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.  

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.

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.  

5 Things I Want To See in 'Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice'

Yes, I know.  It's been a LOOOOOOOOONG time since I have written an actual blog on Blogger.  I hopped on the podcast bandwagon and have been riding that engine ever since.  But I felt like a topic such as this one deserved my special touch.  So, I guess that means that from time to time you still may see me write an actual blog.  But don't hold your breath on it.

I am only a few hours away from watching a film most fanboys have wait years, if not their whole lives, to see.  Anyone who knows me, or heard me talk about Man of Steel, knows I had some major issues with it.  Though none of them had to do with their pick of Henry Cavill as Superman.  It's Zach Snyder's style I thought ruined the film, and ever since I heard he was not only continuing with Batman v Superman, but Justice League as well, I've been afraid of the entire DC Cinematic Universe expansion.  I loved the casting of Ben Affleck and Jeremy Irons as Batman and Alfred.  I hated the casting of Jesse Eisenberg and Gal Gadot as Lex Luthor and Wonder Woman.  I want to like this movie.  I'm trying my best to walk into it with hope and an open mind.  But even today, as I see bad headlines online, I am preparing for the worst.

While not a fan of the previous film it was not without merit.  Like I said, I liked Henry Cavill as Clark Kent, I liked Amy Adams and Laurence Fishburne as Lois Lane and Perry White.  And I loved the visual effects.  Seeing Superman and Zod fight, while very unnecessary, was cool to watch.  So in order to correct this ship that Man of Steel has launched I've thought of 5 things I'd like to see in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice to get me on board with the DCCU moving forward.

1)  Superman must feel bad about killing Zod

I get that Superman kills every once and a while.  I've read enough comics to know he avoids it at all costs, but sometimes, it happens.  My main gripe with him snapping Zod's neck in MoS was tat it was the first Superman film of the reboot.  The audience didn't even get one film to establish his rule on not killing.  In Christopher Nolan's Dark Knight trilogy the first two entire films established that Batman went out of his way not to kill because it separates him from his enemies.  Is Snyder and writer David Goyer saying Superman has no quarrel with it?

I want Clark to draw the line in this film.  I want him to have thought about his actions and realized that Zod is the last life he'll ever take.  Jor-El sent Kal-El to Earth to "give the people of Earth an ideal to strive towards".  Right now, Clark is down in the mud with the rest of us.  That isn't Superman.  Like Captain America, he is supposed to show us that the right thing to do is usually the hardest choice.

2)  Keep Doomsday's screen time minimal

When I saw that Lex was going to turn Zod's corpse into the villain known as Doomsday I was horrified.  And not by Doomsday's appearance.  It was that they took this iconic, powerful, villain and put him in the 2nd film of this cinematic universe.  Marvel has been teasing Thanos for 6 films!  In the comics, Doomsday took out the entire Justice League before killing Superman.  Now, it appears that a rookie Superman and Wonder Woman, along with Batman, can handle this force of nature.  Um.....no.  

However, if Doomsday shows up at the end of this film, and the Trinity realizes they can't take down this beast alone, so then they form the Justice League to help them.  I'd be on board with that.  If you're going to waste a good villain like Zod in the first Superman film, and then double tap that bad decision by turning him into Doomsday, at least make it worth our while. 

    

3)  Show me Darkseid

We've all seen the parademons and the Omega symbol in the Batman v Superman trailer.  So we can all guess that Darkseid will be the big bad guy in the Justice League film.  In the mid-credit scene for The Avengers we got our first glimpse of Thanos and had non-comic readers saying, "Isn't that Red Skull?"  I want a tease like that.  I've seen parademons; show me the big guy.  Show me the ultimate galactic villain that Warner Bros and DC thought it would be ok to have in the 5th film of their cinematic universe(Marvel is at 13 and still not fought Thanos).  I just wanna know what he looks like.  I figure the Justice League film will loosely be based on Geoff Johns New 52 storyline; Origin.  Or if you want to check out the animated film, Justice League: War to get an idea what the live-action film may be like, it's also based in Origin. 

4)  Lois supporting Clark

In several storylines we see that Lois is Superman's anchor to humanity.  I will also give some credit to Ma and Pa Kent.  Clark is a being who is so powerful he can take over the world; possibly the galaxy.  But his human emotions, like love, are what keep him humble.  Without them, he'd really think he was a god.  Governments and vigilantes are coming after Clark for the destruction of Metropolis.  He will feel ashamed.  He will feel like his mission is not worth it.  Lois has to be there to support him.  To know that world needs someone like him to give them hope.  And Lois needs to be there for him so that he doesn't have to be "Superman" all the time.  I love that Lois knows who Clark is right from that start.  So let's not waste it.

5)  Don't screw up Wonder Woman!!!!!

Ben Affleck has proven himself in recent years to be not only an accomplished actor, but a great film maker as well.  I have no worries that he will make a good Batman.  But giving the most iconic female superhero character in history to a model who is trying to start an acting career?  What were they thinking!!!!!  

Granted, I have been trying to hold off judgement on Gal Gadot until I see the film, but I have been VERY scared of this casting choice since the beginning.  The only thing I've seen Gadot in is the Fast & Furious films and I was not impressed at all.  Rumor has it WW isn't in the film enough to make or break it, but with her own solo film coming out next year I feel like the entire female superhero film sub-genre is on Gal Gadot's shoulders.  And those shoulders look like they can barely lift a lasso.

'Throne of Atlantis' Rises to the Top of DC Animation

Aquaman. Growing up loving the water I had an affinity for the superhero who seemed to be the butt of all jokes.  But in 2010 writer Geoff Johns brought the character back to life in Brightest Day, and made sure he'd never be anybodies joke again. 

DC Animated recently has been outshining their live-action films to me.  I thought Man of Steel and Green Lantern were a mess, but The Flashpoint Paradox and Son of Batman were good films.  Justice League: Throne of Atlantis is based on a Geoff Johns comic story and is a sequel to the DC animated film, Justice League: War.  I wasn't a fan of War, but this movie was based on a favorite storyline of mine.  Plus the voice talent seemed much better than War so I wanted to give it the benefit of the doubt.  

Arthur Curry has just buried his father.  He never knew his mother, and his birthright is about to try and kill him.  Arthur finds out he is the heir to the lost underwater city of Atlantis, but his younger brother, Orm, is secretly taking the throne for himself and wants to start a war with the surface world.  To stop his brother Arthur must embrace is destiny and team up with the newly former Justice League to divert all-out war.

First off, let me just say that I was disappointed Aquaman did not appear in Justice League: War like in the original source material and was replaced by Shazam.  But I'm glad he is front and center for this animated sequel.  Star Wars: The Clone Wars alumni Matt Lanter and Sam Witwer lead this voice cast as Aquaman and Orm.  Rosario Dawson has replaced Michelle Monaghan as Wonder Woman; which I thought was a great change.  Sean Astin is back as Shazam and Jason O'Mara is starting to grow on me as his third time voicing Batman.  However, the best voice change is the return of THEE Green Lantern, Nathan Fillion, as Hal Jordan. 

One thing I've loved about the recent DC animated movies is that they aren't kids movies.  The stories are rich and deep with a lot of emotional stuff happening.  In this film alone bodies are cut in half, heads are severed, and the word 'shit' is used.  I'm not saying these gratuitous things make the film better, but it makes the movie more credible if you don't try to censor the actual violence these heroes witness and dish out.  

I thought adding in Aquaman's origin to this storyline would make it too crowded, but it was blended nicely.  Some fan boys yell blasphemy if you stray from the source material, but I feel as though as long as it serves the movie, and doesn't change the characters core, I'm fine with it.  Maybe it's my affection for Aquaman that made me like this film so much but I think this will end up being one of my Top 5 DC animated films.  My only jeer is that the last five minutes seemed a bit rushed, almost forced, but the other hour and seven minutes more than make up for it.

RATING:  A-  

WB's DC Characters Look To Out-Plan Marvel

In the race of comic book films Marvel is so far ahead of DC they've pretty much lapped them; twice.  However, this week's announcement by Warner Bros could improve their chances to catch up.  WB/DC took the wind out of the sails of the Avengers sequel when they appeared at the San Diego Comic Con with a Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice teaser, a picture of what Wonder Woman will look like, and their three main stars making a brief appearance.  Now they've upstaged Marvel again. Just days after Variety reported Robert Downey Jr appearing in the third Captain America film, Warner Bros CEO Kevin Tsujihara came out to announce some upcoming projects such as several LEGO films, three Harry Potter spin-off films, and a ten-film slate for their DC Comic characters.  

After Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, Warner Bros will come out with two films a year, starting with a stand-alone Wonder Woman film starring Gal Gadot along with one of two Justice League films.  Also on the schedule is a Green Lantern reboot film, a stand-alone Cyborg film, and an Aquaman film starring the long-rumored Jason Momoa.  But even before we get Wonder Woman we'll get Suicide Squad, based on the comic about a bunch of super villains who are forced to do good.

This is a very ambitious line-up WB has planned, but it also says to Marvel Studios, and the rest of the world, "we're all in."  I wasn't the biggest fan of Man of Steel, but the things I liked about it, such as Henry Cavill and Amy Adams performances, will carry on throughout the other DC films.  

The film announcement that shocked me the least was the Green Lantern reboot.  After the poorly received Ryan Reynolds film failed to jump start the DC film universe I still believed it had potential to be a part of this grand plan.  But it looks like Warner Bros is just wiping the chalkboard clean and starting from scratch. Chances are by the time we see the GL film we'll already have an impression as to whether we like this character or not.  Odds are as well that it'll be Hal Jordan taking center stage just like the previous film.  But with several other human Green Lantern's to choose from I wouldn't be surprised if they go with John Stewart or even Guy Gardner.

The two films that shocked me the most were the announcements of a Cyborg and Flash film.  Given that Flash is arguably the fourth most popular DC character I'm not shocked he's getting his own film; just shocked that they've already cast Ezra Miller as the Scarlet Speedster.  I like The Perks of Being A Wallflower star, and I could see him being a good Bart Allen or young Wally West. But as Barry Allen, I'm not so sure.  Plus Barry Allen's story is already being told in a new series on The CW that is off to a good start in my opinion. 

 Meanwhile the stand-alone Cyborg film confused me.  Cyborg is great character, but he's always been a supporting character and never had his own ongoing comic.  I'd much rather see him in a Teen Titans film, where the character really got his start. As far as the solo Aquaman movie starring Jason Momoa? We all saw that coming after months of speculation.

The most ambitious move by WB/DC will be the Wonder Woman film.  She's thee iconic super heroine in the world, and after much talk about Marvel being the first to release a female-led film Warner Bros announces one first.  This of course is all resting on Gal Gadot's ability to pull of this classic comic book character.  I think I speak for everyone when I say, we are praying Gadot has more talent than she showed us in the Fast & Furious franchise.  

It's a bold move for Warner Bros to announce all these films before we've even seen The Dark Knight Returns...I mean...Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice.  This all lyes on that film being good.  And just because I haven't agreed how Zach Snyder and Warner Bros have treated the DC characters so far doesn't mean I'm not rooting for them.  I'm in their fan section with a big foam finger attached to me.  

I honestly could write about this subject until I fall asleep on my keyboard.  I didn't even get into the Shazam film starring Dwayne Johnson, or the absence of Green Arrow.  With Marvel and DC about to unleash a buffet of films into the world I think I speak for comic book fanboys everywhere when I quote Seth Cohen, "We're not outcast anymore. We're trailblazers."

Man of Steel v Arrow: Dawn of the 2 Justice Leagues

It was a typical Thursday night back in January 2007.  My friends and I had purchased some beer and pizza and were about to watch the newest episode of Smallville before heading out to our usual bar for some karoke.  On that Thursday night we were a little more excited that usual to watch Smallville. In this episode Clark was teaming up with Green Arrow, Impulse(Flash), Aquaman, and Cyborg in an episode called 'Justice'.  After twenty years of reading superhero comic books it was the first live-action Justice League I had ever seen.  I still haven't seen the TV movie done years ago, and I plan to keep it that way.  Skip ahead to present day. We are about to get two different Justice League teams within the next five years.  One on the small screen, and one on the big screen. But which one will be better?

 In it's second season, Arrow introduced Barry Allen, and even showed him being struck by lightening.  The show has already featured Black Canary and will bring in Ray Palmer, the future Atom, and Arsenal in season three.  Meanwhile, Barry is about to zoom over to his own Flash series and Firestorm is set to make an appearance.  This will make six Justice League members in The CW television universe that started on Arrow.  It was also announced that Arrow and The Flash co-creator, Greg Berlanti, is pitching a Supergirl series next.

 Over on the Warner Bros set another DC Comics team is slowly being assembled.  In 2016 the world will see Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice that will feature Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Victor Stone(Cyborg), and a rumored Aquaman.  Man of Steel director, Zach Snyder, is directing this film, and has already said he's directing a Justice League film that has not gotten a release date yet.  Most speculate though that the release of Justice League will not be too far off from Batman v Superman.

 WB and DC executives have already said that the television and film worlds will not connect like Marvel Studios is doing.  This means eventually audiences may have two Flashes, or two Barry Allen's, at the same time that have nothing to do with each other.  I bring up the Scarlet Speedster as an example because he is one of the dominant Justice League members just behind the Trinity, but with his own TV series about to debut, and hopefully be a hit, will he be featured in Snyder's upcoming film?  The smart thing would be to have another Flash besides Barry(such as Wally) in the film.  But so far evidence supports that Snyder and WB aren't that smart.  Besides the Flash, most of the other Arrow heroes are B to C stringers(love it) which wouldn't come to a fan boys mind when you name off their top five or seven key Justice League members. But given that Cyborg wasn't an official JL member till just a few years ago he wouldn't be on my A-team either. 

 What about Green Lantern?  The Ryan Reynolds film failed to start the DC Cinematic Universe so WB jumped off with Man of Steel.  But he's also another A-lister.  Do you just skip GL or replace him with another member of the Corps and give the Hal Jordan stench more time to dry out? By the time these questions in DC's film universe will be answered I feel like The CW will have already had their own Justice League multi-series crossover event.

I can't hide my opinion that I am way more excited for what is happening on my TV than at my local cinema.  As a big Superman fan I had quite a few issues with Man of Steel, Zach Snyder, and the vision of the DC Cinematic Universe so far.  Arrow creators are crafting a long narrative by getting to know the characters quite well. Meanwhile, Snyder and his film makers are just rushing to catch-up with Marvel Studios. 

I feel like WB still doesn't get why they've fallen behind in this comic book movie race.  The strength of the Marvel Media Universe is that everything is connected!  Bruce Banner can pop-up at the end of Iron Man 3, or Lady Sif can appear on Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. It's all a pay-off for someone who follows it all.  I don't watch Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. However, if I did I would have enjoyed Captain America: The Winter Soldier that much more because of the tie-in and vice versa.  But I didn't have to catch the television series, or any other Marvel franchise movie, to enjoy Cap 2.  So why would I pay $12 to see another Flash when I already love the one I get for free on my TV? Minus the better special effects I'm sure it would only disappoint. Basically I'm saying what Marvel has done is brilliant.

 My hope is that Warner Bros has already answered all the questions I have posed in this article and I'm just going to eat my words later.  And while I am excited for comic book properties kicking ass in every medium, and seeing another a live-action Justice League back on my screens, I continue to be disappointed how Warner Bros is handling these modern day Gods in film.They are trying so hard to be different from Marvel that they are being different; they're sucking.  So for now, I'm with Team Arrow.

Comic-Con from Afar: 2014 Edition

This time of year I get as excited as a kid on Christmas. The San Diego Comic-Con(SDCC) used to be a place where you mainly see sweaty nerds that are hardcore into comics books and all things fantasy.  But now the tables have turned.  Ever since comic book films have hit it big San Diego has turned into thee event of Hollywood.  If you're involved in a comic book, sci-fi, or fantasy anything the place to show it off is at SDCC.  

This season fan boys like myself where eager to hear about upcoming films, from Avengers: Age of Ultron to The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies.  Everyone stipulated about if we would see anything from Star Wars: Episode VII and BatmanvSuperman: Dawn of Justice since production had recently started on both and also they are over a year from release.  Boy, did we get a surprise.

Now I've never actually been to SDCC.  Every year I say the same thing, "next year I'm going," but I never do.  I would really like to go next year since we'll be knew deep in Star Wars and BatmanvSuperman spoilers.  This week I've been spent hour(s) every night just catching up on what happened that day at SDCC.  I was surprised by a few news bits, and psyched for a lot of news bits.

On Monday, before SDCC even started, J.J. Abrams came out with another video for his "Force for Change" charity campaign.  And this time he did standing in front of an X-Wing fighter!  He offered people who pledged money in the last week of the charity not only a chance to be in Episode VII, but a private, advanced, screening of the film.  This was enough to get any fan boy excited, but also, to see a new X-Wing, that will be seen in Episode VII was amazing!  I'm so happy that Abrams and his team are trying to do something good while the Star Wars spotlight is shining on them, and OMG, an X-Wing fighter!!!

The next news bit, pre-SDCC, that got me talking, was Sony's announcement of The Sinister Six and The Amazing Spider-Man 3 release dates.  After the bad reviews the second Amazing Spider-Man film got some speculated if Sony had decided not to move forward with their expanded cinematic universe using the only characters they have the rights too; Spider-Man and his villains.  

I can see how Fox can make X-Men into a great cinematic universe because it's pretty much it's own corner of the Marvel U anyway that doesn't correspond with what the Avengers and Fantastic Four are doing.  But Spider-Man is usually in the middle of everything.  I hate to tell Sony this, but the Spider-Man villains can't hold down their own movie.  "Villain" movies are about good people who turn bad but still do good.  That's not The Sinister Six.  They are just plain evil, and people won't care enough to see it multiple times.  I feel that Sony should just focus on The Amazing Spider-Man 3 and get their franchise back on track because as of right now I know of no one who is excited to see another Spider-Man film.  

When Comic-Con actually started the first thing that got me geeking out was a trailer for the next season of Arrow.  I've enjoyed reading Green Arrow (before the New 52 turned it to crap) and I've enjoyed the first two season of the CW hit.  It feels like a good mixture of Smallville and The Dark Knight trilogy.  And I'm even more excited for the coming spin-off, The Flash.  SDCC attendees were privilaged to see footage from season 3, which featured Roy Harper in full Red Arrow gear, and the hint that Ra's Al Ghul will be showing up after being talked about for two years. 

Roy finally becoming Red Arrow was something I've been waiting to see.  The trailer also showed the blossoming Oliver/Felicity relationship, which I do not support.  Green Arrow and Black Canary.  That's what it is, and should be.  The Ra's Al Ghul tease surprised me. Ra's is a Batman villain.  To put in him in a Green Arrow TV show just makes it seem like we won't see him in any upcoming Batman movies.  Or, perhaps, Christopher Nolan has made the character so known that the show creators are hoping viewers can just jump right in with Ra's.  I see it now.  With The Flash, and other DC heroes, set to show up on both shows I'm psyched to see what comes next for DC TV!

Just as a side-note.  The trailer for the documentary The Death of Superman Lives; What Happend? also premiered at SDCC.  I heard about this documentary years ago.  Then I saw the director, John Schnepp, on AMC Movie Talk and started to care more about this film.  The documentary will see Schnepp interview anyone connected to the Superman film of the 1990's that almost happend.  Schnepp has spent the last few years taking donations to finish this film where we'll hear from Tim Burton to Kevin Smith about a movie where Nicolas Cage was supposed to play Superman.  I'm excited to see this thing because I have come to love hearing what Schnepp has to say every week on AMC Movie Talk.  And I remember when this whole thing was going on, which means I'm old.

The big event of SDCC was supposed to be the Avengers: Age of Ultron panel.  The whole cast was there, minus director Joss Whedon and a prego Scarlet Johansson.  I haven't seen any of the panel, but I've read all about it.  To be honest I feel Entertainment Weekly's recent article got the jump on Comic-Con.  I didn't hear anything new that I hadn't already read about in the EW article.  But don't get me wrong, I'm still SUPER PSYCHED for this film.

The night before the Avengers panel I had this feeling like DC/Warner Bros were up to something.  Warner Bros knew everyone was there for Avengers, but they have the big movie in their back pocket.  I even tweeted the night before:

"I have this feelin, after the Avengers panel DC/Warner Bros will be like, 'Oh yeah, well here's Wonder Woman!'"

And what happend the day of the Avengers panel?  Not only was a picture of Wonder Woman released, but they showed a teaser from BatmanvSuperman: Dawn of Justice where Bats and Sups look like they are about to throw down in the rain.  Then, to add the cherry on this sweet sundae, they have Ben Affleck, Henry Cavill, and Gal Gadot all come out and say hi.  I don't even think they even said that, but either way Warner Bros just ran up, kicked Marvel Studios in the balls, and ran away laughing!

Now I have to admit, Gal Gadot does look cool in the Wonder Woman outfit, but the worry of this fan boy has never been how she looked, but how she can act, or lack there of.  Also, this looks like she belongs in a 300 sequel.  I didn't like Man of Steel and I blame Zach Snyder for it.  I think Warner Bros has backed the wrong horse with him running this DC cinematic universe and while I've been very hesitant of BatmanvSuperman because of Snyder, even I will admit, that teaser was f%cking cool.  People will see this film because it will give them what they've wanted for decades; Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman in a live-action film together with a promise of a Justice League to follow.  But I am still hesitant of this film and more excited for Avengers: Age of Ultron.....for now.

DC's Potential Cinematic Disaster

A few weeks ago a rumor was leaked online as to the release dates of Warner Bros/DC Comics cinematic universe.  This is just speculation for now, though this was suppose be announced at next month's San Diego Comic Con.  In any event, this rumor has sent geeks everywhere in an uproar.  Every fan boy has their opinion about this news, and this fan boy is no different.

Marvel Studios has been kicking DC's ass in the movie making competition with each film getting better and better.  Meanwhile, DC has only mustered up Man of Steel after Green Lantern wasn't good enough to kick-start to their DC cinematic universe.  If this announcement is real then Warner Bros wants to pump out seven films in almost three years.  Marvel Studios has been putting out two films a year, adding to the Spider-Man and X-Men films Fox and Sony are putting out sporadically.  This whole schedule seems like Warner Bros is trying to overcompensate for them running behind in the race.  But not only is this rushed, but also, bad ideas!  Here's why:

Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice (May 2016)

Anyone who knows me knows I have serious issues with Man of Steel.  However, I do believe it does have some redeeming qualities that could carry over well to a sequel.  But of course we will never know, at least not for a while, because this is not the MoS sequel we thought we were getting.

When Ben Affleck was added as Batman we thought he would just make a decent cameo, but felt the focus was still going to be on the Last Son of Krypton.  Then Gal Gabot was cast as Wonder Woman, Ray Fisher as Cyborg, and Jason Momoa as Aquaman; allegedly.  This whole film started to sound like just a set-up for a Justice League movie.  Then the title came out.  Dawn of Justice confirms it is just a set-up for a Justice League movie and that it's officially not a MoS sequel.

This disturbs me.  Warner Bros couldn't go two films without their cash-cowing Dark Knight, and to me that says that they have no faith in any other DC property; no even Superman.  But the problem isn't the characters, it's who's behind the properties.  But I'll get to that.

Shazam (July 2016)

Out of all the rumored upcoming DC movies this is the one I have the most faith in.  Shazam is better known as Captain Marvel.  Little Billy Batson gains the powers of a god by saying "shazam" and becoming a superhero who rivals even Superman.  I think this film will work because it's a little boy who becomes a superhero.  What kid won't want to see this film?  However, Shazam can not be another sad and destructive Man of Steel.  For this film to work it has to be more Hook and less Passion of the Christ.  This is a story of a kid and it needs to target kids for it to work.  Any Disney executive knows if you make a kid movie then you get twice the ticket money because the parent has to take the kids to see the movie!

The ol' Zach Snyder style won't get it done on this one.  But with Warner's faith in the Goyer/Snyder duo I'm a little worried.  However, I'll hold off judgement until I see who they'll get to direct.  I'd just better not see Quentin Tarantino's name on the short list.

The Sandman (Christmas 2016)

The only thing known about this film so far is that Joseph-Gordon Levitt is set to star.  I'm not too familiar with this DC/Veritgo property except that I know it's the farthest thing from a Justice League tie-in.  It has to do with dreams, reality, and a lot of other trippy things that will be a nice break from the superheroes Warner Bros will be ramming down our throats for the next few years.

Justice League (May 2017)

It took Marvel Studios five films and four years to get to The Avengers.  Warner Bros is looking to get to Justice League with two films in four years.  This is a HUGE mistake!  No disrespect to Black Widow and Hawkeye but the Justice League has much better characters than just Batman and Superman.  You can't introduced Green Lantern, Flash, and Aquaman in a team film.  They all have complex and deep origin stories that deserve their own film first.  Granted, Hal Jordan has had his own film, but we all know Ryan Reynolds has about as much to do with Justice League as Eric Bana has to do with The Avengers.  Without knowing their origins this film will fall apart; especially since we know the film will just be about Batman and Superman. Well, just about Batman anyway.

Wonder Woman (July 2017)

I love Gal Gadot.  I loved her when she starred in....ummm.  Then she was great when she won an award for....ummmm.  Well, she had more than ten lines in....ummm.  The point I'm trying to make is that Gadot hasn't proven herself as an actress in ANYTHING.  The only thing I've seen her in is the Fast and Furious films and even then I was unimpressed.  Wonder Woman is one of the most iconic female characters in fiction history.  Her portrayal on screen has to be iconic.

Gal Gadot has not shown me, and many others, that she is worthy of carrying the Wonder Woman mantle.  We have yet to see her play Diana in Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice.  Given Warner Bros rumored schedule a Wonder Woman movie will be already in the production when audiences first see Gadot appear in Dawn of Justice.  If she is bad then the Wonder Woman movie could be put on ice and not see the light of day for many, many years.  Plus I feel that it could possibly ruin the entire DC cinematic universe.

Now don't get me wrong.  I really want Gadot to be good.  I am rooting for her to be good.  But I have yet to see anything that would show me she'll be good.  I hate to say this, but the future of movies based on DC Comics(except Batman) may hang in the balance with Gadot and Wonder Woman.

 Flash and Green Lantern team-up (Christmas 2017)

As much as I've griped about the other possible film this one has me the most worried.  Now, these two characters do go together.  They even had their own comic book; The Brave and the Bold. Hal Jordan and Barry Allen are good friends, so it would make sense that they'd have their own buddy-cop movie.  But we don't know that we're getting Hal Jordan and Barry Allen.  Warner Bros is trying to wipe away any stink of Green Lantern, which may include not having Hal Jordan as GL, but maybe the popular John Stewart instead.  Meanwhile, Barry Allen is already going to be the Flash in an upcoming television show on The CW.  Do you think they're really going to have one Barry on TV and one on the big screen?  They might as well go with Wally West as the Flash.

If course in changing who will be the new GL and Scarlet Speedster you've changed the relationship.  John and Wally have nothing to do with each other except that they're both Justice League members. No matter what characters they choose these two heroes are way to important to not get their own film; regardless of who is in the costume.   

Man of Steel 2 (May 2018)

So after all the other films, and five years after the original MoS came out, they're finally going to get to a sequel?  I can't decide if I'm disappointed or kind of OK with that.  Man of Steel was a let-down for me so I'm in no rush to see a sequel.  However I'm also of the mind set that Superman should have gotten his due sequel before Justice League.  Iron Man, the character who started the Marvel cinematic universe, got two films in before The Avengers.  Why can't Superman?  I actually like Henry Cavill and am interested in seeing more of his performance as Clark Kent.

With Zach Snyder directing Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice AND Justice League I wonder if he'll come back to do the Man of Steel sequel?  I hope not. Snyder's vision was main part of what was wrong with Man of Steel in my opinion and after several recent comments writer David Goyer made about a certain Martian I'm not sure I want him writing for the Man of Tomorrow either; or any DC property.  As a long-time Superman reader I was worried from Snyder right out of the gate, and i feel like I was right.  Superman is about hope, and Man of Steel had none.  And as of right now I don't see any for this DC cinematic universe.
But don't get the wrong idea.  They'll still get my $10 with every film and a little voice inside me saying, "please be good, please be good, please be good."  I'm just surprised that a Batman film isn't in this slate.  But I'm sure we'll find out next month in San Diego when Warner Bros confirms or denies this potential cinematic disaster.