THE TERRIFICS #6 Review: Dreadfully Fun

Dispatchdcu

Using quick pacing, witty humor, colorful, eye-popping art, and classic adventure storytelling, Jeff Lemire and Joe Bennett lead readers through another Terrific tale. Will the Terrifics escape? Is Algon the true villain mastermind behind all of this? Will Lemire official name the dog Muttamorpho? Let’s find out!

The Terrifics #6

STORY BY: Jeff Lemire and Joe Bennett

INKS: Sandra Hope and Matt Santorelli

COLORS: Hi-Fi

LETTERS: Tom Napolitano

WARNING SPOILERS AHEAD!!!

THE TERRIFICS SPOILERS TOO!

Summary

We last left The Terrifics trapped in the Elemental Realm by Algon. His goal was to trap Metamorpho there in his place so he could be free. But, our heroes gain the upper hand, sneak back through the portal home, and use the Orb of Ra to close the door behind them. The issue doesn’t end there! It turns out, Doctor Dread orchestrated everything since day one, and now he’s going to kill the only person who could help the Terrifics get back to normal; Tom Strong!

Just Terrific

Readers finally get part of Mister Terrifics backstory, which is fantastic. If I was to guess, people probably know very little about Terry Holt. Now, it looks like his wife, Paula, was in a car accident and died. As much as it was interesting to get a glimpse into Terry’s past, how it happened was a bit confusing.

Was it a dream? Is she trapped in the Elemental Realm too? Lemire and Bennett were probably using this issue as an opportunity to introduce his past and nothing more, which was needed in the story. However, I wish it was more clear as to “how” it was happening.

Plastic Man is a Hit

The extra detail involved with Plastic Man is awe-inspiring. Not only does Lemire and Bennett make him witty and humorous, but how they choose to draw him is what adds so much to the book and the character. For example, when he searches for his team, his eyes turn into binoculars. Or, Plastic Man sings songs to himself while he turns his body into a doom buggy driving around to find his team. These are just some examples of the silly extras that make Eel a hit!

Lemire and Bennett do a great job making Eel goofy while also showing readers that he can be earnest, astute, and thoughtful. More and more, readers see that Plastic Man is indeed reliable, but at the same time, he beats to his own drum. Lemire and Bennett hammer this idea home throughout the issue. He’s not the rock of the team. But, he’s the glue that will hold everyone together.

Team Chemistry

Lemire and Bennett do a terrific job making this team feel like they’ve always been here. They are giving readers what REBIRTH promised: hope, fun, love, family, and connection. This is the first book since the relaunch of REBIRTH that feels this way to me. And, I never realized how much I needed it.

Just the simple family dynamics between the characters like Metamorpho’s nickname for Plastic Man (Silly Putty), or adding a dog to the family (Muttamorpho), or how Mister Terrific comes off like everyone’s Dad, contributes to making this issue hit the essential elements that have been missing for years in DC comi.cs

Jus.t one more thing

The issue appears to wrap up quickly. After a couple of punches, the team just got the upper hand somehow. It just felt too quick. Then, the Terrifics managed to escape the Elemental realm just as fast. As much as I enjoy little dialogue and fast-paced issues, I still want more of an explanation as to how they escaped so easily.

Lastly, readers see the parallels between the Terrifics and the Fantastic Four. Now, we end this issue with Doctor Dread. Holt’s humor at this spot is hilarious but is this villain mastermind meant to be their Doctor Doom? I don’t know how I feel about that yet.

Should you buy this issue?

Yes! However, it’s not a great jumping on point. If you read the last issue, as well as the series to his point, you got to read this. Under the leadership of Lemire and Bennett, the four panel layout tells a great story of each character simultaneously and really throws readers into the story. It’s not text heavy, and this creative team lets the art tell the story.

Should you add this to your pull list?

Definitely! This series is fast, fun, and loose. Hi-Fi makes this issue so bright and colorful. The images pop off the page. It’s humorous, witty, and action-packed each issue. This series isn’t mind-blowing or revolutionary to the industry, but it’s something DC has needed for a long time.

Lemire and Bennett take a bunch of C and D list heroes and make them feel like they’ve always been together. This character team works! This creative team works! And, it’s perfect for all pull lists.

Lemire and Bennett: it looks like you went with Elemental Dog. That’s not a bad name. However, I said this in the last review, and I’ll say it again: how about Muttamorpho? It does have a great ring to it!

What did you guys think of THE TERRIFICS #6? Comment below or hit me up on Twitter @dispatchdcu

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Hal Jordan and the Green Lantern Corps #49 Review: The End is Near

Dispatchdcu

Led by Rafa Sandoval, Sergio Davila, and Jordi Tarragona’s fantastic art, Hal Jordan and the Green Lantern Corps put their plan into action with a little help from Hector Hammond and a certain Corps leader with an engineering degree. But, was it enough to stop the Darkstars?

Hal Jordan and the Green Lantern Corps #49

WRITTEN BY: Robert Venditti

PENCILS BY: Rafa Sandoval and Sergio Davila

INKS: Jordi Tarragona

COLORS: Tomeu Morey

LETTERS: Dave Sharpe

WARNING SPOILERS AHEAD!!!

HAL AND PALS SPOILERS TOO!

Summary

John’s two-fold plan pays off! Hal and Hector Hammond break the Darkstars psionic link while John manages to somehow stop their teleporting abilities. Leaving the Darkstars vulnerable for a platoon of Green Lanterns, the issue ends with the showdown between the Darkstars and the Green Lantern Corps. Who’s going to win? If I were a betting man, I’d say Hal and Pals.

The Art

By far, the best part of this issue was the fantastic art by Sandoval, Davila, and Tarragona. They are just so dang good at drawing action, fight scenes, and epic battles. The detail these three put into each character, including the background and images far in the distance, is so impressive. Heck, looking at the hulking size of Arkillo standing over the other lanterns or the way they use Morey’s colors to help show the Darkstars teleportation are just two of the many examples of how talented this art team is when working together. I would love to see this art team together after this series ends.

The Meh

Venditti gave readers roughly 17 pages of “stuff” in it, and 4 of the pages were spent recapping the story to this point. Honestly, the last issue ended with readers knowing that Hammond was going to uses his “God Brain” to break the Controllers link to the Darkstars. So, technically if we include the pages that involve Hammond breaking the link, half of Venditti‘s issue is gone, and readers aren’t any further than the last issue.

Next problem, how does John nullify the Darkstars teleportation? All the readers are told is John made something to do it. Readers need more than that Venditti. The biggest solution to this fight took place off-panel, and that’s unacceptable. We need to know where this plan came from and why it works. Venditti‘s writing here felt like he’s moved on to other pastures by this point and it really seems out of character for him.

I know artists and writers work ahead. Maybe Venditti was chugging along until #48, and that’s when he was told the book was ending? So, he had to wrap this bad boy up quick. Who knows?

Should you buy this issue?

I was very unhappy with this issue. I know the series is ending, but this felt like a wasted issue. We got about nine new pages of stuff that readers knew was going to happen anyway. The art was the biggest saving grace. Just looking at this issue alone, I wouldn’t get it. However, if you’ve been reading and collecting since it started, you don’t have much of a choice.

Should you add this to your pull list?

Not anymore. It’s going to be over next issue. So, you either already have it on your pull list or you don’t. Don’t add it now. But, I would keep it on your pull list if you’ve already had it on for one last ride.

What did you guys think of HAL JORDAN AND THE GREEN LANTERN CORPS #49? Comment below or hit me up on Twitter @dispatchdcu

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DETECTIVE COMICS #985 Review: Hill Brings Back The Dark And Gritty

Dispatchdcu

Bryan Hill continues his fantastic run on Detective Comics by reintroducing a Batman that’s been missing for years. His Caped Crusader is dark, gritty, smart and has been sorely missed. But does Batman get any closer to finding out who Karma is? And, does Karma strike again? Let’s find out.

Detective Comics #985

WRITTEN BY: Bryan Hill

ART BY: Philippe Briones

COLORS: Adriano Lucas

LETTERS: Sal Cipriano

WARNING SPOILERS AHEAD!!!

DETECTIVE COMICS SPOILERS TOO!

Summary

Batman takes a drive to clear his head and figure out who Karma is, BUT he finds out too late. By that time, Karma takes a bus full of kids hostage and burns a reporter alive on TV to send a message to the Dark Knight. Karma wants a trade: the bus of kids for his kids.

Alfred is Back!

There is so much to like in #985. Hill does the little things that add up to make this issue one of the best Detective Comic issues I’ve read since REBIRTH began. For example, readers get snarky Alfred back.

Alfred is a friend, a father figure, a coworker, and the only person alive who can shoot straight with Bruce. This has been missing from the character mainly because Tynion’s Detective Squad overshadowed some of the other classic characters like Alfred and Commissioner Gordon. But, Hill gives readers both of them back!

The Detective is Back!

Hill‘s inner monologue of Bruce is perfect. This is something that has been missing as well. It’s what shows the reader how cunning, smart, and organized this detective can be. The entire scene when Bruce is speeding in his car on the cliffs was an essential part of this issue.

This is how Hill not only shows readers who Karma is but how he figured it out. Hill guided the readers throughout this entire issue but still made Batman the smartest guy in the room. Lately, Batman writers want to make readers think he’s so intelligent by answering questions and finding solutions off panel. But that’s just confusing and comes off sloppy. Hill has been doing the opposite and I love it!

Hill Explains

In #984, I stated in my review that it seemed silly that Karma could take down Orphan and injure Batman so much that he’s wrapped up in bandages. I said that Tynion painted Hill into a corner with Orphan’s hand-to-hand combat skills. Well, Hill dodges that bullet and explains that fight away quickly and effectively. He uses mind reading as the answer. If you can read minds, then you know the attacker’s next move. This could make any average fighter ten times better, AND it’s the explanation readers NEED when reading comics.

Hill made a comic book villain in a mind-reading mask seem genuinely realistic. My goodness; that’s hard to do. Karma shot and killed the bus driver, kidnaps a bus of school children, then kidnaps a reporter and burns her alive on TV. Readers see it all unfold, and it elevates this superhuman story into something that feels like it could happen, which has been missing from a comic that is supposed to be more gritty and real. Spectacular job Hill!

The Art

Briones and Lucas help Hill paint this dark story with the design and color. Any panel containing Bruce or Batman is drawn so dark, but it felt like the opposite was done on purpose. Panels without our Dark Knight were bright and vibrant. They focused on facial reactions and emotions throughout and helped to elevate the level of terror that Karma was inflicting in his captures. Not only is Hill bringing back Detective Comics to where it needs to be, but Briones and Lucas played a huge role in setting the dark and gritty tone this book has been desperately missing for years. Excellent job team!

Final Thoughts

I was strangely bothered by Bruce’s hair. It seemed shaggy and weird at spots. I know… nitpick. It’s nothing that hurt my score it just annoyed me. But my big question is: why was Batman such a douchebag to Karma in Markovia? He sprays him with Scarecrows gas and leaves him there. I’m all for a brutal Batman. I genuinely love Batman that way but it just seems out of character in Hill’s book as well as REBIRTH in general.

Should you buy this issue?

Absolutely! This Batman finally feels like the Dark Knight. Sure, the last issue he got his butt kicked. But this issue, readers see a smarter and more calculating detective. Hill gives readers explanation for Batman’s actions, as well as a purpose behind his actions, and answers that we’ve had since the arc opened. Readers leave the issue knowing Karma’s abilities, how he was created, and even why he’s faired so well against Bruce and his family so far.

Should you add this to your pull list?

Hill has created the best Bat Book out now, and possibly since REBIRTH. Heck, he even gives readers Commissioner Gordon. Geez, I didn’t realize he still existed! Briones’ art mixed with Lucas’ colors makes this series great to look at. Hill doesn’t oversaturate his issue with dialogue and makes the panel transitions easy to follow. If you want a Batman comic that looks like it’s heading back to its roots, Hill’s Detective Comics is for you.

What did you guys think of DETECTIVE COMICS #985? Comment below or hit me up on Twitter @dispatchdcu

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Review: CASTLE ROCK A Slow Burning Deliciously Twisted Series Fans Will Love

Dewey Singleton - Film Critic

Sam Shaw and Dustin Thomason’s Castle Rock (which makes it debut July 25th on Hulu) takes a slow yet deliberate approach to universe building without sacrificing storytelling or character development.

Shaw and Thomason seemingly thrive at developing richly-flawed characters, who are a staple in most Stephen King novels. From the first few moments of the show’s opening, it seems obvious who the hero might be, but even that comes into question.

“Take any house in this town…every inch is stained with someone’s sin,” says Dale Lacy, the former warden of Shawshank Prison (played by Terry O’Quinn). The root of evil in Castle Rock isn’t found in one character but in a litany of characters all of which have something to hide. Each new character’s arrival is just another opportunity for Shaw and Thomason to ratchet up the tension.

Castle Rock’s narrative centers around the return of lawyer Henry Deaver (Andre Holland from The Knick and Moonlight) to his hometown of Castle Rock, Maine after receiving an anonymous tip about abuses at Shawshank. The new warden of the prison is seeking different ways of increasing the space for the inmates and through the course of her search, discovers that a whole wing of the prison has been left unused. The guards are immediately sent down to investigate and low and behold they come across a boy (played by Bill Skarsgård, who has been imprisoned for some reason) locked in a cage. What reasons could one have to do such a thing? Could the boy be something much more sinister than a typical prisoner?

Castle Rock has a solid cast all of which have a background in working with King’s source material. Sissy Spacek and Skarsgard have played two of the more iconic characters created by King (Carrie and Pennywise). Rounding out the cast are Terry O’Quinn (Silver Bullet), Melanie Lynskey (Rose Red), Ann Cusack (Mr. Mercedes) and Frances Conroy (The Mist). Together, they blend into an effective ensemble understanding what their roles are.

Shaw and Thomason adapted a non-linear timeline which worked quite well within the structure of the show. Not one segment of a particular storyline felt intrusive (quite the opposite actually) as Castle Rock seemingly floats from one sequence to the next.

It’s as if this town isn’t real and all of this is nothing more than a dream. The pacing of the show might frustrate some fans, but if you stick till episode 3, the payoff begins. Horror fans will appreciate how meticulous the show’s creators are in setting up the nightmarish conditions, which are yet to unfold. King fans will enjoy the numerous Easter eggs which are easily pointed out.

The only thing the show’s creators could focus on is getting right to the issues plaguing their families. While in the long run, universe building is important, but giving audiences a reason to stick around is even more critical. People could bail after a few episodes instead of giving Castle Rock a shot. Shaw and Thomason really should have put their best foot forward in the first couple episodes.

Overall, Castle Rock is a solid show whose appeal will span from the biggest Stephen King fans to people, who enjoy being scared as hell on a weekly basis.

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Interview: Dan Abnett On AQUAMAN #38 And MERA QUEEN OF ATLANTIS #6

Manuel Gomez

July 24, 2018

This week sees the release of Aquaman #38 (check out an exclusive preview for this here!) and Mera Queen Of Atlantis #6, two comics that have heavy implications for Atlantis and it’s citizens. Dan Abnett, seasoned scribe, and writer of both issues took some time out his busy schedule to surface for a bit and talk to us at Monkeys Fighting Robots about the end of the Corum Rath arc, the importance of both Aquaman and Mera as characters, the future of Atlantis, and much more.

Dan, first, thanks for taking the time to do this. I know it’s a busy season for you guys.
Dan Abnett: My pleasure!

For those who haven’t been reading this arc can you give a brief description?
DA: The usurper Corum Rath has seized the throne of Atlantis, and everyone is suffering. He’s a tyrant. Aquaman is leading the fight against him inside Atlantis while (in her own series), Mera is rallying allies (and battling Ocean Master) on the outside.

Corum Rath has such a great ending to his arc. What made you decide to go so tragic?
DA: Thanks. I felt it needed an emotional punch, not just the simple downfall and defeat of a bad guy. Rath was a complex character, not just a pantomime villain. He’d got into something too terrible to get out of alone.

Was the ending something you had in mind from the beginning? I ask because it’s such a great moment and feels like such an epic event in the DCU.
DA: Yes, it was planned for a long time, in collaboration with Scott Snyder and the Metal/Justice League team. You can’t just do something like that and not let anyone else in the DCU know.

You bring Mera in at a very pivotal moment in this issue. What draws you to her as a character?
DA: She’s a great character, overlooked and underused. I think she’s the most unappreciated and under-estimated characters in the DCU. As soon as I started writing Aquaman, I realized that Mera wasn’t just a supporting character. Her personality and character demanded real prominence. There’s almost a danger of her overshadowing Arthur. She deserves wider coverage in the DCU. I’m delighted we got her first ever series, got her into the Justice League, and were able to give her such a big role in this story.

Have you always wanted to write Aquaman?
DA: Absolutely. The combination of high fantasy, superheroics and a dash of SF has always appealed to me.

What makes Arthur so important to the DCU?
DA: He’s got a bad rep (as the ‘joke’ superhero) that I wanted to repair. He’s one of the big icons, a fundamental part of the DCU core, but he doesn’t get the recognition he deserves. The DCU is full of great characters, but to me, the ‘big six’ have always been Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Flash, Green Lantern and Aquaman. He’s part of that core pantheon.

What kind of impact do you hope to have on the character’s legacy?
DA: I hope people take him more seriously. I hope I’ve shown he’s one of DC’s biggest characters, and that the world below the waves is as complex and involving as anywhere else in the DCU. I just hope, really, that I’ve added to and strengthened his legend, in terms of stories, villains and supporting cast.

What’s next for Aquaman? Can you give us any juicy hints?
DA: Well, there’s still plenty of big things about to happen. We’ve got two major crossovers coming in fast. Can you say “Suicide Squad”? And can you say “Major Justice League event”? A Justice League event with Aquaman as the focus!

And lastly, our founder at MFR, Matt Sardo, feels you were really good at re-inventing characters with your run at Marvel. What character at DC would you like to give the Star-Lord treatment to?
DA: Thank you! There are so many DC characters I’d love to play with. Not saying any of them are broken or need fixing, but I know I could have fun with Adam Strange, Captain Comet, Dr. Fate, the Specter, a Green Lantern, Constantine and Zatanna, Warlord, Sergeant Rock… seriously, there are so many to choose from!

Both Aquaman #38 and Mera Queen Of Atlantis #6 are due for release on 7/25/18. You can pick them up at your local comic shop.

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FLASH WAR Aftermath: War, HUH, Yeah – What Is It Good For?

Dispatchdcu

July 23, 2018

Well DC fans, we got something… but it indeed wasn’t a war. The story was more of a race than anything else. A race that ended in some heated discussion between our leading speedsters and some brand spanking new forces. But did this summer event do anything to progress Joshua Williamson’s 50 issue FLASH run any further? Was this “war” the blockbuster it was pushed to be? OR was this another story by DC pushed to make us forget about the delays and answers we have all wanted since REBIRTH?

WARNING: FLASH WAR SPOILERS AHEAD

FLASH FACTS

FLASH WAR, written by Joshua Williamson, art by Howard Porter, colors by Hi-Fi, and letters by Steve Wands began in FLASH # 47 and came to its conclusion with issue 50 on July 11th, 2018. So, where do we go from here moving forward?

MOVING FORWARD

Well, let’s attack the speedster elephant in the room. Bart Allen is back! Now, that got me pumped. Look above: this was an amazing splash page and cliffhanger for Williamson and Porter to end with to get fans excited. But, I feel this is all readers get any more. A story that leads to a reveal that leads to another reveal… and so on.

I honestly am excited to see Bart Allen back BUT are we going to get anything out of it OR are readers going to be drug along for another year with minimal answers? At first, I thought the Bart Allen reveal was just DC’s way of bribing readers to hang in there for another year without answers. But is DC the architect behind this war?

Williamson is…

In a recent interview on the Gotham By Geeks Podcast, Williamson was interviewed stating his part in the creation of this story. He wanted Wally in his book. So, he pitched a war to DC brass (Barry vs. Wally), and they bit on it over a year ago. DC wasn’t trying to push an agenda or answers to questions. This was all Williamson! This was never meant to give readers any answers to any question related to REBIRTH. This was all a ploy for Williamson to play with a new toy.

Ain’t Nobody Got Time For That

Another big reveal from Williamson was that time travel is now off the table for now. So, all this does is show the reader that Wally can’t try again to somehow change the past or future to get his kids back. It also guarantees that Bart is stuck in our time for now.

How can you access the Speed Force but not access time travel? Is Williamson saying our Flash’s have their abilities, but they just can’t go as fast? We see Wally run off at the end of the issue so he at least still has speed Force abilities.

And don’t forget that Commander Cold is also stuck here now as well. One can assume Williamson will have a showdown with the Captain and the Commander at some point. Are these the stories we’re going to get this coming year?

Use the Force Zoom

How does Zoom get these dazzling new forces? I understand that Wally ran so fast that he somehow broke the Speed Force BUT how does that release these two new forces? AND why do we need them?

Was the entire point of this “war” to drag us along to show us two new forces and give us Bart Allen? Heck, I’m still confused about JUSTICE LEAGUE right now. In JUSTICE LEAGUE, our heroes are dealing with something called the Still Force. Are these forces related? AND how many forces do we need? We went for years with only one force, and in a month we’ve got three more.

When it’s all said and done, will we all get our Planeteer Rings? Let’s put all the forces together and form Captain Planet!

Forced Plot Holes

After all of Wally’s memories come back, why would he trust Zoom? I know he wants to save his kids, BUT it’s not like they’re in any more danger than before. They’ll still be stuck in the Speed Force tomorrow after you formulate a better plan. Instead, Wally trusts the villain who has tried to hurt him and his family repeatedly in the past simply because he says he’s changed. I have three kids. I get wanting to jump immediately to their rescue, but I’m not trusting the person who’s tried to kill me in the past. I’m trusting my best friend, Barry.

In the Gotham by Geeks Podcast, listeners can hear Williamson’s love for comics, the Flash, writing, AND the scene when Wally pleads with Barry to help him get his kids out of the Speed Force. In the podcast, you can hear his passion as he explains the scene so thoroughly. My point is: where was that passion in the book? Why didn’t you channel what I heard in the podcast and put it into the dialogue of this war? After listening, I certainly can tell Williamson cares deeply about this book. But maybe he just needs to slow down and articulate the characters and their feelings much better.

Williamson said in the Gotham by Geeks Podcast that he’s working on issue 58! We just got 50! That’s four months ahead. Creative teams need to work ahead, but that puts him at Thanksgiving. Slow down. Give readers good dialogue with better explanations that have the same care and compassion for the character that I heard you have in the podcast.

Let’s get Hyped!

Why are we confusing readers even more by using Hypertime? So, now that Hypertime is reintroduced AGAIN, DC and Williamson can explain everything away now by saying; “…cause Hypertime…”

What happened to the missing ten years?

HYPERTIME!

Why are there 3 Jokers?

HYPERTIME!

How did the Comedian enter the DCU and not die?

HYPERTIME!

How do new 52 Superman and Pre-Flashpoint Superman merge?

HYPERTIME!

Where is the JSA and the Legion of Superheroes?

HYPERTIME!

Williamson just created his ticket out of any situation, and it’s bogus! I will be extremely disappointed if Hypertime is used to answer any of these glaring plot holes in the DCU.

Batman R.I.P.

Did anyone else notice this gem during the war? There is one casualty in this war: Batman. In issue FLASH #49, Zoom threw Batman so dang hard and so dang far that there is no conceivable way he survived. In case you forgot, take a look above.

Conclusion

The story wasn’t bad, AND I can tell Williamson loves the Flash BUT this war was misrepresented and gave us ambiguous answers. Howard Porter’s art is always fantastic, but this just felt like THE BUTTON all over again. THE BUTTON gave us no answers, more questions, and no real direction at its conclusion. Readers left this war with more speculation. THE BUTTON was fun to read but looking back on it now; it told us NOTHING! Basically, that’s precisely what FLASH WAR was: this year’s BUTTON.

Readers get no answers about Wally at all; other than his memories are restored. But, we learned that BEFORE the “war.” Why doesn’t everyone else remember Wally, especially when he touches them? Why are his kids trapped in the Speed Force? Is Manhattan related to his disappearance at all? Again, we get no answers but leave with more questions. Readers get no war, or a real fight, or ending to this story. We get Bart Allen (which I’m excited for if it’s done well) and new forces (which I’m not excited for).

In defense of DC and Williamson, they never said FLASH WAR would give us answers to any of the REBIRTH questions we had. However, as a HUGE fan of DC characters, comics, and this universe, when do I pack up and move on? At some point, fans will quit you, babe! I’m getting tired of the same song and dance. Stop giving readers pretty flowers (Bart Allen) as a way to say “sorry.” They aren’t going to cut it anymore. Williamson said in the Gotham by Geeks Podcast that he finally started to hit his stride. What?!?!? It took 50 issues to figure this out? Come on man.

I left this issue saying: FLASH WAR, huh, YEAH, what is it good for?

Absolutely nothing.

Say it again!

What did you guys think of FLASH WAR? Comment below or hit me up on Twitter @dispatchdcu

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Interview with OUTCAST Creator Robert Kirkman and Producer Chris Black

Joshua Versalle

July 23, 2018

Outcast, Cinemax’s suspense-horror series returned with the first episode of its sophomore season on July 20th. We sat down with Chris Black (executive producer) and Robert Kirkman (creator of the show and comic book) to discuss the upcoming season of the show, Star Trek, and working with young actors on a horror show. Below are highlights from the interview, which took place at a press tour in April 2018. The second season is discussed, so light SPOILERS follow:

What are you guys excited about for season two? What are you excited for people to see?

Kirkman: I think it’s a more intense season. I think that we established Rome and we establish the characters and everything in the first season, but season two gets much deeper into the mythology and kind of reveals how much bigger the problem is and how much more entrenched in the city of Rome it is. And we also expanded some new characters and some new directions that aren’t necessarily completely present in the comic, which is exciting. So there’s some new cool twists and turns along the way and I think it’s going to be awesome.

Are there any character arc this season that you guys are particularly looking forward to?

Kirkman: I think the Sidney storyline with Brent Spiner’s character goes into some interesting places and Wrenn Schmidt’s character, Megan has some of the best scenes.

Black: You took the words out of my mouth. I think watching what Sidney goes through and where he ends up at the end of the season and his struggle for dominance and control and bringing him into contact with other characters on his side of the table in terms of other people who were involved in the ongoing issue of possession is really fun. And Megan’s character, Wrenn, who’s such an extraordinary actor, bringing her out of the first season, dealing with everything that happens with her and her family. I think we could, we take her to a really dark place and then try to pull her out of it, which I think really generates an interesting storyline and it’s just always fun to watch those actors work.

Speaking of Star Trek, do you think Quentin Tarantino has a good a Star Trek script in him?

Kirkman: I don’t think Quentin Tarantino has a bad anything script in him. I think he is a genuine Star Trek fan. I’m very excited for that.

Black: Having worked on one of the Star Trek iterations, I think anything that takes it in a new and fun direction is great for the franchise experience. So it’s something if he brings something new and exciting. I can’t wait.

Holly (played by Callie Brook McCliny) and Amber (played by Madeleine McGraw) play a much larger roles (this season) Are there any particular challenges being that it’s such a dark show at times?

Black: (joking) It’s just fun to torture and traumatize them. Look, I mean, they’re just such professionals. It’s, and you forget sometimes that, that they’re, you know, eight, nine years old because at a certain point you just deal with them and interact with them the way you would adult actor because they, they’re pros, they get it, they’re excited about the stuff you bring them.

So with Outcast, it seemed like when you guys develop the TV show sort of similarly timed to when you started writing the comic book to an extent, right? With Walking Dead obviously you had a ton of material from when you started. Is there a big difference between how you work on the two shows?

Kirkman: There would be times where I’d be like, Oh yeah, I can’t make this work in the comic. We could maybe pull this off in the show. I feel like it made me less precious just because I was like, yeah, I’m doing this and then yeah, we can totally do all kinds of different stuff in the, in the show. But I’m not very precious with Walking Dead either. So I don’t really know. I mean, I love the differences between the two mediums. I love being able to surprise people, so I’m always pushing to change the adaptations so that people that have read the comics are going, “that’s not right”, because I figured that’s exciting.

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Franchise Opportunities: Here In The World Is CARMEN SANDIEGO

Robert Yaniz Jr.

July 23, 2018

A lot of trailers and hot news stories came swirling out of San Diego Comic-Con 2018 this past weekend (even as the real topic on everyone’s minds percolated outside Hall H). However, despite all the shocking reveals (welcome back, Star Wars: The Clone Wars!) and promising first looks (how about that Shazam trailer though?!), one bit of news that caught my eye in the midst of all the admittedly more click-friendly scoops is the update we received on the latest for the Carmen Sandiego brand.

We learned last year that Netflix had big plans for the franchise in the shape of a new animated series set to debut in 2019, with Jane the Virgin star Gina Rodriguez voicing the character. In today’s age of nostalgia, such a reboot seemed par for the course, but then came word back in March that Rodriguez isn’t only slated to do voice work as Carmen but also play her in a live-action film that Netflix is developing alongside its animated counterpart.

Now, courtesy of Deadline, we have learned that screenwriter Mark Perez has been brought onboard to write the film. While his credits are less than perfect (ahem, The Country Bears), Perez recently wrote the hilarious crime comedy Game Night starring Jason Bateman and Rachel McAdams (read my review), and his particular blend of humor, character-based storytelling and tangible stakes certainly may bode well for the world of Carmen and her Villains International League of Evil (V.I.L.E.). But let’s take a step back, for those who may be unfamiliar with the decades-old media franchise.

game night — Jason Bateman and Rachel McAdams in Game Night.

The whole thing kicked off with the 1985 release of Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego?, a geogaphy-centric educational computer game that sends players on a wild chase around the globe to track the elusive criminal mastermind of the title. In the ensuing years, Carmen and the ACME Detective Agency faced off countless times in subsequent video games, game shows, animated series, books, comics and assorted other media. Jennifer Lopez and Sandra Bullock have even been attached to play Carmen Sandiego — who is normally depicted wearing a red trenchcoat and matching fedora — on the big screen, though that ultimately never came to fruition.

As someone who grew up not only with the computer games and the PBS game show, it has always felt like a missed opportunity to me that Carmen Sandiego never got her own family-friendly series of caper films before. The concept of a badass master criminal with impeccable fashion sense and a network of over-the-top subordinates across the world who specializes in stealing global landmarks and the like feels like something ripped right out of the Despicable Me series (which now makes me realize that Bullock essentially got to play a version of Carmen as Minions‘ Scarlet Overkill). Moreover, the idea of a Hispanic woman being depicted as the Blofeld-level genius behind an international criminal organization would have been an even fresher and more welcome bit of representation back in the series’ heyday than it will be today.

That being said, the combination of Rodriguez — who has proven herself adept at both comedy (on her TV series) and drama (stealing scenes from Oscar winner Natalie Portman in Annihilation this year, for instance) — and Perez sounds like it might finally be able to scratch an itch that honestly I had forgotten I even had at this point. Considering the broad premise at the heart of the Carmen Sandiego franchise, a film version really boils down to getting the tone just right. Play it too over the top, and you risk coming across too silly. Ground it too much, and you’re taking away the playfulness that made the games worth a trip down to your school’s computer lab.

Game Night managed to tow the line perfectly, keeping the hilarity on point without sacrificing the danger that its lead characters are in. Granted, that film is a hard-R romp intended for a far more mature audience than the Carmen Sandiego project, but adjusting your writing style for a specific audience is much easier to pull off than finding the right voice to blend the various elements of a very particular kind of story together.

Perez’s hiring is an inspired move on the part of the producers — including Rodriguez herself — and the folks at Netflix, capitalizing on his recent success and identifying his ability to translate the source material into what should be a thrilling romp for the whole family when it hits in the next year or two. For this fan of old-school Carmen Sandiego, the entire Netflix initiative to revive the franchise has just been upgraded from nostalgia-driven cash-grab to delayed wish fulfillment brought to promising new life. Well done, Netflix.

Agree or disagree with my thoughts? Comment below to let me know or chat movies with me on Twitter @crookedtable!

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Ryan Reynolds Reveals The Other Superhero Role He Wanted To Play

Jonathan Bruce

July 23, 2018

Ryan Reynolds is a big star in Hollywood, and he’s known for his comic book roles. After playing Hannibal King in Blade Trinity, he would move on X-Men Origins: Wolverine and Green Lantern. While the films were disappointing, he did find redemption with Deadpool and its 2018 sequel.

Indeed, Reynolds reveals he almost got to play The Flash, according to reports.

As We Got This Covered notes, Reynolds said he’s had quite a few comic book movie offers in his time. When quizzed on which role he would have loved to play, the actor jokingly claimed interest in Wolverine.

“I would say Wolverine, but God, I would be terrible,” he jokes.

On a more serious note, Reynolds did say he nearly had the role of Wally West. “Honestly, I wanted to be the Flash — the Wally West version,” he says. “But I think all of those ships have sailed.”

Back in the 2000s, David Goyer did write a script for a Flash movie built around Wally West. Reynolds was in his twenties at the time and lobbied for the film. While that did not come to pass, the actor did express interest in doing voice-over for the character in a cancelled video game. Sadly, that did not happen either.

While he’s far to old now, Reynolds circa 2006 would have made a great Wally West. For now, we’ll just have to wait for the Flash’s solo movie with Ezra Miller as Barry Allen.

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SDCC: Sony Reveals Details Of Morbius The Living Vampire Film

Jonathan Bruce

July 23, 2018

Marvel Studios chose to sit out this year, but Sony did make its presence felt at San Diego Comic Con.

What’s more, the studio is preparing its upcoming Morbius the Living Vampire film, starring Jared Leto. Based on reports, they are looking for two actors for major roles.

According to That Hashtag Show, Sony is searching for an actor for the antagonist and an actress for the love interest.

Riz Ahmed and Malek are in contention for the villain role. The character is said to be a former friend of Morbius before turning evil. Based on these facts, it could be Emil Nikos, who is Morbius’ old friend and first victim. As shown in the comics, he became a vampire himself.

While details are few, Sony is looking for an actor around 30 to 40 years old to play the villain. This would make Ahmed and Malek just right for the role. At 35, Ahmed is well known for his roles in Nightcrawler and Rogue One. He is also playing Riot in this year’s Venom, starring Tom Hardy.

The 37-year old Malek has a string of film and television credits to his name. He is famous for his starring turn on the Mr. Robot television series. Malek’s also generating Oscar buzz for his performance as Freddie Mercury in the upcoming Bohemian Rhapsody.

As for the female lead, the report describes her as an “intelligent, cutthroat businesswoman.” This could very well be Martine Bancroft, who’s known as Michael’s former lover. In the comics, she becomes a vampire herself.

The report also states Sony is eyeing a fall 2018 start for production. This would indicate the movie is aiming for a 2019 release.

Morbius is to be the next instalment of Sony’s planned Spider-Verse. The studio is also preparing a Silver Sable film.

Stay tuned for details…

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