Director David Zuckerman Takes The Most Meta Approach To The Slasher Genre Since ‘Scream’
Seemingly a love-child of ‘Friday The 13th‘ and parodies like ‘Scary Movie‘, ‘President’s Day‘ flips the genre upside down. Making the most out of a seemingly low-budget, the movie feels bigger because of how well it knows the genre. You know these slasher tropes and the characters feel like caricatures but it seems to be aware of how ridiculous it is. That’s not to say the film isn’t a serious attempt; director & actor David Zuckerman is poking fun at the genre with a very stern face. ‘Presidents Day‘ is focused and executes the executions in a tremendous manner.
Even the holiday the film is based on seems ridiculous when you think about it.
Also, the film may feature the most awkward dance scene in a horror film since Crispin Glover in ‘Friday The 13th Part 4: The Final Chapter‘.
There isn’t all praise. Like some of these lower budget films, the acting can come off corny at times but then again, could it be on purpose? Also, I was expecting a bit more from the villains. They weren’t scary enough or funny enough. They seemed stuck in between and struggled to find a place in the film.
I also would have loved to see cinematography pushed a bit more. Sometimes with certain camera set-ups or editing choices, it comes off a bit amateur. On the other hand, the violence was the perfect amount of insane.
Have to praise some of the one-liners. I laughed out loud quite a few times. The line “So, I think might actually be a socialist” is such a millennial-line about politics that it works on many levels for the film. The obnoxious bro character Brett played by JudZumwalt has some of the best lines. Many will hate him but he ended up being my favorite. Also the odd relationship Brett had with his man servant reminded me so much of Peppermint Patty and Marcie from The Peanuts.
I have to congratulate a fellow graduate from Full Sail University for creating ‘Presidents Day‘. It’s so light-heartened yet still remains deeply embedded in the genre of horror. This type of film did exactly what it was meant to do. It entertains and makes me look forward to what David Zuckerman has to offer in the future.
‘Presidents Day‘ is said to be coming soon so follow the film on social media for updates! (Official Facebook Page)
Warner Brothers has been struggling to launch the DC Film Universe for some time now. Man of Steel was a solid movie yet drew a mixed reaction from critics and audiences. Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice had great moments while suffering from an overstuffed plot and editing issues. David Ayer’s Suicide Squad is now facing negative reviews from critics, but audiences are enthusiastically responding to the film.
It begs the question: what’s wrong with this picture?
Six months after Dawn of Justice, the American government is looking to create a special operations team. Amanda Waller (Viola Davis) proposes the idea of recruiting criminals from Belle Reve Penitentiary to form Task Force X. In exchange for their services, the felons will receive special privileges and lighter prison sentences. Despite the government’s reservations, Waller is able to get her team assembled with the help of Colonel Rick Flag (Joel Kinnaman).
Among the recruits is Floyd “Deadshot” Lawton (Will Smith), a skilled assassin who wants to look after his daughter. Former psychologist Harley Quinn (Margot Robbie) is locked up after going on a crime spree with The Joker (Jared Leto). Australian criminal Captain Boomerang (Jai Courtney) is cooling his heels after a botched bank robbery. Chato “El Diablo” Santana (Jay Hernandez) is struggling with his fire-conjuring powers, because he doesn’t want to hurt people. Meanwhile, mutated strongman Killer Croc (Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje) continues to antagonize and terrify the guards. Finally, Slipknot (Adam Beach) and Katana (Karen Fukuhara) round out the team.
The Suicide Squad…. or more like, the Dirty Half-Dozen
The squad has detonators placed inside their necks to ensure cooperation. As Flag explains, these will explode if they fail, rebel or attempt an escape. Even trying to annoy him will result in an explosion, something which Lawton and Quinn proceed to do on a regular basis.
The team’s mission is to stop the demonic Enchantress (Cara Delevingne) from destroying Midway City. Her plan is to kill all humans in revenge for her imprisonment. Further complicating things is the fact that Enchantress is linked to June Moone, who is Flag’s girlfriend.
Ready for my closeup, Mr. Ayer!
The cast works well onscreen together, and their chemistry is strong. Smith does a good job playing Deadshot as a real badass, but he is able to show vulnerability and weariness. Robbie’s Harley Quinn is playful, sinister and over-the top hilarious. Her banter with Smith is one of the movie’s highlights. Davis plays Waller as a strong-willed, assertive woman who’s not afraid to get the results she wants. Jared Leto’s Joker is creepy and unsettling to watch, but he isn’t in the film as much as the marketing campaign suggests.
Kinnaman does fine as Flag, but he serves as little more than Waller’s second-in-command and field leader. Delevigne gets to play the dual roles of Enchantress and June, yet her relationship with Flag isn’t explored much. Hernandez and Courtney both do a good job in providing comic relief.
Suicide Squad‘s biggest problem is with pacing and flow. Sure, the introduction of the team members is visually compelling, but it feels rushed to get everyone ready to go. Juggling many characters can be tricky, and this is where the movie falters. Diablo is an intriguing criminal, but his powers make him seem like a less powerful Human Torch. Similarly, Croc and Katana get the short of end of the stick. Furthermore, Slipknot dies as quickly as he arrives onscreen.
The movie’s tone is also uneven. While there are dark, edgy moments, several more are punctuated with witty one-liners and pop culture references. Many scenes are scored to various pop, rock and rap tracks from the 70s to present day. Some choices are really good like “Seven Nation Army” and “Gangsta”, but “Bohemian Rhapsody” and “You Don’t Own Me” feel heavy-handed. However, DC fans should be pleased with the various comic references in the film, such as Harley’s red-and-black jester costume and calling her lover “Mr. J” and “Puddin”.
Another one of the movie’s flaws is the role that Leto’s Joker plays in the story. He’s clearly evil, yet the editing gives him very little to work with. Joker has a small presence in the first act, but he disappears for a large portion of the story. Reports suggest most of Leto’s scenes got cut from the running time, which makes it perplexing. Why bother including Joker if you don’t plan to flesh him out?
Suicide Squad is a sight to behold. True, it does have a great cast and cool visuals, but the editing is uneven. Ayer tries to cram in characters with little time to develop them. Had he made an effort, it could have been much better.
Season 3 of Gotham premieres in roughly a month, and some new character posters have been released by Fox. Check ’em all out below.
The origin story continues on GOTHAM, and the stakes are higher than ever, as Super-Villains more ambitious and depraved are introduced, and a realignment of alliances shakes up the fight for power in Gotham City.
With Season Two’s thrilling conclusion, Detectives Jim Gordon and Harvey Bullock remain at the forefront of the fight against crime in this dangerously corrupt city. Throughout the past season, Gordon’s moral compass wavered more than ever, as villains emerged from the city’s darkest places. With the help of Hugo Strange (guest star BD Wong), a brilliant psychiatrist secretly conducting horrifying experiments for Wayne Enterprises’ black-ops program, Indian Hill, familiar faces arose, including Azrael, formerly Theo Galavan (James Frain); Mr. Freeze (guest star Nathan Darrow); and Fish Mooney (guest star Jada Pinkett Smith). Meanwhile, Bruce Wayne, with the help of his trusted butler and mentor, Alfred Pennyworth, and his ally at Wayne Enterprises, Lucius Fox, found out there are more secrets to uncover regarding the Waynes’ murders.
Heading into Season Three, GOTHAM will continue to follow the evolving stories of the city’s most malevolent villains: The Penguin; Edward Nygma/The Riddler; Selina Kyle/the future Catwoman; and Barbara Kean. GOTHAM also will dive into the origin stories of The Mad Hatter and the Tweed Brothers, and will peel back the curtain on the Court of Owls.
Season 3 of Gotham premieres on Monday, September 19.
The new series from DC Comics based on characters from the Hanna-Barbera cartoon library have experienced varying degrees of success. Now it’s time to look at other series and characters which could benefit from their own reboot and comic book series in the near future.
10. Quick Draw McGraw
What would The Magnificent Seven be like if they were all animals? This would be the perfect answer. Instead of the Quick Draw of yesterdays, this book would be a more serious western comic starring all of the western themed characters from the studio, such as Ricochet Rabbit and the western versions of the familiar characters introduced in The Good, The Bad and The Huckleberry Hound. Use Quick Draw McGraw as the center of this new book and the story writes itself.
9. Sealab 2020
After the popularity of Sealab 2021, which used footage of the original series for comedic purposes, this series could be a great way to split the difference. Just have the series have the more dramatic and scientific stories from the original show, but have the characters act like their comedic counterparts from 2021 and hilarity will ensue.
8. Yogi’s Space Race
This attempt to once again use the Wacky Racers formula to show different characters racing through the galaxy would be a great way to have a new space based adventure. You could also tie in other space themed series such as Galaxy Goof Ups and Casper and The Angels, and a story about space cops investigating the race for corruption can easily be established.
7.The Arabian Knights
Arabian Knights was one of the many cartoon shorts featured in The Banana Splits Adventure Hour. It featured a cast of characters, each with their own powers and abilities, fighting against a corrupt Sultan who was trying to control Baghdad. Team books are great ways to introduce a group all at once. Plus, a book with positive portrayals Middle Eastern characters would be welcomed by those who enjoy Kamala Khan in Ms. Marvel and Simon Baz in the new Green Lanterns series.
6. An Animal Action Team
Think of this. Take all the super powered animal characters Hanna-Barbera has created over the years – Atom Ant, Secret Squirrel, and Hong Kong Phooey – and have them go on missions as a team to take care of problems they wouldn’t be able to handle on their own. You can even use the title that the company used for TV films in the 80s and call it The Hanna-Barbera Superstars. Hey, DC! Like this idea? Email me, we’ll talk.
5. Galtar and the Golden Lance
Galtar was one of the many action series to come out of The Funtastic World of Hanna-Barbera. This series focused on Galtar, the wielder of the legendary weapon, the Golden Lance, and his two companions as they worked to fight against the tyrant Tormack. The series was canceled before the final battle between Galtar and Tormack could occur. A proper miniseries filled with great sword action would be perfect to tell a proper ending to this series.
4. Captain Caveman and The Teen Angels
Thanks to his time in various Flintstones series, Captain Caveman became a fan favorite from Hanna-Barbera. Sadly, no one seems to remember the Teen Angels, the trio of women who rode around with him and helped to solve crimes. The Teen Angels, Brenda, Dee Dee, and Taffy, could come across as more buff and redesigned version of Captain Caveman, form a bond with him, and then go around and solve crimes together just like in the old days.
3. The Jetsons
They already did The Flintstones, so now it’s time to look at the first family of the future. Seeing as how the original show was based on what people thought the future would be for the time period, it would be interesting to see a distant future based on today’s expectation. Also, if things get going, there can be a event crossover with The Flintstones.
2. SWAT Kats: The Radical Squadron
The action series which was so popular that it successfully launched a Kickstarter for a reboot series called SWAT Kats: Revolution in 2015, which was funded for the minimum goal in the first day. This helps to prove just how loved this show is, and how an audience exists that is eagerly waiting for more adventures of T-Bone and Razor as they take to the sky in their slick jet, the Turbokat.
1. The Pirates of Dark Water
One of the greatest action cartoons of the 90s which was cancelled far too early. The concept involved the world of Mer being taken over by the mysterious living shadow called Dark Water. It followed a crew whose mission was to find thirteen magical treasures to seal the Dark Water, but the series ended with only eight being found. A comic series would be able to tell the show’s proper story and give fans what they have always wanted, closure.
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What are some of your favorite Hanna-Barbera shows you wish could get some attention? Leave your thoughts in the comments below.
The season finale of Robert Kirkman’s ‘Outcast’ on Cinemax airs Friday, August 12. The series about demonic possession is a slow, eerie burn compared to Kirkman’s other works on television, which has led to a very in your face, intimate, character driving horror-drama.
Wrenn Schmidt who plays Megan Holter on the show has one of the more compelling story archs, and her story comes full circle in Episode 9 ‘Close to Home.’ Things will never be the same for Megan. We spoke to Schmidt about the season, Episode 9, and previewed the season finale.
If you haven’t watched Episode 9 ‘Close to Home’ of ‘Outcast’ there will be spoilers ahead.
Schmidt first explained what it’s like to be possessed by a demon from the scripts point of view.
“With the possession, the cues that were the most import to me were the physical cues about what she was experiencing or feeling. So it was less about like ‘Ugh Possessed!’ and more about what’s the sensory overload that is happening for her in the moments when she’s not herself anymore,” said Schmidt.
Schmidt added that series showrunner, Chris Black explained the possession to her as ‘a cave man being in control of a rocket ship.’
“So there’s this entity or this thing that’s inside her that doesn’t really know how this body works, or this world works. And all the sudden there’s this perceived threat, which is Mark. Megan, when she’s not really Megan anymore, isn’t reacting to her husband. It’s this thing reacting to there being a perceived threat. Which is basically fight or flight,” said Schmidt.
When asked what her favorite episode of season one was, Schmidt previewed the season finale.
“I don’t want to spoil anything, but I would say the whole season finale was a tremendous challenge because it was all physical. So all of that was really fun for me. A lot of it was also deeply uncomfortable because when we were filming a lot when I was outside it was maybe 37-38 degrees and I was wet. There was a certain sense of achievement getting through some of those scenes. It’s kind of like I have so much adrenaline that when we finished I’d be like,”I CAN’T BELIEVE WE JUST DID THAT! OH MY GOD!”” said Schmidt.
One of the funnier moments of the interview was when we went off topic and pondered who would be Schmidt’s partner in a buddy cop film. The actor would love working with Brent Spiner, Brie Larson, Ellen DeGeneres, Mia Wasikowska, Janet McTeer, and John Oliver, maybe.
Listen to the complete Wrenn Schmidt interview below and watch ‘Outcast’ on Cinemax..
Based on the Skybound/Image Comics title by Kirkman and artist Paul Azaceta, ‘Outcast’ stars Patrick Fugit as Kyle Barnes, who has been plagued by demonic possession all his life and has sequestered himself from those he loves for fear of causing greater hurt. Now, with the help of Reverand Anderson (Philip Glenister), a West Virginia evangelist who believes he is a soldier in God’s holy war against the forces of evil on Earth, the young man embarks on a journey to find answers and regain the normal life he lost. But what Kyle discovers could change his fate — and the fate of the world — forever.
Other cast members include Gabriel Bateman, Wrenn Schmidt, Reg E. Cathey, Kate Lyn Sheil, Julia Crockett, David Denman and Brent Spiner.
Togetherness, the mature dramedy from Mark and Jay Duplass, left this world way too soon. It only lasted two seasons before HBO prematurely cancelled the program, but the cancellation didn’t completely stranded their relationship. The filmmaking brothers are back to work with the folks in the Home Box Office offices with Room 104, a brand new anthology series. But there’s a twist: it’s a comedy.
As Collider reported, Room 104 will center around a single, average hotel room. In each episode, it will tell a new story focused on the people renting the room or passing through. It’s certainly an interesting idea, if one that might lend itself to some hit-and-miss material perhaps. Surely not every story will be as good as the other, but the Duplass brothers are known for their quality storytelling and their deep intimacy, so this sounds right up their territory. Here’s hoping for the best.
Here’s what the brothers wrote in a press release:
We’ve all seen stories set in seedy motels and high-class international resorts, but for years we’ve been fascinated by the funny, weird, sad, scary, absurd things going down in that corporate chain hotel near the airport. That’s what Room 104 is after… finding some magic in the seemingly mundane.
Again, that sounds right up the Duplass’ brothers alley. “Magic in the seemingly mundane?” That’s where they excel, especially with Togetherness‘ past season. There’s no word yet on when Room 104 will premiere, although a 2017 debut is assumed. Production begins later this year, according to the press release. Additionally, HBO still houses Animals, which is executive produced by the Duplass brothers and is renewed for a second season. They’re really forging their own path on the station. Here’s hoping they can give these shows a longer stay on the station.
The CWC, WWE’s 32 man tournament kicked off about 4 weeks ago, and the first round has concluded as of this week. So far there have been solid matches throughout and the crowd at Full Sail University has responded in kind. Let’s take a look at the best matches of the opening round.
Gran Metalik (Mexico) vs. Alejandro Saez (Chile)
Gran Metalik vs Alejandro Saez photo: WWE
The very first match of the very first round was a fantastic first step for the CWC. Gran Metalik, who also wrestles as Mascara Dorada in CMLL, worked very well with a relative newcomer in Saez. Chile isn’t know for its professional wrestling but Saez is doing his best to change that. While not a spectacular match, both men showcased their strengths and it is rumored that Gran Metalik has been offered a conditional WWE deal.
T.J. Perkins (Philippines) vs. Da Mack (Germany)
A contest that did not lack charisma or talent, these two performers stole the show in their second week showdown. T.J. Perkins is going to be a BIG STAR if WWE gives him an opportunity. He formerly wrestled in TNA as the Suicide/Manik character from 2013 to early 2016. Da Mack is a respected wrestler on the independent and international scene, and has trained with WWE’s Cesaro.
Cedric Alexander (United States) vs. Clement Petiot (France)
Representing Charlotte, N.C. and the United States, Cedric Alexander has made his presence felt in the CWC. Not to be outdone, Clement Petiot is looking to make a name for himself in this tournament. Both mens styles worked wonderfully together to give a dynamic and hard hitting contest.
Johnny Gargano (United States) vs. Tommaso Ciampa (United States)
Gargano vs Ciampa – 1st round of the CWC photo:WWE
Singles wrestlers on the independent scene. Bought into the WWE as a tag team. Becoming very close friends and now opponents in the CWC. If you ever wondered what it would be like if two performers just hammered each other until someone gave out, this match is your answer.
Jack Gallagher (England) vs. Fabian Aichner (Italy)
One of the CWC’s more interesting characters already looks to be one of the more talented wrestlers. ‘The Extraordinary Gentleman’ Jack Gallagher got himself a ton of new fans this week with a stellar performance and what could be looked at as an ‘underdog’ win. The lone Italian representative Aichner looked to overpower Gallagher and did get in some great moves, like a double jump top rope moonsault, but the technical prowess and surprise strengths of his English opponent proved too much to overcome.
This is only the first round, and there have already been a number of matches that could be “Match Of The Year” candidates. There are 6 more weeks and 3 more rounds of this tournament to go. Not to mention, that with the very positive response to the CWC, the WWE will be relaunching the Cruiserweight Division in the very near future.
Agree with this list? Don’t agree? Want Zack Sabre Jr. to put me in a wristlock for leaving him off? Let me know in the comments or on Twitter @MatPDouglas
The WWE Cruiserweight Classic currently airs Wednesday nights @ 9pm exclusively on the WWE Network, available on most streaming platforms.
Another trip to Tobermory means another trip to Tobermory Brewing Company to refill my growler and howler with tasty beer. I was one of many who drove to the northern-most point of the Bruce Peninsula last weekend. The bartender told me, while I was waiting for my refills, that it was their busiest weekend ever. I like to think that’s because my review of Tobermory Brewing’s Tilted Windmill IPA, but it might be a coincidence. With a kitchen and dining room, Tobermory Brewing continues to offer a variety of tasty dishes that complement their brews. Unfortunately, I wanted to beat the Civic Holiday traffic so I only had time to pick up my beer. I got a howler of their Sailor’s Delight Raspberry Wheat beer, and I wish it was larger.
Tobermory Brewing Company: Sailor’s Delight – First Sip
Sailor’s Delight pours a slightly cloudy pale red, almost orange, colour. A good layer of foam forms at the top of my glass but it disappears quickly. My howler is four days old now. But, having not opened it since I got it, I think it’s retained the majority of its carbonation.
Sailor’s Delight has a great aroma that reminds me of raspberry pie. Rather than relying on a high carbonation level to bring out its flavours, this brew allows its tart raspberry flavour, accented by its smell, to speak for itself. Unlike some other fruit-flavoured brews I’ve had, Sailor’s Delight doesn’t have a big sweet taste to it. This beer is sour off the top but finishes on a sweet note, like the underrated raspberry itself: this is a raspberry beer for people who like the taste of raspberries, not raspberry-flavoured sugar. Sailor’s Delight’s tart flavour mixed with its low carbonation level gives it a unique mouthfeel that’s similar to eating a handful of raspberries.
Tobermory Brewing Company: Sailor’s Delight – Last Sip
I can see how someone drinking a lot of this beer might become put off by its strong aroma. Into my second pint I started to feel like I was drinking perfume, albeit a very tasty and well-balanced perfume. Sailor’s Delight comes in at a reasonable 4.9% ABV, and, although it’s not a light beer, it’s a beer you can drink a couple of. As I said earlier, mine came from a four-day old howler, so it’s possible that it’s even better from the tap. Unfortunately, like Tobermory Brewing’s other beers, Sailor’s Delight is only available at the brewery.
If you’ve seen any of the recent MCU Captain America movies, you’re familiar with Captain America and Bucky already. You may also know the star-spangled duo because of the many comics they feature in. With a crime-fighting résumé that spans over 75 years, Steve Rogers and his pal Bucky Barnes are tough to miss. But Steve wasn’t always the Hydra-hailing shield slinger and neither was Bucky the amputated misanthrope we see today. Things were a bit different back in ’41.
Golden Age Captain America & Bucky – A Bit of History
1941 was a difficult year. Nazi forces launched their ultimately failed invasion of the Soviet Union, the Luftwaffe gained control of the air over the Mediterranean, a weary Greece surrendered to overwhelming Nazi forces, and Charles Lindbergh, a real-world American hero of the time, advised the US congress to sign a neutrality pact with Hitler.
It’s no surprise, then, that the buying public, especially the American buying public, was looking for heroes in their comics who seemed as though they could overcome the fears the public had about the real world. Add to this the fact that comics publishers were trying to attract readers to their fledgling four-colour publications (many of whom were boys and young men who wished they could enlist–USA wouldn’t officially enter WWII until the end of 1942), and it becomes obvious why it seemed like a good bet to introduce a “super solider” and his boy sidekick into Timely’s ranks.
Golden Age Captain America & Bucky – Bucky’s Origin
First, the name. Why name the character “Bucky” and not, say, Jimbo? Joe Simon said in The Comic Book Makers that the character’s named after his high-school chum Bucky Pierson. So, be nice to nerds who write; they just may name a sidekick after you.
“What in the Hell?! I could’ve been in here with Betsy!”
Unlike in the MCU movies, Golden Age Bucky is a child. Camp Lehigh, Private Steve Rogers’s base camp, adopts Bucky as their mascot. Ret-cons eventually modified Bucky’s age to make him a teenager during his Camp Lehigh days, but originally Bucky was very much a boy sidekick. Although no one mentions Bucky’s exact age during his Golden Age run, he seems like he’s 11 or 12. Bucky discovers Steve Rogers’s secret identity when Bucky walks into Steve’s tent and finds him halfway in his Cap duds. In an effort to keep Bucky from blabbing, Cap recruits the starstruck boy and trains him as his sidekick.
Golden Age Captain America & Bucky – “Distinguished Competition”
Over at what would become Timely/Marvel’s main competition for the next seven decades (Detective Comics), another big name in boy sidekicks had already made his debut. Referred to as “the sensational character find of 1940” on the cover of Detective Comics #38 (cover date April 1940), the original Robin, Dick Grayson, exploded onto the scene a full year before Bucky Barnes.
Headwing on headwing action
Aside from the proximity of their first appearances, the two sidekicks share other similarities: both are orphans; both serve to lighten the often somber moods of the heroes they fight alongside; and both have replacements (Bucky’s is Cap’s girlfriend Betsy Ross). But, unlike Batman and Robin, Cap and Bucky don’t get to recover from their wounds in a cushy mansion. Like the real-world soldiers they represent, they have to sleep on hard cots and eat bad food. But, instead of talking about Cap and Bucky’s living arrangements let’s talk about their creators.
Golden Age Captain America & Bucky – Cap’s Creators
“I was raised by bird people on Sky-Island. Why, where are you from?”
As with other unforgettable and genre-defining comics characters, Jack Kirby and Joe Simon created Captain America and Bucky. Cap and Bucky weren’t the first heroes these two sequential art gurus came up with, though.
Although I’ve never been able to find a copy of the comic (collected or otherwise), Kirby’s first and only, as of 1941, Timely character creation “Red Raven” debuted in Red Raven Comics #1 (cover date August 1940).
Bird people raise Kirby’s Red Raven from boyhood on Sky-Island (a hidden city in the clouds), and teach him to fly using a mechanical suit. A mad scientist turns Jack Castle into the super-powered Fiery Mask while experimenting on him. John Steele is a seemingly invulnerable WWII soldier (a precursor to Cap with no origin story). The Phantom Bullet, a reporter, becomes a crime fighter who murders criminals using a gun that shoots untraceable ice bullets. And, Trojak is essentially a Ka-Zar knockoff (even down to his base of operations, the Belgian Congo). But enough of the obscure characters, let’s get back to Captain America
Golden Age Captain America & Bucky – Prof. Reinstein
You read it correctly, True Believers. The ill-fated inventor of the super soldier serum that turned puny 4-F Steve Rogers into Captain America originally went by the name “Reinstein”. Subsequent ret-cons have renamed Cap’s creator “Abraham Erskine” but the Einstein-inspired biochemist debuted as Prof. Joseph Reinstein in 1941. In a timely reference to the man who became the most high-profile WWII-era German refugee, Simon and Kirby showed their knowledge of current events in picking such a recognizable name.
“Quick, get out of the way before my back explodes!”
By 1941 Albert Einstein had become a valued correspondent of President Roosevelt‘s. Einstein wrote to and met with Roosevelt to discuss the need for US research into atomic weaponry. And, though Simon and Kirby wouldn’t likely have known what Einstein had written to the American president about, it was safe to assume the letter was more than a friendly postcard from Princeton.
Golden Age Captain America & Bucky – The Red Skull
As important as, if not more important than, a hero’s creator(s) is its villain. Cap and Bucky meet theirs in their fourth story (Golden Age comics were 64-page collections of stories, not single issues) from Captain America Comics #1, “Captain America and The Riddle of the Red Skull”. Somewhat less terrifying than his Modern Age counterpart, the Golden Age Red Skull is a swastika-emblazoned-coverall-wearing Nazi in a mask.
In fact, the original Red Skull is a different man altogether from his modern-age counterpart. The original Red Skull is an American saboteur named George Maxon. Hitler promises Maxon control over American industry once the Nazis occupy the US. Maxon robs banks and murders high-ranking targets to fund the Nazi overthrow of the American government. Maxon eventually concedes his title as Cap’s #1 villain, though, to the true Red Skull Johann Schmidt (who appears in Captain America Comics #7, cover date October 1941, but isn’t revealed to be Schmidt until later).
Golden Age Captain America & Bucky – Cap’s Legacy
So, they’ve been around for over 70 years. They’ve been in major motion pictures. They’ve been the subjects of advertising campaigns and enlistment drives. But, Cap and Bucky’s greatest contribution to pop-culture is their influence on the concept of the superhero. Captain America straddles the line between superhuman boy-scout (like his Golden Age contemporary Superman) and gadget-using super-detective with a boy sidekick (like another Golden Age contemporary, Batman). I’m not implying that Cap and Bucky are knockoff characters: it’s the synthesis of elements from both Superman and Batman (plus some trademark creativity on Kirby and Simon’s parts), that puts Cap in a league of his own.
KP duty is almost worth it when you get to break your SO’s toe.
This novel take on the superhero laid the groundwork for future Marvel characters like Spider-Man and Daredevil. Like Cap, these brightly costumed heroes can’t float on the air (or leap over tall buildings). Instead, they rely on powers that tune up their reflexes and make them more athletic and agile. And, unlike Batman, these characters aren’t wealthy by any stretch of the imagination. They’re working-class guys who often have to deal with real-world problems, like a sick aunt or an ornery drill sergeant.
Golden Age Captain America & Bucky – Bucky’s Legacy
“We would solve crimes faster if we had a teammate who could fly, you know.”
Bucky isn’t quite the home run that Cap is but Bucky managed to develop a solid fan base. He, along with the Golden Age Human Torch’s boy sidekick Toro, eventually came to lead the Young Allies (originally The Sentinels of Liberty), a group meant to represent something of a cross-section of American boys of the time. Unfortunately, in what may have been an attempt at being racially inclusive, Joe Simon and Jack Kirby included a racist caricature named Whitewash Jones among the team’s ranks that were also home to a fat kid (Henry “Tubby” Tinkle), a smart kid (Jefferson “Jeff” Worthing Sandervilt), and a brawler (Percival Aloysius “Knuckles” O’Toole). Not surprisingly, Whitewash didn’t age well. But, through the magic of the ret-con, Whitewash is now a more culturally sensitive character named Washington “Wash” Carver Jones.
The trio of Josuke, Okuyasu, and Shigechi are still working on trying to reclaim a lottery ticket despite them being underaged. They are immediately met with opposition as the bank manager wants to prove they acquired the ticket illegally and it’s amusing to see him try. From there things get intense as Shigechi decides to become greed and tries to take the remaining two using his Stand. Needless to say this episode really flip flops between being comical and dramatic very quickly.
Seeing Shigechi use his Stand in a more offensive role proves just how menacing he can be when he sets his mind on it. When his Stand, Harvest is used as a weapon, it’s basically like he is controlling a swarm of angry, non-flying wasps which can bite, punch, and gouge at their opponents. When needed they can also be used for crowd surfing and can allow a person to travel a great distance in a small amount of time. Moments like this make Josuke and Okuyasu question whether he is a genius or simply running on instinct. Pretty sure it’s the instinct.
This episode feels off. Its mixture of action and comedy doesn’t broadcast right and really just makes the entire thing a bit less than entertaining. Shigechi is in the opening credits and shown hanging out with the rest of the cast. This makes it painfully obvious not to realize he isn’t a main villain and isn’t going to do anything which can’t be forgiven by the end of the story line. Without some type of intensity over whether or not their opponent will do any real damage, the episode feels weak. Next time the focus is going to be on Yukako, who is probably going to try and work on finding a way to redeem herself. This already sounds twice as thrilling as the bland and middle of the road story which came out of the introduction of Shigechi.
Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure: Diamond is Unbreakable is streaming on Crunchyroll.
