X-Men Legends: Rewind To The X-Men Glory Days

      I often mention how my the title 'Dayspring Discussions' is an X-Men reference, and how I feel like I don't talk about X-Men enough, even though Marvel's mighty mutants are my favorite thing about Marvel Comics.  Also, in recent weeks, I have been trying to get back into writing more.  This site started out as a blog to talk about all my theories, reviews, and fan castings for my geeky interests.  But as podcasting has become more popular I too made the switch over to modern media.  That is why I don't suspect anyone will read this entry, but like I said, it's more about getting back into writing for me.  And talking more about X-Men. So, this is me trying to hit two Sentinels with one optic blast. ZING!

     My earliest memory of buying an X-Men comic from the local comic book store was when Age of Apocalypse was going on.  I remember at the time Gambit was my favorite X-Man so the title was Gambit and the Xternals.  As I grew up my taste changed, and for years now Cyclops has been my favorite X-Man.  He's the leader who does what he feels is right and makes the tough calls.  And most of the time his colleagues disagree with him.  Nevertheless he does what he feels is best and never apologizes for it.  He takes responsibility for the entire mutant race and it's future.  Since the 2000's he's been more bad boy than boy scout, and some have compared him to being a mixture of Xavier and Magneto.

     Because of my current affinity for Scott Summers I feel like I know a good amount about the whole Summers clan.  Havok, Cable, Corsair, Rachel, Vulcan, Jean Grey, and I would even put Polaris in that group.  And during the 90's their were hints of Cyclops and Havok having a brother, and who it could be.  Some thought it might even be Gambit given that he was an orphan adopted by the Thieves Guild.  But, an answer was given in Deadly Genesis and Gabriel Summers, Vulcan, was revealed to the world.  But last week a new series came out that makes it seem that Adam X, a popular mutant in the 1990's, is indeed the brother of Cyclops and Havok.

     X-Men Legends starts off with the kidnapping of Scott and Alex's grandparents.  Followed by the reintroduction of Adam X.  Adam is being pursued by Erik the Red and thinking he is important on a cosmic scale.  Cyclops and Havok find Adam, and so does their father, Corsair, who then seems to fire a pistol at his own son.  And that's where issue one ends.

     I had heard about this series, but never really dug into what it was going to be about aside from the famous "third Summers brother" conspiracy.  The book is written by Fabian Nicieza who helped bring life to Deadpool, and has written many X-Men and Marvel comics in his career. This reminds me of years ago when Chris Claremont did another take where he left off with X-Men.  What would he have done if he was still writing X-Men?  To be honest, I could not get into the series because at that point the X-Men had grown so far past where Claremont left them.  That's how I feel about this comic series.

     I have mixed feelings about the current status of X-Men comics with House of X been going on for a while now, but at least it's something different and new.  I feel like Legends is just trying to take us back in time when the X-Men was the best selling book Marvel had.  I never knew much about Adam X because I thought he was created just to make a character that reflected the current youth.  I preferred Nate Grey; the X-Man.  

     While this series is great nostalgia for long time X-Men readers, I find it moot.  The costumes and art are great, but why dig up an old mystery that has already been solved by one of my favorite X-Men and Marvel writers; Ed Brubaker.  Brubaker created Vulcan into a far better character than Adam X ever could be in my opinion.  So even if you didn't like who the lost Summers brother turned out to be there is no point in living in the past.  That's when you become what you hate.  Right Magneto? 

My "The Force Awakens" Prep Guide Part IV: Graphic Novels Galore

Yesterday Shattered Empire was released on comic stands everywhere.  This is another part of "Journey To The Force Awakens" that will have events leading directly into The Force Awakens.  I have not read it yet, but so far the buzz seems positive about this book that follows several side characters the day after the second Death Star was blown up by the Rebel Alliance.

Aside from the movies and TV series, my other major Star Wars fandom has been the comic books.  Whether it's Dark Horse or Marvel publishing, I've tried it all throughout the years.  I've already suggested you read Clone Wars omnibus if you want some good stories during that time period, but here are a few more you can read while we all wait another three months for The Force Awakens to be released. Again, they are graded on a scale of 1 to 5, with 1 being my most recommended.

The Force Unleashed (5)

One of several Star Wars multi-media events that kicked ass!  This was a video game that then spawned books, comics, and action figures to complete it.  The game is great to play, and the storyline is even better.  Starkiller was a young boy when Darth Vader killed his father and took him under his wing.  Starkiller has since grown up as Vader's secret apprentice and now he wishes for Starkiller to build a rebellion against the Emperor in hopes of dethroning him.  But is this plan for real, or is Starkiller just a pawn in the Sith's chess game of power?

Great story, great characters, and some badass game play.  I recommend if you don't read the graphic novel, book, or play the actual video game you go on YouTube and watch the story parts of both this game and the sequel.  Seriously, it's a great story.

Shadows of the Empire (4)

Another Star Wars multi-media event that took place many years before The Force Unleashed.  It started out as a book, then a comic book, then a video game.  It even has a soundtrack, but was never even a movie.  Set between Episodes V and VI, Luke and Leia are trying to hunt down Boba Fett before he delivers Han to Jabba the Hutt.  Meanwhile, Vader is forced to recruit the help of The Black Sun in helping with the construction of the second Death Star.  But Vader doesn't trust the Black Sun's leader, Prince Xizor, who has evil intentions of his own.

A nice in-between story that fills the gaps between The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi, the video game follows scoundrel Dash Rendar, but the novel and comic focuses on Luke, Leia, and Boba Fett.  While I'm not a big fan of the character, I will admit Fett comes off pretty cool in this one.

The Thrawn Trilogy (3)

Timothy Zahn's Heir to the Empire started the Star Wars Expanded Universe back in 1991 and completed his novel trilogy with The Last Command.  Because of it's success Dark Horse decided to turn the series into comic books, and that is what I've enjoyed reading throughout the years. Set five years after Return of the Jedi, the New Republic is trying to wipe out the last pockets of the Empire, but their new leader, Grand Admiral Thrawn, is very formidable and has plans to claim the galaxy and restore the Empire to glory.  Meanwhile, Luke is still trying to figure out how to restart the Jedi Order.  Having only trained Leia, he feels he may fail in fulfilling his destiny.

This trilogy saw a bunch of great new characters like Thrawn, dark Jedi Jorus C'Baoth, and Mara Jade.  Heir to the Empire is my favorite in the series, but I like how The Last Command ends with Luke Skywalker having a lightsaber duel with a clone of himself.  

Dark Empire (1)

Back in the late 1980's Dark Horse comics acquired the rights to Star Wars comics from Marvel.  Dark Empire was even supposed to be published by Marvel and take place immediately after Episode VI, but plans changed a bit.  Set six years after Return of the Jedi, the Empire is still struggling to regain power with the help of their new Massive World Devastators.  Luke soon discovers that the Empire's new mastermind is still the Emperor, whose clone was killed during the Battle of Endor.  To take down the Sith Lord for good Luke decides to learn the power of the Dark Side, but begins down a path that may destroy him unless Han and Leia can save him.

I still remember when this series came out.  I love the covers and even the art seems "dark".  The sequels to this book, Dark Empire II and Empire's End, weren't as good, but this one definitely holds up.  I will always credit Dark Horse, who kept Star Wars comics alive for over twenty years until Marvel gained the rights back in 2012. 

Legacy (2)

How would you do a Star Wars film post-Jedi without Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, and Carrie Fisher?  Star Wars: Legacy is my answer.  Set 130 years after Return of the Jedi, the Republic has turned into a less menacing Empire, but the Sith have returned and in greater numbers, once again killing many Jedi and sending the rest scattered throughout the galaxy.  The Skywalker heir, Cade, has denounced is Jedi past and is a bounty hunter using his Force skills to make money when he isn't sucking down death sticks.  Cade wants to be left alone, but when the Empire, the Jedi, and the Sith all learn of his existence Cade can no longer hide from his destiny. 

Not only is Cade a terrific, and flawed, character but he is supported by a lot of great minor characters as well.  The 50+ issues of this series could be split up into a great trilogy; whether it be live-action or animated.  It's got the mature tone older Star Wars fans want and plenty of appearances by fan favorites. Such as the Force ghosts of Luke, Yoda, and Mara Jade.  And what would a Skywalker be without R2-D2 by his side?  Still my favorite Star Wars comic book series.

Mark Millar Brings Us "The Flash on Drugs" in MPH

Mark Millar has made quite a name for himself not only in the comic book industry, but now in Hollywood. This year's Kingsman: The Secret Service is based on a mini-series written by Millar, just like another one of his book-turned-film; Kick-Ass.  Mark started out writing great tales for DC and Marvel Comics like The Flash, Ultimate X-Men, and Marvel's Civil War.  But Millar has his own universe of characters he's been building for the last decade, and if you look closely, you can see Mark is drawing his inspirations from heroes already in the DC and Marvel pantheon.

MPH is about two small time criminals, Roscoe and Chevy, who work on the streets of Detroit.  Roscoe is caught by the cops selling drugs and is sent to the Big House for a fifteen year sentence. While in the Joint, Roscoe takes a pill that makes everyone move really slow, allowing him to escape and settle some old scores.  But in hindsight, Roscoe was actually moving at super speed and plans to use this miracle drug for his benefit.  He shares his super pills with Chevy, his girlfriend Rosa, and her brother; nicknamed Baseball.  The four rob from the rich who they feel caused the destruction of their city, and while making millions, also give millions back to the people of Detroit.  But the charity part of their plan doesn't sit well with Chevy and Baseball.  Neither does the fact that they've only got a week's supply of the MPH pills.  Soon the team begins to divide, and the FBI is hot on their trail, led by a mysterious man known as Mr. Springfield who knows their every move.

So basically, this story is Chronicle meets The Flash, and it's pretty entertaining.  As a guy who has read comics his who life I know that Mr. Millar has created his own universe off the backs of classic comic book characters.  Kick-Ass is about ordinary people who experience tragedy and then decide to fighting crime; which is Batman.  Superior is about a young boy who turns into a Superman-like being; which is Shazam.  And then of course there's MPH; which is Flash, or Kid Flash, depending on how you see it.  However, the modern twist is what makes these books great reads.  Millar makes the center piece of his stories nerds or thugs, and then makes a much more believable scenarios as to what these people would actually do if they were given these powers.

MPH has a good twist at the end that you should see coming a thousand miles away, and also left me really satisfied.  If you're into superheroes I recommend anything by Mark Millar because I haven't disliked any Millerverse book yet. They're a nice break from the DC and Marvel corporations, and always entertaining.  I'm excited to read Chrononauts because I've heard nothing but good things about it.  And I'm drooling to pick up the sequel to Jupiter's Legacy.

So while I admit Millar just seems to be recycling old characters and themes that are fifty to sixty years old I'm of the mind set that I don't care.  Just give me something good to read.

  

'Fantastic Four' Fumbles At The Finish Line

I am one of those rare film fans who did not hate the last interpretation of the Fantastic Four starring Chris Evans and Jessica Alba.  I thought Rise of the Silver Surfer was ridiculous and making Galactus a giant storm cloud was a horrible decision, but the previous film I thought had a lot of good qualities. It nailed some key FF traits like Johnny and Ben's bickering, Reed focusing so much on his work he is oblivious to Sue's advances, and Ben needing Reed to wrap himself around Ben to calm him down.  In order to prepare myself for this film adaptation I read the source material; Ultimate Fantastic Four.  The relationships and characters were a bit different compared to their classic counterparts; a point I had to keep reminding myself as I watched this film.  

Reed Richards is a genius.  The young man solves inter dimensional travel and is recruited by Dr. Franklin Storm to join a government funded group to travel to that other dimension.  Helping Reed is Dr. Storm's emo daughter, Sue, his rebellious son, Johnny, and a guy who likes to crash government servers, Victor Von Doom.  The kids travel to this other world, along with Reed's friend Ben, but of course it goes horribly wrong.  Soon they all exhibit strange abilities that will come in handy as a great evil is about to strike at them and possibly destroy the planet.

Director Josh Trank has already gone on Twitter saying the film currently in theaters is not the version he agreed to do with 20th Century Fox, and I've seen nothing but bad reviews of the movie.  So walking into this film I expected the worse, but as the movie went along I was quite enjoying it.  It was less jokes and fun than the previous FF films, but still interesting.  The characters seemed a bit under developed, but over an hour into the film I was liking what Trank and his crew had done. WARNING! MILD SPOILERS: Then Victor Von Doom resurfaced and the film took a nose dive.  Dr. Doom started killing people for no reason and had no motivation for doing so.  The heroes as well seemed to act differently and the dialogue became very cheesy and forced.  It was if Trank said "F%ck It" after 75% of the film was edited and walked out, leaving a scared editor to piece together what he felt like was the film's ending.

One of the weakest parts in this film was the relationships.  All of the actors are capable of good performances but their interactions weren't great.  I felt no chemistry between Sue and Reed, and Michael B. Jordan played The Human Torch, but that was no Johnny Storm I had ever read before.  However, his version of the character worked in the context of the film so I'm ok with it; or I would have been if the film's ending delivered.  I felt like the focus should have been more on Reed's journey, even though he was obviously still the main character.  His relationship with Ben was set-up but never fully realized.  I think that could have been the best part of the film, again, if they just developed it more.  

Visually, I was happy with how the characters looked.  I thought The Thing looked the best out of any interpretation on screen, and The Human Torch has been done wrong in the past, but worked in this instance.  However, I'm not sure what they were trying to do with Dr. Doom, both in look and the character overall.

Fantastic Four is not a Marvel Studios film.  It's not full of jokes and action.  It's a serious sci-fi film that I thought would have worked well if the ending would have paid off.  I feel like there is another 20 minutes of the movie left in the editing bay that could help the 3rd Act.  Given Trank's social comments I doubt we'll get a Director's Cut of the film like we got with X-Men: Days of Future Past, but I am anxious to see the deleted scenes on the DVD to see if their ever was a better ending to this film we just didn't get.  Say what you will about Tim Story's FF films, at least they had follow through.  Also, worst delivery of "It's Clobberin Time" ever.

RATING:  D+

P.S. There is no mid or end credit scene. You're Welcome.

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? Iron Fist: The Living Weapon

In a few days Marvel Studios will unveil the next step in their expanded cinematic universe; a digitally streamed TV series.  The entire first season of Daredevil will be available on Netflix on Friday and will be the first of several series that will exclusively be on the company that once rented you dvd's via mail.  Jessica Jones and Luke Cage have been cast and are in production, but the final piece of The Defenders is the one I'm looking forward too the most; Iron Fist.  Ed Brubaker and Duane Swierczynski's The Immortal Iron Fist was a phenomenal read for me and I was excited to learn that Daniel Rand was not only going to be getting his own live-action series on Netflix, but also getting a shot at another comic book series.

In this interpretation Danny is a very down and mopey hero who is attacked by zombie robots and has no idea who sent them.  The Iron Fist returns to the land he spent a decade training at only to find the mystical land of K'un L'un in ruins.  Danny must face off against his own demons if he is to make it back to New York before his oldest rival, Davos, reigns terror in the big apple.

The Immortal Iron Fist I feel is a classic because it blew open the mythology of the hero.  In it we met other Iron Fists of past and other weapons from the other seven mystical realms that helped Danny come to grip with his destiny.  This book does no such thing.  Most of the it seems like a psychedelic trip that belongs in an anime horror movie. Writer and artist, Kaar Kyle Andrews, has left us with a book that is no fun to read.  He writes Daniel Rand as Batman-style character who is a sulking billionaire.  Mr. Rand may not be Tony Stark but he definitely is no Bruce Wayne either.  He's a about helping the little guy with a sense of optimism.
This book also leaves out another part that made the previous Iron Fist series so great; his supporting cast.  There is no Luke Cage and Heroes for Hire crew to trade dialogue with and quips off of. Plus, maybe I'm just out of the loop, but wasn't Danny about to become a father last we left him?

The saving grace of this graphic novel is that you get retold Danny's origin story as to how he came to train in K'un L'un.  The parts with Davos giving him a hard time because he is an outsider, while Davos's sister befriends him, is pretty good stuff.  But I'm still not sure where Mr. Andrews is going with his interpretation. Perhaps he is burning down the old house before he builds it anew?  I think him pulling double duty is a mistake. Someone to bounce ideas off of is a good part of the creative process.  I'll continue to read the series because of my love for the character, but I just pray to Shou-Lao it gets better.

Worth A Read:  NO 

Worth A Read? Daredevil: Devil At Bay

A few days ago the second trailer for the upcoming Daredevil TV series premiered.  On April 10th, Netflix will give us the entire season all at once, which means I will not will be reachable for about two days.  With that in mind, I've started re-reading older Daredevil titles to prepare myself.  Of course the Frank Miller story lines are the foundation of the Man Without Fear, but I've also been continuing the current series being written by Mark Waid.  

In a new continuity for the Guardian of Hell's Kitchen, Waid has taken Matt Murdock out of New York and placed him in San Francisco for a fresh start. Having all of the Big Apple know he's Daredevil puts his friends in danger, but that's why Matt doesn't have anyone he cares about except his law partner and semi-girlfriend, Kirsten, and his former law partner, Foggy, who is as good as dead to the rest of the world. In the City By The Bay, Matt is working with the local police to help fight crime during the day as the blind lawyer and at night as Daredevil.  But another vigilante in San Francisco is looking to clean up the streets; the Shroud. Matt teams up with this D-rated hero,who is borderline psychotic, in order to take down one of Daredevil's oldest enemies;  the Owl. But when they face-off against the villain Matt isn't sure whose side the Shroud will come down on.

Waid has been one of my favorite writers ever since he wrote the phenomenal Kingdom Come. His first Daredevil series started out good, but wained my attention has it went on. Daredevil started fighting more supernatural villains than street crime. I loved the beginning of this series as Matt is using his super senses to help the SFPD hunt down a kidnapped child, and they know about his alter ego. I also enjoyed the Shroud being a mirror image to what Matt could be if he wallowed in his self-pity all the time. But I don't think he's a character that has enough depth to stick around of the long haul.

Chris Samnee is back drawing for Waid on this series.  His style seems a little less edgy compared to those of previous Daredevil artists like Joe Quesada and Alex Maleev. However, given Waid's more lighthearted writing of the character, I think Samnee's cartoonish style compliments Waid's words well.

Given my declining enthusiasm for Waid and Samnee's previous Daredevil series I'm still not ready to put Waid in the league of great DD writers like Miller, Brubaker, or Bendis.  But I'm willing to give him time to see how he ends his journey with Matt Murdock.  Eventually, Daredevil will return to Hell's Kitchen.  Any blind man could see that.

Worth A Read?  YES

Marvel's 'New Hope' With Star Wars

I remember when I was a child my father used to take me and my brother to the comic book store every Saturday morning.  We both used to pick out an issue of our favorite Marvel or DC hero.  However, one Saturday, I ended up picking out something different.  It was a new mini-series called Star Wars: Dark Empire.  I didn't know it at the time, but this was the first non-Marvel Star Wars comic book ever published.  Dark Horse comics would remain the sole distributor of Star Wars comic books for over two decades; until today.

When Disney bought Lucasfilm back in 2012 every Star Wars fan knew what the logical change would be for Star Wars comics.  Disney also owned Marvel, a comic book publishing company, so there was no need for Star Wars to continue to be made at Dark Horse.  I was a little saddened by this.  I had grown up reading Star Wars comic books, brought to me by the lovely writers and artists at Dark Horse comics.  But then I thought of the benefits.  Some of favorite Marvel writers like Brian Michael Bendis, Jeph Loeb, or Mark Waid would be writing the adventures of Luke, Han, and Leia.  Star Wars comics could be as detailed and complex as Avengers vs. X-Men or Civil War.

Well, today Star Wars #1 came out.  In a few months Marvel also plans to roll out several mini-series featuring Darth Vader and Princess Leia as well.  To be honest this comic didn't even cross my mind today, but then I got a text from my brother.  He's not a big Star Wars fan like me, but he commented on how he had just read the issue and loved it.  I then knew I had to check it out.  Being a father I didn't have time to go to my local comic shop and indulge in what I'm sure was Star Wars hysteria.  But when I got home I paid the five dollars to read the digital copy on my tablet.

As I flipped my finger through the screens I saw "A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away" and then STAR WARS.  It was almost as beautiful as seeing the words on the screen with The Force Awakens trailer.  As my finger continued to progress I saw the traditional opening crawl explaining the synopsis, followed by a a ship coming overhead.  I knew then this comic was going to get it right.  

In the first issue Han, Leia, and Luke are on a mission to shut down an Imperial manufacturing plant.  Han took the lead, Chewie was on sniper duty, and Threepio was back in the Falcon ready to swoop in for the rescue.  As always with out heroes, the plan goes awry and soon Darth Vader shows up ending this first issue with what looks like a showdown with Luke Skywalker.  

It's been a long time since I read a single issue comic book. I'm used to reading graphic novels so this seemed a bit short to me, and got cut-off right before it was going to get good.  I know writer Jason Aaron from his run on Wolverine and the X-Men and I was quite impressed how well he handles these characters.  The dialogue seems to flow, and the team seems to be right where they should be post-Episode IV.  Luke his fumbling through his rookie Jedi skills, Leia waste no thought on trying to take out Vader after his part in Alderaan's destruction, and Han's motives for staying with the Rebellion are still allusive.  

I've admired Cassaday's art ever since Astonishing X-Men and loved the full page splashes of Luke having just cut off someone's hand, Vader making his entrance, and Han thinking he can escape in an AT-AT. I only hope that Joss Whedon gets a crack at this, or another Star Wars comic series, some day.  The issue was full of puns reverting back to Star Wars lore.  My only question is if Threepio will actually pick-up the blaster in the Falcon's cock pit and use it.

I wasn't drooling over this issue when it was done, but I thought it definitely had more potential then a similar series Dark Horse tried to put out a few years ago.  If you like Star Wars, comic books, or both, I recommend it.  However, like most comics today, I'm gonna wait for the trade paperback.  Until then, May The Force Be With Us All.

My 'Fantastic' Journey With '4'

Growing up, one of my favorite superheroes was Johnny Storm, aka, The Human Torch.  Johnny was young, arrogant, and so cool.  As a boy reading comic books there was nothing better than a hero you could relate too.  Because of my preference for the Torch I kind of thought as my family as the Fantastic Four.  My father, the smart guy who is borderline mad scientist.  My mother, the nurturer who kept us all together.  My brother, the moody guy who liked to use his fists on me.  And myself, the young hothead who could never sit still.  However, I could never really get into Fantastic Four comics.  Now, as a full grown adult, I figure it was time to give the FF another try.  It's been years since I tried reading anything about Marvel's First Family so I thought years experiences, and a bit of wisdom, might have changed my perspective.  I went to my local library and picked up as many FF books as I could.  After I browsed through the regular series I dabbled in the Ultimate universe since it looks like that's what this years Fantastic Four movie will draw from.

I started off as far back as I could.  I was surprised to find out that most of the movies Marvel Studios are gonna roll out in their Phase 3 were introduced in FF.  Black Panther and the Inhumans both first appeared in Fantastic Four.  Stan Lee and Jack Kirby's early work was rich in story, but like most comics back in the day, the dialogue and character development left much to be desired for today's modern reader.  However, Lee and Kirby laid the ground work for some great mythology.

Throughout the years the Fantastic Four saw some guest members like She-Hulk, Ant-Man, and the Inhuman's Crystal, but it always reverted back to the core 4.  In 1996, following the events of Onslaught, most of the Marvel heroes got a re-vamp with Heroes Reborn. The Avengers and the Fantastic Four got updated origins, with a bit of a twist, provided by Jim Lee(no relation to Stan) and Rob Liefeld.  Both had worked with Marvel in the past, but had since went on to start Image Comics.  Lee's art added a new sense of style to the FF and I enjoyed quite a bit more of these stories compared to the 1960's comic.  

After a year of Heroes Reborn Marvel's First Family returned to the actual Marvel U with some big problems to come.  This was the start of some of my favorite FF stories with Civil War and Marvel Knights 4 written by playwright Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa.  His run saw the team kicked out of the Baxter Building and trying to live like real people who had to get real jobs.  I enjoyed these volumes because they were so much more personal.  Most FF stories involve them going on some crazy adventure through time or space, but I'm a fan of smaller stories that focus on the characters themselves and not the villain their fighting that month.  Marvel's Civil War also saw the team split on the Superhero Registration Act.  The event almost destroyed the FF as well as Reed and Sue's marriage.

As time progressed the team stayed true minus a brief death by the Human Torch(which no one believed would be gone long).  The current Matt Fraction series takes the family through space as Reed tries to solve the issue of not only his cells brake down and eventual death, but those of his teammates.  Reed hopes to find the answers in the stars to save those he cares about most.

Ultimate Fantastic Four started in 2004 and saw the FF back as young adults.  Reed's experiment into the N-Zone goes awry and instead of them gaining abilities by cosmic rays, it's by an N-Zone explosion.  While quite a bit different from their original beginnings, I enjoyed this reboot the most.  Making them younger made them seem more relatable than the characters who have been heroes since 1963. 

On top of reading all the graphic novels I also watched the Fantastic Four movies.  I remember watching the 1994 Fantastic Four film as a child.  The movie was never released in theaters, and for good reason.  It was pretty bad.  2005 saw the FF actually on the big screen thanks to 20th Century Fox.  A lot of comic readers rag on this film and it's sequel, but I'm in the minority that I somewhat enjoy them.  Rise of the Silver Surfer has less of my respect, but that first film I thought highlighted the core of what the Fantastic Four is about; family.  We saw Ben and Johnny fight, Reed wrap the Thing into a knot to control is rage, and Chris Evans play the perfect Human Torch.  Evans was so good as Johnny Storm I was very against him being cast as Captain America.  I ate my foot on that one.

From what I could tell the 1994 film drew straight from the original 1963 origin, the 2005 film got a lot from the Heroes Reborn origin, and the 2015 film will basically be Ultimate FF.  Michael B. Jordan has been cast as Johnny Storm; totally changing his ethnicity.  Sue Storm is going to be played by Kate Mara(not a blonde) and their most hated enemy, Victor Von Doom, will go by another name. The Dr. Doom changes are the most disturbing to me, but the cast itself is one of the few aspects I think will be good about this film.  I'm sure I'll change my tune when I see a trailer, but for now, my hopes aren't high.

So, after a few months of reading and watching Mr. Fantastic, the Invisible Woman, the Human Torch, and the Thing, I'm kind of back to where I was when I was 10 years old.  I love the concept and characters of Fantastic Four, but actually enjoy few stories told about Marvel's First Family.  However, I will continue to keep up with their adventures and cross my fingers that this next FF film will be the one that catches on.  And if it doesn't then the rights will go back to Marvel Studios and in another few years we'll see the Human Torch fighting alongside Captain America.  I won't mention the irony there.

I can't believe I wrote this whole post without working in, "It's Clobberin Time."

Marvel's Cinematic Civil War A Good Idea?

This week has been a comic enthusiasts dream.  After coming off all the news from the New York Comic Con there were also two big movie stories that broke.  I'll share my thoughts on Warner Bros announcement in my next post, but for now I'm gonna focus my feeling about Marvel Studios.

Robert Downey Jr seems to be teasing Iron Man fans lately with saying he wants to do another Iron Man film and then retracting his statement just hours later.  Now, Variety has reported that Downey is in negotiations to guest star in the third Captain America film opposite Chris Evans.  This is happy news, but the 'exciting' part of the rumor is that Cap 3 is set to start the infamous Marvel storyline, Civil War.

In the 2006 miniseries, the government has implemented the Superhero Registration Act, a law that requires any vigilantes or masked heroes to reveal their identities and work for Uncle Sam.  Tony Stark sees just how serious the American government is about this and decides to support the Act.  Meanwhile, Captain America opposes the Act and leads an underground group against Iron Man and those who follow him.

This series was epic and one of my favorites.  I've always dreamed of seeing it on the big screen, but I'm hesitant about this decision.  A main focus in this story was Spider-Man.  He's the Marvel hero that protects his identity the most, which is why Stark convinces him to reveal who he is at a press conference.  Later on, Peter Parker switches sides to Cap's team.  Peter's journey in this plot is central, and without him I feel like the movie(s) will be missing it's heart.  However, there are talks about Sony loaning Spider-Man to Marvel Studios due to their financial situation.  Could Marvel take advantage of this and get Spider-Man mixed in to the cinematic Civil War? 

 Another major perspective in Civil War is the Fantastic Four, which Fox currently owns the movie rights too.  Having to choose sides tares this team in two and almost destroys Reed and Sue Richards marriage.  Without this subplot I feel like the film may also be missing another piece of it's center.  I don't believe for a second Marvel is canceling the FF comic book in an effort to try and hurt the upcoming film, thus allowing Marvel to possibly get the rights back.  By the time the Fantastic Four movie is released next year you can bet Marvel Comics will have another FF series out to take advantage of any buzz the film may get.

My last gripe about bringing up Civil War on screen is the lack of characters in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.  Sure we have more characters coming like Ant-Man and Dr. Strange, but all of these superheroes have already outed their identities.  The only issue would be those who are forced to work for the government or hang-up their tights, or leather now-a-days.  Of course, if they need more heroes Netflix's Defenders team will be coming up soon.
And what about Thanos?  We all figured Avengers 3 would be the Infinity Gauntlet.  Are they really going to continue that slow burn until perhaps Avengers 4 or 5?  I could however see all the Marvel heroes splitting up, but then having to put aside their differences to face the galaxy's ultimate baddie.

With all the concerns I've listed don't think for a second I'm not ecstatic about this!  Sure they'll probably have to pay RDJ a crap-load of more money, but seeing this all unfold will be sweet.  You can see in Captain America: The Winter Solider how the small seeds were planted for the idea of Civil War.  Speaking of which, the second Captain America film strayed pretty far from the original source material, but was still the best film Marvel Studios has released in my opinion.  So if this "Civil War" doesn't follow the miniseries exactly I won't be upset as long as it's good.

A year ago there was a phrase that I, and perhaps others, have started reciting; In Feige We Trust.  Guardians of the Galaxy was a risk for Marvel Studios that paid off big time because their president knows what he's doing.  I'm sure he's had Civil War planned for years now and is just now letting us all in on a fraction of his plan.  The story may not be exactly like the original comic, but as long as it's a good film I'll be ok with it. 

 Marvel Comics seem to be bringing back old story lines like Secret Wars, Planet Hulk, and Civil War, but the cinematic world is still a toddler that has a lifetime of stories to tell that will be fresh to us all.  Now if you'll excuse me I'll need a break before I start my DC/Warner Bros post.  Or I may just watch Captain America: The Winter Soldier because I could literally watch that film every day. Until next time true believers, In Feige We Trust.