The weekend is almost here and we hear there’s a movie called Captain Marvel opening! Who’s seeing it this weekend? Sound off in the comments and let us know what you thought of it! While you wait for the work day to end and the weekend to begin, here’s some comic news and reviews from around the web in our morning roundup.
DC‘s new high concept streaming TV series is based on the cult classic comics. The show is exclusively available on DC’s streaming platform DC Universe. Is the show good? Is it worth subscribing to the platform? We discuss the service and the show’s first two episodes in depth (first part is spoiler-free). We also geek out on the brilliant comics that inspired it all and when or how to read them.
Mental illness and unrully bodies
Doom Patrol: X-Men or Fantastic Four?
Negative Man is Green Lantern as horror
Worthy usage of a David Bowie song
“Dad feels are the new romance”
Is Doom Patrol capable of handing it’s queer characters?
Reading the comics while watching the show?
My guests are:
Comic’s retailer and pop culture critic John Arminio: @QuasarSniffer on Twitter.
Mark Argent: Resident Doom Patrol-ologist. Who back in High School served as the Virgil to my Dante in the hell of comics fandom. Perhaps this show is their fault. But @mark_argent can’t take it back now.
In the series premiere, the reluctant heroes of the Doom Patrol – Robotman, Negative Man, Elasti-Woman and Crazy Jane face the threat of Mr. Nobody, who’s after The Chief.
There’s a lot of television shows on the air based on comic books. While some feel a bit too similar to each other or lack that special something to stand out, there’s some that not only stand out but bring something new. Doom Patrol, the latest live action series for DC Universe, is that example of something a bit different.
Unapologetically adult the first episode introduces us to the team of Crazy Jane (Diane Guerrero), Elasti Girl/Rita Farr (April Bowlby), Negative Man/Larry Trainor (Matt Bomer), Cliff Steele/Robotman (Brendan Fraser), and their leader the Chief (Timothy Dalton). Most are unlikeable if downright horrible people.
The episode teases it all out as it slowly familiarizes us with the world and characters. Some of what’s revealed is tragic, some of it will elicit anger. What it does is deliver characters who have some depth and rather interesting. What Doom Patrol does first is introduce us to fuck-ups first who eventually become heroes instead of giving us heroes who we later learn their flaws.
The show embraces its quirky material with some changes, one absolutely for the better. It knows it’s odd and rolls with it in look, pacing, and presentation. The entire episode is narrated with a sense of humor about it that keeps what otherwise is a rather slow start entertaining. The performances are good as each actor embraces the fact their characters are dicks. There’s nudity, there’s swearing, again, this is an adult show that’s more about each character adjusting to their life and embracing who they are.
The threat is rather vague. Moments are weird. Some of the FX is rather dodgy. But, there’s something about this show. Its quirky sense of self and embracing who the intended audience is makes it stand out from the sea of choices.
The first episode isn’t exciting but the performances, character introductions, and a sly sense of humor come together for a package that’s worth the hour to watch.
Ready for a strange ride? Doom Patrol series premiere on February 15 with new episodes every Friday, only on DC Universe.
Doom Patrol reimagines one of DC’s most beloved groups of superheroes originally written and drawn by Arnold Drake, Bob Haney, and Bruno Premiani.
The team features Robotman aka Cliff Steele (Brendan Fraser), Negative Man aka Larry Trainor (Matt Bomer), Elasti-Woman aka Rita Farr (April Bowlby) and Crazy Jane (Diane Guerrero), led by modern-day mad scientist Niles Caulder aka The Chief (Timothy Dalton).
Each member of the Doom Patrol suffered a horrible accident that gave them superhuman abilities, but also left them scarred and disfigured. Traumatized and downtrodden, the team found their purpose through The Chief, coming together to investigate the weirdest phenomena in existence. Following the mysterious disappearance of The Chief these reluctant heroes will find themselves in a place they never expected to be, called to action by none other than Cyborg (Joivan Wade), who comes to them with a mission hard to refuse. Part support group, part Super Hero team, the Doom Patrol is a band of superpowered freaks who fight for a world that wants nothing to do with them.
Ready for a strange ride? Doom Patrol series premiere on February 15 with new episodes every Friday, only on DC Universe.
Doom Patrol reimagines one of DC’s most beloved groups of superheroes originally written and drawn by Arnold Drake, Bob Haney, and Bruno Premiani.
The team features Robotman aka Cliff Steele (Brendan Fraser), Negative Man aka Larry Trainor (Matt Bomer), Elasti-Woman aka Rita Farr (April Bowlby) and Crazy Jane (Diane Guerrero), led by modern-day mad scientist Niles Caulder aka The Chief (Timothy Dalton).
Each member of the Doom Patrol suffered a horrible accident that gave them superhuman abilities, but also left them scarred and disfigured. Traumatized and downtrodden, the team found their purpose through The Chief, coming together to investigate the weirdest phenomena in existence. Following the mysterious disappearance of The Chief these reluctant heroes will find themselves in a place they never expected to be, called to action by none other than Cyborg (Joivan Wade), who comes to them with a mission hard to refuse. Part support group, part Super Hero team, the Doom Patrol is a band of superpowered freaks who fight for a world that wants nothing to do with them.
Just like us. Only totally different. Doom Patrol premieres on February 15, only on DC Universe.
Doom Patrol reimagines one of DC’s most beloved groups of superheroes originally written and drawn by Arnold Drake, Bob Haney, and Bruno Premiani.
The team features Robotman aka Cliff Steele (Brendan Fraser), Negative Man aka Larry Trainor (Matt Bomer), Elasti-Woman aka Rita Farr (April Bowlby) and Crazy Jane (Diane Guerrero), led by modern-day mad scientist Niles Caulder aka The Chief (Timothy Dalton).
Each member of the Doom Patrol suffered a horrible accident that gave them superhuman abilities, but also left them scarred and disfigured. Traumatized and downtrodden, the team found their purpose through The Chief, coming together to investigate the weirdest phenomena in existence. Following the mysterious disappearance of The Chief these reluctant heroes will find themselves in a place they never expected to be, called to action by none other than Cyborg (Joivan Wade), who comes to them with a mission hard to refuse. Part support group, part Super Hero team, the Doom Patrol is a band of superpowered freaks who fight for a world that wants nothing to do with them.
The fate of the planet rests on the shoulders of a reluctant Green Lantern and an unstable hero from the future in Justice League vs. The Fatal Five, the next entry in the popular series of DC Universe Movies. Produced by Warner Bros. Animation and DC, the feature-length animated film arrives from Warner Bros. Home Entertainment on Digital starting March 30, 2019, and on 4K Ultra HD Combo Pack and Blu-ray Combo Pack on April 16, 2019.
Justice League vs. The Fatal Five will be available on 4K Ultra HD Combo Pack ($39.99 SRP) and Blu-ray Combo Pack ($24.98 SRP) as well as on Digital ($19.99 HD, $14.99 SD). The 4K Ultra HD Combo Pack features an Ultra HD Blu-ray disc in 4K with HDR and a Blu-ray disc featuring the film; the Blu-ray Combo Pack features the film in hi-definition. The 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray Combo Pack include a digital version of the film.
Justice League vs. The Fatal Five finds the
Earth’s future hanging in the balance when the Justice League faces a powerful
new threat – the Fatal Five. Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman seek answers as the
time-traveling trio of Mano, Persuader and Tharok terrorize Metropolis in
search of budding Green Lantern, Jessica Cruz – whom they need to free remaining
Fatal Five members Emerald Empress and Validus in order to carry out their
sinister plan. But the Justice League
discover an ally from another time in the peculiar Star Boy – brimming with
volatile power, could he be the key to thwarting the Fatal Five? An epic battle
against ultimate evil awaits!
The Justice League vs. The Fatal Five all-star cast is led by Elyes Gabel (Scorpion, Game of Thrones) as Thomas Kallor/Star Boy and Diane Guerrero (Orange is the New Black, Jane the Virgin, DC Universe’s upcoming Doom Patrol) as Jessica Cruz/Green Lantern. Reprising their Justice League/Justice League Unlimited roles as Batman, Wonder Woman and Superman, respectively, are Kevin Conroy (Batman: The Animated Series, Batman: The Killing Joke), Susan Eisenberg (Injustice 2, LEGO DC Super Heroes – Aquaman: Rage of Atlantis) and George Newbern (Superman vs. The Elite, Scandal). Providing the voices of the villainous Fatal Five are Peter Jessop (Mass Effect, Fallout 4, Resident Evil) as Tharok, Matthew Yang King (Batman Ninja, Supah Ninjas) as The Persuader, Sumalee Montano (S.W.A.T., This Is Us) as Emerald Empress, and Philip Anthony Rodriguez (Grimm, The Secret Life of the American Teenager) as Mano. (Note: Validus does not speak)
Other
members of the voice cast include Daniela Bobadilla (Anger Management, The Middle) as Miss Martian, Kevin Michael
Richardson (Family Guy, The Simpsons)
as Mr. Terrific, Noel Fisher (Shameless,
Castle Rock) as Brainiac 5, Tara Strong (Batman: The Killing Joke, Teen
Titans, Teen Titans Go!) as Saturn Girl, and Tom Kenny (SpongeBob SquarePants) as Bloodsport.
Producer Sam Liu (Reign of the Supermen, Gotham by Gaslight) also directs Justice League vs. The Fatal Five from a script by Eric Carrasco (Supergirl, Justice League Action) and Jim Krieg (Batman: Gotham by Gaslight) & Alan Burnett (Suicide Squad: Hell To Pay). The film is based on a story by Carrasco. Burnett and Krieg are also co-producers. Amy McKenna (The Death of Superman) is producer. Co-Executive Producers are Benjamin Melniker and Michael Uslan. Executive Producers are Sam Register and Bruce Timm (Justice League/Justice League Unlimited, Batman: The Animated Series).
Justice
League vs. The Fatal Five Enhanced Content
Ultra
HD Blu-ray Combo Pack, Blu-ray Combo Pack and Digital
Battling the Invisible Menace(Featurette)– This featurette will explore the nuanced hero as many characters must deal with the everyday feelings of anxiety, depression, and other incapacitating emotions that we all must battle and overcome.
Justice League vs. Fatal Five:Unity of Hero (Featurette) – A look at how the pantheon of DC heroes has never been more diverse and inclusive, as writers and artists break boundaries and smash stereotypes.
Audio Commentary – Bruce Timm, Sam Liu, Jim Krieg and Eric Carrasco share their thoughts and insights on Justice League vs. The Fatal Five.
A Sneak Peek at the next DC Universe Movie, Batman: Hush – An advance look at the next animated film in the popular DC Universe Movies collection.
Sneak Peek Revisited: A Preview of Justice League Dark – John Constantine leads a group of misfit characters that use magic to vanquish their opponents. This is the dark version of The Justice League taking on the malevolent forces that go beyond our plane of existence.
Sneak Peek Revisited: A Preview of Justice League vs. Teen Titans – A glimpse into the characters known as the Teen Titans.
From the DC Vault: Justice League Unlimited, “Far From Home”
From the DC Vault: Legion of Superheroes, “Man of Tomorrow”
The 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray disc of Justice League vs. The Fatal Fivewill feature Dolby VisionT HDR that dramatically expands the color palette and contrast range and uses dynamic metadata to automatically optimize the picture for every screen, frame by frame. The 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray disc of Justice League vs. The Fatal Fivewill also feature a Dolby Atmos soundtrack remixed specifically for the home theater environment to place and move audio anywhere in the room, including overhead. To experience Dolby Atmos at home, a Dolby Atmos enabled AV receiver and additional speakers are required, or a Dolby Atmos enabled sound bar. Dolby Atmos soundtracks are also fully backward compatible with traditional audio configurations and legacy home entertainment equipment.
Justice League vs. The Fatal Fivewill also be available on Movies Anywhere. Using the free Movies Anywhere app and website, consumers can access all their eligible movies by connecting their Movies Anywhere account with their participating digital retailer accounts.
Fans can also own Justice League vs. The Fatal Fivevia purchase from digital retailers beginning March 30, 2019.
DIGITAL DISTRIBUTION ELEMENTS
On March 30, Justice League vs. The Fatal Fivewill be available to own in high definition and standard definition from select digital retailers including Amazon, FandangoNow, iTunes, PlayStation, Vudu, Xbox and others. On April 16, Justice League vs. The Fatal Fivewill be made available digitally on Video On Demand services from cable and satellite providers, and on select gaming consoles.
Reign of the Supermen arrives TODAY, January 29, on Ultra HD Blu-ray Combo Pack and Blu-ray Combo Pack from Warner Bros. Home Entertainment. DC Universe subscribers can also watch the film on the streaming service starting today.
The world must cope with the loss of Superman – and the sudden emergence of four would-be heirs to the title – in the all-new, action-packed Reign of the Supermen, part of the popular series of DC Universe Movies.
Reign of the Supermen finds Earth’s citizens – and the Man of Steel’s heroic contemporaries – dealing with a world without Superman. But the aftermath of Superman’s death, and the subsequent disappearance of his body, leads to a new mystery – is Superman still alive? The question is further complicated when four new super-powered individuals – Steel, Cyborg Superman, Superboy and the Eradicator – emerge to proclaim themselves as the ultimate hero. In the end, only one will be able to proclaim himself the world’s true Superman.
It’s new comic book day tomorrow! What’s everyone excited for? What do you plan on getting? Sound off in the comments below! While you think about that, here’s some comic news and reviews from around the web in our morning roundup.
Jerry
O’Connell and Rebecca
Romijn, the voices of Superman and Lois Lane, lead a heroic list of cast
and filmmakers slated to attend the East Coast Premiere of Reign of the Supermen,
the next entry in the popular, ongoing series of DC Universe Movies, at Directors
Guild of America in New York City on Monday, January 28, 2019. Filmmakers and members of the voice cast will
attend the event for red carpet media interviews and a post-screening panel
discussion.
O’Connell (Stand By Me, Carter, Bravo’s Play by Play) and Romijn (X-Men, The
Librarians) will be joined by Cress Williams (Black
Lightning, Hart of Dixie) , the voice of Steel/John Henry Irons; Patrick Fabian (Better Call Saul), voice of Cyborg Superman and Hank Henshaw; Tony Todd (Candyman), voice of Darkseid; Charles
Halford (Constantine), voice of
Bibbo Bibbowski and The Eradicator; and Nyambi
Nymabi (Mike & Molly, The Good
Fight), voice of Martian Manhunter.
Reign of the Supermen filmmakers in
attendance will be Producer/Director Sam Liu (Gotham by Gaslight, Teen
Titans: The Judas Contract), screenwriters Jim Krieg (Batman: Gotham by
Gaslight) and Tim Sheridan (Scooby-Doo and the Gourmet Ghost),
executive producer James Tucker (Justice League Dark) and character
designer Phil Bourassa (Young Justice/Young Justice Outsiders).
Additional talent will be announced as confirmed.
The event is completely sold out – all
free fan tickets have been distributed. Fans who have applied for tickets, but
have yet to be notified, are currently on a wait list for cancellations.
The Directors Guild of America is located at 110
West 57th Street in New York City.
Reign of the Supermen
finds Earth’s citizens – and the Man of Steel’s heroic contemporaries – dealing
with a world without Superman. But the aftermath of Superman’s death, and the
subsequent disappearance of his body, leads to a new mystery – is Superman
still alive? The question is further complicated when
four new super-powered individuals – Steel, Cyborg Superman, Superboy and the
Eradicator – emerge to proclaim themselves as the ultimate hero. In the end,
only one will be able to proclaim himself the world’s true Superman.
Produced by Warner Bros. Animation and
DC Entertainment, the feature-length animated Reign of
the Supermen arrives from Warner Bros. Home
Entertainment on Digital starting January 15, 2019, and on Ultra HD Blu-ray
Combo Pack and Blu-ray Combo Pack on January 29, 2019.
