Disney dropped the trailer for Mary Poppins Returns Monday morning with new adventures on Cherry Tree Lane as the practically perfect nanny returns.
About the film: In Disney’s “Mary Poppins Returns,” an all-new original musical and sequel, Mary Poppins is back to help the next generation of the Banks family find the joy and wonder missing in their lives following a personal loss. Emily Blunt stars as the practically-perfect nanny with unique magical skills who can turn any ordinary task into an unforgettable, fantastic adventure and Lin-Manuel Miranda plays her friend Jack, an optimistic street lamplighter who helps bring light—and life—to the streets of London.
The film is directed by Rob Marshall from a screenplay by David Magee and the screen story is by Magee & Rob Marshall & John DeLuca based upon the Mary Poppins Stories by PL Travers. The music score is by Marc Shaiman and the film features all new original songs with music by Shaiman and lyrics by Scott Wittman and Shaiman.
Mary Poppins Returns also stars Ben Whishaw as Michael Banks; Emily Mortimer as Jane Banks; Julie Walters as the Banks’ housekeeper Ellen; Pixie Davies, Nathanael Saleh and introducing Joel Dawson as the Banks’ children, with Colin Firth as Fidelity Fiduciary Bank’s William Weatherall Wilkins; and Meryl Streep as Mary’s eccentric cousin, Topsy. Angela Lansbury appears as the Balloon Lady, a treasured character from the PL Travers books and Dick Van Dyke is Mr. Dawes, Jr., the retired chairman of the bank now run by Firth’s character.
Marvel Comics has released a second printing of Iron Fist Epic Collection Volume 1, “The Fury of Iron Fist”, chronicling the kung fu superhero’s earliest tales.
The book collects Marvel Premiere #15-25, Iron Fist #1-15, and Marvel Team-Up #63-64. It’s written by Chris Claremont, Roy Thomas, Len Wein, Doug Moench, and Tony Isabella, and pencilled by John Byrne, Larry Hama, Gil Kane, Arvell Jones, and Pat Broderick. The great inkers, colorists, and letterers are too many to name, unfortunately, in a collection spanning over three years and three series.
You get a ton of iconic Iron Fist moments packed into this $40 book. There’s the origin of Iron Fist, the search for Colleen Wing, and the first appearance of Sabertooth, plus meetings, team-ups, and even battles with the likes of Misty Knight, Iron Man, and Captain America. Any fan of the Netflix series that wants to know more about Danny Rand needs to pick up his first Epic Collection.
Of course, with so many different writers and artists, there are many different styles present here. But you get to see the evolution of Iron Fist comics in their early days, which is amazing, and part of what makes these Marvel Epic Collections so great. Regardless, as a whole, Iron Fist continually delivers kick-ass kung fu action throughout.
The earliest stories in Marvel Premiere put you right in Danny Rand’s brain. The narration isn’t “Iron Fist did this.” It’s “You are the Iron Fist,” and “you leap out of harm’s way and deliver a powerful kick.” This style of narration intensifies the action, and gives you a personal stake in the comic. It’s an interesting technique that you don’t see much of.
As the series evolves, it loses this narration, but the intensity stays.
Each creator brings something special to this collection, but once Claremont and Byrne take over full time, it’s a whole new level. It becomes the Iron Fist that fans have come to know and love. It also gets a bit more trippy and more experimental. This was the 70s, after all. So, in a way, you’re not only seeing the evolution of Fist comics, but the evolution of comics as a whole.
If you like kung fu comics, superhero comics, 70s comics, or all of the above, definitely check out Marvel’s “Fury of Iron Fist” Epic Collection. You’ll get action, heart, great character moments, and much more. It’s perfect for old fans, or newbies looking for an entry point.
We have our first look at actor Joaquin Phoenix’s take on the Clown Prince of Crime in The Joker, courtesy of director Todd Phillips.
Phoenix appears as The Joker’s alter-ego Arthur Fleck in the upcoming origin film for Batman’s greatest nemesis. The image, shared from Phillips’s Instagram, shows Arthur before he donned his nefarious title:
Of course, the shot of Phoenix isn’t all we got today. Along with the image came a video taken from the set.
In it, we see Fleck, apparently losing his grip on sanity by this point, interacting with a man dressed in a clown suit. The clip has no audio, but the mannerisms offer a clue into what we can expect from Phoenix’s performance:
A new set video from Todd Philips’ ‘JOKER’ starring Joaquin Phoenix has been officially released. (Source: @DailyMail) pic.twitter.com/l6sx7ZvHof
The movie is a standalone story existing outside the established DC Extended Universe of films. It is meant to be something of a character study into the Joker himself à la Alan Moore’s 1988 graphic novel The Killing Joke.
The film draws quite a bit on the book according to information we have so far. Fleck appears as a failed comedian pushed over the edge, mirroring Joker’s origin in the book. However, we’ve yet to learn just how much of Moore’s infamously-dark story will make the transition into this new film.
Martin Scorsese, who notched producer credits for films including Goodfellas and The Wolf of Wall Street, will produce. The film is due in theaters in October 2019.
What do you think of Joaquin Phoenix’s take on the classic character? Are you looking forward to the new movie, or do you think it will be a let-down? Leave your comment below and join the conversation.
Marvel has released a Strange Tales Complete Collection, chronicling the Silver Age exploits of the Human Torch and Thing.
After the popularity of the Fantastic Four magazine, Stan Lee and Jack Kirby spun off the Torch and gave him his own series within Strange Tales. Later on, the Thing was added to the mix and it became a duo title. This Complete Collection includes issues 101-134 of Strange Tales, and its Annual #2.
There are a TON of credits for this book, but the majority of it was written by Stan Lee or his brother Larry Lieber, and drawn by Jack Kirby or Dick Ayers.
Now, what can be said about Silver Age Marvel comics that hasn’t already been said, especially regarding Lee and Kirby? You know what you’re in for. The stories are bright, fun, and engaging. The action is big and exciting. You know this. You probably grew up reading this, regardless of when you were born.
What makes this collection especially appealing is that it’s full of (pardon me while I borrow a term from my marketing background) snackable content. Each story is a one-and-done, and they’re all only about 13 pages, give or take. You can dip in and enjoy some Silver Age fun with little commitment.
The stories feature guest appearances from Spider-Man, Captain America, Iceman, the Sub-Mariner, and more! Even the Beatles show up in one issue. Yes, THOSE Beatles. But perhaps the most notable moment from this collection is the debut appearance of the dreaded villain Paste-Pot Pete.
Strange Tales is also a refreshing change of pace from modern day Fantastic Four comics just because the circumstances were different. Reed and Sue weren’t married yet; Sue and Johnny were still living on Long Island. Johnny still had a time limit on his flame powers, and he had a secret identity to protect. This is a long way from the fame-loving, hotshot Human Torch fans have known for so long. It’s like Strange Tales is a time capsule that shows us an age long forgotten.
If you like the Silver Age of comics, and especially Silver Age Marvel, pick up the Strange Tales Complete Collection now. It’s well worth the price of admission and you’ll have a ton of light, fun, short stories that you can just pick up and read anytime you want. Leave it in the bathroom if you want; we don’t judge.
Black Hammer: Age of Doom #5 is out this Wednesday, and it gives fans everything they’ve been wanting from the series.
The story is written by Jeff Lemire, with art by Dean Ormston, colors by Dave Stewart, and letters by Todd Klein. Daniel Chabon is the series editor.
If you thought Lemire was going to mess with you and leave you hanging after last month’s big twist, you’ll be happy to know he doesn’t. Issue five fills in all the gaps and explains everything in a satisfying way.
This is an exposition heavy chapter. There’s a lot of talking and little action. But, then again, that’s been the series as a whole so far. It’s more about the relationships and emotions of the characters than about action. That’s what sets this series apart from everything else on the shelves. Of course there’s also the intrigue and mystery, and when the action does hit, it’s well worth the wait. Black Hammer redefines what superhero comics can be.
Because of that, though, it’s on Ormston, Stewart, and Klein to set the right tone and deliver that emotional impact. As always, the trio delivers. Tensions are high in this issue; you can see that in the characters’ faces without having to read a word. And when that tension breaks, you see that too.
Golden Gail has broken away from the pack and is now the hands down best character in this cast. She’s always the loudest voice and the first one to take action. She delivers the catharsis for the reader. Hopefully, with all the brilliant spin-off series we’re getting from this universe, we’ll see something centered on Gail.
Black Hammer: Age of Doom #5 does not feel like an exposition issue. It’s nicely paced, thanks to the art and lettering, so the info dump doesn’t feel laborious. And although it answers most of the questions that have been driving the series, it also opens up a whole new can of worms that’ll keep you coming back for more.
After many weeks without any human on Titan action, Attack On Titan finally returns to its roots and delivers what many have been voicing as the main element which has been missing during this season. How does it compare to previous fights in the series?
Summary
As the Rod Reiss Titan draws near, the scouts launch one desperate attack to protect the citizens.
SPOILER ALERT
Review
Once again Eren and Historia steal the show. Historia doesn’t get as much screentime but she does help to showcase the strength she has garnished over the course of this season. She also displays why she is going a great Queen as she understands how the citizens think and know they won’t simple accept someone who just says “I’m royalty. Worship me.” Instead she finds a way, through actions to demonstrates to the common people how far she is willing to go to protect them.
Eren’s character moment is less as enpowering as Historia’s. Sure by the end of it he is able to get himself psyched up for battle and get his head in the game but he achieves this by diving into a large amount of self-pity and punching himself in the face repeatedly. Oh well could be worse. There are some anime characters who have gone entire seasons before shrug off what he was dealing with.
The actual fight against the Titan doesn’t go on long but it does deliever some very impressive action moments. Thanks to well timed and delicate planning, the scouts are able to execute the manuvuer with as little casualties as possible. Not the most nail biting fight ever but it has some great visuals and a very distrubing looking Titan which will be sure to reseonate with many on first glance. All in all another great episode for the season.
Marvel has finally put out a “Planet of the Symbiotes” collection after 23 years, and it’s essential reading before you see the Venom movie.
When Eddie Brock decides to separate from his “other”, the symbiote lets out a shriek that draws the rest of his species to Earth. Spider-Man and the Scarlet Spider (this was 1995, after all, in the midst of the “Clone Saga”) must team up with Venom to stop the invasion and defeat their would-be conquerors before it’s too late.
Director Ruben Fleischer has stated that “Planet of the Symbiotes” is one of two storylines that serve as the primary inspiration for the Venom movie (“Lethal Protector” being the other). Though, after reading it, it’s safe to assume that the inspiration will be derived from Venom’s inner conflict and not the full-scale alien invasion plot.
Credits
The collection includes all five parts of the story from Amazing Spider-Man Super Special, Spider-Man Super Special, Venom Super Special, Spectacular Spider-Man Super Special, and Web of Spider-Man Super Special. It’s all written by David Michelinie, and illustrated by Dave Hoover, Joe St. Pierre, Kyle Hotz, Darick Robertson, and Steve Lightle, respectively.
Inks are by Ralph Cabrera, Greg Adams, Armando Gil, Arne Starr, and Steve Lightle. Colors are by Tom Smith and Marianne Lightle, and letters are by Bill Oakley/NJQ.
Ralph Macchio wrote the introduction for the collection.
Story
At first glance, “Planet of the Symbiotes” might look like a cheesy, dated, over-the-top 90s comic. And it totally, 100% is. But guess what? It’s also fun as hell.
In his introduction, Macchio states, “[Venom’s] presence seems to give license to both the writer and artist to go nuts and test the boundaries of the medium.” It’s true. This story goes crazy places, and while it may seem silly by today’s standards, there’s a goodness to it that shows why Venom has stood the test of time and not disappeared like so many 90s characters. It’s of course aided by the presence of Spider-Man and the Scarlet Spider, whose natural charismas both go a long way.
But at the core of this story is the conflict within Venom. Eddie Brock separates from his symbiote because he’s not sure who’s in control anymore, and it scares him. He thought they were partners, but he begins to question whether his violent means are a mutual decision or by his “other’s” persuasion. This turmoil fleshes out Venom and makes him more than just cool to look at. This is the part of the story that’s being lifted for the movie.
So yes, it’s cheesy and some of the references are dated (“Does Clinton like cheeseburgers?”), but “Planet of the Symbiotes” is also a lot of fun and full of great character-defining moments for everyone from Venom to Mary Jane.
Art
This five part story is drawn by five different pencil artists, and some of it works, while some of it doesn’t. Ultimately, like with most art, it comes down to personal preference. I, for instance, liked Steve Lightle’s work best. It had a creepy, strange, horror story vibe to it, and that’s what I gravitate towards. Other parts had a more action story vibe, and that might work better for you.
And speaking of horror vibes, Kyle Hotz seemed to be channeling his inner H.R. Giger for his chapter. As seen in the image above, Hotz’s work is clearly inspired by Giger’s design for Alien. It’s fitting for the story. Making the symbiotes resemble Xenomorphs just makes them more terrifying antagonists.
With all that being said, even though each chapter has its own style, it’s never jarring. Each style manages to flow well into the next. It definitely looks like a 90s comic, and anyone who’s ever read a 90s comic knows what that means. The only issue of note is that faces can be a bit wonky at times. And that’s not directed at any one artist; it happens in a few places.
But Venom always looks awesome. Each artist has fun with the character in his own way, but it always works. Always.
Bottom Line
“Planet of the Symbiotes” reminded me why I loved Venom so much as a kid. It’s a light, fun story that’s quick to get through, but has enough depth to make Venom a more interesting character. It’s surprising that Marvel took this long to collect a story from 1995, but definitely check it out before seeing Venom.
Venom: Planet of the Symbiotes is in stores now. Venom the movie hits US theaters October 5th, 2018.
BREAKING DOWN STAR WARS NEWS FROM WEEK 2, September 2018. BECAUSE IN A GALAXY FAR, FAR, AWAY — THERE’S NEVER A DULL MOMENT.
Week 2 of Star Wars news popped of the backburner with Kevin Smith going viral regarding his theory connecting Ahsoka to Rey in Episode IX while Solo: A Star Wars Story released digitally. In addition, we got interviews with Timothy Zahn, Delilah Dawson, Rey Parks, and — wow, another Star Wars Resistance trailer.
Image via Disney Channel and Lucasfilm
Kevin Smith Breaks The Internet
Image via Kevin Smith Twitter, Disney Channel, and Lucasfilm
Doing what he does best, Kevin Smith explored a theory regarding Rey’s lineage in Episode IX. And he did it by including Ahsoka Tano. While many feel his theory is due to one too many smoke sessions, we can’t argue the intrigue surrounding his theory.
Not to be outdone by Kevin Smith, Hamill was also up to his usual antics this week. Possibly dropping the beginnings of the Episode IX title, he teases fans with one word.
Is Hamill being serious, or is he just having fun? Some feel this is the real title while others claim Hamill is trolling.
Spoiler alert: "The purpose of these tweets is to make you think I'm revealing the title of Episode 9 when in reality I'm just trolling all of you!" pic.twitter.com/TNjm14TdIr
“The Purpose” Behind the Force, “The Purpose” of Skywalker — and our favorite, “The Purpose” of Galatic War.
Whatever Mark is up to, there’s still more to come. Let us know in the comments your theories!
Deleted Solo Scenes And Rey Parks Interview
Always in the forefront of Star Wars news, the Star Wars Show included a great interview with Rey Parks. Famously known for playing Darth Maul in The Phantom Menace, Parks talks about returning to the iconic role in Solo.
Solo: A Star Wars Story released digitally this week, and fans were treated to several deleted scenes. And if those weren’t enough to get you hyped, Lucasfilm via Starwars.com went behind-the-scenes with the droids and puppets from Solo. Sadly, Therm Scissorpunch was not included.
New Star Wars Resistance Trailer
Image via Disney Channel and Lucasfilm
For the animated fans, a new Star Wars Resistance trailer dropped featuring pilots on the Colossus called The Aces. Opinions are divided on the series, with most showing only a casual interest. This also happened when Star Wars Rebels season 1 first aired and look how that series turned out.
The animated series, airing on the Disney Channel in October, features a host of new characters, ships, and a few returning favorites. While our “Cardinal theory” is squashed (still bummed out about it), a new one surfaced regarding a cameo appearance by Kylo Ren. An Upsilon-class command shuttle, Ren’s personal shuttle, made a quick appearance in the trailer. Considering his ship is a one-of-a-kind, Kylo making an appearance is certainly intriguing.
Overall, we’re excited about the series and will be covering it with up-to-date reviews when it airs October 7th.
More Star Wars News From The Week
Timothy Zahn And Delilah Dawson Interviews
Timothy Zahn took time at Dragon Con to sit down with Alex Damon from Star Wars Explained. In the interview, Zahn talks about Thrawn and what he and Ezra might be up to.
Alex also sat down with Delilah Dawson to talk Phasma and possible future characters to come. In addition, Starwars.com interviewed Zahn regarding his book Thrawn: Alliances.
Holiday Star Wars Funko Pop Figures
Image via comicbook.com
It wouldn’t be the holiday season without Star Wars. Thanks to Comicbook.com, fans got a sneak peek at the new holiday Star Wars Funko Pop lineup. Chewie is by far our favorite of the bunch. Yoda, however, looks like he partook in the Kevin Smith smoke session — taking a close second in our rankings.
Solo: A Star Wars Story Concept Art
Han and Chewie escaping Stormtroopers.
Image via Starwars.com, Disney, and Lucasfilm
Solo and Chewbacca meeting Enfys Nest
Image via Starwars.com, Disney, and Lucasfilm
Han Solo performing daring moves in his speeder with Qi’ra.
Image via Starwars.com, Disney, and Lucasfilm
Sitting down for a good old game of Sabacc.
Image via Starwars.com, Disney, and Lucasfilm
Lando Calrissian taking aim.
Image via Starwars.com, Disney, and Lucasfilm
Stay current on all Star Wars news related items with The Weekly Spiel, and throughout the week here on Monkeys Fighting Robots. Let us know in the comments what Star Wars news excited you the most this week. And what might have let you down? Until next time, “May the Force be with you, always.”
Warner Bros. in honor of Batman Day released the first look at Caped Crusader sidekicks Dick Grayson and Jason Todd in action on TITANS, via DC Daily.
“What I really love about [Jason] as a character is the unbridled sense of self that he has – there’s a lack of… maybe self-awareness, but for sure self-consciousness in terms of how he comports himself and how he moves through the world. He’s completely seemingly unaffected by darkness – he kind of embraces it or walks right through it. He’s a breath of fresh air and that’s what I love about him, he’s got a punk rock, no-holds-barred attitude that’s massively unburdened. There’s a lot of energy that comes with that,” said Walker via IGN.
TITANS is the first original series for the DC UNIVERSE platform and will be available on October 12. The first season will be 13 episodes.
About the series: TITANS follows young heroes from across the DC Universe as they come of age and find belonging in a gritty take on the classic Teen Titans franchise. Dick Grayson and Rachel Roth, a special young girl possessed by a strange darkness, get embroiled in a conspiracy that could bring Hell on Earth. Joining them along the way are the hot-headed Starfire and loveable Beast Boy. Together they become a surrogate family and team of heroes.
TITANS Cast:
Brenton Thwaites – Dick Grayson
Curran Walters – Jason Todd
Teagan Croft – Raven
Anna Diop – Koriand’r (Starfire)
Lindsey Gort – Amy Rohrbach
Minka Kelly – Dawn Granger
Ryan Potter – Beast Boy
Alan Ritchson – Hank Hall
Bruno Bichir – Chief
April Bowlby – Elasti-Girl
Jake Michaels – Cliff Steele
Dwain Murphy – Negative Man
About DC Daily: DC Daily is a five-days-a-week webseries offering an unprecedented look inside the world of DC. Featuring a team of hosts and regular first looks and exclusives, each episode offers news, discussions, announcements, and interviews.
What do you think of the TITANS footage? Comment below with your thoughts.
Warner Bros. held a press conference at the Toronto International Film Festival with the cast of A Star is Born, and Lady Gaga explained Bradley Cooper’s filmmaking process as this will be his directorial debut.
About the film: In this new take on the tragic love story, Cooper plays seasoned musician Jackson Maine, who discovers—and falls in love with—struggling artist Ally (Gaga). She has just about given up on her dream to make it big as a singer until Jack coaxes her into the spotlight. But even as Ally’s career takes off, the personal side of their relationship is breaking down, as Jack fights an ongoing battle with his own internal demons.
A Star is Born stars Bradley Cooper, Lady Gaga, Andrew Dice Clay, Dave Chappelle, and Sam Elliott. Cooper worked on the screenplay with Eric Rooth and Will Fetters.
All the original music performed by Gaga is the film was recorded live. Gaga wrote the songs with Cooper and a handful of artists, including Lukas Nelson, Jason Isbell, and Mark Ronson.
