Secret Identity--What's New?

Batman VS Superman (No Spoilers)

3/30/2016

by Matman

I got to see BATMAN VS SUPERMAN the day before it hit theaters world wide, so I was lucky enough to go into it not hearing everyone's complaints or unjust praise. But I always go into anything; movies, music or comic books, with no expectations and only looking to do a few things... enjoy myself and be moved emotionally.

BVS was an epic, I mean HUGE movie. BIG story, BIG sets and BIG explosions. The story involves Batman who is not happy with Superman being able to just do as he pleases and go unchecked... so he decides to fight him. That is the VERSES part. Within the movie we get to see how Batman/Bruce wayne has become a bit unhinged, Superman doubting himself all over the place and Lex Luthor being a rich little worm that doesn't like someone having anything on him.

Ben Affleck was awesome as Bruce Wayne. The opening scene with Bruce trying to get through Metropolis during the MAN OF STEEL finale was a beautifully shot scene that set the tone for who Batman is/was.

Henry Cavill as Superman did the best with what he was given and that wasn't a lot. Sadly his character was handled like no one really knew what to do with him and that was evident to me in MAN OF STEEL.

Gal Gadot as Wonder Woman managed to steal every scene she was in. When she finally put on the uniform the theatre erupted and didn't
stop until her fight scene was over.

...and as Lex Luthor we have young'un Jesse Eisenberg played a modern day Lex; rich, spoiled, intelligent and socially awkward. Everytime he was on the screen you just wanted to punch im and that to me is the sign of a great villain.

Here is what I didn't like...the directing, the writing and the overall pace of the movie. There were times I felt i was watching the most brilliant thing ever but then a second later I felt like someone forgot to stop filming after they yelled 'cut'. Zack Snyder loves his long slow motion action shots and pin up poses so much it becomes a bit distracting. When you sww WATCHMEN, SUCKER PUNCH and 300 you realize he is a 'one trick pony' with a zillion dollar budget.

Despite how I felt about the overall look and production, I really enjoyed the film for what it was... a comic book coming to life on the big screen. Action, stuff blowing up and costumes punching each other...awesome. But what it wasn't was a good Batman or Superman movie. For the most part the characters were unrecognisable to the ones i have been reading for 40 years.

Watch it like it's an Elseworld story... you may like it better.

Review--Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (Spoilers)

3/29/2016

by Brian LeTendre

For the most part I'm speaking in vagueries here, but there are some specific spoilers at the end of this, and if you're worried about that kind of stuff, you should probably stop reading now.

I cried exactly three times in the theater after sitting down to watch Batman v Superman with my son today. The first time was when they showed the trailer for Civil War and Spidey showed up on the big screen (gets me every time). The second time was watching Bruce Wayne lose his parents in the opening scene of this movie (gets me every time). We'll talk about the third time I cried in a few minutes.

But first, let's start with what I really liked about Batman v Superman. Without a doubt, Gal Godot as Diana and Wonder Woman was the best thing about this movie for me. She has way too little screen time, but every moment she is there she's a presence, and seems to be genuinely enjoying herself. This is especially true of her action scenes, where she is just flat-out amazing.

And unlike many, I really enjoyed Jesse Eisenberg's take on Lex Luthor. He's a man who is smarter and richer than everyone else, but sees that it means nothing next to the power metahumans like Superman wield. Everything he does is in service of putting himself on top, where he believes that he belongs. And everyone else is just a means to an end for him. Like Godot, I thought Eisenberg genuinely seemed to enjoy playing Luthor, and there was a "barely contained madness" energy to him I thought worked well. I hope he does turn up again, as I'd like to see him interacting with Darkseid, and scheming to take Darkseid's power for himself at the first opportunity.

As for Ben Affleck, I think her certainly looks the part, and there is a ton of potential for him to be a great Batman. There is one scene in particular where he gets to shine in combat, and it made me excited for a standalone Batman movie. Jeremy Irons as Alfred has great potential as well, but he was given absolutely nothing to do in this movie, except remind Bruce of what a monster he'd become.

And make no mistake--Batman is a monster in this movie. He's a straight up villain, and he even admits it at one point. He is so jaded and desperate to leave some kind of legacy of making a difference that he allows himself to be played for a fool by Luthor. He's dumb as bricks in this movie. Like Rocky in Rocky IV, he's taken too much of a beating, physically and mentally. He's seen too much. He exists purely on anger and resentment at this point in his life. He's a mass murderer. And it's kind of sad.

But Batman didn't make me cry. No, what made me cry--actual tears of sadness--was the way that Superman is both treated and portrayed in this movie. In the span of two-plus hours, I watched Zack Snyder tear down everything that was good about Superman, until the best thing he could do for the DC universe was die in order to provide a motivation for superheroes to team up in the future.

The Superman we see in this movie is an even more depressing version than in Man of Steel. Both Clark Kent and Superman are constantly told by almost everyone around them that their ideals and approach to the world are outdated and obsolete. This happens figuratively and literally throughout the movie. We see a Superman so broken that the only things he can hold onto for any type of inspiration or hope are Lois Lane and Martha Kent. Both of them fail him, and it was sad to see Diane Lane and Amy Adams have to go so against who we know Lois and Martha to be. Their characters are just as disrespected by this movie as Superman is. They even resurrect Kevin Costner's Jonathan Kent in a dream sequence so that he can be depressing and discouraging to Clark as well.

I won't even get into the fact that not one time does he ever use his x-ray vision. I'm willing to go along with the leaps in logic the story needed that x-ray vision would totally have negated.

In the end, Superman gives his life for a world that doesn't deserve him, and doesn't deserve to be saved. And in doing so, inspired the remaining heroes to band together to save the planet from future threats. It's just the icing on the poor storytelling cake that was this entire movie.

And of course Superman is going to be resurrected, and maybe he'll even get some respect when he comes back because of his sacrifice. But who cares? Because Snyder and company have broken what made Superman great in the first place. They broke his spirit, his innocence and his belief in the best of humanity.

Watchmen worked because it was an interesting deconstruction of the idea of superheroes. It was dark, and depressing, and powerful. But the reason that DC didn't let Alan Moore use the Charlton characters like he wanted to, was because they knew those characters would be ruined for future stories. Sadly, DC just allowed Snyder to make another Watchmen with two of the most beloved characters in DC history.

A lot of people will say this movie is much more of a nod to The Dark Knight Returns than it is to Watchmen. It really doesn't matter, because the common thread with both of those stories is that they took a very pessimistic and cynical view of superheroes.

Think about that for a moment--DC just built the foundation of their entire superhero-filled cinematic universe from two stories that don't have anything good to say about superheroes. They've also soiled the name of the one superhero that always set them apart from Marvel and everyone else in my eyes. Superman was the best of the best. This movie treated him like garbage, and it actually made me cry. When I finally realized there was no point at which their portrayal of Superman was going to turn around, it broke a piece of me. Maybe it was because this is the Superman my son is growing up with.

But hey--Wonder Woman was super cool. And the great news is, our whole family will be gathering around the TV tonight to watch the Flash/Supergirl crossover episode. Because there is still a place in the DC live-action universe for hope, joy and superheroes. It's just on the small screen.

DC's 'Rebirth' Creative Teams Picked

3/28/2016

by Matman

Last Saturday, DC announced the new creative teams for the all-new 'Rebirth' event that will be happening in a few months. Below are four that have me real excited with more to come...

AQUAMAN - Writers Dan Abnett and Brad Walker will chronicle the adventures of Aquaman and Brad Walker, Jesus Merino and Phil Briones will draw it. This can (and will) be huge because Abnett is an incredible writer and Brad Walker is one of my favorite artists. Plus everyone wants Aquaman to be cool...

DETECTIVE COMICS - Writer James Tynion IV learned from the Bat-master (Scott Snyder) and artists Eddy Barrows and Alvaro Martinez will make this book look as good as it reads.

SUPERMAN - I keep saying that Superman deserves a top creative team and I think for the first time in a while... it does! Apart, writers Peter J. Tomasi and Patrick Gleason and artists Gleason and Doug Mahnke have done amazing stuff... together? The sky is the limit!!!

TEEN TITANS - Writer Ben Percy is a bit of an unknown for me but artist Jonboy Meyers has they style I want on this book. Plus... the picture shows Kid Flash looking like...Kid Flash!

Secret Identity Podcast Issue #717--Hellcat and Gotham Academy

3/27/2016

Happy Easter, Everyone!

You may think you've found all the eggs, but there's one more left, and it's a golden one. Here's your rundown:

What’s New?
SI #714 feedback
Sana Amanat at White House for Women’s History Month event
Gotham renewed for third season

Comics:
Hellcat #3
Guardians of the Galaxy #6
Gotham Academy #12

Out of the Longbox:
Teenage Confidential Confessions

Creator Spotlight: Matt Serafini
Brian spoke with the writer of Under the Blade, Feral and Devil’s Row at Rock and Shock 2015. You can find out more about all of matt’s books at mattserafini.com and follow him on twitter at twitter.com/MattFini.

You can listen to the episode right here in the player above, or grab us on iTunes, Stitcher or your favorite podcast app. Thanks for listening.

Who Is The Purple Man?

3/26/2016

by Matman

Everyone now knows the Purple Man as one of the most heinous and despicable villains in all of comics, second only to DC's Doctor Psycho. But he hasn't always been that way...

First introduced in 1964 (DAREDEVIL #4), the Purple Man was a Croatian spy named Zebediah Killgrave who while on a mission he was accidentally doused with a chemical that turned his hair and skin purple. Caught and questioned, Killgrave offered a weak story but was able to convince his captors to let him go free. Calling himself the Purple man, he now took to crime and being a supervillain.

Following in a long list of not great, but very entertaining Daredevil bad guys, Purple man joined such 'C' listers as Leap Frog, The Jester and Stilt Man.

Then sometime in the 1980's.. he was gone!

But in the incredible series ALIAS; created by brian Michel Bendis and Michael Gaydos, Purple Man returned... only this time rude and as nasty as you could imagine. In the story, the Purple Man manipulated a young superhero named jewel and forced her to do and witness some pretty nasty things. Then, he sends her to kill daredevil only to find herself beaten severely by the Avengers. Later she would return as the detective Jessica Jones... and the rest is history!

Currently the Purple man can be seen. played by David Tennant on the Netflix series, JESSICA JONES.

Doctor Who To Amazon Prime

3/22/2016

by Matman

AMAZON has announced a HUGE deal that is almost as big as the day they hired me! Well, almost...

"Doctor Who will become available on Amazon Prime Video, its new streaming home, starting March 27, BBC America announced.

In a press release, the company confirmed that Amazon holds the exclusive streaming rights for Doctor Who, a contract that will last for a "multi-year" period. The exclusivity period grants Amazon Prime subscribers access to the first eight seasons of the show later this month, with the most recent ninth season and holiday special joining this fall.

The digital retailer first teased that the popular sci-fi series would be joining its video service last month. The news came following the quiet removal of Doctor Who from Netflix, where it was previously available, earlier this year.

Amazon Prime memberships cost $99 a year and grant access to the company's streaming library, among other features. Alongside Doctor Who, BBC America hit Orphan Black is exclusively available to stream on that service."

Don't let the $99.00 a year scare you off! I know this may sound like a commercial, but if you are a fan of the Doctor, music, cool programing AND quick shipping... AMAZON Prime!

But yes... this story is about Doctor Who!!!

Secret Identity Podcast Issue #716--Adventure Time and Power Rangers

3/21/2016

It's snowing here in Massachusetts this morning, and maybe that's because the latest episode of SI features none other than Ice King! Here's your rundown:

What’s New?
Gotham Academy and Lumberjanes Crossover
Supergirl renewed for Season 2

Comics:
Usagi YoJimbo #151
Adventure Time: Ice King #1
Mighty Morphin Power Rangers #1

Out of the Longbox:
Brigade #1

You can listen to the episode right here in the player above, or grab us on iTunes, Stitcher or your favorite podcast app. Thanks for listening.

'Souls Of Sabbath' Make Their Debut!

3/20/2016

by Matman

About four months ago, Rob Smith (Ace from KISS Forever) played around the idea of putting together a band that would satisfy his other musical obsession, Black Sabbath. I of course was all for the plan as long as if it got off the ground they would do my favorite Sabbath song ever, 'Never Say Die'!

They did and .... they did!

Making their live debut last night in Quincy, SOULS OF SABBATH played a mammoth set (well over two hours) to a fan base who knew every note, every every drum beat and every song back and front.

Starting with 'War Pigs' the band hit the stage of the Revel in Quincy, MA and for a band that has only been together for a handful of months... they played tight and honored the songs they performed. I know Rob and knew that he would play his best and he did! He would make Tony Iommi proud.

Keeping the beat was drummer Mike Boisclair who played like a monster behind his massive kit. You could feel every note especially on 'Mob Rules', 'Never Say Die' and 'Children Of The Grave'!

Holding it all down was bassist Brian Huberdeau who had some 'Geezer' size shoes to fill, and on 'Lady Evil' and 'N.I.B' he did the trick. He was the unsung hero tonight.

But all eyes and ears were on Doug Aiche who, as Ozzy brought you back to that magical time in Sabbath history when Ozzy was at his best! From his stage mannerisms, trailing off banter and his handling of a few of the Dio- era songs, Doug made you think you were at a Black Sabbath concert!

'Fairies Wear Boots', 'Snowblind', 'Into The Void'...so many songs and certainly not enough time. The first chance you get to see SOULS OF SABBATH... DO IT!!! You won't be disappointed!

Who Is Captain Canuck?

3/18/2016

by Matman

In 1979 I found a copy of CAPTAIN CANUCK # 9 in my local drug store. I looked thru it and to be honest... I wasn't impressed and just put it back. but as i got home I began to think about the title, the character and the coolness of the book. not being able to go back to the store I had my dad call and have them put it aside for me until the next day. Once I finally sat down to read it i was blown away! This was years before the indie comic movement and for me this book seemed homemade and not following any rules... and I loved it!

Created by Richard Comely and Ron Leishman, CAPTAIN CANUCK hit the stands in Canadian stores in July of 1975 and represented the first major Canadian comic book printed since the collapse of their comic industry in the years following World War Two.

Captain Canuck was a superhero (named Tom Evans) much like Captain America and that he not only represented his country's ideals but also had very limited super powers. Published by Comely Comix, the original series lasted 15 issues (plus one special) before disappearing into comic history.

in 1993 Captain Canuck returned now being published by Semple Comics, the series
lasted four issues with the Captain once again saving his beloved Canada and the rest of the world.

Comely Comix returned in 2004 with CAPTAIN CANUCK: UNHOLY WAR! This limited series brought a fresh and incredible tale that should have put CC on a level with his American contemporaries... but it didn't.

Following a few hiccups, Captain Canuck has seemed to find his place in the world. Recently, CC had his own cartoon series (check You Tube) that gave the character a voice, a sense of humor and a presentation deserving of the man who wears his flag.

Also, Captain Canuck has returned to print via ChapterHouse Comics who are publishing two series; one current and the other featuring the classic version in new adventures.

To catch up on Captain Canuck or discover an amazing character just go to http://chapterhouse.ca/

Inkwell Awards Auctions Live

3/16/2016

Press Release

The Inkwell Awards, a non-profit organization devoted to promoting the art of comic book inking, will auction off the artwork for their sixth annual Joe Sinnott Inking Challenge. This season they have an additional “spin-off” Challenge program, The Sinnott Inking Challenge Spotlight, which focuses on the pencil art of award-winning creator and DC comics co-publisher, Jim Lee. The fundraiser event debuts on March 13.

“The original Sinnott Challenge has been a growing success,” said Bob Almond, founder and director of The Inkwell Awards (AKA “The Inkwells”). “More artists, both veteran professionals and talented amateurs, were participating and auction results were improving with each event, so we decided to add something new to showcase other contemporary, fan-favorite talents but on a smaller scale with more established artists who may not have participated in the original program. It took almost two years to develop but the results are well worth the wait.”

The original Inking Challenge program educates the public about inking by having industry legend and Inkwell Special Ambassador Joe Sinnott do a tight pencil of a character (this year, Marvel’s Spider Gwen) plus a “breakdown”, or rough sketch (Marvel's popular Deadpool). His art is scanned and the file sent in blue-line form to various inkers around the globe to finish and/or embellish in ink.

Ink artists contributing their skills this year include Bill Sienkiewicz, Richard Bonk, Trevor Von Eeden, Joe Orsak, Keith Williams, Mike Barreiro, Ken Branch, Andy Smith, Neil Vokes, John Dell, Bob Wiacek and dozens of others, including members of the Sinnott family. All submitted art may be viewed at The Inkwells' ComicArtFans gallery. All pieces for this challenge are personally signed by Mr. Sinnott and include a certificate of authenticity.

The Challenge Spotlight on Jim Lee program was significantly developed by former committee member Erick Korpi with full authorization from Lee and DC Comics. Much of the recruitment was subsequently carried out by senior contributor Joseph Goulart and finalized by Almond. All pages will be signed by the inkers and most, about two dozen, will be signed by Jim Lee. All will include a COA as well. Submitted pages at press time include those by Joe Sinnott, Bill Sienkiewicz, Klaus Janson, Wade von Grawbadger, Mark McKenna, John Dell, Scott Hanna, Kevin Conrad, Jay Leisten, Andy Smith, Jose Marzan Jr., Brett Breeding, Mike Sellers and Ken Branch. More are expected soon from Bob Wiacek, Mike Lilly, Sean Parsons, Dexter Vines and Walden Wong.

Almond added, “Much kind thanks to Jim, Eddy Choi and DC Comics for their cooperation, support of our program, and appreciation of ink artists.”

Auctions for the Lee Challenge will begin March 13 on the Inkwells' eBay store, alternating with the Sinnott pages each week or two thereafter. The art will later be collected into book form. Previous book collections in various editions, along with other merchandise, are available for donations to the organization through their Web Store.

The Inkwell Awards is an official 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to educate and promote the art form of comic-book inking, as well as annually recognize and award the best ink artists and their work. Now in its ninth year, the organization is overseen by a committee of industry professionals and assisted by various professional ambassadors and numerous contributors. They sponsor the Dave Simons Inkwell Memorial Scholarship Fund for the Kubert School and host the Joe Sinnott Hall of Fame Award.

<<Previous

Batman VS Superman (No Spoilers)

Review--Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (Spoilers)

DC's 'Rebirth' Creative Teams Picked

Secret Identity Podcast Issue #717--Hellcat and Gotham Academy

Who Is The Purple Man?

Doctor Who To Amazon Prime

Secret Identity Podcast Issue #716--Adventure Time and Power Rangers

'Souls Of Sabbath' Make Their Debut!

Who Is Captain Canuck?

Inkwell Awards Auctions Live

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