It’s a new week and we have lots coming at you including exclusive interviews and more! So, get ready! We’re kicking it off with news and reviews from around the web you might have missed.
LEGO has revealed a new wave of blind bag minifigures that will be available starting September 1st. The figures come from the Marvel Disney+ shows WandaVision, Loki, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, and What If?.
It was new comic book day yesterday! What’d you all get? What’d you enjoy? What’d you dislike? Sound off in the comments below. While you think about that, here’s some comic news and reviews from around the web.
The 2021 Emmy nominations have been announced and they are packed with shows and actors based on comics. “Geek” shows were well represented in acting categories, technical, and more. You can catch the highlights below and then the full list of nominees below that.
Highlights include:
Paul Bettany (WandaVision) for Lead Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie
Elizabeth Olsen (WandaVision) for Lead Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie
Giancarlo Esposito (The Mandalorian) for Supporting Actor in a Drama Series
Kathryn Han (WandaVision) for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie
Don Cheadle (The Falcon and Winter Soldier) for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series
Carl Weathers (The Mandalorian) for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series
Timothy Olyphant (The Mandalorian) for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series
WandaVision for Limited or Anthology Series
The Boys for Drama Series
The Mandalorian for Drama Series
The Mandalorian Chapter 13 The Jedi for Outstanding Production Design for a Narrative Period or Fantasy Program (One Hour or More)
WandaVision for Outstanding Production Design for a Narrative Program (Half-Hour)
The Mandalorian for Outstanding Casting for a Drama Series
WandaVision for Outstanding Casting for a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie
Lucifer for Outstanding Choreography for Scripted Programming
The Mandalorian Chapter 15 The Believer for Outstanding Cinematography for a Single-Camera Series (Half-Hour)
The Mandalorian Chapter 13 The Jedi for Outstanding Cinematography for a Single-Camera Series (One Hour)
The Umbrella Academy: Right Back Where We Started for Outstanding Cinematography for a Single-Camera Series (One Hour)
The Mandalorian Chapter 13 The Jedi for Outstanding Fantasy/Sci-Fi Costumes
The Umbrella Academy: The Frankel Footage for Outstanding Fantasy/Sci-Fi Costumes
WandaVision: Filmed Before a Live Studio Audience for Outstanding Fantasy/Sci-Fi Costumes
The Mandalorian Chapter 9 The Marshal for Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series
WandaVision for Outstanding Directing for a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie
The Mandalorian Chapter 11 The Heiress for Outstanding Single-Camera Editing for a Drama Series
The Mandalorian Chapter 13 The Jedi for Outstanding Single-Camera Editing for a Drama Series
The Mandalorian Chapter 15 The Believer for Outstanding Single-Camera Editing for a Drama Series
The Mandalorian Chapter 16 The Rescue for Outstanding Single-Camera Editing for a Drama Series
WandaVision: On a Very Special Episode for Outstanding Single-Cameria Picture Editing for a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie
WandaVision: The Series Finale for Outstanding Single-Cameria Picture Editing for a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie
The Mandalorian Chapter 16 The Rescue for Outstanding Period and/or Character Hairstyling
WandaVision: Don’t Touch That Dial for Outstanding Period and/or Character Hairstyling
WandaVision for Outstanding Main Title Design
Star Trek: Discovery Terra Firma for Outstanding Period and/or Character Makeup (Non-Prosthetic)
WandaVision: Filmed Before a Live Studio Audience for Outstanding Period and/or Character Makeup (Non-Prosthetic)
The Mandalorian Chapter 13 The Jedi for Outstanding Prosthetic Makeup
Star Trek: Discovery: That Hope is You, Part 1 for Outstanding Prosthetic Makeup
The Mandalorian Chapter 16 The Rescue for Outstanding Music Composition for a Series (Original Dramatic Score)
WandaVision: Previously On for Outstanding Music Composition for a Limited or Anthology Series, Movie or Special (Original Dramatic Score)
WandaVision: Breaking the Fourth Wall for Outstanding Original Music and Lyrics
WandaVision for Outstanding Original Main Title Theme Music
WandaVsion: Don’t Touch that Dial for Outstanding Music Supervision
The Falcon and the Winter Soldier: One World, One People for Outstanding Sound Editing for a Comedy or Drama Series (One Hour)
The Mandalorian Chapter 13 The Jedi for Outstanding Sound Editing for a Comedy or Drama Series (One Hour)
Star Trek: Discovery That Hope is You (Part 1) for Outstanding Sound Editing for a Comedy or Drama Series (One Hour)
The Umbrella Academy: The End of Something for Outstanding Sound Editing for a Comedy or Drama Series (One Hour)
Star Trek: Lower Decks No Small Parts for Outstanding Sound Editing for a Comedy or Drama Series (Half-Hour) and Animation
WandaVision: The Series Finale for Outstanding Sound Editing for a Limited or Anthology Series, Movie or Special
The Boys: What I Know for Outstanding Sound Mixing for a Comedy or Drama Series (One Hour)
The Mandalorian Chapter 13 The Jedi for Outstanding Sound Mixing for a Comedy or Drama Series (One Hour)
WandaVision: The Series Finale for Outstanding Sound Mixing for a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie
The Boys for Outstanding Special Visual Effects in a Season or a Movie
The Falcon and the Winter Soldier for Outstanding Special Visual Effects in a Season or a Movie
The Mandalorian for Outstanding Special Visual Effects in a Season or a Movie
WandaVision for Outstanding Special Visual Effects in a Season or a Movie
Star Trek: Discovery Su’kal for Outstanding Special Visual Effects in a Single Episode
The Umbrella Academy: 743 for Outstanding Special Visual Effects in a Single Episode
Doom Patrol for Outstanding Stunt Coordination
The Falcon and the Winter Soldier for Outstanding Stunt Coordination
The Falcon and the Winter Soldier: Truth for Outstanding Stunt Performance
The Mandalorian Chpater 16 The Rescue for Outstanding Stunt Performance
The Boys: What I Know for Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series
The Mandalorian Chapter 13 The Jedi for Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series
The Mandalorian Chapter 16 The Rescue for Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series
WandaVision: All-New Halloween Spooktacular! for Outstanding Writing for a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie
WandaVision: Filmed Before a Live Studio Audience for Outstanding Writing for a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie
WandaVision: Previously On for Outstanding Writing for a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie
Check out below for the list of the main categories and nominations:
Hot Toys has unveiled the newest addition to their celebrated Television Masterpiece Series of 1/6 scale Marvel figures. Their latest figure draws inspiration from the hit Disney+ show, WandaVision.
The scientists of S.W.O.R.D channeled some of Wanda Maximoff’s power in an attempt to reactivate The Vision following the events of Avengers: Infinity War, but throughout the course of the show, they revived a distinctly different version of the man that Wanda loves. This all-white Vision has been given directives to neutralize Wanda Maximoff, and to destroy the original Vision!
Skillfully crafted based on the image of The Vision in the hit show, WandaVision, the 1/6 scale figure features a newly developed, individually hand painted and ultra-realistic head sculpt with an LED light up function on his forehead, and interchangeable eyepieces to emulate the character’s appearance both before and after he acquires Vision’s memories. The figure has incredible attention to detail, and comes complete with a finely tailored, shimmering white outfit and cape; as well as “energy beam effect” accessories to recreate the thrilling fight scene from the season finale!
Alex and Joe talk about a couple things, starting with the minor change to the Wandavision ending, then touching on Loki (no spoilers beyond episode 2) before delving into the insanity of the current comic book speculation market.
As always, Alex and Joe can be found on Twitter respectively @karcossa and @jcb_smark if you feel the need to tell them they’re wrong individually, or @those2geeks if you want to yell at them together on twitter, or by email at ItsThose2Geeks@gmail.com.
Vision: With a wave based entirely on the Disney+ wave of the MCU, the figures need to accurately reflect the look of the show. And I think Vision does particularly well in that regard. The face sculpts in this wave are a big level-up, with you can tell. I also like the choice of making the cape semi-transparent; it’s a very cool look and no other Marvel Legends figure has something quite like it.
Scarlet Witch: I love the WandaVision outfit. It’s a terrific design, and the figure really captures it. In fact, it has a few details packed in that I overlooked on screen. It’s really nice work, but the best thing about the entire figure is that face. This IS Elizabeth Olsen; it’s an incredible likeness. Similarly, that hair is beautifully done. This is a figure where intent, design, poseability, and execution all come together so smoothly. Just a top-flight job all around.
Winter Soldier: I thought it was an interesting choice that, considering the Winter Soldier figures all the way back to that two-pack many years ago, Hasbro opted not to include a weapon with this figure. I kind of like that, especially since weapons weren’t really Bucky’s thing in this series. The detail on the vibranium arm might be my favorite part. I found this to be a good update figure for the MCU, but it’s not particularly distinguished outside of costume detailing.
Zemo: Two heads are definitely better. Again, great face sculpt, but there’s just something a little cooler about the masked version. Maybe it’s because we finally got to see it in live-action in the series. At any rate, excellent job on Zemo’s coat, and the shush/pointing hand is a clever inclusion. Speaking of clever, throwing in the Winter Soldier code book was a great touch. Only negative: the coat sculpt makes the figure a little hard to stand.
U.S. Agent: Yes, I’m aware that the big upset is the lack of white stripes. And yet, this still looks good. The figure really captures the look and attitude of John Walker. For me, the main minus is that there was no additional Cap shield, no black and red Agent shield, or no janky homemade shield. But as a figure itself, it’s well-done.
Captain America: What a terrific job they did on Sam. Great likeness, tremendous realization of the suit, and good poseability. The shield and backpack look great, the paint ops are on the point, and they really nailed the look of the goggles. This is my favorite of the group next to Wanda. Of course, he isn’t really complete without . . .
BAF: Cap’s wings and Redwing: I do get where some fans were upset that the BAF was the wing structure. However, I can see why that is with what they were going for. The wings are great, with additional hinges and moving parts. The addition of a flight stand specifically designed for the figure makes sense, and Redwing is icing. Frankly, I’m pleased that they figured out a way to give us a Sam Cap that looks this great.
Loki: You notice that I keep addressing fandom gripes? Before the show even started to air, discontent mounted over the outfit chosen for Loki. And then . . . it’s exactly what’s he’s been wearing. Seriously, people will demand things as esoteric as Patch Wolverine in a tux, but bitch about TVA Variant Loki? The likeness is there, the costume is show-accurate, and it’s Loki unlike any other we’ve had. Damn it, I like it.
The build-a-figure are wings to make Sam Wilson Captain America into his “FalCap” version.
All of the figures are tied into Marvel Studios Disney+ series. Represented are WandaVision, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, and the upcoming Loki.
Check out the figures below and pre-order them now!
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The following is originally a Tumblr post from a couple years back (as you can see from some of the contemporary references) that I held back from publishing because I wanted to have a Roma sensitivity reader take a look at it first, and then never got around to finishing when other things came up despite their very kind assistance. However, the popularity of WandaVision brought back some pre-existing discourse around Elizabeth Olsen’s casting as a non-Romani actress and Joss Whedon and pre-Feige Marvel executives’ decision to reimagine Wanda and Pietro Maximoff as radicalized Sokovian nationalists rather than Romani.
This reminded me of the unfinished post I’d written about the difficult question of Romani representation in comics rooted in problematic decisions made during Marvel’s Silver Age and its particular relationship to subtextual Judaism in the work of assimilated Jewish creators. So after the break, I’ve posted an edited and elaborated version of my original post.
One comics related question, Victor von Doom is Roma, a poor Roma in his origin at that, but he has “Von” in his title? Is it that Lee-Kirby never consulted the Almanach de Gotha, a reference to Erich von Stroheim (who was after all a Jewish haberdasher who passed himself as a aristo in hollywood and popularized the “von” concept)? But more importantly how does Doom being a proud Roma with a fake Junker aristo name work as a concept? Is Doom appropriating the Nazi-aristocratic culture?
Ok…this is a tricky topic, because I really don’t want to undercut any of the people pushing for better Roma representation in comics, especially with everything going on with Secret Empire and Peter Alan David’s rant at NYCC. However, Silver Age (and later) comics creators hadn’t usually done much cultural research with regard to the Romani, and tended to base their portrayals in the kind of tropes set out by Bram Stoker’s Dracula and Universal Pictures’ Wolfman films. These tropes tended to traffic in both Romantic exoticism and anti-Romani stereotypes, and (as I’ll explain when I get into some examples) were used by Marvel creators in a way that arguably involved ethnic erasure, which raises questions about how we think about these characters as positive or negative representation.
To answer the original Tumblr ask, with Victor Von Doom, honestly I think the process didn’t go much further than: repeated Vs sound good and while Doom makes no sense as a last name that would exist in reality, there’s the repeated D’s of Doctor Doom, and “von” sounds Junkerish and (thanks to American propaganda from WWI and WWII) we all know the Junkers are bad guys – without any real reference to the sociocultural meanings of European naming conventions and ethnicities.[1] Then Stan Lee and Jack Kirby probably moved on from a name to the character concept of Victor Von Doom as a tyrant (in the original Greek sense of the term) who overthrew the traditional order; why would Victor hate the old order, well he was persecuted, what’s a group that’s persecuted, Romani are persecuted, so go with that. In Von Doom’s case, things get even more problematic, because von Doom’s Romani heritage was used as a way to explain why Doctor Doom has mastery over magi as well as super-science:
Where I think things become even more complicated is when we get to characters like Magneto, Scarlet Witch, and Quicksilver. Because whereas Romani identity probably wasn’t a major element of the character creation process for Von Doom, here I feel like Romani was used as a background as a way to bring up Nazi racial ideology and the Holocaust without explicitly labeling anyone as Jewish. Despite the fact that Magneto, Scarlet Witch, and Quicksilver’s creators Jack Kirby and Stan Lee were Jewish and had (Jack more so than Stan) progressive anti-Nazi politics, there was still something of a tendency in pop culture of that era to keep Jewishness subtextual to which the original generation of comics creators was no exception – something that is explored in excellent detail in Abraham Riesman’s True Believer.
Thus, it wasn’t until the Bronze Age of comics where a younger generation of Jewish creators like Chris Claremont took over the franchise that Magneto was revealed to be Jewish. As a result, some awkward retconning took place, such that Max Eisenhardt (aka Magnus aka Erik Lensherr) now had escaped Auschwitz and joined a Romani caravan, where he met Magda and then fathered Wanda and Pietro and then left. Now, that’s not to say that there aren’t Romani of Jewish faith or people of mixed Jewish/Romani ethnicity, but given that what little use of Romani cultural identifiers there is in these cases – which generally boils down to the stereotypical caravans of painted wagons, men wearing vests, and an ill-defined state of persecution – makes no reference to the Zhutane Roma, I don’t think that’s what Lee and Kirby were going for.
Rather, I think creators reached for Romani backgrounds because these creators thought that Roma shared tropes associated with European Jews – Eastern European origins, oppressed minority status, an “otherized” cultural difference from the perceived mainstream – so that they could stand in for Jewish, without running into the problems with either management or the consuming public that Jewishness was believed to run afoul of, while adding exoticized elements that might move more sales units.
And it’s this assumed sameness and safeness I have a problem with, because embedded in there is an assumption that Romani aren’t a real living people and culture, that they are instead a stock trope of fairytales and Gothic horror and thus can be used as a costume, whereas Jews are a real people and culture and thus it would be inappropriate or bad business to depict them directly.
That’s always stuck in my craw when it comes to some of these characters because I’ve never been quite sure whether Erik, Pietro, and Wanda are really supposed to be Romani representation or whether these characters are Jews in Romani-face. Making it all the more complicated is the fact that Marvel doesn’t seem to be comfortable with the situation either; hence the large number of retcons that have taken place that revolve around Wanda and Pietro’s parentage and Magneto’s own ethnic heritage. Are Wanda and Pietro ethnically Romani, or merely adopted? Are they the biological children of Magneto or not, and what does that mean for their Jewish identity? Is Magneto himself a Jew from Nuremberg or a Sinti Romani from Gdansk? It all depends on when and which creators one asks.
This uncertainty, however, leaves some significant questions unresolved: is it better, given the fact that almost no minority-group representation in comics (Silver Age or no) is that good to begin with, to have bad representation or none at all? How do we deal with situations in which members of one minority group are appropriating the culture of another to smuggle their own experience into the dominant narrative?
In the end, I think that it can never be satisfying for either Jews or Romani to have one group play-acting as the other – but the real issue is that neither should have to settle for that simply because there’s so little representation for either group that the two groups find themselves fighting over scraps. The answer is that comics companies need to commit to more robust representation both in quantity and quality, such that we don’t have characters having to shoulder the entire weight of being “the” representation for an entire group, let alone more than one.
[1] The Junker class were hereditary landed nobility in Prussia (more specifically from the north-eastern regions of Prussia) who had something of a lock on military and administrative positions, first within the Kingdom of Prussia and then within the German Empire of 1871-1918. The Junkers tended to be actively pro-monarchist and anti-democratic, and bitterly hostile to both free-market liberalism and Socialism, and because of their dominance within the German Army became stock figures (think buzz cuts, monocles, and dueling scars) of German militarism in both WWI and WWII. More to the point, a Junker would always have the noble title of “von” in their last names, no Romani would ever have been allowed the honorific under the pre-Weimar monarchies, and the Junkers were generally pretty hostile to Romani in much the same way that they tended to be hostile to German and Polish Jews.
There’s a new wave of Marvel Legends expected to be announced this Monday from Hasbro. It looks like Amazon accidentally leaked what to expect to be revealed. For a bit, Amazon had the following up for pre-order:
Scarlet Witch
Vision
U.S.Agent
Baron Zemo
Winter Soldier
Captain America
Loki
All of the figures are tied into Marvel StudiosDisney+ series. Represented are WandaVision, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, and the upcoming Loki.
It’s rumored that a build-a-figure that’ll allow a version of Falcon as Captain America will be a part of the wave.
Check out a screenshot of the listing below. Pictures weren’t included in the pre-order which has been removed from the site.
