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Superman Sails into Another Year at the Royal Canadian Mint

2015-20-Superman-Comic-Cover-Silver-Coins By Ed Sum
(The Vintage Tempest)

The Royal Canadian mint is making a mistake with yet another collectible Superman coin for no reason at all. The problem here is that ever since they decided to create a 75th anniversary coin and they saw that there is an instant market, the thought that they can cater to the demand may well see the demise of modern coin collecting much like how the mid 90s saw comic book collecting hit its lowest point of being an enjoyable hobby. This year has 7 different coins and there are television commercials still running to let Canadians know that there’s ample supply.

No Kryptonite is used to press these latest additions. Instead, silver and gold are used.
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Justice League: Throne of Atlantis DVD Review

Justice_League_-_Throne_of_Atlantis The Justice League is quite literally a fish out of water in Throne of Atlantis. This animated product was released January 27 and it continues in the world of DC Comics’ New 52. A bit of knowledge from the previous film, Justice League: War, helps establish a story arc that will span several films and just what Wonder Woman means about the Justice League being gods might see the light of day by the end of the year.

With this story’s focus on introducing Arthur Curry (voiced by Matt Lanter) as Aquaman, the rest of the heroes appearance really feels unimportant. Cyborg (Shemar Moore), Batman (Jason O’Mara), Superman (Jerry O’Connell) and crew are more like bit characters on a tale about who shall rule the seven seas. When a power struggle threatens the peace, it’s only the sea dwellers who will be concerned with how it will spill into a complete civil war. When Black Manta (Harry Lennix) is seen in cahoots with Orm, also known as Ocean Master (Sam Witwer), just what’s going on means somebody is pulling the strings.

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CW’s Arrow gets Flashy with a Spinoff

By Ed Sum (The Vintage Tempest)

Because of CW’s success with Arrow, their next project, The Flash, will be on this network’s hit list to bring DC Comics’ universe to the small screen. That’s if Oliver can hit him. A crossover episode is inevitable and those in the know will see this speedster slowing down to appear in three episodes in season two of Arrow.

The question of whether or not this spinoff will succeed is hard to say. The costume looks slick, but for the attitude … The Flash in the DC Animated Universe was fun and developed to provide comedy relief. Will that carry over to the live-action? Only time will tell.

Fans of the original 90’s series will be thrilled to learn that John Wesley Shipp is bridging the gap in this new reboot/reimaging. But if the plot shows the passing of the torch, that will be a great nod to how the comics defined this character. The comic books did have different characters become The Flash.

The cast will also include Daneille Panabaker, Carlos Valdes, Tom Cavanagh, Jesse L. Martin, Candice Patton and Rick Cosnett.

Snyder Gets Racy with Batmobile Tease

By James Robert Shaw (The Wind up Geek)

SnyderBatmobile Holy Heart attack Batman! Can I keep my beating organ at a steady rate when Zack Snyder, director of the Batman Vs. Superman feature film, reveals the newest incarnation of the Batmobile tomorrow? In all honesty, I’ll try. But I make no guarantee I won’t need a defibrillator when Gotham’s sick ride is made known.

Batman Vs. Superman is currently set to debut May 6, 2016 and will star Ben Affleck (Bruce Wayne / Batman), Henry Cavill (Clark Kent / Superman), Amy Adams (Lois Lane), Gal Gadot (Diana Prince / Wonder Woman), Diane Lane (Martha Kent), Jesse Eisenberg (Lex Luthor), Laurence Fishburne (Perry White), and Jeremy Irons (Alfred).

FOX TV Gives the Go Ahead for Gotham!

Ever since Smallville, the formula for this specific sub-genre of superhero based television shows is to focus in on the hero’s youthful beginnings. There had been attempts to make a spin-off, namely with the aborted Aquaman series, but ever since then, to create a winning formula is tough. Thankfully Arrow altered the concept some–the series looks at the man as his status of a hero gets cemented in lore. Some fans thought the show was essentially Batman in disguise, since licensing at either DC or Warner Bros would not approve of a small screen version.

Bring on Fox TV’s Gotham, which thankfully changes all the previous fandom talk around. Almost like the predecessors, this series looks at the lives of many heroes and villains before they become the feared individuals from the comics. This television program may air this Fall. The company green-lit this production only a few days ago, so hopefully the product will not be rushed to meet this coming season. The wait for a polished product will be worth it, and many DC fans will be excited for what the teaser trailer is suggesting. The casting of the supporting characters looks very spot on.

Robin Lord Taylor will be a character to follow as the befuddled Oswald Cobblepot aka The Penguin, Camren Bicondova will certainly give Selina Kyle a punk-style aesthetic to please fans, and Cory Michael Smith will dominate as the enigmatic Riddler to create a certain unique carnage in a crime ridden Gotham. The list does the end there. The trailer shows that Poison Ivy (Clare Foley) will be part of this youthful foray. The trailer suggests the possibility that she spends her time locked up in the attic with her plants.

This series will deal with Jim Gordon (Ben McKenzie) as a primary character. The first episode will reveal him taking the young Bruce Wayne (David Mazouz) under his wings and along with Alfred (Sean Pertwee), both will shape who this boy will eventually become. As for how much of an importance the young boy will be in the series, that is still unknown as very little press information has been released.

Instead of the heroes and villians, Gordon may well be the glue that keeps this series together.

Just what Do Otakus want During Today’s Free Comic Book Day?

Hurry, no run to your nearest comic book store if you love free comics! Free Comic Book Day is today and the plethora of titles fans of printed swag can grab from ranges from the simple dailies like Hello Kitty to the sophisticated like Worlds of Aspen. Other crazy titles exist like Zombie Tramp (not for youthful readers, we suspect) but for pulp fans, Buck Rogers is being offered.

The variety will depend on the level of support the local store has subscribed into. Gold and Silver sponsor level titles exist this year, and if the staff from Otaku no Culture can swing on down (than grab a nap or skip work) to hit stores at 10am, Ed’s eyes are on Dark Horse’s Avatar / Hellboy / Juice Squeezer, a sampler of three titles in one book; IDW’s Transformers vs G.I. Joe which should speak for itself and Udon Entertainment Corp’s Les Miserable’s Fall of Fantine. This anime-style take of Les Miz looks promising.

James Shaw may take a look at DC’s The New 52 Future’s End since he claims to be a DC boy a lot more than Marvel. But he will no doubt want to grab Papercutz’ Mighty Morphin Power Rangers.

A good variety is offered every year, and thankfully there’re mice to chase down this year. Ever since Boom Entertainment got on board with offering a hard copy tease of David Petersen’s Mouse Guard during this special day, Ed would not be so rabid with seeking out those spectacular finds. That’s one must-have book to seek out for fans of this print medium.