By Jack Chambers, Daniel Cole, Mathew Wilmeau and Chris Fenn
Click HERE to listen to the Inter-Comics podcast – Episode #051
This week, we are celebrating the 75th anniversary of Batman!
Jack and Dan are joined by Mathew Wilmot and the Inter-Comics Batman expert, Chris Fenn to discuss the news, reviews and their favourite stories about the Dark Knight.
Stay tuned until the end for some musical treats and clips from our previous guests, all about the Caped Crusader!
Click HERE to listen to the Inter-Comics podcast – Episode #051
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Posted on August 4th, 2014
Category: INTER-COMICS PODCAST, NEWS & VIEWS, PREVIEWS & UPCOMING RELEASES, REVIEWS
Tags: avengers, Batman, Chris Fenn, Comic news, Comics podcast, Daniel Cole, Jack Chambers, Mathew Wilmeau, Podcast
By Jack Chambers, Daniel Cole and Mathew Wilmeau
Click HERE to listen to the Inter-Comics podcast – Episode #050
It is our one year anniversary! So the Freeless Defenders have teamed up with Mathew Wilmeau for a truly epic Fuck, Marry, Kill session.
We also discuss the best and worst comics of the week, #29 of 52 and they even take a trip down memory lane.
So sit down and enjoy the celebrations!
Click HERE to listen to the Inter-Comics podcast – Episode #050
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Posted on July 26th, 2014
Category: INTER-COMICS PODCAST, NEWS & VIEWS, PREVIEWS & UPCOMING RELEASES, REVIEWS
Tags: avengers, Batman, Comic news, Comics podcast, Daniel Cole, Jack Chambers, Mathew Wilmeau, Podcast
By Jack Chambers, Daniel Cole and Free Costin
Click HERE to listen to the Inter-Comics podcast – Episode #049
This week the gang is joined by John-Paul Bove. JP talks about his work, the role of colourists and which comic book characters he’d marry, kill or fuck.
The gang also look at the big news announcements from the week, talk about their best/worst comics of the week and discuss a double helping of 52.
Sit down, relax and enjoy!
Click HERE to listen to the Inter-Comics podcast – Episode #049
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Posted on July 26th, 2014
Category: INTER-COMICS PODCAST, NEWS & VIEWS, PREVIEWS & UPCOMING RELEASES, REVIEWS
Tags: avengers, Batgirl, Batman, comic books, comics, Daniel Cole, DC Comics, Free Costin, Image Comics, Jack Chambers, marvel comics, Podcast
By Jack Chambers, Daniel Cole and Free Costin
Click HERE to listen to the Inter-Comics podcast – Episode #048
This week the trio let you guys decide the content as they answer your questions.
Topics include: Their pulls lists, spoilers, character defining creators and which superheroes they would marry.
So sit back and enjoy this bumper sized episode!
Click HERE to listen to the Inter-Comics podcast – Episode #048
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Posted on July 10th, 2014
Category: INTER-COMICS PODCAST, NEWS & VIEWS, PREVIEWS & UPCOMING RELEASES, REVIEWS
Tags: avengers, Batman, comics, Daniel Cole, DC Comics, Free Costin, Jack Chambers, marvel comics, Podcast
By Jack Chambers, Daniel Cole and Mathew Wilmot
Click HERE to listen to the Inter-Comics podcast – Episode #035
The fake French anti-hero returns to exact his revenge on the Freeless Defenders. Together they review a lot of comics in a short and sweet episode.
Click HERE to listen to the Inter-Comics podcast – Episode #035
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Posted on April 18th, 2014
Category: INTER-COMICS PODCAST, NEWS & VIEWS, PREVIEWS & UPCOMING RELEASES, REVIEWS
Tags: avengers, Batman, comics, Daniel Cole, DC Comics, Jack Chambers, marvel comics, Mathew Wilmot, Podcast, X-Men
By Jack Chambers, Daniel Cole and Free Costin
Click HERE to listen to the Inter-Comics podcast – Episode #033
Free makes her triumphant return! Jack raves about a DC team up and laments about how bad the X-Books can be. Meanwhile Dan is transmitting from inside a bin. It is all kicking off in this latest episode!
Click HERE to listen to the Inter-Comics podcast – Episode #033
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Posted on April 7th, 2014
Category: INTER-COMICS PODCAST, NEWS & VIEWS, PREVIEWS & UPCOMING RELEASES, REVIEWS
Tags: Arrow, avengers, Batman, comics, Daniel Cole, DC Comics, Free Costin, Gotham, Jack Chambers, marvel comics, Podcast
By Jack Chambers, Daniel Cole and Free Costin
Click HERE to listen to the Inter-Comics podcast – Episode #030
The team welcome a new member and travel back in time to 1996. They watch on in awe as the Marvel and DC heroes fight. And they peer into the cosmic abyss to find a place called The Amalgam Universe!
Once their mission is over they will be know as The Challengers Of The Fantastic.
Click HERE to listen to the Inter-Comics podcast – Episode #030
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Posted on March 6th, 2014
Category: INTER-COMICS PODCAST, NEWS & VIEWS, PREVIEWS & UPCOMING RELEASES, REVIEWS
Tags: Amalgam Comics, avengers, Batman, Daniel Cole, DC Vs Marvel, Free Costin, Inter-Comics Podcast, JLW Chambers, Marvel Vs DC, Superman, X-Men
By Jack Chambers, Daniel Cole and Free Costin
Click HERE to listen to the Inter-Comics podcast – Episode #026
The team decides to look on the bright side and recommend some of the better comics of the week. Ninja Turtles, X-Men and 52 are all mentioned. However in the dark reaches of space the Mad Titan Thanos has gotten his hands on the Infinity Gauntlet and it is up to The Freeless Defenders to analyse the situation!!!
Click HERE to listen to the Inter-Comics podcast – Episode #026
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Posted on February 6th, 2014
Category: INTER-COMICS PODCAST, NEWS & VIEWS, PREVIEWS & UPCOMING RELEASES, REVIEWS
Tags: avengers, Comic Podcast, DC Comics, Image Comics, Infinity Gauntlet, marvel, Podcast, Thanos, TMNT
By Robin Jones
Written by Nathan Edmondson
Art/Colours by Phil Noto
Marvel’s All New NOW titles are continuing their march towards comic book domination, and where better to start a new series than with that red haired, bad-ass ex KGB agent Black Widow. With the success of Scarlett Johanson as Ms Natasha Romanov in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, it stands to reason that Marvel would want to capitalise. therefore, it comes as no surprise that they have released Black Widow #1.
Following in the footsteps of the highly successful Hawkeye, we follow the exploits of Natasha Romanov during her “Downtime”, when she’s not being a covert operative for S.H.I.E.L.D or fully fledged member of the Avengers. Unlike Agent Barton though, Romanov’s motivation is atonement for her past and tackling the demons within. Edmondson deals nicely with the Widow’s past, weaving several fake histories into the narrative and giving precedence to the fact that this is about the here and now. Romanov states “no one will ever know my full story” and Edmondson’s writing reflects this, keeping the focus on that fact that whilst influenced by her past, this story will not be controlled by it.
The book isn’t light on action and espionage, with Romanov dealing with several high intensity situations and double bluffing her way through them, utilising her reputation and turning expected outcomes on their heads. Her motivation and the puzzle of just who Romanov is make up the bulk of the story, but there are several attempts at humour throughout, however, sometimes this falls flat on its face. At one point, a henchman repeatedly says the words “gets” instead of “get”, whilst I understand that this is a play on the old stereotype of gangsters, it gets irritating due to how rapidly it’s repeated. Natasha’s handler and financial adviser is a character known as Isaiah, who is meant to provide us with how the “average” character sees Natasha. This just seems to bring him across as callous and money driven, suggesting that Romanov do more and more “hits” to help increase the size of her trust funds. I know he’s meant to be the Q to her 007, but again it falls short.
Phil Noto’s art is solid and elegant. From his all out action sequences to the nicely handled back-story sequences, which drip with film-noir nuances and a cinematic style, Noto’s art stands out from most other comics that are out there. He pays a fine attention to detail, beatifully crafting each panel and his washed out, dulled down colours lend weight to the comics overall tone.
Whilst packing a strong punch and having many things going for it, Black Widow #1 unlike it’s protagonist, was slightly off target. I’m sure with later issues the precision of the writing and the humour will become slicker as it forges an identity for itself in the new Marvel world order, but for now, the comic comes off as a Hawkeye wannabe, a pretender to Fraction and Aja’s crown. Keeping the noir undertone, the quest for attonement and focus on Romanov’s present will all help in expediting this. For now though, stick to Hawkguy.
I give this 5 out of 10
Click HERE to view the Black Widow Vol. 5 series!
For more comic views and reviews follow Robin on Twitter at @Hulksmash1985
Posted on January 18th, 2014
Category: PULP FRICTION, REVIEWS
Tags: avengers, Black Widow, Hawkeye, marvel comics, Natasha Romanov, Nathan Edmondson, Phil Noto, Robin Jones, Scarlett Johanson
By Glen Ludlow
“She took my dog, man.”
‘This is what Clint Barton does when he’s not an avenger.’ That one line says it all. That’s the reason why I love this book, because it’s about Clint and not his alter-ego Hawkeye. Sure, he’s what you would class as a superhero, yes he’s part of a superhero gang that fights crime and generally prevents the Earth from being messed up. But this is an exploration of his down-time, his ‘Clint time’.
Hawkeye, since the relaunch with Marvel Now! has been handled very lovingly by Matt Fraction and David Aja. Both fit the character and book perfectly. It’s sparse, the dialogue is short and snappy, and the page layout is basic. I love it.
In this issue, ‘The U in Funeral’, it’s all about Clint and his brother Barney, the other Hawkeye. There’s been a murder in the building Clint’s the super of, and he’s got to come to terms that maybe this person was harmed because of what he does for a living. He’s also dealing with a book he’s writing, and his ex-wife, as well as questioning by the police. Oh, not to mention the brother who is constantly mentioned throughout but only shows up in the closing scenes. It’s a nice little drop-in by one of Marvel’s lesser-known characters.
What I love about Fraction is each issue of Hawkeye you could quite easily jump into and start from there. Each one feels like a one-shot, with vague connected storylines weaving through from one issue to the other, but it’s so approachable as a book, that you can dive in with Fraction and the gang at any time. His dialogue is punchy and real. There aren’t any long inner or outer monologues or expository dialogue in this book. Everything is quiet and subtle. You feel more like you’re taking a casual stroll through the park than running along at a breakneck speed. It’s all down to Fraction’s script, but let’s also talk about David Aja.
Every page is a nine-panel grid. In those pages Aja manages to bring Fraction’s script to life with ease and comfort. Nothing feels squashed or packed in. This isn’t that kind of story. He doesn’t use flashy angles, he doesn’t use massive set pieces, he keeps it simple and stark. The quiet colours by Matt Hollingsworth pack a punch that lifts Aja’s art off of the page and grabs your attention.
For more comic views follow Glen on Twitter at @glenghiskhan and check out his blog for more reviews at www.glenludlow.blogspot.co.uk
Click HERE to view HAWKEYE comics
Overall, an excellent effort by everyone. If you’re looking to get into Hawkeye, this is a good issue to start, if you’re an avid reader already, you don’t need to be told any of this.
Posted on October 22nd, 2013
Category: PANELS OF INTEREST, REVIEWS
Tags: avengers, Barney Barton, Clint Barton, Comic Reviews, David Aja, Glen Ludlow, Hawkeye, marvel comics, Marvel Now!, Matt Fraction
So, the first wave of Marvel NOW! titles has officially come to end with the release of this week’s all new book simply titled X-Men (featuring an all female X-Men team). With a second wave already in the works, why don’t we take a look at what you should be reading from wave 1.
(Note, although I have done a pretty good job at keeping up with most of the new NOW! books there are some that have slipped through my fingers. A+X, FF, X-Men: Legacy, Cable and X-Force, Thunderbolts, Morbius: The Living Vampire, Savage Wolverine, Young Avengers, Fearless Defenders, Savage Wolverine, Wolverine are some of the books I haven’t been on board with for strictly financial reasons. Young Avengers appears to be the most talked about of the books I’ve listed).
All New X-Men introduces us to the original X-Men who are bought into our time to try and stop Cyclops and his Uncanny X-Men.
All New X-Men: This (and Superior Spider-Man) is my 2nd favorite of the NOW titles. ANXM introduces us to the original X-Men who are bought into our time to try and stop Cyclops and his Uncanny X-Men. ANXM also does a great job introducing us to all these characters while at the same time it incorporates an interesting story that continues to impress every month. The premiere X-book IS All New X-Men, it has something for new and old fans of the X-Men. Brian Michael Bendis is on top of his game here.
Brian Michael Bendis continues to do a great job at re-introducing and modernizing older characters.
Guardians of the Galaxy: GOTG is another solid entry for NOW, as it re-introduces (see a trend?) the Guardians of the Galaxy (Star Lord, Gamora, Drax, Groot, Rocket Raccoon and Iron Man) as they defend Earth from intergalactic threats. Brian Michael Bendis continues to do a great job at re-introducing and modernizing older characters. He seems to be setting up a solid story and with a universe as big as Marvel’s there will not be a shortage of villains or dangers.
New Avengers: Funny how the Avengers/New Avengers books, it is the “second” book that is getting most of my intention. Is isn’t because Avengers is not an interesting book ( on the contrary) but it seems that New Avengers with it’s smaller cast and more focused story arc is what continues to bring me back. Even though it’s a bit confusing.
Nova: Marvel’s continued focus on the cosmic characters of its universe continues with Nova. We have a brand new Nova (Sam Alexander) as he becomes one of the youngest Nova’s in history. This book seems to be aimed at younger readers but it’s the light hearted story with just the right amount of character development that makes this a great read.
The most controversial and talked about NOW titles is Superior Spider-Man.
Superior Spider-Man: The most controversial and talked about NOW titles is Superior Spider-Man, as Doctor Octopus takes over Peter Parker as Spider-Man as he sets out to be the Superior hero. Although much of the controversy surrounding the absence of Peter Parker has disappeared, Dan Slott still continues to find ways to shock the reader and it continues to bring me back in to find out what is going to happen next to Spider-Man. And with a load of guest stars set for the next few issues the lives of Spider-Man and his Superior friends looks like it will get a bit worse before it gets any better.
X-Men: With only one issue to its name, I was hesitant to even put this on the list. X-Men had such an incredible introductory chapter and a solid cast that makes me believe this book will be a success.
Captain Marvel is a solid character driven book that every comic book fan should own.
Captain Marvel: As one of the only female lead books (the other’s being X-Men and Fearless Defenders) Captain Marvel continues to break new ground and set new standards for female lead books. Captain Marvel is a solid character driven book that every comic book fan should own.
It almost seems like a Dark Avengers version of ANXM and WATXM.
Uncanny X-Men: With so many X-titles on the shelves today it takes a lot to be considered different than the rest. And Uncanny X-Men is indeed different, focusing on a rebel group of X-Men we get an incredible story that shows what the world thinks of the X-Men and what the X-Men think of the X-Men. It almost seems like a Dark Avengers version of ANXM and WATXM. Bottom line is that this is a can’t miss book.
Secret Avengers: another Avengers book, that some how manages to take a different approach and makes it work. This book seems to follow more of the cinematic Marvel Universe and puts Black Widow, Hawkeye and company into smaller secret missions that don’t require the reader to buy several books to know what’s going on.
Uncanny X-Force: Initially off to a slow start, UXF has found its voice and story and is starting to create something really great. Keep an eye on this one.
The most fun you will have reading a comic book this year, great story and funny character moments help give Wade Wilson a truly fantastic book.
Deadpool: The most fun you will have reading a comic book this year, great story and funny character moments help give Wade Wilson a truly fantastic book.
Avengers: The premiere Avengers book, Jonathan Hickman’s Avengers finds a way to include all of our favorite Avengers and still give everyone their own time to shine. The massive story is inching at about a snail’s pace but with Infinity right around the corner you be can sure that this is leading to something BIG.
That’s it for now, stay tuned as I give my picks on who should be getting books in Wave 2!
For more comic views and reviews follow Ruben on Twitter at @Ruben_Mendoza and check out his YouTube channel over at http://youtube.com/rubenm33
Posted on June 6th, 2013
Category: NEWS & VIEWS, THE BURRITO BANDITO
Tags: All New X-Men, avengers, brian michael bendis, Burrito Bandito, Captain Marvel, Comic Reviews, Deadpool, Marvel Now!, Ruben Mendoza, Uncanny X-Men, X-Men, Young Avengers
Time travel, it seems, is unavoidable in this tale. I could be wrong of course, and by god I hope I am, but right now to me this feels like a certainty.
SPOILERS CONTAINED WITHIN!
A chromium cover? I don’t think I have bought one of these since the 90′s, and it brings forth both a pleasant trip down memory lane and an embarrassed chuckle. There’s just something about it that feels quite tacky to me but I am unsure why. Visually it works and I can’t help but take greater care with it as though the shine coincides with value. Still, it’s an interesting throwback that reminds me of how long it has been since I read a comic with Ultron in it. I also mentioned at the top that this review contains spoilers but I do feel as though the comic itself should have come with the same warning. I will get into that later.
The main Achilles’ heel with this kind of setting is that it must allow for the Marvel Universe to “heal” again.
The story drops us right in the middle of a new world. The one we knew has gone and in it’s rubble grows a monstrosity of technology casting it’s shadow across the devastation left by a seemingly great war. Instantly alarm bells rang as I read the first few pages. The main Achilles’ heel with this kind of setting is that it must allow for the Marvel Universe to “heal” again. It could never undergo such drastic changes without some sort of event acting as a cosmic reset button since no amount of damage control could rebuild an entire world. Time travel, it seems, is unavoidable in this tale. I could be wrong of course, and by god I hope I am, but right now to me this feels like a certainty.
The most frustrating part of this issue however was Peter Parker’s character.
As far as artwork goes I was equally unsold. I personally enjoy comic art to be bold and crisp such as the work of Stuart Immonen or Humberto Ramos. The work that penciler Bryan Hitch, inker Paul Neary, and colorist Paul Mounts have done for “Age Of Ultron” complements the atmosphere of the tale brilliantly but I just didn’t enjoy a large quantity of the panels. There’s a huge amount of detail in some panels where the line-work and shadows are so dense that it brings me right back to the 90′s, where as others seem to lack detail entirely. The angle of the scene where Emma Frost first appears would, in my opinion, have been better if it was an upward shot to complement Peter Parker’s view. That particular panel was frustratingly bare to me although I am sure I am the only person in the world that it bothered.
The angle of the scene where Emma Frost first appears would, in my opinion, have been better if it was an upward shot to complement Peter Parker’s view. That particular panel was frustratingly bare to me although I am sure I am the only person in the world that it bothered.
The most frustrating part of this issue however was Peter Parker’s character. The dialogue was witty, with great banter between characters. It was the Parker we all love and it was great to see him back on form. One problem. Parker has not been “himself” recently in the “Superior Spider-man” series. This brings me to the “spoiler” I feel this comic contains. I refuse to believe that Bendis has no idea on the recent happenings in the Spider-man character, and even if he had somehow managed to be completely oblivious, someone in the process would have been sure to correct him during the proof reading phase. We all know that Parker will no doubt end up in his own body again as is repeatedly hinted at even by himself (Superior Spider-man #5 – “when I get that body back I’ll have to work off an Otto Octavious-sized gut!”) but to have it dangled in front of us in the future world it takes away the feeling of “what if”. Again, there is always the possibility that I have misread the situation and it’s entirely possible that Parker’s and Otto’s minds merge into one in a strange twist of fate and this is the outcome we are seeing. Who knows. Right now however it feels like a slip up of sorts.
The dialogue was witty, with great banter between characters.
As a whole the comic is intriguing and I will definitely be buying the rest of the run. Especially with the fact that Joe Quesada will be drawing the final pages of Age Of Ultron himself. The art not being to my personal tastes aside it really isn’t as bad as I have perhaps made it sound. I’m just hoping the world being fixed at the end (still betting on time travel) won’t leave me feeling like I have just watched an “it was all a dream” episode from a bad sitcom.
Dont forget to follow Steve on Facebook at Steve Tasteslikedoom Fable or @SteveFable on Twitter and check out his website at www.Tasteslikedoom.co.uk
Click here to view Age Of Ultron comics
Posted on March 16th, 2013
Category: REVIEWS, SMELLS LIKE GEEK
Tags: Age of Ultron #1 Review, avengers, brian michael bendis, Bryan Hitch, Comic Reviews, marvel comics, Smells Like Geek, spider-man, Steve Tasteslikedoom Fable, Steve Tipple, Ultron
This addition is brought to you by yours truly, the god damn dirty ape that is Peter Barrington.
Good day kind Sirs and Madams, and welcome to another addition of the Comic Asylum. This addition is brought to you by yours truly, the god damn dirty ape that is Peter Barrington. You can find me on twitter at @Pete_the_Red or us as a whole at @Comic_Asylum which is ran by myself (not really) and Sean Favager (he does all the work). On a side note, we have started a little bit of fun called ‘Cosplay of the day’ on our twitter feed and are requesting that any followers send them our way and of course will be credited with the find. We may even start a collection and showcase them all. It’s basically just an excuse for Sean to see pretty ladies dressed up as his heroes and I for one applaud him. But if anyone does find a quality Silk Spectre cosplayer for me then a prize may be awarded! Just saying!
On a side note, we have started a little bit of fun called ‘Cosplay of the day’ on our twitter feed and are requesting that any followers send them our way!
Anyway, on to serious matters at hand (ha! Like I can be serious), this addition will focus on a film that is not so far away at all and a preview blog from myself was inevitable. This characters foundations lie in alcoholism, womanising and basically showing off but despite those ‘flaws’, he somehow manages to be one of the most loved and revered characters that have ever stepped off the page and has found a new home and a new audience on the big screen, he is…of course..Ol’ Tinhead…….Iron Man! (Cue the music)
I AM IRON MAN…DA…NA…NA…NA…NA…NA
He is…of course..Ol’ Tinhead…….Iron Man! (Cue the music)
Now the movie I am gonna concentrate on is obviously Iron Man 3 and I will get in to the meat of that sandwich shortly, but I just want to touch on what this character has done for the big screen and for comic book movies in general. Sure we have had Marvel comic book movies before this series and there has been varying degrees of success, some being good and some not so good. For every X-Men (2000), there is Daredevil (2003) and for every Spiderman 2 (2004), there is a Spiderman 3 (2007)! And there is no doubt that Bryan Singers X-Men started a new trend for Hollywood and movie producers in general. However, there is definitely an argument that without the success of Iron Man in 2008, we would never have seen an Avengers movie or even all the movies leading up to that epic, Thor, Captain America et al. Now that success, in my opinion lays solely at the feet of 2 men, the driving force of Jon Favreau and of course Robert Downey Jr. Before Iron Man hit our screens, Favreau had only been responsible for directing 2 movies, Elf in 2003 and Zathura in 2005, so to say that he wasn’t exactly a banker for global success is an understatement, so of course that was a risk for Marvel studios and talking of risk, let’s have a brief look at RDJ not so distant past. Only 5 years previous to this film’s release, he was escaping rehab to score drugs and for all intents and purposes was on Hollywood’s ‘Black List’. But emerging clean and sober at the end of 2003, he began making a new name for himself again as an actor in films like Gothika, A Scanner Darkly and Good Night, and Good Luck. To put this franchise on his and Favreaus shoulders was a risk that has obviously paid off, not just for Marvel but for RDJ and fans of Ol’ Tinhead. The proof that this film ignited a new wave of films can be seen solely in the Box Office gross of its opening weekend, taking over $98 Million in its first 3 days, compare that to the other Marvel openings before this film and you have X-Men at $54 Million, Spiderman 2 at $88m and of course who can forget Howard the Duck, opening at $5m in 1986. Ok, that last one was a joke but the impact is clear to see.
Now moving on to Iron Man 3, due out in a mere 6 weeks on April 26th.
The anticipation for this film is huge right now and the set pics and trailers have only heightened this feeling. The plot is as always, closely guarded but what have we learnt from what we’ve seen and heard so far?
Stark is coming off the back of his stint teaming with the Avengers and is maybe struggling with his place in things.
Let’s break the trailer down a bit. Stark is coming off the back of his stint teaming with the Avengers and is maybe struggling with his place in things; the trailer has shown us that he is in some trouble mentally as well as physically. The first shot is of a battered Iron Man and his first line in the trailer (albeit as a voiceover) is ‘Nothing has been the same since New York, I’ve experienced things, and then there over. I can’t sleep, and when I do, I have nightmares’. We have never heard Tony Stark talk like this before, in all of the other films he has been in, he has been confident, sometimes arrogant and always come out on top. These words do not come from a confident or arrogant place. He is scared and trying to find a way to deal with his emotions, his next line sums this up ‘Honestly, there’s a 100 people that want to kill me; I hope I can protect the one thing I can’t live without’. This line is clearly directed towards love interest, the ever-present Pepper Potts and it’s obvious that he feels that he needs to protect her from something, what they may be comes later in the trailer when we see his home destroyed with Pepper and Tony inside. Although not obvious in the trailer and what could be a clever bit of distraction by the movie makers, the sinister voiceover that accompanies the destruction is from Ben Kingsley’s Mandarin. Now this does not mean that he is the destroyer of homes but the implication is there. Don’t forget ‘there’s a 100 people’ trying to kill Tony and this could be from any one of them. The rest of the trailer is a fast paced motion of scenes, too quick to try and make any guesses what they mean as we see people falling from a plane, we see Tony being put to sleep in what appears to be a hospital and in one of the most prominent scenes, we see Tony and Pepper fast asleep in bed when they are ‘attacked’ by Iron Man. Obvious question to come from this is who is in the suit, but when we think about this more closely then we can might be able to see some answers.
The new characters to the film include Adrian Killian and Maya Hansen, played by Guy Pearce and Rebecca Hall.
The new characters to the film, as well as the Mandarin, who I will touch on shortly, include Adrian Killian and Maya Hansen, played by Guy Pearce and Rebecca Hall respectively. Now for those who know of Iron Man folklore, will know these names very well. For those that don’t, here is a quick breakdown. They’re names are most synonymous with the 6 part ‘Extremis’ storyline which tells of a military nanotechnology serum which was created to try and replicate the ‘Super Soldier serum’ used to create Captain America. The serum interferes with the brain’s ‘repair centre’ and directs the body to rebuild itself from scratch, as if it were all wound tissue to be replaced. The design for the new body is programmable prior to injection and can involve superhuman abilities, giving it an (untested) military application. Maya had taken the military contract to develop it, despite her true intent to use its proceeds to fund and advance her anti-cancer research. Stark discovers that prior to Adrian Killians apparent suicide; he gave Extremis to a local domestic militia. So with such high profile characters in this movie, I think it is safe to assume that the Extremis arc storyline could be quite closely followed here. With the added menace of………
The arch enemy of Iron Man was first hinted at back in Iron Man in 2008, as the terrorist group responsible for his kidnap were known as ‘The Ten Rings’.
…..The Mandarin. The arch enemy of Iron Man was first hinted at back in Iron Man in 2008, as the terrorist group responsible for his kidnap were known as ‘The Ten Rings’. This name is connected with the ten rings that The Mandarin wears on each of his digits, I could go into what each ring does on each finger (Thank you Google) but I won’t, needless to say that each ring contains a different ‘power’ or weapon that he can use willingly at all times, whether it be emitting fire or ice, or enhancing a person’s own strengths. We know that the characters past is distinctly oriental as his father was a direct descendent of Genghis Khan while his late mother was an English Noblewoman. Now it’s quite clear that Sir Ben Kingsley is not Chinese, nor is the accent that appears in the trailer consisting of any Asian distinction so I think it’s safe to assume that the part of his history will not be explored much here. What I do expect though is for Tony to go to extreme lengths to defeat this villain, which could result in Tony experimenting with Extremis himself!
I feel I’ve talked a lot now and there isn’t really much else to discuss as the plot is very guarded as it should be. But I do just want to touch on one more issue. That being the director. The torch has been passed from Favreau to Shane Black, who is more known as a writer and for having all of his movies set at Christmas, his only directorial position before this was 2005’s Kiss Kiss Bang Bang which interestedly was headlined by none other than Robert Downey Jr, and also contained a character called ‘Gay Perry’!!!? So it’s easy to assume that the actor had a major influence with the choice here after Favreau announced that he was leaving (Although he is still reprising his role as loyal Happy Hogan) and that can be looked at both a good and bad thing. The risk is significantly less than when they started this franchise but it also smells slightly of RDJ bringing on his friend for his last hurrah as Tony Stark. RDJ has said himself that he doesn’t know if this is the last time he will put on the mask and has also said he wouldn’t mind if he didn’t make another appearance as Iron Man after this movie, openly stating that his finest Tony Stark/Iron Man performance was in the first film. I mean why would he want to, he is back amongst the A-listers, he also reportedly got paid just $500,000 for the first Iron Man film and $50,000,000 for the Avengers so I don’t think his wallet needs it and he has always been an actor that tries to steer away from being typecast and after being Tony Stark in 5 films now(Yes I am counting the cameo in Incredible Hulk) he may look to get back to his pre rehab indie roots and look for a return to the type of films that have so far earned him 2 Academy Award nominations. I personally hope he doesn’t and I would pay good money to see a new Iron Man film every year as I think at of all the avengers and even out of every actor who currently does or has portrayed a comic character, no-one has been more of a perfect fit than Robert Downey Jr as Tony Stark/Iron Man.
All this and I haven’t even mentioned the new suit or the change of suit for War Machine/Iron Patriot.
All this and I haven’t even mentioned the new suit or the change of suit for War Machine/Iron Patriot.
To be blunt, I am looking forward to this film but do have a slight worry that as the first film to come out after the Avengers containing one of the main characters then there will inevitably be comparisons and even though it has massive potential to be a huge film, if not the film of the year (although I hope Man of Steel takes that crown, what can I say, I’m a Superman guy) then there is a hint, it will get lost amongst other films that Marvel have planned for this Phase 2 of theirs.
I can understand why the film is out so close after the Avengers but if it was me I would of waited at least 2 years to carry on the story. Then again, I’m not Kevin Feige and its reasons like this that he is head of development for the quite possibly the most important and successful group of movies in my generation and why I am typing this while stuck in work on yet another 12 hour shift. We are basically both living the high life!!!!!!
Anyway, that’s all from me. I hope this has given you a slightly better insight as what we can expect in 6 weeks’ time when the movie drops and also my added thoughts on the whole Marvel movies general workings.
Thanks for reading and if you’ve made it this far then a winner is you!
Feel free to leave comments at the bottom of the page or find me on twitter @Pete_the_Red.
Also don’t forget to send @Comic_Asylum any cosplay pics that you find or take.
Jesus, this blog has got more endings than The Dark Knight Rises! Zing!
Regards
Posted on March 7th, 2013
Category: NEWS & VIEWS, PREVIEWS & UPCOMING RELEASES, THE COMIC ASYLUM
Tags: avengers, Comic Asylum, Iron Man 3 Preview, Iron Patriot, Mandarin, marvel comics, Pete Barrington, Sean Favager, Tony Stark, War Machine
Last Thanksgiving, Marvel announced the first event of 2013 would be the Age of Ultron.
Last Thanksgiving, Marvel announced the first event of 2013 would be the Age of Ultron. Written by Brian Michael Bendis and illustrated by Bryan Hitch, Brandon Peterson and Carlos Pacheco will help tell us the story of Ultron (an Android created by Hank Pym) taking over the world as what’s left of the world’s heroes tries to form a resistance to stop him.
Written by Brian Michael Bendis and illustrated by Bryan Hitch, Brandon Peterson and Carlos Pacheco will help tell us the story of Ultron (an Android created by Hank Pym) taking over the world as what’s left of the world’s heroes tries to form a resistance to stop him.
Now, I haven’t been into comics for long but I’ve read a bit about Ultron from Avenger runs so I know a little about the guy (or girl in one case) that being said, this is just a guide to what to read and offers some predictions as to what will be the fallout of this event. So, here we go!
Here’s a small guide of what you should pick up to get to know Ultron.
Mighty Avengers – The Ultron Initiative
A great start for any new Marvel fan in regards to Ultron’s origin. We get a fantastic story where Ultron takes over the body of Tony Stark, as the rest of the Avengers try to save the day.
A great start for any new Marvel fan in regards to Ultron’s origin.
The Avengers – Volume 1 Bendis
Splitting up the Avenger team into two (one team time traveling into the future, while the other stays to protect New York) Iron Man learns of a dark future and what awaits him and his friends if they fail to stop Ultron. What makes this story arc so interesting is that the event shows future events before they happened (Fear Itself) and that both Captain America and Iron Man saw futures where all hope was lost.
These are just some suggestions to further understand Ultron and his motives, or you can be like me and just jump straight into Age of Ultron (with ties ins!) Now, let’s get to those predictions. My predictions will become crazier as the list goes up, so bear with me.
This one may be the most obvious of all choices, but I know how much Marvel loves to break apart happy couples so I’m going with this one first.
The solicits talk about Wolverine making a controversial decision that will effect the entire Marvel Universe, so why not have him kill the man that created Ultron.
What if Hope Summers is the one to defeat Ultron?
SUBMIT OR PERISH!
For more comic views and reviews follow Ruben on Twitter at @Ruben_Mendoza and check out his YouTube channel over at http://youtube.com/rubenm33
Click here to view Age Of Ultron comics
Posted on March 2nd, 2013
Category: NEWS & VIEWS, REVIEWS, THE BURRITO BANDITO
Tags: Age Of Ultron, Age Of Ultron Preview, avengers, Brandon Peterson, brian michael bendis, Bryan Hitch, Burrito Bandito, Carlos Pacheco, Comic Review, marvel comics, Ruben Mendoza
By Ruben Mendoza
With October just around the corner, I thought I’d give a guide for all the new titles coming out from the Marvel NOW! relaunch. Let’s take a look at some of those new comics!
UNCANNY AVENGERS – (click HERE to view series)
Uncanny Avengers will feature a lineup of classic Avengers and X-Men including; Captain America, Havok, Rogue, Scarlet Witch, Thor and Wolverine.
This was one of the first titles announced for the NOW line, written by Rick Remender (Venom, Uncanny X-Force) with art by John Cassaday. Uncanny Avengers will feature a lineup of classic Avengers and X-Men including; Captain America, Havok, Rogue, Scarlet Witch, Thor and Wolverine. I covered this in a previous blog but this has the potential to be one of the most interesting titles of the NOW launch. The rogues gallery for both the Avengers and X-Men should help keep this title very entertaining, plus as we all know Remender isn’t afraid to “off” a character (see Uncanny X-Force). This is also going to be very interesting following on directly on the heels of AVX and the tension between both teams should still be pretty high. If you are a fan of both the Avengers and X-Men or Rick Remender you should definitely be picking up this one.
ALL NEW X-MEN – (click HERE to view series)
With Brian Michael Bendis firing on all cylinders the X-Men appear to be in good hands.
Personally i’m not too big on time traveling stories, as I feel they become too complicated and end up collapsing on themselves but here we are; the All New X-Men will feature the original five X-Men (Jean Grey, Cyclops, Beast, Angel, Ice-Man) and how they deal with all the fallout of AVX. Brian Michael Bendis is the lead writer on this one, which should be very interesting as he does have a way with making characters contemporary and relatable. I do think that some of his stories take awhile to get going but once he is firing on all cylinders he is one of the best writers out there, the X-Men appear to be in good hands.
AVENGERS / NEW AVENGERS
Hickman has a way with storytelling and with this many characters at his disposal, the sky is the limit.
John Hickman and the Avengers…license to print money! Hickman appears to be using the same strategy he did for Fantastic Four and Future Foundation which uses both books to tell one big story. Hickman says the Avengers will deal with life and New Avengers will focus on death, I’m not too sure how that changes the team dynamic for each but it should be very interesting. The roster for this one is going to be huge, so more than likely at least one of your favorite character will be an Avenger. Hickman has a way with storytelling and with this many characters at his disposal, the sky is the limit.
IRON MAN – (click HERE to view series)
I hope we can focus a little more on whoever is wearing the armor than just someone putting on a suit and punching bad guys.
Kieron Gillen will be leading a new Iron Man story that will hit in November of this year. Gillen says the story will focus on Iron Man who is beginning to question things about himself and about all of the heroic things he does. I haven’t always been a fan of Iron Man, I get enough of him in the Avengers comics but I think I’ll give this one a shot. I hope we can focus a little more on whoever is wearing the armor than just someone putting on a suit and punching bad guys.
THOR: GOD OF THUNDER – (click HERE to view series)
The premise sounds very interesting as we follow Thor over the course of a millennium following Thor through three phases of his life
Jason Aaron will be leading us into the next phase of Thor comics. The premise sounds very interesting as we follow Thor over the course of a millennium following Thor through three phases of his life; Young Thor, Avenger Thor, and the ageing King of Asgard. This sounds like a very interesting character study, and hopefully they won’t reboot this one after 20 issues.
INDESTRUCTIBLE HULK – (click HERE to view series)
This series is set a few weeks after this year’s Incredible Hulk line as the world is searching for Banner as well as the Hulk.
Another reboot of Hulk this time written by Mark Waid and Leinil Yu, it’s kind of difficult to get too excited for a new line of Hulk comics when they are constantly being rebooted and cancelled (see Hulk’s line from this past year). This series is set a few weeks after this year’s Incredible Hulk line as the world is searching for Banner as well as the Hulk. I found the first few issues of Jason Aaron’s Incredible Hulk excellent but after the initial Banner vs Hulk arc was over I thought the comic’s quality dropped immensely. Hopefully this won’t be the case for the new Hulk, just make sure he’s Banner and not just a monster.
DEADPOOL – (click HERE to view series)
It is a very exciting time to be a Deadpool fan; we are getting a new line (written by Brian Posehn and Gerry Duggan) a video game and maybe even a movie.
One of my favorite characters of the Marvel Universe is getting one of the launch titles on Marvel NOW! Somebody is moving on up! (Chimichanga!) I loved Daniel Way’s run on Deadpool as the character was actually pretty fun and the book itself was a great read. The Deadpool: Dead arc was probably my favorite Deadpool story as it showed the character had a little more range than just a psychopath with guns. It is a very exciting time to be a Deadpool fan; we are getting a new line (written by Brian Posehn and Gerry Duggan) a video game and maybe even a movie. Deadpool is featured in a few other Marvel NOW! titles, very similar to another razor clawed X-Man (Stabby McStabberson…Wolverine…it’s Wolverine) hopefully Deadpool isn’t going down the same road to over exposure (Eww)
FANTASTIC FOUR and FF – (click HERE to view series)
Matt Fraction takes over for Hickman on Fantastic Four and FF, I really enjoyed Hickman’s run on both books, so Fraction has his work cut out for him.
Matt Fraction takes over for Hickman on Fantastic Four and FF, I really enjoyed Hickman’s run on both books, so Fraction has his work cut out for him. Matt has decided to ship the Fantastic Four into space, so we should get some great adventures there and FF will feature a new team consisting of Ant-Man, Miss Thing, Medusa and She-Hulk which already sounds really cool. I’ve been a fan of Medusa’s since the Secret Invasion arc and am hoping to see great character moments during Fractions run…throw in Medusa’s sister Crystal while we’re at it and you got yourself a buy.
CAPTAIN AMERICA – (click HERE to view series)
Remender’s Captain America is described as a “Kirby Sci-Fi Indiana Jones” that focuses on adventures and sci-fi spy fantasy and also on the man underneath the suit.
The new Captain America series will be written by Rick Remender (YAY!) and drawn by John Romita Jr. (sigh) well at least half this equation may work. Remender’s Captain America is described as a “Kirby Sci-Fi Indiana Jones” that focuses on adventures and sci-fi spy fantasy and also on the man underneath the suit. One of my main problems with other Captain America books I read was the stories felt like they repeated themselves, this appears to be vastly different than what we are used to seeing Cap in, and with Remender behind the pen, anything can happen.
X-MEN LEGACY – (click HERE to view series)
Legion (Professor X’s son) is very much a wild card and it will be interesting to see where Marvel decides to take this character.
This title didn’t seem all that interesting when it was first announced but after recent events of AVX this one will take a whole new meaning. Legion (Professor X’s son) is very much a wild card and it will be interesting to see where Marvel decides to take this character.
THUNDERBOLTS
For the most part, most of these members work better on their own. So why include them together on a team?
Daniel Way (of Deadpool fame) will be bringing us another version of the Thunderbolts. This is a new team consisting of; Deadpool, Elektra, Punisher, Venom who are under the leadership of the Red Hulk. Although I enjoy most of these characters on their own, I don’t see the need for another black ops team. We already have two other black ops teams (both X-Forces though that may change) it seems to be getting really crowded on the whole secret team front. And for the most part, most of these members work better on their own. So why include them together on a team? I guess we will have to wait and see, this is going to be one of the longshots of Marvel NOW!
AVENGERS ARENA
Arena will be talking 16 young heroes from across the Marvel Universe and pitting them against one another in a kill or be killed reality TV show.
Avengers Arena has the most outrageous premise of the entire Marvel NOW! titles and has the potential to be the most fun. Arena will be talking 16 young heroes from across the Marvel Universe (Avengers Academy, Annihilation, Runaways) and pitting them against one another in a kill or be killed reality TV show similar to Battle Royale or Hunger Games. I’m a huge fan of Battle Royale so this is going to be on my list of can’t miss titles, and even if it is bad, it’s going to be so bad it’s a good kind of bad!
CABLE AND X-FORCE / UNCANNY X-FORCE
Is the Marvel Universe big enough to handle two X-Force teams, why not? We got 100 Avenger teams, why not two X-Forces.
Yes, because Uncanny X-Force was such a fantastic comic (really it was, go and read it) Marvel NOW! has decided to split the X-Force into two teams. One team will have Cable leading alongside; Forge, Domino, Colossus and Doctor Nemesis while the other team will be lead by Psylocke teaming with; Storm, Puck, Spiral and more yet to be named. The Psylocke lead X-Force will deal with older themes associated with the X-Universe so fans of the X-Men should definitely keep their eyes on this one. The odd ball bunch that is Cable’s team has me a bit concerned but at least Marvel is trying something different. Cable and the X-Force is described as more of a crime series so it may be similar to Dark Avengers in that sense. Both books will interact with one another thanks to both teams sharing one common enemy…Bishop. Is the Marvel Universe big enough to handle two X-Force teams, why not? We got 100 Avenger teams, why not two X-Forces.
For more comic views and reviews follow Ruben on Twitter at @Ruben_Mendoza
Posted on September 27th, 2012
Category: NEWS & VIEWS, THE BURRITO BANDITO
Tags: All New X-Men, avengers, Avengers Arena, Burrito Bandito, Cable and X-Force, captain america, Deadpool, Fantastic Four, FF, Indestructible Hulk, iron man, Marvel Now!, Marvel Now! review, New Avengers, Ruben Mendoza, Thor: God Of Thunder, Thunderbolts, Uncanny Avengers, Uncanny X-Force, X-Men: Legacy
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