ComingSoon.net has the 1st picture of Spider-Man’s new costume from THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN 2. And it is the truest to the comic version of “The Amazing Spider-Man,” yet!
Check out the full costume and my thoughts after the jump!
So, I’ve decided to write a (perhaps) weekly column on all the Marvel NOW! comics I read each week because…
a) A second opinion never hurts.
b) I subscribe to a great deal of the Marvel NOW! titles, with some exceptions including X-MEN titles and FANTASTIC FOUR.
c) Did I mention I’m really into Marvel NOW!?
Sorry, Miles.
d) I’m not caught up on my IDW, DC, and non-Marvel NOW! Marvel titles.
While Media Monster simply picks his favorite titles each month, I’ll give you a run down of what happens each issue, following it up with a mini-review of my own. Like with my previous Marvel NOW! post, I will only be discussing titles that got rebooted along with Marvel NOW! Anything started prior to that, like AVENGING SPIDER-MAN, HAWKEYE, or AVENGERS ASSEMBLE, or any books in the Ultimate Universe like SPIDER-MAN starring Miles Morales, will not be discussed.
AVENGERS #5: SUPERGUARDIAN
Previously: AVENGERS is really confusing right NOW! (See what I did there?)
Following the first three-issue arc involving a creative/destructive force on Mars, Issue #4 focused a little on the aftermath; both villains and heroes racing to either quarantine or benefit from sectors of Earth hit with the evolution spawning virus from Mars. Hyperion was introduced, yet this week’s issue seems to relate little to the four that came before.
Synopsis: Like Issue #4, this issue focuses on the origin of a hero. Izzy finds a pair of glasses in a corn field in Iowa. Putting them on, she becomes a Smasher, the first human Subguardian in the history of the planet Chandilar. The story jumps around from Izzy’s first journey to Chandilar to the present where she has rallied the Avengers to help defend the planet.
Of course, the Avengers are successful and the planet is saved. Afterward, we learn (via flashback) that after she received her gift, Izzy was given an Avengers card by her grandfather who served with Captain America in his youth. Izzy is promoted to Superguardian, again, the first Earthling to ever achieve this rank. Meanwhile, the other Superguardians have come to a startling conclusion; the force they fought back was not attacking their planet, rather it was fleeing something far more terrifying and powerful.
Judgement: While AVENGERS issues 1-3 were fairly straightforward in their storytelling, issues 4 & 5 seem unnecessarily complex, almost like the writer is simply trying to imitate unconventional storytellers like Christopher Nolan or Quentin Tarantino. I don’t like how the previous storyline was all but dropped for the issue, with the exception of a nearly pointless page on which Tony Stark interacts with Blackveil, the next evolution of man whom was a result of the incident on Mars.
AVENGERS seems to be building up to something much bigger, setting up characters like Hyperion and Superguardian Smasher Izzy, but until the fruits of Marvel NOW!’s labor are evident, I label this book my least favorite out of the titles I currently read from Marvel NOW!
Rating – DON’T READ.
THE FEARLESS DEFENDERS #1
Synopsis: The era of a brand new Defenders team has begun. Though recently rebooted in 2012 with Dr. Strange, Red She-Hulk, Namor, Silver Surfer, and Iron Fist, NOW! brings a brand new version with completely different characters, starting with Valkyrie and Misty Knight.
The action starts with Misty Knight rescuing relics that belong in a museum, Indiana Jones style (her employer Dr. Annabelle Riggs “grew up watching a lot of Indiana Jones”) from a heavily guarded ship. She’s not the only one after ancient treasures, as the ship is destroyed by an attack helicopter, but not before she escapes with a miniature statue. The helicopter baddies are able to salvage an ancient skeleton, one which will somehow bring about a massacre.
Back at the White Mountain National Forest, Annabelle Riggs (she watches Indiana Jones and shares a last name with my favorite buddy cop, I may be in love…) examines the statue at an Asgardian burial site, accidentally activating a song that awakens all the dead vikings. Misty Knight does her best to fight off the hoard but is only successful once Valkyrie arrives to help. Following their battle, Valkyrie leaves to consult the all-mother, with Misty Knight and Riggs tagging along.
Judgement: I’ve never heard of any of these characters, but so far I dig the book. Valkyrie is basically a female version of Thor; officially a Shieldmaiden, “gatherer of fallen warriors.” Misty Knight is a ninja with a bionic arm called Satan Claw, a “Stark Industries Cybernetic Replica.” And Dr. Annabelle Riggs is a lesbian, making out with Valkyrie after she is saved… so maybe she is not the girl for me after all. 😦
The action is solid, the characters interesting, and a threat looms large as the corpse secured by the villains is causing the Doommaidens to rise, which Valkyrie admits is her fault.
We’ll see where the book goes in coming months, who else joins the team, but for now my curiosity is peaked, even if I’m not one with a history for “girl power.”
Rating – MAYBE READ…
IRON MAN # 6 : THE GODKILLER 1 of 3
Previously: Iron Man retrieved all five missing Extremis kits, creating new foes along the way. Seeing what types of enhancements the kits resulted in, Tony Stark decided to push himself farther, designing a suit for deep space travel. So Stark set out on his intergalactic adventure, all set with a new A.I. called P.E.P.P.E.R., with all the personality traits of Stark Industries CEO Pepper Potts.
Synopsis: After defending the Voldi Tear in deep space from a “predatory mechanoid pirate fleet” Tony flirts with a purple-skinned alien at the Voldi Citadel of Rapture. The two decide to retreat to her room, as it is Tony’s birthday, after all. Upon removing his armor, miss Purple-Skin vomits; facial hair is apparently a disgusting taboo in this sector.
Booted out before he even has a chance to shave, Stark is quickly arrested by the authorities for Deicide. Labeled the Godkiller, Stark is being held for killing the Void Falcon… or as we know it on Earth… The Phoenix (Iron Man had to slay the nearly unstoppable force to save the Earth in AVENGERS VS. X-MEN).
Judgement: Not a lot happens this issue. Considering this is part one of a three issue arc, I expected more to happen to Stark than a three page space fight (two of which were a splash page), some flirting, and then arrest. In fact, this issue was mostly flirting.
While it’s the 3rd worst title of the week (which also makes it the 4th best, I guess…), I still like the direction IRON MAN has taken with Marvel NOW! While still bogged down in AvX aftermath, it is interesting to see the great threat that was the Phoenix from an alien perspective. And there are some real fun moments including Tony’s STAR TREK reference where he exclaims that “the purple space girl thing has its appeal too.”
If you’ve always wanted to read comics but never knew where to start, the time is NOW! Marvel NOW!
Or, if you already read comics and are looking for a few more good comics, I have sampled most the new Marvel books and have recommendations for you, Now! Marvel NOW!
In 2011, DC Comics relaunched its entire universe, all 52 titles including Superman, Batman, Green Lantern, The Flash, Wonder Woman, and Aquaman, as well as all their friends & enemies, in a reboot fitted with the brand “The New 52.”
This semi-reboot – some universes were partially reset while others like Batman kept his complete continuity (according to current BATMAN scribe Scott Snyder on Smodcast’s FAT MAN ON BATMAN podcast) – while still incredibly confusing, served as the perfect starting point for me and my roommate to finally give into our prepubescent urges and become full on geeks, frequenting Mile High Comics every Wednesday at 11 am (right when it opens).
By the time Marvel launched MARVEL NOW! last December, its own version of THE NEW 52 (which it is still rolling out) designed to bring in new readers following AVENGERS becoming the biggest fucking movie off all time (okay, it isn’t officially, but it is a “game changer” in a way AVATAR never was), I was over a year into comics. I subscribe to all the NEW 52 titles with BATMAN in them (except BATMAN BEYOND UNLIMITED – I tried it, but it didn’t stick), my roommate covers SUPERMAN and his two friends (SUPERBOY & SUPERGIRL), while also spending the past year exploring Batman’s pre-NEW 52 greatest hits from THE DARK KNIGHT RETURNS to KNIGHTFALL to PREY to my personal favorite, LONG HALLOWEEN.
All this time, I also subscribed to many Marvel titles at Mile High Comics including nearly all AVENGERS (yes, including AVENGERS VS. X-MEN), and any title with Spider-Man (including the Ultimate Universe’s Miles Morales), Captain America, Deadpool, & countless other characters. (I also covered a little IDW with some STAR TREK & JUDGE DREDD).
Yet, while I feasted on Batman, I read almost none of my Marvel titles, as all carried too much baggage, too many years of backstory and strange twists that bogged me down as a noob comic reader.
But now, MARVEL NOW!
Though not an actual reboot, just like the NEW 52’s Batman line, Marvel NOW! introduces all the characters at a point where things are changing: at a new starting point, as it were. Though there is still 50 years of history behind characters like Spider-Man, Marvel NOW! introduces every team and character to us , not necessarily from their point of origin, but from a spot where no background is needed. Marvel knows there are noobs like me and have therefore made their labyrinth of a universe easy to digest.
Issue #1 of CAPTAIN AMERICA
Never understood the difference between NEW AVENGERS & regular AVENGERS? Marvel NOW quickly and simply differentiates the two teams’ roles. Characters like Captain America don’t have their origin repeated, but we do get flashes of Steve Roger’s childhood life along with a storyline with no prior Capt. knowledge required.
Marvel NOW! is simply the best way to get into comics, whether you haven’t read them for years, have never read them, or have left Marvel previously due to the universe’s extreme complexity.
I’ve listed the titles I’ve read thus far (I can’t afford to read them all, fwiend), following said list with my favorite five titles, so that you can get started on the road to Marvel NOW!
NOTE: I’m only including titles that started with Issue #1 for Marvel NOW! Any titles continuing their numbering system and not adding the “NOW!” of Marvel NOW!, like VENOM, AVENGING SPIDER-MAN, or AVENGERS ASSEMBLE, will not be considered on this list.
MARVEL NOW! issues I’ve Read…
A + X #1
INDESTRUCTIBLE HULK Issue #1
ALL NEW X-MEN 1-3
AVENGERS 1-4
CAPTAIN AMERICA 1-3
DEADPOOL 1-4
FANTASTIC FOUR #1
INDESTRUCTIBLE HULK 1-3
IRON MAN 1-5
NEW AVENGERS 1-2
SAVAGE WOLVERINE #1
SUPERIOR SPIDER-MAN 1-2
THOR: GOD OF THUNDER 1-4
THUNDERBOLTS 1-3
UNCANNY AVENGERS 1-3
YOUNG AVENGERS #1
Find out which five you shouldn’t miss after the jump! Some of my choices may surprise you.
Well its been almost a month since my last picks so I will skip the list of what I read since that would be a really, really, long list and go straight to the picks of the week (month).
My first pick of the week is Uncanny Avengers #3. Before the switch to Marvel NOW I wasn’t a big fan of any of the Avengers books, or X-men books for that matter. So for me it was highly unexpected that I would so much enjoy a book combining the two teams but with Remender at the helm it has done just that. This opening storyline with Red Skull is absolutely the best follow up to Avengers vs. X-men (not that it has much worthy competition in my mind). It almost makes the event not such a waste of time… almost. Remender is a great story teller and it is obvious in this book as he gives such a powerful weapon, Professor Xavier’s mind, to such a cruel man, the Red Skull. I will be more than happy to put down my money to see what a Nazi will do with such power and control over others thoughts. It will take some interesting twists by Remender for the Uncanny Avengers to get themselves out of this situation.
“chameleon29” has some awesome artwork on deviantArt of favorite heroes and villains from both DC and Marvel comics. Some are even available as prints (and/or magnets and mugs)!
Too bad I have no money…. Damn you, comic addiction!
My personal favorite it Batman, not to say the rest aren’t great. I simply love the interpretation with the extra sharp ridges and lines of the mask, especially around Batman’s eyes.
I do apologize for the deviantArt watermark, but I thought these pieces were so damn cool I’d share them with my fellow geeks anyway. The art may be fairly familiar in pose (especially Iron Man), but the style really grabs me, you know?
(Gross, not in that way! Get your mind out of the gutter, buddy!)
All appear to be the “movie versions” of their character. Bane is obvious, though Spider-Man and Iron Man also sport masks closer to their big-screen design. In Spidey’s case, I think we’re looking at the original Sam Raimi version played by Tobey Maguire.
Check out the two purely comic inspired characters by clicking READ MORE below.
EXTREME SPOILERS AHEAD FOR AVENGERS, DARK KNIGHT RISES, AND SKYFALL.
Possible SPOILERS for any other films referenced.
We’ve finally reached 2012, a year full of great villains! Perhaps the best year for antagonists in this modern age!
Some 2012 Villains spent their time in glass cages…
All of 2012’s “Terrible 3” fit the mold I discussed in previous posts of “A Better Class of Criminal” (Part II, Part III). All 3 deserve to be on the list of 100 greatest villains ever; any other year, each would be the highlight due to less steep competition from the other 2.
Loki (Tom Hiddleson), THE AVENGERS
Only one way to wipe that grin off his face…
Loki is the weakest of the 2012 “Terrible 3,” yet he is still fan-diddily-tastic and miles above most antagonists on the silver screen (technically, billions of miles above, since he is from Asgard…).
Let’s tick the boxes off for the traits we’ve already covered ad nauseum…
1) Loki has a mastermind of a plan. The demi-God is always on step ahead of S.H.I.E.L.D., the Avengers, and even his own brother, Thor. More specific, like great villains past (think the Joker), his plan involves being captured in order to destroy the Avengers from the inside. In his case, he wants a shot at the monster S.H.I.E.L.D. brought on their own Hellicarrier, Bruce Banner aka the Hulk.
Like I said, the glass cage is all the rage in 2012!
Even past his capture and escape, Loki is a step ahead of Captain America and team, setting up at Stark Tower before even Tony Stark realizes it.
Loki grins as he “stabs” a man in the eye.
2) Loki loves his work. He smiles so often, with such evil and glee, even when things look there worst for him. My personal favorite is the smile Loki pops off while “removing” a man’s eyeball before he first encounters Captain America in Germany.
He smiles when he arrives on our planet, as Thor threatens him, as he watches Thor, Iron Man, and Captain America clash, as he passes Banner’s lab in cuffs, as he threatens Black Widow, and even when Tony Stark taunts him in the third act. Loki’s having so much fun he can’t contain himself.
Smiles All Around
As a result, so do we! A lot of credit has to go to the actor, Tom Hiddleson, on this one. As written, Loki could be played more seriously, but Hiddleson nails Loki’s playfulness.
3) Speech! Speech! – Loki may not have a unique voice like his predecessor, The Joker, or his successor, Bane, but he can still deliver quite the evil speech.
To the people of Germany:
“Is not this simpler? Is this not your natural state? It’s the unspoken truth of humanity, that you crave subjugation. The bright lure of freedom diminishes your life’s joy in a mad scramble for power, for identity. You were made to be ruled. In the end, you will always kneel.”
To Black Widow:
“I won’t touch Barton. Not until I make him kill you! Slowly, intimately, in every way he knows you fear! And then he’ll wake just long enough to see his good work, and when he screams, I’ll split his skull! This is my bargain, you mewling quim!”
To Hulk:
“Enough! You are, all of you are beneath me! I am a god, you dull creature, and I shall not be bullied by…”
Ok, so not all Loki speeches end so great…
No one fucks with Phil Coulson… except Loki.
4) Loki is unique. Sure, we’ve seen many super-villains over the years, but Loki is a God/Alien. He considers himself a fallen king, driven mad by the power of the Tesseract and envy of Thor. He sees the human race as ants, something very few to no villains mentioned previously feel. After all, even those like Norman Osbourne aka the Green Goblin, who sees himself as above regular people, was human himself before experimentation.
5) Loki makes it personal. He attacks the Avengers “where they live” (according to Tony Stark), killing friend of the team Agent Phil Coulson.
Bane as painted by Casey Callende.
Bane (Tom Hardy) , THE DARK KNIGHT RISES
I argue that Bane is an even stronger Nolan Batman baddie than Joker… and most people call me a fool.
Joker may have tested Batman’s one rule… and corrupted Gotham’s White Knight, Harvey Dent… but BANE BROKE THE BAT! And held Gotham hostage for months, keeping the entire US government at bay.
The panel from KNIGHTFALL
My favorite scene in Nolan’s entire DARK KNIGHT TRILOGY is Bane and Batman’s initial fight in the sewers. Not only is the action perfectly brutal, leading to the destruction of Batman – the final moment true to the exact panel from the comic – but every line Bane utters during the fight is gold; instantly classic. Both the writing, and the all important delivery by the extraordinary Tom Hardy make the scene the best of the comic-book-movie crop:
“Not as serious as [your mistake], I fear…
Let’s not stand on ceremony here, Mr. Wayne.
Peace has cost you your strength. Victory has defeated you!
Theatricality and deception. Powerful agents to the uninitiated. But we are initiated, aren’t we Bruce? Members of the League of Shadows. And you betrayed us!…
I am the League of Shadows! I’m here to fulfill Ra’s al Ghul’s destiny!
You fight like a younger man with nothing held back. Admirable, but mistaken.
Oh, you think the darkness is your ally. But you merely adopted the dark. I was born in it, molded by it. I didn’t see the light until I was already a man. By then it was nothing to me but blinding!
The shadows betray you, because they belong to me!
I will show you where I have made my home whilst preparing to bring justice to Gotham… Then I will break you.
Your precious armory, gratefully accepted. We will need it.
Ah yes, I was wondering what would break first… your spirit… or your body?!?!”
CLICK “READ MORE” BELOW FOR MORE BANE GOODNESS! NOW WITH SILVA FROM SKYFALL!
This week saw more arrivals of new Marvel NOW books. Lucky for us this “not a relaunch” looks like its producing some interesting stuff. One of my picks this week comes from the debut of the new Thunderbolts. I love the concept for this book with a team of anti-heroes coming together to be a more brutal Marvel team book. The inclusion of Electra is the only thing that makes me hesitate but as long as there are not too many Electra-focused story lines then this book should have a good run. A book that includes Venom, Deadpool, and Punisher is hard to pass up for me and this issue leaves a promise of a serious ass-kicking run in the future for the Thunderbolts. Of all of the Marvel NOW books this one’s #1 issue has got me the most excited to see where things go.
Which turns me to another Marvel NOW book, one thats got me excited AND giggling, Deadpool #3 continues the ridiculous story of zombie American presidents. What an opening arc it has been, this is exactly what Deadpool should be; Absurd fun with wicked originality. Never have I more enjoyed watching Nixon get punched in the face, which is saying something. Another great bit about the first 3 Deadpool issues so far is the covers, each one looks great and provides the first funny tickle that continue throughout the book. I hope that the level of this book doesn’t drop off at the end of this arc because I can’t wait to see what shenanigans they come up with next to put the merc with a mouth through.
The Last pick this week is Legends of The Dark Knight #3. Currently in the Bat-world, after his long faceless absence in the New 52, the Joker is everywhere thanks to Death of the Family. Legends of the Dark Knight is no different, it is on board with the Joker obsession. Rather than focusing on the Joker, this story uses the Joker as a catalyst to make a point about the good that Batman does for Gotham. I think this is a nice change of pace compared to the usual dark place the Bats books take us. The letters shine a light from the shadows of Gotham on the good that Batman does. He is a symbol of fear for a city that only understands that, but the good in Gotham can see through his disguise. While Batman struggles to get his focus off the darkness of the Joker we are able to take a look at the bright side of Gotham. We don’t see the good in Gotham nearly enough and I’m often inclined to agree with Bane and Ra’s Al Ghul that Gotham deserves whatever it has coming to it. This issue may just make me rethink my position on the people of Gotham. I’d recommend this book to anyone since it is a one and done like the Legends of the Dark Knight books before it, and it’s also not in the New 52 continuity so anyone can pick it up and enjoy, and I advise you to do just that.
Have you noticed a trend in your favorite blockbusters of late (well… “of late” meaning “the past 5 years or so…”)?
Are your villains more interesting? Do the actors portraying them have past Oscar nominations and/or can they overcome the action-movie stigma to achieve at least pipe-dreams of one? Are these bad guys crazier than normal? You know, more unique with a funny voice or passion for mayhem?
If you answered yes to any of those absurd questions, perhaps you, like me, feel that the past decade has produced some of the most memorable and unique villains in the history of cinema. (No, not just memorable because they’re recent, memorable because they’re so good it feels like they have some real staying power.)
Javier Bardem as Silva in SKYFALL
2012 alone has been particularly giving, including last weekend’s SKYFALL, anchored by villain Javier Bardem. I’d like to take this time in “movie villain history” to recall past favorite villains of mine and compare them to the current crop that catch audience’s eyes for their originality (like Bane… that is some really bizarre shit).
Patterns will quickly emerge, suggesting that these modern villains we love to love for their originality, actually share quite a bit in common with one another. It’s less that each breaks the mold, more that each fits the current mold; a mold that itself has evolved from what came before. Even the mold is not original, it has simply built on our past, perfecting the traits of a great villains past rather than inventing them.
My personal favorite antagonists from decades past range from those widely-considered classics to a few lesser appreciated gems (especially recently)*:
*I am a lover of film, but I am also only 24 years old, so I apologize if my naturally limited knowledge of films before the 70s cause me to leave out an obvious villain for this list. Likewise, I am writing this all in one night (instead of sleeping); I’m confident that later today I will be like “oh fuck, I can’t believe I forgot ___________!”
*Also, to set up some sort of limits as to what qualifies as a villain/antagonist/bad guy, I’ve decided to draw the line at live-action man. No sharks a la JAWS, dinosaurs a la JURASSIC PARK, no machines a la 2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY, and no animated baddies like Gollum. After all, though many (including myself) would argue three of the four preceding examples are incredibly emotive/iconic in their execution, are they really the same as an actor doin’ their thang’?
*Finally, to simplify shit even further, I eliminated any characters who may be imaginary, a la FIGHT CLUB.
TOP CLASSIC BADDIES
“No Mr. Bond, I expect you to die.”
1964 – Auric Goldfinger (Gert Frobe) – Really set the mold for the classic Bond villain better than DR. NO and FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE had established before. Besides keeping a light and witty rapport with the hero, Goldfinger seems to take great pleasure in his own eccentricities, something we will see time and time again in the Bond universe and elsewhere.
It is this pleasure in action I am trying to drive home today, this aspect that is essential for an interesting antagonist today.
1977, 1980, 1983 – Darth Vader, uhhhh I’m not even gonna say what movie he’s from cause I’m insulted – Obvious choice. No one is more ruthless than him. None more iconic. He’ll death grip the shit out of his own men. And look great doing it. The guy to imitate when it comes to getting results from your henchmen.
And even back in his day we were using tricks like interesting voices and masks (again, see Bane) to give villains identity in a world full of ’em.
1981 – Dr. Rene Belloq (Paul Freeman), RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK – Rene Belloq is my favorite type of villain, the doppelganger; that is, a baddie who is very similar to our hero/nearly the mirror opposite. Belloq and Indiana Jones are both archaeologists, peers in their field, but they differ in methods. As Belloq tells Jones, “I am but a shadowy reflection of you, it would take only a nudge to make you like me.”
1982 – Khan (Ricardo Montalban), STAR TREK II: WRATH OF KHAN – It never hurts to make it personal, not for the audience at least.
Not JAWS 3 or TAKEN-I-want-my-daughter personal. More like the villain feels as though the protagonist has personally wronged them, personal. So, rather than the good guy going on a rampage limited by what makes him a good guy, you have a sadistic madman who don’t give a shit ’bout no’body out to settle a score, and no one will stand in his way. When this happens, there are no Innocent and the world (and/or the universe) burns.
So is the case with Kahn who seeks revenge on Kirk for marooning him on a baron planet, and so will be the case with one of the top villains of 2012.
1987 – Joshua (Gary Busey) with an assist by Endo, LETHAL WEAPON – Joshua is perfect parts crazy and loyal as proved by the classic flame-to-arm scene. Besides, it’s hard to forget that crazy cop on crazy mercenary beat-down with Riggs (Mel Gibson). Joshua would also be considered a doppelganger for Riggs (noticing some patterns here?).
And as far as Endo goes, one need only quote Mr. Joshua, “Endo here has forgotten more about dispensing pain than you and I will ever know.”
Live or die by that reputation, Endo.
Live or die.
1988 – Hans Gruber, DIE HARD – Fine, I admit that so far, very few of my choice are controversial or unknown. Don’t worry, that comes later, like in the 90s where nostalgia clouds my judgement.
Characters popular in the 80s are in-proportionality represented on this list because it’s a personal favorite time period in cinema. Like today, villains were quirky and took great joy in their “work.” Gruber didn’t just have a killer, well thought-out master-plan; he also had fun! (Sound familiar?)
1989 – The Joker (Jack Nicholson), BATMAN – Really, who has more fun killing people than the Joker? The Joker is supposed to be having the time of his life, even when things don’t go according to plan. Jack doesn’t disappoint, though his version still pales in comparison to that of Mark Hamill. Goddamn it though if the man doesn’t commit.
1989 – The South African Consulate’s Minister of Affairs and his Henchmen, LETHAL WEAPON 2 – “Diplomatic Immunity,” really says it all, don’t it?
(Answer: “Yes, it don’t. It really don’t.”)
A little advice, don’t kill the hot South African chick Riggs is fucking AND THEN tell him you murdered his wife. That is, unless you want your house pulled down a mountain.
That shit’s just super personal, and Riggs goes the appropriate amount of ape shit, like 007 post-Vesper.
NOSTALGIA SETS IN: VILLAINS FROM MY FORMATIVE YEARS
1995 – Alec Trevelyan aka 006 aka Janus (Sean Bean), GOLDENEYE – There’s a reason 006 was/possibly is still my favorite Bond villain. Again, everything’s super-personal (he’s Bond’s old friend, plus Bond scarred him by “setting the timers for 3 instead of 6.” He knows MI6 and is another perfect example of a doppelganger (perhaps the most perfect as Bean was nearly hired as Bond). All the correct chips are in play, driven home by all the witty banter between “006” and 007, up until the end.
006 for a new
millennium006 shares quite a few similarities with the still to be discussed Silva from SKYFALL, and is certainty a precursor for the new villain. His past drives him a different direction than “For Queen and Country” Bond, feeling a similar need for revenge to that of Javier Bardem’s character.
1995 – John Doe (don’t wanna spoil the surprise), SEVEN – He’s certainly one of the most quirky/sadistic killers on film. And he knows how to deliver an unbelievable third act, important for any villain worth his salt (if that is even a saying).
Returning our attention to 006, while he’s always great, but it’s the combo of an incredibly strong introduction action scene and the finale showdown that cement his role in 007 history. Likewise, with an ending like that of SEVEN, I doubt we’ll forget this serial killer soon.
1997 – Edgar (Vincent D’Onofrio), MEN IN BLACK – Really, unlike anything else I’ve ever seen, D’Onofrio’s performance of a space roach in an “Edgar” suit still astounds. Certainly one of the most “out there” threats. Again, fun work with the acting and voice make for fun times at cinemas.
1998 – Don Rafeal Montero (Stuart Wilson) & Captain Love (Matt Letscher), THE MASK OF ZORRO – Double the doppelgangers, double the fun!
With old Zorro facing his old arch-nemesis (who just happened to accidentally murder his wife then intentionally -d’uh – steal his daughter) and new Zorro facing his brother’s killer, after years of training and dreams of revenge. Really, Nick Doll’s wet-dream.
From the director of the aforementioned GOLDENEYE and CASINO ROYALE, Martin Campbell, I like to think of MASK OF ZORRO as the movie Campbell made simple because he couldn’t, at that juncture, make a 007 movie. ZORRO follows all the rules of 007 from the detective work, to the “Bond” girl, to a madman with a country changing plot, Don Rafeal Montero, his lead henchman, Captain Love, and an epic, explosive finale.
2002 – Norman Osbourne (Willem Dafoe) aka The Green Goblin, SPIDER-MAN – “Work was murder”
Now, there’s an actor who chewed the scenery in the best way possible. Whether realistic or not, Dafoe’s approach to the over-the-top Green Goblin set the standard for modern comic book movie villains like those of the AVENGERS and DARK KNIGHT.
Limited by an expressionless mask, Dafoe does a lot with a little. His conversation with “the Goblin” is thing of super hero movie legend, making it ok for mechanical arms, black goo, sand, and lizards to talk to mad scientists in SPIDER-MAN sequels for years to come.
Talking to yourself is a unique place to go with your villain, and comics like Spider-Man nearly demand it. What is most important and fun about the character though is, again, the extreme joy felt by “Gobby” whilst terrorizing Spider-Man and New York. This really laid the groundwork for silver screen villains like Loki.
If they were to cast Norman Osbourne in the AMAZING SPIDER-MAN 2 tomorrow, I’d insist it remain Willem Dafoe. He embodied a comic character perfectly even before RDJ ever became Tony Stark.
We’ll continue this analysis of the modern blockbuster villain as derived from his aforementioned history next time on BREAKING GEEK in “A Better Class Of Criminal: Part II” including the final era of movie villains, “Adult” Life: Nearly Modern To Today… And Beyond!
Find out what Bane, Joker, and Silva all have in common!
Find out which villainous strategy is hot, hot hot! (clue: Joker, Bane, Loki, and Silva all recommend it!)
At work I think about Dent, when I commute I think about Dent, when I’m having a conversation with you, I’m not listening, I’m thinking about Harvey Dent.
The White Night who fell from grace. A man, who just like Batman (and Liam Neeson’s Rhas A Gul), who was more important as a symbol than an individual.
I still intend to write about Dent in depth analyzing the character are presented in the Long Halloween comic and The Dark Knight film; Christopher Nolan and David S. Goyer confirmed was their primary influence on the highest grossing comic book movie of all the time was Long Halloween). Harvey’s not just a man; he’s a symbol. Corrupt Gotham’s only great hope.
But the more I thought about Dent, the more I realized nearly all the great comics are tragedies.
Start with Batman. His parents were murdered in front of him, but instead of becoming a serial killer like all the characters on Dexter with childhood trauma, the murder and lack of personal revenge drove him to the brink of insanity.
What kind of person dresses like a Bat?
Crazy people, that’s who.
Bruce Wayne will never have a normal life (not even a life normal for a billionaire). He’s Batman until someone else can take his place; Batman until Batman is no longer needed.
Even if retirement does happen, Bruce Wayne no longer exists. He has been Batman since the day his parents were shot.
Batman’s greatest tragedy is that Batman will always be needed. Ironically, his escalating the crime fighting game by becoming a masked vigilante only leads to other villains with “a taste for theatrical.”
Then, there’s Superman. He lost his homeworld, but his most tragic aspect is that he just may be the reason supervillains and aliens flock to Metropolis (as explored in the New 52 Superman). Which begs the question, was Metropolis actually safer before Superman?
Spider-Man is also an interesting case. Like Batman, he wants to prevent future shootings of people like Uncle Ben. Of course, more so than Wayne, Peter Parker holds himself responsible for his uncle’s death, a death that shook him into embracing the gift science gave him.
Yet Spider-Man too, with carry that guilt and responsibility his entire life. No matter how many villains he aprehends, he’ll always haunted by Uncle Ben.
Spider-Man, like Batman, has given his life to those in need. There is very little time for a normal, happy life with a family. Parker’s wife and children would always be a target, assuming his secret identity is comprimised, which does happen from time to time.
Spidey also has other deaths that weigh heavy on him, like those of Gwen Stacy and her father, Captain Stacy.
Then there’s Captain America, our countries first super soldier. I’m not sure how the comics handle it, but in the film Captain America: The First Avenger, Steve Rogers ends up frozen only to be thawed in the present. Everyone he knew is dead, including Peggy, to whom he promised a dance.
Capt.’s tragedy is that he will forever be a man out of time and place. I man with American ideals that no longer exist.
There are plenty of other examples I could throw out here, but I think I hit most the biggest tragic heroes and I’m gettin’ sleepy.
Got to get up at a reasonable hour to head to Mile High comics for new comic wednesday… and Avengers Vs. X-Men Issue #1.
Keep watching Breaking Geek for future blogs including my more in depth look at Harvey Dent.
First my reading list for this week:
ComingSoon.net has the 1st picture of Spider-Man’s new costume from THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN 2. And it is the truest to the comic version of “The Amazing Spider-Man,” yet!
I don’t mean to step on Media Monster’s toes (he does Weekly Comic Picks… nearly weekly), but I am really into Marvel NOW! right… er… now.
Previously: AVENGERS is really confusing right NOW! (See what I did there?)
Synopsis: The era of a brand new Defenders team has begun. Though recently rebooted in 2012 with Dr. Strange, Red She-Hulk, Namor, Silver Surfer, and Iron Fist, NOW! brings a brand new version with completely different characters, starting with Valkyrie and Misty Knight.
Back at the White Mountain National Forest, Annabelle Riggs (she watches Indiana Jones and shares a last name with my favorite buddy cop, I may be in love…) examines the statue at an Asgardian burial site, accidentally activating a song that awakens all the dead vikings. Misty Knight does her best to fight off the hoard but is only successful once Valkyrie arrives to help. Following their battle, Valkyrie leaves to consult the all-mother, with Misty Knight and Riggs tagging along.
IRON MAN # 6 : THE GODKILLER 1 of 3
This semi-reboot – some universes were partially reset while others like Batman kept his complete continuity (according to current BATMAN scribe Scott Snyder on Smodcast’s FAT MAN ON BATMAN podcast) – while still incredibly confusing, served as the perfect starting point for me and my roommate to finally give into our prepubescent urges and become full on geeks, frequenting Mile High Comics every Wednesday at 11 am (right when it opens).
MARVEL NOW! issues I’ve Read…
Last night, sports geeks gathered around the TV, but the real feast was to be had for cinephiles like myself.
Well its been almost a month since my last picks so I will skip the list of what I read since that would be a really, really, long list and go straight to the picks of the week (month).
My first pick of the week is Uncanny Avengers #3. Before the switch to Marvel NOW I wasn’t a big fan of any of the Avengers books, or X-men books for that matter. So for me it was highly unexpected that I would so much enjoy a book combining the two teams but with Remender at the helm it has done just that. This opening storyline with Red Skull is absolutely the best follow up to Avengers vs. X-men (not that it has much worthy competition in my mind). It almost makes the event not such a waste of time… almost. Remender is a great story teller and it is obvious in this book as he gives such a powerful weapon, Professor Xavier’s mind, to such a cruel man, the Red Skull. I will be more than happy to put down my money to see what a Nazi will do with such power and control over others thoughts. It will take some interesting twists by Remender for the Uncanny Avengers to get themselves out of this situation.
What I Read:
I do apologize for the deviantArt watermark, but I thought these pieces were so damn cool I’d share them with my fellow geeks anyway. The art may be fairly familiar in pose (especially Iron Man), but the style really grabs me, you know?
Let’s not stand on ceremony here, Mr. Wayne.
The shadows betray you, because they belong to me!
Which turns me to another Marvel NOW book, one thats got me excited AND giggling, Deadpool #3 continues the ridiculous story of zombie American presidents. What an opening arc it has been, this is exactly what Deadpool should be; Absurd fun with wicked originality. Never have I more enjoyed watching Nixon get punched in the face, which is saying something. Another great bit about the first 3 Deadpool issues so far is the covers, each one looks great and provides the first funny tickle that continue throughout the book. I hope that the level of this book doesn’t drop off at the end of this arc because I can’t wait to see what shenanigans they come up with next to put the merc with a mouth through.
The Last pick this week is Legends of The Dark Knight #3. Currently in the Bat-world, after his long faceless absence in the New 52, the Joker is everywhere thanks to Death of the Family. Legends of the Dark Knight is no different, it is on board with the Joker obsession. Rather than focusing on the Joker, this story uses the Joker as a catalyst to make a point about the good that Batman does for Gotham. I think this is a nice change of pace compared to the usual dark place the Bats books take us. The letters shine a light from the shadows of Gotham on the good that Batman does. He is a symbol of fear for a city that only understands that, but the good in Gotham can see through his disguise. While Batman struggles to get his focus off the darkness of the Joker we are able to take a look at the bright side of Gotham. We don’t see the good in Gotham nearly enough and I’m often inclined to agree with Bane and Ra’s Al Ghul that Gotham deserves whatever it has coming to it. This issue may just make me rethink my position on the people of Gotham. I’d recommend this book to anyone since it is a one and done like the Legends of the Dark Knight books before it, and it’s also not in the New 52 continuity so anyone can pick it up and enjoy, and I advise you to do just that.
*Also, to set up some sort of limits as to what qualifies as a villain/antagonist/bad guy, I’ve decided to draw the line at live-action man. No sharks a la JAWS, dinosaurs a la JURASSIC PARK, no machines a la 2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY, and no animated baddies like Gollum. After all, though many (including myself) would argue three of the four preceding examples are incredibly emotive/iconic in their execution, are they really the same as an actor doin’ their thang’?
1981 – Dr. Rene Belloq (Paul Freeman), RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK – Rene Belloq is my favorite type of villain, the doppelganger; that is, a baddie who is very similar to our hero/nearly the mirror opposite. Belloq and Indiana Jones are both archaeologists, peers in their field, but they differ in methods. As Belloq tells Jones, “I am but a shadowy reflection of you, it would take only a nudge to make you like me.”
1987 – Joshua (Gary Busey) with an assist by Endo, LETHAL WEAPON – Joshua is perfect parts crazy and loyal as proved by the classic flame-to-arm scene. Besides, it’s hard to forget that crazy cop on crazy mercenary beat-down with Riggs (Mel Gibson). Joshua would also be considered a doppelganger for Riggs (noticing some patterns here?).
1995 – Alec Trevelyan aka 006 aka Janus (Sean Bean), GOLDENEYE – There’s a reason 006 was/possibly is still my favorite Bond villain. Again, everything’s super-personal (he’s Bond’s old friend, plus Bond scarred him by “setting the timers for 3 instead of 6.” He knows MI6 and is another perfect example of a doppelganger (perhaps the most perfect as Bean was nearly hired as Bond). All the correct chips are in play, driven home by all the witty banter between “006” and 007, up until the end.
1997 – Edgar (Vincent D’Onofrio), MEN IN BLACK – Really, unlike anything else I’ve ever seen, D’Onofrio’s performance of a space roach in an “Edgar” suit still astounds. Certainly one of the most “out there” threats. Again, fun work with the acting and voice make for fun times at cinemas.
1998 – Don Rafeal Montero (Stuart Wilson) & Captain Love (Matt Letscher), THE MASK OF ZORRO – Double the doppelgangers, double the fun!
Spider-Man is also an interesting case. Like Batman, he wants to prevent future shootings of people like Uncle Ben. Of course, more so than Wayne, Peter Parker holds himself responsible for his uncle’s death, a death that shook him into embracing the gift science gave him.
Capt.’s tragedy is that he will forever be a man out of time and place. I man with American ideals that no longer exist.
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