Two Movie Studios Worked For James Bond, Why Not Spider-Man?

Uh, why is the picture of Todd McFarlane's rendition of Spider-Man when you're discussing the fate of Spider-man within the motion picture industry, Matt?

Simple really. Todd McFarlane's interpretation of web crawler was both alien and recognizable to what my young mind identified as Spider-Man at the time. Before I could read, I was weened on John Romita Sr-based design of a friendly neighborhood super-hero. McFarlane's design was different. More angular. Heck, the webs were different!

Plus, it's an iconic image of the web-slinger too.

In the world of movies, a change awaits Spider-Man. Sony and Marvel (okay, let us be honest: Disney) negotiations over the use of Spider-Man within the MCU has broken down.

Right now, there will be no Spider-Man appearing in any movies set within the Marvel Cinematic Universe e.g. Disney movies.

Sony Pictures and their nascent Spider-Man Universe will be the only place where Spider-Man can be found. Instead of Peter Parker rubbing shoulders with the Avengers and Guardians of the Galaxy as Tony Stark's protege, he'll be running around with Venom and other characters... who owe their existence to the Spider-Man intellectual property... Characters comprised of his rogue's gallery, supporting cast, and closest allies (and their respective cast of characters.)

If Sony were to forge ahead with that direction in mind, I wouldn't have a problem. Team-ups within the MCU are cool; but as a long-time reader (on and off) of Spider-Man, the Spider-Man Cinematic Universe appeals to me as a fan. As long as Sony doesn't treat a movie as an advertisement for upcoming movies (Amazing Spider-Man 2's biggest flaw was substantial portion of the film was designed to sell the never made Sinister Six and Amazing Spider-Man 3 to the audience that it neglected to sell itself to the audience) while maintaining Spider-man's humor (the two Amazing movies were too grim and gritty), then Sony's Spider-Man movies could do well.

Except... and this is where I arrive at the gist of my post...

I want both.

I want the Disney/MCU Peter Parker whose Tony Stark's protege doing his best to elevate the rest of heroes of the MCU to be the best heroes they can be. Honestly, Peter Parker is closest to how a traditional super-hero is envisioned in the MCU. Most of the others veer more towards being anti-heroes than the traditional super-hero.

I want the Sony Spider-Man too. Iron Spider is cool and all; but I do want to see Spider-Man reflected as he has been for most of his existence upon the Big Screen. We'd doubtfully see the likes of Morbius in the MCU. In the Sony Spider-verse Cinematic Universe, we can AND will.

There's a template for what I would like: James Bond. Yes, there's the studio which produced pretty much all 20+ Bond films. However, one Bond film wasn't produced by them AND it screened during the same year as another James Bond film. The movie Never Say Never Again starred in aging Sean Connery (Bond's age was a dialogue source several times predating the most recent Spectre doing so) and the movie Octopussy starring his successor Roger Moore (George Lazenby was bookended by Connery) debuted in cinemas during the same year. As far as I am aware neither movie suffered too much competing against each other. Neither movie is regarded poorly. Just one of them is available within all the collections and airs with the other movies during Bond marathons...

Different actors though, Matt

Yeah...

The one flaw in my thinking is different actors were used.

However, Sony would never let Disney use Spider-Man within an MCU movie if they planned on featuring Spider-Man within Spiderverse Cinematic Universe movie during the same year. Unlike the Bond movies, two different interests don't hold the film rights to Spider-Man (or the story Thunderball of which Never Say Never Again was based). If Sony believes Tom Holland is their Peter Parker/Spider-man, Tom Holland won't be said character in the MCU.

That being said, I don't see Tom Holland's Peter Parker tonally fitting with Venom nor Morbius. Sony could very well use a different actor. Plus, Tom Holland may pull Daniel Radcliffe and decide a regular Peter Parker gig isn't for him. Maybe his Spider-Man will be like Ruffalo's Hulk. Always the entourage member but not the focus.

What about events and characters within the MCU? The Sony movies can't reference them!

The Spider-Man comics published by Marvel within the Marvel Universe do not reference every character and event in every issue. Stories may pass before an event outside of Peter's sphere is mentioned. Spider-Man (whether Tom Holland or not) can easily exist within both cinematic universes.

Since Spider-Man is one of the iconic super-heroes of all time, I think our friendly neighborhood super-hero can straddle two different cinematic universes produced by two different studios.

Next time.

12 Blog Posts of December Day 6: Christmas Day

Merry Christmas! Happy Holidays! Happy Hanukkah! Happy Yule! Etc...


I'm going to keep this short and sweet, relatively. No on the first day of my 12 Blog Posts of December spiel today. It's Day 6 of my 12 Blog Posts of December AND it's Christmas Day. However, I am not blogging to proclaim Merry Christmas. That would be too easy...


First, recall yesterday's post on adapting the Life & Adventures of Santa Claus to D&D 5E stats? Yesterday, there was a link to suggestions on how to adapt Santa's foes the Angwas to D&D 5E stats. Well, today on En World (an http not an https site), the same author has posted suggestions for his allies. Here are the Immortals. I am not quite satisfied with recommendations on how to convert the Immortals to PC races. It's basically: take this PC race and perform a minor tweak. Really hope the Patreon goes into more detail than what's provided here for free. As NPCs, they're pretty much top-notch conversions. Suppose the Immortals may be too powerful to be PCs... Well, if the conversion is free anyway... However, the suggestions work in a pinch.


Second, I discovered the old D&D Rules Cyclopedia was available Print on Demand from DriveThru RPG. For those new to the hobby, the Rules Cyclopedia compiled the majority of the rules from the Basic, Expert, Companion, and Masters sets of Dungeons & Dragons. With rules for players and DMs along with maps and brief setting information, it is pretty much the closest to a complete game all-in-one book for Dungeons & Dragons that has ever come out.


I remember checking out this book from the library several times and marveling at the completeness of the book. Until I purchased the ebooks for Original Dungeons & Dragons (0E), it's the closest I had come to the EARLY days. When elf and dwarf were a class. Plus, it was my first exposure to Mystara outside of the Red Steel expansion for AD&D 2E. In addition, there were all sort of nifty rules that were new to me. Alas, there were pages torn out. Eventually, the library's copy disappeared. The book was Out of Print. When I purchased a digital copy, the hardcopy fetched collector prices so it would have to do.


Until now.


I was quite excited while unwrapping gifts to discover I now held in my hands my very own copy of the D&D Rules Cyclopedia! Holding the book in my hands, flipping through the pages, and skimming portions the book is as an exact match to my recollections. Plus, no missing pages! For instance, there's the charts from the Weapon Mastery table for each given weapon. Had no memory of those pages. Maps all intact. Book is quite readable too.


The PoD copy does seem larger than I remembered. Hardcover trim ends roughly a quarter of an inch over the trim of the interior pages. Cover looks lovely. Book feels nice to the touch. Know how some books you just want to hold in your hands? This printing of the Rules Cyclopedia matches the feeling. My only complaint is the binding may be fragile to heavy use. If I played BECMI regularly and it was traveling book, I would worry about pages falling out. Fortunately, I don't play BECMI regularly if at all. So the book's durability isn't a pressing concern. The binding does seem durable enough for pleasure reading. Besides, I do own a digital copy, which I could use as my traveling copy if need be.


Not quite sure if I'll provide a full review or review the book in stages.


Third, I read some classic newspaper strips of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and Hans Brinker and the Silver Skates posted on a social media group. Must've missed some strips as I used Facebook's Save feature as I encountered gaps. Hans Brinker and the Silver Skates matched my recollection of when I read the colored strips compiled in page form within the pages of a magazine years ago. Only one strip seemed to come out of nowhere. The Joe Kubert art was lovely. As for the Rudolph strip, it seemed like the strip either tried to find new uses for his nose or ways Rudolph could contribute without the use of his nose. There even was a helicopter?! Overall, a pleasant way to spend time on Christmas Day.


Lastly, 2018 marks Mickey Mouse's 90th Anniversary. While I picked up both a DVD celebrating Mickey Mouse and a book from Fantagraphics collecting his early comic strips colorized, I don't know if I'll blog about either them during the remainder of the year. Not to say, I won't spend any homage to Mickey during his 90th on this blog. Why? For the first time in over a decade, I watched Mickey Mouse's Christmas Carol! Fondly recall the rollout to the "movie's" debut all those years ago. There were plushes of the various Disney characters adapted to Dickens's characters available for a limited time. I got the Donald Duck, but I digress. Anyway, when I watched Mickey's Christmas Carol as a kid I absolutely loved it! In fact, it's how I primarily know the Christmas Carol story, which I haven't actually *ahem* read. Like many classic Disney shows featuring their IP, every time Mickey's Christmas Carol aired it was an event. Then I stopped seeing it.


So what better time than during Mickey's 90th then to pick up a copy on Blu ray? Furthermore, what better time than to watch it on Christmas Day? Mickey's Christmas Carol was about as good as when I saw it back as a wee little lad. Plus, after all these years, it felt like watching it for almost the first time! Didn't watch the extras nor the intermission though. Perhaps next Christmas season?


Once again, I hope everyone has a Happy Season!


Only 6 more days of my 12 Blog Posts of December!


Next time.

Initial Thoughts on DC Universe Streaming / Subscription Service

Couple weeks ago, IT launched. Mid-month strikes me as on odd time to kickoff a monthly streaming/subscription service yet DC decided it was the perfect time to officially launch its new DC Universe. Haven't binged any movies or television shows. Didn't chat all things on DC using the forums. Can't say I've spent hours reading any of the comics offered online. What I did do was sample enough of everything (except the forums) to get an initial first impression of DC Universe. Since October is literally a day way, now makes a good a day as any to give my two cents. If I waited until October, I may as well as wait until I've done all the above, right?


Forums: Pretty much stated in my opener, I never used them. Honestly, I don't really plan to. Unless of course actual folks on DC visit the forums. Then, I will participate gleefully. Interacting with creators is tremendous fun indeed.


Television: While none of the Arrowverse shows are available on DC Universe, there are plenty of gems. The cancelled-before-its-time Constantine is here. Birds of Prey. Heck, the live-action Superboy, which was among my wishlist when I was 'deciding', is among the shows offered. There's animated shows such as the classic Superfriends as well as Bat-man: the Animated Series. Initially, I thought only the first season was available for each show. Thought it was very strange that multiple seasons were mentioned until I noticed a dropdown box wherein the user can select a specific season.


The quality of the video is top-notch. Matches quality offered by the likes of Netflix and Hulu. Speaking of Hulu, fast-forwarding through an episode of Batman:TAS did NOT trigger any breaks for advertisements. Leads me to believe, there are no commercials! Another neat feature is one's progress on an episode is saved so you pick up right where left off. You can also add a series to your favorites.


Movies: Among the initial offerings are the Christopher Reeve Superman films along with the animated movies of which DC recently released a tenth anniversary collection. As a recent purchaser of said collection, only a small handful of them are available for streaming on DC Universe upon initial launch. So I don't feel foolish along that front... Did feel the movie selection was a bit low; but it is the initial launch. Other than that I haven't streamed any of the movies yet so that awaits further comment.


Comics: Initial selection is quite extensive.  Most recent comics offered digitally, ala Marvel Digital Comics - digital issues aren't available for purchase at the moment, stop at Rebirth issue 1s. That said, there's samplings of New 52, post-Crisis, and in-between. Dark Knight Returns is available to be read digitally online. Personally, I am pumped Johns/Eaglesham's Justice Society of America's first eleven issues are offered. Looking to become familiar with Captain Marvel/Shazam before the upcoming Shazam! movie? Well, Ordway's Power of Shazam! awaits your perusal.


I've read a smattering of comics online via several platforms from Nook Digital Comics to Dark Horse Digital to Marvel Digital Unlimited on my PC. Have to say DC Universe perfectly aligns the page with screen! Art and lettering is perfectly readable. No shrinking nor enlarging is required. Don't have to toggle from panel to panel nor toggle from panel readout to full page layout. Like television shows, DC Universe saves your progress on a given comic. Plus, titles can be added to a favorites list.


The two cons I see with the digital comics is there is much duplication among titles (which is rather odd) and I haven't noticed a search option yet. If offerings rotate, the bloated list is fine. Otherwise, searching through the comics library will become a hassle once it expands.


Overall, my initial impression of DC Universe is very favorable. A heavy user might worry about the size of the initial content. If this is your only streaming service and your first foray into digital comics, I could see one binging through the library within maybe six months. On the other hand, I don't forsee myself exhausting the initial launch within twelve months of my subscription. Maybe by the fifteenth month. However, the original programming such as Titans and Doom Patrol will have debuted by then. Quality-wise, I am quite pleased as well. We'll see how my opinion changes once what's new is well-acquainted.


Periodic updates to come.


Next time!

Price Seems Right For DC's New Subscription Service

Took the last couple weeks off from blogging. During that time SDCC occurred as well as the announcement of DC's new subscription service's, DC Universe, price point. The latter is the topic for tonight's entry.


If you recall, I expressed my excitement for the new subscription service. So much, I was probably going to give it a try. After reading what the price will be, it's practically a given.


For the curious, you can read up on prices along with DC Universe's contents here.


Not bad. Not bad at all. I already pay $7.99 a month for Hulu and $10.99 a month for WWE Network. So $7.99 is well within my comfort zone for the time being. Heck CBR did a price comparison with a streaming services, cause DC Universe is primarily a streaming service, here.


For the most part I agree with CBR. The depth of backlist isn't huge. Quite frankly, it's still unknown how much DC television and film will be available. However, all the other bells and whistles along with the possibility for no commercials improves the package.


Plus there's the comics and community forum. While the latter isn't important to me, the former is pretty much the deal maker for me. If DC Universe truly has a rotating selection of a thousand comics, it'll be worth it for the digital comics alone.


Heck, one could potentially make comparisons to Marvel's Digital Unlimited. The price is a little less than Marvel's monthly subscription but on par for the annual subscription. Which is kind of weird because the annual subscription for DC Universe is cheaper than its monthly... Goes to show Marvel Digital Unlimited is better purchased on annual basis as opposed to monthly...


Yes, Marvel Digital Unlimited has an ever expanding back catalog. While DC Universe's rotating catalog troubles me, the rotation may force me to actually read the comics as opposed to adding them to my watchlist indefinitely.


Plus, unlike Marvel Digital Unlimited, the meat and potatoes of DC Universe is the television and film media. One isn't just using DC Universe to read comics.


So all things considered, the price point practically secures my purchase of a subscription. In fact, the extra three months added to pre-ordered annual subscription calls to me. Fifteen months for annual subscription prices? Hello! I've had an annul subscription to Marvel Digital Unlimited on and off for years. Saves quite a bit of hassle; and I'm not pressure to "use a month's worth" each month to get my money's worth.


There you have it. Consider me a pre-order adopter of an annual subscription holder to DC Universe.


Next time.

DC's New Subscription Service Looks Promising

When the news broke over DC starting its own streaming service, I was favorably inclined but leery about paying for another streaming service. The DC fanboy in me was excited at the prospect. However, I don't keep up with Hulu, Netflix, WWE Network, and regular TV. Heck, Britbox and GFW/TNA/Impact/whatever they're calling themselves now are on my radar too. DC's new streaming service's offerings would need to be deep.


New programming I can't get elsewhere.


Old programming I'd really need to scrounge for.


Today, I details and teaser trailer for the new subscription service have been unveiled. Bleeding Cool News reported some details here.


Heck, DC released a teaser trailer for the new DC Universe subscription service as well here.


Titans, Doom Patrol, the next season of Young Justice definitely checks the box for new programming.


Is Swamp Thing a new iteration or the old show?


Snippets from the animated movies, old movies like Supergirl, and the short-lived TV show Constantine certainly satisfy the old material criteria. Okay, okay, Constantine is available on CW Seed. I'm excited for the potential such older shows such as the 90's Flash and Superboy could become available as well. Rights pending of course....


All that? A Hulu-like price is reasonable.


A community forum is a nice touch. How many use message boards nowadays with social media though?


Being able to read older DC Comics. What do we have here now... Depending on the depth and size of the selection this could very well be a DC Digital Comics Unlimited tacked onto streaming service. Although I suppose even if it's limited to more recent offerings along with evergreen stories it wouldn't be so bad.


If DC Universe is *cough* universal in scope and demonstrates signs of expansion with the new content over time ala the WWE Network, I would be willing to pay WWE Network prices.


Verdict: The DC Universe Subscription is mighty tempting. Think I will sign up for the Beta in August.


Next time.

Bye Bye 2017, Hello 2018!

For some, 2018 is here. For me 2017 is almost over, while for others 2017 will last a little longer. Regardless a New Year is upon us.


I was going to provide a Top 5 or Top 10 blog entries of 2017, but I am not quite sure what criteria to use! None received any comments. Sure, I could consult Google Analytics; but how many were hits generated from actual readers? Furthermore, timing is everything. Some entries received more attention than others due to luck of the draw.


A couple that I will highlight was the two that pertained to the old Fox Kids (Spider-Man, Spider-Man Unlimited, X-Men) shows plus Iron Man Armored Avenger and X-Men Evolution and whether they were leaving Hulu or not. As fate would have it, those vintage Marvel cartoons only remained for a month longer than when notice was originally given. Since that time, it was announce Disney would buy a ton of Fox properties including an additional 30% stake in Hulu. So will those cartoons return to Hulu, be reserved for the Disney's announced streaming service, or both? Guess time will tell.


A New Year means New Year's Resolutions! Here are 10 comic strips from GoComics concerning the annual promises! You can read them here.


Those strips basically sum up my approach to New Year's Resolutions this year. So you failed your 2017 resolution didn't you, Matt? Sigh, I didn't read anywhere as much as I intended to read when I made that resolution. Old new habits are hard to break.


So I wouldn't call these New Years Resolutions per se as they're mainly things I want to do but I won't cry if I don't.

1. Read more. Yes, yes, that was last year's resolution. Some folks pledge to exercise, I plan to read more.
2. Read more comic strips. A little more redundant but I consider reading strips very light pleasure reading, which I've ignored because I've been reading news instead.
3. GoComics and DailyInk - Signed up for premium membership of GoComics about a month ago. Just have to get back into the habit of reading the strips. As for DailyInk (King Features Sydicate's version of GoComics), I plan on subscribing tomorrow. Yep, as of January 1st, I will finally get a subscription. May even cover the Amazing Spider-Man newspaper strip.
4. Watch Royal Rumble and WrestleMania. Missed last years. Would like to see this years. Still up in the air about subscribing to the WWE Network though...
5. A Britbox account - going through some British TV and Doctor Who withdrawal. However, it is another streaming service. So who knows? Okay, that is rather punny.
6. Learn how to include cover images on this blog. Since I've taken the plunge and started inserted videos, there's no reason not to include cover images for any comic book reviews I may do. Just need to learn how...

So that's my obligatory New Years post.


Happy New Year 2018!

Geek Culture Sure Relies on the Net Quite a Bit

A blog entry or two I mentioned that I was finally able to watch wrestling again. Why? I didn't have cable; and the internet was subject to data caps. Sure, I could watch a wrestling match now and then. However, my available data would be significantly less. Rationing internet use isn't fun at all. Curiously, the amount of data consumed for what would be considered the simplest things, not talking watching wrestling matches here, would become more and more over the years...


Ah, what does this have to do with geek culture as I ascribe within the title, you may ask? Wrestling fans are geeks of sort as one does not just simply watch one or two hours of wrestling a week. Following geek culture requires quite a bit of data. Just think of how much one streams a week! From trailers to television shows to movies, not to mention video games, the internet is the realm of the geek. Thus to follow geek culture one must use the internet quite a bit. Besides, I frequently said I would explain my absence from wrestling one day. Here it is.


Instead of following wrestling bit by bit on social media, I can watch shows on Hulu, Netflix, or the WWE Network (or insert wrestling promotion). Also don't need to stock up on wrestling DVDs although there are some I'll still pick up.


Speaking of DVDs, remember when one can walk into a brick and mortar store and see aisles brimming with quite a variety? Yeah, not so much now. Nowadays, one is lucky if one can find a show past a certain season! Has Marvel's Agents of SHIELD had more than one season available on DVD? If it has I must have missed it.


You know where I can find seasons of Marvel's Agents of SHIELD? Netflix. While I waited what seems like years, cause it has, for Daredevil Season One to come out on DVD, I can watch both seasons plus all the other Netflix Marvel shows as well. Without hoping for a long, long time that it will soon arrive on DVD. Can also watch the new Voltron, Inspector Gadget, and Danger Mouse as well. So without the internet, reliable, non-rationed high speed internet, one simply does not have access to segments of geek culture.


Sometimes I wait quite a long time before watching a show. Too long. Plus, it's nice if my viewing of show attracts attention similar to a Nielsen family. That's what Hulu is for. Legion is great adaptation inspired by the X-men character Legion. The show does a terrific job reflection the unstable nature of the main character's mental state as each episode shifts in tone from one episode to the next. Although I think there's one character that's more Morrison than Claremont. Furthermore, Legion is very dark compared to all the other comic book based shows on the air in a very sophisticated fashion. Don't have cable so I couldn't have watched it. Plus thanks to Hulu the powers-that-be have another measurement of support. Same goes true for the NBC show Timeless. While I DVR'd Timeless, I fell behind that I eventually gave up and deleted my recordings. However, I was able to watch the show about a time travel show that illustrates how much one act can have profound effect on the timeline. All under the backdrop where the black hats aren't necessarily black hats. Really enjoy. While I may not like how Hulu goes about expiring shows, it does motivate me to watch it. Otherwise, I wouldn't have marathoned Timeless and discovered how much I greatly enjoyed it.


Video games - in the age of DRM do people actually truly own their video game? And it's a complete game? Nope. Heck, PC games are rarer in stores than DVDs! After years, Steam finally stopped working for me. Steam works again now.


The role-playing game industry is almost as bad. As much as I championed 4th edition D&D, WOTC's ill-advised 4th ed version of the OGL, the GSL (?), practically killed any variety of the RPG market in stores. As such, many RPG product are generally available primarily in ebook form. Plus there's software support and gaming via online.


Went from being avid anime watcher to barely watching any anime. Anime is too expensive for me to buy it completely unseen. So once I could watch anime on Hulu once more, I watched the anime Phantasy Star Online 2 The Animation. Yeah, that was another reason I had hankering to play some Phantasy Star when I downloaded Phantasy Star 2 for my phone... Great series. Not my Phantasy Star but it had enough Phantasy Star elements. Kind of wish the game would become available to play here in the States after watching it... Heck, I've even started watching a couple 'new' series that are airing on Hulu, Chronos Ruler and In Another World with My Smartphone. Been a very long time since I last watched an anime series on a weekly basis and not had the option to binge it. Heck, it's nice to watch anime regularly again!


So there you go. My rather long-winded account on how I can now fully experience geek culture (while arguing why the internet is necessary) as my internet experience is no longer constrained.


Next time

Interesting News: March 2017

Back during January, I did an installment of 'interesting news', which was a collection of links I found of interest. Never did do a part two although my Rebirth entry included some of what I would have included. As March comes to close, I figured I'd do a March installment. While much of it will be from March, I may include links to comics, role-playing, games, and wrestling news stories as far back as January. Or until I get tired as I am blogging stream-of-conscious and all...


Classic D&D modules return! - Tales of the Yawning Portal whetting your appetite for classic Dungeons & Dragons modules? The classic modules not enough but want 5E stats as well? Well, if you checked out the link, Goodman and WotC are collaborating to do exactly that in glorious hardcover editions. Really hope these are available at FLGCS everywhere because I want 'em!


Marvel's Generations - Okay, the concept of Marvel's Generations has me intrigued - 10 rookie heroes partnered (somehow) with the hero that inspired them has the potential to be a groundbreaking work. Would be cool if Alex Ross provided the art but don't think that will happen. Don't think any resurrections (Logan, Bruce, Mar-Vell) will occur or last but I may be wrong. As Secret Empire will be raging, I may wait for the trade instead. Although, my attitude toward the series may change by then...


Shutter lens Spidey-eyes! - There will be limited number of emotive shutter lenses for a Spider-Man mask for any cosplay based on the CA: Civil War movie costume! Pretty cool to see them work. Would be cool if more were made in the future.


On the chances of MCU crossovers - Alas, it took the actor of the Falcon to point out explicitly why we haven't seen crossovers between the Marvel television series and films: they are different divisions. Rather sad that none of the heads of both departments could not be a frank with fans. Maybe we'll get an Agents of SHIELD/Inhumans/Defenders crossover someday?


Deadpool 2 Teaser - Did you see the movie Logan? Remember the Deadpool 2 teaser? Thought that it was just for fun and whet one's appetite? Well, you're correct.


100 episodes of The Walking Dead! - When The Walking Dead premiered, I didn't think the show would reach 100 episodes. As I am a couple seasons behind, I didn't know the series will soon reach such a milestone! Like the article writer suggests I bet the next arc is "All Out War!" Would be cool if the show ran another 100 episodes though.


Disney Afternoon 8-bit games return! - I grew up watching the Disney Afternoon block. The NES game DuckTales is one of those games I always wanted to play but never played enough of. As such I eagerly anticipate having the chance to play the DuckTales, Chip 'N' Dale's Rescue Rangers, and Talespin 8-bit games on my PC!


Christian-Angle-Dory Funk Jr-Jeff Hardy - Here's a nice little picture of wrestling history showing Kurt Angle, Christian, and Jeff Hardy being trained by the legendary Dory Funk Jr.


Frank Oz on ABC Muppets Failure - I stopped watching the latest iteration of The Muppets because it felt... off.  The mockumentary format just didn't click for me. In that, I agree with Frank Oz. As for "purity", I had no problem with the adult tones. The muppets weren't very likeable though.


Warpath or Thunderbird on X-men the show? - Well, it seems either John or James Proudstar (aka Thunderbird and Warpath) may be in the upcoming X-men television show. That would be cool although I am concerned about the use of the name 'Sam'. I suppose I would also prefer James (aka Thunderbird II/Warpath) to be the Proudstar in question as I can more easily see him leading such an underground group. Plus think of the eventual comic book tie-ins...


Jean Grey Deleted Scene - There will apparently be a deleted scene in the Logan blu-ray referencing Jean Grey.


Hugh Jackman and Wolverine Mask - Haha! Here's a humorous picture of Hugh Jackman holding a Wolverine mask.


Christopher Daniels Interview - a nice brief interview with the new Ring of Honor World Champion Christopher Daniels. Forgot about his comics collaboration!


Bully Ray on his RoH appearance - I was pleasantly surprised to find out that wrestler Bully Ray appeared in Ring of Honor. Here's the man's words on what he thinks of the RoH product and what he hopes to bring to it. Think he'll bring much to the RoH product


Logan movie influences? - Here's a list of 15 movies that may very well have served as influences for the movie Logan.


Till next time.

Bray Wyatt - Is he a Transistional Champ and Guardians of Galaxy 2 Trailer Thoughts

What better way to end an impromptu blogging hiatus than blogging on the first of the month, right? To kick off what I hope is a month filled with more frequent blogging is my thoughts on Bray Wyatt becoming a champion in the WWE along with what I thought of the latest Guardians of the Galaxy 2 trailer. See this entry does have a comics related component!


Not bothering to share a link to the latest Guardians of Galaxy 2 trailer. Should be easily findable due to its high trending nature right now. Absolutely loved it! Former WWE Batista, yeah his WWE stage name but that's how I see him, fits the MCU version of Drax like a glove. Baby Groot plays a much, much bigger role in this trailer than Drax but we do see is hella cool with Drax launching himself at what can best described as a space octopus. Was wondering if Baby Groot would have more of a bit role but that doesn't seem to be the case at all. The trailer's reference to family is a nice touch as Guardians are more like a family than a team. With the absence of the X-Men in the MCU, The Guardians of the Galaxy fill that void. Trailer does an excellent job depicting the Guardians along with Yondu and Nebula as the MCU's quarrelsome space family. Music appears to play a heavy role as well. Like the appearance of Ego in Kurt Russel form at the end. The third trailer will probably provide more plot/villain details...


Now on to the main subject of tonight's blog...


Bray Wyatt is now the Smackdown Champion. Okay, that's not the correct name of the belt but I have not watched wrestling in a very, very long time. Remember my post about Cena becoming champion and Orton winning the Rumble? Yeah, still haven't seen it. I find the longer and longer I go without watching wrestling the less I care about the semantics. The brands of split. In theory, both brands are equal but neither brand's championship crosses over to the other. Ok, I could be wrong. That may have happened. I don't know. I am fairly knowledgeable about wrestling though. Enough to give my two cents on whether or not Bray Wyatt is a transitional champion.


Before I start, Bray Wyatt becoming a top champion is simply fantastic. Would rather a Wyatt championship than an umpteenth Cena or Orton reign. The man deserves it. As Bray will, knock on wood, is more of WWE's future than Cena and Orton, it's absolutely pivotal he becomes seen as more of a top talent. Carrying the top Smackdown belt helps that cause. Doesn't guarantee it as I am sure Jack Swagger can attest....


However, Bray Wyatt is modern day Mick Foley. He can energize storylines and matches. Get himself and his opponent over despite ultimately losing the match. One could quibble Bray won the belt because the WWE had gone to the well too often that it was starting to dry...


While I don't regularly watch WWE, I am aware that Orton was paired with Bray for a time. So as the winner of the Rumble, Orton will probably challenge Bray WrestleMania. I predict Orton will win. WWE could use a Mania victory to propel Bray to the top. Nah. Orton will probably win the belt. Which in turn will probably lead to Cena and Orton resuming their rivalry. But I digress.


A transitional champion is a wrestler who becomes champion only to lose it to the next (viable) opponent. Bray Wyatt winning the belt in the Elimination Chamber only to lose it to Randy Orton at WrestleMania is textbook transitional champion material. Except, there's WWE Fastlane. If he loses the belt at Fastlane, Bray definitely is a transitional champion. Otherwise, Fastlane will probably serve as a 'big victory' for Bray such that his match with Orton means more.


So is Bray Wyatt a transitional champion? I suppose time and Fastlane/WrestleMania outcomes will tell. If he loses the former, yes. If he wins the latter, no. If he wins the former and loses the latter? Technically, Bray Wyatt would not be a transitional champion in the strictest sense. However, as the point of Bray reign would be transition from Cena reign to an Orton reign beginning with WrestleMania, then, yes, he would be. Personally, I don't want that outcome but it does set Orton up for matching Flair's 16-time reign and renewing his Flair/Steamboat rivalry with Cena...


Till Next Time

Rogue One: Finally a Star Wars Movie that Lends Legitimacy to Rebel PCs

First things first. I felt Rogue One: A Star Wars Story was fantastic film. If the other anthology films equal Rogue One in quality, Disney's mini-holiday tradition (until 2020 at least) of an annual Star Wars film right around the holiday season will be a good one. However, I'm not going to review the film at this time. One, much of the film's strengths hinge on not being spoiled the first time through. Second, I have only seen the movie once. My mantra of multiple viewings required before a review stands for this film as well. What tonight's blogging spiel is about how excited I am for the ramifications for those that play Star Wars PCs in table-top RPGs particularly Rebellion-era.


There's two things I've always hated about playing Star Wars during the Rebellion-era. The Rebellion, while the underdogs, seemed to put together. Second, the group of Han, Luke, Leia, and Co are the heroes of the Rebellion. No matter how you slice it you can't escape that fact. Your characters are second fiddle; and there's no other examples to prove otherwise.


Rogue One changes all that. Without going into spoilers, the Rebellion-era being the Han, Luke, and Leia show because they're the only  heroes is no longer the case. Now, Star Wars fans have other examples. Furthermore, they know what those characters can be like. They're no longer just outsider types playing a role in a rebellion but actual rebels. The Expanded Universe was great in that it fleshed out the more obscure areas but we never got a full on look what run-of-the-mill rebels were like. Star Wars fans do know. Plus, the obligatory lightsaber-wielding PC is no longer required! You really have to watch the television shows and cartoons to have examples of that gap.


Examples aside. Rogue One demonstrates that the Rebellion needs heroes and such heroics do occur when no Skywalker is mentioned. I'd gloss on more but that breaks my no spoiler rule. But yeah, for the first time, in a long, long time, maybe ever, I feel Rebel PCs that aren't the movie group can play a pivotal role in the Rebellion. Yep, no amount of West End Games source material made me thought otherwise.


So with that, pick up whichever iteration of the Star Wars RPG you have on hand and have your PCs join the Rebellion.


Quick aside: think I got my first hand look at what either a heavy or light repeating blaster rifle looks like cinematically...


Happy Gaming.

Thoughts on the First Spider-Man: Homecoming Trailer

Tonight, the very first trailer for Spider-Man: Homecoming was released. And it... was... awesome! If you haven't seen it, the trailer should be widely available on the Internet. As such I am not going to include the video or a link to the video. Just going to provide my more than 140 character response that would be far too lengthy for social media.


We didn't get too much of Michael Keaton out of costume in this trailer; but what is there has appropriate amount of menace for a teenage super-hero whose stepping into an adult playground.


Speaking of that adult playground, that appears to be the theme of the trailer. Super-hero work is adult work and not suited for teenagers. While the classic Lee/Ditko stories would have characters admitting their surprise and astonishment that Spider-Man was teenager, it was never front and center. Suppose a pivotal player such as Tony Stark knowing Spider-Man is a teenaged Peter Parker leads to such a change from the comics origin. Should be interesting how much the trailer's theme is a theme of the movie.


Now, I am incredibly glad Tony, Robert Downey Jr, will be serving much more than a cameo role. The Marvel Cinematic Universe is the movie franchise with the individual character(s) movies serving as facets of the franchise. So I like the level of cohesion that Tony Stark brings. Furthermore, I love seeing more of mentor type relationship with the teenaged Peter Parker. In many ways, the ground for a future passing of the torch could be set with this movie. Absolutely love the notion of Iron Man working alongside Spidey! However, the marque is Spider-Man: Homecoming. Not Spider-Man: Marvel Team-up. I'd prefer if Tony's role is much less than it was in Captain America: Civil War.


Loved the crooks wearing classic comic book depictions of Avengers masks.


Would have liked it if the Vulture was closer to his comic book roots but can accept that he's tech'd up because the movie-going audience wouldn't accept him as a major menace in a movie.


The high school scenes remind me of how much the character of Peter Parker benefited from being a high school student. So that will be neat to see. Not a fan of someone knowing his secret identity but in the MCU every hero, except Cap it seems, needs a non-powered, non-skilled person whose a confidante.


Tom Holland may very be the best Peter Parker/Spider-Man actor yet!


Action shots are pretty good. Can't wait to see them on the big screen.


So yeah, I stand by my earlier comment that the first trailer is amazing and spectacular. Look forward to the next!


Till Next Time.

Halloween '16: MAoS Ghost Rider's Origin and Life Imitates Art

All Souls' Day marks my final official Halloween '16 blog post. As its All Souls' Day and the end of Mexican celebration of the Day of the Dead what better topics than origin Marvel's Agents of SHIELD's Ghost Rider and how a James Bond movie influenced the custom of the Day of the Dead?


Note: I had wanted to squeeze in some more comic book reviews of the comics I picked up Monday as well as Disney's Giant Halloween Hex #1. Alas, that wasn't meant to be as I wasn't quite in the right frame of mind for comic book reading and Giant Halloween Hex is a massive comic! Just flipping through the pages I can definitely tell that I will get my money's worth when I finally read it. So next Halloween?


While I am familiar with the Mexican celebration of the Day of the Dead, which spans from October 31st to November 2nd, I didn't know there is no Mardi Gras-like parade. Those who've seen the most recent James Bond movie, heck if you've seen the trailers, then you've seen the gigantic parade that 007 navigates through during the opening segment of Spectre. So yeah, cultural literacy fail on my part believing that such a spectacle was a normal practice. However, turns out the tourism authorities felt that they were missing out and such a parade was something they should have. So this very year, 2016, marks the very first, Spectre-like, Day of the Dead parade. Talk about life imitating art! As longtime James Bond fan that's simply amazing. You can check out some photos and read more about this amazing, if controversial, development on a Mexican Halloween-ish tradition HERE.




Now for the highlights from the episode that provides the origin for Marvel's Agents of SHIELD Robbie Reyes Ghost Rider:






Spoilers




S5-6 The Good Samaritan

• Show opens with a flashback during which the reactor (really a quantum matter device) creates a piece of carbon out of nothing! During celebrations a tipsy Lucy accidentally mentions a book to Eli. Modern day: Eli says the experiment was a failure as there wasn't enough power. Lucy responds that plenty of power is available at the new site. Eli voices concern that many lives could be at stake.
• Director sends Simmons, blind-folded, on a mission. No one can reach her throughout the episode.
• Gabe is led to believe Robbie is a secret agent...
• Director tell Coulson to prepare to be boarded as he plans to take Quake and Ghost Rider into custody.
• Fitz figures out that the device requires a massive amount of power.
• Han Solo and Admiral Ackbar references!
• Gabe is no slouch. He quickly realizes that the secret agent part is nonsense.
• Origin story time: Robbie was car racing with Uncle Eli's car when he allows Gabe to come along. The car is the same as the Ghost Rider car. They both discuss Uncle Eli not acting like himself, when all of a sudden a Molotov cocktail is thrown onto the hood! A car chase ensues when another car forces Robbie to do a rollover. Gabe's version of events was that while he was paralyzed he knew Robbie was okay when a good Samaritan came along and pulled him out and tended to Robbie. Robbie corrects him. Says that he blamed himself for the mess and that as he was thrown from the car he called out to anyone that he would do anything for his brother to be safe. Then he died. Yep, died. Yeah, pretty sure we can tell a Faustian bargain is coming...
• Origin continued: A classic deal with unsavory forces commences when a voice ask Robbie if he'll do anything to exact to vengeance. Robbie says yes. Then he sees classic Ghost Rider ride up to him on a motorcycle! Er, don't know if this is the demon or Johnny Blaze... Power is granted to him and Robbie becomes the Spirit of Vengeance!
• Director Mace figures out the containment unit is hidden.
• Ghost Rider busts out of the containment unit!
• At first there's a tussle, but Ghost Rider overcomes Director Mace beating him senselessly until Gabe stops him. I admit I marked out.
• Fitz deduces that the only place that could provide enough power was an old Isodyne facility. References to Peggy Carter, SSR, and the Darkforce from season two of Agent Carter!
• 'Must of predated the internet. How'd you ever get things done before then?'
• Flashback: Lucy talks about the book making them like gods while Eli mentions that he knew that attack was meant for him hired by Lucy's husband.
• Lucy - Robbie confrontation which ends rather badly for Ghost Lucy.
• However, before dying we learn that it was Eli that trapped the ghosts inside the chests! That he wanted the Darkhold for the power it could grant him. He actually beat Joseph in order to attain the book.
• May retrieves the Darkhold.
• Meanwhile, the power can't be turned. So while Mac is retrieving one of the perpetual EMP devices that the Watch Dogs used, Phil starts pulling tubing as Eli uses the Quantum Matter Device.
• There's a big wave. Eli emerges able to create a piece of carbon out of nothing!

Have to say the Ghost Rider origin didn't disappoint and for an episode that aired during the Halloween-All Saints' Day-All Souls' Day trifecta it didn't disappoint in terms of supernatural thrills and deals with the devil.  Plus in true Whedon-esque fashion, the Big Bad of the Ghost Rider arc is revealed after a classic betrayal! All in all, a fantastic episode!


With that is my All Souls' Day post and my last Halloween entry until next year. Although I may review Disney's Giant Halloween Hex #1 before next Halloween it'll be just a normal review.


Till next time.

Suicide Squad Movie's Impressive Achievement

Just learned about the movie Suicide Squad's impressive achievement from a post on ComicMix my the creator of the Squad, John Ostrander. You can about it HERE.


That's right, Suicide Squad has fared better than all those Marvel movies. Not bad for a comic book property many didn't know about until Comic-Con last year. Heck, not bad for movie coming off the heels Batman vs Superman: Dawn of Justice, which is arguably one of the more panned movies of the summer. I admit it beat my expectations. Didn't expect Suicide Squad to still be in theaters let alone gross more than many of the Marvel properties.


A part of me is glad in that as kid who grew up toward the tail-end of the Super Friends/Super Powers cartoon-line, Suicide Squad's success helps ensure that the Justice League and other DCCU films are made. Heck, another Suicide Squad film is more likely now. As much as I love the Marvel movies, the superhero genre needs DC characters to have commercially viable films to further nurture the genre.


Since such an unknown property attracted so much box office does that mean the superhero/comic book genre is now firmly established? That it's achieved the status that the Western did so many years ago? Super-heroes and comic book-based films are now de facto genre of Hollywood like Western, Action, and Rom-com flick? I'd like to think so. On the other hand I hope it's not the peak. After all, people disliked the film because of certain tropes.


Oh well, kudos Suicide Squad for its noteworthy achievement!

Geeking over SDCC 2016 Unveilings

As August dawns, I figured I'd catch up on all the news and unveilings from SDCC 2016. There will be much geeking out:


Note: I won't include any of the trailers as I figure most will have seen or will see them.


Justice League: In one trailer, everything that BvS:DoJ did wrong was remedied. There was comedy. DC long held the reputation as the place where its super-heroes got along. I got that vibe. Based on the trailer, watching Batman assemble the heroes should be a hoot. Loved the music. Finally, as a DC fan, I am not looking forward to Justice League simply because it's the Justice League. My inner child who watched the Super Friends while playing with Super Powers toys is delighted.


Doctor Strange Trailer #2: I'm even more excited for this film than I was before! The purist within me accepts the changes. Still not sure whom all the characters are aside from the Ancient One and Strange. Based on my guesses, Wong is now no longer Asian and wields magic and Baron Mordo is nuts...


Flash Season 3 Trailer: Flashpoint it is! Looking forward to seeing Wally as Kid Flash (or should we say Flash). We'll probably see more of the real Reverse-Flash than we've ever had before. Is Dr. Alchemy the Big Bad? Something tells me Barry won't like this new world...


Jim Gordon assuming an iconic DC Character ID: You can read about it HERE. Gotham has shaken Bat-mythos enough that Gordon could become any character. GordonBatman would be quite a twist. I'd find it rather hilarious if Jim Gordon was the first Batman. Would fit the show too as Jim Gordon had been playing that role anyway - albeit not as effectively. He could also be The Question or The Vigilante.


Kurt Russel is playing Star-Lord's Dad. It's Ego the Living Planet?! For those that want to read the news, one can do so HERE. Hmmm, I'll reserve judgment until I watch GotG 2.


A Captain Power reboot series! Absolutely loved this show as kid! Consider me excited. Here's some info about it HERE. Don't know what was mentioned at the con though...


80's-style He-Man Cartoon aired at the Con: Details HERE. Con goers got to see a brief He-Man short done in the old Filmation style. He-Man is another childhood favorite of mine; and I have many fond memories of watching the Filmation show as a kid. Would loved to have seen it the con. May have to check out on Google Play some day...


Ghost Rider on Agents of SHIELD - Well, we now know the next Marvel character to appear on Marvel's Agents of SHIELD. It's Ghost Rider! For those whom want to take a gander at which one and the vehicle itself, can do so HERE. And its... the All-New Ghost Rider... The one with the car... The one I don't know so much about. Well, at least, I won't have any preconceptions...


Richard Ryder is Back! - That's right, the original Nova has returned! Apparently, Marvel decided to what I had guessed about the current Marvel book back when it was previewed: pair Richard Ryder with new Nova, Sam. You can read the story itself HERE. May continue to buy the book now.


More IDW/DC crossovers: Recently, Batman and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles teamed up.  They'll do so again except this time it'll be the TAS and Nick versions. Cool. Cool. Also there'll be sequel to Green Lantern/Star Trek: Spectrum War. Also, cool. Future trades! Here's a link.


Ragman on Arrow!: For pics and sizzle reel for Arrow Season 5, here's a link. Ragman was among my favorites from the short-lived series Shadowpact. Loved how he was more of street-level Spectre. Judging by the pictures, the Ragman's depiction is faithful to the comics although it must be tough to translate the character from the comics to the screen. As for the sizzle reel itself, I am as pumped as I am for the Flash. Should be neat watching Ollie train a new batch. Wonder how long they'll last though before the old crew returns...


Justice League Dark - JL Dark adaptation to animated movie is finally upon us. Plus Matt Ryan reprises the role of Consantine! One can check out a video discussing the movie HERE.


Unlike previous years, I didn't pay too much to SDCC this year. I'm sure I missed plenty of news and unveilings. Oh well. They'll be new for me when the next round of Con Coverage occurs!

TV Round Up 1/19 - 1/25

Rather than write several individual blog entries on several different television programs, here's a roundup of the television week spanning from Tuesday, January 19 2016 until Monday, January 25th. Warning some Spoilers ahead:

Captain America: Celebrating 75 Heroic Years - Twenty-five years is a long time so I don't recall how much of splash Cap's 50th anniversary made. As avid Marvel Zombie at the time, I fondly remember reading and re-reading an issue of Marvel Age devoted to Captain America's fiftieth. There certainly wasn't a television special. Even a decade ago, I could never imagine a slot of prime-time devoted to Captain America. Needless to say, I marked out big-time when ABC aired an hour special on 75 years of Captain America. If you have not seen it, I heartily recommend tracking it down. Captain America: Celebrating 75 Heroic Years provides an excellent summary of Captain America over the years from inception to modern day. Creators Jack Kirby and Joe Simon receive proper credit and due. Was a nice touch. I did feel the closing moments went by quite fast; but I am glad that Steve Rogers will be returning to the role soon. Absolutely love that he'll be wielding the triangular shield once more! Do think there will be room for both Sam Wilson and Steve Rogers to each be Captain America as long as the stories have a different tone.

Agent Carter - Buffy the Vampire Slayer's spiritual successor has made her triumphant return with the sophomore season premiere! So yes, Agent Carter is off to a strong start. Mrs. Jarvis wasn't what I expecting an excellent surprise. Look forward to the rest of the season.

Flash - The winter premiere was fairly solid. Turtle made a formidable foe and should lead to an interesting development down the road in the fight against Zoom. Wally West should make things interesting for the rest of the West family. Wonder how long the cast member that leaves at episode's end will be gone? Looking forward to Eobard Thawne's appearance tonight.

Sneak Peak Legends of Tomorrow - informative special however now that Legends of Tomorrow has aired, I wouldn't consider it necessary viewing.

DC Cinematic Universe Special - Okay, I don't remember the exact title. Was surprised by the unveiling of the Wonder Woman footage. Promising. Loved the Suicide Squad trailer. The Justice League line-up is the New 52 roster. Since all that can be gleaned from the Internet, the only reason to watch the special now would be for Kevin Smith. I felt Smith was constrained and not fully himself. He clearly geeked out but it seemed that he had to follow guidelines.

Arrow - Two surprises contained in the winter premiere. Things aren't what they seem in the Damian Dahrk family. The unfolding family dynamic should prove interesting. The other surprise is that Felicity is not the deceased upon whose grave Oliver swears vengeance. My prediction is that Felicity's mother dies. Wonder how long Felicity be wheelchair-bound? An episode? Most of the season? Will she be Arrow's version of Oracle? Okay, Felicity becoming Oracle would indeed be awesome. Diggle and his brother play a card game that leads to more development on that front. Finally, Anarky's origin is complete as the character come into his own. A solid episode.

DC's Legends of Tomorrow - Part one of the pilot is off to a rollicking good start! Absolutely loved it! Wait, one apostrophe isn't enough. !!!!! Ok. Better now. Legends of Tomorrow does a great job combining a group that ranges from the heroic quasi-LG type to the less than heroic, ne'er do well CN, LE type. If you're a D&D player this show would serve as an excellent example of how a party of wildly different alignments could co-exist. Yep, my latest experience playing a paladin with a party that included three Zhentarim agents greatly influenced my perception here. I suppose that leads to the next question that no television show has yet to answer. Can a television show exist in which a team of super-powered characters actually work together, do it well, and execute such a team-oriented nature well? Legends of Tomorrow answers that with an emphatic yes. Which leads me to the next show...

Heroes Reborn - One central facet of Heroes was that the characters would never become the Justice League. Heck, the characters of Heroes make the non-team Defenders resemble a professional hero team by comparison. My one fault with the Heroes Reborn finale is that not only does HR continue its disdain toward a hero concept but most of its ensemble cast are reduced to afterthoughts. That aside, I felt greatly satisfied after watching the finale. The Petrelli/HRG/Hiro torch was successfully handed off. HRG's, and lesser extent Zach Levi's character's, sacrifice was incredibly touching. Heroes Reborn ends on a note promising that there's still more stories left to tell. I, for one, hope they are told.

X-Files - One television series mini-series ends, another begins. Much like Heroes Reborn, X-Files seems to unfold in real-time. Therefore, while the premiere unfolding at very slow pace, I appreciated the chance to become reacquainted with the setting and characters along with the new world those characters find themselves in. Exposition that  Heroes Reborn took half its run to explain. I was an avid fan of X-Files until around the fifth season when I lost interest. By the premiere's end, 'I wanted to believe' once more. I have come to realize that while the charm that the mythology episodes used to have still doesn't have the same sparkle, the monster of the week episodes still do. The second episode that aired on the 25th was exactly the type of episode that drew me to The X-Files. Actually, it's more of a hybrid mythology-monster episode but that's okay. X-Files always shone when the conspiracy was background fodder.

Lucifer - Based on the Vertigo property much of my experience stems from the story in The Sandman in which Lucifer abdicates Hell. Lucifer pushes the boundaries of network television in tone, subject matter, and language (well, kind of to the last part). Regardless, not a show for small children. Should be interesting how much of a veiled police procedural show it'll be compared to a supernatural drama. Greatly enjoyed it.

Elementary - A rather topical episode that delves into hackable cars and the conflict in the Ukraine. Like all good mysteries, the mystery lies in a matter of perspective. Episode ends with the revelation that Sherlock's father was in all likelihood the target of a failed assassination plot. Hmm, should probably catch up on the early episodes of the season in preparation for the next episode...

Mercy Street - Is a PBS original series about a medical, historical drama set during the Civil War. The characters cover the gamut of what you'd expect. If you ever want to see how grisly medicine was during this time period, Mercy Street paints quite a picture. The show does not seem like it'll last long but I thought the same about Once Upon a Time and that show has endured three seasons longer than I expected. Definitely will see the next episode.

Review: Star Wars: The Force Awakens (Maybe Minor Spoilers?)

First things first, I absolutely loved Star Wars Episode 7: The Force Awakens. The Force Awakens impressed me so much that I may very well watch it a second time. Rarely do I see a movie twice within the cinema. Heck, nowadays I seldom view a movie again after it leaves theaters. Furthermore, the latest Star Wars is the first movie that I have seen in a while that I feel compelled to write a review of the itself and not in conjunction with other movies and television shows. So with that ringing endorsement out the way let's get to the review shall we?


Spoilers. Spoilers - that nasty thing. How much does one reveal particularly for a hotly anticipated film such the newest installment in the Star Wars Saga? I found the consensus not to spoil the movie refreshing in today's day and age. Although what constitutes a spoiler? Is it specific detail or a generic event? By the time I saw The Force Awakens I already knew there would be some mimicry of the original trilogy. Social media proudly proclaimed how bad-ass the female character Rei is. So those type of spoilers I won't shy from. Since I saw the movie social media has started to reveal more details like Kylo Ren's face. If that's not a spoiler, I don't know what is. Those are they type of spoilers I will endeavor not to reveal.


As a Star Wars fan, I have a confession. I am one of those rare Star Wars fans who grew up with the original trilogy that liked the prequels. Granted, I had my problems but for the most part I could find something enjoyable in all of them. That said, I don't think I would have enjoyed Episode VII without the prequels. Not because the movie borrowed from the prequels. It didn't. Rather The Force Awakens painstakingly avoids every pitfall that prequels made. Excessive CGI? Nope. Mary sue characters? No, more than Luke Skywalker or Han Solo in the originals. Overwhelming cuteness? Yes, there's a bit of cuteness but the latest filmmakers realized that Star Wars isn't a kids movie but a movie that appeals to kids. Signs of an inexperienced, out-of-practice director? Nope. Everyone involved has been active in the movie business for quite some time. I suppose one reason I give Lucas a pass on the prequels is because he not only hadn't been a director since 1977 but the number was so small in total. In game terms, people were expecting a level 20 director. Instead they got a level 5.


One thing that the prequels did right Episode 7 does not is that there was an attempt to break new ground. The prequels greatly expanded special effects with the involvement of CGI albeit they did overdo the CGI. Episode 7 doesn't do that at all. As part of a franchise known for its ground-breaking special effects, there's nothing visually new that one hasn't seen within the last decade. Furthermore, there's no experimentation whatsoever. The Force Awakens plays it safe with the exception that the film is done with modern 21st century sensibilities. It has a strong, diverse cast. Which leads to the next point, Episode 7 borrows heavily from Episode 4: A New Hope. So much that they really should have given George Lucas a writing credit. For as sub-par as they were the prequels were original stories. I guessThe Force Awakens biggest accomplishment was the realization that that is what I wanted. So in a nutshell Bryan Singer should have waited until after Man of Steel before doing Superman Returns...


My other two quibbles were: how easy it was use a lightsaber. The West End version of the Star Wars RPG cries at the relative ease a lightsaber was used. So much for the base difficult difficulty setting... I was also irked by how quickly and how powerful a novice Force user was...


Before one doubts how much I loved Star Wars Episode 7 The Force Awakens:

• Loved the legendary actor Max Von Sydow's appearance! I probably was one of the few that gasped...
• Han Solo/Harrison Ford stole the show. Every scene that Han was in made that scene better than it otherwise would have been. Found myself anticipating further shenanigans in Episode 8.
• Rei - spoilers.
• The intermingling of the original cast and the new generation.
• Kylo Ren - the actor did a terrific job. A worthy heir to Darth Vader in more ways than one.
• Poe and Flinn - some excellent one-liners. Enjoyable battles.
• There's more but that involves delving too much into spoiler territory.

I think the biggest accomplishment is that I am excited for Star Wars again and that although Anakin Skywalker isn't a principal character that the Saga lives once more. After I saw Revenge of the Sith, I felt that the Star Wars story was completed. Sure, I watched The Clone Wars and read Death Troopers but I consider the former as redemption for some of ills of the prequels while the latter was more of a novel concept. My interest in the comics was because of the original cast involvement. Episode 7 as much as borrows familiar elements breathes new life into the Saga. Star Wars will endure; and my excitement re-energized.

The Last Witch Hunter (Halloween 2015 Part 3)

Here's my belated review, and third installment of Halloween-related stuff that I watched during the week of Halloween, of The Last Witch Hunter. The Last Witch Hunter also marks another pop culture entry for Dungeons & Dragons as the Witch Hunter is based on Vin Diesel's D&D character.


How was The Last Witch Hunter you may ask? I felt it was superb film destined for cult classic stardom. Vin Diesel and Co. turn in an excellent genre film that methodically develops a new setting while providing a decent dose of excitement. The film's approach to a flaming sword was fairly plausible as was its more fantastic elements. We learn how witches operate and the rules of magic in The Last Witch Hunter setting. No small feat for a two-hour production. Loved how dream walkers were handled. Wheel of Time and Sword of Truth fans should be pleased by how effective the dream walkers are. For what I assumed was a modern-day sword and sorcery story, the plot contained more cloak and dagger elements than I would have expected. I'd elaborate more but that would ruin major plot points. The film ends with a set-up for future witch hunter adventures. I know I look forward to any sequels be they movies or TV. D&D fans should be pleased.