4 out of 5
MODERN MARVEL: PART 2
Family Feuds
“And it began the way the old Avengers ended, with the Scarlet Witch going nucking futs .”
Welcome back! This time you know what I’m doing here, so instead of me wasting your time with pre-game banter, let’s get right into the next couple steps in the development of the Marvel Universe after the Avengers disassembled.
The Preamble
A new direction had begun for the Marvel Universe. It was time for a crossover that would bind the characters from the corners of that shared world together, not one that took place merely within the pages of a few series, as did Avengers: Disassembled, but one that would cross over everywhere, anchored by its own series. And it began the way the old Avengers ended, with the Scarlet Witch going nucking futs .
2.The House of M
The Heroes
All of them. Well, okay, not all of them, but far too many to easily list here. All the big names, anyway, from the X-Men, Avengers, Spider-Man, and other corners of the Marvel Universe. If you have a favorite major Marvel character who existed in 2005, he or she is probably in there. Except for Thor, who was dead at the time. The main focuses are probably Wolverine, Spider-Man, and Magneto.
The History
Scarlet Witch: Nutter. After she destroyed the Avengers, Magneto brought her to the horror-plagued island nation of Genosha, where he and Charles Xavier can explore their love freely (if you think the love of a pimp and a square are different, try comparing either to that of a geriatric couple where one is paralyzed and the other a genocidal maniac.), and in their spare time nurse her non-literally back to mental health. Elsewhere, everyone has hopes and dreams, but few people really get what they wanted out of life, at least until now.
The Story
Scarlet Witch is not getting better and the time has come to make some hard decisions. Representatives of the Avengers and X-Men meet and discuss what to do with little miss crazy cape, and, after a long debate, the traditional solution to witches, killing them, appears the winner. When the group goes to consult Scarlet Witch about this option (her power works subconsciously, so she can consciously realize that she is still a serious danger), things go poorly, and the entire universe gets rewritten. In the new world, those who came to talk to/execute Scarlet Witch have gotten their hearts desires, with the world changed to reflect this. Mutants rule the world, like noble families, and are in turn ruled by the noblest of all, The House of M (M being Magneto, not mouse, this is before Disney owned Marvel).
The unravelling of this paradise for some comes from Wolverine who, since his heart’s desire (other than a large number of Jean Greys and a very large bed) is to have all his memories. Therefore he remembers the world as it was, and goes around (with help from walking plot device Layla Miller, whose power is to make other people remember) awakening a team of heroes, who then assault a large party containing the rest of the characters, aiming to take out Scarlet Witch. Most pissed off of the awakened heroes is Hawkeye, who knows that in the correct timeline he died due to Wanda being a loon, but he still recognizes that he has to help correct her screwed-up timeline. As a direct correlation of this, he would go back to being dead (spoiler alert, he instead survives. But he doesn’t know that’ll happen).
Always getting the short end of the stick..erm..Bow?
They back her into a corner and she responds by uttering the words “No more mutants”. The timeline is re-rewritten, and things go back to normal. Across the world, though, nearly every mutant (they number in the millions before, only 198 after) loses their powers, and in some cases die as a result. Wanda and several other characters disappear.
The Verdict
The story was a big step towards binding the MU together, and it did have serious, long-lasting effects. In addition, you got to see reimagined versions of everyone for the new timeline. The vast majority of the story takes place in that altered universe and many of the lasting effects were honestly a bit questionable, such as why some mutants lost their powers and others didn’t . Therefore: 3 out of 5 stars.
The Preamble
It is going to be the plot of the next Captain America movie, so it is a perfect example of just how important the Modern Marvel Universe is. Villains? Who needs villains, when the heroes themselves pick sides and start fighting each other? In the midst of that, a storyline unfolds that encourages readers to actually think about where they stand on the issues presented, and why. Those issues are: bigger vs. smaller government involvement, the corruptive influence of power, and how far things can spiral out of control even between friends if you lose sight of your goals. Tell me those aren’t serious, real world issues. Go ahead, lie to me.
3. Civil War
The Heroes
You name it, we got it. If he or she is in the Marvel Universe, except for Hulk, who is in space at the time, and Thor, who is still dead (though a semi-robotic clone of him does have a major role, so if you love Thor, there’s that). The main characters include Captain America, Iron Man, and Spider-Man, but practically every hero in Marvel’s USA makes an appearance somewhere, even obscure, minor characters.
The History
Over in X-Men, there was a little storyline called Days of Future Past (with only a passing relation to the movie), about a future where the US Government passed a Mutant Registration Act that leads to all mutants being rounded up and put in camps, and/or killed by sentinels. I mention that as a way of stating the track record of Registration Acts in the Marvel Universe. Since Scarlet Witch reduced the world mutant population to 198, the government has already decided that corralling the majority of them at the Xavier Institute, putting walls around it, and having it patrolled by those aforementioned sentinels is cool because this time it is “for their safety”, because of anti-mutant hysteria. So yeah, the government is a questionable entity at this moment in Marvel (though not as untrustworthy as it will be).
The Story
In the wake of a high profile screw up by a group of young heroes that results in the death of a few hundred children, the US Government decides that they are going to take control of the super-human community, because bureaucracy is always more trustworthy than heroic action (I’m guessing you can figure out whose side I was on), and introduces the Superhero Registration Act. All heroes operating within the US must now register their names, identities, and power-sets with the US Government, and will be required to undertake training in the safe and responsible use of those powers, as well as being conscripted into service as S.H.I.E.L.D. agents.
Iron Man sees this as the way forward, as the only way the court of public opinion will regain trust and faith in the heroes, and he urges everyone to sign up immediately. Captain America, on the other hand, is having none of it, being, as he is, the Sentinel of Liberty. He urges people not to sign up with the government, because they can’t be trusted with information and power that could be used to destroy many heroes. Caught between the two sides is Peter Parker, who is hesitant about revealing his identity to anyone (due to the penchant of people who find out to fling his girlfriends off bridges. Looking at you, Norman Osborn), but also really likes the cool new high-tech Spidey suit Tony Stark made for him. The sides are chosen, the battle lines are drawn, and well-intentioned hero battles well-intentioned hero. In the end, Captain America realizes that they’ve forgotten that they’re supposed to be saving people and instead have just been fighting each other, thus causing the destruction they argued over who would be better able to prevent. He surrenders, and the registration remains in effect. Due to events best unmentioned here, Cap doesn’t have to spend much time in prison for defying the US Government.
The Verdict
I am, and always will be, a fan of comic books treating serious issues with due consideration. The reason I was so disappointed by Iron Man 2 was because they neglected to do just that: acknowledge the serious issues. When Tony’s drinking became a serious issue in the comics, it was treated in a mature and serious way (i.e. not comical or pandering-to-kids), and the movie decided to opt out of what could have been an important opportunity to state that comic movies can be about more than action and blowing up buildings. While there is plenty of action in Civil War, it still delivers some strong and timely messages about personal freedom and moral responsibility (which is ironic because the delays in its initial publishing meant it was the only thing delivered on time).
Therefore: 4 out of 5 stars (It would be 5, if Cap had won more than a moral victory).
Rating:
4 out of 5
Part 3
The North remembers.
In the universe of Game of Thrones, scenes’ before the opening theme are constant for the first episode of every season. For example, two great scenes that come to mind are the three Night’s Watchmen hunted down by White Walkers in season one or Tywin Lannister melting down house Stark’s sword Ice for Jamie and Geoffrey, season four. On the other hand, the opening scene of season is just plain horrific but awesome at the same time. Nothing is more satisfying then watching all the men of House Frey choke on their own blood after being reminded of the Red Wedding. It was an absolute grand-slam and took off perfectly from where we last saw Aryain season 6.
The North remembers.
Right after the credits we get a quick reminder of the army of the dead, and with more bad news; Giant white walkers. But thankfully we are intercepted by Bran warding into one of them which seems like a very useful ability (what’s next dragon’s or an ice dragon?). He is now with
the Watchers on the Wall and back in the mix, hopefully heading for Winterfell where he can inform Jon he is a Targaryan (This will be hype! I wonder if he can be burnt by fire!). Bran’s story has taken a back seat to other prevalent Starks but it’s nice to see him in the mix, demonstrating his power.
Next, we have psycho Cersei and her sane, lover brother Jaime. I still can’t forgive him for pushing Bran from the tower but I am starting to come around. The disapproving way he has been looking at Cersei dating back to last season says it all. From confronting her about
Tommen’s suicide, to questioning her about the enemies created (Targaryans, Tyrells, Starks, Dornish, and Half the Iron Borne) and the lifeless dynasty they will continue. He keeps his position with Cersei discussing what allies they have left but Jaime is clearly becoming distant and realizing the extent of his lover/sister’s delusion. I forecast a remake of the tale of “The King Slayer” retitled “The Queen Slayer”. In the mean time, the diabolical Yuron Greyjoy, the new king of the Iron Islands rekindles the bond between the Lannisters to move him into a prime position to become King of The Seven (three at this point) Kingdoms. He is presented as a lot more cunning and rounded character kissing up to the Queen and promising her a gift, whether that be Tyrion, and/or a thousand ship armada. What will be interested is how Jaime responds to a marriage between them, because Cersei and Yuron have a demonistic chemistry. She even abides by him making hand jokes and death threats (killing his brother, telling her to do the same). This was a fantastic scene all the while, and it really shows if Cersei get’s close to Yuron and isolates Jamie she will create yet another enemy.
We then get to a short snippet of Samwell Tally’s horrific, grotesque life as a server at the Citadel preparing to become the maester of Castle Black. There is a massive scene which shows him preparing food, cleaning and handling old people plumbing. What’s intriguing is the un-thrones like comedic cut between him doing his daily work; It’s funny and it’s not a bad idea to lighten the tone up because Tyrion used to be the comedy for us in the earlier seasons. Samwell helps the archmaester with the dissection of a corpse where he confirms his thoughts of the White Walkers. What was kind of cheap for me was his simple way of finding dragon glass through a book in the restricted section. It seemed too easy for Game of Thrones, like something you would see Hermione Granger find in the “restricted section”. Hopefully there is more too this but it was kind of stale and forced
Oh wait, Ed Sheeran? I didn’t see it coming, and I thought it was weird but acceptable. It was obviously him having an in with the producers and wanting a cameo role, but he has pure, angelic voice and creates a sympathetic feeling for the Lannister troops that brings out the non-assassin in Arya. She tells them she’s on her way to kings landing to “kill the queen” and it’s not taking seriously which shows how dangerous she has become. But what I see from this is season two when Mellisandre said there is a darkness in her. This darkness has come to fruition and it will be interesting to see how this is received by the remaining Starks. Besides the randomness of Ed Sheeran, I thought this really grounded Arya.
Sandor Clegane and the brotherhood without banners are now at a place he would rather not be; an old victim’s house where Clegane took their silver and resources. They find the father and daughter dead, holding each other. This almost creates an epiphany for the character, asking why the child dies, and fellow brother Beric Dondarion should be brought back. Then the flames get him, showing him the army of the dead and the reality of the larger issue at hand. I think we will see a more compliant hound the rest of this season. I’ve loved this character from the beginning and his arch is getting much broader for the better. I predict a positive change in attitude for the hound.
Finally, the Queen of Dragons, Breaker of Chains, Denarys Stormborn is finally home. From season one this is the only thing she has wanted. But now, she has an army of unsullied, the Dothraki and there gigantic Dragons. The final scene of her tearing down the Baratheon banner and taking her spot among her ancestors war table was breathtaking. It was a long, drawn out scene but the character deserves this and it has been a long time waiting. Fire and blood seem to be the strongest motto of any house right now, and it will for sure be enforced upon the Lannisters. My prediction although is that she won’t penetrate King’s Landing because of Cersei’s ruthlessness and George R.R Martin curveball tendency. Whit I think everyone is looking forward to is the meeting with Jon Snow that will eventually happen. It will be interesting if she commands him to bend the knee (he better not, he’s the rightful heir of the Taragaryan house and not a usurper like Daenarys)! This episode was a great starting block for the season while still providing notable and exciting action.
Rest in peace, watermelon.
The latest episodes in ‘Miss Kobayashi’s Dragon Maid’ were very interesting to watch.
One was definitely a fanservice episode, and heck, even the producers know that! Episode 7’s title contains the phrase ‘The Fanservice Episode, Obviously’, so that cracked me up.
Episode 7 focuses on the elements of anime that will appeal to any nerd out there. By that, of course I mean bathing suits and comic conventions! Cue the beach episode!
Tohru and company decide to go swimming for the day. Kanna’s adorable as always, while Lucoa doesn’t realize just how sexual she is toward a small boy.
Like, really? You think wearing a very sexy swimsuit in front of a lot of kids on a beach is okay? And why do you insist on torturing Shouta with your breasts? It’s obvious that he’s tempted, but stop trying to seduce small children.
Of course, they’re dragons, so hilarious antics ensue. Tohru and Kanna get carried away in a swimming race, making water splash up everywhere. Also, a crab and watermelon are murdered. RIP.
However, one aspect that I thought was a nice touch was the backstory we got for Tohru. It wasn’t much, but Tohru and Kobayashi have a deep and meaningful conversation about their family’s lives, as well as how humans and dragons are different from one another. Fanservice episodes usually focus on that alone, but fortunately that’s not the case here.
The second half of Episode 7 focuses on Comiket. Tohru and Kobayashi help Takiya run a booth, and we learn that Fafnir is also participating by attempting to sell powerful curses. Wow, didn’t see thaaaaat coming at all.
Tohru notices otherworldly creatures in their true forms at Comiket, as they reveal that this is a great way to show their true forms. With Kobayashi’s permission, Tohru exposes her wings and tail, appearing to others as if she’s cosplaying as, well, a dragon maid.
Episode 7 was very nice because there were many heartfelt and adorable moments.
Meanwhile, Episode 8 FINALLY introduced the dragon that I keep on mentioning in my reviews. Her name’s Elma, a dragon who is a rival of Tohru’s. Elma accuses Tohru of disrupting the human’s ways and tries to force her to return to the dragon world. This doesn’t succeed, however, as Tohru sends her to an open field and leaves her there.
Unable to get back home, Elma stays in the human world and begins working at Kobayashi’s company. Kobayashi teaches Elma how to use computers and technology so that she can keep her job. Of course, this prompts Tohru to become jealous, smelling the scent of another dragon off Kobayashi like a dog does with a human. I won’t reveal how the episode ends, but it ends in a positive manner for Tohru.
Overall, I really loved these two episodes because they made me feel warm and fuzzy. They appealed to the emotional senses through a heartfelt conversation between Kobayashi and Tohru. Elma is also an innocent sweetheart who only wants to bring harmony to the human and dragon worlds. And I can’t wait to see more of her in the upcoming episodes.
I feel like in these two episodes alone, we learned so much about Tohru and her feelings for Kobayashi. She really wants to understand the human world and will do anything to stay with Kobayashi.
I’ll up my rating to a 4.7. These episodes were both fun, and we finally got the new dragon! Bless.
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