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David McK (3248 KP) rated Identity Crisis in Books
Jan 28, 2019
Superman.
Batman.
Wonder Woman.
Green Arrow.
The Flash
The Elongated Man?
If, like me, you'd no idea who the latter character is - even though he has recently shown up in the DC TV series 'The Flash' - then this might seem a risky proposition. A few pages in, however, that decision pays off: unlike the 'big name' characters of DC (for whom you know nothing bad will ever really 'stick'), by making a relatively-minor character the initial focal point of the story, the tragedy that strikes (with the murder of his wife) really hits home.
That tragedy then being the reason why other members of the super-hero community start investigating her death, with it eventually coming to light that there is more going on here than meets the eye ...
Batman.
Wonder Woman.
Green Arrow.
The Flash
The Elongated Man?
If, like me, you'd no idea who the latter character is - even though he has recently shown up in the DC TV series 'The Flash' - then this might seem a risky proposition. A few pages in, however, that decision pays off: unlike the 'big name' characters of DC (for whom you know nothing bad will ever really 'stick'), by making a relatively-minor character the initial focal point of the story, the tragedy that strikes (with the murder of his wife) really hits home.
That tragedy then being the reason why other members of the super-hero community start investigating her death, with it eventually coming to light that there is more going on here than meets the eye ...
Eleanor Luhar (47 KP) rated Adventures of Superman Vol. 1 in Books
Jun 24, 2019
This is a collection of standalone comics featuring the Man of Steel. Lex Luthor stars in several, as well as Bizarro, Lois Lane and many other infamous characters.
One comic includes Metropolis in a bottle, while another requires Superman's help with a child that has been moved across the timeline. In one, Lex even reveals plans to run for US president.
There's a great undercurrent of humour in many of these, and several comics give an insight to the day-to-day lives of different characters. The final episode in this volume is possibly my favourite - featuring fans of Superman who require his assistance. I thought this story was so clever, and pretty emotional, too.
This is very nearly in my favourite books list. Each story is so interesting and unique. 4.5 stars.
One comic includes Metropolis in a bottle, while another requires Superman's help with a child that has been moved across the timeline. In one, Lex even reveals plans to run for US president.
There's a great undercurrent of humour in many of these, and several comics give an insight to the day-to-day lives of different characters. The final episode in this volume is possibly my favourite - featuring fans of Superman who require his assistance. I thought this story was so clever, and pretty emotional, too.
This is very nearly in my favourite books list. Each story is so interesting and unique. 4.5 stars.
Charles Burbridge (13 KP) rated Ready Player One (2018) in Movies
Mar 29, 2018
Contains spoilers, click to show
"Ready Player One" is a good, almost great, popcorn flick. There are visual jokes throughout the film, references to every 80s pop culture item you can think of, and characters that are likeable.
The vast majority of the film is animated, which is obvious given the subject matter. The animation, however, doesn't allow the actors to deliver nuanced performances. Everything in the film is turned up to 11. There's no breaks, no subtle moments. It's full throttle, pedal to the metal, all the way through.
Now, there are some very cute character bits that are blown away by the bombast, not the least of which is the film's villain uses a Superman avatar in the Oasis, and I'm pretty sure it's the Injustice Superman, which is fitting. Yes, we've all seen the Iron Giant in the previews, as well as the cars in the race sequence.
The most surprising inclusion in the movie, the best filmed and the most impressive story-wise, is the sequence involving the retrieval of the second key. It's pitch perfect and the film should have done more like that and less Where's Waldo. Speaking of, I didn't see Waldo, but I'm sure he's in the film.
Spielberg did as Spielberg does when he wants to make enough money to finance another serious film. He made a popcorn flick. Ready Player One should please audiences and in a year without Marvel's juggernaut would have been the geek culture film of the season.
Instead, it's playing second fiddle to Black Panther, Infinity War, and, to me, Incredibles 2. Still, it's great fun and as long as you're part of geek culture, you'll enjoy it. And then tear it to pieces on the Internet because that's what we do.
The vast majority of the film is animated, which is obvious given the subject matter. The animation, however, doesn't allow the actors to deliver nuanced performances. Everything in the film is turned up to 11. There's no breaks, no subtle moments. It's full throttle, pedal to the metal, all the way through.
Now, there are some very cute character bits that are blown away by the bombast, not the least of which is the film's villain uses a Superman avatar in the Oasis, and I'm pretty sure it's the Injustice Superman, which is fitting. Yes, we've all seen the Iron Giant in the previews, as well as the cars in the race sequence.
The most surprising inclusion in the movie, the best filmed and the most impressive story-wise, is the sequence involving the retrieval of the second key. It's pitch perfect and the film should have done more like that and less Where's Waldo. Speaking of, I didn't see Waldo, but I'm sure he's in the film.
Spielberg did as Spielberg does when he wants to make enough money to finance another serious film. He made a popcorn flick. Ready Player One should please audiences and in a year without Marvel's juggernaut would have been the geek culture film of the season.
Instead, it's playing second fiddle to Black Panther, Infinity War, and, to me, Incredibles 2. Still, it's great fun and as long as you're part of geek culture, you'll enjoy it. And then tear it to pieces on the Internet because that's what we do.
HyruleBalverine (16 KP) rated Justice League (2017) in Movies
Jun 9, 2018
A light begins to shine on the darkness of the DC Extended Universe
After the dark brooding mess that was Batman Vs. Superman and the hot mess that was Suicide Squad, I was quite pleasantly surprised with Justice League.
With no offense intended towards Zack Snyder, who is good at what he does, I found his gritty take on the DC universe to be too dark. Whether the original intent had always been to start off dark and depressing and lead into a more light and hopeful tone with Justice League, or if it was Joss Whedon's influence once he stepped in when Snyder had to leave, or just WB/DC trying to keep up with Marvel, the shift in tone was the right choice.
While they are clearly still trying to play catch up with the MCU in setting up their cinematic universe, the build up in this movie did not feel quite as rushed as Dawn of Justice. Personally, I would have liked to see the other characters getting their own movies in order to set this up, but they're introductions in this movie seemed to have been done well. Also, while DC is certainly trying to match Marvel by using their big baddie Darkseid (the Thanos of the DC Universe), they didn't throw him into this movie in an attempt to jump into their own Infinity War type movie; rather, they used another character, tied to Darkseid, to build up to the massive enemy that Darkseid will be.
It is my hope that after the amazing film that Wonder Woman was and the great change in tone of Justice League, the DCEU will continue with this current trend of hopefulness and quippy Super Heroes.
With no offense intended towards Zack Snyder, who is good at what he does, I found his gritty take on the DC universe to be too dark. Whether the original intent had always been to start off dark and depressing and lead into a more light and hopeful tone with Justice League, or if it was Joss Whedon's influence once he stepped in when Snyder had to leave, or just WB/DC trying to keep up with Marvel, the shift in tone was the right choice.
While they are clearly still trying to play catch up with the MCU in setting up their cinematic universe, the build up in this movie did not feel quite as rushed as Dawn of Justice. Personally, I would have liked to see the other characters getting their own movies in order to set this up, but they're introductions in this movie seemed to have been done well. Also, while DC is certainly trying to match Marvel by using their big baddie Darkseid (the Thanos of the DC Universe), they didn't throw him into this movie in an attempt to jump into their own Infinity War type movie; rather, they used another character, tied to Darkseid, to build up to the massive enemy that Darkseid will be.
It is my hope that after the amazing film that Wonder Woman was and the great change in tone of Justice League, the DCEU will continue with this current trend of hopefulness and quippy Super Heroes.
David McK (3248 KP) rated Death of Wolverine in Books
Jan 30, 2019
The DEATH of Wolverine?
As if.
The Temporary Absence of Wolverine? (from the Marvel Universe). perhaps.
Admittedly, that doesn't sound *quite* as catchy, but I think that we all know by now that the death of any major comic character rarely stays that way: Superman, Captain America and Spider-Man (for instance) have all previously 'died' and later been resurrected. In the comics, indeed, I can only think of a few characters - all with mainly supporting roles - who have died, and stayed dead. Characters such as Uncle Ben (Spider-Man), Jonathan Kent (Superman) or the Wayne's (Batman), for example.
With all that said, this story starts with Logan stripped of his healing powers by unspecified events and with a huge bounty placed on him, leading several of the worlds bounty hunters to try to collect.
How this all fits into 'Old Man Logan' (which I haven't read, but have heard of), I have no idea - in this, he does, indeed, 'die' by the end of the stories. Like the character, the (linked) stories are also pretty brutal, with the art not shying away form showing the injuries sustained by a healing-powers-less Logan, and with blood spilt on a fairly regular basis.
There's also a throw-away line in one of the X-Men movies (the first?), where Logan is asked - when referring to his claws popping out - if that hurts, and in which he answers "Every damn time". The reason I bring that up? Because that fact is woven into this story as well, with Logan trying to avoid using his claws until absolutely necessary and with close-ups of his hands (when he does) showing just how painful it can be.
Worth a read? Yes, but I very much doubt the character will stay dead for long!
As if.
The Temporary Absence of Wolverine? (from the Marvel Universe). perhaps.
Admittedly, that doesn't sound *quite* as catchy, but I think that we all know by now that the death of any major comic character rarely stays that way: Superman, Captain America and Spider-Man (for instance) have all previously 'died' and later been resurrected. In the comics, indeed, I can only think of a few characters - all with mainly supporting roles - who have died, and stayed dead. Characters such as Uncle Ben (Spider-Man), Jonathan Kent (Superman) or the Wayne's (Batman), for example.
With all that said, this story starts with Logan stripped of his healing powers by unspecified events and with a huge bounty placed on him, leading several of the worlds bounty hunters to try to collect.
How this all fits into 'Old Man Logan' (which I haven't read, but have heard of), I have no idea - in this, he does, indeed, 'die' by the end of the stories. Like the character, the (linked) stories are also pretty brutal, with the art not shying away form showing the injuries sustained by a healing-powers-less Logan, and with blood spilt on a fairly regular basis.
There's also a throw-away line in one of the X-Men movies (the first?), where Logan is asked - when referring to his claws popping out - if that hurts, and in which he answers "Every damn time". The reason I bring that up? Because that fact is woven into this story as well, with Logan trying to avoid using his claws until absolutely necessary and with close-ups of his hands (when he does) showing just how painful it can be.
Worth a read? Yes, but I very much doubt the character will stay dead for long!
David McK (3248 KP) rated JLA: Earth 2 in Books
Jan 30, 2019
I've been watching the second series of the Grant-Gustin starring 'The Flash' TV series, and they've introduced the concept of the multiverse: the concept of worlds alike, but slightly different, than our own separated by a slice of reality.
This is one of the cases where that idea came from - in this, we have evil counterparts of <quote>Earth's Mightiests Heroes<unquote> Batman, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern and Superman who are the 'Crime Syndicate of Amerika' (note the 'k'), with the JLA (that's the Justice League of America) travelling between realms when the good Alexander Luthor (i.e. the good counterpart of 'our' Earths evil Lex Luthor) finds a way of traveling between realms and looks for their aide in his constant battle against the CSA.
And if that all sound confusing, trust me: it is.
This is one of the cases where that idea came from - in this, we have evil counterparts of <quote>Earth's Mightiests Heroes<unquote> Batman, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern and Superman who are the 'Crime Syndicate of Amerika' (note the 'k'), with the JLA (that's the Justice League of America) travelling between realms when the good Alexander Luthor (i.e. the good counterpart of 'our' Earths evil Lex Luthor) finds a way of traveling between realms and looks for their aide in his constant battle against the CSA.
And if that all sound confusing, trust me: it is.
Luke (278 KP) rated Wonder Woman (2017) in Movies
Jun 25, 2017
Good Story (2 more)
Great Cast
Love The Character Development
The End Turns Back Into Batman Vs Superman (2 more)
Over the Top End Fight
The Icecream Scene Needed More Excitement
Its Pritty Wonderful
I really enjoyed the film, i wouldnt say it is the best film but compared to the rest of the DC train wreck it was brilliant. I enjoyed the look of her home land and how the character development with the rest of her people, The whole film was very uplifting and action packed with the rocking wonder woman music.
I enjoyed it but would not rush to rewatch it, it was also a bit on the long dragged out side of life, to the point where my wife made me jump (Scared the chris cringle out of me in the cinema) as she woke up from being put to sleep at the end.
I enjoyed it but would not rush to rewatch it, it was also a bit on the long dragged out side of life, to the point where my wife made me jump (Scared the chris cringle out of me in the cinema) as she woke up from being put to sleep at the end.
David McK (3248 KP) rated Superman: Birthright in Books
Jan 30, 2019
It's funny, but while - like, I'm sure, most people out there - I may know (of) the origin of the Man of Steel, I've never actually seeing it written down anywhere.
Thinking about it, I think that knowledge comes from the Christopher Reeve Superman films, and the more recent TV series Smallville.
That TV series was still running when this graphic novel series was released.
This goes back to Superman's earliest days in Metropolis, with a brief flash-back to his high school Smallville days, to present a new take on the origin of the character - Jimmy Olsen? Check. Ma and Pa Kent? Check. Perry White? Check. Lois Lane? Check. Lex Luthor? Also check!
As such, I found this an interesting take on the character, with some dynamic action sequences and some stand-out visuals (Clark Kent soaring over a herd of stampeding Zebra's, for instance).
Thinking about it, I think that knowledge comes from the Christopher Reeve Superman films, and the more recent TV series Smallville.
That TV series was still running when this graphic novel series was released.
This goes back to Superman's earliest days in Metropolis, with a brief flash-back to his high school Smallville days, to present a new take on the origin of the character - Jimmy Olsen? Check. Ma and Pa Kent? Check. Perry White? Check. Lois Lane? Check. Lex Luthor? Also check!
As such, I found this an interesting take on the character, with some dynamic action sequences and some stand-out visuals (Clark Kent soaring over a herd of stampeding Zebra's, for instance).
David McK (3248 KP) rated Sword of Destiny in Books
Sep 1, 2019
Not a full-blooded novel in its own right, this is actually the second compilation of stories featuring Geralt of Rivea, after The Last Wish.
As most gamers will know by now (Witcher III, anyone?), Geralt is a Witcher, who makes his living by hunting Monsters but who also follows his own moral code. While I've never (yet) played that game, I also know that Netflix have a very-soon-to-be-released series based on the character and his world, starring none other than the current incarnation of Superman (Henry Cavill).
As a result, I decided it might be worth-while reading the source material itself first, starting with The Last Wish and now moving onto this. Both those books are pretty much character studies, introducing some key characters in Geralt's life who I'm sure will play larger roles in the full-length novels.
As most gamers will know by now (Witcher III, anyone?), Geralt is a Witcher, who makes his living by hunting Monsters but who also follows his own moral code. While I've never (yet) played that game, I also know that Netflix have a very-soon-to-be-released series based on the character and his world, starring none other than the current incarnation of Superman (Henry Cavill).
As a result, I decided it might be worth-while reading the source material itself first, starting with The Last Wish and now moving onto this. Both those books are pretty much character studies, introducing some key characters in Geralt's life who I'm sure will play larger roles in the full-length novels.
David McK (3248 KP) rated Blue beetle (2023) in Movies
Oct 28, 2023
I'm not sure whether this is officially considered to be one of the last movies in the DC EU (DC Extended Universe) or one of the first in the new DCU (DC Universe) but, regardless, it's about a Superhero that I have never really heard of before and know nothing about.
Like, I suspect, most people.
Anyway, it stars that Mexican kid from Cobra Kai as Jaime Reyes who finds himself in possession of a relic of alien technology, that attempts to form a symbiosis with him and bestows powers upon him (in a world which already includes the DC Holy Trinity of Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman).
What happens, them, comes across as a mix of Spider-Man and Iron Man (especially), with a hint of Venom, Shazam and Batman also all thrown in for good measure!
In short: been there, seen that, got the t-shirt ...
Like, I suspect, most people.
Anyway, it stars that Mexican kid from Cobra Kai as Jaime Reyes who finds himself in possession of a relic of alien technology, that attempts to form a symbiosis with him and bestows powers upon him (in a world which already includes the DC Holy Trinity of Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman).
What happens, them, comes across as a mix of Spider-Man and Iron Man (especially), with a hint of Venom, Shazam and Batman also all thrown in for good measure!
In short: been there, seen that, got the t-shirt ...