Metro Goldwyn Mayer Pictures and Warner Bros. Pictures released the second trailer for CREED II, with a more defined look at the sequel’s plot.
About the film: Life has become a balancing act for Adonis Creed. Between personal obligations and training for his next big fight, he is up against the challenge of his life. Facing an opponent with ties to his family’s past only intensifies his impending battle in the ring. Rocky Balboa is there by his side through it all and, together, Rocky and Adonis will confront their shared legacy, question what’s worth fighting for, and discover that nothing’s more important than family. Creed II is about going back to basics to rediscover what made you a champion in the first place, and remembering that, no matter where you go, you can’t escape your history.
CREED II is directed by Steven Caple Jr. from a screenplay by Sylvester Stallone. The film stars Michael B. Jordan, Stallone, Tessa Thompson, Phylicia Rashad, Wood Harris, Andre Ward, Florian “The Big Nasty” Munteanu, Dolph Lundgren, and Russell Hornsby.
CREED II hits theaters November 21.
Are you excited for the sequel? Comment below with your thoughts.
The story of the Intergalactic Empire of Wakanda continues its gradual unfold in Black Panther #4. Ta-Nehisi Coates and Daniel Acuna give us a little more to explore with each new issue, but keep their cards close to the chest.
The Story
I’m loving the Afrofuturist vibe and the unique take on the characters and setting. Our main cast, including T’Challa, M’Baku, and Nakia, are starting to feel more familiar as we spend time with them.
I feel like the characters tend to get overshadowed from time to time, though, as we learn more about the world around them. The Galactic Empire of Wakanda is a massive world with its own unique lore and history. Coates gives us a little more information about The Empire with each new issue and how T’Challa and the others fit into place here.
The real clencher of Black Panther #4 comes in the last few pages; I won’t give away any spoilers, but a tragedy befalls our main cast. I’m not completely sure it gets the emotional weight that was intended, but I’ll reserve judgement until the next issue to see where the team takes that story thread.
As an installment in the larger narrative, I feel a bit conflicted so far. The fact that it is such a radical departure from typical territory leaves us without much to latch onto and orient ourselves. As a result, I find myself having to go back and reread certain sections to remember what’s happening. The lack of firm ground under your feet can make it hard to fully appreciate the story at times.
There are details that link us to the narrative through comparatively obscure Marvel lore. In Black Panther #4, for example, one of the main cast wields the Spear of Bashenga. It’s a callback to older Marvel stories, similar to the introduction of the M’Kraan Shard back in issue #2. We see the Emperor N’Jadaka (Killmonger) describe himself as the “Avatar of Bast,” suggesting he sees himself not just as favored by the gods, but a literal god in the flesh.
While the twists and Easter eggs in the story are great fun for Marvel aficionados, it demands some extensive knowledge (or extensive Googling). That can be an issue, considering this run is marketed as a jumping-on point for new readers.
The Artwork
As with previous issues, the artwork in Black Panther #4 remains stunning. The softer tones in backgrounds and contrast between muted and vivid colors make the more alien elements pop nicely.
The line work and inks complement those colors to form a nicely cohesive final product. For the most part, it gives us clarity when we need it, and some sci-fi flavor where appropriate. My only complaint is that it can be a little hard to distinguish what’s going on in some of the action sequences. The panel layout keeps everything pretty clear, though, so it’s not a major gripe.
Black Panther #4: Final Verdict
Black Panther #4 is a solid next step in the saga of the Intergalactic Empire of Wakanda. I’m still enjoying the ride…I just wish we had a little more insight on where we’re headed.
Writer Nick Spencer takes a break from his usual Amazing Spider-Man collaborator and enlists longtime Spidey artist Humberto Ramos. The resulting issue delivers an all-time great comedic Spidey moment in a flat-out hilarious issue.
***SPOILERS LIE AHEAD***
Peter Parker’s supervillain roommate situation turns into a night out with Boomerang. They go to the Bar With No Name for “Spider-Man Trivia Night.” Nick Spencer has been calling back to his wonderful Superior Foes Of Spider-Man run throughout the first arc on ASM, this issue takes it to the next level.
Seeing Pete begrudgingly give into the contest exclusively against villains, hoping to gain intel on an upcoming heist, is such a strong Spider-Man moment. This might be the funniest issue of Spider-Man in a very long time. I sincerely hope Peter’s fake villain persona, The Liar, gets a Marvel Wiki entry.
There is no doubt that Spencer is one of the funniest writers at Marvel currently, but that’s not the only trick in his bag. The sense of humor Amazing Spider-Man now has allows us to just submit to stories without grave consequences. This isn’t an issue that Dan Slott would’ve been able to pull off.
Everything from the set-up to the cliffhanger is simply great comic book plotting. The comedy up front distracts from the drama slowly unfolding between Boomerang and Kingpin, ultimately leading to next issue’s likely explosive resolution.
Peter Parker is in a classically stick situation, all because he let himself get distracted by the hilarious opportunity to win money by being “Spidey’s biggest fan.” We usually only get great comedic moments in Spider-Man comics, but here Spencer gives us a full serving that will certainly be among my own favorite Spidey moments in his long history.
Spencer also touches on some of the Secret Empire fallout a bit more, explaining how Boomerang ended up with clean hands. If Fred Myers didn’t have a cult following before, he’ll certainly have one by the time Spencer is done with him.
Amazing Spider-Man #6 also shows us how good Spencer can be without Ottley. The two make up one of the strongest creative duos at Marvel, but there’s no doubt he can hold his own. Any book that double-ships is going to have to rotate artists, we know for sure now that Spencer doesn’t lean too heavily on the supremely talented Ryan Ottley.
Humberto Ramos is no slouch either, he’s got a long history with Amazing Spider-Man during Slott’s run. Ramos is in great shape here, handling the more comedic script flawlessly. The style shifts in both flashbacks and the Superior Foes poker game are wonderful. This is another great Spider-Man issue from a familiar face that it’s great to see again.
Colorist Edgar Delgado brings the Bar With No Name to life. His lighting creates the perfect bar trivia atmosphere. The panels crammed with d-list supervillains are beautifully colorful. Inker Victor Olazaba shines brightest during the flashback scenes with heavy ink. Joe Caramagna keeps the tone light and a dialogue-heavy issue from becoming polluted.
Amazing Spider-Man #6 is one of the funniest superhero comic book issues I’ve read in a while. Spencer has completely commandeered the tone and reshaped it to better redefine and realign the character. This is the Spider-Man of the new era and it feels like home in every way.
Writer Tom King and artist Clay Mann take us on a journey of examination. Heroes In Crisis #1 starts us with a barrage of questions. What is the price that superheroes pay to be our saviors?
***SPOILERS LIE AHEAD***
Tom King is really good at introducing a different perspective to superhero comics. He has a superb knack for shining a light on the corners of comic books that we still haven’t paid much attention to. Heroes In Crisis promises to be another example of his ability to make us think differently about these colorful heroes we all celebrate getting punched in the face over and over again.
The experience of reading Heroes In Crisis #1 is a heavy one. Right out of the gate it’s clear that this is going to be an emotional experience–possibly a dreadful one as well. There have been hints and glimpses of Sanctuary throughout a number of DC comics recently. We’re still only shown bits and pieces, putting the full picture together on our own–which is a smart decision.
It appears that the holy trinity of Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman tried to create a place for superheroes to heal. The focus is more on the psychological than physical for once. The concept is fresh, it’s one that makes you think “how did nobody think of this already?”–another of Tom King’s specialties.
The testimonial segments are powerful, it’s a perfect plot device for this heavy emotional story. We’re given an intimate page with a handful of characters that makes the plot developments all the more tragic and effective. Heroes In Crisis feels like it’s more of a case study than your average superhero crossover story.
King’s dialogue and pacing are phenomenal. You can feel every character’s pain and anguish through just their words. The well-documented history of King’s career pre-comics clearly lends a hand, this story feels extremely personal and makes the entire experience gut-wrenching and believable.
All the death that seems to have befallen the Sanctuary raises a lot of questions. I highly doubt we’re going to lose Wally West after all we just went through to get him back. Either way, the scene where Superman arrives to the scene is devastating.
Artist Clay Mann does spectacular work, his pairing with King was a very wise choice. The emotional impact hits the reader directly in the chest during the testimonials. There’s a palpable tension from page one, we really don’t know what to expect and we’re terrified of what’s on the next page.
The subtle changes on character faces during the testimonials have massive implications. This isn’t just a comic book with a bunch of superheroes crying into their hands. These are all very strong and proud individuals that are letting it all out for the first time. Mann delivers very powerful imagery that speaks to every reader who’s had to deal with tragedy of any sort.
Colorist Tomeu Morey utilizes the colorful heroes but keeps the vibrancy grounded. These are still our ridiculous heroes, but their color schemes are dolled out tastefully. Every sighting of blood is striking, adding more tension to the experience. Letterer Clayton Cowles had plenty to do, there’s a ton of great lettering on display without overdoing it.
Heroes In Crisis #1 is an extremely heavy read, it forces readers to contemplate another side of being a superhero and the toll that it takes. There are a ton of questions yet to be answered, it will be virtually impossible to read this first issue and not pick up the second.
You can jump into this without being caught up on the whole world of DC Comics. Tom King looks to have another monster of a story, he’s on another level of comic book creating.
Ed Brisson, Pepe Larraz, Marte Gracia and Joe Sabino deliver another action-packed chapter in Extermination #3. As all the mutant heroes are attacked in three ways by villain Ahab and his hounds, the former members of X-Force, along with the young time-displaced Jean Grey, set a course to confront the man they believed killed their former leader Cable. And that man is…a younger version of Cable himself!
Extermination #3 (of 5) Written by: Ed Brisson Art by: Pepe Larraz Colors by: Marte Gracia Letters by: VC’s Joe Sabino Cover by: Mark Brooks
SPOILERS AHEAD!!!!
Writing
X-Men fans have always expected a certain kind of story from the large crossovers and Extermination once again delivers on those expectations. Ed Brisson creates an action-packed story that wastes not a page or a panel in telling its story. The writer is telling three parallel set pieces going on at the same time and cutting to and from each sequence to build maximum tension and suspense. Each sequence also has dire consequences and possible major ramifications; young Cyclops is almost crushed to death underwater buy a mind-controlled Nightcrawler, young Beast is kidnapped by the mysterious younger Cable (who shot his older self in the last issue) and villain Ahab (who has become a major threat) takes control of Old Man Logan, turning him into another one of his deadly mutant hunting hounds.
It’s all great, grand and operatic; in other words, it’s X-Men! But perhaps the best moment comes towards the end when the former members of X-Force; Cannonball, Domino, Boom-Boom and Warpath (Shatterstar being around but also having been taken control by Ahab), joined by the young time-displaced Jean Grey, set themselves on a collision course to confront the man who killed their former mentor. Again, this is a great classic X-Men time-travel drama. It’s loads of fun and still packs enough emotional beats to make you care.
Art
The art by Pepe Larraz and Marte Gracia falls under the darker and muted look that some of the X-Men books have had in the past few years. The style works well for this story, creating the atmosphere the settings demand. The layouts and panel structure create a nice quick reading pace that is just perfect for this kind of story. And that last page, with X-Force and the young Jean Grey busting into young Cable’s hideout, is nothing but a pure visual pleasure. A fantastic final, cliffhanger image to end this chapter (check it out at the top of this review).
Conclusion
With just two more issues to go, Extermination is going to be classic a classic X-Men story. Brisson and his art team have created the kind of adventure Marvel mutant fans have loved throughout the years.
Welcome back to the Monkeys Fighting Robots podcast! This week we chat about Tom King’s Heroes in Crisis, and artist Chris Burnham calls in to talk about his latest book DIE! DIE! DIE! written by Robert Kirkman of The Walking Dead fame.
DIE! DIE! DIE! is an over the top political, social commentary on today’s society, very reminiscent of Garth Ennis’ The Boys. The first story arc is a definite must-read.
Heroes in Crisis #1 is a gorgeous book. Clay Mann and Tomeu Morey have elevated comics to a new standard with issue one. Tom King comes out guns blazing in the first issue. If the issue is real, this fan will have an issue. If it is for shock value, that may be an issue as well. With eight more issues to go, this is a marathon, not a sprint. Trust the storyteller at this point.
After you read Heroes in Crisis #1, come back and let us know what you thought of the first issue.
Thanks for taking the time to listen to the podcast.
About Heroes in Crisis #1: HEROES IN CRISIS, there’s a new kind of crisis threatening the heroes of the DC Universe, ripped from real-world headlines by New York Times bestselling author Tom King and artist Clay Mann: How does a superhero handle PTSD? How do DC’s Trinity—Batman, Wonder Woman, and Superman—handle massacres and mass shootings? Welcome to Sanctuary, an ultra-secret hospital for superheroes who’ve been traumatized by crime-fighting and cosmic combat. Kicking off this limited series, something goes inexplicably wrong. It’s up to the DC Trinity of Superman, Wonder Woman and Batman to investigate—but can they get the job done in the face of overwhelming opposition?
Do you have a question? Email robotsfightingmonkeys@gmail.com
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.
Man-Eaters by Chelsea Cain, Kate Niemczyk, and Rachelle Rosenberg is a brand new satirical comic that deftly discusses important issues like the dangers of patriarchy and misogyny while creating a world and mythology that draws the reader in.
Man-Eaters #1 Written by: Chelsea Cain Art by: Kate Niemczyk Colors by: Rachelle Rosenberg Letters by: Joe Caramagna Cover by: Lia Miternique
Published by: Image Comics
A mutation in Toxoplasmosis causes menstruating women to turn into ferocious killer wildcats—easily provoked and extremely dangerous. As panic spreads and paranoia takes root, the fate of the world rides on the shoulders of one twelve-year-old girl.
Writing
It’s a tricky thing to try and discuss current events and politics in comics, especially in these ‘Comicgate’ days where it seems that everybody has a very polarizing opinion on just about any subject. The best way to do it is by just telling a good story and letting the themes come naturally. This is exactly what Chelsea Cain has done with Man-Eaters. She is telling a great story and creating a rich world, yet there is no doubt that Cain is trying to address some very important issues she just lets the story do the work.
It’s the story itself as a direct attack on not only the dangers of a patriarchal society but of the casual misogyny many people express and not even be astute enough to be aware of; just check out the scene where a mother pulls a gun on her daughter because she’s afraid of what her daughter might turn into. It’s played subtlety but it’s deeply chilling. The reader isn’t hit over the head nor does this feel like a lecture the storytelling is excellent and entertaining the characters are relatable and quite funny; having the main character, Maude, address the reader directly is an excellent touch that bonds you with her immediately. Maude feels real from the get-go and is an excellent guide into this new world.
Art
The art team of Kate Niemczyk, Rachelle Rosenberg and Joe Caramagnain is incredible. The influences on it range from anime/manga to indie comics masters like Chris Ware (Jimmy Corrigan/ACME Novelty Library), and more traditional comics. Small details like blood splatters on panel gutters and pages without panel borders create a very unique narrative flow and stylized look. There’s also a great use of full pages that aren’t necessarily ‘splash pages ‘in the traditional sense. When you throw in the inventive use of infographic, fliers, and mixed media it really becomes a very visually arresting book and the images pop off the page.
Conclusion
There’s no doubt that many Man-Eaters is an ‘important’ book but it’s also a just a very good comic. Yes, it addresses issues that are important, but it also gives you a satisfying, entertaining and readable experience. If you are looking to get some ideas and opinions across that is exactly the way to do it.
The new animated series Star Wars Resistance is almost here and we’re officially nerding out. Always playing their cards close to the vest, the Disney Channel just announced the official synopsis for the first five episodes.
Star Wars Resistance is from the talented mind of Dave Filoni (creator), along with art direction provided by the experienced and battle-tested Amy Beth Christenson. The series focuses on an elite pilot squadron of the Resistance called The Aces, who reside on a water-based platform called the Colossus somewhere in the Outer Rim.
“X-wing pilot Kazuda Xiono is recruited for the Resistance but finds himself in over his head when Poe Dameron assigns him to a remote fueling station to spy on the First Order. Then, after Kaz boasts about being the best pilot around, he is forced to compete in a dangerous sky race.”
Image via Disney Channel and Lucasfilm
It’s smart on Filoni’s part to incorporate Poe Dameron in the first episode. Plus, it seems like the show isn’t wasting any time getting to the racing aspect of the series. It should provide a substantial introduction to the main protagonist Kaz while letting the audience get adjusted to this new aspect of the Star Wars universe.
“The Recruit,” premieres October 7th.
Episode 2: “The Triple Dark”
“Kaz and BB-8 uncover information on an imminent pirate attack and must find a way to stop it.”
Image via Disney Channel and Lucasfilm
Poe obviously isn’t wasting time, sending Kaz and BB-8 off on a mission almost immediately. Could this pirate attack have connections to characters from Star Wars Rebels and The Clone Wars? Perhaps Filoni will drop a couple Easter eggs. Considering Star Wars Resistance might be following the same blueprint as Rebels, we’re hoping for a few nostalgic callbacks.
“The Triple Dark,” airs October 14th.
Episode 3: “Fuel for the Fire”
“Kaz befriends a sky racer named Rucklin who pressures him to take some rare and dangerous hyperfuel hidden in Yeager’s office.”
Image via Disney Channel and Lucasfilm
While on the surface this seems like a filler episode, the episode will guest star Elijah Wood as Jace Rucklin. Filoni has a unique way of making filler content entertaining while deepening character development. Since Kaz gets in the action right off the bat, we’re looking forward to how this episode peels back his layers.
“Fuel for the Fire,” premieres October 21st.
Episode 4: “The High Tower”
“The First Order arrives at the platform for mysterious reasons and Kaz and BB-8 are determined to sneak into the tower to find out what they want.”
Image Via Disney Studios and Lucasfilm
Donald Faison is officially listed as a guest, meaning we’ll get a good look at his character Hype Fazon. Captain Phasma could also be first introduced in “The High Tower” too, which is fine by us. Although, it’d be nice if the Kylo Ren rumors were true and we got to see him as well.
Star Wars Resistance will air at 10 pm EST on October 7, 2018. The new animated series airs on the Disney Channel, Disney XD, and other Disney platforms.
Do the episodic synopsis for Star Wars Resistance have you excited or feeling blah? Let us know in the comment section below.
Kieran’s Movie Space host Kieran McLean discusses and reviews the third and final trailer for Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes Of Grindelwald. The film, which is directed by David Yates, stars Eddie Redmayne, Jude Law, Johnny Depp, Ezra Miller, Katherine Waterston, Alison Sudol, Dan Fogler, Callum Turner and Zoë Kravitz.
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Kieran’s Movie Space is an insightful, fun and reliable new podcast for fans of all things cinema. Host Kieran McLean delivers in-depth reviews of the latest movie releases, from small indie movies to massive blockbusters. New episodes weekly…or whenever I feel like posting.
What Is Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes Of Grindelwald?
At the end of the first film, the powerful Dark wizard Gellert Grindelwald (Johnny Depp) was captured by MACUSA (Magical Congress of the United States of America), with the help of Newt Scamander (Eddie Redmayne). But, making good on his threat, Grindelwald escaped custody and has set about gathering followers, most unsuspecting of his true agenda: to raise pure-blood wizards up to rule over all non-magical beings.
In an effort to thwart Grindelwald’s plans, Albus Dumbledore (Jude Law) enlists his former student Newt Scamander, who agrees to help, unaware of the dangers that lie ahead. Lines are drawn as love and loyalty are tested, even among the truest friends and family, in an increasingly divided wizarding world.
Warner Brothers has released its final trailer for the highly anticipated Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald. We can thank Ezra Miller for this pleasant surprise as he made it clear he was the one who wanted to release the video. If you don’t understand what I mean, watch the trailer for yourself.
The trailer kicks off with information we’ve known from the get-go. Jude Law’s Dumbledore is recruiting Newt Scamander to take down Grindelwald. As the trailer goes on a surprising reveal for Potterheads happens. We get a look at a woman in a circus who then turns into a snake, and not just any snake, it’s Nagini.
The sequel to Fantastic Beasts will feature Voldemort’s final Horcrux, portrayed by actress Claudia Kim. It’s unclear how the snake will factor into the film, but she seems to be involved in the circus that Ezra Miller’s appears in.
We also get a good look at Newt’s brother Theseus Scamander, as played by Callum Turner. He’s set to play a crucial role in the film alongside co-star Eddie Redmayne. Their relationship is a contentious one, as the tag of the trailer involved Newt capturing his brother much to his chagrin.
Are you excited to see Nagini in the upcoming Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald? Let us know in the comments below!
Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald hits theaters November 16th
The film stars Eddie Redmayne, Katherine Waterston, Dan Fogler, Alison Sudol, Ezra Miller, Zoë Kravitz, Callum Turner, Claudia Kim, William Nadylam, Kevin Guthrie, Jude Law, and Johnny Depp.
In an effort to thwart Grindelwald’s plans, Albus Dumbledore enlists his former student Newt Scamander, who agrees to help, unaware of the dangers that lie ahead. Lines are drawn as love and loyalty are tested, even among the truest friends and family, in an increasingly divided wizarding world.
