‘Red Hood & The Outlaws’ Using Bizarro To Pluck Your Heart Strings

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Red Hood & The Outlaws has been a surprisingly effective title for DC Rebirth. The current arc, “The Life of Bizarro”, has kicked it into overdrive. Writer Scott Lobdell has been targeting the heart strings of readers, and with this story he makes Bizarro an undeniably tragic character.

***SPOILERS LIE AHEAD***

Last issue, Bizarro made a huge sacrifice of body in order to save his friends. Jason and Artemis have no choice but to trust Lex Luthor to save him. During the procedure to save his life, Bizarro reflects on his experiences. Artemis and Jason open up to each other about how important their third member has been in finding their own purposes.

There’s a certain classic comic book feel to this arc, especially this issue. The end of the issue reveals that Lex saved Bizarro, but he’s the DC equivalent of “Smart Hulk” now. Everything about this screams Silver Age comics, in a very good way.

Somehow Lobdell manages to fully commit to Bizarro’s vernacular without it becoming a chore to read his narration. Red Hood & The Outlaws is easily the most memorable Bizarro material in years.

Jason Todd hasn’t had a long list of spectacular starring series, this is truly something special. Revisiting his past constantly, and his messy relationship with Batman, humanizes him in a way that readers weren’t necessarily accustomed to. Lobdell has also done the same in making Artemis a fascinating character who stands on her own from Wonder Woman and the other Amazonion warrior women.

Lex Luthor’s change of heart in DC Rebirth has produced mixed results across all the titles he’s been featured in with an “S” on his chest. His characterization here is toeing the line between sinister and helpful in the best possible way.

The art in this issue is a standout, a showcase of diverse styles and approaches. Dexter Soy’s pencils are top-notch for every shift in style, Veronica Gandini’s color accents beautifully through every change as well.

Red Hood & The Outlaws is another surprise success from DC’s line of Rebirth titles. Lobdell hasn’t always been critics’ favorite writer, but he and his art team are onto something here. This series is well worth your time, regardless of how you feel about the characters it stars.

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Ghosts of Box Office Past: How Action And Comedy Drifted Apart

By

Ruben Diaz

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August 10, 2017

One-hundred-plus years of filmmaking provides a long, rich, and deep history to look back on. Retro reviews and analysis of old films are practically necessary full-time specialties. Month after month, films release, vying to make as much money as possible. Some rise, some fall, but regardless of financial success, it’s never a sign of a lasting effect. A great example is the little-mentioned 2012 film released just eight years ago. 2012 made nearly 800 million dollars and effectively vanished off the face of the earth.

So, where does that leave past box office champs? Let’s take a look back ten, twenty, and thirty years ago at the biggest movies released in June.

4In August of 2017, I predict …

I’m a little late with my monthly examination of the box office, and so we already saw The Dark Tower come and fizzle out. August used to be a sleeper month when no one paid attention, and a little talked about film stole the show. Those days are long gone. However, since Dark Tower didn’t dominate, what’s left this month? Annabelle: Creation will be a solid horror hit. Detroit will be a critical success but not likely a commercial one. The Hitman’s Bodyguard might ride the Marvel wave with two stars from different dimensions of the MCU.

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‘Hannibal’ In Talks To Be Revived

By

Parish Hodges

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August 10, 2017

It’s been 2 years since NBC canceled it’s psychological thriller series Hannibal. Streaming services Amazon Video and Netflix were asked to pick up the show, but declined.

The show’s executive producers Bryan Fuller and Martha De Laurentiis have “started conversations” about reviving the show, but it still may be a while before we see it.

During an interview with Collider in 2016, Fuller stated that the show’s producers couldn’t start exploring revival options until two years after the series finale.

“August 2017 is when we can actually start talking about it,” he explained. “That’s when we would have to see what the rights are for the character and for the story, and see who’s interested and how we get it done.”

Well it’s August 2017 so will we have a revival?

“Conversations couldn’t start until 2 years after the final airing of season 3,” Fuller wrote on Twitter earlier this week, in response to a request for news about Hannibal. “@neoprod has started those conversations. This takes time.”

Earlier this year while on Mick Garris podcast Post Mortem Fuller made this statement.

“I have conversations with (Hannibal executive producer) Martha De Laurentiis. I have conversations with Mads and Hugh. We’re are all excited about the prospect of returning to the story. There’s some hurdles to get through… [But] I just had a great idea for season 4. There’s an interesting next chapter in the relationship between Will Graham and Hannibal Lecter that would be fascinating to unpack. I’ve shared it with the gentlemen and they’re both keen on it.”

How do you feel about a possible Hannibal revival?

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You’re Going To Have To Wait For Season 4 Of ‘Fargo’

By

Matthew Sardo

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August 10, 2017

Season three of ‘Fargo’ was interesting and had its moments, but it was really tough to top series creator Noah Hawley’s sweet spot he hit with season two. The right mix of actors, story, and action produced an incredible television experience. Now that Hawley’s star is burning bright the fourth season of ‘Fargo’ might take some time to come together.

The series has taken place in a different time period each season, so to even nail that down for season four would be a huge nugget for fans of the series

FX CEO John Landgraf gave an update at the Television Critics Association:

“I haven’t heard. We haven’t heard the idea from Noah for what the fourth season would be. I think what we’ve encouraged Noah to do is think about it and make sure he has something he’s really excited about and has something to believe in. There’s a possibility he won’t have that idea for some time. There’s also the possibility because Noah’s been fertile and productive, that we’ll hear that idea soon,” said Landgraf to SlashFilm.

Hawley is working on season two of ‘Legion’ and a Doctor Doom standalone film. An update on Fargo might come after production on ‘Legion’ wraps.

Do you have a favorite season? Vote and comment below.

[totalpoll id=”87304″]

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Riz Ahmed In Talks To Join Sony’s ‘Venom’ Movie

By

Aric Sweeny

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August 10, 2017

Variety is reporting that Riz Ahmed, who’s known for his role in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, is in talks to star in Sony’s upcoming Venom movie.

Additionally, The Hollywood Reporter states that, “Sources say the actor was considered for the role [Carnage] before script changes were made.

Venom is set to be directed by Ruben Fleischer and written by Jeff Pinkner and Scott Rosenberg; Amy Pascal, Avi Arad, and Matt Tolmach are producing the picture. Tom Hardy has been cast as the lead.

Who do you think Ahmed will be portraying in the film? Comment below, let us know your thoughts.

Venom hits theaters on October 5, 2018.

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DC Comics Is Giving ‘Harley Loves Joker’ Its Own Series

By

Parish Hodges

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August 10, 2017

Harley Quinn and The Joker will continue their back up stories in their own spin off. Originally announced at Comic-Con International: San Diego’s Harley Quinn Panel Harley Loves Joker will continue through Harley Quinn #25, before breaking off into it’s own series.

While teasing the celebration of the comic villains 25th anniversary, Jimmy Palmiotti told Syfy Wire what to expect in #25.

“Harley and her crew come under the assault from the Unconquerable 25, and by the end of the issue we see them all separated and dealing with the assassins using each of their particular skills,” he said. “That’s a blast in itself, but the back-up by Paul Dini, Brett Blevins, J. Bone, and Alex Sinclair is simply beautiful to behold. We also get to see some tender moments between the Joker and Harley and a tease of what, in the future, is the thing that divides them. This story will be continued in separate specials coming in 2018.”

Harley Loves Joker will be written by Palmiotti and Paul Dini and illustrated Brett Blevins, J. Bone and Alex Sinclair. In June the writers talked with Newsarama about the comic’s development.

“Well, for the immediate future. And then we’re going to think about the format and if we want to continue in that format or take it in a different direction,” said Dini. “We love that version of the character and love telling stories about her in that universe, so right now we’re just going to see to what degree we’re going to tell those stories.”

“We’re scheming,” Palmiotti added. “We’re scheming right now about what comes next.”

No official release date has been set for Harley Loves Joker#1, but Palmiotti told SDCC fans to expect it later this year.

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Marvel Netflix Shows To Stay With Netflix

By

Matthew Sardo

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August 10, 2017

Disney decided to break up with Netflix on Tuesday, and Marvel fans were left out in the cold with no answer about the future of the Marvel Cinematic Universe shows produced by the streaming service.

A few days removed, the picture gets clearer. According to Forbes, the Disney theatrical distribution deal and the Marvel Television development deal are two separate things. The original Disney distribution deal with Netflix, in a nutshell, simply gave Netflix exclusive streaming rights for all of Disney’s theatrical releases, along with Disney-owned and produced television shows from its channels. The Marvel shows on Netflix are produced by Netflix, and so belong to Netflix as much as Marvel.

That means ‘The Defenders’ will stay at Netflix and the MCU can grow with additional shows. The current roster is made up of Daredevil, Jessica Jones, Luke Cage, Iron Fist, and the Punisher. Also in the Forbes report, an outside survey reported that 10% of Netflix viewers watch the ‘Daredevil’ series to the tune of 10+ million viewers.

The MCU on Netflix has a substantial following, and future development of the universe looks to be moving forward.

What is your favorite MCU series on Netflix? Comment Below.

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This New ‘Thor: Ragnarok’ Poster Channels Its Inner ‘Batman & Robin’

By

Aric Sweeny

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August 10, 2017

The marketing material for Thor: Ragnarok has been incredible thus far. Each poster, image, and trailer have been on point; with this said, however, it’d be foolish not to keep it objective – this new poster, which can be seen below, is atrocious.

Not only are the colors totally off-putting, but the horrid photoshop and comical placement of Hela make it look like a spoof poster out of the 1990s.

Despite this being a bad piece of marketing, just about everything else has been spectacular. This doesn’t make me any less ecstatic for the film.

“Thor‘s world is about to explode in Marvel’s Thor: Ragnarok. His devious brother, Loki, has taken over Asgard, the powerful Hela has emerged to steal the throne for herself and Thor is imprisoned on the other side of the universe. To escape captivity and save his home from imminent destruction, Thor must first win a deadly alien contest by defeating his former ally and fellow Avengers… The Incredible Hulk!”

Featuring Chris Hemsworth as Thor, Mark Ruffalo as Hulk, Cate Blanchett as Hela, Tessa Thompson as Valkyrie, Tomm Hiddleston as Loki, Benedict Cumberbatch as Doctor Strange, Karl Urban as Skurge, Anthony Hopkins as Odin, Idris Elba as Heimdall, and Jeff Goldblum as The Grandmaster, Thor: Ragnarok is directed by Taika Waititi and will hit theaters on November 3.

Are you looking forward to the film? Comment below, let us know.

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‘Blade Runner 2049’ Gets an R Rating

By

Larry Taylor - Managing Editor

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August 10, 2017

Denis Villeneuve’s upcoming Blade Runner 2049 has been handed an R rating, great news for those of us anticipating the film; tricky news for the movie’s box office prospects.

According to the report at The Playlist, Blade Runner 2049 is rated R “for violence, some sexuality, nudity & language.”

To be fair, I never expected anything less than R, but you never know these days. Plenty of remakes and long-gap sequels have been watered down in order to expand the prospective audience. The Robocop remake was PG-13 for god’s sake, so you never know…

Then there’s the fact that the original Blade Runner was rated R. Those were in the years before the PG-13 rating existed, so a non-kids movie was one or the other (hell, Jaws was PG!). Ridley Scott’s original would not be rated R today, so that tells me that Villeneuve’s sequel will hit the violence a little harder than the original.

Blade Runner 2049 stars Ryan Gosling, Harrison Ford, Jared Leto, Dave Bautista, and Robin Wright, and it will be here October 6. Y’all gonna see it or nah?

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Netflix Adds The Coen Brothers’ ‘The Ballad of Buster Scruggs’

By

Larry Taylor - Managing Editor

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August 10, 2017

In their continuing crusade to own all interesting, original entertainment content, Netflix has replaced their upcoming Disney void with The Coen Brothers first foray into television, The Ballad of Buster Scruggs.

The Western anthology series already has an impressive collection of talent: James Franco, Zoe Kazan, Stephen Root, Tyne Daly, and Tim Blake Nelson as the titular Buster Scruggs.

Cindy Holland, Vice President of Netflix’s original content, spoke about the collaboration, saying “The Coens are visionary directors, masterful storytellers, and colorful linguists. We are thrilled for Netflix to become home to the full range of their talents.”

Of all the celebrated directors in Hollywood, the sensibility of The Coen Brothers and their ability to fill out their films with colorful characters in even the smallest of supporting roles feels ripe for a six-part television series. Add to the fact that this is going to be a Western, and I need no other motivation to tune in. And with Tim Blake Nelson in the lead role, expect some wackiness.

As for Netflix, well, I suppose they know what they’re doing. This sure feels like a bubble that is going to burst before long.

The Ballad of Buster Scruggs will premiere on Netflix in some time in 2018.

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