Wonder Woman and the Justice League Dark continue their fight against Hecate
This month’s crossover takes a spooky turn with Wonder Woman and the Justice League Dark facing off against a goddess. When Diana was younger, witches who serve Hecate brand her to be taken by the goddess. She is brainwashed to forget this trauma, and her mother can’t find proof that anything has been done. Years pass and the brand has remained hidden behind Wonder Woman’s tiara, but now the plan is coming to fruition. Hecate is planning to destroy magic and remake the world. As the regular Justice League ends up hexed by the goddess, the Justice League Dark stand to save the world before Hecate can complete the destruction. Will they succeed?
**Some Spoilers Below**
Story:
After Hecate attacked their base, the Justice League Dark is led by Wonder Woman to the Greek Isles for back up. They capture a unicorn to use as a bargaining chip for Hecate’s most powerful witch, Circe. She welcomes the group, then proceeds to explain how there are others branded by Hecate.
Meanwhile, in New Mexico, a superheroine known as Manitou Dawn reveals herself to be one of the branded. She goes on a rampage, only to catch the attention of Deadman. The ghostly hero, realizing how bad this could become, he quickly makes his way to find the League.
While light on the action, there is plenty of juicy backstory for readers to enjoy. This story gets more and more interesting as we learn more about the master plan and see the effects of the witchmark. We learn that these marks enhance the wielders and it feels more like a deal with the devil. We see the amount of power it holds but the cost as well. It truly captures the dark magic vibes which perfectly encapsulate the theme of the story. By the end of the comic, you see Wonder Woman powered by the witchmark and are left excited and scared. I can’t wait to see the power of Hecate go all out in the coming issues.
Art:
If there is anything that hooks the reader more than the story, it’s the kick-ass art. Emanuela Lupacchino returns as the illustrator and, like her previous stories in the Wonder Woman series, knocks it out of the park. As always, her character designs are fantastic, as well as the details on the magic. The colorwork of Romulo Fajardo Jr. helps this art feel alive with vibrant colors to give the magic more life. The art is magical, and it’s all thanks to this phenomenal team.
Conclusion:
Pick up this issue. If you haven’t read the first issue, pick that up as well. This story will grab hold of you and take you on a wild ride into the magical side of the DC Universe. The future might look bleak for Wonder Woman, but I am excited about the next issue.
Yet another DC Comics graphic novel adaptation is coming to our obey screens soon, this time at CBS, with the live-action realization of the Secret Six.
If you are unfamiliar with this team of villains, think of them as another version of the Suicide Squad. In the graphic novel, the group was led by a mysterious figure known as ‘Mockingbird’, which each member assumed was one of their five counterparts on the team. The figure blackmails each team member to go on suspicious missions, similar treatment as to what Amanda Waller forces the squad to do when summoned.
The original series premiered in the 1960s, initially as a seven-issue run, but was brought back in the 1980s. In the 2000s, with the creative team of Jimmy Palmiotti, Gail Simone and Brad Walker, however, it was brought back yet again and featured a team of villains, including Bane, Catwoman and Harley Quinn.
The initial show description might suggest that the original team will be used to avoid the comparisons of Suicide Squad, should a ragtag team of misfits be used. What is also interesting was the choice not to make this show exclusive to DC Universe. We will just have to wait and see how things play out over the course of the rest of the year.
What do you think, are you excited to see this DC adaptation? Who do you want to see on the team? Let us know in the comments section below.
After the massive divisiveness in the Star Wars community following The Last Jedi (and Solo), all eyes are on J.J. Abrams to see what he’ll do with Episode IX. Rumors are rampant, while Jon Favreau’s The Mandalorian has been hogging most the spotlight. Thanks to Star Wars News Net, however, there seems to be a legit spoiler rumor rising to the surface.
According to SWNN, filming is taking place in Jordan right now for Episode IX.
“Filming is happening in Jordan and at Pinewood,” states their unnamed source. “Pinewood sets are filming into next year with one of the sets having been extended to film for an additional two months due to a rewrite.”
For Episode IX fans, this is good news. Many have been speculating Abrams would resume Johnson’s take on the new trilogy by having the lead characters revisit a handful of locations from the original trilogy and Prequels. We seem to be in agreeance with the SWNN team, in that they’re likely searching planets where the Rebel Alliance received help in the past.
Set Location Possibilities For Episode IX
Image via Star Wars News Net (SWNN)
Other set locations mentioned include Ireland, California, and Italy. Ireland is most likely a trip back to Ahch-To, possibly to confirm Skywalker’s passing and attempt to discover clues which may help the Resistance. Likewise, the California location is probably Endor. Because, why not include Ewoks if the opportunity presents itself?
Nothing, however, is official regarding these reports for Episode IX. And yet, we’re comfortable in thinking there’s a 99.9% chance these filming locations are accurate. Abrams demonstrated with The Force Awakens that he’s unafraid to revisit the original trilogy in theme, or direct relation.
Since Episode IX is likely the final chapter of the Skywalker saga, it only makes sense that our new heroes would dive into the past looking for help against the First Order.
Image via RomanDubina https://www.deviantart.com/romandubina/art/After-the-Battle-of-Endor-743325508
Are you excited about these new set location revelations for Episode IX? Let us know in the comments below. “May the Force be with you, always.”
Based on the New York Times YA best-seller of the same name, The Hate U Give is a new film that serves as a commentary on race relations in the modern-day United States.
The story follows Starr, a high schooler who witnesses her childhood best friend being shot to death by a police officer. Over the course of the story, she must decide whether to stay quiet or find her voice and stand up for what is right.
This is certainly one of the boldest films aimed at a younger audience to be released in a long time. Not many movies that come out for teenagers have such a deeply important message at their core. For this alone, the film is admirable. Most thought-provoking movies about this subject matter are too complex or simply won’t hold the interest of younger audiences. That is not the case with this movie.
That being said, this does come at a cost. Even though the film does discuss these themes in a way that is palatable to younger audiences, it must sacrifice complexity in so doing. This movie should instead serve as a conversation starter— a way to introduce the theme so that other, more sophisticated films (or even discussion of real-life events) can become more accessible to these younger viewers.
L-R: Russell Hornsby, Regina Hall, Amandla Stenberg, and Common in Twentieth Century Fox’s THE HATE U GIVE. Photo Credit: Erika Doss.
The movie is very successful at creating an emotional connection with the characters, which will significantly help the film land with younger audiences. The protagonist, Starr, is very well-rounded and sympathetic. Some of the supporting characters, such as Starr’s father and older brother, are also well-developed and add more emotional depth to the story.
Additionally, the movie manages to be gripping despite its relatively long runtime for a teen-focused film. A significant part of this lies with the movie’s ability to create suspense. There were plenty of sudden turns in the tone of the film that keep you on the edge of your seat. Another factor is the comedic relief. This keeps the story from being entirely draining.
However, the movie includes some extraneous subplots that felt contrived. The most notable of these is a romantic storyline. This is a common trope of YA films, and while it is almost certainly included for the purpose of pleasing the target audience, it doesn’t add anything to the main storyline. Another subplot involves a drug dealer, and while that one does have more of a payoff, it still could have been trimmed out.
L-R: Megan Lawless, Amandla Stenberg, and Sabrina Carpenter in Twentieth Century Fox’s THE HATE U GIVE. Photo Credit: Erika Doss.
The execution of the movie is very strong. The cinematography is great. During the climax of the film, the camera does an excellent job of heightening tension. The soundtrack is great, too. It includes many great hip-hop songs, from classics to modern hits. These do a good job of setting the movie’s atmosphere, and in some cases, even adding to the message.
Additionally, the ensemble is great. Amandla Stenberg is phenomenal in her lead role. She is given far more to do in this film than in her prior roles, and that is a good thing. Her emotion is surprisingly believable, and she has a very strong on-screen presence. Russell Hornsby, who plays her father, is a standout in the supporting cast. He makes a character that could have easily felt flat instead seem much more nuanced. Common has a smaller role, but he still shines, having some of the most impactful scenes.
Overall, The Hate U Give was an interesting and emotional film. It is important for today’s youth to see, as it handles some tough topics in a way that, although shallow at times, can serve to spark interest in current events.
The Hate U Give is now playing in select theaters. It expands October 12 before opening everywhere October 19.
It’s hard to tell if the popularity behind My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic is decreasing or as high as it ever was. This year, Hasbro has set a date to end the critically acclaimed series and fan convention, Bronycon, announced next year will be the last year the event takes place. At the time time, the books surrounding the series from IDW Comics seem to be doing well and are met with relatively high praise. Is this new series, featuring Princess Luna another one which will earn praise or is it just trotting to the end?
Princess Luna and Stygian find themselves being called to another world where an evil force has a malicious plan in place.
Writing
It often surprising how much detail goes into a series which is supposed to involve magical horses having adventures about making friends. When all of the mythology is laid out this franchise involves dimensional travel, shapeshifters, and characters which display powers close to those of deities. Writer Jeremy Whitley needs to be commended just for the amount of detail put into making sure all the different story lines are handled properly. This comic makes references to the cartoon and previous issues of the main comic series seamlessly. Unfortunately so many references are made it often feels some “See other issue” boxes would have been appreciated.
My Little Pony: Nightmare Knights presents an entertaining story. It also sets a up good reason why moving forward only certain individuals will be able to help with the mission. The issue does a successful job of both laying out the stakes and making the reader want to come back for the next issue.
Artwork
This issue features lots of great moments where you will find yourself paying attention to the details put into the issue. Tony Fleecs provides some great art work throughout this issue. Many pages feature minute details which readers will be able to scrutinize over to discover all the different easter eggs which are featured in the issue.
The color work by Heather Breckel allows for great magical effects and emotion to radiate to the reader. The use of different shades helps to showcase the between areas which are safe and ones where the characters are in danger. Also, the reveal of the main villain is aided greatly by the intense bits of color used in their presentation.
The lettering by Neil Uyetake delivers the comedy and drama of the comic with fantastic accuracy. Use of proper lettering helps to show when Luna summons forth her Nightmare Moon voice. It also helps the action to play out through use of very eye catching sound effects.
Conclusion
While it may not be the best issue of the year, it still is a fun book over and is well worth the time for fans of the franchise. My Little Pony: Nightmare Knights is geared for not only fans of Princess Luna or fans of the enemies turned friends in the franchise, but also individuals who enjoy the lore the comics can spin. Lots of good attention to detail makes sure to explain how it fits into the broader storylines and tries to continuity with lots of effort.
The Flash faces off against the Sage Force in a way he doesn’t see coming!
It’s Halloween time in Central City, and the Flash needs to deal with a horrific new force. While the Strength Force has vanished from the city, the Sage Force has been brewing beneath the surface. It soon chooses a new host: Mick Rory, better known as the rogue Heatwave. As he is possessed, it causes a fire at Iron Heights. Before Barry learns of this, however, he begins to see strange visions in mirrors. By the time Barry shakes it off, the fire has already killed another inmate. He hurried over as The Flash and joins Detective Burns in the investigation. What he finds is a giant version of Heatwave, made of blue fire. How will Flash take on this threat while protecting Burns?
**Some Spoilers Below**
Story:
After dodging a few of the attacks of the giant Heatwave, the villain heads towards Central City to start fires. While Burns tries to convince him to go, The Flash feels there is something wrong. He deduces that, because the flames aimed to kill people, they are actually in Heatwave’s Mind. The Sage Force has given him enhanced telepathic abilities, putting all three of them into a coma. On the outside, Commander Cold takes the trio back to his hideout for safety from Warden Wolfe, who plans on murdering the Rogue.
This issue is a mixed bag for this reader. For every good aspect, there is one tied to it that brings it down. One good example is the flash using his detective skills to deduce where they are and what they have to do to get out. It’s always good to see that analytical side to Barry. On the flipside, however, it’s very similar to the last arc. A Rogue gains new powers and Flash works to save them before the powers do harm. There is enough to keep readers entertained, but there will be a constant sense of deja vu.
Art:
The artwork follows its story counterpart as being a mixed bag. Scott Kolins is the illustrator for this issue and it had highs and lows. The best piece came at the beginning with the design of the Sage Force Heatwave. I love the creepy and monstrous form that he has taken within his mindscape. It truly fits the Halloween theme that was set up in the first issue. An example of a downside would be the faces of the characters who aren’t in masks. The prime example would be Warden Wolfe, who honestly looks more possessed than angered. Another example of the bad would be Flash smiling as he berates Heatwave for his action. Whether it the soulless looking eyes or just terrifying expressions, its art like this that pull me out of the experience.
Conclusion:
If there were a word to describe this issue, it would be average. There’s nothing that stands out that should have readers clamoring for the issue. It’s by no means a terrible comic, but it isn’t that memorable either. I will admit that the end raises the stakes, and I hope that it lives up to the expectation.
If you ever watched TV over the past 10 years or so then you’ve heard David Norland’s music because he’s worked on things like 20/20, Good Morning America, The View, and Anvil! The Story of Anvil.
Monkeys Fighting Robots spoke with David Norland about his career in making music for the pop scene, TV, film, and My Dinner with Hervé.
Understanding and Inspiration
David certainly understood music from an early age “I came from a musical family. My dad was a clarinet player in the Royal Air Force. My mom was an aspiring opera singer. I was that kid who played the piano, played the flute, sang in a choir. By age twelve I was taking composition lessons.”
His parents were his first inspiration but “I had this amazing music teacher … he had us all choose a note at random and sing it as loud as we can. On his command, we would switch to another note. It became a chorus of tonal clusters. I was knocked out by the possibilities of sound.”
David shares another story “I remember when I wrote my first composition, the teacher said ‘What are you doing, you just copied Vivaldi?’ I was really crestfallen, but it really made the point to me that we should keep pushing forward. “The great challenge in music is to keep making new things.”
From Solar Twins to Scores
After a life learning music, David journeyed down the pop music road first “The arc of how I came to be doing what I do … in my early years, I was in bands. A band called Solar Twins got signed to Maverick Records. Our first record got a little bit of attention. But as a result, I started getting asked to do little bits and pieces for TV commercials. I absolutely loved it.”
The versatility of David’s background allowed for many possibilities “I already knew how to produce music. Pop music was changing … and I had classical music training from when I was young too. Making music for pictures seemed to incorporate all the things I can do in the service of telling a bigger story.”
The jump to film came next “A friend of mine from school [Sacha Gervasi] was making a move from writing films to directing, so he asked me to make music for his first film.” The documentary called Anvil! The Story of Anvil was only the beginning “We developed this beautiful, creative relationship around our friendship.” Together the pair has worked on several films.
After Anvil! “I got a call out of the blue from an ABC executive who heard the score for Anvil. They asked if I’d come work for them.”
Dinner Time
For those not in the know, My Dinner with Hervé is a film made for HBO about the life of diminutive TV superstar Hervé Villechaize played by Peter Dinklage (Game of Thrones) who starred in hit 70s TV show Fantasy Island. David says “It’s a great story. Sacha … interviewed Hervé Villechaize just before the actor committed suicide. At that point, Herve had lost his stardom … the story follows his extraordinary life.”
A part of the life is “… the classic Hollywood story of excess and hubris, Hervé lost it all.”
The birth of the story happened somewhat spontaneous as Sacha went to meet with Hervé and it turned out to be much more than expected “Sacha spent a night around L.A. with Herve who told him this story of his life. Sasha spent the next 20 years trying to get this movie made. I’ve watched him go through the process as the film has developed and the script has developed. To be a part of it now as it comes to fruition is magical.”
Though it has a tragic end, Hervé’s life was something special “It’s a wonderful film that takes us on such a journey; from post-war France, through 1950s New York, through 70s and 80s Hollywood excess. It’s a real trip.”
The Process
Friendship and working relationship makes for a more intimate filmmaking process “When I work with Sacha, one of the great things about it is that I get to see the script. And I start writing. So I get to develop the sound along with the script as it’s evolving.”
As pre-production moves, so does the score “By the time Sacha went to shoot the film, I had already written some fully-realized pieces.”
The process continues on during production “I send him stuff, he listens to it, some of it flies, and some of it doesn’t.”
What’s the value of this process? “It allows the music to germinate organically as the film is developing. Rather than, here’s a month to come up with whatever you can come up with. The other great thing is I get to sit in on the editorial process and understand the decisions that Sacha is making and how his storytelling technique is coming together.”
Wrapping Up
After a decade of making music for TV and film, David is going back to the record business “I’m working on a new record. However, it’s music that would fit in nicely into some movie or TV show. It’s piano and strings, stuff like that.”
We talk one of his old influences “One of the most influential film scores, for me, was Ennio Morricone’s work on Once Upon A Time in America.”
As for composers working today “Chris Clark … fabulous score for a crime show called Rellik … super-innovative. I’m a huge fan Hayao Miyazaki’s work. Spirited Away is one of the most beautiful movies ever made. Haiyo works with Joe Hisaishi whose music is wonderful.”
Movies are 2D experiences and music fills in the remaining space “Absolutely. Sound is another dimension that, I think, brings movies into the cinematic realm.”
David’s final thoughts on his career thus far? “The beauty of it is that I get to go to my studio every day and make music and people pay me.” That’s called, living the dream.
Thanks to David Norland and Impact24 PR for making this interview possible.
Pet Sematary provides a teasing glimpse into the new version of horror master Stephen King’s novel about dead things coming back to torment the living. The trailer here isn’t a teaser, but it sure feels like there’s a whole lot more to what we see here. Pet Sematary gets projected onto big screens in April of 2019.
About Pet Sematary
Official Description: Louis Creed, his wife Rachel and their two children Gage and Ellie move to a rural home where they are welcomed and enlightened about the eerie “pet cemetery” located near their home. After the tragedy of their cat being killed by a truck, Louis resorts to burying it in the mysterious pet cemetery, which is definitely not as it seems, as it proves to the Creeds that sometimes, dead is better.
Stephen King is hot again, and Pet Sematary is one of his most beloved novels, so a reboot here is a logical step. The film comes from duo-directors Kevin Kölsch and Dennis Widmyer who both previously worked on the Scream TV series on MTV. From the looks of the trailer, the production looks right on par with the same top-notch treatment of the previous few King novels-turned-movies.
Jason Clarke as Louis Creed
Amy Seimetz as Rachel Creed
John Lithgow as Jud Crandall
Jeté Laurence as Ellie Creed
Hugo Lavoie and Lucas Lavoie as Gage Creed
Obssa Ahmed as Victor Pascow
Fans of Stephen King’s novels are cautiously optimistic as book-to-film adaptations have always been hit-or-miss, particularly when it comes to King’s stories. A perfect example is The Dark Tower versus It (2017). One latter a hit and the former a miss. The trailer here doesn’t give a great sense of where we’re going to end up but does show a competent film that has the necessary components for a scary and fun time.
Did this trailer get you excited for Pet Sematary? Leave your comments below!
We all know the story how Peter learned that fundamental lesson about power and responsibility. But, what if he decided to take it in a darker direction? What If? Punisher #1 lets us find out.
The comic is another retelling of Spider-Man’s origin story. Only this time, Peter lets his anger push him over that very lethal line our familiar hero would never cross.
After vowing to never let another innocent person die on his watch, Peter augments his standard web shooter with some pretty heavy weaponry. Hand guns, explosives, incendiary rounds…all find their way into the Punishing Spider’s arsenal. Once armed, Peter engages in a no-holds-barred war against the organized crime and costumed villains of New York. Everything leads up to an encounter with the Green Goblin, and a chance to redo one of comics’ most infamous moments.
The Story
The first thing that stands out here is our protagonist. What If? Punisher #1 follows a much more cynical Peter Parker. Rather than the wise-cracking web spinner we know, this world’s Spider-Man is serious and permanently stone-faced. It’s strange to see the character in this light, and doesn’t always read like a Spider-Man story as a result. It’s a What If? title of course, so that’s not necessarily a bad thing.
I found it surprisingly dense for a 28-page story. We see Peter reluctant to use deadly force at first. By the mid-point of our story, though, Peter’s become someone who can kill without batting an eye. The downside isthat because the story covers so much time, most of it is told through summary. It’s like a long montage of Peter recounting his years as Spider-Man.
It would be easy to write off What If? Punisher #1 as a dark-for-the-sake-of-it edgefest, but there’s a lot of genuinely interesting ambiguity on multiple levels here. Spider-Man and the Punisher’s relationship is defined by their conflicting views on deadly force. It always has been, ever since Frank Castle debuted in Amazing Spider-Man #129.
It’s made even more interesting by the book’s ending. I won’t give it away, but we see how Peter’s action—or his inaction—causes a further cycle of suffering and death. We’re left to ask: was Peter right to be a lethal enforcer all along? Did he protect more lives than he destroyed, and did he really live up to his great responsibility?
The Art
The art of What If? Punisher #1 works alongside and compliments the darker tone of the story. A lot of the main Marvel universe is slightly more rounded these days to give it just a little bit of a cartoonish sheen, but some of that look is cast-off here.
Artist Juanan Ramirez’s inks let the image sink into the page. We’ll get an action-packed sequence, followed by several frames of static shots that let us breathe before jumping back in. It’s stylishly refined and a bit grimy, but it will still be familiar to Marvel readers.
Rachelle Rosenberg’s colors are on point here as well. We have lots of stark contrasts and interesting palettes. Muted monochromes and dark greens and blues against loud orange explosions, all help make the work “pop” and drive the mood forward.
Final Verdict
What If? Punisher #1 is not a masterpiece. However, it’s a solid little story, backed by great and stylish artwork. I’d recommend checking it out.
Al Ewing, Joe Bennet, Ruy Jose and Paul Mounts join forces to bring intensity and action in THE IMMORTAL HULK #7.
They’re the reason he died. They’re the reason he came back. Now THE AVENGERS have to bring him in. But how far will even Earth’s Mightiest Heroes go tocage… the IMMORTAL HULK?
The Immortal Hulk #7 Written by: Al Ewing Pencils by: Joe Bennet Inks by: Ruy Jose Colors by: Paul Mounts Letters by: VC’s Cory Petit
This review contains spoilers
Writing
When you start off a comic by having the Hulk throw Ghost Rider and his car through a suburban neighborhood, you ask yourself “How much more insane can this get?” Well, if it’s Al Ewing writing then the appropriate answer is “totally fucking nuts.” Ewing cranks up the intensity with every page as Banner rips and stomps through the Avengers gleefully. This is a scary Hulk, stronger than ever, driven by vengeance and revealing in being sadistic, attacking with both words and fists. He punches Thor so hard that the God of Thunder loses a tooth and gets a concussion. He destroys the new and improved Hulk-Buster armor and almost kills Tony Stark in the process. And his physical and emotional barrage on Jennifer Walters, the She-Hulk, leaves her nursing her body and mind miles away. It’s shocking to see how easily he puts down Earth’s Mightiest Heroes. Ewing has found a way to make the Hulk scary again. If the start of this new series was a slow burn, then this issue is a blaze of glory.
Ewing also throws out some great high concept ideas, like the Helios laser (essentially a concentrated beam of sunlight that is the only thing able to take the Hulk down, even if it’s only tempory) and the reveal that this new ‘Devil Hulk’ persona is almost a ‘god’ (at least according to Thor.)
It’s not all over the top though, as Ewing smartly uses an ordinary family as an anchor to cut to in order to ground the insanity in a relatable way. It may not be a new narrative trick, but it’s one that works fantastically.
Art
Joe Bennet, Ruy Jose and Paul Mounts create some truly incredible gamma powered images. Like Ewing’s writing, tension and intensity are cranked up page by page and panel by panel. The layouts are explosive, making the reader feel the chaos of a Hulk attack. Bennet excels at giving Banner great facial expressions, making him that much scarier. Joe’s inks carry them even further. When you add in Mounts colors and palette, the whole issue just comes alive in front of your eyes. This is a gorgeous book. And it’s not just Hulk that looks great; all the Avengers look fantastic here.
Conclusion
This is the best Hulk book we have had in years and it only seems to be getting better. If that batshit (in a great way) of an ending (SPOILER: SEE IT BELOW!) is any indication, this creative team is taking readers on a truly incredible and immortal journey that is transforming one of Marvel’s best characters in great new ways.
