‘AMERICAN VANDAL’ Season 2 Is Serious As S***

Netflix’s AMERICAN VANDAL finds another way to spin a juvenile topic into an engaging mystery. The mockumentary series that lampoons true crime series like MAKING A MURDERER and THE JINX returned last Friday. The sophomore season definitely captures the same spirit, irreverent humor, and engaging story of its first season. What’s interesting is how the series goes far darker this season, while still packing hilarity into every episode. AMERICAN VANDAL proves that it can tell gripping dark mysteries with the silliest, s***tiest crimes ever.

The second season, much like the first, deals with a crime of immense immaturity & property damage. AMERICAN VANDAL ventures to the world of rich prep schools, as Peter and Sam investigate a criminal called “The Turd Burglar.” While outcast Kevin McClain (Travis Tope) has confessed to the crime, there are discrepancies in the crimes and his story. Now, our two high school documentarians must uncover the truth behind the various poop crimes at St. Bernardine High School.

AMERICAN VANDAL does a fantastic job at taking its juvenile crimes seriously. Even with a plethora of poop-centric misdemeanors, the series commits to the bit. The series finds fantastic ways to spin a gripping narrative out of its goofball premise. Furthermore, the many twists along the way are infused with the same dedication to silly humor. From horse-headed electronic bands to hot janitors, AMERICAN VANDAL finds tons of childish jokes to take seriously. It’s this commitment to its juvenile set-up that makes the follow-through so rewarding.

However, while the series is a comedy, this season goes way darker in its subject matter. The Turd Burglar is less like Dylan Maxwell (Jimmy Tatro) and more like the mastermind from SE7EN. Without spoiling the ending, this mystery’s take on social media bullying is especially harrowing. The series digs a lot into cyberbullying, the discrepancies of how athletes are treated, and how police can coerce confessions from suspects.

We get a lot of thoroughly interesting characters this season. AMERICAN VANDAL always excels with capturing the spirit of modern day high schoolers, and season two is no exception. It helps that the series is consistently cast with fantastic young actors. This season’s wrongfully (?) accused teenager is Kevin, played by Travis Tope. Tope brings an energy to the character like a young Jesse Eisenberg, which is perfect for the character. On the opposite side, you have Melvin Gregg, who shines as hotshot basketball player DeMarcus Tillman. AMERICAN VANDAL continues its fantastic track record with casting young actors.

However, as strong as our new cast is, the two main characters are really weak. Neither Peter (Tyler Alvarez) nor Sam (Griffin Gluck) are as involved this crime around. What made season one of AMERICAN VANDAL work was how the filmmakers were also characters. This season, the two boys feel so far removed from the case. That loss of a personal element for the protagonists feels like such a letdown. It’s a shame that the boys behind the camera are given so little to do.

While the returning characters are noticeably weaker, it’s hard to see any other failings of the season. Especially if you view AMERICAN VANDAL as more of an anthology – which seems like their intended new direction – it works fairly well. The series still maintains the same quality that made it a show to watch last year. It’s a unique show that rises above the childish parody that it could become. Season two proves that the show’s stellar premiere was no fluke. AMERICAN VANDAL proves it has a strong sense of self, and it’ll make you laugh at – and fear – the Turd Burglar.

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jwrr6aIWeus[/embedyt]

STAND-OUT PERFORMANCES: Travis Tope, Melvin Gregg, Kiah Stern

STAND-OUT EPISODES: “#2,” “The Dump,” “Sh*t Storm” (yes these are actual episode titles)

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New Spin on the Story of Jesus Christ Coming in JESUSFREAK from Image Comics

Michael Stagno

September 19, 2018

The creative duo of Joe Casey and Benjamin Marra are set to retell the history of Jesus Christ in an upcoming graphic novel, in conjunction with Image Comics, called, Jesusfreak.

From the look of the cover, God’s son looks more like a version of Bruce Lee, who is ready to dish out the punishment and, to further that theory, the publisher describes the book as, ‘a bloody two-fisted tale of historical heroic fiction featuring a young Nazarean carpenter who is having some trouble finding his place within the violent world around him.’

The book will initially drop as a 60-page hardcover graphic novel and is set for release on March 20, 2019. There will be an advanced peek of it at this year’s New York Comic-Con, via an exclusive Image Comics’ ashcan offering.

“Jesusfreak is less inspired by any strict religious traditions and, is instead, more concerned with exploring the unique tension that exists between depicting a mythical figure and a historical figure. A tension that, is compounded when, for many, they’re considering the same person. It’s also a chance for Marra and I to indulge in a specific style of hard pulp storytelling that we think perfectly fits this material.”

What do you think? Are you prepared for yet another spin on history of Jesus Christ, but this time in graphic novel form? Let us know in the comments section below.

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Review: BATMAN: DAMNED #1 is Heavy on Mystery, Light on Answers

David DeCorte

The Joker is dead. So says the back cover of Batman: Damned #1. Beyond that, we have few clues to go on in this new monthly title from Brian Azzarello and Lee Bermejo. But if a dark, macabre mystery tale is what readers are hoping for, then there’s plenty here to like.

Batman: Damned kicks off the new DC Black Label imprint of titles for mature readers. We’re getting Batman at his most uncontrolled and vulnerable, and therefore, his most dangerous. As Azzarello commented, “One of the problems with Batman right now is that he’s always up on somebody else…But if you write a story where someone else has the upper hand on him, it completely changes the dynamic of the story. Anytime you take control away from Batman, he’s suddenly a way more interesting character.”

The Story

Azzarello’s thesis about a Bruce Wayne who doesn’t have all the answers closely parallels a lot of ground covered in last year’s Batman: White Knight (a title retroactively added to the Black Label imprint). Fans of that series will find this new entry similarly compelling.

The Bruce Wayne we find in Batman: Damned is unhinged, to put it lightly. He seems to be slipping through a dissociative fugue throughout the entire book. The Bat doesn’t know what is real anymore, and therefore, neither does the reader. The present is intercut with flashes of the young Bruce, enduring a less-than-idyllic childhood at Wayne Manor and haunted by a spectral entity reminiscent of Sandman-universe Death, sans the comforting compassion. It’s a disorienting experience…then we throw into the mix an incorrigible, knowing John Constantine, furthering the sense that we’re out of our element.

Batman is looking for a simple answer to a mystery. Those simple answers are nonexistent here, though, and Constantine seems to delight in watching it play out, right up to a teaser of a last page.

The Art

Of course, I have to touch on Lee Bermejo’s brilliant artwork in this first issue of Batman: Damned. Each panel is brilliantly detailed with a painterly quality. We see every crease in Batman’s suit, the expression of desperation on Bruce’s face, and the show of hardened resignation on Jim Gordon.

I would say the artwork was strong enough to carry the book, even without the intriguing (though deliberately clouded) story. Both elements work well to convey a heavy, dread-soaked atmosphere.

Final Verdict

Batman: Damned #1 sets us up for an expansive story, but offers no clear answers yet. I don’t know where we’re headed. But, based on what I see here, I trust Azzarello and Bermejo will deliver the goods.

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Review: MISTER MIRACLE #11 – The End Is Near

Anthony Composto - EIC

Mister Miracle #11 is out today, the penultimate chapter in the Tom King/Mitch Gerads New Gods epic.

About the issue:
Scott and Barda head to Apokolips to enact their plan.

King and Gerads deliver the goods yet again. Over the course of eleven issues, we’ve seen their work evolve and grow, and here – in the endgame – they’re at the height of their respective powers. The series feels like it’s coming to a very natural ending. Nothing seems rushed or out of place; it’s fulfilling in every sense of the word. Every panel feels perfect (and, as you know, there are a lot of them). Mister Miracle has been a master class in pacing and building tension, and heading into the final chapter, I have no doubt that they’ll stick the landing.

Thematically speaking, the purpose of King’s story comes more into focus with each issue. We’ve known the broad brushstrokes since the beginning: the feelings of depression, anxiety, and entrapment. But now, at the end, everything seems to be coming together to deliver something powerful. You’ll just have to read it yourself to see what that something is.

It’s hard to talk about Gerads’ work here without spoiling anything. Heck, it’s hard to talk about this comic period without spoiling anything. Everything that happens on every page is integral to the story. Suffice it to say, Mitch is amazing at what he does, and he earned every bit of the Eisner he won. The raw emotion and power he put into this issue is palpable. He’ll make you laugh, make you cry, and make you scream expletives for various reasons. Thank Highfather that DC is is giving him the time he needs to finish this series at his own pace instead of rushing him. The end product is well worth the wait.

And let me just take a moment to say about much I’ve enjoyed Clayton Cowles lettering throughout this run. He’s added a retro, Kirby-esque punch to this otherwise hypermodern comic.

That’s it! That’s all you’re going to get out of me! Quit twisting my arm and go buy Mister Miracle #11 as soon as your comic shop opens.

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Loki, Scarlet Witch And More Marvel Characters Getting TV Shows On Disney’s Streaming Service

Kieran McLean

September 19, 2018

The Marvel Cinematic Universe is taking aim at the small screen in a whole new way! According to Variety, Disney’s upcoming streaming service will feature standalone, limited series featuring major MCU characters like Loki (Tom Hiddleston), Scarlet Witch (Elizabeth Olsen), and other characters who haven’t appeared in their own movies.

The report also states that major MCU actors like Tom Hiddleston and Elizabeth Olsen are expected to reprise their roles in the shows, which will reportedly run for 6-8 episodes and have extremely large budgets. Unlike previous MCU shows, these will be produced by Marvel Studios, with studio boss Kevin Feige overseeing development and production.

More – Review: ‘NEXT GEN’ Is A Beautifully Animated Movie And Well Told Story

This is obviously massive news, and fans (myself included) are likely freaking out at the idea of a Loki or Scarlet Witch standalone series. As someone who’s wanted to see Elizabeth Olsen in a Scarlet Witch movie for quite some time, I’m incredibly excited to see what Marvel has planned for these limited shows and more than anything, it’s great to see that the MCU is expanding and exploring new ways of developing these characters and these superheroes.

It’s important to note that the studio had no comment regarding this story. Hopefully, we’ll begin to hear more as the shows enter development and the streaming service has launched.

Source: Variety

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Interview: Gerry Duggan And John McCrea Take On Corporate America With DEAD RABBIT

Manuel Gomez

September 19, 2018

Dead Rabbit, by creators Gerry Duggan and John McCrea, is a brand new on-going crime title from Image Comics. The book tells the tale of Martin, a legendary masked thief/criminal who ran in the Boston underground in the ’90s. Much like Robin Hood, Rabbit gained fame by stealing from the rich and giving to the poor. When Martin finds himself in need of caring for his ailing wife, he once again puts on his mask.

Duggan and McCrea both took time from their hectic schedules to talk to us at Monkeys Fighting Robots about this exciting new title.

MFR: Gerry and John, thanks for taking time from creating like a zillion comics to answer a few questions for us at Monkeys Fighting Robots!

Duggan: It’s nice to be taking a break from writing to answer a few questions, and the name of your website is outstanding!

McCrea: A pleasure!

MFR: Can you tell us a bit about the story and world of Dead Rabbit?

Duggan: It’s a crime noir romance about a thief that is forced to come out of retirement to help get rid of medical debts. It’s set both in Boston in the 90s and in the present day, post-middle class America.

MFR: Dead Rabbit feels like such a fleshed out idea. Where did the story and concept come from?

Duggan: John and I had been threatening each other with a collaboration for a long time, and this began to take shape over the last year. It’s a combination of things we love: noir, action, comedy, crime. And we haven’t forgotten the romance. John will make you care for Martin and Megan Dobbs. He even made my heartbreak when we had to whack one of the early villains.

MFR: John, your line work in Dead Rabbit, seems to be a slight departure in terms of your usual style. What made you choose a more ‘realistic’ look for this title?

McCrea: It’s more that the story chose the style, to be honest, the story is fantastic but not fantastical… Very rooted in our world and the problems we all face as a society now.

MFR: Dead Rabbit is also very sleek and instantly classic looking character. How did you arrive at such a cool look and design for your protagonist?

McRea: Gerry wanted a mask, cap, suit, and gloves… I threw everything I could think of at it, and then just chiseled away at it, removing all the unnecessary details. The best design is usually the simplest. Rabbit’s silhouette with the 2 red xs looks cool and scary; also I stole the gloves from the Octopus from the Spirit, I am a huge Eisner fan, and this is my little tip of the hat to him.

MFR: So you had specific influences?

McCrea: Eisner, Miller, EC Comics, Toth, Wrightson, crime noir films…

MFR: Gerry, Dead Rabbit also features the long storytelling/cultural idea of the ‘heroic thief.’ What makes this archetype so endearing?

Duggan: I think readers will see regardless of their cultural background or political lean that corporations have the most power, free-speech and reach in today’s America. Unions have been curtailed, and unemployment is low, but so are wages. Dead Rabbit is undoubtedly a thief out to take what is not his, but he will rarely be the biggest crook in his stories.

MFR: There’s also a bit of a historical connection to the whole Gangs of New York period in history. Have you always been interested in this part of America’s past?

Duggan: I have. I’ve read GODS OF GOTHAM, THE ALIENIST, and Chris Elliot’s THE SHROUD OF THE THWACKER. I think that’s all I need to know. How he got, that name will be revealed in our second arc. It’s one of John’s ideas.

MFR: Did you have to do much research into this period of history?

Duggan: Well, it’s a contemporary story, with flashbacks to 90s Boston which I lived through if only just barely, so I’m really revved to write this.

MFR: The dichotomy between Rabbit and Martin is pretty different. You introduce Rabbit as a sleek bad-ass criminal, but when we meet him as Martin, he literally has a hand up his ass dealing with a very real and relatable situation: hemorrhoids. Was this introduction always going to be the way to reveal the man beneath the mask? Why did you choose to humanize him in such a unique way?

Duggan: Character introductions are so important. Dobbs’ entrance is definitely a statement on the current state of the human condition, but when Dobbs puts on that mask, he’s free of mere mortal concerns like hemorrhoids. There’s no justice that you don’t reach out and grab. John’s really done such a great job with the visual storytelling. We have a lot of corpses in this book, but the remains of the middle class are being picked clean throughout. If that’s not your thing, we have a fight scene with a full uncorked tank of laughing gas. Good times will be had, even when the times are bad.

MFR: What’s it like working with the legendary John McCrea?

Duggan: I’ve been so lucky in collaborators for so long, but this feels like I’m one of those assholes you hear about that manages to keep winning the lottery. I’m so thrilled that I could coerce John into this partnership. Look at the pages that he and Mike are creating — they’re putting on a clinic. Co-creating with John has been a dream.

MFR: What made you choose John for Dead Rabbit?

Duggan: I think Dead Rabbit chose John and I to be honest.

MFR: And what made Image Comics the perfect home for this book?

Duggan: Image was the first place to publish me, and they did that twice before anyone else wanted to roll the dice me. I’m proud to publish my creator-owned comics at Image. The whole Image team makes us look great. I’m very grateful. I have more Image creator-owned collaborations on the way in 2019.

MFR: John, What’s the process with Gerry like? What kind of scripts do you get?

McCrea: Full script, but I have had a wee bit of input to the story, especially when we were still figuring the character out…aside from a gritty noir thriller, there is a strong love story at its core. Martin and Meghan are such grounded and enjoyable characters; it gives the drama so much more gravitas.

MFR: Gerry how much of Rabbit’s world and story do you have planned out?

Duggan: A couple of years worth of comics. We can always pull the cord for our exit whenever we need to, but we have a compelling story to tell, and lovely characters to introduce.

MFR: Can you tease anything to get us stoked?

Duggan: John McCrea and Mike Spicer make gorgeous, horrific and hilarious comic art. We have a lot of fun stories planned for the next few years.

MFR: What do you guys want comic readers to get from Dead Rabbit?

McCrea: A fully rounded comic experience, to be immersed in story and art and to fall in love with the characters.

Duggan: They get to come along on a ride that I want to experience myself. We are just trying to make the comic that wasn’t on stands that we wanted to add to our pull lists. We appreciate everyone that gives us a shot this October. And much thanks to Will Dennis for the edits and Joe Sabino for the letters!

Dead Rabbit #1 hits your local comic book store on October 5.

What did you think of the conversation with Duggan and McCrea, are you going to add Dead Rabbit to your pull list? Comment below with your thoughts.

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Review: GUNDAM BUILD DIVERS: Episode 24

Anthony Wendel

An acquaintance stated “Gundam Build Divers is to Gundam Build Fighters” as “Beast Machines is to Beast Wars.” Thought the sequel series pale in comparison to their origin, episodes like this help to showcase just how much punch Gundam Build Divers has to offer.

Summary

Time is running out as the battle between Riku and the Champion ensues. Can Riku make up for the different in experience?

Review

SPOILER ALERT

The Game Master goes full evil villain in this episode. Despite the defense of “he’s doing his job” he comes across as malicious. As the battle rages on he makes it a point to show Sarah how poorly her friends are doing. Seems like he is intentionally rubbing salt into her wounds.

The battle between Riku and Kyoya is the highlight of the episode. Both characters push themselves to the limit and it results in some incredible giant robot combat to unfold. The arrival of some additional combatants to the fight also adds to the intensity and helps to make the episode even more enjoyable.

Well, all’s well and the series can just come to a nice and simple…WHAT? A final boss out of nowhere? What is this the latest Final Fantasy game? Alright, as this mysterious and menacing machine isn’t brought until the last few seconds of this episode, it will not affect its score. Still, there better be at least some kind of explanation why this giant behemoth is needed to end the series. Hopefully it doesn’t turn out to be a thinly veiled reason for all the former enemies to show they love Sarah and they are sorry for trying to kill her. The series can’t afford to lose any valuable points on a last episode by having such a flimsy final plot point.

Gundam Build Divers is Streaming on The GundamInfo YouTube Channel.

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RETURN OF WOLVERINE #1: He’s Back, Bub!

Brandon J. Griffin

Our favorite adamantium-bonded mutant is finally back, and in spectacular fashion. Return Of Wolverine #1 explodes and satisfies, completely drenched in blood.

SPOILERS LIE AHEAD

Whether you’ve been keeping up with all those Hunt For Wolverine tie-ins or not, the time has come to celebrate the return of the Logan we all grew up with. The James Howlett we all emulate every time we stick pens or knives in between our knuckles. The man with no-doubt the longest Marvel Wiki page. His glorious return to comic books makes the Marvel landscape that much more exciting.

We’ve been waiting for this since 2014’s Death Of Wolverine. We’ve seen a few flashes of him throughout the Marvel line of comics since Marvel Legacy #1, but those only increased anticipation of this official reintroduction to our lives.

Writer Charles Soule knew he had to craft a story that did more than just threw Wolverine back into action–and he did just that. Return Of Wolverine #1 is massive love letter to one of the most cherished characters in all of comics. It’s also a brutal and gruesome rebirth of a hero that’s just been off the board for too long.

Mysteries are something that Charles Soule is very good at crafting and unraveling. Readers will be right there along with Wolverine as he tries to navigate and piece together his surroundings and just what hell is going on.

Who are these scientists suffering around every corner? Who is this villainous devil, Persephone? Who are we supposed to trust and how does Logan fit into it all? Is that Omega Red?! There’s plenty of questions being asked and knowing that Soule is behind the wheel means the answers will most likely be satisfying ones.

Having Logan slowly piece together who is through that gigantic prison of characters is a brilliant device. We see the savage animal, the blue & yellow hero and Patch among some of Logan’s supporting cast members. This historical “personality prison” will revisit the long history we love to celebrate while reminding us who the hero before us really is.

The story Ana tells us about why Wolverine wears his classic yellow & blue colors was an effective flex of inspiration (even if he follows that up by debuting a different look). Wolverine is always down on himself for being a murderer. His reputation as a legendary hero has always been through the eyes of others.

Return Of Wolverine #1’s biggest hits come from the phenomenal art team. It’s great to have Wolverine back, but the way he’s depicted here is what blows the doors off of the hype-bus.

This issue gives Wolverine a rebirth and baptism in blood–in the best way possible. Colorist Laura Martin makes every panel, oozing with blood and pain, into a striking display of carnage. Logan has really been through some shit, and he’s wearing it all over his body. Martin keeps the visuals from going overboard while making each page pop.

Steve McNiven and inker Jay Leisten are the MVPs of this issue. It’s not just that we get a great looking Wolverine, but we get the best Wolverine possible. He’s a bloody, shaggy, hairy mess. He’s not a handsome or slick stud superhero, he’s a rugged animal that wears his experience all over his body.

Logan’s attitude, posture, and demeanor are striking. He looks like a culmination of all the best Wolverine comics of the 90s. The visuals on display here exceed expectations and elevate a solid script into a comic you’re going to want to reread immediately.

Letterer Joe Sabino puts forth a notable effort. Great lettering is that which you barely notice. Sabino’s letters in Return Of Wolverine #1 are almost impossible not to notice, they evolve along with the story as things start to unfold.

The new costume may not be the most satisfying reveal after an ode to his classic costume, but it’s nowhere near his worst look. We don’t need to get into Wolverine’s new “hot claws” ability yet, we only see it for a single shot.

Marvel has been on fire with bringing back their long dead characters of note. This wave of resurrections has been monumental in Marvel clawing their way back to domination of comic book shelves.

Return Of Wolverine #1 fires on all cylinders. This is exactly what we’ve been waiting for and more. Steve McNiven puts on a spectacular show while Charles Soule begins taking us on a blood-covered mystery. This epic return of our favorite mutant is stupendous in every possible way.

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Review: ‘NEXT GEN’ Is A Beautifully Animated Movie And Well Told Story

Kieran McLean

September 18, 2018

In the latest episode of Kieran’s Movie Space, Kieran delivers his spoiler-free review of Netflix’s first major animated movie, Next Gen. Is this a movie that both kids and adults will enjoy? Does the animation quality compete with other studios like Pixar and DreamWorks? Listen to my review and find out!

More – Review: ‘BLACKkKLANSMAN’ Is A Powerful, Funny And Remarkably Relevant Story

If you like what you hear, it would be awesome if you hit the like/subscribe buttons and drop a comment in the appropriate section.

Listen to the review below:

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vUZRhMW7Gvs[/embedyt]

What Is Next Gen?

When lonely Mai forms an unlikely bond with a top-secret robot, they embark on an intense, action-packed adventure to foil the plot of a vicious villain.

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.

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‘CAPTAIN MARVEL’ Trailer Review: Will This Be Another Hit For Marvel?

Kieran McLean

September 18, 2018

In the latest episode of Kieran’s Movie Space, Kieran discusses and reviews the highly-anticipated first trailer for Captain Marvel, which promises to be another fun adventure in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

If you like what you hear, it would be awesome if you hit the like/subscribe buttons and drop a comment in the appropriate section.

More – Review: ‘BLACKkKLANSMAN’ Is A Powerful, Funny And Remarkably Relevant Story

Listen to the review below:

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wEVY4ADVppM[/embedyt]

What Is Captain Marvel?

The story follows Carol Danvers as she becomes one of the universe’s most powerful heroes when Earth is caught in the middle of a galactic war between two alien races. Set in the 1990s, Captain Marvel is an all-new adventure from a previously unseen period in the history of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Directed by Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck, Captain Marvel stars Brie Larson (Carol Danvers), Jude Law (Mar-Vell), Gemma Chan (Doctor Minerva), Samuel L. Jackson (Nick Fury), Ben Mendelsohn, Clark Gregg (Phil Coulson), Lee Pace (Ronan) and Djimon Hounsou (Korath the Pursuer).

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The Story

The Art

Final Verdict

Summary

Review

***SPOILERS LIE AHEAD***

What Is Next Gen?

SPOILERS LIE AHEAD