Meme Monday 6/24/13

Clark still messing with the Avengers, and apparently Bruce approves

meme monday 6/17/13

just Clark being a smartass

Laid Back Comics: Secret Avengers #1

Not fond of this cover either

It is no shock I am a fan of Secret Avengers and I was very nervous hearing about Marvel NOW coming in as it might scrap the book for perhaps something else. But, I was relieved hearing that it was going to be coming back with a new writer in Nick Spenser and another roster change-up ; though upon reading the issue I did wonder if this was the right change to make.

If anything the book having the word ‘Avenger’ in the title seems a bit false. Make no mistake; this is a S.H.I.E.L.D. Book from the cast and the missions, which is not the only real secret the book is currently hiding. For what it is worth the first two ‘recruits’ Hawkeye and Black Widow didn’t seem interested in joining and then suddenly all read for the chance a panel later. Of course we don’t know why the sudden jump but only one of the many questions the books leaves us with as we get through it. The next plot point to all of this was that Hawkeye and Black Widow get nanoparticles that allow memories to be altered remotely. This all sounds pretty comic book super science which I have no real problems with. So in the end the missions are so secret they won’t even remember being on them or in the case of poor Hawkeye why he was in Bubdapest to start off with.

There are two things wrong I feel with this book and to start out it is trying very hard to connect with the Avengers movie using the ones who were working for S.H.I.E.L.D. Heck they even manage to make Coulson here look like actor Clark Gregg even though his first few appearances had him look nothing alike. But, if anyone is going to see this and expect the same Agent Coulson we fell in love with in the movies, we are sadly going to be disappointed. This Coluson along with Nick Fury ‘Jr.’ are out to save the world and in some way screw over Hawkeye and possible Black Widow. The reveal at the end to me seems to point to that happening sooner than later.

Spencer writing has never been bad, but never something I could say has blown me away either. Here is a book that has a lot of dialogue, and at times very witty, but low on the actually action portion.  It is hard to get behind a book that has so many talking heads and then quick action or off panel action. Art is much better with Luke Ross though wouldn't mind Black Widow having her zipper a few inches higher. I often don’t mention this and should but Matthew Wilson on color for this book did an amazing job and little disturbing job with a scene involving demon possession!

But, as the book comes to a close I felt more depressed than I was excited for the future issues. Maybe under has this been promoted as an S.H.I.E.L.D. book proper my expectations would be different and not blinded by volumes past. Here this title just lightly jogs in and stands around not doing much at all and doesn’t have much of a hook to keep me coming back.

OVERALL: 5.0 out of 10

Bryan "BAC" Clendening is a comic book reviewer and sometimes video producer on the internet, you can follow him on Twitter by Clicking Here.

Special: AVENGERS # 1 Trailer

Straight from Marvel, a trailer about tomorrow's all new Avengers #1:

COMICS ON SCREEN: IRON MAN 2 REVIEW

Iron Man 2 (2010) Review by Jeff Williams

 

Editor: Jeremias de Leon

With this month being Avengers month, todays review is on a sequel that feels more of a reminder of what's the shape of things to come, rather than a continuation of the original's plot. Distributed by Marvel Studios and Paramount Pictures, it's the 2010 film, Iron Man 2.

I personally feel conflicted when it comes to this particular sequel. While the director of 2008's Iron Man, Jon Favreau returns to helm the sequel and the cast from Iron Man return to their respective roles (excluding Terrance Howard as Lt. Rhodes and Jeff Bridges as Obadiah Stane not returning because of Howard's salary and Stane perishing at the end of Iron Man.) for the sequel.

The new additions to the cast, Mickey Rourke as Ivan Vanko "Whiplash" and Scarlett Johansson as Natasha Romanoff "Black Widow" are great additions to this already perfect cast. As mentioned earlier, due to Mr. Howard not reprising his role as Rhodey. His replacement is Don Cheadle. Cheadle is known from the Acadamy-award winning 2004 film "Hotel Rwanda".  From a personal view, I prefer Cheadle's portrayal as the character than I did with Howard's take on Rhodey.

The main problem that I have with this movie is, there's a good story in there but it wasn't fully developed. I like the idea of Stark slowly dying from his own creation and that showing his mortality, the different view points of Stark and Rhodes when it comes to the Iron Man suits and their use in the world, a villain that's sympathetic and understudying his actions and expanding the universe with the inclusion of Nick Fury and the Live-Action debut of Black Widow.

That main problem I mentioned earlier in this review starts to rear its ugly head. While I do like that they started to expand and connect this universe more, its the BIGGEST problem with this film. I feel that they [Marvel/Paramount] wanted to use this more as a visual marketing tool (i.e. "Watch Out WB! The Avengers Cometh!) than using it to expand the character of Tony/Iron Man, his conflicts and his relationships with the already existing characters, and that in turn hurt the character of Black Widow and her portrayal from Ms. Johansson.

If their is one thing that I've got to commend Favreau's directing in this, compared to the first film is that the fight scenes feel more fluid. While he did a great job with bring the character/world of Iron Man to the big screen, the fight scenes in Iron Man felt out of place and it somewhat shows in that film's third act.

In closing, while this sequel ins't on the same level as the first film. It's still an enjoyable time to have with friends.

Rating: 3.5/5

I would like to add, that while I did enjoy Sam Rockwell's performance as Justin Hammer; the characterization of Hammer was played over the top as joke rather then how he's portrayed in the comics, a rival to Stark and Stark Industries.

Also, I do acknowledge that the story itself was adapted from the "Armor Wars" arc from the comic, but if that was the route they wanted to take with this film they should have stuck with it.

WHAT YOU & WE THOUGHT OF AVENGERS!!!!

Here are thoughts of The Avengers live action movie that has premiere this past weekend. We got stuff from fans and CBC staff so let's get down to it.

Jeremy Jones

Ever had one of those kitchen let downs? Y'know, when what's cooking smells so yummy but when you finally tuck in, it's mediocre. Not bad exactly, just not as good as it's scent set-up.
Marvel Studio's Avengers movie, released May 4th, is the exact opposite of a kitchen let down; the film was everything a fanboy could have hoped for, a veritable piece de resistance of comics-translated-to-the-big-screen movie magic. The promise made by Iron Man I&II, Thor, and Captain America movies over the last few years have herein been fulfilled.
Let's keep it to three reasons why Avengers was so satisfying. Director Joss Whedon also wrote the screenplay; the resulting singularity of creative vision makes a powerful, sturdy framework upon which to lay dynamic, toothsome special effects. The overall writing finesse and depth of characterization is brilliant and engaging.

There was no need for distracting backstory filler, often a failing of comic book movies, as the non-comic reading movie public must be brought up to speed. Avengers avoids the backstory baggage thanks to the four previous solo movies and we get right down to business; the pot is hot at the jump and the aromatic ingredients simply sizzle.

With strong acting in the mix, this trifecta of movie magic is complete. For the most part, the main characters are adroitly portrayed, with verve, and even secondary characters like Maria Hill shine. Just a bit of Samuel L. Jackson showed through Nick Fury, otherwise, only the character was on screen, the actors disappeared as they should, perfectly: you believe.
Avengers gets a well earned 9.5 of 10 stars.

If this movie was a meal, at its end you would've burped embarrassingly loudly then refused dessert.

CBC's Hector Ramirez

Avengers is the talk of the weekend and with great reasoning. Now naturally, I had to see it in imax 3D and I am glad I did. The graphics were great really worked with the 3d well. The story didn't have many holes in it. Of course, they had them quarrel amongst each other which you know fans wanted to see. When everyone starts working together, they really compliment each other well on the battlefield. The comedic element was a nice touch and catch phrases we will all be repeating for months to come. But speaking of catchphrases one very important catchphrase left unsaid: "Avengers Assemble" but due to the overall success, i'll let that slide. I will be listening for it in the sequel.  

Derrick JonesLet me start off with I really like Joss Wheadon’s television work. I was a faithful watcher of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel, dollhouse, and Firefly. I can even see his hand in some of the story line as the movie plays out. Having said all that I was not the biggest fan of The Avengers movie. 

At times I feel the movie is trying to be too much to too many and falling short at every turn. It’s a buddy movie, except when it’s not, then it’s a romantic comedy (or a bromatic comedy) but then it shifts to pure eye candy action. For a movie that is just this side short of two hours and thirty minutes I felt like for the first hour and forty minutes of the movie I was in a sports car that was towed onto the street and pulled along until finally it was cut lose from the truck and allowed to hit speed. 

All the actors played their parts well Robert Downey Jr. still manages to bring an unlikeable arrogant Tony Stark to the screen and Chris Evans, who annoyed the hell out of me in the Fantastic Four films, plays a really believable man out of time Captain America. For me however the runaway star of the movie is Mark Ruffalo as the third and best Bruce Banner. While I am familiar with the comic version of the Black Widow I would not mind seeing her in her own movie, but again I have to give props to Josh Wheadon (yeah Scarlett also ) for the writing of a female character that is not all victim or pure fem fatale bitch. In the end I would give this movie 3 out of 5 stars.

CBC's Darryll "YTC" Carter

Aside from my sister somewhat ruining the end of the movie for me (that's why I don't go out with familly) Joss Whedon pulled it off. And I'm glad he did though. I, myself, didn't walk away with the experience I was expecting the rest of the world seems to think I should have and would have if my sister wasn't present. That being said I feel like the movie was too Stark and Widow heavy. I expected the movie to focus on Downey and Iron Man a bit heavily and while it wasn't outlandish it was noticable to me. Alot of people disagree with me, saying "No way man it was the Hulk" or "naw, it was Thor". I'm speaking more so about screentime not who got the most badass moment. But speaking of badass moments I felt like Black Widow did more in the film than Captain America. And that bothers me. Cap bias aside, he is Captain fing America the leader. He did shine as a leader though once everyone began to cooperate, namely Stark and Thor and surprisingly the Hulk. Though I wager there isn't much for the Hulk to complain about when his orders are "Hulk.... Smash." Priceless.

J1 Studios' Brian Misher

Just saw with some friends this morning. ABSO-FREAKING-LUTELY AWESOME!!! I will be seeing this twice!

Christian Prokop aka Mildra the RPG Monk

Saw Avengers the other day. The monk approves.

Deandra McFadden

  Omg! I love this movie. If you haven't seen this movie, go watch it now.

CBC's Frankie Rodriguez 

   This movie is beyond Epic. Beyond Awesome. This movie is exactly what it needs to be: Well paced, great characterizations and mind-breaking battles. This movie proves all the build up of the Marvel Movies continuity works and works well. And all the characters were very well balanced in this movie. No one over-shines anyone else in the film, in my opinion. 

   There are more than enough memorable moments, the pacing is excellent and the characters are all distinct and fleshed out well. Captain America is a god! And honestly, Mark Ruffalo is the best  Bruce Banner ever to hit a screen, tv or movie. Such a multi-layered portrayal and the movie was just full of Whedon full but not overly full of pop-culture references. Kids will love it. Adults will love it. Just ... amazing work. 

Countdown: Top 10 Avengers

by Darryll YTC Carter

Two weeks ago I posted my top 10 mutants showing the people I'm rooting for during the Avengers vs X-Men event. This time its the Avengers' turn. Let's get to it.

Captain America

     Without any contest remotely, Cap is my number one Avenger. I mean…. He’s Cap. He earned my respect from the pages of the Ultimates back in my high school days. I’m pro-American and Cap is as pro-America as it gets (before it becomes unhealthy or just racist). He is pure American everything that we should be. Everything that any self respecting and aspiring hero wants to be.  Then there is the shield. He’s surgical with that thing. Not to mention till this day he’s the only man I’ve seen literally walk up to the Hulk and just slug him one.

 Hulk

     If you would have seen me when I first saw the Incredible Hulk or maybe the time I saw the Hulk jump out of a nuclear explosion, you would know my appreciation for the Hulk is borderline orgasmic. That’s right I swoon folks, swoon when I see the Hulk go on his rampages and exert his power and the devastation it relinquishes upon the battlefield or an unsuspecting alien’s face. “Hulk Smash!” = Me happy.

Spider-Man

     Good ole Parker. My favorite superhero tied for first place with none other than Bruce Wayne himself. He’s got the jokes, he’s got the smarts and he had the girl… redhead that is. She’ll be back again don’t even worry about it Pete. We’ll be okay. We’ll be okay… Maybe you can hook up with Patty Spivot, she looks a lot like your recent ex, especially since she wants nothing to do with Flash.

Scarlet Witch

     

      Mmmm, Wanda. I said why I liked her in the Mutant countdown and interestingly enough she clutches the #4 spot again. I like her enough that she appears on both lists. Here’s an excerpt from the Mutant countdown on Wanda:

Often viewed as the favorite child of Magneto, Scarlet Witch is a top tier mutant not to be trifled with. Scarlet Witch manipulates probability fields and reality via her hexes. While she has been deemed unstable on more than one fair occasion, Wanda once firmly warmed a seat in the Avengers alongside her love, Vision. To put into perspective just how powerful Wanda is, I only need to mention House of M. Don’t know what that is? Google it or go buy it. Man I love women with power.

Valkyrie

      Valkyrie is pretty much what I’d go for if I were a superhero. Like Wanda she is a mesh of power and beauty. Besides riding shotgun and being the resident strongman for the first version of the Secret Avengers she has a very poetic and archaic way with words. And who doesn’t like a girl who can wield a big ass sword. Ring Ring. Hello? Valk, it’s for you. Cloud wants his buster sword back.

Iron Man

      Tony Stark would probably have been number three or four on this list before Civil War went down. While his side did come up on top, we all know he regrets the brunt of his actions. Downey and the Iron Man films saved Tony for me. Saved him from the abyss he was doomed for in my mind. That said, Its hard to hate the guy. It is like really hard. You have to try. Like discover a new element try.

               

Black Widow

     Scarlett Johansson.

She Hulk

      Banner’s cousin Jennifer Walters; experienced and great lawyer by day, big green, sexy, muscle pounding machine by choice. The beauty of She Hulk’s character is that she chooses to be She Hulk. She’s in perfect control of her transformation, thanks to the opposite effect it had on her as opposed to her cousin.

Wasp

     I’m not sure how to explain how or why I like the wasp. Is it that I like the Wasp or is it that I like what happened to the Wasp? Vague? I’ll explain. In the Ultimates, the Wasp was married to Hank Pym, Giant Man, who also happened to be abusive. One day after an argument he decided to spray her with some bug spray and have his mind controlled ant army ravage her. (Not like that…) They roughed her up a bit… a lot. Cap handled that nasty business. I’ve always thought that was an amazing writing choice. To put that in there. A hot head hero, who abuses his mutant wife, who can shrink down to the size of an insect and sprout wings, with bug spray. It was near genius.

Thor

     “By Odin’s beard!” That’s pretty much the extent of my appreciation. LMAO. Who says that? Thor, that’s who. Oh and Mjolnir. It doesn’t take much to please me folks.