The Batman: My SPOILER Review

 As far back as I can remember there has always been Batman fanboy outrage.  I was too young to remember the backlash when Mr. Mom was cast for Tim Burton's Batman film.  I however was one of the voices that was against Heath Ledger as the Joker for Christopher Nolan's Batman film.  But I was in favor of Ben Affleck as Batman when he was announced.  And I was also in favor of Robert Pattinson playing the Dark Knight for director Matt Reeves. Some fans were discouraged with Pattinson's casting because they only knew him from the Twilight franchise, and never bothered to watch some of his other films like High Life or Good Time.  With Matt Reeves at the helm and Pattinson starring I knew The Batman was in good hands.

It's year two of Bruce Wayne's mission to instill fear in all the criminals of Gotham City.  It's all he cares about.  This to me this is a bit refreshing compared to other movie interpretations.  It seems like Bruce is always just trying to get laid, from Vicki Vale to Rachel Dawes.  That was also one of the things I liked about Affleck's Batman, any time he was out as Bruce Wayne it was just a way to get more information for Batman.  Pattinson's Bruce was very similar but in a young and inexperienced way compared to Affleck's more seasoned Caped Crusader.  That's my favorite version of the character.  There is no Bruce Wayne, there is only Batman. In this film Bruce is still young and full of rage, thinking he must become what criminals fear, but by the end of the film he realizes he must also be a symbol of hope for the citizen of Gotham.  My only gripe about Pattinson's Batman is that he moves to freely among the people.  He walks into crowded crime scenes and rescue mobs.  I think Batman should only be seen by few and heard by less.  

Paul Dano's Riddler was one of the more terrifying Batman villains we've had on film.  But I wasn't quite sure WHY he was doing what he was doing.  He uncovered a government conspiracy and started killing everyone involved, but why did he care?  Did he actually think he was doing good for the people of Gotham (whom he later had his minions try and kill)? Colin Farrell's Penguin is said to be getting his own HBO Max series, though I'm not sure why.  I mean, I think he was a good character that can be expanded upon in future films, and I look forward to it, but there wasn't much there that had me asking WB executives for a Penguin spin-off series.  I'd rather see him stick to a reoccurring side character in the film franchise.

Zoe Kravitz as Selina Kyle I knew was going to have big paws to fill.  Michelle Pfeiffer's Catwoman is legendary, and to me Anne Hathaway was the best part of The Dark Knight Rises.  Seeing how this is still early Batman, and his rogue's gallery, I have to give Kravitz some leniency as I do Pattinson.  In this film Bruce is stilling trying to figure out the whole Batman persona and what he is going to become, and so is Selina.  Catwoman to me oozes confidence, and this version seemed to lack composure.  She was a bit irrational in dealing with the death of her supposed friend and how to deal with her crime boss father (which I wasn't a fan of that story arc).  I'd much rather see Kravitz's Catowman be a skilled burglar who uses Gotham's current condition to her advantage by stealing pretty things from petty people. No, that wasn't a typo. But I thought Pattinson and Kravitz had sexual chemistry.  And that's all we really want between the two of them, right?

The main cast was rounded out by Jeffery Wright as James Gordon and Andy Serkis as Alfred.  Serkis I felt didn't get a lot of screen time, but served his purpose as being a catalyst for Bruce's emotional journey.  I liked how Gordon worked closely with Batman to where is seemed like they were partners. He trusted Batman more than he did some police officers.  I just hope we get more personal with him in future films like we did with Gary Oldman.

The first hour of this film I think I had a smile on my face.  Batman's intro of slowly stepping out of the shadows at the train station and then beating some fools was great. As the story progressed it did start to wain a bit, and I felt like the film could have been 20 minutes shorter.  It almost has as many fake endings as The Return of the King.  The cinematography and sets were great, and I love this Batsuit best out of all of them due to its functionality. This was said to be a darker film than any other Batman film, but aside from a thumb I didn't see anything worse than what we got from The Dark Knight. 

I would like to see it again in theaters, but I still have several films to watch before the Oscars at the end of the month, plus all the TV shows I watch, and by the time I watch it again, The Batman will be on HBO Max and I will be able to pause, rewind, and study things more closely.  I may also deem it worthy to buy a physical copy of depending on its special features.  I'm a sucker for director's commentary.  I like that we got a Batman that feels like how Batman should feel.  He's a character in a dark world where bad things happen.  Though I think there may still need to be another Batman running around cinemas like in the DCEU just for a lighter, or more marketable, Dark Knight.

All the gripes I heard about this film range from not enough Bruce Wayne to having an empty story.  I think those opinions can be valid, but I appreciated the different interpretation Reeves and Warner Bros took with a character that audiences have seen so many times.  And no matter how you feel about The Batman I have no heard one complaint about Robert Pattinson.  He's no longer "that guy from Twilight." He's Batman.

Obi-Wan, Vader, and Maul: The Head Canon Contradiction

 The closer it gets to May 25th the more excited I get.  Yes, it's the 45th anniversary of Star Wars, and yes, I'll be at Star Wars Celebration after spending a few days at Disneyland.  But of course, the Obi-Wan series will be premiering on Disney+.  As I've said, Obi-Wan Kenobi is my second favorite Star Wars character next to Luke Skywalker, and I'm looking forward to some possible vindication for both Ewan McGregor and Hayden Christensen after years of prequel bashing.  When news came that Hayden would be in the series, and as Darth Vader, some fans cried foul.  After their epic duel on Mustafar, Obi-Wan and Vader never saw each other till their fateful meeting on the Death Star 19 years later.  Or at least that is what we thought.

"The circle is now complete. When I left you I was but a learner, now I am the master." -Darth Vader

These are the words Darth Vader said to gives us an indication how long it's been since the once-brothers saw each other.  But let's be honest. The idea of them not meeting for 19 years is Head Canon.  I still remember the 2008 The Clone Wars panel at the Chicago Comic Con.  Someone came up to the microphone and said, "Anakin never had a padawan," and while I don't remember what member of Lucasfilm was fielding the questions at that panel, I do remember his response, "You don't know that."  Because he was right, we didn't know that.  In between Star Wars films laps years and years of untold stories.  So, who's to say Darth Vader and Obi-Wan never saw each other in between Revenge of the Sith and A New Hope.

"Obi-Wan once thought as you did." -Darth Vader

 In almost two decades Obi-Wan could have tried at least once to bring back his best friend from the dark path he had gone down.  Especially when the fate of the galaxy depended on it.  Lucasfilm President, Kathleen Kennedy, has said these two will meet again, and another lightsaber battle will ensue.  The facts are that Darth Vader just never knew where Obi-Wan hung his robe in those 19 years.  If Obi-Wan goes off planet in the series, escapes, then just returns to Tatooine and not seen by Vader till nine years later, then it's plausible the two could meet without breaking Canon.  And if it bends Canon a little for the sake of a great story; I'm ok with that. It wouldn't be the first time Lucasfilm, or George Lucas himself, did just that.  

When the Obi-Wan series was announced another rival of old Ben's was brought up, Darth Maul. Those who had seen the Star Wars animated series were quick to refute that Maul could not make an appearance because their meeting one night in the desert of Tatooine was the first time they saw each other since Maul murdered the Duchess of Mandalore (pausing to cry a little).  Now someone can correct me if they want, because I'm just going off my memory here, but don't Obi-Wan and Maul fall into the same Canon facts as Obi-Wan and Darth Vader?  Maul didn't know Obi-Wan was hiding on Tatooine and they hadn't seen each other in years.  But maybe just nine years?

To be honest, I'm going down this rabbit hole to remind everyone that as fans, we only assume what we know.  Head Canon is nice, but when actual Canon is created, we have to let go of what we want to have happened for what actually did happen. 

"Learned to let go of everything you fear to lose."-Yoda

Following me down into this Dagobah cave, will you?  This Obi-Wan series takes place 10 years after Revenge of the Sith.  That is the same time frame that Solo: A Star Wars Story takes place.  In the galaxy at this time the Empire reigns supreme but Maul is also leader of the criminal organization known as Crimson Dawn.  What drags Obi-Wan off-world?  It could be a number of things.  Maybe he has decided to just try one more time to talk to Vader. Maybe an old friend is in trouble (crossing my fingers for a Dexter Jettster appearance).  Maybe Obi-Wan leaving is a way of him trying to keep Luke safe and hidden. With the thuggish Empire tightening its grip on the galaxy it can be more difficult for criminal syndicates to conduct business, unless you do it where the Empire doesn't go, like maybe Tatooine?  Maybe Crimson Dawn puts Luke in peril and Obi-Wan has to follow the source to stop them, and that leads him to another meeting with Maul?

Again, I want to reemphasize I don't expect Maul to be in the Obi-Wan series.  This is just me explaining how he could be.  We're going to get Darth Vader and the Inquistors in this, and I am hoping for Clone Wars flashbacks of Anakin and Obi-Wan. Adding another layer of Maul could crowd the villains and characters in this six-episode miniseries.  But if this series were a non-miniseries it could be an idea for future seasons, or even a tale for a novel or comic book.  But I see enough Star Wars fans barking at each other thinking they know better, when really, we all know bantha doo doo. 

Let's continue down the cave, shall we?  A meeting of Maul and Obi-Wan would add more tension and possibly give us an appearance by one former lover of Han Solo, Qi'ra.  Maul went from the leader of Crimson Dawn at the end of Solo to stranded in the tombs of Malachor in Rebels.  Some fans speculate Qi'ra may have played a part in Maul being marooned on the deserted planet.  Sounds cool, but, what if Obi-Wan helped her?  What if, once again, Obi-Wan cut down Maul in his prime? That would only fuel his hatred for Kenobi even more.  

I think Star Wars fans can debate who is Obi-Wan's true rival, Darth Vader or Darth Maul?  Both have handed General Kenobi much heartache in his life, which is why I think they both would be fitting foes for him to see in his transitional period.  I think this Disney+ series is going to see Obi-Wan dealing with the past, learning to let go of his grief, and focus on the future. 

"Don't center your anxiety, Obi-Wan.  Keep your concentration here and now where it belongs. Be mindful of the living force." -Qui-Gon Jinn 

I'm excited to see what Deborah Chow, Ewan McGregor, and everyone else working on the project gives us.  But my wallet is not looking forward to all the Obi-Wan merchandise I will want to buy in the coming months.  Whatever we get, it will be Canon, but we will still have years of untold Obi-Wan, Darth Vader, and Star Wars story holes to fill in. And we as fans will continue to speculate what kind of adventures encompass those untold tales, but when the day comes that Lucasfilm contradicts my Head Canon I will do as Obi-Wan Kenobi instructed 45 years ago.

"Let go, Luke."  -Obi-Wan Kenobi

Iron Fist: Marvel's Mystical, Martial Arts, Nut To Crack

 In the last few days, I've been thinking a lot about Iron Fist. Last week, it was announced that the Netflix Marvel series are leaving Netflix at the end of the month.  I've taken that as a prompt to try and rewatch all three seasons of Daredevil and skim through The Defenders before time runs out.  I have no worry that these shows will find a new home on either Hulu, Disney+, or some other streaming service.  It's 13 seasons, and hours upon hours of content any company would want.  But when will they be available again to watch is the real question?  As I am rewatching Daredevil, I keep thinking about Iron Fist.  Danny Rand and the mythology of the Iron Fist has been a Marvel favorite of mine since The Immortal Iron Fist published back in 2006.  It's the quincuncial modern take on the character, and one that other IF titles, in my eyes, have failed to live up to since.  Because of that book I see the potential of Iron Fist outside of comic books, and that's why I was so disappointed about the Netflix series.  This is the curse of the Iron Fist.

Iron Fist has been around since the 1970's and has mainly teamed up Luke Cage.  And I think the two play great off each other.  He's been a Defender, an Avenger, and was even Daredevil for a bit while Matt Murdock was in jail.  A new IF series has just been released.  This is one of many Iron Fist titles that have come out in recent years.  All of which didn't last very long.  In it, Danny Rand is no longer the Iron Fist.  In the previous series, Heart of the Dragon, Danny gave up his powers to help save the world.  Now a new Iron Fist has emerged, Lin Lie, a young Asian man who was once the Sword Master, and the chi of Shou-Lao the Undying saved his life.  I was curious and skeptical about this new IF series by Alyssa Wong.  Like I said, I'm a fan of Danny Rand, and wanted him to continue being Iron Fist.  After reading the first issue I feel that, though Lin will be the center of this title, Danny will still be around, and, eventually, will once again be some version of the Iron Fist. A lot of IF titles don't keep my interest for too long.  Like most books, it's more about the author than the character.  Superman can be great in the right hands, but a writer who doesn't have a good angle can make him seem boring.  I'm not too familiar with Wong as a writer, but I just hope Lin Lie isn't a product of the fandom menace.

Danny Rand is a Caucasian male who was stranded and raised in an Oriental world (K'un-Lun). He was picked on and ridiculed by his peers.  Danny rose up and become the one person in K'un Lun worthy to take on Shou-Lao and earn the powers of the Iron Fist.  When the Netflix series was being released, some people were angry that a white male was the center of a martial arts show.  Those people, to me, had no idea who Iron Fist was, and probably never read an Iron Fist comic in their lives.  When casting Danny Rand, you could make him anything but Oriental descent.  He could be black, Middle Eastern, Native American; anything but Asian.  Rand was bullied because he was different.  Do you see the disconnect with people yelling online that they should have casted an Asian actor as Danny?

Now, I'm not sure if Lin is in response to that vocal (and confused) fanbase, or if Marvel is just trying to add more diversity to the universe.  If it's the ladder, I'm ok with it.  Mainly because I know everything always goes back to the status quo.  Danny Rand will be Iron Fist again. Much like how Captain America will always be Steve Rogers, Batman will always be Bruce Wayne, and Spider-Man will always be Peter Parker.  Along the way these characters have gained young partners that compliment them.  Falcon and Bucky, Nightwing and Robin, Miles Morales and Spider Gwen.  That's what I see Lin Lie as, a new apprentice for Danny Rand to train as AN Iron Fist, but not be THEE Iron Fist.  But let's always make sure Luke Cage is around somewhere.  Forget a second season for both Iron Fist and Luke Cage, they should have done a Heroes for Hire series.

In the IF myth, Danny hasn't been the only Iron Fist. In the final scene of the Netflix series Danny and Ward were looking for a man known as Orson Randall, who in the comic books is a former Iron Fist.  The intro to the TV series Buffy the Vampire Slayer says, "In every generation a slayer is born."  And that's what Iron Fist became in 2006.  In every generation there has been an Iron Fist, going back to the beginning of Earth according to Jason Aaron's The Avengers. And also, you have the Immortal Weapons of the Seven Cities.  Like Iron Fist, they are the protectors of their realms.  My disappointment in the Netflix series came because the last scene of the series teased the potential of what it could have been.  And hopefully will be, under Kevin Feige.

I love that it looks like Charlie Cox is going to continue to play Daredevil in the MCU, but I've also stated the problems with keeping him as The Man Without Fear and the Netflix baggage that comes with it.  I have no problem with Finn Jones as an actor.  I did have a problem with his portrayal of Danny Rand, but I knew that was mostly in the shows writing. I want a better Iron Fist.  We've gotten a taste of what a fully potential Iron Fist could be on screen in Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings.  On TV (and sometimes in comics) Iron Fist has failed to live up to its potential.  I truly believe, if done right, I think Iron Fist's potential is Immortal.

Obi-Wan Kenobi Prep Material

Well people, we have our release date! The Disney+ Obi-Wan Kenobi series will be debuting on May 25 (45th anniversary of Star Wars) on the streaming service.  Aside from Luke Skywalker, Obi-Wan Kenobi is my favorite Star Wars character.  He has so much tragedy in his life, yet through it all he proceeds with nobility, hope, and snark. From what it seems we'll be getting, I am psyched! On top of the Obi-Wan vs Vader rematch we're being promised I'd love to see some Clone Wars flashbacks.  Ewan McGregor and Hayden Christensen are back, and both actors have barely aged, so it wouldn't take too much CGI to give us some moments back when they were brothers-in-arms.  

Joel Edgerton and Bonnie Piesse are also coming back as Uncle Owen and Aunt Beru.  Maybe we even get a little Luke Skywalker too?  Concept art shows Obi-Wan could be going off world, some Inquistors, and more!  As I mentioned, I'm super excited for this Deborah Chow directed-series and I can only imagine all the Obi-Wan merch I will be buying when the show premieres (and at Star Wars Celebration). 

With all that in mind, I figured I'd suggest a few Obi-Wan based materials leading up to the timeline of Obi-Wan Kenobi.  Just some things to possibly check out in the next few months to dive deeper into the character.  Obviously, the prequels are a must review, but here are a few novels, comics, and The Clone Wars episodes I think are great to learn more about Obi-Wan Kenobi.  

*I only included current Canon stories*

Master & Apprentice

This novel by Claudia Gray sees Obi-Wan and his master, Qui-Gon Jinn, years before Episode I. You get to see more of their relationship as they take on a Jedi assignment, more about Qui-Gon's intrigue with "The Prophecy", and the epilogue flashes forward to Obi-Wan's thoughts during Qui-Gon's funeral.

The Phantom Menace

Every Saga has a beginning.  Padawan Obi-Wan Kenobi and his master, Qui-Gon Jinn, travel to Naboo to settle a trade dispute.  The whole thing turns sideways and before they know it, they're battling the first Sith Lord seen in a millennia.  

Obi-Wan and Anakin

Several years into his training, young Anakin Skywalker is doubting his choice to become a Jedi. He ventures with his master, Obi-Wan Kenobi, on a mission that may be their last.  To be honest, the assignment isn't really important. It's the epiphany of Obi-Wan knowing that if Anakin leaves the Jedi Order, Obi-Wan must go with him.

Attack of the Clones

Padme Amidala is in trouble.  On the verge of a Senate vote to create an army for the Republic her life is in danger.  Obi-Wan and Anakin have been tasked to protect her.  Their investigation leads Obi-Wan to Kamino and the creation of a secret clone army. But what are Anakin and Padme doing on Tatooine while he's getting shot at by Jango Fett and his bratty son, Boba?

Brotherhood

This book isn't going to be released till May 10, and I'm sure it will be a great read right before Obi-Wan Kenobi premieres, being that it deals with the relationship of he and Anakin.  From what we know, it takes place right as The Clone Wars are starting.  Anakin is now a Knight, and Obi-Wan a Master.  Their roles have changed, so how will their relationship change?

THE CLONE WARS

Below are various episodes of The Clone Wars animated series where Obi-Wan plays a pivotal role and each is a step in his Star Wars journey.  We learn about his past with a possible former love, as well as see an old foe come back into his life seeking revenge.  In one storyline, Obi-Wan goes undercover as a bounty hunter and tangles with Cad Bane, and in another he, Anakin, and Ahsoka land in the middle of a mystical family squabble that has deep ties to The Force and Anakin's future. 

Season 2: The Mandalore Plot, Voyage of Temptation, Duchess of Mandalore

         Season 3: Overlords, Altar of Mortis, Ghosts of Mortis

         Season 4: Deception, Friends and Enemies, The Box, Crisis on Naboo, Revenge

         Season 5: Revival, Eminence, Shades of Reason, Lawless

         Season 6: The Lost One 

Revenge of the Sith

The Clone Wars are winding down. Anakin and Obi-Wan's rescue of the Chancellor ended with the death of Count Dooku.  Obi-Wan is off to take down General Grievous and end the war while Anakin starts to make trouble back on Coruscant. Order 66 changes the galaxy and everything Obi-Wan knows.  

                      From the Journals of Obi-Wan Kenobi

From the pages of Marvel's Star Wars title, After Luke Skywalker has blown up the Death Star, he returns to Tatooine and finds the journal of Obi-Wan in hopes it will help him continue his Jedi training. In various tales we see Obi-Wan take on the scum of Tatooine, keep little Luke out of trouble, and even have a run in with the wookie bounty hunter, Black Krrsantan.

Obi-Wan

Another piece of literature set to help ramp up for the Disney+ series, all we know about this miniseries is that is supposed to come out in May and follow Obi-Wan through various parts in his life.  I believe it is supposed to be a 5-issue miniseries so I would recommend youngling, padawan, knight, master, and then hermit.  Either way, I'm in!

Who Likes Star Wars? Book of Boba Fett, Chapter 6

WARNING!! CONTAINS SPOILERS FOR THE BOOK OF BOBA FETT: CHAPTER 6: FROM THE DESERT COMES A STRANGER.   

The problem with living in an age where information can be shared in an instant is that spoilers for media can also be shared in an instant.  I was online this morning for less than five minutes before I saw spoilers for The Book of Boba Fett: Chapter 6: From The Desert Comes A Stranger. But, I only blame myself.  I know better than to look at Twitter or YouTube before watching a new episode of a popular series.  

I also now know the title of this episode refers to the mysterious man who walks in from the Tatooine desert and shoots Cobb Vanth.  For the "Knight fans" of Star Wars and above (I have a system for levels of SW fandom) we know this blue alien is Cad Bane, the best bounty hunter in the galaxy.  His name was never said, but anyone who's seen The Clones Wars or even The Bad Batch know he's one hombre not to be messed with.  That was my favorite scene in this episode.  Because it served the story of the series.  It gave us a new player who is working for the Pykes, he has a history with both Boba and Fennec, and is going to be someone who will be a problem for Boba and his crew.  That is, if we ever get back to Boba Fett.  

I was never a big Boba Fett fan.  I quote Windows from the movie Fanboys, "All style.  No substance."  All Boba ever did in the movies was track down Han Solo, deliver him to Jabba, and then he goes out like a punk in the Sarlacc Pit.  In the Expanded Universe he starred in multiple books and comics that make him a seem like a badass.  But he still ain't no Jedi.  So far in this series we've seen Boba get out of the Sarlacc Pit, get taken in by a group of Tusken Raiders, rescue Fennec Shand, and then take over Jabba's old business.  I honestly think the series has been a snore fest.  However, last week's episode, catching up with Din Djarin, woke me up!  I loved it!  But that's because we know Din, like Din, and can't wait for The Mandalorian season 3! I still don't know who Boba Fett is.

This week we see Mando finally join Boba's clan.  But that was the one scene Boba appeared in the whole episode and I don't think he even spoke!  Again, I'm not a fan of Boba Fett, but in a seven-part season the main character will go almost a quarter of the season without a line of dialogue. And this doesn't set good with me because, aside from his flashbacks, I don't think Boba has had any character growth, or have any sense of character to him at all.  Not even the second lead, Fennec Shand, has had a decent storyline to care about.  In any action movie, you can make the sky fill with people falling off buildings, but if I don't care about those people, it won't be as emotional.  And that's what good storytelling does, try to get an emotional response out of us. Whether it be happy, sad, anger, excitement, or dread.  With one episode left in the season, and a big action sequence coming up, I feel nothing for Boba or Fennec.

Meanwhile, on a planet we have no idea what it is; some droids are building a future Jedi school.  We can assume it's going to be the place that we see get burned down in The Last Jedi, but we don't know that because the episode never told us.  So again, no emotional connection.  Din is going to give Grogu his Beskar chainmail but decides not to give it to him after a brief talk with Ahsoka about Jedi not having attachments.  Did we learn nothing from the Star Wars franchise up to this point?  It was the Jedi's outdated rules that lead to their own destruction!  And it was Luke's attachment his father, Anakin's attachment to his son, that saved the galaxy and brought down Palpatine (for a while). Grogu's relationship to Din, like any relationship, could be a good thing.  Just like any relationship that anybody has, Jedi or not.  

Luke Skywalker is my favorite fictional character ever.  The day Mark Hamill passes, I will cry.  I have no doubt.  Ahsoka Tano is my wife's favorite Star Wars character.  Sure, I liked seeing these characters. But the Grogu training scenes seemed unnecessary in a Boba Fett show. They belong in The Mandalorian season 3.  I liked that Grogu felt he had to choose between being a Foundling or a Padawan.  But after all Luke has gone through would he make Grogu choose just one role? Perhaps it's that narrow view that leads to Luke's own downfall with his nephew.  But what was Ahsoka doing there?  "I'm a friend of the family."  It was a cute line but doesn't explain why she was there. I don't go over to my good friend's house without a reason. Was she there to ask Luke something?  Was she there to check on Grogu?  There was no practical reason for her to be there other than, "Hey, it's Ahsoka!"  Luke could have easily shared those few lines with Din about letting go of Grogu.  SIDENOTE:  The Luke CGI looked WAY BETTER than at the end of The Mandalorian season 2.

It just feels like the storytellers are not focusing enough on its story.  Grogu and Din's journey belongs in their show; The Mandolorian.  This is Boba and Fennec's show.  So why isn't it?  All this diversion away from them is making the audience more against Boba when we need to spend more time with him to care actually about he and Fennec.  This episode had great cameos and moments, but to me it's sideline fan service.  The Mandalorian season 2 had a lot of guest stars and cameos, but the focus was always on Din's journey.  For two great storytellers like Jon Favreau and Dave Filoni, they are better than what they're giving us.

I will end on this quote that I think sums up my feelings on Boba and Mando. I forget where I heard this last week, but someone said, "Din Djarin is who we wanted Boba Fett to be all these years."  And I think it's true.  Favreau wanted to do a Boba Fett series.  And he made a great one, and then some with The Mandalorian.  But now what does Boba Fett become? I'm still waiting.  

My Essential X-Men List

If the title of this blog/podcast/fan space didn't give it away, I'm a big X-Men fan.  My earliest X-Men memories is the animated film Pryde of the X-Men where Wolverine had an Australian accent, and X-Men #1 by Chris Clairmont and Jim Lee that totally revamped the team's roster and look. It would also go on the be the definitive X-team probably to this day.  Recently I've been working my way through the X-Men films.  I'm on Days of Future Past, my favorite of the franchise.  I will say The Last Stand wasn't the big pile of garbage I remember to be.  It's still a garbage X-film, but just not as bad as I remember.  However, X-Men Origins: Wolverine is worse than I remember.  I didn't even bother finishing it.  

Anyway, since I've been in an X-Men mood I decided to do a "time-wasting project" as my wife would call it.  I picked out what some consider the most pivotal X-Men storylines throughout the almost 60-year history.  Some of them I don't prefer, but I also added my personal favorites to create my own essential X-Men reading list.  You will notice it may be a little skewed on the Cyclops and Phoenix side, because, well, Cyclops is my favorite X-Man.    

But if someone was to ask me what my X-Men recommendations are, or where to start, I think this is a good reference point.  Of course, I know I'm leaving out hundreds of other X-books that some would consider "essential" or great, but this is my list.  Make your own.  I'd love to see it.  I hope you get a kick out of this, and if you haven't read some of them it's like I always tell my buddy Josh.  Check your local public library!  And then find me online to chat about X-Men.

SECOND GENESIS:  This book introduces what would become some staples of the X-Men team like Storm, Colossus, Nightcrawler, and Wolverine.  They are on a mission to save the original X-Men, and afterwards, The Phoenix is introduced.

DARK PHOENIX SAGA: Considered by most to be "thee X-Men story" we see Jean Grey lose control of the cosmic force and threaten the galaxy. The movies have tried twice to do this storyline and blown it both times.  If you want the best interpretation of the book, I recommend the 90's animated series version.

DAYS OF FUTURE PAST:  Another popular X-Men tale that sees a bleak future for mutants, so Kitty Pryde is sent back to her younger body to try and stop that future from coming true. 

GOD LOVES, MAN KILLS: This legendary tale sees the X-Men team up with their enemy, Magneto, to stop the end of all mutant kind.  To be honest, I barely remember the story since I haven't read it in maybe a decade.  I know it was the basis of X2: X-Men United.

GENESIS AND APOCALYPSE: After the death of Jean Grey, Scott Summers leaves the X-Men, marries a woman who looks a lot like Jean, and has a son; Nathan. But when the Avengers find Jean alive, she's eager to find her old friends and get the band back together.  Thus, a new X-Team is created. 

MUTANT MASSACRE: The slaughtering of the Morlocks and the beginning a very important life change for Angel.  This event ripples through X-Men for all time.

FALL OF THE MUTANTS:  X-Factor gets majorly changed, New Mutants lose a teammate, and the X-Men die.  'Nuff said.

INFERNO: Colossus sister and Cyclop's wife are at the center of this story that threatens to bring Hell to Earth.  It's big and epic. Trust me.

DAYS OF FUTURE PRESENT:  Not gonna lie, I have never read this.  I know it centers around Franklin Richards, and has appearances by Scott and Jean's daughter, Rachel, and a grown-up Nathan Summers.

X-TINCTION AGENDA:  Pretty much everything before Mutant Genesis I've only read once, which is why I plan on going through this list at some point. I remember the X-teams go to Genosha, and someone dies.  That's all I remember. Sorry.

MUIR ISLAND SAGA:  This one is right before everything changes for the X-Men.  The Shadow King shows up, and so does Charles Xavier's son Legion.  Fighting ensues. 

MUTANT GENESIS:  Hands down, the best-selling book in the 90's, except maybe Superman #75.  Clairmont and Lee redefined the X-Men.  We see the return of Magneto and the first appearance of Omega Red.  Plus, we learn more about the Weapon X program.

X-CUTIONER'S SONG:  A guy looking a lot like Cable shows up to cause the X-teams a lot of trouble.  Turns out he's Cable's better clone.  

FATAL ATTRACTIONS:  Big things happen in this book.  It includes X-Men #25 where Magneto rips the adamantium out of Wolverine's body, causing Professor X to go into Magento's mind and turn it off.  Colossus also leaves the team after the death of his sister.

WEDDING OF CYCLOPS AND PHOENIX:  Pretty self-explanatory right?

THE ADVENTURES OF CYCLOPS AND PHOENIX:  Want an exotic honeymoon?  How about a trip to an apocalyptic future to raise your son who was sent to the future to save him from a life-threating virus?  How about also starting a revolution to overthrow an evil, immortal, being?  Sounds like a great trip! 

PHALANX COVENANT:  Just as Generation X is being formed a group of mutant-hating, techo-organic, beings attack and want to wipe out Marvel's Mighty Mutants.  Bad timing. 

AGE OF APOCALYPSE:  What if Charles Xavier never formed the X-Men?  Well apparently, it would look very different, but super cool. This alternate future see's the time-traveling Bishop looking to restore the timeline and save Xavier before his son accidentally kills him instead of Magneto.  This is the storyline that got me hooked on X-Men comics and I have been reading them ever since.

ONSLAUGHT:  What would happen if Charles Xavier went nuts? Well apparently, he'd create a new personality hellbent on mutant superiority and it's up all the heroes in the Marvel U to stop him.  And a lot of them don't make it out alive!

THE TRIAL OF GAMBIT:  When I was a kid, Gambit was my favorite X-Man.  He was cool and mysterious.  As I've grown my taste in role models has changed a bit.  This book dives into the Cajun's past and his involvement in the Mutant Massacre, and his sins will cost him everything. 

OPERATION ZERO TOLERANCE:  Bastion is a bad guy.  Bastion has an army of Sentinels. Bastion gets government approval to reign hell down on the X-Men.  This leads to torcher, unlikely alliances, and Cyclops with a bomb in his stomach.  It's great!

HOMECOMING: In the aftermath of Operation Zero Tolerance and The Trial of Gambit, the X-Men are back at the mansion with some new house guests that could cause trouble.  Scott and Jean are looking to leave and put Storm and Wolverine in charge.  But the main question is, where is Charles Xavier? 

THE HUNT FOR PROFESSOR X: After the new team gets settled it's time to find Chuck.  But what they find in their journey leads to a whole lot of trouble!

THE MAGNETO WAR: Magneto is back, and he is holding the whole world hostage.  He's decided to reverse Earth's magnetic poles unless he gets what he wants.  And the only person who can stop him is his younger clone that was made to kill him.  It's tight!

THE TWELVE: Apocalypse is looking to become the ultimate being.  But to do that he needs the life force of twelve specific mutants. As he captures them one by one the rest of the X-Men are gonna have to find a find a way to stop him.   

THE SEARCH FOR CYCLOPS: SPOILER! Scott Summers is dead.  Cyclops saved his sort-of son from merging with Apocalypse by merging with him instead.  But Cyclops isn't as powerful as Nate Grey, so he killed himself and Apocalypse.  Or did he? Jean and Cable are on the hunt for their loved one who may still be merged with Apocalypse and En Sabah Nur's followers are after him.

EVE OF DESTRUCTION: Ol' Magneto is stirring up trouble again.  This time Erik is looking to march his army of Genoshians against the humans. While Jean tries to gather a team to stop a war, Cyclops and Wolverine infiltrate Genosha to try and save Magneto's prisoner, Professor X.

NEW X-MEN: Grant Morrison's run on X-Men has become legendary.  He, along with artist Frank Quitely, shepherded Marvel's Mutants into a new era.  Spanning several books, we discover Charles has an evil twin sister, a mutant riot breaks out at the school, Scott becomes unfaithful to Jean, and the island of Genosha is obliterated by a giant Sentinel attack.  Oh, and of course the classics; Magneto attacks and the Phoenix returns.

ASTONISHING X-MEN: Following the events of New X-Men, Buffy creator Joss Whedon had a four-book run that added Whedon's special brand of creativity to the X-Men.  We see a mutant cure, a mutant resurrection, and plenty of quips that we all expect from Whedon's writing. The title continued on with several other writers after Whedon left, but the Joss's books are the ones that are worth a read in my opinion.

HOUSE OF M:  The Marvel event rocks the X-Men to their core and shows a level of power that fanboys are looking forward too as Elizabeth Olsen's Scarlet Witch grows stronger in the MCU. The precursor to this is Avengers: Disassembled when Wanda goes nuts and starts killing Avengers.  Xavier tries to help heal her mind but feels the humane thing to do would be to kill Wanda for the good of the world. FLASH! Wolverine wakes up to a world where all his friends are living their ideal lives, and Magneto rules the most powerful nation in the world.  The conclusion of this story changes everything!

THE DAY AFTER: 90% of the world's mutants are now human.  Most of the those who are left have gathered at the X-mansion to seek refuge. Tension is high and patience are short.  What do the X-Men do when they go from the next stage in evolution to an endangered species?

END OF THE GREYS:  Growing up in a dystopian future Rachel Summers never had much of a family, but her grandparents are looking to fix that. Meanwhile, the Shi'ar Empire are looking to end the entire Grey bloodline for fear of another Dark Phoenix.  But do you really wanna piss of the daughter of Phoenix?

DEADLY GENESIS: Remember Second Genesis?  Professor X sent Wolverine, Storm, and the others to go save the original X-Men?  That wasn't the first team Xavier sent.  Now a "deadly" secret is about to come back and haunt the X-Men.  

RISE AND FALL OF THE SHI'AR EMPIRE: Vulcan has taken to the stars to exact revenge on those who tortured and wronged him; the Shi'ar. Professor Xavier gathers a team to chase after him and warn his love, Lilandra, before Vulcan's vengeance brings down the might empire.

EMPEROR VULCAN: Vulcan now rules the Shi'ar Empire and the galaxy next.  Alex Summers and a handful of rebels may be the only thing that stands in his way.  This isn't the last part of the Vulcan storyline, but it is the last part where the X-Men play a big role.  Vulcan's tale concludes in War of Kings.

ENDANGERED SPECIES: There are less than 100 mutants left in the world.  And more are dying.  Beast is on a crusade to find a way to save his species.  He looks for help with allies and with enemies.  But will it be enough? Can he reverse M Day?

MESSIAH COMPLEX:  For the first time in years a new mutant has been born.  And everyone is after the child. The X-Men are looking for the man who has the baby, Cable.  But he's on the run from Marauders and Purifiers.  Who will get to Cable and the child first?  This is one of my favorite X-Men stories!   

DIVIDED WE STAND:  Following the events of Messiah Complex the X-Men are scattered.  Their home is destroyed, and "Hope" may be lost.  But they may find both in an unexpected place.

MANIFEST DESTINY: The X-Men are in San Francisco and not everyone in town is welcoming.  In this multi-book arc, we see the appearance of the Magneto, Sentinels, and the Hellfire Club. Also, Cyclops's ex-wife, Madelyne Pryor, is still alive! 

ANGELS AND DEMONS:  Times are tough for mutants.  Facing an unknown future, Cyclops and Wolverine form a new X-Force team to take out their enemies before they strike against them.  But this team is unstable, and full of killers.  It's awesome!

OLD GHOSTS: After their first mission didn't go as planned X-Force is back at it and gets even more crazy.

MESSIAH WAR: Part three of the Messiah trilogy catches up with Cable and his daughter, Hope, hiding out through time as they are being tracked by Bishop, who is convinced Hope will bring about the horrible future he came back in time to stop.  Cable's brother, Stryfe, is also causing them trouble, and the X-Force have caught up with Cable as well.

NOT FORGOTTEN:  The aftermath of Messiah War, the team is struggling to stay together while individually they are falling apart.

UTOPIA:  Harry Osborn has control of S.H.I.E.L.D. And he is looking to flex his power muscles when things get rocky in San Francisco.  His Dark Avengers are looking to teach the X-Men a lesson, but everyone always underestimates Scott Summers.  My favorite part of this book is when Cyclops tells the former Green Goblin to basically f%ck off. 

NATION X:  Asteroid M has been risen from the sea and has become the new island haven for mutants everywhere.  Now the X-Men must find a way to secure their home from their enemies, both outside and inside.

NEROSHA:  Not gonna lie, I barely remember this storyline, but it's marked as a "Milestone" in X-Men history. I remember it heavily involves X-Force and some villain named Selene.  I don't know.  Guess I'll just have to re-read it.

SECOND COMING:  Cable and Hope are back from the future, and once again, everyone is after them.  They're trying to find their way back to the X-Men, but along the way, teammates are lost, secrets are revealed, and I love this book!

THE BIRTH OF GENERATION HOPE:  Five new mutants are detected after Hope's return to the present.  Now she is on a journey to find these new mutants, and possibly herself along the way.  But some don't agree the alleged Mutant Messiah should doing this. 

THE CURSE OF THE MUTANTS:  The X-Men are still trying to find a way to keep safe in an unsafe time.  But Dracula shows up and offers to help by joining mutants and vampires together.  Cyclops refuses, and before we know it several of the key X-Men are part of the undead.  But don't worry. Blade is there too.

UNCANNY X-FORCE:  Cyclops disbanded X-Force after the secret of the mutant hit squad got out.  But that hasn't stopped Wolverine from continuing his mission. Rick Remender puts his team through the ringer with the stories like The Dark Angel Saga and the Apocalypse Solution.  Would you kill a kid version of the mutant devil?

AGE OF X:  Another X-Men Milestone that I read but wasn't super into.  Kinda seemed like a pho-Age of Apocalypse to me.  

SCHISM: The Hellfire Club is attacking the X-Men, and Cyclops asks some new recruits to help defend their home.  Wolverine has had enough of Cyclops decisions and they battle each other while a Sentinel attacks them both.  The result is the division of the X-Men.

REGENESIS:  This event is broken into two books. One is a new Uncanny X-Men with Cyclops and his team, and the other is Wolverine and the X-Men and the opening of The Jean Grey School For Gifted Youngsters.  I recommend at least the first book in the Uncanny run and the first three of the Wolverine title.

X-SANCTION:  Cable is back, and he has his sights set on the Avengers.  Nathan Summers believes the Avengers will bring about the mutant downfall so he's out to take them out before the techo-organic virus he's had all his whole life finally ends him.

AVENGERS VS X-MEN:  I remember the day issue one came out and the local comic bookstore had posters and pins asking if you were Team X-Men or Team Avengers. Guess which one I was?  The Phoenix is heading back to Earth, and everyone believes it's heading right for Hope Summers.  Captain America wants to hide her, while Cyclops wants to see if the Phoenix can restart the mutant race.  Lines are drawn, sides are chosen, and the ending to this one rocks!

AvX CONSEQUENCES:  Cyclops is locked up for his crimes in AvX while the rest of the two teams decides what to do next.  But the "consequences" of this one while be felt for a long time.

ALL-NEW X-MEN:  Scott Summer is the world's #1 criminal.  But Beast gets the idea of bringing a younger Scott to the present to gain some perspective.  The rest of the original X-Men also come along to see what their fate becomes, and none of them are happy with it.  Over the course of several books, and several events, like Children of the Atom and The Trial of Jean Grey these kids go through many changes, all the while wondering what will happen when (or if) they return to past with knowledge of their future.

UNCANNY X-MEN:  Scott Summers is the world's #1 criminal.  But that doesn't mean he's going to stop helping mutants.  But the after effects of the Phoenix still sway on him, Emma, and even Magneto.  They're still saving mutants, but can they save themselves?  Brian Michael Bendis gives us several great books in what has become a historic X-Men run. 

DEATH OF X:  After the success of Avengers vs X-Men, Marvel was ramping up of their Inhumans TV series (which bombed) and decided to put them against the Mighty Mutants of Marvel.  A Terrigen Mist cloud that makes Inhumans is killing mutants. The two teams fight, and the end result is, well, the death of an X-Man.

PHOENIX RESURRECTION: THE RETURN OF JEAN GREY:  After several fake-outs, and the presence of a younger Jean, the real deal comes back to life, almost two decades after her death in New X-Men.  

EXTERMINATION:  The five original X-Men have overstayed their welcome and someone is hunting them.  This is the true end of All-New X-Men. I never thought it would go as long as it did, but I ended up loving it!

DISASSEMBLED:  Nate Grey comes from another world. And while here, he's never lived up to his potential.  Now his powers threaten the entire world, and the X-Men will have to die trying to stop him.  Not a great story in my eyes, but it sets up a few of my favorites. 

SUMMERS AND WINTER:  The X-Men are dead. Cyclops returns from the grave to find his former friends, teammates, and family gone.  Where does he go from here?

WOLVERINE AND CYCLOPS VOL 1:  Cyclops is back, and he's in a world without the X-Men.  Wolverine is also freshly alive and gets roped in helping Slim in his crusade to restore the X-Men, save mutants, and kick some ass!

WOLVERINE AND CYCLOPS VOL 2:  The X-Men are hiding out in the back of a bar, taking out their enemies, and just trying to get along.  I like these two volumes because it makes the X-Men true underdogs just trying to survive.  Then it all changes.

HOUSE OF X:  Moria MacTaggert has always been an important X-Men character.  Now she is THE MOST important X-Men character.  Mutants have established their own nation with so many medical and technological advancements the world is willing to leave them alone just to get a taste of it.  Oh, plus they've secretly made it so no mutant can ever really die.  All thanks to Moria MacTaggert, and her mutant ability to be reincarnated. With every death she hopes her next life will be the perfect one.  

INFERNO:  I'm not sure why they have another X-Men storyline with the same name, but the two events are nothing alike.  Xavier and Magneto are the only ones who knew the secret of Moria MacTaggert.  But now that secret is out, and some mutants are taking to kindly that Charles, Erik, and Moria get to decide their "Destiny" and the fate of everyone in the world.