A Comic Book Reading Order Guide For Beginners & Fans
Making an artistically exquisite masterpiece of a superhero show has almost reached ‘cinematic porn’ levels of mythicism. No matter the creative talent, the critically minded wonder, is it even possible within the medium? (For porn, the answer is of course: Boogie Nights, so yes.)
*Spoiler-Free Review For the Episode, but I do mention Legion Comic Book History, which you may not want to know yet if you’re only watching the show!*
In retrospect, it’s completely baffling that it took nearly a decade of Marvel Cinematic Universe stories for an action scene to be choreographed to the Wu-Tang Clan’s ‘Bring Da Ruckus.’ It’s not even the specifics of the 36 Chambers, so much as the sudden realization that hip-hop has had zero part in the MCU to date. [Read more…] about Luke Cage (Netflix) Review!
It occured to me approximately a quarter of the way through last night’s episode that this is the first season of Agents of SHIELD with a pitch that would compel me to pick up the comic. “A new spirit of vengeance is developing a reputation as a serial killer on the west coast. It’s up to rogue SHIELD agents to track down Ghost Rider and bring him to justice.” [Read more…] about Agents of SHIELD Season Four Episode 2 Review!
To its undying credit, Agents of SHIELD has always known how to open a season. Whether it was Nick Fury and Maria Hill cameos, Absorbing Man intros, or the Inhumans, first episodes tantalize with new direction and Marvel Cinematic Universe exploration. [Read more…] about Agents of SHIELD Season 4 Episode 1: “The Ghost” Review!
Among the many conflicts left in the wake of Batman v Superman (critics vs audience, fans vs “true” fans, Zack Snyder vs the Kent family), the greatest battle is almost shockingly simple: light vs. dark.
I’ve described it as grim, dour, and self-serious to the point of parody, but the less wordy summary of Batman v Superman is “dark.” Those who would deem Batman v Superman a bad movie (I’m partially among them) simultaneously have turned their noses at dark comic book stories. Give us joy, they say, celebrating the camp of Supergirl x Flash. Gives us smiles, they say, retweeting gifs of Spider-Man underoos from the upcoming Civil War. Give us hope, they say, waving a copy of All Star Superman
What has frequently been lost in all the declarations of DC’s failure (or success depending on your point of view) is the recognition that there are many shades of dark, and not all of them are flawed.
Which brings us, finally, to the second season of Netflix Daredevil. Daredevil season two looks at the great war of light and dark and echolocates a third option:
Why not both?