It will be hard to cast Shazam but we are hoping they do a good job with the Billy Batson character and making this a fun movie that appeals to kids as well as older fanboys and fangirls. Although I loved Man of Steel, it does not serve well as an introduction to DC superheroes for young kids because it's a bit too violent and the themes are fairly mature. Shazam could have broad appeal if done well.
Tuesday, September 30, 2014
Discussing the Upcoming Shazam Movie
Jason Book (houseofjb.blogspot.ca) and I talk about Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson being cast as Black Adam and what we are looking forward to in the Shazam movie, scheduled for release in summer 2016.
It will be hard to cast Shazam but we are hoping they do a good job with the Billy Batson character and making this a fun movie that appeals to kids as well as older fanboys and fangirls. Although I loved Man of Steel, it does not serve well as an introduction to DC superheroes for young kids because it's a bit too violent and the themes are fairly mature. Shazam could have broad appeal if done well.
It will be hard to cast Shazam but we are hoping they do a good job with the Billy Batson character and making this a fun movie that appeals to kids as well as older fanboys and fangirls. Although I loved Man of Steel, it does not serve well as an introduction to DC superheroes for young kids because it's a bit too violent and the themes are fairly mature. Shazam could have broad appeal if done well.
Saturday, September 27, 2014
Review of Superman Doomed (full event)
Here is my video review of the massive summer event from DC Comics, Superman: Doomed. It starts with an intense showdown between Supes and Doomsday and then features a few mysteries (what's going on with Lois? how will Superman overcome the virus? who's behind it all?), some great action, and we find out the depth of connection between Superman and several of his closest friends. Also, we see who it is that isn't really a true friend, when push comes to shove (Lex, Cat, and others).
I rate the series a 4/5 overall. The story was very entertaining, the were some nice character moments, but the art was inconsistent. It came to a nice climax, though, and the last page of the last issue is very intriguing.
I rate the series a 4/5 overall. The story was very entertaining, the were some nice character moments, but the art was inconsistent. It came to a nice climax, though, and the last page of the last issue is very intriguing.
Saturday, September 20, 2014
Preview of Gotham TV Series (Fox)
Jason Book (Wrapped in Plastic) joins me to discuss what we're looking forward to in the new Gotham TV Series, premiering on Fox on Monday, September 22nd.
This is the first of an exciting slate of DC Comics series on TV. Up next month is Season 3 of Arrow (CW) and the premieres of The Flash (CW) and Constantine (NBC). We also have Supergirl (CBS) and Lucifer (Fox) to look forward to in the future.
This is the first of an exciting slate of DC Comics series on TV. Up next month is Season 3 of Arrow (CW) and the premieres of The Flash (CW) and Constantine (NBC). We also have Supergirl (CBS) and Lucifer (Fox) to look forward to in the future.
Thursday, September 18, 2014
Preparing for Batman v Superman (Part 5): Enemies & Allies novel
Kevin J. Anderson wrote a novel in 2009 (DC Comics, Harper Collins) entitled Enemies & Allies: The Dark Knight Meets the Man of Steel. It tells the story of Batman and Superman's first interactions, and they don't exactly get off to a friendly start. Lex Luthor is the villain that ends up bringing the two heroes together, so there are many overtones that match the forthcoming Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice movie, directed by Zack Snyder and written by Goyer and Terrio.
Lois Lane also has an important role to play as she investigates Luthor's suspicious business dealings, and Bruce Wayne is the business rival of LuthorCorp. So there are many interesting dynamics between the characters, and similar dynamics might play out in the film.
What makes the novel unique, however, is that it is set in the Cold War era and the Russians play an important part in the plot, as does the nuclear arms race and the mania around UFOs. Also, Superman and Batman are both portrayed in a very stereotypical manner -- not that that's a bad thing -- and we get to see Anderson's take on the traditional Lois Lane / Superman rescue-meeting and the Lane-Superman interview. There's also an interview between Clark Kent and Bruce Wayne.
Lois Lane also has an important role to play as she investigates Luthor's suspicious business dealings, and Bruce Wayne is the business rival of LuthorCorp. So there are many interesting dynamics between the characters, and similar dynamics might play out in the film.
What makes the novel unique, however, is that it is set in the Cold War era and the Russians play an important part in the plot, as does the nuclear arms race and the mania around UFOs. Also, Superman and Batman are both portrayed in a very stereotypical manner -- not that that's a bad thing -- and we get to see Anderson's take on the traditional Lois Lane / Superman rescue-meeting and the Lane-Superman interview. There's also an interview between Clark Kent and Bruce Wayne.
Wednesday, September 17, 2014
Comic Haul for September 17 2014
I picked up Justice League: Future's End #1 one-shot (Lemire, Dougherty, Eltaeb). Well, it's supposed to be a one-shot, anyway, but inside it says "Homeworld: Part 2 of 2." So I'll have to figure out what's going on there.
I also grabbed Batman Superman: Future's End #1 one-shot (Pak, Porter). It's not Jae Lee, who is the regular artist for the series, which is unfortunate because Lee's art has been amazing! But I'll give this one a chance, too, because I'm enjoying lots of Batman/Superman stuff these days as I prepare for Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. By the way, DC, I'm thankful that you have so many books available for the $2.99 price.
I also snagged some TMNT from IDW because everything related to that series is great, and I picked up a kids' Superman story for my son who is pretty fascinated with the Man of Steel these days. Thanks, Rock Bottom Comics!
I also grabbed Batman Superman: Future's End #1 one-shot (Pak, Porter). It's not Jae Lee, who is the regular artist for the series, which is unfortunate because Lee's art has been amazing! But I'll give this one a chance, too, because I'm enjoying lots of Batman/Superman stuff these days as I prepare for Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. By the way, DC, I'm thankful that you have so many books available for the $2.99 price.
I also snagged some TMNT from IDW because everything related to that series is great, and I picked up a kids' Superman story for my son who is pretty fascinated with the Man of Steel these days. Thanks, Rock Bottom Comics!
Tuesday, September 16, 2014
Preparing for Batman v Superman (Part 4): Looking at the new batmobile
Jason Book (Wrapped in Plastic) and I analyze the new images of the batmobile from Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice.
I thought upon first glance that it looked pretty cool, although as I looked closer I became somewhat concerned about all the weaponry. Jason's initial reaction was "meh" and he thinks they could have gone in a different direction, rather than trying to directly compete with the tumbler from The Dark Knight trilogy. But both of us are excited to see how they use it in the film.
I thought upon first glance that it looked pretty cool, although as I looked closer I became somewhat concerned about all the weaponry. Jason's initial reaction was "meh" and he thinks they could have gone in a different direction, rather than trying to directly compete with the tumbler from The Dark Knight trilogy. But both of us are excited to see how they use it in the film.
Monday, September 8, 2014
Preparing for Batman v Superman (Part 3): Building on The Dark Knight Returns
In this video, Jason Book (houseofjb.blogspot.ca) and I analyze how the forthcoming Batman v Superman movie can build upon Frank Miller's The Dark Knight Returns.
Although TDKR presents a compelling characterization of Batman, it does not represent Superman especially well and does not match with the Superman established in Man of Steel. We also know we'll have a younger Bruce Wayne in BvS than in TDKR. But the big question is how the big fight scene will be translated.
Although TDKR presents a compelling characterization of Batman, it does not represent Superman especially well and does not match with the Superman established in Man of Steel. We also know we'll have a younger Bruce Wayne in BvS than in TDKR. But the big question is how the big fight scene will be translated.
Sunday, September 7, 2014
Review of Forever Evil graphic novel (DC Comics)
My review of Forever Evil, by Geoff Johns with art by David Finch and Richard Friend, is now on YouTube.
It's a great story that uses the Crime Syndicate from Earth 3 to reveal the character of various rogues and villains, especially Lex Luthor. Chapters 6 and 7 are excellent and you have to see what's in store on the last page.
It's a great story that uses the Crime Syndicate from Earth 3 to reveal the character of various rogues and villains, especially Lex Luthor. Chapters 6 and 7 are excellent and you have to see what's in store on the last page.
Thursday, September 4, 2014
Preparing for Batman v Superman (Part 2): Building on Man of Steel
In this video, Jason Book (Wrapped in Plastic) and I analyze how the forthcoming Batman v Superman movie can build upon the events of Man of Steel in terms of plot and character development.
Just as Man of Steel explored Superman's decision point between Krypton and Earth, I hope that Batman v Superman explores the Earth and humanity (represented by Lex Luthor and Batman in different ways) coming to terms with who Superman is. Jason hopes that the story stays focused on the central characters and that there aren't too many side characters drawing away attention.
Just as Man of Steel explored Superman's decision point between Krypton and Earth, I hope that Batman v Superman explores the Earth and humanity (represented by Lex Luthor and Batman in different ways) coming to terms with who Superman is. Jason hopes that the story stays focused on the central characters and that there aren't too many side characters drawing away attention.
Tuesday, September 2, 2014
Review of Batman: Assault on Arkham (DC animated original)
See my review of Batman: Assault on Arkham, the latest installment in the DC animated original movie series. It is directed by Jay Oliva (Justice League: War, Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox) and Ethan Spaulding.
This movie is set in the Arkham video game universe and, overall, may be best enjoyed by those fans. One of the weaker outings in the DC direct-to-DVD series.
This movie is set in the Arkham video game universe and, overall, may be best enjoyed by those fans. One of the weaker outings in the DC direct-to-DVD series.
Monday, September 1, 2014
Preparing for Batman v Superman (Part 1): On Set Photos
In this video, I analyze my original footage of the first appearance of Ben Affleck as Bruce Wayne and I also go through several of the more recent shots from the Batman v Superman set. (SPOILERS)
I talk about the new Superman costume, Clark Kent's mysterious satchel, Lex Luthor's head, Scoot McNairy's character, possible action in Washington DC, and rumors about kryptonite.
Thanks to @BananaDoc, @treinman, Dan Newman, and others for the photographs.
I talk about the new Superman costume, Clark Kent's mysterious satchel, Lex Luthor's head, Scoot McNairy's character, possible action in Washington DC, and rumors about kryptonite.
Thanks to @BananaDoc, @treinman, Dan Newman, and others for the photographs.
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