Category: News

The Most Iconic Supervillains Of All Time

With the upcoming release of Justice League Dark: Apokolips War now would be a great time to look at some of most iconic supervillains of all time. I have a feeling that once Justice League Dark: Apokolips is released on DVD and Blu-Ray™ on May 18 Darkseid will only grow in popularity and will further solidify his status as one of the greatest supervillains of all time. In this article we will be looking at how Darkseid stacks up against other iconic supervillains which you have seen appear in movies, comics and on TV.

Darkseid

“Bow before me.” (Justice League Dark: Apokolips War, 2020)

Appearing in the new Justice League Dark: Apokolips War is Darkseid, the Dark Lord of the hellish world of Apokolips. Darkseid is a sadistic, aggressive tyrant seeking to control all sentient life throughout the universe and beyond. In his quest for ultimate power, Darkseid seeks out the AntiLife Equation, a mysterious formula that would allow him to remove all free will from every sentient life form in the known universe and replace with his own will. With an army of mindless Parademons
who obey his every order, Darkseid can be weakened, but never truly destroyed making him a pretty good supervillain!

Darth Vader

“No… I am your father…” (The Empire Strikes Back, 1980)

One of the most iconic villains of all time is Darth Vader, aka Anakin Skywalker, the main antagonist from the Star Wars franchise. Originally a slave on Tatooine, Darth Vader is a Jedi prophesied to bring balance to the Force. Eventually, he is lured to the dark side of the Force and becomes a Sith Lord. After being scarred in a lightsaber battle with his former mentor Obi-Wan Kenobi, Vader dressed himself in the iconic headwear viewers have come to know over the years. He then serves the Galactic Empire as its chief enforcer and tragically redeems himself by saving his son, Luke
Skywalker, sacrificing his own life in the process.

Poison Ivy

“So many people to kill…So little time.” (Batman & Robin, 1997)

Poison Ivy, aka Dr Pamela Lillian Isley, serves as one of DCEU’s most captivating, intriguing supervillain, who has a twisted love- hate relationship with Batman. Evil has never been so attractive as it is through the character of Poison Ivy who is Gotham City’s ecoterrorist on a mission to control the world. Poison Ivy makes use of plant toxins and mind-controlling pheromones against anyone who gets in her way. Whilst it could be debated that Poison Ivy is now an anti-heroine, she has a reputable history of a villainous nature who will do anything to achieve her goals.

Hela

“Asgard is dead and it will be reborn in my image.”(Thor: Ragnarok, 2017)

Hela Odinsdottir, the Asgardian Goddess of Death, is well known for unleashing fury and chaos within the Asgardian kingdom. The eldest daughter of Odin was once banished to Hela due to her ambitious plans and formidable powers. After the death of her father, Hela returns to Asgard with full vengeance, taking back full control and fulfilling her mission of creating an Asgardian empire. When the Asgardian kingdom refuse to bow to her hellish and fearful leadership, Hela orders a
massacre and enslavement of the Asgardian people. Fortunately, she is stopped in her path of destruction by her younger brother Thor, but at the cost of destroying Asgard.

Lord Voldemort

“There is no good and evil, there is only power, and those too weak to seek it” (Harry Potter and the
Philosopher’s Stone, 2001)

No list would be complete without a mention of one of the most powerful and dangerous Dark Wizards of all time. Born as Tom Riddle, Voldemort is a half- blood orphan with an obsession for blood purity. Voldemort’s main aim in the Harry Potter franchise is to eradicate the Wizarding World of Muggle (non-magical) heritage and to achieve pure-blood dominance. Lord Voldemort is the archenemy and nemesis of Harry Potter, who holds the power to vanquish him of all his power.

It will be interesting to revisit this discussion with Darkseid in particular once Justice League Dark: Apokolips War is released.

Justice League Dark: Apokolips War will be available on DVD, Blu-Ray™, Blu-Ray™ Steelbook & Blu-Ray™ Minifig on May 18 and is available on digital download NOW.

Everything You Need To Know Going Into Justice League Dark: Apokolips War

One of the biggest comic book related events of the year is here! No, it’s not another Avengers movie. This one, although takes place on a much smaller screen rivals the build up we have seen in the ‘Marvel Cinematic Universe’. All good things must eventually come to an end. And now this is the case with this DC Animated Universe. That’s not to say that we won’t be getting anymore DC Animated movies. It’s just that Justice League Dark: Apokolips War will bring an end to the current storyline/universe which has been taking place for up to a decade now. So just before the arrival of the upcoming Justice League Dark: Apokolips War (available on digital now) this article is here to provide you with a recap of the story so far.

*This article will contain mild spoilers*

Chaos Ensues

At the start of Justice League Dark we see the world descending into chaos, as numerous violent incidents are committed all around the world. People live in fear that their fellow humans are in fact horrifying demonic creatures. The Justice League is called into action to bring order and peace back to civilisation. Under the impression that these are magical threats from a supernatural entity, the
league come to the conclusion they are not the best equipped to deal with it, forcing them to call in the help of some mystical heroes.

Constantine and Blood

Batman is highly sceptical that the threat actually originates from a supernatural entity and on his return to Wayne Manor, suffers a temporary blackout. When he wakes up, he sees the message ‘Constantine’ smeared on the walls. During a flashback, we find out that John Constantine is an exorcist and con man, who engaged the Demons Three in a poker game for high-end stakes, along with Jason Blood. During the game, Constantine offers his home in exchange for a box of artifacts, including a Dreamstone. When both parties are caught cheating, Constantine summons Blood’s demon alter ego Etrigan to dispatch demons. It’s safe to say, Blood wasn’t too happy with Constantine for making him summon Etrigan, and the two part ways.

After his blackout, Batman sets out to visit Zatanna at one of her shows to ask about John. Constantine, whom she once shared a fractured romantic history with. Zatanna agrees to bring Batman to meet with Constantine, but the trio are faced with a rush of magic summoned by an unknown sorcerer. The trio narrowly manage to escape to the House of Mystery for shelter where they are joined by Black Orchid, the spiritual embodiment of the House. The group gathers to share information, and after a quick disagreement between John and Zatanna the group agree to team up to investigate the cause and reason for these supernatural circumstances.

The Keshanti Key

Embarking on their investigation, the Justice League first pay a visit to Ritchie Simpson, an old friend of Constantine who is suffering from cancer and awaiting his fate of death. Simpson reluctantly agrees to hand over the powerful Keshanti Key, which can be used to unlock and search through a victim’s memories. Constantine and Zatanna do so on one of the victims, leading them to discover the victim had been possessed by an unknown entity wearing a strange and unique ring. All of a
sudden the supernatural creature manages to escape the body of the victim, but is quickly subdued by Zatanna.

The Dreamstone

On return to Ritchie’s home they find Ritchie close to death, as well as Blood who is on a mission to find the Dreamstone. In an attempt to save Ritchie’s life, Batman revives Ritchie with an adrenaline shot to the chest, leaving him in a coma. Blood then reflects on his past life and explains the significance of the Dreamstone, which was created during the era of King Arthur by a sinister, scheming magician named Destiny.

In order to defeat the power Destiny possessed though the stone, King Arthur ordered Blood to destroy Destiny who managed to cleave the stone into two, successfully banishing the sorcerer but leaving himself mortally injured. In anticipation that Destiny was only temporarily defeated and eventually would return, Merlin fused Blood with his demonic servant Etrigan so he could battle the
evil magician, once the Dreamstone resurfaced.

Destiny

When Ritchie awakens, he reveals he is the holder to the other piece of the Dreamstone, which he has been using it to keep his cancer in remission. Ritchie is then seemingly killed when the Dreamstone resurrects the powerful historic sorcerer, Destiny. Destiny destroys Constantine’s House of Mystery and is on mission to create further chaos and destruction. Zatanna comes to the rescue to save the group from the war path of Destiny but passes out from the attempt.

The Big Battle

We then see the Justice League enter an all-out battle with Destiny, which leaves Jason Blood separated from Etrigan once again. Constantine summons Swamp Thing/ Alec Holland, a humanoid plant elemental superhero to fight Destiny while Batman and the recovered Zatanna disable the Justice League. Swamp Thing surrenders as we witnessed Destiny ripping Alec Holland’s corpse from Swamp Thing, weakening him against Destiny’s strength.

Eventually, Constantine pulls Destiny into his protective shield leaving him powerless against a second attack from Blood. This gives Constantine, Batman, and Blood enough time to destroy the Dreamstone and Destiny’s body, which also results in Ritchie’s soul being dragged to Hell. After the battle, Blood succumbs to his mortal wounds from centuries before and is buried by Constantine, Batman and Zatanna near Blood’s old village. Etrigan now separated entirely from the body of Jason
Blood sets off for the unknown.

Zatanna eventually agrees to join the Justice League, with Constantine also being offered a position of which he declines conscious that Batman wouldn’t approve. Zatanna is quick however to state it was Batman’s initial idea. The two return to the newly-rebuilt House of Mystery, taking the first step to rebuild their rocky relationship.

Justice League Dark: Apokolips War is available on digital download now and on DVD, Blu-Ray™, Blu-Ray™ Steelbook & Blu-Ray™ Minifig release on May 18.

Superman: Red Son – Review (Spoiler Free)

Superman: Red Son which is directed by Sam Liu adapts the famous work of Mark Millar and is the latest entry into the DC Animated Universe. Being a fan of Liu’s previous DC work with titles such as Wonder Woman: Bloodlines, Suicide Squad: Hell to Pay and The Death and Return of Superman I was going into this with high expectations. Not only due to Sam Liu’s involvement, but because Superman: Red Son just happens to be one of my favourite graphic novels ever. And I’m happy to report that for the most part Superman: Red Son met those expectations. Is it perfect? No, it definitely has its issues which I will get into later on. But throughout the 80+ minute runtime, even though I knew what was going to happen I found myself invested every step of the way until the climax.

For this review I will not be going into details about the comic itself or what happens in the movie because I want to try keep this as spoiler-free as possible. If you haven’t read the comic I would highly recommend you pick it up either before or after watching this adaptation.

Story

Superman: Red Son can only be described as the ultimate ‘what if?’ story. Instead of superman’s pod landing in a farm in Kanas. This time it lands on the other side of the world…in Russia. So not only is this Superman raised by different parents, he’s also raised up in a totally different environment and this helps shape him as an entirely different Superman than the one we’re so used to seeing. This is why I love the comic so much. I find twists like these to iconic characters so fascinating and Superman: Red Son is no different.

Seeing how Superman operates in 1950s Russia is refreshing when it comes to the character because part of what makes this setting so different is the political climate of the country at the time. And while he tries his best to help the people judging by what side of the fence you’re on you can actually see this Superman as either the hero or villain of the story. What I liked about this adaption of the story is how it tries to humanise Superman more than in the comic. I could still sense the essence of Superman in version of the character with how he dealt with issues. Whether you agree with him or not you could always see that he was trying his best to better the lives of others.

Action

The action in Superman: Red Son is definitely its strongest aspect. Fight scenes are shot well and are straight up brutal at times. This is certainly the case when Batman gets involved. Batman is another depiction of a character which I love when it comes to this movie. Plus, I don’t care how many times it happens or what iterations of the characters they are. I will never get tired of watching Superman and Batman go toe-to-toe for a couple of minutes. The inclusion of the Green Lantern Corps was much needed too as with their Lantern Rings they bring an entirely different dynamic which helped bring some variety to the fight scenes.

Animation

One of the major complaints when it comes to the DC Animated movies is the quality of the animation. Now, usually it doesn’t bother me that much. But with Superman: Red Son it actually did. For a story that was set in the 1950s of Russia it sure didn’t look or feel like it. It’s kind of hard to explain, but it felt like I was just watching another DC Animated movie and a lot of that has to do with the animation style. This might be because I’ve spent the last week watching all of the DC Animated movies in preparation for Justice League Dark: Apokolips War. But those movies should look and feel the same because they are part of the same universe. I just wish the studio changed up their animation style when it came to the Elseworlds movies to further help differentiate them from the current timeline.

Ending

I haven’t gone into much detail about the changes and similarities from the source materials. Going into the movie like with previous adaptions I wasn’t expecting a full adaption. I knew there was going to be a few changes. And for the most part I was happy with those changes. However, when it comes to the ending of the movie this is where I have my biggest issue. Not that anything was changed, something was left out. A major twist in the final panels of the comic which I love. Honestly, it’s my favourite part of the story. I still remember that jaw-dropping moment as I was turning those final pages. I just don’t see what was gained by leaving out that final twist from the comic. Once again, if you haven’t picked up the comic I highly recommend you do for that twist alone.

Closing thoughts

Overall, while Superman: Red Son is far from perfect I still believe that it is a solid and warranted adaptation of the source material. Regardless of my issues with the ending and some other changes from the source material there is still enough here that should keep you entertained especially, when it comes to the story and the action. I would also say that there are parts of the movie which are done better here than in the comic itself. That’s why I’m always open to adaptations like this. I love to see a creators take on a fellow creators work and with Superman: Red Son Sam Liu does a solid job at adapting one of the greatest comics stories ever made while adding his own touch to it.

Superman: Red Son – 4/5

Superman: Red Son is available on Digital Download now, and Blu-ray™& DVD on March 16, 2020.

Click here for a chance to win a copy of Superman: Red Son on Blu-ray™

WIN SUPERMAN: RED SON ON BLU-RAY™

As stated in my previous post I would be running a giveaway for you to possibly win your own copy of Superman: Red Son on Blu-ray™, thanks to the people at Warner Bros. All you have to do is answer the question in the comment section down below:

Which of the following characters has Jason Isaacs, the voice of Superman in Superman: Red
Son, voiced for DC Universe Movies?
a) Sinestro
b) Ra’s al Ghul
c) Lex Luthor
d) All of the above
Superman: Red Son is available on Digital Download now, and Blu-ray™ & DVD on March

*You must be located in the UK to qualify for the giveaway*

Good luck!

This competition will close on the 16th March, 2020

Superman: Red Son

What if the Man of Steel was raised behind the Iron Curtain? So begins DC’s acclaimed Elseworlds story, Superman: Red Son, now the next entry in the popular series of DC Universe Movies. Produced by Warner Bros. Animation and DC, the feature-length animated film arrives – along with a new DC Showcase animated short, Phantom Stranger – from Warner Bros. Home Entertainment on Digital Download from February 25, 2020, and on Blu-ray, Blu-ray Mini Fig, Blu-ray Steelbook and DVD on March 16, 2020.

Official: Robert Pattinson to Play Batman

FINALLY! After months on speculation we finally have our new Batman. Earlier this month Deadline reported that the search for the new Caped Crusader had dwindled down to Robert Pattinson and Nicholas Hoult. Yesterday, it was reported by The Wrap that both actors were doing screen tests for the role. And today, it looks like we got the results of those screen tests with Pattinson winning the role. This is amazing news, but the thing that got me most excited about this story is how Deadline in their report confirmed Pattinson will be the face of Matt Reeves’ trilogy. What a time to be a Batman fan! To have a trilogy directed by Christopher Nolan and Matt Reeves is truly a blessing. I also want to spare a thought for Nicholas Hoult for missing out because this is a role of a lifetime. However, since he done screen tests I wouldn’t be surprised if he ends up playing a different role in the movie. Clearly Matt Reeves and the studio think highly of him. Either way I’m finally happy we got confirmation. It was also reported the project is set to start filming at the start of next year. So keep your eyes peeled this summer. I think we’re going to be hearing a lot more casting news for The Batman

The Batman is set to be released on 25 June, 2021

Robert Pattinson to Play Batman in Matt Reeves’ ‘The Batman’?

Just an hour ago social media exploded when Variety dropped a bombshell on us. They finally gave us what we have been waiting for. Who will be taking over the mantle from Ben Affleck as the caped crusader? Variety are pretty confident Robert Pattinson will be stepping into the iconic role. They claim a deal hasn’t been made yet, but Matt Reeves had him in mind while writing the script. While I was just taking in this news Deadline also released their own report on the potential casting. Both outlets agree that a deal hasn’t been made final yet. But where they differ is Deadline claiming that Robert Pattinson isn’t the only person in contention for the role. Deadline states that both Robert Pattinson and Nicholas Hoult are at the top of Warner Bros. list. However, Deadline’s report does seem to imply that Pattinson is the favourite for the role by claiming “the bat suit isn’t filled yet and that they like both guys, with Pattinson holding the edge”. This is a bit frustrating isn’t it? We finally get the news we wanted, but nothing has been confirmed yet. I guess we gotta sit tight and be patient, as if we haven’t already been doing that for several months. I have a feeling it will end up Robert Pattinson taking the role. But you never know with Hollywood.

Let me know what you think of these potential castings

Michael Rooker in Talks to Play King Shark in ‘The Suicide Squad’

The cast for James Gunn’s upcoming ‘The Suicide Squad’ movie is all but completed now. Just in the last couple of minutes The Wrap have reported that Michael Rooker is in talks to play King Shark. This shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone since Michael Rooker and James Gunn have a great relationship from their work together on the Guardians of the Galaxy franchise. Now it looks like that relationship is going to further blossom DCEU. Rooker is going to be joining the likes of Margot Robbie, Joel Kinnaman, Jai Courtney, Viola Davis, John Cena and Idris Elba in the newly formed Suicide Squad. I’m Just surprised we haven’t heard anything about Dave Bautista joining the cast yet.

James Gunn’s ‘The Suicide Squad’ is set to be released on August 6, 2021

Who is Shark King?

After making a brief cameo in “Superboy” Vol. 4 #0 in late 1994, Karl Kesel’s creation made his first full appearance in “Superboy” Vol. 4 #9. Born in Hawai’i as Nanaue, the humanoid shark that would become known as King Shark is actually the son of a shark god, who is in turn known as “The King of All Sharks.” Early on, his supernatural origins were doubted and King Shark’s appearance was dismissed as a particularly aggressive mutation, one that also gifted him with superhuman strength and endurance, regenerative tissue, and shark-like physiology. (He’s been designed with both Great White stylings and that of a humanoid Hammerhead, the latter seen in The New 52.)

Via. Collider

Mysterious Line Dropped in New Avengers: Endgame Clip

Earlier today Marvel released a new clip from their upcoming movie Avengers: Endgame. The clip shows us the remaining Avengers, plus new recruit Carol Danvers at Avengers HQ coming up with a plan to kill Thanos. Now, this clip dropped around midday. And I thought nothing of it. I mean I was still hyped and it was great to see these characters strategise and clash heads. But fast forward a couple of hours later, it seems like I missed a crucial part of this clip. And it turns out that I wasn’t the only one.

Just as Thor goes up to approach Carol you hear a voice say “I have telepathy”. Listen closely down below (Turn up your volume really high)

https://twitter.com/ComicBooksTalk/status/1115433234144399361

Crazy right? Once you hear it you can no longer unhear it. From this clip it sounds like Carol’s voice. I’m no expert on the Captain Marvel character so this came as a surprise to me. But it kind of makes sense in the context of the clip. Straight after that line is said she isn’t phased by Thor summoning Stormbreaker right next to her. Maybe she read his mind and saw it coming. Other people have said the voice could possibly be Scarlet Witch as she’s communicating to the Avengers from the soul world. I personally don’t buy this theory. But what do you think of this line?

Let me know your thoughts below.

Shazam! Sequel Already in The Works

It looks like Warner Bros./New Line Cinema already new they had a winner on their hands with Shazam! before the movie’s release. Yesterday the movie made a strong debut at the box office by making over $53M in its opening weekend. Now, it seems Warner Bros. are pushing already planning ahead for the sequel. The Wrap reported earlier today that writer of the movie Henry Gayden, will be returning to pen the script for the sequel. This is great news for me because I personally thought the script was the strongest aspect of the movie. And why change something that isn’t broken? Hopefully, this also means director David F. Sandberg will also be returning for the sequel. Warner Bros. seem to be on a role now. Earlier in the year they gave us a release date for an Aquaman sequel and now the wheels are being put in motion for the Shazam! sequel. It’s nice to see the universe growing without the likes of Superman and Batman at the forefront. Each character is big enough to hold their own.

Let me know your thoughts on this news down below.

The Joker Trailer: First Impressions

As expected the trailer for Todd Phillips’ Joker movie arrived today. And to take a phrase from Heath Ledger’s Joker for a second…it didn’t disappoint. I mean where do I start with this one? Before the trailer even dropped I was fascinated with the idea of this movie. Now this is my most anticipated movie of the year. I love the whole vibe I’m getting from this movie. It’s dark, tragic, crazy and will most likely be full of dark humour. Just as a Joker movie should be.

Here are my main talking points from the trailer:

Beautifully shot

Joaquin Phoenix is getting a lot of praise as expected and rightly so. But I want to start this off by giving Todd Phillips and the rest of the crew behind the scenes some praise. The way the movie is shot caught my eye immediately. There are some amazing shots in this trailer and I think they did a good job at capturing the 80s. Plus the music they chose fits the tone of the movie/trailer perfectly.

Joaquin’s Joker

On to the main man himself Joaquin Phoenix. I’m trying not get carried away here, but I think he’s going to kill this role. It looks like he went all out for this role. His mannerisms and the presence he commands on screen with the full make up on. I was in awe the whole time. His Joker laugh is great too. Again, I’m trying not to get carried away here, but it feels like they made a great choice by picking him for this role.

Origin

The most interesting thing about this trailer to me is the way they’re approaching the Joker’s origin story. From the moment this movie was announced people were automatically turned off because the Joker is someone who doesn’t really have an origin. But what they’re doing with this movie. I’m all for it. I’m not one of these gatekeepers. If you’re going to do it, just do it well. The way the trailer starts by showing us Arthur caring for his mother and seeing what the character has become by the end of the trailer had me hooked. I want to see this journey the character goes on. I want to see him start off as someone we can sympathise with and then it just takes a sharp turn to where we aren’t meant to be rooting for this guy. We should hate him, but love him at the same time. At the end of the day he’s a bad guy. And he’s going to do some crazy shit to people in this movie, I can guarantee you that now. I also love how they’re focusing on mental illness in this movie, something a lot of people can relate to.

God, I cannot wait for this movie. I’ve already watched the trailer more than 10 times. And I love it even more with each watch.

Here are some of my favourite shots from the trailer:

Let me know your thoughts on the trailer down below.

The Joker is set to be released later this year on October 4