5 Comic Books & Graphic Novels Every Fan Needs To Read

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September 12, 2016

Between the years biggest blockbusters like Captain America: Civil War, Batman v Superman and the upcoming Doctor Strange, comic book movies are everywhere. But jumping into comic books is a daunting experience that can cost a lot of time, effort, and money.

If you’re looking to get involved in comic books, worry not. We’ve assembled a list of some of the greatest comic book/graphic novel storylines that are essential for anyone wanting to delve into a new world. To make things even easier, I’ve tried to include storylines that are complete and available to purchase in full, saving you from picking up issue after issue in your local comic book shop.

Y: The Last Man

Brian K. Vaughan, Pia Guerra

What happens to the world if everything with a Y chromosome dies? This now famous comic book series begins with every male creature on the planet simultaneously dying, all but one man, Yorick and his pet monkey. How did they survive? What happens next? This massive but immensely personal story delves into serious political, and sexual issues within society.

Sandman

Neil Gaiman

Sandman is globally recognized as a masterpiece, and arguably the greatest storyline to ever unfold on the pages of a comic.

This iconic series follows Dream aka. Morpheus, who was held captive for 70 years, only to break free in modern times. With his new-found freedom, Morpheus embarks on a quest to regain his kingdom and lost objects of power. Along the way, Morpheus comes into contact with famous characters such as John Constantine and Lucifer.

The Dark Knight Returns

Frank Miller, Klaus Janson, Lynn Varley

It would be impossible to create this list without discussing The Dark Knight Returns. This iconic story introduces audiences to a tougher, older and more experienced Batman. Miller’s work on The Dark Knight Returns helped to reinvigorate comic books as a medium in the 1980’s.

This famous tale puts Batman against one of his biggest enemies, age, while also pitting the Dark Knight against the world’s greatest hero, Superman.

Civil War

Mark Millar

There is only one thing fans love more than superheroes, and that’s superheroes fighting each other. This influential storyline dismantled the known Marvel universe, pitting hero against hero, with endless consequences.

Much like the Captain America: Civil War storyline, Marvel’s Civil War introduces order to the Marvel Universe, with heroes being told that they either conform to a system or spend life behind bars. Of course, two sides form with Captain America and Iron Man opposing one another in a great comic book war.

Saga

Brian K. Vaughan, Fiona Staples

Saga is an epic space/fantasy series that introduces readers to a planet at war. The story revolves around two lovers from warring civilizations, who must travel the galaxy to escape the authorities on both sides and protect their young daughter.

Taking inspiration from Star Wars and the world of fantasy, Brian K. Vaughan has created an entire universe of interesting stories, characters, and places.

If you’re thinking of jumping into the world of comic books, these are the stories we recommend. From our favorite superheroes, to more peculiar universes, you won’t regret delving into these stories.

Agree With Our List? Be Sure To Let Us Know In The Comments Section Below!

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Watch The Mall Scene We Deserved From “X-Men: Apocalypse”

By

Matthew Sardo

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September 12, 2016

‘X-Men: Apocalypse’ had amazing potential, one of the major failures was the lack of 80’s retro. The previous films embraced the 60s and 70s. The sad part is director Brian Singer filmed an amazing mall scene with Jubilee but cut it from the theatrical version. The internet heard every X-Men fan’s cry for help and ‘The Safety Dance’ mall montage with Nightcrawler, Cycolps, Jean Grey, and Jubilee is available for everyone to see.

Would this scene have saved the film? Probably no, but it was what fans wanted to see more of.

‘X-Men: Apocalypse’ comes out on DVD and BluRay October 4th.

http://xmenladies.tumblr.com/post/150230197052/x-men-apocalypse-deleted-mall-scene

‘X-Men: Apocalypse’ received a 48% on Rotten Tomatoes.

Ancient mutant Apocalypse is unearthed after 5,000 years and recruits his four horsemen; Magneto (Michael Fassbender), Psylocke (Olivia Munn), Storm (Alexandra Shipp) and Angel (Ben Hardy). The Four Horsemen of Apocalypse try to reboot the world through destruction.

‘X-Men: Apocalypse’ was directed by Bryan Singer and starred Michael Fassbender, Jennifer Lawrence, James McAvoy and Nicholas Hoult, Oscar Isaac (Apocalypse), Sophie Turner (Jean Grey), Tye Sheridan (Cyclops), Alexandra Shipp (Storm), Lana Condor (Jubilee), Olivia Munn, and Kodi Smit-McPhee.

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We Want You Back ‘Fifty Shades Darker’ Teaser Trailer

By

Matthew Sardo

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September 12, 2016

Universal Pictures released a teaser trailer and poster for ‘Fifty Shades Darker’ Monday morning, with a full trailer available tomorrow.

When a wounded Christian Grey tries to entice a cautious Ana Steele back into his life, she demands a new arrangement before she will give him another chance. As the two begin to build trust and find stability, shadowy figures from Christian’s past start to circle the couple, determined to destroy their hopes for a future together.

‘Fifty Shades Darker’ is directed by James Foley, and stars Dakota Johnson, Jamie Dornan, Hugh Dancy, Eric Johnson, Jennifer Ehle, Luke Grimes, Rita Ora, Victor Rasuk, Eloise Mumford, Max Martini, Bella Heathcote with Kim Basinger and Marcia Gay Harden.

Christian returns on February 10, 2017.

In 2015, ‘Fifty Shades of Grey’ grossed more than $560 million globally.

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Chris Pratt Wants Star-Lord, Punisher Meetup in Marvel Cinematic Universe

By

Ashley Carter

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September 12, 2016

Which superhero duo would you like to see in the Marvel Cinematic Universe? If you’re Chris Pratt, it’s Star-Lord and The Punisher, according to We Got This Covered.

During an interview to promote The Magnificent Seven, Pratt was asked which superhero he would like to see his Guardians of the Galaxy character team up with on the big screen:

“I don’t even know the right answer to that, because if I say the wrong thing, I’ll get in trouble by Marvel or by the fans,” Pratt said. “I would like Peter Quill to meet the Punisher. He’s not in the Avengers, but Punisher was my favorite growing up.”

Well, there you have it. It would be interesting to see if the Disney-owned Marvel would ever OK that kind of cross over.

In the meantime, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 hits theaters May 5, 2017.

Watch the full interview from We Got This Covered below:

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Marvel’s ‘Jessica Jones’ Snags 1st Emmy Award

By

Ashley Carter

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September 12, 2016

Marvel’s Jessica Jones snagged its first statue at the Creative Arts Emmy Awards, according to Deadline.

The Netflix series won Best Original Main Title Music. It beat five other shows, including Netflix’s Sense8 and Narcos.

Jessica Jones received a nomination in the Outstanding Main Title Design category. Amazon’s The Man in the High Castle won the prize.

Netflix renewed the series for a second season. Krysten Ritter plays a super-powered private investigator with PTSD.

In addition, Ritter reprises her role in Marvel’s Defenders first. The series features Daredevil, Iron Fist and Luke Cage. While there’s no official date, it’s expected to hit Netflix sometime next year.

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‘Star Wars VIII’: Lupita Nyong’o Hasn’t Filmed Scenes Yet

By

Ashley Carter

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September 12, 2016

Production has wrapped on Star Wars: Episode VIII, but Lupita Nyong’o hasn’t filmed her scenes, Collider reports.

The actress made the reveal at the Toronto Film Festival while promoting her new film, Queen of Katwe.

During the interview, Nyong’o was asked what it was like to work with Rian Johnson (Looper, Brick).

“Rian! I haven’t worked with him yet; I’ve yet to shoot. That’s in my future.”

Nyong’o played Maz Kanata in The Force Awaken. How much of her character we’ll see in the sequel remains a mystery.

Nyong’o will appear in Marvel’s Black Panther in 2018.

Star Wars: Episode VIII stars Daisy Ridley, Adam Driver, Mark Hamill, John Boyega and Carrie Fisher.

The film hits theaters December 15, 2017.

Source: Collider

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WWE Backlash Recap: How Did The First Smackdown Solo PPV Go?

By

EJ Moreno

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September 11, 2016

Backlash Is The First Brand Exclusive PPV Since The Draft. Looks Like Smackdown Is Off To A Rocky Start.

Honestly, what did you expect from Backlash?

After the WWE Draft, Smackdown was thrown into an interesting position. With the WWE Title and the Intercontinental Championship being the only titles on the show, they needed to fill out their roster. So weeks before this event, Commissioner Shane McMahon and General Manager Daniel Bryan debuted the Smackdown Tag Team and Women’s Championships.

Those inaugural champions would be crowned at WWE Backlash. Along with Randy Orton vs Bray Wyatt and the main event of AJ Styles vs Dean Ambrose, the first post-Draft Smackdown PPV had some chance of being special.

So how did the Backlash turn out?

Check out my recap below!

WWE Backlash 9/11/16:

Shane and Daniel open the show. Amazing how over Daniel Bryan still is with the crowd. The men in charge run down the card and hype their first PPV. They also announce who will kick off the event!

Six Pack Elimination Challenge Match for the Women’s Championship is first. The favorites going in are Becky Lynch, Nikki Bella, and Natalya. Carmella is a dark horse. Loved seeing Alexa Bliss in her Harley Quinn-inspired gear. Alexa Bliss and Naomi are the first two eliminated in this match after the women have lengthy opening sequence. Then suddenly Nikki eliminates Natalya. Carmella quickly rolls up Nikki and pins her; seemingly continuing their brewing feud.

The final two are Becky and Carmella. Amazing to see two former NXT girls about to make history as the first Smackdown Women’s Champion. Becky uses her veteran knowledge to lure Carmella into a submission victory. Becky rightfully wins the match and the title. They all deserved the belt but she is a great face for their women’s division. Backlash was off to a good start.

Then sadly, the second biggest match of the evening was seemingly put on pause when Bray Wyatt attacked Randy Orton. Before the match, the internet was a buzz with rumors that Orton wasn’t cleared to wrestle yet. It seems like those rumors have some truth. Will anyone face Bray Wyatt this evening?

The second match of the evening is one of the final matches in the tournament to crown the Smackdown Tag Team Champions. The Usos face off against Mojo Rowley and Zack Ryder. The winners of this match will face Heath Slater & Rhyno for the belts later in the show. Originally, it was supposed to be American Alpha (Jason Jordan and Chad Gable) vs Slater and Rhyno but The Usos attacked Gable after their match, causing an injury. They took their place in a redemption match against fellow tournament losers The Hype Bros.

The match was a fairly standard tag team affair. Not surprisingly, The Usos win the match. Their heel turn had to be followed up with at least a win to advance to the finals. Can they win another match against Heath Slater & Rhyno?

Next up is the Intercontinental Championship match where The Miz faces off against Dolph Ziggler. After a now infamous promo from Miz and some good crowd work, he had some momentum going into his title defense. Ziggler stands in his way of proving to the world that he isn’t some joke.

After a quick backstage segment with The Miz and Daniel Bryan, Miz finally makes his way down to the ring for his match. Ziggler and Miz put on a good showing; Miz showing a more aggressive side and Ziggler putting on his usual fun performance. The action is back and forth until interference from Miz’s manager Maryse. Capitalizing on her sneak attack, Miz hits his finisher and retains the Intercontinental title. Does he now continue this feud with Daniel Bryan?

Out to speak on his actions earlier this evening, Bray Wyatt is next.

Many doubt that Orton will have a match now so where do we go? Wyatt forces the referee to ring the bell and count to 10 in order to signify Randy Orton forfeiting. Bray Wyatt thinks he has the night off but the ring announcer says Wyatt has a No Holds Barred match against…Kane! Womp womp womp.

These two men have a history with each other so it’s a cool callback. But that’s about all of note in the match. Wyatt and Kane had a time-killing brawl that didn’t add anything to show. Killed the crowd after the first few minutes. The only highlight was Bray Wyatt doing an insane running senton through the announce table! It even woke the crowd up enough to chant “Holy Shit”. Kane wins after an assist from Orton. Not how Bray Wyatt predicted this evening would go.

Next up is the final match to determine who will be the first ever Smackdown Tag Team Champions! The unlikely duo of Heath Slater & Rhyno face off against The Usos. Slater has been fighting for a space on a roster and this seems like his chance. Rhyno is a former ECW wrestler who has been roaming around WWE recently. Their odd mashup has actually been working.

Can they overcome the Usos, who have been teaming since their whole lives?

The answer is yes!

It was great to see the crowd behind Heath Slater. He has been shuffled around the WWE for years and has never been given the proper chance. He kept the crowd interested the entire time and helped The Usos garnish even more heel heat. The match was nothing to write home about but the outcome was good. Instead of going with the obvious choice, WWE went with something outside the box.

And finally, the main event is here. The “Phenomenal” AJ Styles tries to win his first title in WWE as he takes on WWE Champion Dean Ambrose. Styles has been cocky after beating “The Face That Runs Place” John Cena at SummerSlam. Ambrose wants to knock him down a few pegs and prove that he runs Smackdown.

AJ Styles ended up pulling out all the stops for the win! Styles has now held the NWA, TNA, IWGP, and WWE Championship. This match was a great fight between two talented wrestlers but it was odd to see the crowd turn on Dean Ambrose. Styles hits a low-blow and the Styles Clash to become “the face that runs the place”.

Final Thoughts:

We need to see some minor improvements from the Blue Brand. Smackdown has amazing talent but needed to find their place after the Draft. There is excitement to see where WWE will take Smackdown after Backlash.

Did you like the first solo PPV from Smackdown?

Let me know what you thought of Backlash in the comments below!

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Dax Shepard Will Co-Direct New Animated ‘Scooby-Doo’ Movie

By

Will Ashton

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September 11, 2016

Well, this is a story I never expected to write. Actor Dax Shepard continues forging his second career behind-the-camera, most notably with Hit and Run, Parenthood and About a Boy episodes and next year’s CHiPs remake under his growing resume. But his next project is … well, it’s an odd choice. He’ll co-direct a new animated Scooby-Doo movie with Tony Cervone, which will hit theaters on September 21, 2018.

Variety (via Slashfilm) covered the unexpected choice. In addition to sharing the director’s chair, Shepard will also co-write alongside Matt Lieberman. He got the position through Jesse Ehrman, whose overseeing this animated production. Ehrman oversaw Shepard’s CHiPs as well and saw the potential in the actor-writer-director and the material. After Shepard expressed interest in the property, Ehrman suggested the actor-director meet with executives regarding the new film. The studio envisioned two directors for the project from the start, according to reports.

Charles Roven and Richard Suckle, who produced the two live-action Scooby-Doo films from the early ’00s, will also collaborate on this new project. Family Guy‘s Dan Povenmire, meanwhile, will executive produce as well. This currently untitled Scooby-Doo film falls under the blossoming Warner Animation Group banner, which excelled with their first film, The Lego Movie, two years back. They have Storks coming at the end of the month, then release The Lego Batman Movie and The Lego Ninjango Movie next year. They also have Smallfoot, The Lego Movie Sequel and The Billion Brick Race in various levels of development.

I admire Shepard. Though I’m not super impressed with anything he’s done to date, I like his creative drive and I applaud his pull-through to make what became his next two films. He doesn’t seem like my first choice for the material, but hey, maybe it’ll work out. We’ll have to see in the years to come, I guess. WAG’s track record is pretty strong so far, so I would hate to see them stumble with this new film. Plus, we deserve one good theatrical Scooby-Doo movie. I hope it’s this one.

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New ‘Agents Of S.H.I.E.L.D.’ Promo Features Footage Of Ghost Rider

By

Aric Sweeny

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September 11, 2016

The first promo featuring Robby Reyes as Ghost Rider has been released online, via Television Promos on Youtube.

“Robbie Reyes (Gabriel Luna) will roar into the lives of Agent Coulson and the team as a junkyard mechanic who can turn on a dime into the terrifying Ghost Rider. Will Robbie be a friend or foe to S.H.I.E.L.D. – as well as the world, itself? Meanwhile, Fitz discovers that socially awkward genius and friend Dr. Radcliffe (John Hannah) has started putting the finishing touches on a new, secret invention.”

Agents Of S.H.I.E.L.D. returns to ABC on September 20.

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Box Office Breakdown: ‘Sully’ Soars To Number One

By

Will Ashton

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September 11, 2016

It was barely a contest this weekend. Everyone knew Sully was going to take it clean. It was the first major release of the fall. It was a time of remembrance. Tom Hanks starred. Clint Eastwood directed. It was an IMAX event. It wasn’t even close. The true life story came in number one with a solid $35.5 million debut.

Granted, it’s not American Sniper. That 2014 film opened wide with $107.2 million during 2015’s four-day Martin Luther King weekend. But it’s still commendable. It’s also a recent best for Hanks, opening higher than Bridges of Spies‘ $15.4 million, Captain Phillips‘ $25.7 million and however much A Hologram for the King earned. Eastwood films also tend to have long legs, so this is likely another hit in Warner Bros. corner. Between this and Suicide Squad, it seems like they’ve found a way to turn a pretty penny on movies that aren’t very good.

Since I brought up Suicide Squad, the anti-superhero film came in fourth place with $5.7 million. It already came past the $300 million domestic mark before the weekend began, and now it has $307.4 million in its stateside bank account. It’s a good weekend for WB, and they haven’t had many in a while. Good for them.

Meanwhile, Sully isn’t the only success of the weekend. When the Bough Breaks opened in second place to a $15 million, almost doubling its $10 million budget. That’s not too bad for a movie rocking a 0% on Rotten Tomatoes right now. The Screen Gems release marks another recent win for the studio after Don’t Breathe, which continues to be rewarded handsomely. Though it’s not in the number one spot again, it came in third place with $8.2 million, making its domestic gross an impressive $66.8 million. WB and Screen Gems should hold a party together tonight.

While these two are clinking glasses, Lionsgate are likely unpleased with their latest. The Wild Life, the new animated family film under their banner, earned an unimpressive $3.4 million during its American debut, although the Belgian-French production already made back its $13.5 million overseas. If it made some extra dough in the states, then all the better. But considering it didn’t make much of an impression, they shouldn’t be all too concerned. I missed my screening, and I doubt it mattered much. I doubt I’d be wild about this Robinson Crusoe adaptation.

But they did better than The Disappointments Room at least, a film I didn’t realize came out this weekend. The first Relativity release post-bankruptcy came in a dour 17th place with a mere $1.4 million, which an average $901 earned per theater. Ouch. Good luck making back that $15 million budget guys. It also has a zero percent on RT, it’s worth noting. You could say it’s quite the… underwhelming release.

Let’s wrap up this weekend report. Kubo and the Two Strings is still trying to hold its own, earning $3.2 million during its fourth weekend. It’s having a doozy of a time making back its $60 budget, though. It has earned an unenthused $40 million to date. So I say this once again: please see this movie. It’s well worth your time and money, and it’s lightyears better than anything else at the multiplex right now. That I can guarantee you. You know what did finally make back its budget? Pete’s Dragon. It now has $70 million to its $65 million budget. That’s not quite a hit, but it’s slowly breaking even at least. That’s good to hear.

Speaking of good, Hell or High Water stuck in ninth place with $2.6 million, and it’s well on its way to double its $12 million budget. I’m glad people are checking it out. It deserves to be seen. One people aren’t seeing?The Light Between Oceans. It plummeted during its second weekend, coming in 13th place with $1.8 million. This light looks rather dim on this one.

Check out the full box office report, courtesy of THR and Box Office Mojo, below.

Sully Weekend: $35.5 million Domestic Gross: $35.5 million
When the Bough Breaks Weekend: $15 million Domestic Gross: $15 million
Don’t Breathe Weekend: $8.2 million Domestic Gross: $66.3 million
Suicide Squad Weekend: $5.7 million Domestic Gross: $307.4 million
The Wild Life Weekend: $3.4 million Domestic Gross: $3.4 million
Kubo and the Two Strings $3.2 million Domestic Gross: $40.8 million
Pete’s Dragon Weekend: $2.9 million Domestic Gross: $70 million
Bad Moms Weekend: $2.8 million Domestic Gross: $107.5 million
Hell or High Water Weekend: $2.6 million Domestic Gross: $19.8 million
Sausage Party Weekend: $2.3 million Domestic Gross: $93.2 million

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