COMICS BLEND

Back at the Movies for BLACK WIDOW

My first film in a cinema as we come out of the pandemic had to be a superhero movie. Marvel’s BLACK WIDOW is a thrilling triumph for the cast and crew who gave the Avenger her own solo film. The hidden chapter of Natasha Romanoff marks an incredible final performance by Scarlett Johansson in the Marvel Comics Universe and sets the stage for future women heroes to swing into action. Seeing the movie at the movies felt perfect for this time of celebration, reflection and looking forward.

How did it feel to be back in a movie theater? How is the film?

MARVEL Phase Four Reveals BLACK PANTHER and CAPTAIN MARVEL Sequel Titles

Marvel Studios revealed titles for two superhero sequels and a first look at new heroes in a new Phase Four sizzle reel celebrating a return to cinemas. The late Stan Lee narrates this feature showing fans how the Marvel Comics Universe was born and grew including fans reacting to the moment in AVENGERS: ENDGAME when Captain America said that famous call to action, “Avengers Assemble.” Fans are reacting now to a first look at the Eternals and big news on the future of the MCU.

THE FALCON AND THE WINTER SOLDIER Comic Connections & What’s Next

I’m still catching my breath from THE FALCON AND THE WINTER SOLDIER. This new adventure in the Marvel Comics Universe continued the Captain America legacy, brought more of Marvel’s rich history to the screen and will blaze new trails in the MCU. Set after the events of AVENGERS: ENDGAME, Sam Wilson and Bucky Barnes reunite when a new threat emerges and the symbol of their friend becomes a political pawn.

I waited until the full series is completed to dive in to who, what and what next but consider this a SPOILER ALERT if you have not watched yet. Time to debrief, dissect the comic book connections and giddily think about what could happen next for Sam, Bucky and the MCU.

Captain Monica Rambeau, WandaVision breakout

WANDAVISION is a cinematic love letter to Scarlet Witch and Vision fans. The complicated comic book relationship lit up the film and streaming screen while hinting at the future of the Marvel Comics Universe and one new hero ready to soar.

Captain Monica Rambeau was a breakout star of the series. Tyonnah Parris lit up the screen in every frame. We want to see her soaring in her own series or in a future film that assembles Earth’s Mightiest Heroes again. It some ways Monica was the real hero of WANDAVISION.

WANDAVISION Next?

WandaVision may feature the most beautifully crafted and performed portrayal of a super hero character on screen. With great power comes great pain sometimes. If you have read the stories of Scarlet Witch, you have a special understanding of how the cast and crew portrayed this incredible heroine.

I wanted to wait until the entire series is over and deep dive into my thoughts. Even though the entire season is out there I still want to give you a SPOILER ALERT before you continue reading because I want you to enjoy the full impact of every episode right up until the final scene in the finale post-credits scene. There are two! I literally went on a web and social media fasting every Friday until I could watch the weekly episode.

The finale was incredibly satisfying filled with emotion and action while inspiring excitement and ideas for what could be next for this fan-favorite Avenger. The next stage of the Marvel Cinematic Universe is swirling in the magic aftermath.

Here’s a look at the differences between the screen and comic book versions of the iconic characters and suggestions of comic stories you should read to get even more on these characters.

Geek Guide 2021

2021 will hopefully mean the eventual return to cinemas and convention centers to celebrate the heroes and villains we love. Due to the pandemic some of my 2020 picks shifted to 2021 making it a year packed with superhero movies and shows. The new year will bring big films, streaming series and a new Batman?

Here’s my month-by-month geek guide to the new year in comics, sci-fi and cosplay starting with a prediction.

My First Comics

During the pandemic I have been nostalgic. My once weekly new comic book day visit to the store is now a home delivery once a month. I am grateful I can still afford to enjoy the escape comics provides and that my shop is hanging in there with innovative ways to get the books to readers. I have been reflecting on my humble beginnings as an emerging comic book geek.

In the small town I grew up in there was no such thing as a comic book store. I would occasionally see random books in the grocery store, gas station convenience stores or we had this independent pharmacy with the old school soda fountain station. But there was no place you could go to get all the comics new and old your geek budget could afford. I did not even really understand the concept of comics being continuing stories. I just loved seeing the images and the more I read the more I started to understand what was in the world balloons. I would become a quick study.

Not Necessarily Holiday Holiday Movie Picks

With an untraditional holiday season here why not enjoy some untraditional Christmas movies. As you social distance why not mix up your quarantine entertainment with some geeky flicks set during the holidays.

As a lover of comic books, action and sci-fi here are some of my favorite no necessarily holiday holiday movies you might enjoy:

Escape. Engage. Enjoy.