The Marvel Universe Just Keeps Expanding

Nowadays it is nearly impossible to get away from anything related to superheroes in pop culture. They are in every other movie, a number of TV shows, and they're even starting to creep into music videos. And if there is a clear winner in the comic saturation, it is Marvel. Sure, there are some good non-Marvel characters (notably Batman and Superman), but the vast majority of colorful crime fighters come from the Marvel universe. While familiar folks like Iron Man and the X-Men continue to be popular, it doesn't even seem to matter who Marvel puts out there; he (or she) will immediately become a sensation.

Take Deadpool, for example. While familiar to devout fans, most people probably had never heard of him before the marketing blitz that started last year. And it comes as little surprise that the recent movie has done very well, both at the box office and with critics. You know something is a hit when even Betty White endorses it. Of course, as is the norm in Hollywood, a sequel has already been announced. But here's something interesting: Although it's a long shot, if Deadpool writers Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick were to get their way, Inquisitr notes that another Marvel character would be in the second film to battle Deadpool.

"I would love to see the Hulk against Deadpool, because it would be really fun to see Deadpool having to use his agility and his silliness and skills to overcome just brute force," Reese said.

Although fans would probably jump at the chance to see this match-up, it is doubtful because although both of them are Marvel characters, 20th Century Fox owns Deadpool while Marvel Studios own the rights to the Hulk. Reese is hopeful that something else could be worked out, though. "Maybe we can figure out another way to do that with another character in the X-Men universe," he added. "But I would love to see him square up against the Hulk. It would be hilarious."

While movies are fun places to see these Marvel superheroes, they are limited. Whatever characters filmmakers have decided to use, that's all you are going to see. Fortunately, to see much more of these folks in an assortment of combinations, you can turn to video games.

There are now tons of video games that let you play superheroes in a variety of settings. While Wolverine and Spider-Man aren't in any movies together as friends or enemies (not yet anyway), they are in several games. For instance, you can find them side by side on Betfair's platform, where the two exist as part of a Marvel-themed roulette offering. The experience is just like the classic casino game, except it's made more enticing through the use of superhero imagery and, in this case, the pairing of iconic characters.

But the best part of these video games? It's that you get to play as a ton of characters who don't appear in movies (yet, at least). For example, in the recently released LEGO Marvel's Avengers, you can take on the role of Scarlet Witch, Captain Marvel, and Iron Spider. The game also lets you play as villains such as Sandman, Rhino, and Carnage. Plus, you get to control the action and team up with your buddies for several different adventures. Sounds more exciting than anything you would see in a movie, right?

It may not be long before all of entertainment has been Marvel-ized, but that might not be such a bad thing.

ROBERT DOWNEY JR. OFFERS CLUE FOR TODAY'S "AVENGERS" ANNOUNCEMENT

From ComicBookResources.com

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"Iron Man" star Robert Downey Jr. took to Twitter to tease a "big" "Avengers" announcement on tomorrow's episode of "Good Morning America" and offered a clue as to what that announcement might be with an ambiguous photo. Not to be one upped, the "Good Morning America" and "Jimmy Kimmel Live's" Twitter accounts provided a second and third clue for the announcement.

Each picture displays piece of a logo and a close up of an Avenger's costume, with one for Iron Man, Hawkeye and Captain America so far. The announcement could tackle a number of topics, from the other unannounced characters who will appear in the film to Julie Deply and Linda Cardellini's roles to an announce about "Captain America: Civil War," which just started filming.

"Avengers: Age of Ultron" opens on May 1.

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Life-size Hulkbuster and Hulk Statues Face Off in Hong Kong

From ComicBookResources.com

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Sure, we already spotlighted some of the life-size statues from Hot Toys’ “Marvel’s Avengers: Age of Ultron Exhibition,” but on the eve of the tour’s first stop in Hong Kong, the company has revealed a peek at the incredible Hulkbuster vs. Hulk.

Measuring about 13 feet tall, the display — it’s outside Hysan Place in Causeway Bay — features not only the aforementioned life-size statues, but also the expected debris, and, yes, even smoke effects.

The exhibition kicks off Friday in Hong Kong before heading to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Taipei, Taiwan; Jakarta, Indonesia; Vivo City, Singapore; Quezon City, Philippines; Bangkok, Thailand; and finally Tokyo.

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Avengers: Ultron Forever #1 Review

 

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It begins in the year 2420, the new incarnation of Ultron has destroyed the Earth's mightiest heroes.  He reigns supreme over not just Earth, but the entire Universe.  Doctor Doom has brought together several members of The Avengers from the past to assemble and battle the threat of Ultron.  In the future ruled by Ultron, the remaining humans have been turned into drones captured by Ultron himself.  The ones that remain are on the run from the menace.  Doctor Doom brings together The Avengers to take Ultron out in a series of multiple front attacks.

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The story here is pretty straightforward.  Ultron has taken over the world and it's time for The Avengers to defeat the terror known as Ultron.  These facts don't take away from the story at all, though of course The Avengers are quite suspicious when Doctor Doom assembles them.  Vision is the voice of reason here as he knows that this Doom is not the original Doom.  

The story progresses quickly and we are shown a future Captain America with a present day Vision and Black Widow being pulled from their time.  The inevitable confrontation between The Avengers and Doom is  a quite enjoyable read, particularly for the fans of The Avengers. The opening moments of the battles between The Avengers and Ultron's army are certainly entertaining.  

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The artwork is pretty standard fare in this issue.  Ultron is portrayed as menacing and the flooded, future version of New York City is well done.  The flooding of New York City is due to the effects of Global Warming.  Facial emotions are portrayed in a way that you can easily determine the desired emotion. The action sequences are done well and you don't have to guess what is happening.  In one panel, you see Ultron standing over fallen heroes and you may notice that RoboCop has been vanquished as well.  The Bio-Slaves are absolutely terrifying looking and Ultron's Avengers look impressive.  I was particularly impressed by the Bio-Slaves in this issue.

With the release of The Avengers: Age of Ultron, Marvel is doing everything they can to get the general public ready and psyched for the movie.  And of course, they are getting us fans even more excited for the release.  With Ultron Forever and Rage of Ultron both out this week, and a little less than a month before the movie, they are going to milk this for all it's worth.  Can you blame them?  I mean I would.  

If you're looking for something to pick up for a quick read, this will be it.  The action is fun and the artwork is good.  It's not going to make anyone's top issue of the year list, but it's well worth the price and time just for the fun of it.  

 

 

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Avengers-themed apartment is Earth’s Mightiest Fan Cave

For this and more go to ComicBookResources.com

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There are numerous levels of comics fandom, ranging from the casual fan who picks up the occasional issue and watches the television shows and movies to the devotee, who tracks down entire runs of series and collects original art.

And then there’s the level of fan who would have an entire apartment designed in an Avengers theme.

Courtesy of Singapore’s Aboslook Interior Design comes this incredibly swanky — and unashamedly nerdy — that features an enormous illuminated S.H.I.E.L.D. logo in the living room, a mural of Earth’s Mightiest Heroes in the dining room (with an Avengers logo that cleverly disguises storage), a Hulk-dominated kitchen, and, perhaps appropriately enough, an Iron Man bedroom (Where else would you expect Tony Stark?).

Unfortunately, we’re left wondering about the bathroom.

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WHAT IF THE AVENGERS HAD BEEN MADE IN 1985...

From IGN.com

BY: CHRIS TILLY

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How earth's mightiest heroes could have looked 30 years ago.

On the eve of Avengers: Age of Ultron hitting screens, it’s hard to imagine anyone other than Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Hemsworth and the like playing earth’s mightiest heroes.

But what if the team had been assembled in 1985? Who would Marvel choose and what would they look like? We thought it would be fun to speculate a bit, so the following are our choices, with the ‘85 age listed next to each name for a bit of context. And obviously there are no right answers here, so when you’ve had a read, let us know your casting suggestions in the comments below…

Iron Man – Burt Reynolds (49)

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Burt Reynolds was one of the biggest stars on the planet back in 1985, thanks to the success of the Smoky and Cannonball Run movies. And while they had fair jokes and good stunts, much of the popularity was down to Reynolds' charm and charisma, which could be put to good use as Tony Stark. But the guy could also do tough, as the likes of Deliverance and Sharky’s Machine prove, so he could handle himself as Tony is so frequently forced to. As for the look, that iconic moustache would need to be trimmed and the rest of his facial hair developed, but make those tweaks and you’re looking at Iron Man ’85.

The Hulk – Mel Gibson (29) & Arnold Schwarzenegger (38)

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The Hulk is a character that’s fuelled by aggression and rage, and in 1985 Mel Gibson had already played a character filled with aggression and rage (Mad Max) and was about to play a character tormented by those same emotions (Martin Riggs). For that reason – as well as the fact that he’s a pretty great actor – Gibson is our Bruce Banner. But in those pre-CGI, post-Lou Ferrigno days, we’d need a giant to green-up to play the Green Goliath, and for that role we’re looking no further than Austrian Oak Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Thor – Dolph Lundgren (28)

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Back in 1985 Dolph Lundgren was making his silver screen debut as a muscle-bound bodyguard in A View to a Kill and a Russian boxer in Rocky IV, so he was hardly a household name. But look at any photos from the time and you realise that he basically was Thor, just without the flowing locks. And while he might not have been the greatest He-Man in 1987’s Masters of the Universe, his Swedish accent make him a much better fit for the Norse God a couple of years before.

Captain America – Patrick Swayze (33)

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This is a tough role to cast. Especially as Chris Evans has absolutely nailed it across The Avengers and a pair of stand-alone Cap movies. Kevin Costner would have been a good shout, but back in the mid-1980s he was best known as the dead corpse cut out of The Big Chill. And both Kurt Russell and Dennis Quaid scream square-jawed all-American hero. But we’re going for Patrick Swayze, who played a brave patriot in Red Dawn, and became the youth of America’s stoic big brother in The Outsiders. Strong, handsome, athletic and tough, he looked good as a blond in Point Break, and spent the bulk of his career playing likeable heroes, so it’s easy to imagine him as the ultimate good guy.

Hawkeye – Tom Cruise (23)

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Tom Cruise would have made an amazing Tony Stark in the late 1990s when he was linked with the role. In 1985 he was just 23-years-old however, making him a little young to play the billionaire industrialist. But the cocksure kid from Risky Business and All the Right Moves would have made a fantastic Hawkeye. The Cruise of the time was all intensity and steely-eyed determination, plus you just know he’d be a crack shot with that bow-and-arrow.

Black Widow – Michelle Pfeiffer (27)

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Coming off the back of Scarface and about to start work on Into the Night, Michelle Pfeiffer was the dangerous dame du jour back in 1985, making her a great choice to capture Natasha Romanoff’s dark side. But it’s her later work as Catwoman in Batman Returns that convinces us she'd make a great Black Widow, with Pfeiffer effortlessly combining athleticism and sexuality to leave you in little doubt that she’s the most dangerous woman on the planet.

Nick Fury – Clint Eastwood (55)

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In 2008, when he made his debut as Nick Fury in the MCU, Samuel L. Jackson was 60-years-old and having played gangsters, a Jedi and all manner of tough guys, was pretty much the baddest man on the planet. Back in 1985, having embodied both ‘The Man With No Name’ and Dirty Harry on the big screen, Clint Eastwood was just as tough. Give him an eye-patch and the then 55-years-old basically is Nick Fury, though his iteration might also wear a cowboy hat. Because he’s Clint.

Agent Coulson – Bill Murray (35)

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Thanks to the colossal success of Ghosbusters, Bill Murray was the box office king heading into 1985. Combine that with his understated comedy genius and he’d be an impeccable choice for the deadpan Phil Coulson. And while up-to-that point he’d rarely dipped his toe in dramatic waters, Murray’s modern-day output proves that he’s equally as skilled with the dramatic stuff, enabling him to bring much needed pathos to a role that turns tragic in the team-up flick.

Spider-Man – Michael J. Fox (24)

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Yes we know Spidey isn’t in Avengers or Age of Ultron, but with the character joining the MCU for Captain America: Civil War, we thought we’d cast the role anyway. And though he was busy shooting Family Ties during the day and Back to the Future at night in early ‘85, Marvel would have to find some kind of window is his schedule as Michael J. Fox is our wall-crawler. He’d have to scale back the cool of Marty McFly a little, but the baby-faced star was a dab hand at playing plucky young upstarts you could really root for in the 1980s, and upstarts don't come any pluckier than Peter Parker!

Those are our suggestions, but what are yours? Feel free to speculate wildly in the comments below…

 

For this and more check out IGN.com

Theaters Offer 29-Hour Marvel Movie Marathons Ahead of Avengers: Age of Ultron

Taken from theverge.com

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Do you like Marvel movies? Have you evolved beyond the need for sleep? Then you'll be be interested in the Ultimate Marvel Marathons being held at AMC and Regal movie theaters in late April. The 29-hour sessions start at 6 PM on April 29th, and run through the 11 Marvel movies released since 2008's Iron Man in order. People who manage to stick around for the whole thing will be among the first to see Avengers: Age of Ultron — the hotly anticipated sequel is getting special early showings at the end of the marathon.

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In addition to a sleep debt and whatever exciting dietary distress is caused by eating only hot dogs and popcorn for almost 30 hours, survivors of the Marvel marathon will receive a commemorative medal. It has the Avengers logo on it, so you can show your family that by staying in a darkened room for a full day and night, you too are a superhero. For the chance to watch too many movies in a row, you can expect to pay around $65.


    Again, for this and more check out theverge.com

    The Talk of New Avengers Trailer: The Vision

    Clipped from Yahoo.com

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    At the end of the trailer, just when Earth’s Mightiest appear to be overwhelmed, the screen goes black, a title card pops up… and for the first time, we clearly see the Vision (Paul Bettany) — an Ultron creation who eventually turns against his creator and becomes one of the most beloved Avengers — blinking to life.

    Marvel has been withholding the Vision’s big reveal for months,obscuring his face in the official posters, and leaving fans to scour the toy aisles for clues to his appearance. While he doesn't get any action scenes, his cameo at the end will send geeks happily a-GIF-ing until Avengers: Age of Ultron hits theaters on May 1.

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    Again this snipbit was clipped from Yahoo.com 

    All New Hawkeye #1: Review

     

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    Debuting in comic shops this week is the “All New Hawkeye” Issue 1.  I hear you asking now, what about “Hawkeye” 22?  Well that's a good question that I don't have an answer for.  I know personally I loved the Hawkeye series that was brought to us by Matt Fraction.  It was really great and yet here we are starting with Hawkeye all over again.  Oh Marvel, what are you doing to us?  

    I thought I'd do a review of “Hawkeye” since we just got the third and probably final trailer for “The Avengers 2: Age of Ultron.”  I don't think I'm alone here, but shut up and take my money, and why isn't it May yet?  

    This series seems to be the spiritual successor to Matt Fraction's series.  For me, this first issue was just as enjoyable as Hawkeye 22.  The sarcastic humor wasn't quite the same, but there definitely was humor in this issue.  Not the kind of humor that makes you laugh out loud, but certainly a smiling to yourself kind of funny, at least that was my experience.  Considering the side story and the end, the subject matter was relatively light.  Clint Barton and Katie Bishop are fighting their way through a Hydra base for S.H.I.E.L.D.  They are searching for secret weapons that were supposed to be located on the base. However, they aren't too happy with their mission since they aren't able to find the weapons.

    In between the action, we get an origin story of sorts.  We are given a picture of a young Clint and Barney Barton in their foster home in Iowa...score one for my home state!  The art displayed during these flashbacks is done quite well.  It really feels as though you are watching a flashback scene from a movie and it's like a dreamlike sequence to these scenes.  Later in the issue, a bloody red coloring is used to symbolize the child abuse taking place inside of the house.  For me, as a father, I thought this was a really great way to show the brutality without actually depicting a child being beaten.  

    In the “now” panels, you get the same type of art that would be familiar to anyone who was a fan of the earlier “Hawkeye” series.  This art was well done and it really pulls the reader into the actions.  The colors are very vivid and the attention to detail is spectacular.  

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    Some people might be hesitant to pick this up, especially those who loved Fraction's series.  I have to admit that I was pretty unsure about getting this, but you won't disappointed if you take a chance and get it. I have to say that this issue was a lot of fun and I'll definitely be picking issue number two up in April.


     

    Posted by: Jeff @jeff201