C&C Comic Review - Avengers: Age of Ultron

C&C Comic Review - Avengers: Age of Ultron

We take a look back at the series that inspired the Movie

By Steven Carter

 

In light of the recent release of Avengers: Age of Ultron in the cinemas, and given that the comic collection is on the store for ½ price, I have taken it upon myself to review said comic from which the movie was named after!

The comics were released back in 2013. Written by Brian Michael Bendis and Illustrated by Bryan Hitch, the comic series came at a time of great change for Marvel. They were undergoing a huge revolution in story telling, controversial decisions were being made to major characters in their roster. Wolverine was just about to lose his healing factor, Peter Parker had “died” and Dr Octopus had taken over his body and Captain America was in all kinds of trouble, stuck in dimension Z. It was indeed a time of great weirdness…

The first few frames of issue 1 set a very bleak scene. New York is in ruins but amid all the destruction, lies a colossal fortress-like structure, towering above everything else. It all looks very much like Days of future past. This won’t be the last time we will see comparisons between the two stories either. Ultron has already won. The world has finally bowed to his superiority and many heroes have fallen in the wake. Only a few core members remain alive and we pick up one of them in the form of Hawkeye on a self-sanctioned rescue mission.

The mission was successful but only just. Barton and Spider-man escape with their lives barely intact. They find the rest of the heroes in their hideout, where the only plan of action seems to be to survive. The first few issues really had me drawn in. The artwork had a very gritty feel to it and matched the dark plot lines. Hawkeye’s rescue mission was equally dark, saving Spider-man from Hammerhead’s gang, plenty of violence and gore to be seen! Seeing the other heroes reduced to a barely organised mess, with no plan other than to stay out of sight and survive was very interesting to me. Tony Stark seemed the worst of the bunch, reduced to very low tech gadgets and no armour, he came across as very unsure and vulnerable. 

Then comes the plot twist which drags us back to days of future past. TIME TRAVEL!!! It turns out that a future version of Ultron has orchestrated the attack in the present day, prompting the remaining heroes plus Nick Cage to take the fight to future Ultron. Wolverine disagrees and thinks the best way to sort the problem is go back in time, Terminator style and kill Ultron’s creator Hank Pym thus getting rid of the whole concept of Ultron once and for all. What could possibly go wrong?! I guess Wolverine never saw the Back to the future films... 

I had rather mixed views about this section, Iron Man and Captain America’s plan seemed rather flimsy at best about attacking future Ultron, but maybe their situation was dire enough that it seemed to make sense to them. When Wolverine goes back in time, I did like the change in art style. The colours were a lot lighter and the drawing style harked back to the 60’s Jack Kirby style. 

The repercussions resulting from Logan’s actions in the past are by far the strongest part of the book. The reality that Logan is faced with is a fascinating one. I don’t want to give away too many spoilers but Tony Stark is by far the best character. Gone crazy with power and
super paranoid to boot. It is clear that this reality is far worse than the one Wolverine had left behind and he has to set about escaping that world, yet still come up with a solution that avoids bringing about the Ultron apocalypse! 

I enjoyed the journey that Age of Ultron took me on, however I couldn’t help feeling that the ending was a bit anti-climatic. It just kinda fizzles out. The solution that is eventually implemented could have easily been thought about had the heroes spent about 5 minutes more mulling over the options laid out in front of them but then again, we wouldn’t have much of a story on our hands would we? Nevertheless, I found myself just reading through the final issue to simply get the storyline done, not because I cared about what happens next. There were some great twists in the middle which I could tell was what Bendis REALLY wanted to write about but the ending just seemed a bit of an afterthought which is a shame. Therefore, Age of Ultron as a comic series gets - 

6/10 

 

First Look at Nightcrawler, Jean Grey, Cyclops and Jubilee in X-Men: Apocalypse!

First Look at Nightcrawler, Jean Grey, Cyclops and Jubilee in X-Men: Apocalypse!

Director Bryan Singer Shares New Images - Plus On-Set Snaps Leaked

By Alex Burns

 

Filming for X-Men: Apocalypse is well under way and Director Bryan Singer is keeping fans well informed of his progress during the blockbuster shoot. Singer has revealed a look at how Actor Kodi Smit-McPhee will shape up as Nightcrawler in the Superhero sequel, check it out below.

Ever since the news broke that original X-Men, Jean Grey and Cyclops would feature in the film, fans have been clamouring for a look at the characters. Singer shared this on-set photo of Sophie Turner as Jean Grey alongside Lana Condor as Jubilee. Judging by the fashion on show here it looks like some parts of the film will take place in the 80's

 
As for Cyclops, we've got some snaps taken by one particularly eagle eyed fan during filming. You can see Actor Tye Sheridan as Cyclops wearing his trademark red shades as well as another look at the rest of the X-Men.

 

 
Singer is bound to keep updating us as filming continues, check out a few of the more interesting pictures he has made public below, the Angel concept art is a real stand-out.

 
X-Men:Apocalypse is set to conclude the current crop of X-Men films and due for release May 27th 2016. For everything mutant related keep it locked here at Cape and Cowl

Two New Images of Ben Affleck as Batman in Dawn of Justice

Two New images of Ben Affleck as Batman in Dawn of Justice

It's in the Eyes

By Alex Burns

We have two new images of Ben Affleck as Batman to bring you all today. The first image is the same used in the recently released IMAX posters, this time though, the Superman logo has been removed and we've got our first clear look at Ben Affleck in the Bat-cowl! Previous official images have had the character blanketed in shadows, because, you know, he's Batman that's kind if his thing, but here we get a clear high quality look at how Ben Affleck will shape up in the iconic mask. The second image is the the same as the first but shows more of the costume and is in full colour! The image came from a company called Jposters who claim to have used it for the IMAX posters. The suit is seriously detailed and the gray and black look is straight out of the comics! Check out the images below and let us know your thoughts.

Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice is set for release March 23rd 2016, keep it locked here at Cape and Cowl for everything superhero!

Ben Affleck in Toronto whilst Suicide Squad shoot scenes! On-set Pictures!

Ben Affleck in Toronto whilst Suicide Squad shoot scenes!

No Joke

By Dan Uppington.

What's this? A Bat? In Toronto? Oh boy o boy o boy! Welcome to Speculation-Ville. Population; us! As the shoot for David Ayer’s Suicide Squad continues in Toronto, photos have emerged of the Caped Crusader himself Ben Affleck arriving in town and even newer pictures of Bat-fleck all suited up (Prada, not Kevlar) an heading into what could be a closed set style warehouse, as most brooding billionaires do (with grey hair and all)

click to enlarge

So is Ben on a casual business trip to the central city of television and film, perhaps to discuss future prospects and his next career move? Or was this in fact a flying visit by Bruce Wayne to drop in at the secret base of A.R.G.U.S to discuss the hazards of Amanda Waller’s callous practises in rounding up “meta humans” for a certain team?

click to enlarge

Or is it just for the pure fun of breaking the Internet that both Ben Affleck and Jared Leto happen to be in the same city, at the same time, and are destined to violently intertwine in the same cinematic universe? After all, Jared’s been hard at work transforming himself into our generation’s deserving incarnation of The Joker, with Ben Affleck also redefining himself to become The Batman we all truly deserve on screen.

Leto shared this picture showing off his ripped Joker physique

NOW is the time, David Ayer, to release a group shot of Suicide Squad, in costume and in character. Set the Internet ablaze. I've heard some men like to watch the web burn ... 

Jared leto on Set

Suicide Squad is set for release 5th August 2016, keep it locked at Cape and Cowl for everything superhero.

Nightwing, Robin, Catwoman and more Feature in New "Batman: Arkham Knight" Trailer

Nightwing, Robin, Catwoman and more Feature in New "Batman: Arkham Knight" Trailer

Get Ready to control the whole Bat-Family!

By Alex Burns

 

After three days of quick teasers, Rocksteady Studios has revealed the full new “All Who Follow You” trailer for Batman: Arkham Knight and it is seriously impressive. The scope of this game looks bigger each time more footage is revealed. There's even a few new features that the footage shows off. Firstly the “Dual Play” mechanic, which allows you to switch seamlessly between The Dark Knight and his allies including Robin, Nightwing, and Catwoman in free-flow combat. Azrael makes a return and this adds another storyline that players will be glad to see followed up from the Arkham City. Also don't miss the Bat-Wing jetting off from the Batmobile, although it's unclear whether the vehicle will be playable in game. Check out the footage below.

We're incredibly excited at the prospect of teaming up with Nightwing, Robin and co. during combat and the appearance of Azrael towards the end of the trailer adds another fan-favourite character to the already impressive roster that will feature in the game.

Batman: Arkam Knight introduces Rocksteady’s uniquely designed version of the Batmobile, which is drivable for the first time in the franchise. The addition of this legendary vehicle, combined with the acclaimed gameplay of the “Batman Arkham” series, offers gamers the ultimate and complete Batman experience as they tear through the streets and soar across the skyline of the entirety of Gotham City.

Batman: Arkham Knight will be available for the PlayStation 4, Xbox One and PC on June 23. For everything superhero, keep it locked here at Cape and Cowl.

First Look! Jared Leto is Losing His Mind as The Joker! 75th Anniversary Reveal!

First Look! Jared Leto is losing his mind as The Joker!

Official "Suicide Squad" Image Revealed for Character's 75th Anniversary

By Alex Burns 

 

We've got our first official look at Jared Leto as The Joker in David Ayer's upcoming supervillain team-up "Suicide Squad"! To commemorate The Clown Prince of Crime on his 75th Anniversary the Official image was shared via the Ayer's Twitter page.

Leto is looking all kinds of crazy in the image, his teeth are suitably neglected for someone who is usually to busy planning mass murder. His skin is incredibly white, although it's unclear whether it's the perma-white Joker from the comics or whether the guy is just super pale. The tattoos are a new addition to any joker we've seen on screen before and all are pretty in keeping with The Joker's personality, from the "Ha ha ha" scrawled over his chest to the wide grin on his forearm. We love the "Damaged" tattoo written across his forehead, a rather mild way to describe The Joker's mental well-being! What do you all make of the Character's new look? It's certainly a departure from Heath Ledger's version in The Dark Knight

Expect more character reveals from "Suicide Squad" in the weeks to come and remember for everything Joker keep it locked here at Cape and Cowl.

C&C Film Review - Marvel's Avengers: Age of Ultron

C&C Film Review - Marvel's Avengers: Age of Ultron

Time to suit-up once more!

A Review by Steven Carter

 

(DISCLAIMER - This review contains details that may be considered spoilers) Here we are. The difficult second album. Words couldn't describe how excited I was when Age of Ultron was announced. Joss Whedon made it clear from the start that the title was the only thing he took from the comic book story line that was released back in 2013. To be honest, that was a smart move although a little unimaginative. I then began to hear the stories behind the origin of Ultron. Instead of sticking to the comics where it was Hank Pym that inadvertently created the homicidal artificial intelligence, they made Tony Stark the creator. Being as the new Ant-Man movie was just around the corner, I thought it would be a nice touch to introduce Pym in Age of Ultron. Obviously the creators thought otherwise so I thought “what the hell! In Feige we trust!” The days and months ticked by, we were dealt the usual Marvel deluge of trailers and clips from the film and finally the day arrives. I arrive just in the nick of time, no thanks to the mid-morning traffic, stock myself up with a packet of sour patch kids and settled down for the next 142 minutes.

It doesn’t take long for the action to kick off, the events of this film appear to take place not long after Captain America: The Winter Soldier, with a long, glorious action sequence involving all of the current roster of Avengers. It appears to be just another day at the office for these guys, exchanging witty banter whilst handing legions of henchmen their own backsides. It seems Joss is back to his old ways again! I was certainly grinning from ear to ear. This sequence is simply fantastic, to the point where I was getting goosebumps all over The wit is ever present throughout the first few scenes, keeping this a very light hearted affair, encouraging the viewer to not think too much and just sit back and enjoy the punching and the explosions. Which is exactly what I did!

We are introduced shortly afterwards to our villain, Ultron. James Spader (albeit with a few sound effects) offers his vocal talents to give this character a rather menacing demeanour. His transition from heap of junk to glistening murder-bot was quite a swift one all thanks to a little help from the Internet! In the trailers, he is made out to have a very dark personality. You do however, see some moments in the film where he has a bit of a sense of humour, little quips here, a sarcastic comment there, I guess was added in just to offset his psychotic nature.

A few new faces are thrust in our direction in the form of super-powered twins, Pietro and Wanda Maximoff. The comic book fanbase will recognise them as the X-Men alumni Quicksilver and the Scarlet Witch, although don’t mention the word Mutant! Otherwise Fox (who own the rights to X-men and the linked term of mutants) will be warming up their super powered lawyer strike force! We’ve been teased as to how the twins will be referred to but looks like the producers have settled for “the enhanced”. I was surprised at how I received these two characters, I loved the way Wanda was portrayed by Elizabeth Olsen in her first encounter with the Avengers, almost like something out of a horror film! However her brother Pietro, played by Aaron Taylor-Johnson seemed to be just a bit of a jerk.

The film does indeed progress rather quickly in the first hour, and erupts into the chaotic and at times overbearing clash between the Hulk and Iron Man’s Hulkbuster armour, which shows a colossal amount of collateral damage on par with Superman’s spat with Zod in Man of Steel. The repercussions of which I am sure we will see in Civil War next year. We are then treated to some down time where we get to see a lot more behind Jeremy Renner’s character Hawkeye. This is a rather welcome change to get some empathy for the un-powered characters, who many people viewed as pointless additions in the company of gods. (Quite literally in Thor’s case!)

There is a bit of a love story brewing in the background between Black Widow and Bruce Banner as well! I didn’t see this coming but it’s out there for the world to see now. Natasha appears to have been working closely with Banner in between movies, working on a routine to help Banner return to human form after smashing puny humans, and it seems that some sparks are now flying between the two. Last but by no means least, roughly 2 thirds of the way through the film, we have the Vision! Played by Paul Bettany, who had voiced J.A.R.V.I.S in four previous films. I’m sure it felt awesome to finally get some proper screen time with the rest of the Avengers! I can’t really reveal too much about his character as it is rather integral to the climax of the film. All I can say is that he is an awesome character who reveals some astonishing abilities!

Whilst watching, I couldn’t shake the feeling that this film feels a bit out of place. There is rather a lack of (dare I say it) continuity in the story telling here. Unless a LOT has happened between the phase 2 films and AoU. Take Iron Man for example. In his third outing, he was suffering from post traumatic stress after the events of New York and decided at the end of the film to destroy all of his armour projects, presumably to then spend more time working on his strained relationship with Pepper. But in AoU, he’s back to his cocky ways, in a nice shiny new suit and has created even more robotic armours, calling them the Iron Legion! We aren’t offered any kind of explanation as to how he got himself back into the superhero game, just “Ta daaaa! Here’s Iron Man! Watch him blow stuff up!” It did kind of make Tony Stark’s character a little less likable. Whether or not this is for preparation for Civil War remains to be seen. Captain America was another, who seemed to not really give two hoots about finding his long lost bestie Bucky any more following the events of The Winter Soldier, in fact as it turns out he even delegated this task to Falcon! If this were a cartoon in the 60’s, it would be acceptable that every week, the hero’s start off in high spirits with no lasting repercussions of whatever happened in the previous episode. Joss Whedon seems to have tried to recreate this but it’s kinda backfired.

Spader’s Ultron was a decent baddie although he doesn’t take as much of the limelight as you would expect. There were long periods in the film where you don’t see him at all only for him to suddenly pop up and you think to yourself “oh yeah! He’s the bad guy!”. There seemed to be a lot of paths that this film wanted to go down and I’m hoping that what I watched wasn’t just some glorified advert for the next bunch of phase 3 films. There certainly were some opportunistic moments for brands to shamelessly show of their products though! (I'm looking at you, Audi and Beats by Dr Dre!) As an action film, Age of Ultron is absolutely fantastic. Just what you want out of a comic book movie. Bright colours, stunning visual effects mixed together with some light humour. The highlights for me would have to be THAT opening sequence, the Vision showing up in the final few fight scenes and the appearance of War Machine.

Overall Age of Ultron is not the best of the Marvel films, that accolade still stays with Guardians of the Galaxy. But still, it holds it’s own against the rest. A very good sequel nonetheless! I certainly wouldn’t mind paying again to see it. It’s sad that Director Joss Whedon is leaving but at the same time it's exciting that the Russo Brothers will be taking the reigns for parts 1 and 2 of the Infinity War!

8/10

 

C&C Retrospective - Guardians Of The Galaxy - Phase 2 Lead - Up to Avengers: Age Of Ultron

C&C Retrospective - Guardians Of The Galaxy

The Final part of our Phase 2 Lead - Up to Avengers: Age Of Ultron!

By Dan Uppington  

One day people.
 

One day until Age of Ultron. We're so close. I can almost hear James Spader's sentient growl whispering in my ears, and feel the building-shattering animosity between the Hulk and Iron  Man ... and Captain America ... and maybe Thor ... There's a lot of dissent in the team from what the trailers have shown us, but I am PSYCHED to say the least! I'll have my multi-flavoured slushy in one hand, arm rest firmly gripped by the other, ready for the film that will kick start my summer and send me into what I call Dan 2.0 mode for the rest of the year. But first, here's something completely different. Our final stop on the long, winding road that is Marvel's Phase 2; Guardians of the Galaxy.

Once you open the door there's no going back

"...and you think life takes more than it gives, but not today. Today it's giving us something. it is giving us a chance. A chance to give a shit."

Marvel also gave James Gunn a chance. A chance to write and direct a film that has no rules, no guidelines and no mercy. And sweet Hades below did he blow it out of the water. Guardians of the Galaxy is a charming and giddy affair that has everything that made me fall in love with Star Wars, and all that I wish Firefly still was. It's silly but sincere, and shameless in it's mission to prove you don't need morals nor be a people person to be a hero.

Starlord in action, don't get cocky kid!

I haven't been to watch a film in so long where I genuinely smiled the whole way through, and left thoroughly satisfied. Though the emotional scenes certainly punched me hard enough in the heart to leave me sincerely feeling for these characters (especially when I realised that Zoe Saldana wouldn't actually get a semi-nude scene as per the trailer, but I'll let it go).It's a slight struggle to summarise this film in a few sentences like I have done with the other Marvel Phase 2 films because there are so many characters with their own sub-plot dramas and supporting cast, of which all intertwine and come to a head in the film. But it's the  delivery of the characters and their development that really enables us to connect to them and stick with them on their journeys to become something more than themselves.

The Prison escape scene is an absolute stand-out, action-packed AND hilarious!

To consolidate the film I'll say this: A group of intergalactic misfits are scraped from the bottom of the celestial barrel to form a team to fight a supercharged warrior bent on destruction in this beautiful cosmic fantasy epic.Ok so it was a little easier than I thought, but it does not do the film any justice! 

There is so much to like about this film it's not even funny

Going into the cinema with that as my only clue and no research into the source material, I was blown away by the interweaving complexity of the different stories and personalities on screen, but there is a big pay off which is driven by the main plot and reaches a fever pitch for the big finale.

Look up true love in the dictionary and you'll find this picture

Visually speaking, there are plenty of bright colours and gorgeous space-scapes that will leave you breathless, and help to add to the escapist vibe of the film. Think Lost in Space, minus Joey Tribiani. Gorgeous spaceships and the classiest spaceports allows this film to 

rest on top of the Marvel pile by itself and sit pretty in the category of a Space Epic.

Marvel's FX are maxed out in this picture and GOTG lays claim to being their most beautiful film yet

The characters make this film the success that it is. All played marvellously by their respective hosts. Chris Pratt shines as the Earth-born outlaw Peter Quill, known only to himself as Star-Lord (the origin of which almost left me in tatters), and his corny and man-child demeanour is fuelled by his Awesome Mix tape which is equally as cheesy and cheeky as him (although after watching Parks & Recreation, it's difficult to shake off Andy's presence). Zoe Saldana and Bradley Cooper respectively provide the cool bad-assery in Gamora and Rocket Raccoon, and Vin Diesel is able to pad out the scenes as his tree-giant-thingy in Groot, with a singular catch-phrase which combines the thrill of introducing yourself with the excitement of repeating it endlessly. Dave Bautista is my gold star player in this film as Drax the Destroyer, bringing a larger than life presence and excellent intensity matched only by his inability to grasp metaphors as they fly straight over his head (though we know he'd easily catch them).

Their aren't enough superlatives to describe this cast, they all work so well together

Lee Pace uses a booming voice, domineering stance and a big hammer to cut himself from the tarpaulin cloth that the MCU villains are made to really stand out as Ronan the Accuser, and is supported fantastically by Karen Gillian who is on another level as android enforcer Nebula. Thanos and his double-thumbed bitch from Avengers Assemble fame are present in the film, which is a nice touch to be thrown so far into the open of the MCU this early prior to Infinity War. Marvel loves to plant their seeds! As far as a supporting cast goes there is plenty, and all do a stellar job to fill out the universe the Guardians are working in.

Ronan hoping to bring his Purple "reign" across the universe

Colourful, sincere, ridiculous and cheekier than the Nando's you had last night, Guardians of the Galaxy shakes off the Marvel set criteria for superheros and does whatever it wants. A spectacular cosmic adventure that left me beaming with joy and wanting more. I'm giving it 10/10. Shamelessly. What can I say? apart from ...

IIIII-III-III-IIII-IIIII'm (dush dush) hooked on a feeling! Bah-Bah Bah Baaaaaaaah....

Seriously Marvel hurry up with the sequel!

Netflix Greenlight "Marvel's Daredevil" Season 2!

Netflix Greenlight "Marvel's Daredevil" Season 2!

Ol' Hornhead Returns in 2016 

By Alex Burns 

 

 

By now everyone and their Grandma has finished the awesome first season of Netflix's hit show "Daredevil" and your probably hungry for more, well we've got some good news for you. It's official Marvel and Netflix are proud to announce that “Marvel’s Daredevil” will receive a second season, available only on the streaming service on a unspecified date in 2016.

The Man without fear will return and familiar faces, Doug Petrie (“Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” “American Horror Story”) and Marco Ramirez (“Sons of Anarchy”), who worked closely with Executive Producers Steven S. DeKnight and Drew Goddard during the first season, will serve as showrunners for Season 2. Petrie, Ramirez, Goddard (“Cabin in the Woods”), and Jeph Loeb (“Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.”) will serve as Executive Producers of Season 2.

“While previous commitments unfortunately prevent me from continuing on with Daredevil into its second season,” DeKnight explains, “I could not be happier that Doug Petrie and Marco Ramirez are carrying the torch. They were invaluable collaborators during our first season, and I for one can’t wait to see what they do with the show moving forward.”

“Marvel’s Daredevil” is produced by Marvel Television in association with ABC Studios for Netflix. If 2016 seems like a long time to wait there's a few upcoming shows you might want to check out “Marvel’s A.K.A. Jessica Jones” comes only to Netflix later this year and “Marvel’s Luke Cage” premieres on the streaming service in 2016. Future series exclusively debuting on Netflix include “Marvel’s Iron Fist” and “Marvel’s Defenders,” a mini-series event that reimagines a team of self-sacrificing, heroic characters. There's plenty more to come for everything Marvel keep it locked here at Cape and Cowl, don't forget to check out our thoughts on the first season of "Daredevil" here.

Awesome Photos And Video Of New Suits for Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman, Plus The Batmobile!

Awesome Photos And Video of New Suits for Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman, Plus The Batmobile!

The Trinity together at last!    

By Alex Burns

 

We've got a whole lot of awesome Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice photos for you all to check out! Zack Synder has revealed an official image of the Bat-Suit which reveals the Dark Knight's new costume in all it's epic, brooding goodness! As well as the official snap the Warner Bros Studio tour has the Bat-Suit out on display as well as the Superman and Wonder Woman costumes that will feature in the film! The Bleacher Report uploaded a video of NBA star and Bat-Fan DeAndre Jordan having a guided tour with Warner Bros and checking out the new suits as well as the new Batmobile! Click the images below for a closer look and check the video out as well! Remember for everything Batman V Superman keep it locked here at Cape and Cowl.