The Marvelous Ms Marvel

 Let me start off by saying the only comic book I've read Ms Marvel in was the pages of Champions when she was teamed up with Miles Morales and a young Cyclops from the past who was in the present (whole 'nother story there). When I saw the preview for this Disney+ series I thought it looked cute, but not really up my alley. But I wanted to check it out just so I could have an opinion on it.  By the time Kamala and Bruno get to Avengers Con I was hooked.  The series is cute, and innocent, and small-scale.  And that's perfect!

The end of the Infinity Saga in the MCU left a lot of us guessing what was to come next.  How does Marvel move on after achieving cinematic history?  Something that all other studios have tried to copy and have all failed?  I think the most obvious answer is they couldn't.  After three Phases, Marvel Studios had set itself a high bar, one that, like the original Star Wars trilogy, was never going to be reached in the eyes of their fans. Kevin Feige has never been one to play to the crowd.  He has his ideas, and his plans, and sticks to them (for the most part). One thing we've seen out of Phase 4 is risks in different kinds of storytelling. Eternals, Loki, What If, and The Multiverse of Madness are all examples of Marvel trying to experiment and make different kinds of movies and shows.  And when that happens, it doesn't work for everyone.

Ms Marvel to me is the MCU's attempt at not only something a little bit different, but also scaling back. Much like Spider-Man: Homecoming. By the final episode Kamala is really just trying to save the neighborhood. Iman Vellani lights up the series as a young Pakistani girl from Jersey who idealizes Captain Marvel.  Her innocence is something we all can relate too, regardless of ethnicity.  And the style of this series mirrors Kamal's personality with the texting and music.

What really brings this show to the top half of MCU projects is Kamala's supporting cast.  Her parents are a complete delight, along with her brother.  Her friends are there to support her, but they have their own lives to live like school admissions and mosque elections.  And of course, Kamala seems to be juggling several boys, and out of the three potential suitors she seems to lean towards the worst one for her. I'm fine with Bruno or Kareem. Her entourage enriches this series. If you can take a superhero story, but take out the superhero portion, and you're still left with good characters in a good story, then that is a good superhero story. This series was about a young girl learning about her family history, finding confidence, and learning to trust the ones she loves.

Now, as far as faults go, it's the same one a lot of MCU projects have, the villain.  From the moment Najma and her minions showed up asking about the bangle, I knew she was a bad guy (or girl). But it seems in her final moment she sacrificed herself to save the world her son lived in and gave him a form of protection at the same time.  At least that's the way I saw it. Maybe we'll get more clarification later.  Meanwhile, the DODC was hunting Kamala and Kamran, led by a very typical, uninteresting villain, Agent Deer. Deer had no depth, but it didn't help that we were focused on Najma most of the time as the antagonist and then switched the primary focus in the last episode to Agent Deer.

Watching this series has now made me more excited for The Marvels. Especially after that post-credit scene. To keep it short, my theory is that in the film we will be following Carol Danvers on an adventure and then she is magically transported to a bedroom filled with poster of her.  How that is connected to Kamala and her bangle, I'm willing to just wait and see.

Did he say 'mutation'?  Of course, it is the line every fanboy is talking about.  It's been years since Disney bought 20th Century Fox and regained the rights to make X-Men films.  And since then, we've all be wondering when Marvel's Mighty Mutants will make their debut in the MCU.  We still don't know exactly how, but this line, with some classic musical notes played after, is confirmation that mutants are coming, and Ms Marvel is indeed one of them, or at least connected.  In the comics, Kamala is an Inhuman, but thanks to the god-awful ABC series that name has been tarnished.  And given that Kamala's powers are different than the comics anyway, let's all just say it's a multiverse and move on.  Because nothing in the MCU is exactly the same as in the Marvel comics.  And that's ok to me, just as long and it's good storytelling. Though to be honest, I have issue with Sharon Carter's MCU treatment, but, instead, let's wrap this up.

Ms Marvel turned out to be the spunk the MCU Disney+ shows needed.  I think some Disney+ series are being handcuffed by the 6-episode format, but showrunner Bisha K. Ali did a great job with the task she was given.  This series from the first episode made us fall in love with Kamala, her family, and her whole world. And in classic superhero fashion, her mom made her suit. Now I just want Kamala to team-up with Kate Bishop and Peter Parker. I think those local heroes could have some fun adventures.

6 DC and Marvel Roles For Matthew McConaughey

A few days ago actor Matthew McConaughey mentioned that he had been speaking with both Marvel and DC Comics about possible characters he could play.  McConaughey went on to dissect the ramifications of getting involved in a superhero franchise these days; both financial and contractual.  It didn't take me long to think of about a dozen comic book characters I could see Mr. McConaughey playing.  But given what both the Marvel and DC cinematic universes have coming up in the near future I thought of three characters for each universe I think Mr. McConaughey has the look, and talent, to play.

BOOSTER GOLD

This is the first DC hero my brain went to when McConaughey mentioned playing a DC comic book character.  Michael Carter was a former athlete from the 25th Century who dreamed of fame and fortune.  In a selfish act, Michael steals 25th Century technology and travels back to present day thinking his future tech will make him a superhero celebrity.  Throughout the years Booster Gold has grown as a character and befallen several tragedies; the most impactful being the death of his best friend, Blue Beetle.

You'll find that most of this list is Marvel vs DC counter programming.  Booster is DC's Star-Lord.  The quick-witted guy who always makes jokes and looks out for himself.  McConaughey definitely looks the part, and with his surfer/care free attitude you can't deny he would play the crap out of this character, who could go through some great emotional changes throughout the course of several films.

ADAM WARLOCK

A former member of the Guardians of the Galaxy, Adam is a product of scientific experimentation.  After gaining consciousness, and the soul gem, Adam travels to space to become one of the most powerful cosmic beings in the Marvel U. He's been resurrected several times from a cocoon metamorphosis and has fought the mad titan Thanos plenty.

Guardians of the Galaxy already gave a hint to Adam Warlock's possible cinematic future as his cocoon was featured in the background of the Collector's trophy room, and then the cocoon was seen open behind Howard the Duck after the end credits.  Plus, Adam's infamous possession of the soul gem is one of two infinity gems we have yet to see on screen.  Four of the gems have already been shown to us with two left; the soul gem being one.  Could McConaughey play this character in Guardians of the Galaxy 2, and then we see Thanos come after him for the soul gem in Avengers: Infinity War?  I think it's a solid theory.

DR. FATE

Marvel has already announced their casting of Sherlock star Benedict Cumberbtach as Dr. Strange, the sorcerer supreme, in an upcoming film.  Dr. Strange's DC equivalent is Dr. Fate.  A magical helmet is found in the sands of Egypt that allows the wearer powers beyond comprehension.  However, while wearing the helmet you become a backseat passenger while Dr. Fate controls your body and fights evil that threatens the realms.

Like I said before; counter programming.  Fate could be a little more compelling character than Strange because of the body snatcher drama.  It's basically playing a split personality, and I think the Oscar winning actor shows he could pull it off.

CAPTAIN MAR-VEL

The current Captain Marvel in Marvel Comics is Carol Danvers, and probably will be the main Captain Marvel we get in the films.  But let's not forget how Carol got her powers and started her superhero career as Ms. Marvel.  A Kree spy was posing as a scientist in order to see if Earth was a threat to the Kree Empire.  After an accident left Carol Danvers badly injured the original Captain Marvel gave Carol a blood transfusion that saved her life and gave her superhuman abilities. 

McConaughey could easily play this role that introduces the origin of the female Captain Marvel.  He wouldn't be a title character, but a supporting one.  This would free him from any major obligations allowing him to still continue his growth as an Academy Award winning actor.

CAPTAIN ATOM

Speaking of Captains.  Let's bring in Captain Nathaniel Adams. An Air Force pilot who was disintegrated in an experiment only to come back together as a walking nuclear bomb.  Captain Atom absorbs energy and then disperses it back out in nuclear form.  He's known to be a formidable foe to fight for even Superman.

As a hot shot Air Force pilot I think the role would be suited for McConaughey.  He could bring some good depth to this character and I could totally see him and Henry Cavill duke it out, given the military's fear of the Superman in Man of Steel.

NAMOR THE SUB-MARINER

Aside from his Oscar win and his Lincoln commercials Matthew McConaughey is know for his terrific abs.  So why hide them behind spandex or armor?  DC has an upcoming Aquaman movie on the horizon starring Jason Momoa so let's bring in Marvel's version of Aquaman; the Sub-Mariner.  He is citied as being the first mutant, though I'm not sure if that will fly in a cinematic world where that term is still copyrighted by 20th Century Fox.  Perhaps he could be an Inhuman? 

In any event, Namor rules Atlantis, swims fast, but he can also fly.  Take that Arthur Curry! In the comics he even fought beside Captain America and Bucky in the Invaders.  If Cap recognized an old friend from WWII that would be pretty cool to see on screen.  Now, I think McConaughey looks more like Aquaman than Sub-Mariner, but I also feel like Momoa looks more like Sub-Mariner than Aquaman.  So really it would all work out in the end.

Worth A Read? Guardians of the Galaxy: Guardians Disassembled

Remember that hit movie from the summer with the walking tree and the talking raccoon? Well it was actually based on a comic book series that hardly anyone had ever heard of, but ever since writer Brian Michael Bendis restarted the title it's been a hit comic book series.

In the third volume of the GotG reboot the Guardians are on the run from Star-Lord's father, the king of the Spartax Empire, who has a bounty on all their heads. One by one the Guardians are picked off and separated to various parts of the universe. Rocket is back to being a science experiment, Drax is put on trial by the Shi'ar Empire, and Peter's dad gives him one more chance to join him or be executed. Their only hope lyes with the Guardians newest recruit; Venom, a.k.a. Flash Thompson.

I've always enjoyed Bendis's work but now that he writing Guardians of the Galaxy as well has several X-Men titles I find myself reading his words more than usual.  The book starts out with Tony Stark asking Venom to take his place with the Guardians as Earth's representative.  I like the newest interpretation of Venom in the Marvel U as a dark/slightly unstable hero.  Flash's journey ends on a sour note, but I'm curious if they'll dive more into the symboite suit's origin since every alien Flash runs into seems to know more about it than he does.

Bendis writes the characters very well, giving them each their own brand of personality and fun.  Captain Marvel shows up to help lend a hand; out of nowhere I might add. It's never really explained what she is doing on that side of galaxy so I guess we're just supposed to roll with it. The end of the book gives you previews into the current Captain Marvel and Venom comics with the purpose of getting to know Carol Danvers and Flash Thompson a little better, whether it be for the sake of the book or other "cinematic" reasons. Another preview in this book is Guardians of the Galaxy 3000.  If you've read the previous GotG series you'll recognize the leader carrying Captain America's shield as Vance and even Yondu from the 2014 movie.

The main artist in this volume is Nick Bradshaw, who previously worked on Wolverine and the X-Men, but Michael Oeming does finish off the storyline. I'm not a fan when a book switches artist mid-story but I'm sure something came up since it's not that common.  I do, however, miss the art of Steve McNiven from previous GotG books, but Bradshaw is a decent substitute. And while I don't dislike Oeming, I don't think he's right for GotG.

Guardians Disassembled was a good four-part story but felt I like it could have been a better six-part plot. The end of the book was full of teasers from Captain Marvel to Spider-Man that I really wasn't interested in. I feel like since this is the first GotG graphic novel released post-movie they filled it with other titles they want you to read, knowing people who liked the movie might pick up this book. From a marketing perspective it's good move, but as a regular reader I'd rather get more story.

This volume does make a good starting point for anyone who just saw the Guardians of the Galaxy and wants to dive deeper. Tony Stark even explains each Guardian, and their history, to Flash and new readers. As long as Bendis keeps writing Guardians of the Galaxy I'll keep reading it.

Worth A Read: Yes

Casting Call: My Captain Marvel Mistresses

Last month Marvel Studios released the schedule for their Phase 3 movies.  Among them were stand-alone Black Panther and Captain Marvel films.  The king of Wakanda has already been cast, which means all the current gossip is about who will play the former Ms. Marvel, Carol Danvers.

Danvers was a N.A.S.A. security officer who had worked in the Air Force and C.I.A. The original Captain Marvel, or Mar-Vell as he is known on the Kree home world, saved Carol from an explosion, and in doing so transferred his powers into her.  Danvers was granted the abilities of flight, strength, and invulnerability to just name a few.  For quite a while Carol went under the alias Ms. Marvel until finally taking the mantle of Captain Marvel just a few years ago.  If DC and Marvel characters ever threw down she'd be my vote to face-off against Wonder Woman.

In the last month it seems like every fan boy has tried to make a case for their favorite actress to be Captain Marvel.  Five years ago I would have agreed with Charlize Theron, I've seen Natalie Dormer from Game of Thrones thrown into the mix, and I've even heard some would like Jennifer Lawrence cast in the part.  But the last few years I've had one female actress in mind to play Carol Danvers, and here are a few others I think would play the part marvel-ously, hehe. 

5) Blake Lively

Best known for her role in the teen soap Gossip Girl, Lively has been in several films like The Town, Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, and Green Lantern.  It's her experience as Carol Ferris that makes me think Lively would make a good Carol Danvers.  In Green Lantern she plays tough and sweet at the same time.  Plus, this would be another way for all of use to forget Green Lantern ever happened.  I know Blake's husband, Ryan Reynolds, wishes the same.

4) Rosemund Pike

I first saw Miss Pike in the 007 film, Die Another Day, which is one of the worst Bond films I've seen.  But I thought she was the best part of the film; or at least the hottest.  A few months ago I saw her in Gone Girl and I, like most of the viewing audience, were blown away by her performance.  Pike is almost guaranteed an Oscar nomination for her role, and her pick of any part she wants for the next five years.  Marvel Studios is known for bringing in the best actors to fill their roles, which is why they don't make just good comic book movies, but good movies period.

3) Anna Torv

I always had mixed feelings about the TV series Fringe.  I didn't like it at first, but then I did, and then later I gave up on it.  However, one of the reasons I kept watching was Anna Torv as Agent Olivia Dunham.  She was the series lead and carried the show through five season like a pro.  Dunham was a tough FBI agent who could handle herself in any situation.  Sounds like a super hero to me. 

2) Emily Blunt

This actress never popped into my head as Captain Marvel until I saw her on someone else's list.  Having just seen Edge of Tomorrow, Live Die Repeat, or whatever the film is now called, I thought she would do a good job as well.  Given that she is a much sought-after actress I'm not sure she'd be able to make the multi-picture deal Marvel Studios would make her sign, but I for one would be excited to see her play Carol Danvers.

1) Yvonne Strahovski

I didn't become a regular Chuck viewer until early in it's third season, but ever since Yvonne Strahovski has been on my Top 5 actress list and #1 on my list of actresses to play Ms. Marvel.  I've even pondered watching the last few season of Dexter just to see her in something a little more mature than Chuck.  She beautiful, intelligent, and can kick some ass if it comes to it.  Somebody get Kevin Feige the complete series of Chuck as a Christmas gift, or a Netflix account at least.