In an effort to grow as a character, Pearl tries to become cool. She takes Steven and Amethyst to a Rock show to prove she really has forgotten Rose Quartz and is able to grow as an individual. She accomplishes this by falling for a girl who looks exactly like Rose. She definitely has a type.
It’s good to see Pearl is trying to be more involved with the Earth and its inhabitants. She’s lived on the planet for hundreds of years but still hasn’t taken the time to engaged herself in Human Culture. She even mentions not having a license and makes a good point of saying she’s from another planet so it’s be hard to obtain one. Still, sounds kind of odd she wouldn’t be able to forge a document or something which could allow her to get one. Sure she’s the rule follower of the team but if it was pointed out how it would help Steven she would probably do it in an instant.
It should be pointed out how less than subtle the episode is about homosexual relationships. This has always been a point with this series to talk about non-conventional relationships and present them in a way which others and understand and relate too. Yet, previously they have been addressed with the subtext of showing the aliens Gems interacting with one another. This one is Pearl, the most feminine of the team picking up a human female. The addressing of these themes in such a positive light is what caused this show to receive such a large following.
This episode features a lot of character focus but sadly not much actual action. It was listed on the Wikipedia as the season finale for months. It’s probably better to have it as the an episode in the middle of the season instead. It’s good but not end the season good.
Not Only Did Geoff Johns Confirm A Tonal Shift But Says Batman Will Answer For His Actions In ‘Batman v Superman’
Shortly after confirming actor Joe Manganiello as Deathstroke, Geoff Johns and Jon Berg also dished about ‘Justice League‘. Talking with The Wall Street Journal, it seems the pair is indeed trying to turn around the DCEU. Starting with 2017’s ‘Justice League‘, we will see a bit more levity in the films with more optimism.
These changes come after many fans and critics bashed the dark tone the new DC films had following ‘The Dark Knight Trilogy’.
Johns opened up about DC films and the future:
“Mistakenly in the past I think the studio has said, ‘Oh, DC films are gritty and dark and that’s what makes them different.’ That couldn’t be more wrong,” “It’s a hopeful and optimistic view of life. Even Batman has a glimmer of that in him. If he didn’t think he’d make tomorrow better, he’d stop.”
“We accelerated the story to get to the hope and optimism a little faster.”
Also talked about in the interview was Batman having consequences for his actions of trying to kill Superman and his torture of criminals in ‘Batman v Superman‘.
Geoff Johns spoke about his feelings towards the negative reaction to the first few DC Extended Universe movies.
“To have these characters be part of the fabric of pop culture is so rewarding, though of course we’re disappointed the movies weren’t better reviewed,”
“We’re trying to take a really hard look at everything to make sure we stay true to the characters and tell stories that celebrate them.”
As someone who was a fan of the dark ‘Man Of Steel‘ and the even darker ‘Batman v Superman: Dawn Of Justice‘, I’m a bit nervous for these changes. But, it will be interesting to see if this will help the reception for the future DC films.
Are you welcoming this lighter tone or were you enjoying the gritter take?
Captain America, thrilling readers since 1941, has gone through a few editorial adjustments during his 75-year tenure. For instance, fans recently expressed their distaste for Cap’s newfound love for his old institutional enemy Hydra. Some retcons are less controversial than others though. Exhibit A: Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale‘s six-part mini-series shortsightedly entitled Captain America: White.
For the unlucky few who haven’t yet gotten a chance to read the rest of Loeb & Sale’s “color series” retcons (Spider-Man: Blue, Hulk: Gray, & Daredevil: Yellow), I recommend them heartily. But, even though Captain America: White is the latest iteration of Loeb & Sale’s unique treatment, it’s set decades before the events of their previous retcons.
As the Timely Comics Watchamacallit, I’ve dedicated the past few years to learning about the Golden Age of Marvel comics. So, naturally, this book excited me when I heard about it. Reading it, I was a bit underwhelmed – not much, but a bit.
My disappointment was mainly a byproduct of how much I like the rest of Loeb & Sale’s “color series,” and feeling as though Captain America: White lacked some of the emotional gravity that the others trade so well in. I’ll try to avoid spoilers because this is a relatively new mini-series, when comparing to the last comicbook I reviewed. Read on, True Believers …
Captain America: White – The Framing Device
Captain America: White makes use of the Loeb/Sale method of having the hero look back on a particular adventure that involves a late comrade or out-of-reach romantic interest. In Spider-Man: Blue, it’s Gwen Stacy. Daredevil: Yellow shows Matt Murdock thinking about Karen Page. And, Hulk: Gray revolves around Bruce Banner and Betty Ross‘s frustrating love life.
Captain America: White, though, breaks the mold slightly. Cap isn’t pining over a lost or unapproachable love interest, he’s mourning his fallen partner Bucky Barnes. And, since the framing device is set just shortly after his defrosting in the ’60s, Cap’s unaware that Bucky survived the war to become the infamous Winter Soldier.
Captain America: White – Familiar Faces [Spoilers]
I won’t discuss dialogue or the plot aside from mentioning that this mini-series concerns Cap and Bucky’s first mission. I will spoil a bit by mentioning the Marvel characters that make an appearance in this mini-series.
Readers of Sgt. Fury and his Howling Commandos will recognize the overworked commando team fighting alongside Cap and Bucky. We also meet the Cirque de la Revolution. They’re a band of acrobatic Nazi fighters that help Cap and the team out. Among the Cirque’s ranks is Olivier Batroc, the super-villain Batroc‘s grandfather. And, the framing device shows readers the original pre-Cap Avengers.
Readers also witness a brief appearance by the avenging son himself, The Sub-Mariner. And, for the serious nostalgia buff, there’s even an appearance of Steve Rogers’s Golden Age superior officer Sergeant Duffy.
But, no mini-series would be complete without a couple of villains. So, in attendance we have Baron von Strucker and the always evil Red Skull.
Captain America: White – What’s in A Name?
The title of a mini-series is generally its least important part, but this title is a bit mystifying. Publishing under the title “Captain America: White” while Sam Wilson, an African-American, and Steve Rogers are both using the name “Captain America” was a misstep. And, because I’m sure Marvel didn’t mean to highlight the two Caps’ different racial identities, I’m not sure of the title’s significance.
“Hail Hydra.”
Of course, naming this mini-series “Captain America: White” highlights the fact that this is another of the Loeb/Sale “color series” (even though white’s not a colour). So, wouldn’t “Captain America: Red, White, & Blue” be more apt? Sure, but Marvel already published a trade paperback full of retcons and previously published material under that title. Plus, Marvel also published a trade paperback entitled “Truth: Red, White, & Black” that tells a very different Cap-related retcon story and uses the notorious (and horrible) Tuskegee syphilis experiment as its jumping-off point.
I suppose “Captain America: White” references young Cap and Bucky’s relative naïveté during their first mission.
Captain America: White – Don’t Judge a Book by Its Title
The title aside, Captain America: White tells a heartwarming tale of surrogate fatherhood mixed with the pain of losing one’s best friend. Knowing that Bucky actually survived the war, though, dilutes the emotional gravity of this mini-series significantly. If Marvel had published Captain America: White before Bucky’s return in 2005, it would’ve been more of a tear-jerker.
As it is, I’m glad I got to read it. Loeb’s understanding of Marvel characters’ motivations is, as usual, on point. And, Sale’s artwork brings these characterizations out in a dramatic and meaningful way. All in all, this is a good read for any Cap fan.
The Girl of Steel is back to try and save her new home of National City. Her biggest problem so far won’t be Kryptonite or Lex Luthor, but will instead simply be trying to fit into human society. These were the top five moments to come out of her new series as she works on keeping up her secret identity.
5. The New Cat
While taking the time to set up Supergirl’s new daily life, the issue introduces a familiar face to the readers. Cat Grant, coming off as professionally cut throat as she does in the new Supergirl TV show makes her introduction during a hostage situation. She takes a moment to insist she had everything totally under control with the gun wielding maniacs and makes it clear she is not one to be messed with.
4. Krypton Vs. Earth
As the issue focuses on Supergirl trying to adjust to her new life and her new identity, flashbacks to her past are made throughout the issue. They clearly point out just how much better Kara had it on Krypton and her new home isn’t exactly giving her the warm welcome she was hoping for. The segments offer more proof transferring to a new school can be intense.
3. Brutal Truth
Adding to Supergirl’s worst day ever is a nice little pep talk by her boss. Director Chase lets Supergirl know that her research into Kryptonian culture has shown her just how flawed they were. She proceeds to tell Supergirl how the planet pretty much doomed itself and won’t allow rash actions of a certain Kryptonian teenager to be anywhere near as reckless. Who needs super villains when your boss is Director Chase?
2. Driving Lesson
Driving can be one of the best times in a teenagers life. Unless you are working on trying to master parallel parking while controlling your super strength. It’s a joke which has been told a hundred times before but still, watching the frustration Kara endures as she takes a driving lesson is very entertaining and memorable.
1. Daddy’s Home
The last thing you want after a long day is to get home and find a problem on your doorstep. The issue ends with Supergirl trying to take a breather at the Fortress of Solitude, but soon finds someone else is home. The Cyborg Superman is not only there but he also insists he is Kara’s father. This last intense image was all it took to steal the number one stop on this list.
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What was your favorite moments from Supergirl #1? Leave us a comment below and let us know.
Who knew at the beginning of 2016 that Clint Eastwood’s ‘Sully’ would be more divisive that Zack Snyder’s ‘Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice.’ In one of the more passionate debates, EJ and Matt dissect Eastwood’s vision, and the age gap between the two hosts is paramount to the discussion.
Also is this episode, the super fan of the week has a new challenger, and ‘Fear the Walking Dead’ gets better and better in the second half of season two. Will Travis kill his son Chris, or will the Greek tragedy play out in reverse with the son killing his father to complete his journey/transition into to this new apocalyptic world?
Strap yourself in buckaroos! Episode 91 of the Monkeys Fighting Robots podcast is here.
Do you want to be our SUPER-FAN of the week? All you have to do is comment on this podcast to be eligible.
Do you have a question that you would like answered during the show?
Email your questions to matt@popaxiom.com.
If you are looking to sponsor the podcast email matt@popaxiom.com as well.
A Gen Xer and a Millennial debate the latest topics in pop culture. One guy is a filmmaker and the other is a journalist, but both are nerds. We make your slowest days at work better. Hosts, Matthew Sardo and EJ Moreno.
Never heard of Matt Sardo? For starters, he made the Kessel Run in less than 11 parsecs. Prior to that, he gave Doc Brown the idea for the flux capacitor and led the Resistance to victory over SkyNet – all while sipping a finely crafted IPA. As a radio host, he’s interviewed celebrities, athletes and everyone in between. He’s covered everything from the Super Bowl to Comic-Con.
Who is EJ Moreno? Is he a trained physician? No. Is he a former Miss Universe contestant? Possibly. But what we know for sure is he’s a writer, filmmaker, and pop culture enthusiast. Since film school, EJ has written & directed several short films. He’s used his passion of filmmaking to become a movie critic for MonkeysFightingRobots.com.
DC’s Entertainment president and chief creative officer Geoff Johns has confirmed the casting rumor that Joe Manganiello is Deathstroke for the upcoming Batman solo venture, according to The Wall Street Journal .
This will be the first time Batman and Deathstroke (Slade Wilson) are on the big screen together. Other villains are rumored to be in the film as well, including Jared Leto’s Joker.
Manganiello is most famous for his roles in True Blood and Magic Mike.
Johns and Ben Affleck are writing the script for the new Batman movie, which will be directed by Affleck.
Few others details are known about the project at this time, but stick with us for all the latest updates.
Deathstroke (Slade Joseph Wilson) was created by Marv Wolfman and George Perez. He is a mercenary and assassin who first appeared in The New Teen Titans (vol. 1) #2 (1980).
Originally the archenemy of the Teen Titans, writers have developed him over the years as an adversary of other heroes in the DC Universe. Parallels have been established between him and Batman, and he has a deep-seated grudge against Green Arrow. The character has been substantially adapted from the comics into multiple forms of media, including several Batman-related projects and the Teen Titans animated series. Slade Wilson/Deathstroke later appeared on The CW’s live-action TV series Arrow, where he is portrayed by Manu Bennett.
California is in the midst of another gold rush. This time the gold comes in the sudsy, sometimes hoppy form of craft beer. In recent years the Golden State has seen a craft beer explosion, with seemly a new brewery opening its doors every day.
The Summit Beer Festival will feature more than 400 beers. Courtesy: CCBA
“The CCBA wanted to produce an annual event that would be a fundraiser for the association. We didn’t want to do just another beer festival,” says Tom McCormick, Executive Director for the CCBA.
Instead the CCBA created a three-day beer symposium. The beer festival is still the centerpiece of the weekend featuring more than 450 different beers from more than 160 different California breweries. But the event also brings together a trade show, educational seminars and the opportunity to network with the best in brewing.
“(It’s) an event where attendees could expand their understanding and knowledge of craft beer and the industry. We also wanted to bring together not just consumers, but retailers, the hospitality industry and beer wholesalers. That was the original vision of the summit,” say McCormick.
BREWS & POLITICAL VIEWS
The beer festival in the shadow of the State Capitol Building in Sacramento. Courtesy: CCBA
The trade show and educational sessions will take place at the Sacramento Convention Center starting Friday. The Summit Beer Festival will line Sacramento’s Capitol Mall Saturday afternoon in the shadow of the State Capitol Building. It’s a location chosen for reasons as political as they are practical.
“The Summit helps our policy efforts by showing policymakers how vibrant and important the craft brewing industry is in California. The decision makers at the state Capitol can’t help but notice the excitement this event brings to town. The Summit help puts the craft brewing industry on the political radar,” McCormick explains. One of the main functions of the CCBA is to try to ensure legislative and policy changes do not negatively impact its members.
Though the event is just in its second year local brewers say they already see it as a valuable part of the state’s growing craft beer landscape.
“There will be many eyes and ears watching this year’s Summit, and most likely will be impacting much of the local craft scene for the next year,” says David Mathis, owner of American River Brewing Company. “With each new brewery, there is a new vision and a new approach to brewing. California has always been THE leader in brewing and the Summit is a major exclamation point.”
THE BEER SHOWCASE
Visitors entering last year’s Summit Showcase Courtesy: CCBA
Mathis is a long-standing member of the CCBA and his brewery will pour a special barrel-aged beer on the trade show floor. He says the more successful this summit becomes, the more successful the craft beer business will be in California.
“I enjoy every opportunity to meet and discuss the industry with my fellow brewers. I discover new approaches to help me both improve as a brewer and as a business owner,” he explains. “Getting this much raw talent and experience together in one place only fuels the engine that makes all of us better and more successful.”
The CCBA looks to build on last year’s summit, expanding the trade show floor with more hand-on displays. The beer festival will have a new layout and will also be color-coded by region. McCormick also says there’s one other change that attendees are sure to appreciate, “More food and better food.”
Still he says these are really just subtle differences, “The main theme, vibe and intent of the Summit has not changed from last year, but it is definitely improved from last year.”
Before the DC Extended Universe decided to make its superheroes dark, dull, and depressing there was a host of indie filmmakers ready to show the world how a live-action cinematic universe is done right. Sort of. Due to budget constraints (read: not having much of one at all) and, more importantly, pesky legal restraints, these films are short, sweet, to the point, and not-for-profit.
Author’s Note:Batman is awesome, we all know that, so all of these films center around the Caped Crusader in one way or another.
These first two play out like trailers for movies that could have (and maybe should have) been.
Grayson
An epic, five-minute extended trailer for what could be considered a Justice League movie. Inspired creator John Fiorella crafted a concept that was something new and something old.
World’s Finest
Batman and Superman reluctantly unite to fight off Lex Luthor (in a Power Suit!) and Two-Face.
Bat in the Sun Productions with Director Aaron Schoenke, created a trilogy of Batman-inspired indies that ranges from disjointed, short and sweet to epic and psychological.
Batman: Legends
Somewhat of a cluster-F, it’s Batman, Nightwing, and Robin trying to fend off the deadly assaults of Poison Ivy, The Joker, Bane, and more.
Batman: City of Scars
The longest and most complete of these films. City of Scars might be an even grittier take than anything Christopher Nolan did. Dirty, bloody, and crazy, City of Scars is a much more psychological take on Batman.
Batman: Seeds of Arkham
A sequel of sorts to City of Scars, Seeds of Arkham looks into the power struggle between Batman’s rogues gallery after the death of The Joker.
Batman: Dead End
At the rate things are going a super-cinematic crossover between the DCU and random franchises is probably not that crazy of an idea. Here, Batman is on the trail of The Joker which crosses paths with two other mortal enemies in a fight of their own.
Here’s a link to DC Entertainment on YouTube as thanks to Warner Brothers for not suing me for this article.
The ‘Arrow’ Version Of Suicide Squad Was Actually A Test Run For 2016 David Ayer Movie!
DC fans were confused when they saw some odd incarnation of the Suicide Squad on ‘Arrow‘ in season two. It seemed to be a weak attempt at bringing Task Force X together. While it did feature classic character like Bronze Tiger and Amanda Waller, the rest were none of the iconic characters we’ve come to associate with the Suicide Squad. Seems to make more sense now that ‘Arrow‘ producer Greg Berlanti confirmed DC used them as a test run.
“They said to us a year and a half before they started developing Suicide Squad, ‘Will you guys put [a version of] the Suicide Squad in your show? Because we want to have it as a film at some point.”
“It also happened with Geoff [Johns] when Geoff and Andrew [Kreisberg] and I were creating Flash. They were both really huge fans of Cisco Ramon, [also known as] Vibe, and had written a Vibe comic [in 2013] to try and bring him back. They said, ‘Could we please have Vibe on the show?'”
This also helps explain why DC made them kill off characters like Deadshot and Amanda Waller in ‘Arrow‘. And even more interesting to see how Cisco Ramon A.K.A Vibe was brought into the mix for ‘Flash‘.
In a recent interview with Variety, James Cameron revealed some new details about the plot of his upcoming sequel to the 2009 blockbuster Avatar. Cameron has previously stated that he plans to make four more films in the space saga, but has been wary of releasing any specific information about the flicks. However, during the interview Cameron said:
“The story line in the sequels really follows Jake and Neytiri and their children. It’s more of a family saga about the struggle with the humans.”
Avatar 2 sees Zoe Saldana, Sam Worthington, and Sigourney Weaver return to the world of Pandora. It was originally slated for release this year, but was recently pushed to Christmas 2018.When asked whether they would be able to finish in time for their new date, Cameron said:
“We haven’t moved that target yet, but we will if we need to. The important thing for me is not when the first one comes out but the cadence of the release pattern.”
He then added that he would like to see the subsequent films released as closely together as possible by saying that:
“If it’s an annual appointment to show up at Christmas, I want to make sure that we’re able to fulfill on that promise.”
Beyond Avatar’s slated 2018 release, the future sequels have approximate releases in 2020, 2022, and 2023. However, that might change if Cameron really intends to release the films within one year of each other.
