Tag: Comics

Random Thoughts (Not a Review) on Black Panther

A few weeks ago I snagged a copy of Marvel Knights: Black Panther, a collaboration between Marvel Knights Animation and BET. I’m a fan of the character and the comics, so I was definitely curious about the DVD. However, I went into it apprehensively since it was released as a web show in 2010 with little fanfare. I was pleasantly surprised by the DVD; it’s unique, violent, well acted, and true to the comics. Here are some random thoughts on Marvel Knights: Black Panther.

Good: The art style is fantastic. Most of the scenes are only partially animated, which gives the series a motion-comic feel. A skeptic would say that this was done to save time and money, but the effect is used so well that I’m giving the creators the artistic benefit of the doubt. Additionally, the use of colors gives each location a unique feel. By switching up the color palettes, Wakanda, Egypt, Washington D.C., etc. have distinct looks. I love what the artists and animators did with the series — very cool stuff.

Good: The story is true to the comics, with only a handful of changes. This isn’t surprising since former BET president and Black Panther writer Reginald Hudlin developed the project. The most noticeable difference is switching out Rhino for the Juggernaut. Obviously Rhino makes much more sense as a villain in Africa, but I’m going to hazard a guess that there was a licensing issue. If you’ve read the Black Panther comics then you’ll be satisfied with this adaptation.

Bad: My only major complain about the series is its opening theme song. Composed by Stephen James Taylor, the song is based on the Bantu language and meant to be in the Wakandan language. It doesn’t work. At best, it’s a little silly. At worst, it’s gratingly annoying.

Good: The voice acting is top notch. Djimon Hounsou is fantastic as T’Challa/Black Panther. Hell, I can even see him playing the role in a live-action movie. Alfre Woodard and Kerry Washington are also excellent. Marvel fanboys will love Stan Lee’s brief role as General Wallace. The direction and acting are among the best in an animated series based on a comic book.

Good: Those of you that love gritty action and violence will dig this series. It doesn’t pull any punches. You’ll notice that after seeing the first decapitated head mounted on a spear.

Bottom Line: Black Panther isn’t the most popular character in Marvel Comics, but he’s one of the most important ones. Due to advancements in technology and large deposits of vibranium, Wakanda is one of the most important countries in Marvel’s version of Earth. I’m thrilled that the Black Panther series has been released on DVD. If you’re into the character or want to enjoy a unique animated series, I recommend buying it.

Wizard Magazine Shutting Down, Digital Mag Coming

This morning I was sad to learn (via my friend Shane) that Wizard magazine has shut down. As a comic-book nerd, I loved reading Wizard. It was a great way to keep up with what’s now and what’s new in comics. I especially appreciated it during times I couldn’t afford to buy all the comics I wanted to read. Sadly, this excellent magazine is no more.

The good news is that Wizard World president Gareb Shamus has announced that the company is starting a digital magazine called — wait for it — Wizard World. The new venture kicks off in February 2011. I’m glad that Wizard will live on. I’m happy that it will evolve. Let’s face it — print is becoming less important every day. Hopefully Wizard World will adapt to the new medium and outdo its print predecessor.

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Anne Hathaway is Catwoman!

Warner Bros. has announced that the absolutely delicious Anne Hathaway will play Catwoman (Selina Kyle) in The Dark Knight Rises. In less sexy news, Tom Hardy has been confirmed as Bane. As much as I enjoyed the Bane character in the comic books, I rather look at some Anne Hathaway pictures and discuss her playing Catwoman. I have all sorts of naughty thoughts in my head of her purring while crawling on all fours. Raaawwwwrrrr!!!

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Andrew Garfield Likes Spider-Man Costume, Emma Stone

Andrew Garfield is enjoying his time working on the upcoming Spider-Man reboot. Well duh! Who wouldn’t enjoy getting paid millions of dollars to play around in a Spider-Man costume and make out with Emma Stone?!? People caught up with The Social Network actor to get his thoughts on the experience. Regarding trying on the costume for the first time he said:

It was humbling and strange, and I was really moved by it. It felt right. It felt wrong. Kind of all of the above. It was just a strange, surreal moment.

As for working with Emma Stone, who plays Peter Parker’s love interest Gwen Stacy, Garfield said:

She’s just an incredible actress, and she’s one of the most spirited people I’ve ever met and just incredible fun to be around generally. On top of which, she’s beautiful and talented and kind of impossible to dream up.

I like Andrew Garfield…but jealousy issues will probably have me hating him in a few months. Lucky bastard.

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Congrats TQ Jefferson, Now Where’s My Quasar Game?!?

I was pleased to learn that TQ Jefferson was promoted to vice president of production for Marvel Entertainment’s games division. A friend of mine works at Marvel and introduced me to TQ at Game Developers Conference. He’s a cool guy…and I’ve been bugging him to make a Quasar game ever since I met him. Perhaps with his newfound (great) power he will do the (greatly) responsible thing and make a frickin’ Quasar game.

For the record, I’m talking about Wendell Vaugh Quasar, not the lesbian Quasar…though at this point I’ll settle for any videogame that shows the world how awesome Quantum Bands are…. How about it TQ?!?

Did You Guys Ever See the Grayson Trailer?

Most of you know that I’m a big mark for Nightwing (Dick Grayson). As you can imagine, I loved John Fiorella’s Grayson. The trailer for Grayson went up before I “met” most of you. It’s super cool (except for the Green Lantern costume) and I hope you check it out. Share your thoughts when you have a chance (please).

Pic of Chris Evans as Captain America

Entertainment Weekly nabbed an exlusive pic of Chris Evans as Captain America from Captain America: The First Avenger. Similar to seeing Andrew Garfield as Spider-Man, I keep seeing Evans as characters from his other movies. A lot of you know him as The Human Torch (Johnny Storm) from The Fantastic Four movies. Some of you will remember him as Lucas Lee in Scott Pilgrim vs. the World. I will sadly admit that I remember him from Not Another Teen Movie.

Now that I’m embarrassed from admitting that I enjoy stupid parody movies, help me get over it by letting me know what you think of the costume (please). It was pretty cool in the renders and I’m digging how it looks in real life. Wucha think?

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First Pic of Andrew Garfield as Spider-Man

Sony Pictures has sent out an image of Andrew Garfield as Spider-Man in the upcoming series reboot. It’s a pretty cool pic…but I keep seeing Eduardo Saverin in The Social Network. Perhaps Spidey will fight the Winkelvoss twins in the movie. That would be cool.

I’m psyched that an image of Garfield as Spider-Man has been released. Until now, fanboys were spending too much time discussing Emma Stone’s (Gwen Stacy) hair. This should help them move on.

Anyway, enjoy the pic and share your thoughts (please)!

Racist Group Hates Thor Movie’s Black Heimdall

A group or racists that call themselves the Council of Conservative Citizens are planning a boycott of the upcoming Thor movie over its use of a black actor portraying the Norse god Heimdall. These idiots believe that Marvel Comics has a left-wing agenda and is furthering its goals by using Idris Elba, a British actor of African descent, to play a mythical god. Uh…okay. The best part is that the group can’t take criticism for its moronic crusade and responds to attacks with lines like:

The left-wing knows that there is no reasonable way to defend re-writing black people into Norse mythology. So they just viciously hurl insults.

Do these people know what fiction is? I’m guessing that these people have a reasonable way to defend rewriting Jesus Christ into a deity with dazzling white skin and sparkling blue eyes.

For the record, I’m happy to viciously hurl insults at stupid people that are receiving PayPal donations to generate hate.

Thanks to my friend Paul for notifying me about these people. Please be careful. You’re Jewish and the Council of Conservative Citizens might lynch you.

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Today’s Poll: Who Does Scott Pilgrim Belong With?

I finally got around to seeing Scott Pilgrim vs. the World. I loved the comics and really liked the movie. Obviously loads of details were cut and left out in the transition to film, but I was surprised by how I reacted to Scott’s love interests in the different mediums. In the comics, Ramona Flowers is way more likable and her relationship with Scott is more developed. In the movie, I was completely charmed by Ellen Wong’s portrayal of Knives Chau. In fact, I preferred the alternate ending (posted above) where Scott ends up with Knives.

Anyway, if you’ve seen the movie and/or read the books, please let me know who you think is best for Scott.

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