Facts About DARTH MAUL In SOLO Blu-Ray And Digital Release

September 10, 2018

A loud gasp echoed through the movie theater upon the shocking reveal of Darth Maul in Solo: A Star Wars Story, followed by a few elated yelps of excitement too. For casual or “movie only fans”, the news came as a surprise. Star Wars: The Clone Wars fandom instantly rejoiced, however, knowing the full potential of the Sith apprentice’s return. Likewise, his path towards becoming a Sith Lord.

Spoilers Ahead for Solo: A Star Wars Story, Clone Wars, and Rebels. You have been warned!

Thanks to the folks over at IGN, Star Wars and Darth Maul fans have a sneak peek clip before the release of Solo via digital and Blu-ray. In the scene, Qi’ra (Emilia Clarke) reports to Maul following the termination of Tobias Beckett (Woody Harrelson).

Darth Maul’s New Legs

Mother Talzin, introduced in the Clone Wars, sends Savage Opress on a mission to find his brother Darth Maul. Episodes 21 and 22, “Brothers” and “Revenge,” follow Opress’s journey while explaining where Maul has been since the events of The Phantom Menace.

**Darth Maul Star Wars: The Clone Wars episodes to watch before its return**

After being sliced in half by Obi-Wan Kenobi (Ewan McGregor) Darth Maul ended up on the planet Lotho Minor (junk world). He reconstructed a cyber lower half, resembling a spider, and over the years began to lose grip on his sanity. By the time Savage Opress finds Darth Maul, his mental state is on the brink of extinction. Reminded of his revenge towards Obi-Wan, Maul returns to the Nightsisters, where Mother Talzin fits him with a pair of appropriate metal legs.

Leader Of Criminal Underworld

No longer concerned with the agenda of Darth Sidious, Maul’s former master, he begins to infiltrate the criminal underworld seeking to draw out Obi-Wan and extract his revenge.

Darth Maul takes in Savage Opress as an apprentice, dubbing himself a Sith Lord. Together, they eventually take over the Mandalorian criminal rebel group known as Death Watch. After these events, Darth Maul needed to redeem his reputation, which is why we see him as the leader of the Crimson Dawn crime syndicate in Solo.

Darth Maul’s Double-Bladed Lightsaber

Darth Maul's new double-bladed lightsaber in Solo — Image via Forbes

Some Star Wars fans might assume Darth Maul’s lightsaber shown in Solo is the same from The Phantom Menace. However, they’d be wrong. The original double-bladed lightsaber was destroyed by Obi-Wan Kenobi, which led to Maul constructing a new lightsaber for himself.

Based on the designs used by Emperor Palpatine and his Inquisitors (Sith hunting Jedi) Maul creates a more powerful rendition. Sam Witwer, the voice of Darth Maul, explains Maul’s lightsabers in a recent interview with the Star Wars Show. Saving producers from making this fatal continuity error, Witwer suggested they use the Inquisitor’s lightsaber or the Dark Saber blade in Solo. Darth Maul acquired the Mandalorian Dark Saber blade in Star Wars: The Clone Wars.

Darth Maul In Future Star Wars Mediums

Darth Maul battles Obi-Wan in Star Wars Rebels Twin Sun Episode — Image via Disney Studio’s and Amazon

The return of Darth Maul to the big screen in Solo: A Star Wars Story embarks on a revival of his character in the franchise. The future of additional Solo movies is currently on the Lucasfilm backburner. But with Disney’s streaming service releasing in late 2019, fans will likely get a lot more Maul in Clone Wars and other possible mediums.

Star Wars Rebels animated series explored much of Darth Maul’s later story arcs. Fleshing out his obsession with Obi-Wan, Maul uses Ezra Bridger to locate Kenobi on the planet Tatooine. The confrontation would be his third and final battle with the Jedi Master.

Are you excited for Darth Maul’s return in future Star Wars stories? Let us know in the comments and be sure to check out Star Wars News Weekly Spiel for all up-to-date information here on Monkeys Fighting Robots.

Solo: A Star Wars Stories releases on Blu-ray September 25^th. Digitally the movie is available for purchase on September 14^th.

Star Wars Resistance airs October 7^th on the Disney Channel. And Star Wars: The Clone Wars returns in late 2019 via Disney’s streaming service.

SOLO Bonus Trailer

Experience the adventures of Han Solo and Chewbacca like never before with exclusive bonus footage, deleted scenes, and more. Watch SOLO: A Star Wars Story instantly: http://bit.ly/SOLOMovie

Posted by Star Wars Movies on Tuesday, September 4, 2018

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Advance Review: FRIENDO #1

Gary Moloney

The world today is much stranger than our forebearers could have ever foreseen. The dangers associated with late capitalism and consumerism culture have been a discussion point for decades, but seemed to fade into the background when convenience was dangled in front of us. Somewhere along the way, we decided to embrace that future rather than reject it. We took the “I’d buy that for a dollar” mentality that had been so thoroughly lampooned and turned it into a hashtag. We decided that greed was good after all. With Friendo, the team of Alex Paknadel (writer), Martin Simmonds (artist), Dee Cunnife (colorist), and Taylor Esposito (letterer) takes our obsession with social media and the material to its logical, frightening conclusion. The result is one of the most thought-provoking comics of the year.

Friendo is the story of Leo, a struggling actor just trying to make his way in a world where corporations have as much influence and power as states. When his girlfriend Rachel gifts him the latest craze in VR headwear, Leo is overjoyed, only to be immediately hit with a paywall. Fear not, however, the titular Friendo app comes with a freemium plan. Say hello to Jerry: the ghost in the machine, Leo’s personalised AI. He’s a search-engine, GPS, and personal shopper all-in-one. He’s also the worst possible influence. Leo may have gotten more than he bargained for.

The society of Friendo is one not too far removed from our own, consumed by the desire to have the latest thing, keep up-to-date, and be on trend. Technology is new frontier. Everything is driven by algorithms and our willingness to turn personal information into a commodity. In this way, the book is quite Lynchian in its sensibilities. There is an uneasiness to the whole affair, from the political landscape to the state of the environment, nothing is as it should be. This is a world that seems eerily resigned to itself. Paknadel isn’t afraid to ask his readers to engage with some important themes and ponder upon their own habits. It’s his willingness to let the reader be uncomfortable that really makes Friendo stand out.

A book has to be more than just its premise if it is to keep our interest. Friendo comes packaged with some rather intriguing characters. Leo himself is shallow, obsessed with his own self-worth. He lusts for luxury because it is something that has eluded him his whole life. Leo’s inability to judge himself in anything other than monetary terms manifests as a willingness to put himself in harm’s way. While his backstory makes this compulsion understandable, it makes him no less likable. Yet, in spite of it all, there is something morbidly fascinating about Leo that’ll bring you back for more. No wonder he finds himself drawn to Jerry. As a marketing AI, he is less the devil on your shoulder and more the devil in your smartphone. Jerry represents the insidious nature of consumerism and an almost palatable kind of sleaziness. It dresses well, it seduces you with its words, but only cares about you so long as you continue to play its game. The dichotomy between the two presents some interesting scope for exploration, particularly given the unexpected turns the story takes throughout the issue.

The artwork in Friendo is compelling in its viciousness. Simmonds, as he proved previously in Punks Not Dead, lends a weightiness to his characters that gives a viscerality to the events of the issue. His artwork excels at depicting the ugliness of a world that bathes itself in a gloss just so that it can look at itself in the mirror. Yet, equally, Simmonds succeeds in capturing the sterility of a life devoid of meaning other than the material. It’s a testament to his skill as an artist that the emotional content of the issue appears effortless.

Cunniffe’s colours are quite simply hypnotic. The use of rusted oranges in Friendo depicts night-time Los Angeles as a city that’s almost being corroded by its inhabitants. What’s most impressive, however, is that each scene is given a distinct flavour that skilfully brings us on a tour of LA. The tonal shifts and choice in colours speak to the inescapable fact that a single city can wear many faces at once. Fitting given the book’s attitude towards targeted advertising, serving up the version of reality most suited to the individual. Esposito’s lettering style is well-tailored to the choices of his collaborators eschewing thick balloon and caption borders for a more seamless merging of art and letters. Everything is just so and doesn’t stray into the extravagant. There is, however, one particular instance late in the issue where Esposito executes an incredibly clever obscuring effect which will leave you grinning.

With its cutting critique of technology and consumerism culture, Friendo invokes the spirit of the original Robocop to great effect. Where it truly succeeds, however, is in its cast and craft. The end of the issue opens the door to exploring these ideas in a bold fashion with a cliffhanger that will leave you desperate to get your hands on the next installment. This is science-fiction as it should be: a twisted, fractured version of reality that’s just a bit too close for comfort. It’s refreshing to read a comic that isn’t afraid to be about something. Vault Comics are sure to have another hit on their hands with Friendo.

Friendo #1 is available in all good comic shops on 19th September and is published by Vault Comics.

A review copy was kindly provided by the creative team.

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Review: ATTACK ON TITAN: Episodes 44 & 45

Anthony Wendel

As tensions mount in Attack On Titan, its starting to feel like someone is stealing the show. You may notice. Blond hair, thought to be too good for the real world, and going through an insane amount of change over the course of these two episodes.

SPOILER ALERT

Summary

With time running out, the Scouts launch an all out attack to save Eren and Historia.

Wish

The fight between the Scouts and Kenny’s team is a lot more one sided than one would think. Thanks to proper set up and finding a major weakness in the Anti-Personnel gear Kenny’s team uses, the Scouts find a way to pull off a pretty impressive counter attack. It’s impressive to watch and full of great moments of action.

Historia runs the gambit of emotions in this Attack on Titan episode. At first she seems out of character. She’s shown as a willing participant of the plan to eat Eren to gain his power. It’s not until you remember how she likes to be a people pleaser and just wants others to be happy does this sequence of events make sense. Of course, this idea is tossed out as she decides to grow a spine and not go along with the plot to ingest Eren. Basically it’s a total character transformation as Historia realizes you can’t please everyone everyday and sometimes you have no choice but to use some tough love to get the job done. This helps to show just how much she’s stealing the spotlight but it plays out even more in the next episode.

Summary

As a new Titan emerges, Eren must make an important choice to save everyone.

Outside The Walls Of Orvud District

In traditional anime style, thanks to a special potion Eren is able to use the Titan Hardening technique which he has been struggling to master at just the right moment to save everyone. It’s a bit a cheat but considering how emotional he is in the seconds before taking action, the entire episode could have easily devolved into nothing but flashbacks of Eren reclaiming his will to fight. So, the show gets a pass on use of the trope.

Historia takes a new rule in this episode and is seen as the voice of reason. She is quick to point out how use of the Titan powers, which they don’t full understand probably shouldn’t be use a way to save everyone. It’s almost like she’s thinking events through. This does does help to showcase the transformation she just went through in the previous episode and how she is a stronger person than before. Still could someone else have a moment of brilliance? Maybe Hange? The scientist whose whole life has revolved around studying what Titans can do. Seems she might be the more ideal candidate to say, “Let’s not bank everything on a new power we no nothing about.”

Despite the episodes manly serving to focus on how great Historia is as a character, there still is a lot of great action and drama to enjoy as well. With everyone up to speed on what is happening, the next episode looks to focus on some much needed Titan fighting action.

Attack On Titan is streaming on Crunchyroll and VRV.

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Rumor: Guy Ritchie Attached to Direct an MCU Movie

Kieran Freemantle

September 9, 2018

There isn’t a day that goes by when there is some sort of news regarding the Marvel Cinematic Universe and Ain’t it Cool News have reported on a big rumor that Guy Ritchie is attached to direct Captain Britain and the Black Knight.

The news comes from a source that AICN has called Super Grip and he/she was quoted saying “Space at Pinewood has been booked for November & December 2018 to hold auditions for a Marvel project called Captain Britain & The Black Knight. The name of the director booked in for all these dates is Guy Ritchie” Super Grip added that Marvel has moved in to fill an empty sort left due to the delays to Bond 25.

If the news is true it would be shocking because they haven’t been any hints that Marvel Studios were planning on making a Captain Britain or Black Knight film regarding hiring writers or scheduling a release date. Captain Britain and The Black Knight are obscure characters from Marvel Comics but Marvel was able to make Guardians of the Galaxy and Ant-Man into big hits so it would be foolish to dismiss a film based on lesser-known British characters.

Captain Britain first appeared in Marvel’s UK imprint in 1976 and writers like Chris Claremont and Alan Moore work on the comics. Brain Braddock is the titular character, an aristocrat who is resurrected by Merlin and his daughter so that he can become Britain’s champion.

The Black Knight first appearance was in The Avengers comics in 1967. Dane Whitman, an American man inherited the title from his villain, the villainous Nathan Garrett and tasked Whitman to resort the family’s honor. Both characters have joined organizations like The Avengers and MI:13.

Ritchie has been rumored to direct comic adaptations for Warner Brothers, news reports years ago suggested he would direct films based on Lobo and Sgt. Rock. Ritchie even created his own comic book series, Gamekeeper for Virgin Comics (now Liquid Comics). Ritchie does make visually dazzling films and he could easily handle the action sequences – the forest chase in Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows was amazing. However, due to Captain Britain and Black Knight’s origins the film would tie into Arthurian legends and it would be strange to hire Ritchie considering how his King Arthur film flopped last year.

This rumor does come off as farfetched due to the source of the news, the lack of information from Marvel or Disney and Warner Bros. is currently developing a third Sherlock Holmes film for a 2020 release and Ritchie is likely to direct.

As an Englishman it would be exciting to see a Marvel film based around British characters and expand the MCU to include European characters. But we have to see it to believe it. If the rumor is true Ritchie should not direct, someone else should write the screenplay.

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STAR WARS NEWS WEEKLY SPIEL: Witwer Talks Maul, Shocking Clone Wars Secret, And TLJ Home Sales Pass Black Panther

Daniel Forster

September 8, 2018

Breaking down Star Wars news from week 1 of September 2018. Because in a galaxy far, far, away — there’s never a dull moment.

It was an exciting Star Wars news week for fandom, with the cast of Episode IX hyping up fans, to a shocking Clone Wars secret revealed. Surprisingly, all the talk almost drowned out the coming release of Solo: A Star Wars story. But if the home sales from The Last Jedi are any indication, Solo might make up for its disappointing box-office numbers.

Our favorite piece of Star Wars news, however, was Sam Witwer’s interview on the Star Wars Show.

Witwer Saves Producers From Major Mishap In Solo

Sam Witwer is the talented voice of Darth Maul in Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Rebels, and Solo: A Star Wars Story. Other Star Wars voiceover works include Palpatine, The Son, and Starkiller. Witwer also happens to be a savant Star Wars trivia nerd.

As the former Schmoedown Star Wars Movie Trivia Champion of the world (Collider), Witwer used his knowledge to prevent a huge continuity error from taking place in Solo. A producer stated Darth Maul would be drawing his lightsaber in the scene. Witwer asked “which lightsaber?” To which the producer responded, “the double bladed one from The Phantom Menace.”

“And I’m like, alright, forgive me but he doesn’t have that one anymore.”

Breaking out his vast knowledge of the Sith Lord, Witwer suggested the option of either the Dark Saber or the Inquisitor Lightsaber. Eventually, the team chose the latter. Maybe, Witwer should also be included in the Star Wars story group too. Between him and Pablo Hidalgo, there’ll never be a beat missed.

Star Wars: The Last Jedi Crushes Home Blu-Ray and DVD Sales

Star Wars fandom proved once again this week that the outspoken voices of the inter-web and haters of the franchise are clearly in the minority. Clearing almost $100 million (not including digital) since its release, TLJ pushed past Black Panther to take the number one spot in DVD and Blu-ray combined sales.

Author Chuck Wendig announced the Star Wars news via Twitter this week. He also took a jab at all those who said TLJ box-office sales were a fluke.

wow jeez it's almost like it's a really good and popular movie that isn't as divisive as some ass-hatted people want you to believe it is wow whoa huh https://t.co/sUqKqqSJqZ

— Chuck Wendig (@ChuckWendig) September 5, 2018

Wendig is quite familiar with bullying and hate taking place on social media from supposed Star Wars fans. After writing a trilogy of Star Wars books (Aftermath series) tying together events from Return of the Jedi to The Force Awakens, he was blasted personally and professionally.

The Blu-ray and DVD sales of The Last Jedi prove it wasn’t the Star Wars movie to end the franchise. The money also serves as a tool to silence all the haters who have bullied Kelly Marie Tran, Kathleen Kennedy, and Rian Johnson. Nice work Star Wars fandom!

Clone Wars Writer Allegedly Reveals Order 66 Secret During Dragon Con

Celebrating its 10-year anniversary, Star Wars: The Clone Wars is seeing a huge revival. Head of Lucasfilm animation, Dave Filoni, surprised and shocked fans at SDCC with the announcement of its return in 2019. Alex Damon, of Star Wars Explained, renewed the excitement this week after tweeting a comment made by Henry Gilroy.

https://twitter.com/StarWarsExplain/status/1035606443339251713

Damon, who interviewed Gilroy during Dragon Con states, “According to Henry Gilroy, Wolffe likely carried out Order 66 and removed his chip afterward.”

For fans excited about the return of Star Wars: The Clone Wars, many are hoping this big reveal is explored in season 7. It also explains much about Wolffe’s attitude in Star Wars Rebels, and the tension between him and Kanan Jarrus.

Damon is releasing full coverage of the interview sometime this coming week on his YouTube channel Star Wars Explained.

Kathleen Kennedy Becomes First Woman To Receive Thalberg Award

Kathleen Kennedy and J.J Abrams making Star Wars News during Celebration 2017 — Image via Zimbio

Tucked away under all the Clone Wars and Episode IX news, is Kathleen Kennedy becoming the first woman to ever receive the Irving G. Thalberg Memorial Award from the Academy.

According to Academy President John Bailey, the award presented to Kennedy and Frank Marshall is for producers “whose body of work reflects a consistently high quality of motion picture production.” Additional awards were given to publicist Marvin Levy, actress Cicely Tyson, and music composer Lalo Schifrin.

The honorary Oscar encompasses all that Kennedy and Marshall have done together over the years. Movies like Bourne films, Seabiscuit, The Sixth Sense, and many more have been produced by their company. Of course, it also includes her work as president of Lucasfilm.

Additional Star Wars News

Billy Dee Williams posted a training day clip of him working out this week. The video shows Williams getting in shape for his role as Lando Calrissian in Episode IX.

https://twitter.com/realbdw/status/1036726309253046272?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwgr%5E373939313b636f6e74726f6c&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.syfy.com%2Fsyfywire%2Fstar-wars-weekly-the-last-jedi-blows-away-black-panther-and-lando-is-back

Mark Hamill wishes fans a happy Labor Day while teasing his suspected new look for Episode IX.

I've always loved the irony of America celebrating #LaborDay by NOT working.
Speaking of irony-I'm posting this a day early cuz at the moment I'm not in the good ol' USA & tomorrow (wait for it…) I HAVE TO GO TO WORK! ❤️-mh #EnjoyYourBarbequesBarbecuties pic.twitter.com/GJ8yPAbF8p

— Mark Hamill (@HamillHimself) September 2, 2018

Greg Grunberg is reprising his role as the resistance fighter Snap Wexley. Considered to be J.J. Abrams lucky rabbits’ foot, Grunberg’s character was absent from TLJ due to a secret mission.

OH SNAP!@GregGrunberg Returns, Episode IX Casting News!!! https://t.co/rSMGQbkBHP

— Greg Grunberg (@greggrunberg) September 5, 2018

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.”

Sources: Twitter, EW, Star Wars Explained, and The Star Wars Show.

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Review: CEMETERY BEACH #1 Is Insane In All The Right Ways

Anthony Composto - EIC

Cemetery Beach is a new high-octane action series by Warren Ellis and Jason Howard that’s just begging to be turned into an IMAX movie.

A hundred years ago, a secret off-world colony was established. Now, a scout is sent from Earth to do force recon and must escape.

The series begins – like many great, action stories – with an interrogation. Witty, casual dialogue masks the exposition dump, and immediately gives the reader an idea of what they’re in for. The writing is funny; the characters are likable; the story is interesting. Ellis and Howard hook the reader with the opening scene, and from there it’s a non-stop roller coaster to the end.

The interrogation is actually kind of a parallel for the series as well, potentially. It starts off light and unassuming before descending into intense action. Everything isn’t what it seems up front. No one but the creators know where the series is going from here, but it’s Warren Ellis, so chances are this book isn’t just going to be a big action story with little substance. Again, everything isn’t what it seems up front.

That being said, the action in Cemetery Beach is incredible and it’s all on Jason Howard’s art. Truly, Ellis steps back and lets Howard do his thing. There is little to no dialogue when the action kicks in, and there aren’t even any sound effects. At one point, there are six consecutive silent pages, and they’re six of the issue’s best pages. All of the intensity is delivered through the art, and it’s one of the most fast-paced, exhilarating comics you’ll read anytime soon.

Howard’s color work, meanwhile, creates an otherworldly atmosphere, and a gritty one at that. He sets the tone for this issue, and in essence the series. It’s not clean; it’s raw and unbridled. People’s eyeballs pop out of their sockets and their teeth go flying. There’s no doubt that this comic is as enjoyable as it is mostly due to Jason Howard (no disrespect to Mr. Ellis, who is a master in his own right).

This team knows how to tell a compelling story and keep their readers coming back for more. By the end of Cemetery Beach #1, you’ll have about a thousand questions and be begging for issue two.

Cemetery Beach is what action comics should aspire to be like. It’s fun and exciting, and it leaves you wanting more. Don’t sleep on it.

Cemetery Beach #1 is in stores this Wendesday, September 12th.

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FanExpo in Toronto 2018 – Comicbooks and a Q&A with Cary Elwes

Michael Bedford

September 8, 2018

FanExpo in Toronto this year had much to offer a variety of fans. Cosplayers of all types were out in force, autograph booths were homes to stars of film and television, from both live-action and animated features. Artist alley displayed new and old work by up-and-coming and well-established artists of comicbooks, manga, and other pop-culture work.

As recent readers of my coverage will remember, I went to the FanExpo in Toronto with high hopes about finding a variety of Marvel back issues. Although I didn’t find a booth that had every issue of Spider-Man’s ’90s Clone Saga, I did find a few items I’ve been looking for for a long time.

I also attended a Q&A with Cary Elwes, star of The Princess Bride and Mel Brooks’s Robin Hood: Men in Tights who has also appeared in a number of movies and TV series, including Bram Stoker’s Dracula, Glory, Hot Shots!, and Psych. Fans of Stranger Things will be happy to learn that Mr. Elwes will be adding to his impressive CV by appearing in the next season of the nostalgia-fueled horror epic.

But, since my main reason for attending the FanExpo in Toronto was so that I could find rare back issues, let’s get back to the comicbooks and discuss Cary Elwes later.

FanExpo in Toronto: The Multi-Titled Machine Man

Although I did find Machine Man (Vol. 1) #19 at one of the many-aisled booths I had the pleasure of perusing, I had to put the sought-after issue back in the bins when I saw the price. Exhibiting only the smallest amount of self-control, I made up an excuse that the pages were too yellowed for the price and returned the issue to its rightful spot.

Machine Man (Vol. 1) represents the robotic hero’s second try at a title all his own, having first appeared as the central character in issues 8–10 of 2001: A Space Odyssey. Much like issue #10 of 2001: A Space Odyssey, Machine Man #19 was fated to be the serial’s final issue. You can’t keep a good robot down though. Machine Man returned three years later in a four-part mini-series, also named Machine Man — I’m looking for #4 if anyone has a lead on it.

FanExpo in Toronto: Picking up Power Pack #27

Collecting multi-title crossovers can bring you pretty far away from your regular pull list. Part of 1986’s “Mutant Massacre” story-line, looking for this issue always made me feel like a bit of a creep. Even though Power Pack was written by the great Louise Simonson, that the Power Pack are a group of children superheroes, some in tights, makes me uncomfortable, and I always wonder if I’m attracting stares when I leaf through the Power Pack section of the bins. So, happy to avoid such questioning glances in the future, I was glad to find the issue I was looking for, which happens to include a meeting between Wolverine and Sabretooth! The cover is entertaining at least: it features a typically enraged Sabretooth about to tear into a fair-haired member of the juvenile team. Ah, the ’80s…

FanExpo in Toronto: The Vision and the Scarlet Witch

My sought-after issues from the ’80s were well represented at the booths I attended. In addition to Power Pack #27 and Machine Man #19, I also found issues I was missing for The Vision and the Scarlet Witch, a 12-issue mini-series that ran from ’85–’86. Although I don’t want to offer any spoilers, a cover reveals that the Scarlet Witch is pregnant with the Vision’s baby…somehow.

Covers also reveal an appearance by the purple-suited Magneto. It’s always stressful when your father-in-law has no fashion sense, and is also a murderous tyrant.

FanExpo in Toronto: The Epic Find

My most cherished find from the recent FanExpo in Toronto was 1985’s Epic Illustrated #26–34. Comprising an unfinished story about Galactus entitled “The Last Galactus Story,” by John Byrne and Terry Austin, the only issue that I couldn’t find was #31. Issues of Epic Illustrated are very difficult to find since they’re magazines rather than comicbooks. Publication of magazines in the ’80s must have involved smaller runs than comicbooks because there seem to be less and less in shops every year.

Whatever the reason, I found nearly all of the magazine issues I was looking for in addition to several of the comicbooks I was looking for. And, I got them at a discount! I felt good. I wandered the exhibition halls looking for artists to talk to but couldn’t find any I recognized — a serious problem when you’re currently reading comicbooks from nearly 60 years ago.

John Byrne was in attendance, but he was always away from his booth when I walked by, probably getting grilled by another member of the pop-culture press. Having little success finding artists and celebrities to talk to, and excited to cross items off of my list, I hopped on the subway and to a friend’s house.

FanExpo in Toronto: Confronting Epic Loss

When I arrived, I realized that my treasured issues of Epic Illustrated were gone! I insisted that my friend check his bags but, finding only his things, I figured I must have accidentally left them at the booth I bought them from! What a fool I was!

A frantic subway trip later, I arrived back at the closing convention centre. Using my Monkeys Fighting Robots press pass like a force field, I surged through four increasingly skeptical security checkpoints while mumbling “I forgot something inside…”

FanExpo in Toronto: An Epic Convention Miracle

Optimism waned as I saw the closed comicbook booths, but as I rounded the corner I saw the Comics Age booth, where I had purchased the issues of Epic Illustrated, closed but still staffed by the people I had bought from earlier in the day. I interrupted their closing routine. I was happy to learn that the staff remembered me and had even set my forgotten purchase aside.

Starry-eyed, I retrieved the seven issues. I thanked anyone who would listen, including one of the security guards, and returned to my friend’s house triumphant.

FanExpo in Toronto: Cary Elwes on Cary Elwes

Mr. Elwes presented well during the Q&A, sharing stories about working on The Princess Bride, one about working with Andre the Giant, one about learning to fence alongside Mandy Patinkin, and one about taking direction from Rob Reiner on how to properly kiss Robin Wright.

He also talked briefly about working on The Riverman, and the difficult task of portraying serial killer Ted Bundy. Describing the process as disturbing, he said that he’d probably avoid portraying serial killers in the future.

Some Q&As can become monotonous or awkward quickly, but Cary Elwes managed the event well, even pulling out impressions of Rob Reiner, Andre the Giant, and Mel Brooks for effect. His was the final Q&A of the convention, and, although it wasn’t overly revealing or personal, it was interesting and fun, a great topper to an excellent weekend. I look forward to finding out what they have planned for FanExpo Canada 2019!

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‘MY HERO ACADEMIA’ Episode 60 Review: “A Talk About Your Quirk”

Jon Barr - TV Editor

MY HERO ACADEMIA hits another milestone with unrelenting action and tension. Rivalries are stoked and stakes are raised for the young heroes. Even though the Provisional Hero License Exam ends, this episode doesn’t lose any momentum. MY HERO ACADEMIA clearly knows how to keep viewers enticed. This episode proves the show has a mastery over its world.

The end of the Provisional Hero License Exam brings about some serious change for the series. As expected, not every 1-A student passed – what’s surprising is the two who failed. Katsuki Bakugo and Shoto Todoroki not passing is a great twist to end the Exam arc on. Toga impersonating Camie was totally unexpected, and the reveal was well done. Ending the episode on Bakugo challenging Izuku Midoriya to a fight was a stellar cliffhanger to end a solid entry on. MY HERO ACADEMIA packs a lot into one block, but it’s all great in its own way.

The theme tying this episode together is rivalries. MY HERO ACADEMIA has several pairs of enemies, and this episode utilizes them well. Midoriya’s rivalry with Bakugo is, in many ways, a backbone of the show. This episode explores how that feud has evolved – particularly for Bakugo – and it’s fantastic. The conversation between All Might and All For One is also strong. While the villain’s “you’re just like me” bit is a tired trope, the two powerhouses have an intriguing argument, highlighting their history. Even Todoroki and Inasa Yoarashi get a nice beat, following their mid-exam fight. These various interpersonal conflicts fuel an excellent episode.

Throwing Midoriya from one fight to the next is great. Not only does the action continue, but it’s another landmark for Midoriya’s development. This episode mostly highlights Bakugo’s evolution, but Midoriya has clearly grown as well. Midoriya sees his license as a testament to how he’s matured. Now, a jealous Bakugo is testing that maturity. In many ways, this challenge is as big a test as the License Exam. Whether Midoriya fights Bakugo or not will prove how much he has – or has not – grown.

CHECK OUT LAST WEEK’S REVIEW HERE

MY HERO ACADEMIA uses this episode to prove how much the series still has in store. All the young heroes are still growing, as are the threats against them. “A Talk About Your Quirk” touches on so much of the show’s universe, but it’s all handled nicely. There is a lot of resolution, but there is also no shortage of conflict. MY HERO ACADEMIA crafts a strong episode with a large scope.

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Matthew McConaughey Chats Up WHITE BOY RICK At TIFF

Matthew Sardo

September 8, 2018

Matthew McConaughey was at the Toronto International Film Festival Friday night and spoke to the media before the screening of his latest film White Boy Rick.

About the film:
Set in 1980s Detroit at the height of the crack epidemic and the War on Drugs, WHITE BOY RICK is based on the moving true story of a blue-collar father and his teenage son, Rick Wershe Jr., who became an undercover police informant and later a drug dealer, before he was abandoned by his handlers and sentenced to life in prison.

Matthew McConaughey Chats Up WHITE BOY RICK At TIFF — Matthew McConaughey stars as Richard Wershe Sr. in Columbia Pictures’ and Studio 8’s WHITE BOY RICK.

White Boy Rick is directed by Yann Demange from a screenplay from Andy Weiss and Logan & Noah Miller. The film stars Matthew McConaughey, Richie Merritt, Bel Powley, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Brian Tyree Henry, Rory Cochrane, RJ Cyler, Jonathan Majors, Eddie Marsan, Bruce Dern, and Piper Laurie.

White Boy Rick hits theaters September 14.

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Review: King And Kubert’s ‘Up In The Sky’ Soars In SUPERMAN 100-PAGE GIANT #3

Manuel Gomez

Tom King and Andy Kubert team up to bring a brand-new, multi-part Superman story within the pages of SUPERMAN 100-PAGE GIANT #3, out this weekend.

Superman 100-Page Giant #3
‘Up In the Sky’ Part 1
Written by: Tom King
Art by: Andy Kubert
Inks by: Sandra Hope
Colors by: Brad Anderson

When a child is abducted by aliens from Gotham City, the Man of Steel must travel across the galaxy to save her!

Story

“Up in The Sky” is not a complicated Superman story or setup. Tom King, a writer whose stories are usually dense and thick, has taken it down a notch and written an easily accessible story that can be picked up by just about anyone. You will find many of the classic Man of Steel tropes present; everything from Perry White’s classic “Great Ceaser’s Ghost” catchphrase, to Clark and Pa Kent having a heart to heart on the farm. What elevates this story from mere filler and repetition is the affection and attention to detail that King always brings to his work; the flair in the dialog, the perfect use of a supporting cast, and of course the grounding of everything in simple and relatable emotions.

However, this is just part 1 of 12. We readers have to wait and see if King is able to carry this narrative and mystery forward and tell a longer tale. But if his track record with long arcs is any indication, we should fine.

Art

Andy Kubert is a legend. His work here is solid and rooted in a more classic, almost 90’s era DC style. It’s a look that fits the tone of the story. When you add in Sandra Hope’s inks and Brad Anderson’s colors, it becomes a total package. It’s the kind of comic book art that is easy to read, yet no less dynamic. It’s still great to look at, but the layouts and panels are ‘simple’ and easy to pick up for someone who may not have a veteran’s grasp of comic language and structure.

Conclusion

The goal of these DC 100-Page Giants is to create new and easily accessible stories for the ‘casual’ comic book reader (among reprinted material). “Up In the Sky” succeeds there. It delivers a good story that will entertain hardcore DCU fans, as well as the average reader.

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