Tag: marvel

The Cosmic Adventures: Exploring the Best Guardians of the Galaxy Comics of All Time

Guardians of the Galaxy is a relatively new addition to the Marvel Universe, but it has quickly become a fan favourite. The team of misfits has captured the hearts of readers with their hilarious banter, exciting adventures, and compelling character arcs. In this article, we will explore the best Guardians of the Galaxy comics of all time, from the team’s first appearance to the most recent series.

  1. “Annihilation: Conquest” (2007)

Before the Guardians of the Galaxy were a team, they were a group of characters thrown together during the “Annihilation: Conquest” storyline. The event saw the Phalanx, a race of technologically advanced beings, take over the Kree Empire. Star-Lord, Drax the Destroyer, Gamora, Rocket Raccoon, and Groot all played a role in the conflict, and it was during this storyline that they first came together as a team. The “Annihilation: Conquest” storyline is a must-read for fans of the Guardians of the Galaxy, as it establishes the team’s origins and sets the stage for their future adventures.

  1. “Guardians of the Galaxy” (2008)

Following their initial appearance in “Annihilation: Conquest,” the Guardians of the Galaxy were given their own ongoing series in 2008. Written by Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning, the series saw the team come together to protect the galaxy from a variety of threats, including the Badoon, the Phalanx, and the Universal Church of Truth. The series is notable for its focus on character development, particularly for characters like Rocket Raccoon and Groot, who had previously been more minor players in the Marvel Universe. The series ran for 25 issues and is considered one of the best Guardians of the Galaxy stories ever told.

  1. “Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Avengers” (2013)

In 2013, Brian Michael Bendis and Steve McNiven relaunched the Guardians of the Galaxy series with a new #1 issue. The series saw the team come together once again to protect the galaxy, this time from the cosmic threat of Thanos. The series is notable for its excellent characterization and for introducing new team members like Angela, a character originally created by Neil Gaiman for Spawn. The series ran for 27 issues and was the basis for the first Guardians of the Galaxy film.

  1. “Rocket Raccoon” (2014)

In 2014, Marvel launched a new ongoing series focused on Rocket Raccoon. Written and illustrated by Skottie Young, the series saw Rocket go on a series of wacky adventures across the galaxy. The series was notable for its humour and its beautiful artwork, and it helped to solidify Rocket’s place as one of the most beloved characters in the Marvel Universe. The series ran for 11 issues and is a must-read for fans of the character.

  1. “Guardians of the Galaxy: Legacy” (2018)

In 2018, Gerry Duggan and Aaron Kuder launched a new Guardians of the Galaxy series that focused on the team’s legacy. The series saw the team dealing with the aftermath of Thanos’ death and trying to establish themselves as the new protectors of the galaxy. The series is notable for its exploration of the team’s history and for introducing new characters like Cosmic Ghost Rider. The series ran for 12 issues and is a great read for fans of the team.

The Guardians of the Galaxy have had a relatively short but incredibly impactful history in the Marvel Universe. From their origins in “Annihilation: Conquest” to their recent adventures in “Guardians of the Galaxy: Legacy,” the team has provided readers with some of the most entertaining and compelling stories.

Review-The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special

The Guardians of the Galaxy are back, and this time they’re taking on Christmas with a good old-fashioned seasonal special. While it may not have the same weight as some of the other MCU projects, the special offers a light-hearted, entertaining escape from reality.

Peter Quill, still reeling from the loss of Gamora, is surprised by his teammates Mantis and Drax, who have hatched a plan to cheer him up. After hearing about Christmas, they decide to kidnap Quill’s childhood hero, Kevin Bacon, and bring him to him as a present. While the break-in is the most surreal thing you’ll see this holiday season, it sets off a chain of events that lead to a heartwarming Christmas party and a surprise revelation about Peter’s family.

The special has its highs and lows, with some jokes hitting the mark and others falling flat. The scenes of Mantis and Drax experiencing Earth culture are entertaining, but at times they drag on too long. Nevertheless, the special’s message of togetherness and family makes it a perfect watch for the holiday season.

Overall, while the Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special may not be the most memorable addition to the MCU, it’s a fun and heartwarming way to spend 40 minutes this Christmas.

⭐⭐⭐

Review-Ben Reilly issue 1

It’s weird being a Spider-Man fan, I’m old enough to remember the original reaction to ‘The clone saga’. People hated it, they hated there was a Spider-Man that wasn’t Peter Parker. Nowdays, the appeal of the character seems to be that there are thousands of variations.

Written by J.M. DeMatteis, Ben Reilly: Spider-Man #1, picks up shortly after Ben Reilly took over the mantle of Spider-Man from Peter Parker (before to the Beyond Saga), and he’s having identity issues.
The resurrection of Carrion, a living virus, as well as other villains from Peter’s past, doesn’t help matters.

DeMatteis transports the reader to the aftermath of the clone saga and tells a compelling story about a conflicted hero attempting to figure out who and what he truly is.

I adored the story’s complexities and Ben’s internal battle. His personality is intriguing, and the darkness within him makes the reader interested in his decisions. I’m really looking forward to seeing where this tale leads, and the conclusion of this issue has piqued my interest even more.

With its amazing attention to detail and unique, engaging style, David Baldeon’s art continues to excite and impress. His work manages to convey character feelings, as well as fantastic action and catches the 90s vibe.

Ben Reilly: Spider-Man #1 is a solid issue. It’s almost as if Ben Reilly has come full circle, since his first appearance so many decades ago, and this is a great example of how successfully the character can be handled.

There’s a lot to be explored, and this series feels like it might be the ultimate piece of proof that his long-ago creation was, in fact, a great idea.

Listen to our review of Spider-Man: No way home here.

⭐⭐⭐

Spider-Man: No Way Home is the first pandemic-era film to earn $1bn

The latest Spider-Man film has become the first pandemic-era film to gross more than $1 billion (£750 million) at the global box office.

In addition, Spider-Man: No Way Home was named the highest-grossing film of 2021.

According to media data analytics firm Comscore, Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker was the most recent film to gross more than $1 billion.

Since the pandemic began two years ago, no other Hollywood film has come close to surpassing that box office milestone.

The latest Marvel Cinematic Universe picture grossed $1.05 billion worldwide over the weekend.

Even while the Omicron variety of Covid-19 has spread swiftly over the world, generating new concerns about indoor events, the Sony-Disney co-production reached its milestone less than two weeks after its premiere.

China, which is currently the world’s largest cinema market, has not yet seen the film.

Tom Holland reprises his role as Peter Parker in Spider-Man: No Way Home, featuring Zendaya as MJ and Benedict Cumberbatch as the wizard Doctor Strange.

Listen to our review of the film here.

Comic review-Spider-Man: Life Story

Spider-Man: Life Story, penned by Chip Zdarsky and illustrated by Mark Bagley, is a masterpiece that should grace the bookshelves of any Spidey aficionado. The new hardcover edition, released in August 2021, collects the entire six-issue series along with Spider-Man: Life Story Annual #1.

The series is a realistic portrayal of Peter Parker’s life, exploring how he ages in real-time and how he experiences historical events such as the Vietnam War. Starting in 1966, a few years after Parker was bitten by the radioactive spider, the story progresses through the decades, offering a fresh take on classic Spider-Man tales.

The second issue, set in 1977, stands out as it introduces new revelations and twists on familiar characters. Peter Parker enjoys a happy life, working alongside another superhero under his real identity, and sharing a significant role with Gwen Stacy. However, Zdarsky’s masterful storytelling culminates in a devastating turn of events, leading to a gripping and emotional tale.

As the story unfolds, new characters like Miles Morales are introduced, and the Symbiote costume is explored in-depth, offering a unique take on the Spider-Man mythos. Bagley’s artwork, with inkers John Dell and Andrew Hennessy and color artist Frank D’Armata (and Matt Milla on the Annual), captures the classic look of Spider-Man comics, while adding a fresh touch to the story.

The Annual issue, focusing on J. Jonah Jameson, is a standout story that ties into Spider-Man’s narrative, creating a nuanced and layered narrative that elevates the main series. Zdarsky’s writing showcases Jameson’s journey of redemption and hope, resulting in a story that will resonate with readers on a deeper level.

Spider-Man: Life Story is a remarkable tale that celebrates Spider-Man in a new and inventive way. Zdarsky and Bagley have created a timeless work that will be remembered as one of the greatest Spider-Man stories of all time. While the extras in the hardcover, including variant covers and Zdarsky’s cover art process, are nice additions, the main series remains the heart of the book. In summary, Spider-Man: Life Story is a must-read for any fan of the friendly neighborhood web-slinger.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Amy Pascal and Kevin Feige discuss Spider-Man’s future

Amy Pascal, the longtime producer of the Spider-Man series, and Kevin Feige, the CEO of Marvel Studios, have an unusual creative partnership, as they demonstrated in a new interview.

Whilst speaking with the New York Times, about Spider-Man: No Way Home and the future of the wall-crawler, the dynamic-duo addressed Pascal’s previous comments that Tom Holland would star in a new “Spider-Man trilogy”.

Pascal said:

“We’re producers, so we always believe everything will work out, I love working with Kevin. We have a great partnership, along with Tom Rothman, who runs Sony and has been instrumental, a great leader with great ideas. I hope it lasts forever.”

Feige added:

“Amy and I and Disney and Sony are actively beginning to develop where the story heads next, which I only say outright because I don’t want fans to go through any separation trauma like what happened after ‘Far From Home.’ That will not be occurring this time”.

In 2019, the original deal between both studios ended, leading to a financial dispute between Disney and Sony. For a while, it looked like Peter Parker’s time in the MCU sandbox was done. Fourteunetly, cooler heads prevailed and the studios got to work on no way home.

In the interview, Pascal and Feige also discussed how they first collaborated. Feige had worked as an unofficial script consultant on The Amazing Spider-Man 2. Most of his advice wasn’t taken up by Sony. When the film was released to widespread negative reviews, she and Feige met to discuss the next way forward. He suggested a co-production deal, with Marvel studios taking control of the character. She didn’t take the suggestion well.

“I threw a sandwich at him,” she said.

Feige added:

“She said, ‘I really want you to help on this next movie. We have these great ideas for the next one. It’s amazing stuff and I said, ‘I’m not good at that — giving advice and leaving. The only way I know how to help is if we just make the movie for you.’”

Despite Pascal’s initial scepticism, she and Sony eventually warmed to the idea after Feige offered more concrete proposals for how to integrate Spider-Man into the Marvel Cinematic Universe:

She said:

“He said ‘I have an idea. What if Tony Stark makes Peter’s suit?’ And as soon as he said that, I understood the possibilities of what we could do together. To have Iron Man and Spidey in the same world, one rooted more in technological innovation — the new suit — and less in medical experimentation, which is where we were confined before, felt so much more modern.”

Since then, each of Marvel’s “Spider-Man” films, starring Tom Holland and produced by Pascal, has been a critical and commercial triumph, with most fans dubbing Holland “the best Spider-Man ever”.

Personally, as a fan. I’m excited to see where this partnership goes. They’ve opened up the multiverse now and with Sony continuing to make their own Marvel movies, the possibilities are truly endless.

Episode 277: Spider-Man No way home

Martyn is joined by Big Finish writer, Antoni Pearce, the pair talk about Spider-Man: No way home. The episode is full of spoilers, so listen at your own peril.

The podcast is available from all good podcast services, such as but not limited to Spotify, Amazon Music, Podchaser, Player FM, Stitcher, and Apple Podcasts.

We also have a Smartlink.

Artwork by Penny Smallshire.

We sound familiar can be found here.

More than just an impression can be found here.

Comedians talking about football can be found here.

Sam’s YouTube channel can be found here.

Buy Antoni’s dark Shadows audios here.

Socials:

Twitter:

Martyn – @BadWilf

Gerrod –@InGerrodsMind

Pete – @BeeblePete

Sam-@SammyBoyMichael

Chris-@ChrisWalkerT

Instagram:

Podcast-@TheBWPodcast

Martyn-@BadWilf

Chris-@ChrisWalkerThomsonofficial

Sam-@SammyBoyMichael

TikTok

Martyn-@BadWilf

Chris-@ChrisWalkert

Sam-@SamMichaelComedy

Kevin Feige confirms Charlie Cox will stay on as Daredevil

Kevin Feige has announced that Charlie Cox will continue to play Daredevil, which will come as no surprise to Marvel fans who have been following various behind-the-scenes speculations and intriguing MCU leaks.

Charlie Cox recently said that he expects to still continue on in the role, one day.

Feige spoke very carefully, as he spoke to CineBlend:

“If you were to see Daredevil in upcoming things, Charlie Cox, yes, would be the actor playing Daredevil. Where we see that how we see that, when we see that, remains to be seen.”

Personally, I don’t think we’ll be waiting too long to see Matt Murdoch. After the events of Spider-Man: Far from home. Peter Parker is going to need a lawyer. Murdoch represented him in the comics, so an appearance in the upcoming Spider-Man: No way home just makes sense.

The reappearance of Vincent D’Onofrio’s Kingpin was also hinted at in a recent episode of Hawkeye.
In the same episode, Maya Lopez, AKA Echo, was introduced, a figure is known for her connections to Matt Murdock in Marvel Comics, and it’s been announced that Alaqua Cox will play Lopez in an Echo spin-off series that could easily include Daredevil and Kingpin.

Spider-Man: No way home is due for release in the UK, on the 15th of December.

Film Review-Eternals

Chloé Zhao has had a short yet prominent career in the thriving world of independent cinema. Her renown grew even more last year when her film “Nomadland” dominated awards season, taking home Academy Awards for both Best Picture and Best Director. However, her latest work, the $200 million instalment in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, titled “Eternals,” is disappointing. While Zhao unquestionably puts in the effort and gives it her all, the movie doesn’t utilises her strengths. The screenplay, co-written by Zhao, Patrick Burleigh, Kaz Firpo, and Ryan Firpo, spans 7000 years, sloppily hopping back and forth across their timeline, resulting in an overly long and overstuffed 157-minute running time. One key problem with “Eternals” is that it is overloaded with characters, and Zhao tries to give each of them some semblance of a backstory. Inevitably all end up feeling shortchanged to various degrees.

The story follows the Eternals, a group of ten good-looking cosmic beings who were sent to Earth aeons ago by Arishem the Judge to defend the planet against a ravenous species known as Deviants. Their centuries-long war ends in 1500 when the last of the Deviants are finally killed. The Eternals then go their separate ways, with each immortal settling and assimilating into different locations around Earth, waiting for Arishem to summon them home. 500 years pass and each Eternal has carved out a life for themselves (more or less). But when a particularly nasty new Deviant suddenly appears in London, it’s clear that it’s time to get the team back together.

The film has a lot of star power portraying the Eternals, and some are much more convincing than others. Gemma Chan is easily the most complete character as Sersi, an eternal with the weird ability to manipulate matter. Richard Madden plays Ikaris, a poor man’s Superman and one-time love interest of Sersi. Angelina Jolie plays Thena, a powerful Wonder Woman-like warrior who wields weapons made of cosmic energy. On the downside, some of the actors feel woefully out of place in most of the scenes they’re in, and some of their characters’ stories feel plucked from another movie.

As the movie predictably brings the former teammates back together, it tries to tell their individual human stories while also building up its cosmic storyline. Surprisingly that leaves little room for superhero action. We do get a couple of set pieces that look fine and check most of the boxes, but there’s little there that we haven’t seen done better elsewhere. Even the big CGI blowout finale is missing the energy and style of the better Marvel films, and it has no stakes.

The movie would have fared better as a Disney+ streaming series. There’s very little here that screams big screen.

There are two post-credit scenes, that will probably be retconned within the next year.

⭐⭐

Aaron Taylor-Johnson set to play Kraven the hunter

Aaron Taylor-Johnson (Kick-Ass) has been cast in Sony Picture’s upcoming Marvel film ‘Kraven The Hunter’. It’s an unexpected, but very interesting choice. It will mark the actors third outing as a comic book character.

In the comics, Sergei Kravinoff a.k.a. Kraven the Hunter is an obsessive big-game hunter. Created by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko. Over time, Kravinoff moved away from using the tools of a regular hunter and started taking down large animals with his bare hands. After taking a potion, he developed enhanced physical powers giving him the strength, speed and senses of a jungle cat. The potion also extended his life, health and vitality.

Sony’s casting description lists Kraven The Hunter as being of Russian origin, with “superhuman strength, speed, stamina, agility, and reflexes. The maniacal big-game hunter seeks to defeat Spider-Man to prove that he is the greatest hunter in the world.”

Directing duties will be taken up by J.C. Chandor (Triple Frontier). With Art Marcum and Matt Holloway (Iron Man) writing the scripts.

Kraven the Hunter is set for release on January 13th, 2023.

Source: Variety