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David McK (3562 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 (3562 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 ...

David McK (3562 KP) rated Captain Marvel (2019) in Movies
Mar 29, 2019 (Updated Apr 24, 2022)
<<updated review>
'The as-yet-to-be-released Avenger: Endgame was released a few years ago now!
<original review below>
The first female- led Marvel movie, released between the events of Infinity War and the as-yet-to-be-released Avengers:Endgame, this introduces us to the character that Nick Fury was paging just before he dusted at the very end (after credits) of Infinity War.
ThIs is set during the 90s, and has Brie Larson's Carol Danvers rediscovering her identity (I'll admit, I was a bit confused what was going on during the start of it) alongside Samuel L Jacksons Nick Fury, who is given more to do here than in any other Marvel movie to date (including Winter Soldier).
I will admit to thinking that, by the end of the movie, Captain Marvel is just a tad overpowered: effectively, the Marvel equivalent of Superman
'The as-yet-to-be-released Avenger: Endgame was released a few years ago now!
<original review below>
The first female- led Marvel movie, released between the events of Infinity War and the as-yet-to-be-released Avengers:Endgame, this introduces us to the character that Nick Fury was paging just before he dusted at the very end (after credits) of Infinity War.
ThIs is set during the 90s, and has Brie Larson's Carol Danvers rediscovering her identity (I'll admit, I was a bit confused what was going on during the start of it) alongside Samuel L Jacksons Nick Fury, who is given more to do here than in any other Marvel movie to date (including Winter Soldier).
I will admit to thinking that, by the end of the movie, Captain Marvel is just a tad overpowered: effectively, the Marvel equivalent of Superman

Nick Friesen (96 KP) rated Wonder Woman (2017) in Movies
Jul 11, 2017
Strong female characters (3 more)
Love Interest without a "damsel in distress"
Not too dark, and not too happy either
The most cohesive DCEU film to date
A Triumph for Women Everywhere (and the DCEU)
Gal Gadot is perfect. She kicks ass and looks great doing it, dominating every frame she inhabits. Thanks to Patty Jenkin's guiding hand, Gadot's iteration of Wonder Woman does so without becoming yet another one-dimensional sex symbol. The movie itself is the most cohesive and fun segment the DCEU has offered yet. Free of the glowering and overbearing lens Zack Snyder has placed over Superman and Batman, Wonder Woman touches on themes of hope and discovered humanity that were yet to be seen in DC's fledgling movie universe. Even if the story is a little basic, and a little reminiscent of Captain America: The First Avenger, it stands on its own two feet and puts up a good fight for two hours and twenty minutes.

Annie Chanse (15 KP) rated Fallout: Lois Lane in Books
May 25, 2018
I LOVE this book.
I absolutely loved this book. I read an uncorrected proof copy, so there were a few errors, but I am sure those will be fixed before actual publication. But the book was AMAZING. Lois Lane is and always has been one of my greatest heroes. And this book definitely did the teenage Lois justice. In fact, she is pretty perfect. I also love how the author incorporates Clark Kent into the story in such a way that he is important to the story, but he is still secondary to Lane's character. A lot of times, trying to write a story told from the point of view of another character from a story as popular as the Superman mythos, the central character being written about loses her voice in favor of the more well-known hero. Not the case in this novel. I loved it. It was perfect. I hope DESPERATELY that the author continues to write more Lois Lane books in this fashion.

Mike Carlson (115 KP) rated Batman and Robin: Volume 2: Pearl in Books
Mar 18, 2018
Damian's second step.
Having read Tomasi's Superman Rebirth and now this New 52 title, I am really impressed on his grip and development of the 2 most iconic DC families. Unlike the Kent's, though, this is interesting as a single parent vigilante scenario.
I like Damian as a character. His relationship with his father gets fleshed out throughout this series, with both of their doubts and fears about each other fully realized and explored. This book covers how Damian was raised by Talia al Ghul and has him in a Court of Owls tie-in story. There's a 3 part arc with villain Terminus that deals with sibling rivalry among the Robins. It ends with a 2 parter that seems like a relapse for Damian. The beauty is that these individual stories contain a subtle story arc amongst them...one which culminates in a touching moment at the end.
I like Damian as a character. His relationship with his father gets fleshed out throughout this series, with both of their doubts and fears about each other fully realized and explored. This book covers how Damian was raised by Talia al Ghul and has him in a Court of Owls tie-in story. There's a 3 part arc with villain Terminus that deals with sibling rivalry among the Robins. It ends with a 2 parter that seems like a relapse for Damian. The beauty is that these individual stories contain a subtle story arc amongst them...one which culminates in a touching moment at the end.

David McK (3562 KP) rated The Death of Superman (The Death and Return of Superman, #1) in Books
Jan 30, 2019
Superman dies
It doesn't hold.
Back in the early 90s, I remember one comic book,in particular, that made the headlines, when DC decided to take what was then a massive risk and kill off one of their lead characters.
This was in the days, of course, before that trick became 'old hat; before the comic industry kept killing off and bringing back to life their leads.
Reading it now, even if the plot isn't that strong (who is Doomsday? Where has he come from? What does he want? Why was it the the Justice League of Americas B-team that went out to face him and got taken apart?), it's interesting to see how the medium has moved on: in particular (mostly) away for the lurid brightly coloured panels of this comic.
I have to say, as well, if you thought the devastation of Metropolis at the end of the recent(ish) 'Man of Steel' movie was bad, read this ...
It doesn't hold.
Back in the early 90s, I remember one comic book,in particular, that made the headlines, when DC decided to take what was then a massive risk and kill off one of their lead characters.
This was in the days, of course, before that trick became 'old hat; before the comic industry kept killing off and bringing back to life their leads.
Reading it now, even if the plot isn't that strong (who is Doomsday? Where has he come from? What does he want? Why was it the the Justice League of Americas B-team that went out to face him and got taken apart?), it's interesting to see how the medium has moved on: in particular (mostly) away for the lurid brightly coloured panels of this comic.
I have to say, as well, if you thought the devastation of Metropolis at the end of the recent(ish) 'Man of Steel' movie was bad, read this ...

Lee KM Pallatina (951 KP) rated Hercules (1997) in Movies
Aug 10, 2019
Zero to Hero
Contains spoilers, click to show
Disney's take on the Greek mythological Hero.
Hercules (Tate Donovan), son of Zeus, was kidnapped as a baby by minions of Hades (James Woods) and is found and raised by mortals in a superman-esque kinda way.
Now a teenager, Hercules wants to know about his real parents. Along the way he needs to perform a rite of passage on Earth to prove himself worthy of living with the gods on Mount Olympus and dealing with his first true love With help from his plucky satyr sidekick, Philoctetes (Danny DeVito), who's along for the ride, Hercules must learn how to use his strength to become the hero he's needed to be.
This movie is very light hearted and has an array of characters you can appreciate, many vibrant colours manage to draw you in, great dialogue and banter between characters with a meaningful story.
My personal favourite Disney animation.
Hercules (Tate Donovan), son of Zeus, was kidnapped as a baby by minions of Hades (James Woods) and is found and raised by mortals in a superman-esque kinda way.
Now a teenager, Hercules wants to know about his real parents. Along the way he needs to perform a rite of passage on Earth to prove himself worthy of living with the gods on Mount Olympus and dealing with his first true love With help from his plucky satyr sidekick, Philoctetes (Danny DeVito), who's along for the ride, Hercules must learn how to use his strength to become the hero he's needed to be.
This movie is very light hearted and has an array of characters you can appreciate, many vibrant colours manage to draw you in, great dialogue and banter between characters with a meaningful story.
My personal favourite Disney animation.

Joey Santiago recommended Donovan's Greatest Hits by Donovan in Music (curated)
