Now that Justice League's theatrical release is merely days away, it's only expected that we wake up to find new goodies greeting us each morning throughout the week. Heck, we already learned a little more about J.K. Simmons' debuting Commissioner Gordon just this morning.
These days, people don’t take comic book deaths seriously – and there’s a reason for that. Basically, pretty much any hero or villain to have bitten to the dust returns at some point, usually within a few years when it comes to deaths that have occurred in this decade. Still, there are a few to never have been undone or have stuck for quite some time.
There's no doubt in our mind that the video game medium has been kind to superheroes for the past eight years and, more specifically, those residing under the DC Comics umbrella. We say that because, for the longest time, interactive experiences based on our favorite masked characters were often mediocre at best. Let's be honest, we probably played them because they were all we had to go on.
With just a little more than a week separating now from the movie that many of us have been waiting our entire lives for – that, of course, being Justice League – I think it’s safe to say that anticipation levels have reached critical mass. And as is the case with so many superhero films being granted sequels these days, we in the geek community can never help looking to the future.
Although Cameron Monaghan has never been a part of Gotham‘s principal cast, many would likely argue – and I would agree with them – that Jerome Valeska has easily emerged as the finest villain the series has thus far produced, thanks to sharp writing and the young actor’s incredible performances. Now, that’s not meant to be a knock against Robin Lord Taylor’s Penguin or Cory Michael Smith’s Riddler, but it’s just a testament to how well Monaghan has brought this proto-Joker to life.
Despite having seen no shortage of video game to film adaptations within our lifetime, there have been some glaring omissions when it comes to top franchises that have yet to make their way to the silver screen. Being a huge fan of the stealth action genre, I can’t help but lament the developmental hell that both Metal Gear Solid and Splinter Cell have had to endure for what seems like an eternity. Now, I could probably complain about this all day, but at least we’re now seeing some movement when it comes to the former.
By now, you’re probably familiar with the concept of Old Man Logan, a gritty take on an older, more grizzled Wolverine that saw him outlive many of his peers. And since Mark Millar and Steve McNiven launched what can only be described as a modern classic back in 2009, we’ve seen their story not only influence a major motion picture, but that particular version of Logan has actually been integrated into the Marvel Universe proper.
Since arriving on the scene around a decade ago, Batwoman has made quite the impact on the DC Universe and amassed a rather generous cult following. Having been handled by the likes of Greg Rucka, J.H. Williams III and Marc Andreyko, the adventures of Kate Kane have explored the darker side of Gotham City, often dealing with supernatural and occult related elements.
In the years that I've been venturing out to conventions - and then subsequently covering them - I have to admit that I've primarily adhered to those that focus on comic book culture. After all, that is my area of expertise. But, more recently, I've somewhat broadened my horizons with horror cons and what happens to be the biggest anime event of its kind in Michigan, Youmacon.
While we’re fully well aware that the wait for Justice League is arguably harder to endure now more than ever due to opening weekend being merely nine days away, the folks at Warner Bros. marketing are at least helping us pass the time.
