Re-Visiting the Marvel Cinematic Universe: Guardians of the Galaxy

"Guardians of the Galaxy" (2014)

When Marvel decided to stop selling it's characters to outside movie studios and begin making their own movies, starting with Iron Man seemed like a bold choice at the time. Outside of comic fans he wasn't as well known as say Spider-Man or the X-Men. That choice paid off and audiences responded to their other films and soon the Avengers were household names. With all this goodwill they had banked, Marvel decided to see how far that really went by making a movie about the Guardians of the Galaxy.

Despite what a lot of people may think, the Guardians aren't new exactly. The first team was from an alternate future in the 31st century. The modern incarnation of the team (Star-Lord, Gamora, Rocket Raccoon, Drax the Destroyer and Groot) in 2008. The team came together following Marvel's first "Annihilation" cosmic event.

"Guardians of the Galaxy" stars Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista, Karen Gillan, Lee Pace, Benicio del Toro, John C. Reilly, Glenn Close and the voices of Bradley Cooper and Vin Diesel. The screenplay was written by James Gunn and Nicole Perlman and directed by James Gunn. The film was released in theaters on August 1, 2014.

"I Am the Night" Rewatch: "Catwalk" & "Bane"

Batman: The Animated Series

I know I've probably said this a million times, but it's a testament to the strength of Batman's rogues gallery that this far into B: TAS there are still new villains to be introduced and major ones at that. When I was a kid, I was pretty obsessed with Bane. The Knightfall saga, where Bane breaks Batman's back, was the first big comic crossover that I tried to collect. I remember going to local gas stations, grocery stores, to try to get every issue. What I'm trying to say is, Bane's a big deal, even today. In the current run of "Batman," he's still making the Dark Knight's life hell behind the scenes.

"Super Zeroes" Doom Patrol Recap: "Donkey Patrol"

Doom Patrol

I thought I would take this moment to recommend some "Doom Patrol" comics to people. The most famous "Doom Patrol" run is Grant Morrison's. Grant Morrison is a renowned comic book writer and he is known for being weird. And as you probably gathered if you've watched both episodes, weird is the Doom Patrol's stock in trade. You can pick up Morrison's whole run in The Doom Patrol Omnibus. If that's too rich for your blood, it's divided into three smaller volumes: Doom Patrol Book One, Two and Three. If you're looking for a more modern take on the Doom Patrol, former My Chemical Romance frontman, Gerard Way, tackled the team back in 2017 when DC launched it's Young Animal imprint. If you've read Way's first venture into comic writing, "The Umbrella Academy" or watched the Netflix series it's based on, you know that he also has a penchant for weird. You can pick up Way's "Doom Patrol" run in the graphic novels, Doom Patrol, Vol 1: Brick by Brick & Doom Patrol, Vol 2: Nada.

Comics Corner: Astonishing X-Men by Charles Soule - Life of X

Astonishing X-Men

Ever since Joss Whedon wrote the first 24 issues of "Astonishing X-Men," the title has served as a way for well known writers to play in the X-Men sandbox without having to worry too much about the convoluted continuity the franchise is known for. After Whedon and artist John Cassady left, Warren Ellis, Simone Bianchi, Kaare Andrews, Greg Pak, Phil Jimenez and Marjorie Liu all tried their hands. 

For the most recent volume of "Astonishing X-Men," Charles Soule took the reins. Soule has been a rising star in the comics industry for the past few years. He started out at DC writing everything from "Swamp Thing" to "Superman." He moved to Marvel in 2014 and wrote an amazing run of "She-Hulk." He helped bring the Inhumans to the forefront and shepherded the death and return of Wolverine. It's not a huge shock that Marvel decided to have him take over and he had big plans.

Re-Visiting the Marvel Cinematic Universe: Captain America: The Winter Soldier

"Captain America: The Winter Soldier" (2014)

The third founding Avenger gets his second film with "Captain America: The Winter Soldier." While the movie continues Cap's story, it also introduces two people that have become an integral part of the Marvel Cinematic Russo: Anthony and Joe Russo. The Russo Brothers have become kind of architects when it comes to major developments in the MCU. And after seeing this movie, it makes a lot of sense why they were chosen.

This is also the first Marvel movie that takes an arc from the comics and really uses a lot of the beats. When Ed Brubaker took over "Captain America" he decided to break the cardinal rule of comics. There have always been two characters that have are untouchable: Uncle Ben and Bucky Barnes. Well, Brubaker threw that out the window. It turns out Bucky Barnes didn't die back in World War 2. His body was recovered by the Russians and he was brainwashed into becoming the assassin, the Winter Soldier. It's really the perfect premise for a film. So, Marvel decided to make it into one.

"Captain America: The Winter Soldier" brings Chris Evans back as Captain America and Scarlet Johansson's Black Widow. The film also stars Samuel L. Jackson, Sebastian Stan, Anthony Mackie, Colbie Smulders and Robert freaking Redford. The screenplay was written by Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely. The movie opened nationwide on April 4, 2014.

When the All-Stars Transform Into Super Queens, Drag Race Herstory Is Made... For Better or Worse

RuPaul's Drag Race All-Stars, Episode 10: "Super Queen Grand Finale"

Well... that happened. I know that we all want to talk about the ending to this finale and we will definitely get there. I'm not super pleased with what happened, but I have to keep reminding myself that the outcome of everything is not the reason that I watch the show. I watch the show because I really appreciate the art of drag. I love being exposed to these queens that I never would have seen otherwise and watching them grow and do things that they. have never done before. I watch to be entertained and outraged sometimes. I know that rarely does the queen that I love or the one I think is most deserving is going to win. So, with that at the forefront of our minds, let's take a look at the All-Stars 4 finale.

"Super Zeroes" Doom Patrol Recap: "Pilot"

Doom Patrol

DC Universe launched it's second original series this week. It's already got the grim and gritty "Titans," which as you know we've been recapping here on the blog. You may remember that the Doom Patrol was part of "Titans," but you don't have to have watched that episode to enjoy this. There's no mention of it at all. I really feel like "Doom Patrol" owes a debt to both "Guardians of the Galaxy" and "Deadpool." I really never thought that I'd see a live-action Doom Patrol and I'm really glad that I have.

"Fuck Batman" Titans Recap: "Hank and Dawn" & "Koriand'r"

Titans

"Titans" set up a pretty great cliff hanger. Kory is going to kill Rachel! We are finally going to get some answers. I was excited to fire up the next episode and... learn more about Hawk & Dove's backstory. Groan.

Re-Visiting the Marvel Cinematic Universe: Thor: The Dark World

"Thor: The Dark World" (2013)

Phase Two is a lot like Phase One at this point. Time to give the Avengers that had solo flicks a sequel to that solo flick leading up to a new Avengers movie. Rinse, repeat. I can understand why Marvel initially went this route. They had these stars contracted. This is all still really new. Why rock the boat at this point, when they will definitely start doing that very soon.

Iron Man got his threequel and now it's time for the God of Thunder to get his. Director Kenneth Branagh decided sit this one out so Alan Taylor took over. Don't be surprised if his name doesn't ring any bells, aside from this movie, the only other movie he directed of note is "Terminator: Genisys" and the jury's out on whether that was of note. Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman, Idris Elba, Kat Dennings, Stellan Skarsgard, Rene Russo, Jamie Alexander and Anthony Hopkins returned. They were joined by the Ninth Doctor himself, Christopher Eccleston and Mr. Eko from "Lost," Adewale Akkinuoye. Zachary Levi replaced Josh Dallas as Fandral since he couldn't get out his duties filming "Once Upon a Time." "Thor: The Dark World" premiered on November 8, 2013.

"I Am the Night" Rewatch: "Harlequinade" & "Time Out of Joint"

Batman The Animated Series

We ended last time with a pretty lackluster episode, which is no bueno. Did the trend reverse this week? Let's not waste anytime and find out.

With Only One Challenge Before the Finale, It's Any All-Stars Game

RuPaul's Drag Race All-Stars, Episode 9: "Sex and the Kitty Girl"

This season of All-Stars has been really good and I'm sad to see it end. Sure I'm bummed to see Manila gone, but I appreciate that all of the remaining queens are in it to win it and they aren't worried about how the way they are playing the game might look and that is super refreshing actually.  Heading into the finale, it's really anyone's game and it feels like a lot is riding on this final challenge, more than it has in any of the other penultimate challenges.

Re-Visiting the Marvel Cinematic Universe: Iron Man 3

"Iron Man 3" (2013)

[So, I started writing this back in 2017, when I initially began this little project. Clearly, it fell by the wayside, but I'm committed to bringing it back. I just started re-watching the MCU movies to get ready for "Captain Marvel," so it's the perfect time. And as luck would have it, I just finished "Iron Man 3.]

"Marvel's The Avengers" did OK. Understatement of the century. The film that brought together the MCU's heaviest hitters for the first time was an unqualified, smashing success. It shattered box office records at the time of it's release including but not limited to highest grossing opening weekend and week, May opening, superhero film of all time. Needless to say, Marvel Studios was riding high. 

"The Avengers" closed the book on Phase One of the MCU after effectively telling the origin stories of the main Avengers and bringing them together. It was time to move on to Phase Two and "Iron Man 3" is the film to usher in that era. Shane Black joins the franchise taking over directing duties from Jon Favreau. Robert Downey, Jr., Gwyneth Paltrow, Don Cheadle and Jon Favreau return and are joined by series newcomers Guy Pearce and SIR Ben Kingsley. The film opened on May 3, 2013.

When the All-Stars Get a Visit From Their Best Judy's, a Shocking Elimination Will Change Up the Game

RuPaul's Drag Race All-Stars, Episode 8: "RuPaul's Best Judy's Race"

First off, this is way late and I'm really sorry. I got a horrible toothache Friday night and was out of commission until Tuesday. I'm doing well, and I'm going to do my best to keep things short and sweet this week, but that could be difficult.

I was firmly Team Manila. When the rumors were circulating that Manila was returning for All-Stars, I thought that it would be a wrap and she would finally have a crown and scepter. Well, that wasn't to be. Naomi needed a win and she got it this week. People gripe about the All-Stars format, but I think it's great. I think the reasoning is valid and it kind of gives you an insight into who the queens are. There is no rule book. You don't want to go home, don't land in the bottom two. Naomi clearly saw Manila as strong competition and decided to take her out while she could. It was her decision. It was her right. Now, do I agree with it? No. Do I respect it? No. But that being said, Naomi deserves zero hate on social media. Don't tweet hateful, racist shit at her. That's not cool. She doesn't deserve it. You're not doing it for Manila, because I can guarantee you that since this was filmed almost a year ago, Manila is over it. Don't be trash.