Ryan Fleck and Anna Boden, the duo who previously directed Mississippi Grind and It’s Kind of A Funny Story, will helm Marvel Studios’ Captain Marvel, according to Variety.
Fleck and Boden were not on the original directors shortlist for the project, which included such names as Niki Caro, Jennifer Kent, Rebecca Thomas, Jennifer Yuh, and Lesli Linka Glatter.
Captain Marvel stars Brie Larson as the lead; it’s being written by Meg LeFauve and Nicole Perlman, who previously scripted Pixar’s Inside Out.
Are you looking forward to Captain Marvel? How do you feel about the directors? Comment below, let us know.
While this article speculates on the future of Marvel’s Agents of SHIELD, it also contains spoilers for seasons three and four. Proceed with caution.
Fans of Marvel’s Agents of SHIELD have been through the ringer this year. Season three wiped out Hive, got Fitzsimmons together, and teased a major storyline featuring LMDs. The season finale gave little niblets of what was to come: Simmons planning a vacation! Fitz orchestrating a surprise! Daisy on the run! Definitely no return of Ward! Yet here we are. almost a year later and none of those teasers have paid off.
We Are Not Agents of Nothing. We are Agents of EVERYTHING!
Insensitive.
Season four kicked off on a completely tangential storyline when it introduced Ghost Rider/Robbie Reyes. Then, Fitzsimmons were separated. Twice. Fitz traveled to another dimension, taking Coulson and Robbie along with him. Daisy met Ghost Rider and started flirting with him months after her boyfriend simultaneously jettisoned himself into space and admitted he loved her. Coulson started hitting on May–also insensitively close to the loss of a loved one. Not until the show returned from its mid-season breakdid LMDs come up again in a seriousway. At this point, Fitzsimmons had given up on a quiet, domestic life together. Oh, and Ghost Rider sacrificed himself and went to hell.
Now we’re in the Framework which may as well be hell. We definitely don’t want THIS Fitz anywhere near Simmons. Daisy was reset to Skye. Everyone’s hailing HYDRA. And, because there is no god, Brett Dalton is back as Agent Grant Ward.
You would think, with all this fictional whiplash, that fans could at least get some real-world stability. However, as the show inches towards its season four finale, the network has not made a firm statement on season five. What is that about? From one super nerd to another, let me assure you– I have absolutely no idea.
Agents of Season Five?
Over the last few months, theories on this question have fluctuated wildly. First, fan favorite, costume designer Ann Foley left. Then hairdresser Shayna Sanford packed up her brushes. (Sanford assures fans she is not leaving, but her IMDB page lists Agents of SHIELD as a “2015-2017” run.)
“Trip Lives” by Ratscape on Deviantart.
Filming wrapped on the show earlier this week, and script supervisor Melanie Bradford shared pictures of the party on her Instagram. Everyone seems to be in high spirits, and Bradford even captioned one photo “Happy Hiatus!” So we’re coming back, just with as couple new crew members, right? RIGHT?
Hold on to your very confused hats. The last third of season four has pulled out all the stops. We’ve got “full dark, no stars” Fitz. We’ve got Madame Hydra. We’ve got May wrapping up her “cavalry” storyline from season one. We’ve got big bads going after Coulson’s head. We’ve got a redemption arc for Ward. And if that wasn’t enough, we’ve got fan faves returning in droves. (Of course, the onlything that could bring down the excitement over #triplives is the inevitable devastation when he disappearsonce more.)
Agents of SHIELD: The Farewell Tour
At the beginning of season four, ratings were dropping. Perhaps this no-holds-barred approach is a last ditch effort to pull those numbers up once more. Maybe that’s why the writers CLEARLY redesigned the season from its original LMD-centric storyline; show runners Jed and Maurissa Whedon perhaps knew this bonkers Framework would show off the best (and worst) in everyone. Or maybe they know this is the last shot they’ll get, so they’re pulling out all the stops with absolute reckless abandon. The show did move time slots from 9 to 10 pm this season, allowing it to go darker and sexier than ever before. And they certainly haven’t wasted that opportunity.
So which is it, ABC? Are we on a farewell tour leading up to Inhumans, or is this season just that good?
With all secrets revealed, Matt Trakker and the M.A.S.K. team take on Miles Mayhem and V.E.N.O.M. in a brutal final assault. With their first major victory in their sights, the M.A.S.K. team must remain vigilant as other powerful and unforeseen forces rise up from the darkness. New enemies are on the horizon and you must NOT miss what happens on the last page!
Writing
So the end of the first storyline of the new M.A.S.K. series arrives. It’s a pretty good wrap up, showcasing some good action and intriguing moments of drama. Also, the description is right about the ending. It really leaves the issue on a cliffhanger which sets up for an entirely new storyline.You will want issue six to come out after you are done reading it.
Writer Brandon Easton does like to insert a few corny jokes here there but it doesn’t detract from the overall story he is trying to tell. Only real downside is the series is still relying a bit much on the mythology of other IDW series. It’s time for this series to stretch its legs and bring in more of the original M.A.S.K. characters instead of making references to Transformers or G.I. Joe. With the first arc wrapped up, hopefully this can be the new focus moving forward.
Artwork
Tony Vargas on art and Jordi Escuin on colors is a winning combination. A wide display of effect work is used through the course of the issue. The flow of action is never interrupted and keeps the reader engrossed while reading. Also, points for all the scenes of detailed destruction. Michael Bay would be proud (take this as a compliment).
Conclusion
M.A.S.K. is proving to be another valuable addition to the IDW library. All it needs from here on is to show how it can stand on its own two feet without having to have a crossover ever other issue. Of course in this new continuity they are an offshoot of G.I. Joe, so this is going to be a bit difficult. Still, if anyone can do it, it’s this team.
Daredevil had his secret identity restored when Charles Soule’s series began last year. How it was reinstated has remained a mystery for readers. Daredevil #19 brings us one step closer to the full story as Matt Murdock and Purple Man play a deadly game.
***Spoilers Lie Ahead***
The Purple Man has a machine that combines his powers with those of the Purple Children. This gives him a significant power boost. One that allows him to toy with Daredevil’s head like never before.
Matt Murdock is vulnerable, Purple Man forces him into a game called “The Worst Thing”. Matt must reveal what the worst possible thing he could do is. In a truly heroic moment, he reveals that his answer is “nothing”. Knowing there are people in danger, and having the power to save them, the worst thing Daredevil could do is nothing.
Daredevil has been one of the most consistently great comic books coming out of Marvel. Writer Charles Soule has time and time again proven how deeply he appreciates this character. The tortured core of what makes Matt Murdock the “Devil Of Hell’s Kitchen” has been the driving force behind this book’s effectiveness.
Soule has established a perfectly balanced tone for the character in these 19 issues. He’s developed Matt Murdock further along as a character, and done so without the restriction of having to be anything like the popular Netflix rendition. Not only was Daredevil’s identity been restored, but also his struggle. This issue, and series as a whole, effectively combines the darkest and lightest elements of the character into a satisfying experience.
It’s no easy task to come onto a book, especially after Mark Waid, and somehow undo the public reveal of a superhero’s identity. “The Purple” hasn’t reached its finale yet but already this has been a triumph where so many other writers have failed in the past.
The moments in Purple Man’s “illusion” are strong. Taking place in a bar filled with different Daredevils from Matt’s long history, it’s an effective plot device. It’s also an element that allowed the art team to really shine.
Series regular, Ron Garney, is absent from this issue. Marc Laming steps in and does a fine job for the most part. Laming breaths plenty of life into these characters, especially with Matt Murdock and Purple Man’s intimate conversations. Without being an imposing physical force, Purple Man effectively comes across with a clearly sinister appeal. Matt Milla’s colors are brilliant as always.
Laming makes the different Daredevils on display a lot of fun, giving each of them a distinct personality. The only exception being the current black costume we’re used to seeing Garney draw. It’s by no means a poor effort, it just pails in comparison to Garney’s flawless work.
Overall Daredevil #19 is another pleasing experience for readers. The series continues to be one of the strongest titles Marvel currently produces. Charles Soule deserves a lot more attention for this fantastic comic book.
Have you been reading Daredevil? How do you feel about Matt’s identity restoration? Let us know in the comments below!
Every now and then, a comic series comes along with a plot so outrageous and bizarre that readers have no choice but to check it out. That time has come once again in the form of Plastic from Doug Wagner, Daniel Hillyard, and Laura Martin. A comic that made Robert Kirkman himself say, “This is the weirdest shit I’ve ever read! I love it!”
Plastic is the story of a retired serial killer who’s found love. But while on vacation, his love is kidnapped and he’s put to work to earn her freedom. The disturbing twist? His love is a plastic blow-up doll.
Sometimes the best stories are those that take a tale as old as time and give it a weird twist. Plastic is a shining example of that. The whole “coming out of retirement to save your love” concept is old hat, but by making the love interest a blow-up doll, Wagner makes it feel wholly original. His story is dark and intriguing – as you’d expect a serial killer story to be – but it’s not without humor. It’s not a jokey, “laugh out loud” kind of humor either; the comedy is derived from the concept. Wagner has set up such an absurd situation that everything that happens in it is automatically funny when you think of the larger picture.
The protagonist, Edwyn (or Victor, according to his ID), is completely unpredictable. He’s unhinged, making it impossible for the reader to get in his head. Now, this takes away his relatability, which is usually essential in a central character, but it adds a layer of fun to his story. As a killer, he’s more of an antihero, if not a flat out villain archetype. If there’s one thing people love in their bad guys, it’s mystery.
With a story as dark and gritty as this one is, the art needs to be equally dark and gritty. The work by Hillyard and Martin fits the bill perfectly. Their visuals are gloriously violent and over-the-top, which again reads as hilarious when you remember this is all over a sex doll.
There are times however where Edwyn/Victor’s facial expressions just seem off. It’s a bit jarring, but no other characters suffer from the same fate. It appears that the creative team actually made this a conscious decision to make their protagonist feel even more disturbing and off-kilter, and it works in spades.
Plastic is weird. It’s absurd and it’s twisted. But it’s also good storytelling, and good storytelling deserves to be read. Be sure to pick this book up before it sells out!
Scott Snyder‘s All-Star Batman has continuously been the strongest Bat-book for DCRebirth. Despite being the only Batman comic not double-shipping, ASBshines brightest in a time where fans are being spoiled with great Dark Knight drama every week. Issue #9 sees the “Ends Of The Earth” arc conclude in elaborate Batman fashion.
***Spoilers Lie Ahead***
After a few issues of Batman touring through the rogues that Snyder had not yet utilized, he finds himself in the final stage of a sinister plot. Mr. Freeze, Poison Ivy, and Mad Hatter were all complex bumps in the road leading Batman to one of his greatest foes, Ra’s Al Ghul. Batman must defuse the villain’s intricate scheme to downsize the world’s population.
The issue unfolds like the final act of a heist movie. With the master plan unfolding flawlessly, Ra’s Al Ghul reveals all his cards to his nemesis detective. As Batman has seemingly been defeated and killed, the book pulls a reverse deconstruction. The one thing heist movies don’t ever have in them is Batman and Ra’s sees why.
In dramatic, and equally elaborate, fashion the “Great Detective” uses everything Ra’s threw at him to make him think he’d won. There’s a lot to follow and absorb in this issue to fully follow how our hero emerged victorious. Snyder makes what could have been a bitter pill, easily digestible.
All-Star Batman #9 is one of the best examples of Bruce always being ahead of the game, in recent memory. Not only is Batman pulling the wool over Ra’s Al Ghul’s eyes, but the reader as well. Minor details, such as the dialogue with Alfred, add layers to the misdirection which results in a satisfying finale.
Scott Snyder’s frequent artistic companion, Jock, lends a major helping hand in keeping this from being an overload of information. His heavy lines and dark designs play perfectly once again. Jock’s interpretation of classic Batman rogues have been a major highlight of this arc. There’s not a single panel wasted in this brilliantly crafted comic book.
The back-up story concludes “The Cursed Wheel,” a Duke Thomas tale. An underrated character from Snyder’s Batman (New 52) run, Duke is getting some loose ends tied up. This finale sets up the narrative to be featured for the character in the upcoming Dark Days event.
What did you think of Ends Of The Earth? Which All-Star Batman artist has been your favorite so far? Let us know in the comments below!
What starts as a simple investigation turns deadly when the secrets of the button prove irresistible to an unwelcome third party—and it’s not who anyone suspects. It’s a mystery woven through time, and the ticking clock starts here!
Batman #21 ‘The Button’ Part 1 Written by: Tom King Art by: Jason Fabok Colors by: Brad Anderson Published by: DC Comics
So after a year of anticipation and rumors, DC is finally addressing the elephant in the room that is The Comedian’sbutton being found in the Batcave. And although we get some answers, we get even more questions. Still, this is an AWESOME issue, and here are 11 reasons why. WARNING: I can’t really drop these bullet points without some spoiling, so read at your own risk. But trust me that no matter what, this is a MUST-READ for DC fans.
The use of the hockey game as a narrative device to build tension and foreshadow; a great writing tool by Tom King.
Subtle art touches like the speed-force lightning jumping over and under panel borders. Fantastic work by Jason Fabok and Brad Anderson.
The appearance of Thomas Wayne as the Flashpoint Batman!
“How about I meet you in the Cave in one minute?”
The two-page splash image of Reverse-Flash’s reveal/arrival. (See it below)
The panel sequence of Thawne beating Batman to a pulp (notice the countdown!).
Batman spitting blood defiantly at Reverse-Flash, then putting a Batarang to excellent use. (You need feet to run Mr. Thawne!)
The Smiley Button’s reaction to Psycho-Pirate’s mask! Very telling!
“I saw…I saw God.” (My money is on Dr. Manhattan!)
Flash being late.
The moment when you realize this whole issue takes place in about one-minute yet everything changes.
Believe the hype and be thankful for the wait folks, this was totally worth it and is very exciting. I haven’t had this much fun reading ‘Batman’ in years! I for one can’t wait for next week’s second chapter in Flash #21. Bravo DC: Rebirth, what a way to live up to your word.
Earlier in the month, we reported on the Kingsman: The Golden Circle poster. Now we finally have the first teaser trailer. And at 15 seconds, it sure lives up to the whole tease angle. Still, it’s enough to get one excited and it’s a stylistic fit for this series. Check it out below.
Short, sweet, and too the point. What do you guys think? Comment and discus below.
Kingsman: The Golden Circle is scheduled for release on September 29th, 2017.
Cowbell Brewing Company is very new to the craft brewing scene: their website shows a 2017 copyright date and advertises the brewery’s grand opening this summer. Cowbell Brewing Co. calls the small town of Blyth, founded in 1877, home. I mention Blyth’s founding because Cowbell’s Absent Landlord Country Kolsch’s name pays homage to Blyth’s founder Henry Blyth, Esq. As cans of Absent Landlord note, Mr. Blyth, a landowner from Berkshire, England, never once visited the town he founded in Canada, hence the brew’s name.
For those not familiar with the term “kolsch,” check out my review of Kilannan Brewing Company’s take on this German favourite. But now, let’s get rural …
Cowbell Brewing Co.: Absent Landlord Country Kolsch – First Sip
Since I had so much success with my Han Solo stangelast time, I decided to keep the Star Wars kolsch-drinking tradition alive by pouring this brew into a Princess-Leia-themed stange (check out this tribute to Carrie Fisher if you’re also feeling sentimental). Absent Landlord pours a transparent golden colour with about a half-inch of head that quickly diffuses into a thin layer at the top of my Leia stange.
I pick up a subtle whiff of grains as I take my first sip. Its grainy aroma complements its sweet, grainy flavour, finishing with a hint of bitterness. With very active bubbles, Absent Landlord has a fizzy mouthfeel, similar to soda water.
Cowbell Brewing Co.: Absent Landlord Country Kolsch – Last Sip
This brew, as the description on Cowbell’s website states, will pair very well with soft cheeses. Its fizzy mouthfeel and unique flavour, almost doughnut-y at times, also make this a great beer to enjoy with, you guessed it, doughnuts or any other sweet pastry. Based on its clear colour and smooth-drinking quality, I’m surprised that this brew weighs in at 5.3% ABV. So, I suggest you make sure you’ve finished milking the cows and slopping the hogs before you sit down with a couple of these kolsches.
Update: According to Syfy, the trailer below is not official.
SyFy has released the first official teaser trailer for the Superman prequel series, Krypton. The teaser gives us a first look at the series, and it certainly appears like the show will tie into the DC Extended Universe and Henry Cavill’s interpretation of Superman. The symbol of the house of El is the same as the symbol seen in Man of Steel and Batman v Superman. Krypton is also visually similar to what we saw in Zack Snyder’s Man of Steel. It is of course, entirely possible that instead of being directly connected to the DCEU, the show is simply taking visual inspiration from the movies.
Syfy’s Krypton, the much-anticipated Superman prequel set two generations before the destruction of the legendary Man of Steel’s home planet, will follow Superman’s grandfather — whose House of El was ostracized and shamed — as he fights to redeem his family’s honor and save his beloved world from chaos.
You would think, with all this fictional whiplash, that fans could at least get some real-world stability. However, as the show inches towards its season four finale, the network has not made a firm statement on season five. What is that about? From one super nerd to another, let me assure you– I have absolutely no idea.
With a story as dark and gritty as this one is, the art needs to be equally dark and gritty. The work by Hillyard and Martin fits the bill perfectly. Their visuals are gloriously violent and over-the-top, which again reads as hilarious when you remember this is all over a sex doll.
Believe the hype and be thankful for the wait folks, this was totally worth it and is very exciting. I haven’t had this much fun reading ‘Batman’ in years! I for one can’t wait for next week’s second chapter in Flash #21. Bravo DC: Rebirth, what a way to live up to your word.