consisted of Dr. Strange, Hulk, Namor and Silver Surfer in 1972 and has slowly morphed into a street-level team. While I enjoy the spectacle of The Avengers saving the world, someone has to save the neighborhood. And that's what The Defenders have become. They're not super soldiers, gods, or genius billionaires. Just enhanced individuals who are more accustomed to fighting a street gang than Thanos.
In issue #1 of this series, Luke Cage, Jessica Jones, Iron Fist, and Daredevil are all attacked, which leads to Jessica being shot and put into the hospital. After the gathering of the team, Jessica reveals that Luke's old-time rival Diamondback is behind it. While the crew hunts down Diamondback, he's making his own plans by trying to recruit Black Cat into his fold. Luke shows up and Diamondback sprays him with some gas that allows him to kick Luke's ass while Black Cat just watches in shock.
It wasn't a terrific issue, but it's a decent set-up for what could be a good story line. My favorite scene is when IF, Jessica, and Daredevil are in the bar talking about their new found cooperation. "If The Avengers, and whatnot, are up there, we need to be down here." Again, the DD quote sets-up the theme of the team and (hopefully) the upcoming Netflix series. After reading this first issue I just want the dynamic of the characters to be this good in the Netflix series. I knew very little about Jessica Jones before watching her show, and I hope showrunners severely correct Iron Fist's personality going forward because, while I don't think Finn Jones is a bad actor, that was not Danny Rand.
These are Marvel the heroes who don't have enough power to take on cosmic threats like Thanos or even Ultron. They could probably hold their own for a bit, but won't make too much headway by themselves. While Galactus is eating the world some mob boss, or secret ninja clan, is looking to take advantage of the situation; and that's where The Defenders will be.
Tuesday, June 13, 2017
Tuesday, June 6, 2017
Thursday, June 1, 2017
Wonder Woman: Year One
Tonight, many fans will get to see Wonder Woman in theaters, but before I go experience the newest DCEU film I thought it would be best to get more acquainted with WW's mythology since, I confess, I'm not a long-time reader of Diana Prince. The only Wonder Woman story line I've truly ever enjoyed was Brian Azzarello's New 52 take on the Amazon Princess. It was deep in Greek mythology and, I felt, added another layer to Diana's personal story.
I tracked down the newest interpretation of Wonder Woman's origin story; Wonder Woman: Year One. This way, I can gripe about all the stuff the filmmakers got wrong in the big screen adaptation. The new take is set in modern times and is written by current WW writer Greg Rucka as part of DC Comic's Rebirth marketing campaign.
In Year One, a mysterious plane lands on the island of the immortal Amazons. The only survivor is Colonel Steven Trevor, who is to be returned to where he came from. But it is a task no Amazon will volunteer for because it means never being able to return to Themyscira and losing their immortality. A tournament is held to decide who will fly Colonel Trevor back(using an invisible jet) and naturally, Diana is the winner. So, she takes Steve back home where she is quickly met by skepticism from the US government. While imprisoned, Diana is visited by animal manifestations of the Greek Gods who grant her "gifts" for taking on this crusade such as strength, flight, etc. Diana and Steve soon begin working together to uncover the terrorist organization know as SEAR, which has a close tie to one of the Amazon's old enemies.
Again, I sought out this book to be a littler more prepared when entering the theater tomorrow night. While at the library, I also found another recent Wonder Woman origin story, The Legend of Wonder Woman: Volume I: Origins. This puts Diana in World War II fighting a disciple of Ares and Hades, and goes much more in depth to Diana's childhood, training, and her journey to becoming the hero known to the world as Wonder Woman. The art is beautiful and it's got a lot of depth to it, but I also felt like it had a little too much "filler" characters and subplots that bogged down the real story. Year One on the other hand had almost the opposite problem where I don't think it explored the characters enough. I guess that's the difference between telling a 6-part story and a 12-part story. Although, Rucka does give Steve more background to make us(and Diana) want to care about him more.
I also kind of admired Rucka's decision to make the Amazons be lovers. In ancient times, the warriors would "comfort" each other, and their leaders allowed this because it made them fight harder to protect the soldier next to them. So, it would only seem natural that on an island with only women, Love Is Love.
Year One doesn't go into the circumstances of Diana's birth so I'm curious if the film will go into the the original origin of Wonder Woman, with Zeus making her out of clay, or the New 52 version where her powers come from the idea that she is a true demi-god. Then again, maybe Rucka is just saving that for Year Two.
Tuesday, May 30, 2017
5 Forms of Wonder Woman Prep Material
This Friday(or Thursday night) is a big event in geek culture. The oldest, and most famous, female superhero will be hitting the big screen in her own theatrical film. This is something many have waited a while to see. The comic book and superhero genre has long since been thought of as "boy's stuff", but there have been plenty of female super heroines to grace the pages of Marvel, DC, Image, Dark Horse, and all the other publishing companies.
Wonder Woman first appeared in All-Star Comics #8 in 1941, and was created by psychologist William Moulton Mason and illustrated by Harry G. Peter. Throughout the years she's had a sorted history, and some would say an icon for feminism. During the 1940's she was portrayed as strong to get women to keep the factory jobs alive while their men fought in World War II. In the 1950's they wrote her weaker(and in need of man) to show women they "belonged" back at home now that men were back from the war. And in the 1970's, Diana was de-powered completely and was more of a kung-fu expert instead of a superhero demi-god.
Now the Amazon princess is about get her own solo film, and many are holding their breath, hoping that it's success will lead to a slew of female-led superhero films. Early reviews are favorable for the film, saying it's the best film yet in Warner Bros. DC Cinematic Universe that started with 2013's Man of Steel, followed by last year's Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice and Suicide Squad. I've never been a big fan of Wonder Woman. But, I know what she represents, and I'm just as anxious as everyone to see the film. My hope is that it will not only be a step for female superheroes in film, but also change the path of the DCEU that will begin an uphill climb. Listed below I have five pieces of entertainment starring Diana Prince that get me excited to see Wonder Woman in a few days. Check them out, and get to know the Princess of Themyscira a little better before seeing her first solo film.
5) Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice(The Ultimate Cut)
When word came out that Gal Gadot was going to be playing the most famous super heroine in fiction there were some(like me) who did not agree with this decision. The model-turned-actress had not proven she had the acting chops to pull of this iconic character. She was too skinny for an Amazon and her part in the Fast & Furious franchise showed no potential for her to carry this heavy role.
Batman v. Superman gives us our first glimpse of Gadot in the part, and while no one is doubting she looks great in the costume during the final action scene, she wasn't in the film long enough to get a good sense of how she will do on her own. To this day, I am still worried about what I will get from Gadot when I sit down in the theater. But from the trailers it looks like director Patty Jenkins did what all good directors do; she built a great supporting cast around the fresh star and had their performances make her look good. At least, I hope that's what happend.
Side Note: if you do watch this film, please what The Ultimate Cut. It's 30 minutes longer, but WAAAY better than the theatrical cut. Whoever at Warner Bros thought taking those 30 minutes out of the film I hope was fired, because they didn't know that having a good product will help a film make $1 billion rather that getting more showings in a day by cutting the film and making it crap.
4) Justice League (2001-2004)
This was probably my first real good exposure to Wonder Woman. Bruce Timm's series spun-out of his Batman and Superman animated series and expanded to what we now see as the first TV or film DC connected universe. This cartoon had four seasons, starting with the premiere that saw Diana leave Themyscira to help fight off an alien invasion by teaming up with Superman, Batman, Flash, and others.
Voiced by Susan Eisnberg, Wonder Woman had some good stories in some great episodes. The series even teased a long flirtation between her and Batman that is very interesting to watch progress. Eisenberg went on to voice Wonder Woman for several other animated projects like Batman/Superman: Apocalypse and Justice League: Doom, but this one is still my favorite. You can find all the episodes on Netflix.
3) Wonder Woman (1975-1979)
I was too young to know about the TV series that was Wonder Woman starring Lynda Carter, but it's the most infamous version of the character to date. Even I can't say the words "Wonder Woman" out loud without singing them. Carter portrayed Diana as a strong and capable woman in a series some would consider cheesy by today's standards. But the serious approach Carter took to the character is one of the reasons girls where spinning in their bedrooms hoping a rainbow flash would turn them into the Amazon warrior.
In 2011, NBC was looking to get another Wonder Woman TV series off the ground starring Friday Night Lights alumi Adrianne Palicki. The series was not picked up and the pilot was never aired. If the show did go to series we might never have gotten this big screen adaptation. You can find the 1975 series on Amazon Digital and the 2011 pilot on "the black internet", but I have yet to see it.
2) Wonder Woman (2009)
These days I'm much more impressed with how Warner Bros is treating the DC characters in animated form that they are on the silver screen. The people behind the animated films seem to handle the mythology of the superheroes better, and get what makes each character so beloved. I just hope Patty Jenkins and the rest of the yahoo's at WB see this film as a great outline on how to do a Wonder Woman film correctly.
This adaptation has Keri Russell(The Americans, Felicity) voicing Diana, and is joined by other great casting choices such as Nathan Fillion, Rosario Dawson, Alfred Molina, and Oliver Platt. It leans into the core of what Wonder Woman is all about by just updating the classic origin story and giving us characters to care about in the process. Honestly, if Jenkins just remade this film in live-action form I have no doubt Wonder Woman will be a most enjoyable experience. They just re-released the film on DVD and Blu-Ray.
1) Wonder Woman (2012-2016)
Like I said, I've never been an actual fan of Wonder Woman. And while I credit the 'New 52' for ruining some of my favorite DC characters like Superman and Flash, I have to also give them props for making me completely enthralled with Wonder Woman for the first time in my life.
Written by Brian Azzarello, the first seven volumes of this run are fantastic. Diana finds out her true origins(which I won't spoil), and goes on a journey protecting a daughter of Zeus from his wife Hera's wrath. I love greek mythology, and once again, the minds behind this Wonder Woman embrace her world, and give Diana a very personal character quest as she battles all the gods of Greece from Ares to Hades. Sadly, I haven't latched onto the 'Rebirth' Wonder Woman as much, but I would recommend this as a starting point for anyone looking to learn more about Princess Diana of Themyscira.
Thursday, May 25, 2017
My 34 Years With Star Wars
A Long Time Ago In A Galaxy Far, Far Away......to me those word means everything. Today marks the 40th anniversary of the release of Star Wars(A New Hope subtitle was added later). This film touched the world in a way no one ever expected, including it's creator; George Lucas. Decades later, there are Star Wars fans world wide. Last month I got to meet other Star Wars fans from Australia, Germany, and Japan at my first ever Star Wars: Celebration in Orlando. Where hundreds of thousands of people gathered to bask in the phenomenon that all started with a young man on a desert planet who craved an adventure.
I've been a Star Wars fan my whole life. When my dad would take my brother and I to the local comic book store I used to get back issues of the original Marvel series. I remember the day Dark Empire #1 was released(still coolest cover ever). I remember begging my dad to buy me the Star Wars novelization, but first, to make sure I was advance enough to read it, he made me read several pages from the most recent Star Wars book he was reading; Heir To The Empire. I remember seeing every Star Wars movie in theaters(starting in 1997) and how mad I was at my parents for not letting me go to the midnight showing of The Phantom Menace(looking back on that one I should thank them). When I used to drive my car in the snow with my headlights on it made me feel like I was traveling through hyperspace. I've had more Star Wars toys than I can count(still have my lightsabers), and to this day The Empire Strikes Back is my go-to Sick Day movie.
I have been lucky enough to share my love for Star Wars with lots of people in my life, but probably my favorite has been my wife; Lisa. When I first met her, she liked the Star Wars films, but had never read any of the books or comics. Now, she's always listening to the audiobooks in the car, she has just as much apparel as I do, and any time I find something Star Wars related she rarely says "No". I honestly believe it has brought us closer together as couple. I told her years ago if she didn't at least like Star Wars I never would have even dated her. So why do I love Star Wars so much? Because, to me, it's about the biggest "war" of all; the one within us.
When it began, Star Wars seemed pretty simple. It was about a young man who yearned for more, and ended up being taken on a journey that changed him forever. He saved the princess and defeated the evil man in black. But as Luke Skywalker's story goes on the details get more complex and layered. The evil man in black is really his father, whom had suffered great tragedy. So Luke must decide if he should kill his father, or forgive him for all the horrors he's committed.
On the other side of the coin, Anakin Skywalker was a young boy who was forced into a life of slavery, only to be saved and taken to a place that told him he was special. He fell in love, let his feelings control him, and in the end it cost him everything he cared about. Regardless of how you feel about the prequels, the story of Darth Vader is a very real one.
We all have people we care about in our lives. As a husband and father myself, I would kill to keep them safe. Anakin wanted more power to try and save the people he loved. I honestly believe the decisions he made are the same ones we would all make. It may sound evil, but I think it's really just our humanity. Anakin's son, Luke, also faced a similar situation but chose a different path. He put his faith in his father, and trusted that his love would be enough to safe them both.
Another reason I think Star Wars has lasted as long as it has it because of the deep mythology Lucas created. Up until The Force Awakens he created it all, and filled it with people we all know. I can't tell you how many times my wife reminds me of Hera, my smart-mouth sounds like Obi-Wan, and I know someone I actually call "Snips." He imagined this world of excitement we can all live in. We can swing a laser sword and take down the ice monster. We can see ourselves running for our lives as we escape the horribly inaccurate stormtroopers. And who hasn't thought about having a dogfight in a spaceship? It's our wildest dreams we'll never get to live, but we can watch it on screen time after time.
Many years ago The History Channel(back when it actually showed historical programs) did a documentary on the Star Wars saga called Star Wars: The Legacy Revealed. It was about how Star Wars took notes from ancient mythology, religion, and history. But it shows how Star Wars is similar to stories that have survived centuries because they tell us something about ourselves. It's on YouTube. I highly recommend it! 
Today I did the math, I will easily be alive for the 50th anniversary of Star Wars(I hope), but to make it to the 100th year anniversary I'm going to have to live to be 94. It's no impossible, but I'd better start cutting back on the brownies and bacon just in case.
I guess what I've been trying to say in this somewhat scattered post is that Star Wars is in my DNA(possibly midi-chlorians) because it taps into something inside of me. I love the characters I relate to and the adventures those characters take me on. I know people who don't like Star Wars, and while I respect their opinions I also feel like they don't get what the core of it is. It was/is about a young man who craved an adventure, but ended up getting one he didn't expected. I just think we can all relate to that. Because it's called life.
Tuesday, May 16, 2017
Wednesday, May 10, 2017
Tuesday, May 9, 2017
Tuesday, April 25, 2017
Tuesday, April 18, 2017
Tuesday, April 4, 2017
Tuesday, March 28, 2017
Saturday, March 25, 2017
Tuesday, March 21, 2017
Tuesday, March 14, 2017
Tuesday, March 7, 2017
Tuesday, February 21, 2017
Tuesday, February 14, 2017
Wednesday, February 8, 2017
Tuesday, January 31, 2017
Tuesday, January 24, 2017
Thursday, January 19, 2017
Tuesday, January 17, 2017
Monday, January 16, 2017
My Top 12 Geoff Johns DC Stories
Yes, I know. This is one of those rare occasions when I sit down and actually write a blog entry. I thought about doing this one via podcast, but my voice is gone so looks like I'm doing this one "old school." Last week I read a list about the best comic book story lines written by Geoff Johns. I am a big fan of Johns. I like almost anything he writes, minus his early days on JSA, and maybe a few Justice League books. But in his writing career he has rejuvenated Green Lantern, Flash, and Aquaman into hit series and characters.
Because of his success with DC Comics he has moved up the ladder to president and Chief Creative Officer of DC. The list I read last week had a lot of good story lines, some of which are my favorite, but some I felt were also left out. I started making my own list of almost two dozen Johns books I enjoy and then whittled it down to my top twelve. Let me know which ones are your favorite, or which ones you have yet to read!
12) Superboy: Boy of Steel
After returning from the dead, Connor Kent is determined to get his life back together. He revisits his best friend and (ex)girlfriend who both have fallen on dark times since his death. Connor attends Smallville High and tries to live his life like Superman did. But after a run-in with Lex Luthor's sister he faces a moral dilemma not even Superman could choose between.
11) Green Lantern: Sinestro
Hal Jordan was the greatest Green Lantern of them all; and Sinestro their #1 enemy. But after War of the Green Lanterns Hal is kicked out and Sinestro is chosen back into the Corps. But Sinestro needs help, and the only one he trusts that can help him is Hal. Sinestro grants him a temporary ring and the two show why their unique relationship is so engaging to read.
10) Aquaman: The Trench
For years, Aquaman was the laughing stock of the DC Universe. People saw him as just a fast swimmer and a person who can talk to fish. But after his resurrection in Brightest Day, Aquaman got his own solo title and showed why he is a big hitter in the DCU. He's strong, bulletproof, and can control sharks. I sure as hell wouldn't mess with him.
9) Superman: Up, Up, and Away
Being a Superman fan, I will admit, I am little biased towards John's Superman stories. It's been a year since Superman helped take down the alternate Superboy by flying him through a red sun, and de-powering them both. Clark Kent has lived a normal life and getting along pretty well, until his powers slowly start to come back as well has his rogues gallery. Clark has to get back into the swing of things before the return of his greatest foe; Lex Luthor.
8) Infinite Crisis
I will admit it, I am not a fan of the multiverse storylines. I really don't like to read Crisis on Infinite Earths or Final Crisis, but I like Infinite Crisis for it's personal moments. The Justice League has been fractured due to the discretions of key members, and the first issue ends with Wonder Woman, Batman, and Superman having it out and Bruce burning Clark by saying, "The last time you inspired anyone was when you were dead." From there an alternate Superboy and Superman try to save their Earth by destroying Earth One. It all culminates in a battle through a red sun and the death of Connor Kent.
7) Superman: Last Son
Lois and Clark adopt a Kryptonian boy and have their hands full when they find out it's Zod's offspring; and daddy's home. It's an interesting story that has Clark and Lois question something they never thought they'd be; parents.
JON: Who's Wonder Woman?
LOIS: Someone you won't meet until you're 17.
JON: Who's Batman?
LOIS: Someone you won't meet until you're 18.
6) Superman: Secret Origin
I terrific retelling of Superman's origin that hits all the high points. From his awkward years discovering his powers in Smallville, to meeting The Daily Planet staff for the first time. It's not as hard-edged as Birthright, or as poetic as A Superman For All Seasons, but this one is just a fun read. At the end I always hear the John Williams score play in my head as Superman flies away.
5) Green Lantern: Secret Origin
After Johns brought Hal Jordan back into the spotlight he decided to reintroduce him to readers who may not have been around when he first appeared during the Silver Age. This is the story about a rebellious pilot who couldn't stay out of trouble after his father's death. He is chosen for the greatest honor in the universe and must learn to be responsible, while showing the Green Lantern Corps a few new tricks. So disappointed the GL movie didn't turn out like this.
4) Green Lantern: Sinestro Corps War
This tale re-establish Hal as the greatest Green Lantern of them all, and kicks off a story line that would expand the GL mythology in ways nobody ever thought. After years of wielding a yellow ring by himself, Sinestro creates his own Yellow Lantern Corps that finds those who instill fear in others. This Corps gives the GL's a run for their money as Kyle and Hal must both conquer their fears if they are to defeat Sinestro, and prepare for the Blackest Night.
3) Flashpoint
Some people think this story line is a bit weak, but I love that it not only gives an alternate look at our DC heroes, but also proves just how powerful Barry Allen is as the Flash. Barry runs back in time to save his mother and ends up wrecking reality. Clark Kent is a science experiment, Bruce Wayne is dead, and Wonder Woman and Aquaman are at war. Barry must give up his mother or leave the world in apocalyptic nightmare. Barry's goodbye to his mother at the end left me in tears.
2) Green Lantern: Rebirth
This is the story that not only put Geoff Johns on the map, but reinvigorated Green Lantern for years to come. Johns spent almost a decade writing GL and it started with giving Hal Jordan and the Green Lantern Corps a "rebirth." I really can't explain this book except to say that if you've only seen the Green Lantern movie it is a great jump-on point for GL, followed by nine years of great stories!
1) Flash: Rebirth
While Green Lantern will no doubt be the main chapter in Johns comic book legacy my favorite book of his, say one of my favorite books of all-time, is this one. In Final Crisis, Barry Allen returns from the Speed Force to a world that as gone on without him. While all his friends and family want to celebrate his return, Barry feels he must make-up for all the good work he could have done while he was gone. Along the way, Barry runs into old enemies, new family, and the truth about the event that lead him to becoming the Flash. It's a book about slowing down, and enjoying the things that matter in life that is beautifully written.
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