#Luke Wilson In A Giant Robot

[karenxmenfan]

(above: Jack Kirby, John Verpoorten, Glynis Oliver; John Paul Leon; Al Milgrom, Joe Sinnott, Julianna Ferriter; Daniel Acuña)

READING THE ETERNALS

Jack Kirby’s Gods return to the Marvel Universe

PART 1 — INTRODUCTION

“When two aggressive species share the same environment, evolution demands acceptance or dominance.” When Jonathan Hickman’s return to Marvel was first teased in 2019, I thought they might do something unexpected and announce a new Eternals series. Kevin Feige had revealed an Eternals movie not too long before, so it seems possible. I knew practically nothing about the characters, aside from Sersi being an Avenger, that it was Jack Kirby’s baby, and they were tied to the Celestials. I met these massive Space Gods in the beloved 1999 miniseries Earth X. That series includes a basic recap of the Eternals and Deviants in service of an epic plot surrounding the Celestials and their relationship to Earth.

The Hickman rumors sparked an interest in the characters, so I decided to read the original run from the beginning. What I found out is that there’s a lot of silly fun to these characters and I’m genuinely excited for the movie. The concept is weird and doesn’t quite have the same generative power as, say, the Fantastic Four, but it’s still enjoyable and Jack Kirby’s art is always a treat for the eyeballs. It’s easy to get caught up on all the essentials, since these characters are used so infrequently, but their presence is heavily seeded throughout the Marvel Universe. I’ve put together this reading guide to offer a roadmap for anyone wanting to take a deep-dive into THE ETERNALS!

WHO?

The Eternals are secretly one of three branches of the human race that were ENGINEERED BY ALIENS (a fact that gets reiterated nearly every time they appear in a comic). Yes, it’s that old urban legend that human evolution was kickstarted by extraterrestrial influence. In this case, massive space beings called the Celestials came to Earth and did experiments on apes, resulting in homo sapiens, but also the Eternals, powerful god-like beings, and Deviants, “monsters” who have unstable genes so no two are alike. Make of that what you will, it’s kind of messed up. Anyway, many thousands of years after their first visit, the Celestials return to Earth again to check up on their creations, and to see if the planet is worthy to survive.

PART 2 — KIRBY

The main draw of this series is Kirby’s art, weird ideas, and how funny all the characters are as they strut around exclaiming everything. What’s interesting here is that it’s not actually a part of the Marvel Universe - there’s an issue halfway through where they fight a robot Hulk, which is pretty explicitly based on a fictional character. The best characters in the whole book are Sersi, who is a hip, with-it party girl, Thena, and of course the Deviant leader Kro (the romance between the latter two is very good).

Entries in blue are favorites

The Eternals (1976) #1–6 — Where it all begins!! WHO ARE THE SPACE GODS? Some human archaeologists discover, with the help of a disguised Eternal, the big secret of the human race, and their relationship to Eternals, Deviants, and the Celestials who created them. This kicks off the series and the first arc where all the various Eternals are brought out of hiding as the Deviants, led by Kro, launch an effort to keep the Celestials from returning to judge their creations - this includes an attack on New York where the Deviants pose as demons from space hell. Meanwhile, the Fourth Celestial Host arrives on Earth…

The Eternals (1976) #7–13 — Picking up after the attack on New York, the human race is now formally introduced to its ancient siblings. This arc starts to get more into the relationships of the characters, with Sersi getting thirsty for a flummoxed, stuffed-shirt anthropologist, while Kro and Thena drop hints of a previous romance. Through their story, we see more of Deviant society, which introduces future BFFs The Reject and Karkas. Meanwhile, the Celestials are floating around the planet making observations like colossal roombas and freaking out humanity who start to get very worried. We also see the introduction of the Uni-Mind, where all the Eternals fly into a blue flame and emerge as one giant brain-thing. In this form, they leave Earth for a while.

The Eternals Annual (1977) #1 — A fun little adventure with Thena, The Reject, and Karkas (who has a human disguise in this) dealing with some Deviant menace who brings Jack the Ripper and Atilla the Hun to the present day to cause mayhem. The Eternals (1976) #14-17 - The momentum of the series comes to a halt - the Uni-Mind returns to Earth and the Eternals get swept up in a battle with a robotic Hulk who goes on the loose, and then a secret, all-powerful monster that Zuras was hiding in the basement.

The Eternals (1976) #18–19 — Probably with the knowledge that cancellation is nigh, the story picks up again. Druig becomes obsessed with uncovering the whereabouts of a secret weapon that is able to kill the Celestials (planting the seeds for the Dreaming Celestial). Ikaris tries his hardest to stop his cousin’s folly and avert the wrath of the Space Gods and I think it eventually comes to an end when the Celestials make Druig disappear? I guess this is when Jack Kirby peaced out of Marvel…

CREDITS* full series (Writing/Pencils - Jack Kirby; Inks - John Verpoorten, Mike Royer; Colors - Glynis Oliver; Lettering - Gaspar Saladino, John Costanza, Irving Watanabe, Mike Royer)

PART 3 — JOINING THE 616

Since the original series kind of was cut short with Kirby’s departure, the Eternals’ story gets picked up in other Marvel comics, where the heroes slowly learn about their existence.

Thor Annual (1976) #7 — Since the original series kind of was cut short with Kirby’s departure, the Eternals’ story gets picked up in other Marvel comics. This issue starts off a storyline where Thor recovers memories of the Celestials and some secret that Odin has been keeping from him.

(Writing - Roy Thomas; Pencils - Walter Simonson; Inks - Ernie Chan; Colors - Glynis Oliver; Lettering - Tom Orzechowski)

Thor (1966) #283-289, 291, 300-301 — Spurred on by his meeting of the Eternals, Thor takes the question to Odin. Odin won’t tell him anything, so this sets Thor off on a journey that takes him to the Eternals, the Deviants, and eventually the lead Celestial, The One Above All, who shows him hints of a deal between Celestials, Odin, Zeus, Zuras, and the other deities of Earth. Joining forces with the Eternals, Thor tries to stop the Fourth Hosts’ judgement of Earth which puts them at odds with the Norse and Greek gods. Thor finally learns the whole truth just in time to stand against the Celestials on the Day of Judgement. This is the big culmination of everything that started in The Eternals #1!

(Writing - Roy Thomas, Mark Gruenwald, Ralph Macchio; Pencils - John Buscema, Keith Pollard; Inks - Chic Stone, Gene Day; Colors - George Roussos, Glynis Oliver, Marie Severin, Bob Sharen, Carl Gafford; Lettering - Joe Rosen, Tom Orzechowski)

Iron Man Annual (1970) #6 — Rhodey is flying around and accidentally happens upon the Eternals’ city, but it’s overrun by Deviants! They’ve incapacitated all the Eternals and are trying to steal their power source or something.

(Writing - Peter Gillis; Pencils - Luke McDonnell; Inks - Roy Richardson; Colors - Carl Gafford; Lettering - Diana Albers)

Eternals: Secrets from the Marvel Universe (2019) #1 — This one-shot collects a series of backup stories that ran in What If? through the early 1980s. This covers the established origin of the Eternals and Deviants, but also goes into more detail about the branch of Eternals who left Earth to populate the solar system. It also ties in the Inhumans and creates a relationship between these two very similar groups of characters.

(Writing - Mark Gruenwald, Ralph Macchio, Peter Gillis; Pencils - Ron Wilson, Rich Buckler, Bruce Patterson; Inks - Chic Stone, Alan Kupperberg, Bruce Patterson, Joe Sinnott; Colors - Carl Gafford, Ed Hannigan, Nel Yomtov, Glynis Oliver; Lettering - Michael Higgins, John Morelli, Tom Orzechowski)

Avengers (1963) #246-248 — The Avengers crash one of Sersi’s parties and get dragged with her back to Olympia for some Eternals business. There we find out about the Eternals who went to Titan, and everyone finds out Starfox is an Eternal. The main plot involves a supervillain infiltrating Olympia to steal the power of the Uni-Mind. At the end of this story, the majority of lesser-known Eternals decide to leave Earth in a Uni-Mind for good, greatly narrowing their cast to just the essentials.

(Writing - Roger Stern; Pencils - Al Milgrom; Inks - Joe Sinnott; Colors - Christie Scheele, Julianna Ferriter; Lettering - Jim Novak, Diana Albers)

The Eternals (1985) #1-12 — This is actually a solid series, and does a huge amount to introduce new concepts and characters into the Eternals. It’s more of a standard Marvel superhero comic than Kirby’s weirdness, which perhaps allows it to fit more neatly into the greater shared universe. The best thing is that it features a lot of Kro and Thena as the latter becomes leader of the Eternals despite them not taking her seriously, and the former becoming embroiled in a sectarian power struggle with Ghuar (that guy from “Atlantis Attacks”) to lead the Deviants. The two find their love rekindled, putting them at odds with the other Eternals (Ikaris is a big asshole in this). Meanwhile, Sersi collects more human pets, including a guy she saves from suicide and tries to show that life is worth living. Central to everyone’s machinations is a plot to harness the power of the Celestials, playing off of the hints left by Kirby about the Celestial who was killed during the Second Host (this is the continuing foundation for the Dreaming Celestial idea).

(Writing - Peter Gillis, Walter Simonson; Pencils - Sal Buscema, Keith Pollard, Paul Ryan; Inks - Al Gordon, Keith Williams, Danny Bulanadi, Sam de la Rosa, Al Williamson, Tom Morgan, Geof Isherwood; Colors - George Roussos, Bob Sharen; Lettering - Joe Rosen, John Morelli, Rick Parker)

The Eternals: Herod Factor (1991) #1 — A little one-shot that is fun largely because it ultimately is about Thena and Kro. It’s written by Roy Thomas so doesn’t stray too far from established canon.

(Writing - Roy Thomas, Dann Thomas; Pencils - Mark Texiera; Inks - Bob McLeod, Christopher Ivy, Mark McKenna, Ian Akin, Sam de la Rosa; Colors - Mike Thomas, Dana Moreshead; Lettering - Jean Simek)

PART 4 — SERSI & THE AVENGERS

Despite the Forgotten One (aka Gilgamesh) joining the Avengers in issue #300, he doesn’t seem to have ever made much of an impression. His tenure does little more than to lead the team to another, more famous Eternal - the cosmopolitan Sersi! She definitely makes her mark on the team in the early 90’s. For better or worse!

Avengers (1963) #307-310, 325 — Gilgamesh is injured in battle, leading the Avengers to seek out the aid of his fellow Eternals - except Sprite has transported all of Olympia to the Negative Zone. After helping fend off Blastaar, Sersi joins the team in Gilgamesh’s stead. At this point she becomes a series regular and fans can start reading Avengers from here for more. Issue #325 is a great fill-in by Mark Gruenwald that features Sersi at her best – throwing a party and hitting on stymied squares.

(Writing - John Byrne; Pencils - Paul Ryan; Inks - Tom Palmer; Colors - Christie Scheele, Tom Fine; Lettering - Bill Oakley, Rick Parker)

Avengers (1963) #325 — A great fill-in by Mark Gruenwald that features Sersi at her best — throwing a party and hitting on stymied squares.

(Writing - Mark Gruenwald; Pencils - Rick Levins; Inks - Fred Fredericks [et al]; Colors - Ed Lazellari; Lettering - Brad K. Joyce)

Avengers (1963) #370-371 — Kro works at the Pentagon and has an outreach database for Deviants, which he uses to form Delta-Force! This team includes his kids with Thena who have the ability to merge into a grotesque fusion, and they need to save the Avengers from Ghaur.

(Writing - Glenn Herdling; Pencils - Geof Irsherwood, Mike Gustovich; Inks - Al Milgrom, Kevin Yates, Tom Palmer; Colors - Chris Matthys; Lettering - Bill Oakley)

Avengers (1963) #339, 344-347, 355-366, 372-375 — This is Bob Harras’ grand epic to ruin Sersi. After Sersi forms a version of the Uni-Mind with a bacteria-based group of Eternals (it’s… a thing), her behavior becomes erratic, presumably some Eternals mind-sickness. She begins to fawn all over Black Knight, linking to him in a soulmate ritual against his consent (he’s falling in love with Crystal). It’s all because of an alternate-reality Black Knight who wants to get revenge on Sersi because his version broke his heart. When everything is finally resolved, Sersi and Black Knight enter a wormhole and leave the dimension. At least Sersi has a cool costume.

(Writing - Bob Harras; Pencils - Steve Epting, Gordon Purcell; Inks - Tom Palmer, Steve Alexandrov, Fred Fredericks; Colors - Kevin Tinsley, Sarra Mossoff, Scott Marshall, Evan Skolnick, Tom Palmer, Gina Going, John Kalisz; Lettering - Bill Oakley, Michael Higgins, Rick Parker)

Heroes for Hire (1997) #5-7 — Sersi returns to a post-Onslaught 616 universe to warn about another plot by Ghaur to form an “Anti-Mind.” He’s been resurrected as a giant gold statue and is controlling all the Deviants. Once the day is saved, Sersi goes off on her separate way, with her bond to Black Knight severed at last.

(Writing - John Ostrander; Pencils - Pasqual Ferry; Inks - Jaime Mendoza; Colors - Joe Rosas; Lettering - Jonathan Babcock)

PART 5 — REBIRTH & DEATH / THE MODERN ERA

Having exhausted the story potential of the Eternals throughout the 80s and 90s, Marvel decided to pull in a ringer to give the franchise a reboot.

The Eternals (2006) #1-7 — the Eternals have all forgotten who they are thanks to Sprite, and the return of the Dreaming Celestial forces them to wake up… I am not a big fan of this run, and hold a bit of a grudge against it. John Romita Jr’s art is good though, especially when he’s drawing big bulky things. The biggest shame is that the Deviants are pretty generic here, and Kro is nowhere to be found. I mostly recommend reading this because it reintroduces the Eternals in the modern era and sets up the scenario for the next volume, with Makkari taking center stage and arranging Druig and Tiamet, the Dreaming Celestial on the board.

(Writing - Neil Gaiman; Pencils - John Romita Jr; Inks - Danny Miki, Tim Townsend, Tom Palmer, Jesse Delperdang, Klaus Janson; Colors - Matt Hollingsworth, Dean White, Paul Mounts; Lettering - Todd Klein)

The Eternals (2008) #1-6 — Druig is brainwashing as many Eternals as possible to his cause as Thena and Ikaris race against him. The heart of the story, though, is how Makkari is being used as a megaphone/alarm system by the Dreaming Celestial to warn about an intergalactic menace called the Horde that is coming to consumer Earth - a role that is overtaking his personality like an addiction. Sersi gets some good scenes in this but her character is kind of diminished in favor of Makkari. The story is actually pretty interesting, and salvages a lot of the ideas that Gaiman brought to the table. There’s a three issue X-Men crossover after this but I don’t have much to recommend it - Acuña’s not even drawing it.

(Writing - Charles Knauf, Daniel Knauf; Art - Daniel Acuña; Lettering - Todd Klein)

Thor: The Deviants Saga (2011) #1-5 — A little romp with Thor that takes the newer elements established by Gaiman and the Knaufs and brings them more in line with the previous depictions of the mythos. It does include a lot of details and references that Eternals fans should get a kick out of – Karkas and Ransak play a large role, Deviant Ereshkigal makes a return as does Ikaris’ dad Virako, there’s a lot of Kro – but it’s kind of meandering and doesn’t amount to that much. It ends with the entire cast essentially writing themselves out of future appearances.

(Writing - Robert Rodi; Pencils - Stephen Segovia; Inks - Jason Paz, Jeff Huet; Colors - Andy Troy, Will Quintana; Lettering - Jeff Eckleberry, John Rauch)

The Ultimates 2 (2017) #4, 6, 100 — Overall this is an amazing series, but as it pertains to this reading list, these issues shed light on the origins of the Marvel Universe, and thus, the Celestials. Created in the very first iteration of the cosmos, they not only have survived the many subsequent deaths and rebirths of the Multiverse, but they stand in opposition to a host of opposite, evil Celestials, known as the Aspirants. The Aspirants lay waste to the Celestials, who manage to live on through the surviving One Above All (this is even after the Celestials were seemingly all killed by the Beyonders in New Avengers [2013] #30).

(Writing - Al Ewing; Art - Travel Foreman, Filipe Andrade, Marco Lorenzana, Scott Hanna [Inks]; Colors - Dan Brown, Matt Yackey; Lettering - Joe Sabino)

Avengers (2018) #1-6, 8 — This series combines with Aspirants with the Horde of the last Eternals series to introduce the Dark Celestials, retconning the Celestial’s origin even further. The evil Dark Celestials have killed off their more colorful brethren and are coming to destroy Earth. Meanwhile, the Eternals are found to have all killed each other for some related reason. Ikaris holds out long enough to give Iron Man the power to make a Uni-Mind, which saves the day. The Celestials return and are cured of their Horde sickness – in return, they give the Avengers an ancient Celestial corpse to live in. Not my favorite, but as of this writing, it is the last time any of these concepts have appeared in the comics.

(Writing - Jason Aaron; Pencils - Ed McGuiness, Paco Medina, David Marquez; Inks - Mark Morales, Jay Leisten, Juan Vlasco, Karl Story; Colors - David Curiel, Justin Ponsor; Lettering - Cory Petit)

The History of the Marvel Universe (2019) #1 — As the name implies, this is a straightforward and beautiful explanation of the MU’s origins and the role the Celestials play, told from today’s vantage point with all the retcons and retrofitting that have happened over the years. Includes the obligatory origin of the Eternals and Deviants and the first three Hosts of the Celestials.

(Writing - Mark Waid; Pencils/Inks - Javier Rodriguez; Colors - Álvaro López; Lettering - Joe Caramagna)

PART 6 — XTRA-CREDIT

Being an X-Men fan, it's worth noting the times when the Eternals, Deviants, and Celestials have run into the mutants.

X-Factor (1986) #43-50 — Judgement War! X-Factor ends up on another planet which is visited by its own Celestial Host. The team gets involved between a set of Eternals and Deviant-type sects, trying to stop the Celestials from judging them unworthy.

(Writing - Louise Simonson; Pencils - Paul Smith, Rich Buckler; Inks - Al Milgrom; Colors - Tom Vincent; Lettering - Joe Rosen)

X-Force (1991) #77, 79, 82-90, 96-97 — X-Force starts running into people associated with the Damocles Foundation - a group of Deviants, Eternals, and Humans.

(Writing - Joseph Harris, John Francis Moore; Pencils - Adam Pollina, Jim Cheung, Angel Unzueta, Terry Shoemaker, Anthony Williams; Inks - Mark Morales, Rob Stull, Ray McCarthy, Bud LaRosa, Harry Candelario, Scott Koblish, Derek Mei, Scott Elmer; Colors - Marie Javins, Steve Buccellato, Mike Thomas; Lettering - Comicraft, Chris Eliopoulos)

Earth X (1999) #0-X — Issue 0 is basically Uatu explaining the history of the Marvel Universe to X-51, with a heavy emphasis on the role of the Celestials. This includes a very brief discussion of the Eternals and Deviants, but mostly focuses on the creation of humanity and the birth of super heroes, as the various Celestial Hosts visit Earth. By issue 9, the Celestials return for their Fifth and final Host, and more of their relationship to earth and Uatu is revealed as the remaining heroes defend their planet. Really really good and a must-read in general, even if the Eternals themselves are just footnotes. John Paul Leon makes the Celestials look like the coolest things the Marvel Universe has ever produced. The Reject does get to play a role in the sequel Universe X, though.

(Writing - Jim Krueger, Alex Ross; Pencils - John Paul Leon; Inks - Bill Reinhold; Colors - Matt Hollingsworth, James Sinclair, Melissa Edwards; Lettering - Todd Klein)

New Eternals: Apocalypse Now (2000) #1 — Apocalypse is behind some ill-defined plot that involves destroying Lemuria and turning Karkas into a kaiju. Ikaris’ father Virako is brought back, and they have some quarrels over leadership. This is another good one for Eternals fans but it’s kind of incomprehensible. At the end, the Eternals adopt new superhero identities as “the New Breed,” but this is never mentioned again.

(Writing - Karl Bollers, Mike Higgins; Pencils - Joe Bennett; Inks - Scott Hanna; Colors - John Kalisz; Lettering - Benchmark)

Uncanny X-Men (2012) #1-3 — Mr. Sinister messes with the Dreaming Celestial and it’s bad news for the planet. Magneto comes in handy.

(Writing - Kieron Gillen; Pencils - Carlos Pacheco, Jorge Molina, Rodney Buchemi, Paco Diaz; Inks - Cam Smith, Roger Bonet, Walden Wong; Colors - Frank D'armata, Rachelle Rosenberg, Jim Charalampidis, Dono Sánchez-Almara, Rex Lokus; Lettering - Joe Caramagna)

There’s more stuff with Eternals in it throughout the Marvel Universe, and even more with the Celestials, but this is pretty foundational and focused on the Eternals of Earth. Most of this stuff is on Marvel Unlimited, and the stuff that isn’t is looking like it will be included in a new Omnibus - ”The Complete Saga” - (currently scheduled for December, 2020), like the 1985 series and the “Herod Factor” one-shot. With the MCU movie scheduled for February 2021, it’s highly likely we may be seeing a new series before too long. I recently came across this fascinating bit of research on the behind-the-scenes of Jack Kirby’s work on the The Eternals -- check it out! Four Color Primer: Sersi & The Eternals Part 1

*issue credits gathered from marvel.fandom.com

[tessatechaitea]

Justice Society of America #10 (1993)

Fact: Golden Age heroes didn't have penises.

I was starfished on my bedroom floor tonight staring at the ceiling and thinking about how in my teens and twenties, I could revel in it, thinking, "Who am I? Who will I become? What does life have in store for me?" But a grown ass man doing that simply thinks, "This is it, isn't it?" At least I can lose myself in reading comic books I've already read and which I didn't really enjoy that much the first time. It might sound like a waste of time but it gives my life meaning! The most shallow of meanings, sure. But at least I'm not growing old watching conservative news because I need anything at all to light my passion. I'll say this about Fox News: they understand how old people are so bored they'll watch the dumbest shit and then get mad about it. I know other people who aren't old also watch Fox News. I don't know what the fuck is wrong with them. I guess they have fears and hatreds I hope I'll never truly understand. I just don't understand watching Fox News (or any of the other non-propaganda 24 hour news sites). People do understand there are channels which show programs that make you laugh or feel merry or that simply entertain the other non-lizard parts of your brain, right? How do you pick Fox News when you can watch Sci-fi or Buzzr Comedy Central or the Ru-Paul's Drag Race all day channel? I just realized that the people who watch Fox News basically use Twitter the same way. The majority of my feed are funny people so even when they're discussing politics, it's always entertaining (or fiercely intelligent because witty people are smart. Dumb people think they're witty (see Mike Huckabee)). But when I check out the Twitter feeds of conservatives I know, at best they'll retweet a sports tweet sandwiched between forty retweets of Ben Shapiro and Dinesh Souza. Maybe they think some of the right wing pundits they follow are funny. But calling somebody a mean name or tagging everything "liberal tears" isn't funny. It's the kind of funny that the bully's weasely sidekick guffaws over and then says, "You tell 'em, Jimmy!" Speaking of things bullies would say, it's now time for me to criticize Len Strazewski's Justice Society. Previously, some old fart named Kulak made everybody in the world begin to hate. But they aren't just randomly hating everybody else. They really seem to be bonding over their hatred for the Justice Society of America. Is this story a metaphor about me and my hatred of this comic book? Because that would be a terrible metaphor seeing as how I don't really hate this comic. I wish I did though! I'm old and I need to feel passion! I bet if I hadn't dropped cable eighteen years ago, I'd be addicted to Fox News too! No, I wouldn't be. I'm as liberal as you can be while still making offensive jokes. So not really that liberal, I guess? Maybe I'm socially, economically, and politically liberal. But I'm a complete asshole when it comes to punchlines. Don't get me wrong! I don't make offensive jokes at the expense of people different than me. I make offensive jokes about myself and those Goddamned fucking babies. Fuck those parasitic monsters. This issue begins with Starman finally reappearing.

It really wasn't exciting enough for an announcement of his return. He's just another half-balding old guy. But it lets me talk about the DC Universe show, Stargirl!

I decided to watch Stargirl because what else am I going to do with my life? Finish reading Gravity's Rainbow? I mean, I am going to do that now that I'm done re-reading those awful Lando Calrissian books. But I can't spend all of time reading Pynchon! Just too much of it! I mean, I'm only 18 pages into Gravity's Rainbow (which is further than I've ever gotten on my previous three attempts!) and I'd estimate I don't understand 5% of the words he's used. And that's me being an English Lit major who has been a voracious reader his entire 48 years (minus the ones where I couldn't read yet. Like ten or something?). I was in bed reading and didn't have a dictionary at hand so I just powered through. But I think I need to go back through and learn all of those words so I can impress the local Starbucks barista! Or are people not impressed when you use a word they have nearly zero chance of knowing and don't know you enough to keep the conversation going by asking you what that means and instead just smile and nod and glance occasionally at the tip jar? Anyway, so I've watched three episodes so far and I'll tell you how I feel about it after I mention how I've actually watched four episodes. The first episode I watched, I was impressed with because Courtney was already palling around with a bunch of legacy JSA members and the Injustice Society was trying to tackle the "Who is Stargirl?" problem and I watched it thinking, "This is really impressive how they decided to start in the middle of the story like this. I like it!" Then I went to watch episode two and I was confused because it didn't seem to follow after the previous episode. So I kept thinking, "Maybe this is a flashback?" And then eighteen minutes into it, I thought, "Maybe I didn't watch the pilot episode. I'd better check." And I started watching the first episode which I totally hadn't seen. So I guess I started with Episode 7 or something. Here are some of my tweet-thoughts on the show for those who don't follow me on Twitter (why don't you follow me on twitter? What is wrong with you? Is it because you don't know I'm @GrunionGuy?): Tweet #1: "Sometimes you think maybe you're having inappropriate thoughts but then you check to make sure the actress playing a fifteen year old Stargirl is actually 21 and then you breathe a sigh of relief and think, 'I won't be cancelled today! Unless I tweet this experience, probably.'" Tweet #2: "Sometimes you think maybe you're having inappropriate thoughts but then remember it's okay to fuck a car that's been converted into a giant robot with Luke Wilson inside of it." Tweet #3: "3rd episode of Stargirl begins with a dying white woman's final wish to her white husband that he make the world safe for their white son. She dies and he goes out into the enormous hedge maze garden of his mansion to scream into the sky about the injustice of it all. All in all, a pretty good villain origin!" That third tweet was the only one that really makes any sort of socially acceptable commentary on the show. Saying things like "Stargirl's butt doesn't look like my mouth should be inside of it because she's fifteen although the actress is twenty-one so maybe it actually does look like that?" aren't the greatest things to admit even if you're just joking (which I am but just adding this statement makes it sound like I'm not but I totally am (that "totally" doesn't help but I assure you, I'm joking (did the hole just get deeper?))). I mean, sure, her body is super fit because she's a super hero (or will be?). But she has such a baby face! And even at twenty-one, she's just a baby! If I were younger, I'd totally have a crush on her. But I'm 48 and I just don't consider young women proper targets for my sexual deviance anymore. The only interaction I should have with young women these days is warning them against going out to the summer camp at the lake where that boy drowned so many years ago. The girls I had a crush on when I was younger (Christina Applegate (Kelly Bundy), Winona Ryder (Veronica Sawyer), and Stacie Mistysyn (Caitlin Ryan)), I have even more of a crush on now. Judging by the crushes I've had my whole life and not society's stereotype of women, women definitely get better looking as they get older. And probably as I get older. I'm sure that's part of it although I like to think that fifteen year old me would still look at these nearly fifty (or maybe fifty? I'm not so obsessed I know their ages but they're all around my age anyway) year old women and think, "Holy fuck mommy." I'm sorry for that last comment. But I'm only sorry to God not anybody who was reading this. Oh, I forgot to mention that Joel McHale is the original Starman (I mean original in the show although he's Sylvester Pemberton who was never Starman but only Skyman although in the show he was at one point the Star-Spangled Kid and Luke Wilson does mention Ted Knight at some point). And he's funny in his death scene just like he should be because I've obviously decides Sylvester is Jeff Winger's new superhero secret identity alias. Starman heads off with his Cosmic Buttplug to stop Kulak in Gotham City. He doesn't know it yet but the rest of his pals are currently battling Kulak and probably losing. Although Kulak is even older than they are so maybe it's a fair fight. I'm just surprised that a comic book where old men battle other old men has made it ten issues.

I think some editor was fired last issue and the new editor's only job was to make sure it didn't look like Thunderbolt had been speared through the asshole.

Although this editor seemed to think it was okay to have Hawkgirl fucked from behind by Kulak.

I hope this isn't a terrible conservative take on women that exposes how terrible I am at sex but even mind-controlled, I can't imagine licking a woman's shoulder would elicit that response. Although she could be "Ummming" from his pee-hee in her bee-boo.

I know conservative talking points are generally fucking idiotic but Ben Shapiro somehow thinking women can get "too wet" from sexual excitement might be the most hilariously idiotic. I don't think I've been with a woman who was all, "Yes! Yes! Lick my shoulder blade!" and I then I got super into it and then suddenly she was all, "Nope. Too wet. This isn't working for me anymore. I need a doctor, I guess?" Who am I kidding? I know I've never been with a woman who did that because that would mean I've had to have been with a woman! Also, women get wet down there? What's that about? Is it because the vagina cries at the sight of the penis? Kulak takes away all of their super powers but I guess he forgets that Wildcat doesn't have any so I'm hoping Wildcat just punches him in the face soon. Although that Starman bit probably was a hint at how the coming fight might end. You know, with Starman shoving his Cosmic Buttplug into Kulak's third eye, if you know what I'm saying. You probably do because I called it a Cosmic Buttplug. I should try to be more subtle. Kulak's entire purpose is to get revenge on the Justice Society for defeating him way back in 1940. Can't even one super villain just accept defeat and move on with their lives? Or are writers just always going to be so inherently lazy that they'll never give up the crutch of the villain attacking the hero directly out of revenge for that one single time they tried to actually commit a crime and were stopped? The JSA puts up a fight that helps to drain Kulak's power but it isn't until Starman arrives and does that thing I mentioned with his Cosmic Buttplug that Kulak is defeated.

This is the grossest orgasm I've ever seen and my computer is riddled with viruses from all of the previous ones I've watched.

After Kulak's defeat, Jesse Quick wraps up the issue with her super hero dissertation which is less a dissertation and more of a thorough cleaning of all of their asses with her tongue. She's all, "I didn't really do much research or define heroes too good but the Justice Society of America are my heroes so I deserver a degree, right?" Justice Society of America #10 Rating: B. This comic book was as average as they get. I suppose that should garner a C grade but a B grade just seems to say decent but mediocre. By the time I get down to a C grade, I feel like the comic book needs a lot more faults than "I don't really care about stories with heroes who are having strokes during the battles." It's a valid criticism but it's probably too subjective for a critical review. I know, I know! When has that ever stopped me before? Well, I feel charitable today. It probably has something to do with Mars being so close to the full moon earlier this week. My blood is all riled up and wacky!

[jokeronthesofa]

CW / DC Universe Review - Stargirl: Luke Wilson in a Giant Robot

CW / DC Universe Review - Stargirl: Luke Wilson in a Giant Robot No, seriously, Luke Wilson in a GIANT ROBOT. #Stargirl

No, seriously, Luke Wilson in a GIANT ROBOT.

SUMMARY 

LUKE WILSON IN A GIANT ROBOT!!! Okay, wait, give me a second. …Alright, I’m calm. 

Courtney Whitmore (Brec Bassinger) is a sophomore in high school who has just moved with her family to the seemingly innocent small town of Blue Valley. Naturally, she quickly becomes a social outcast for standing up to bully Henry King, Jr. (Jake Austin…

[aion-rsa]

Stargirl Episode 11 Review: Shining Knight

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This STARGIRL review contains spoilers.

Stargirl Episode 11

The idea that heroes can come from anywhere isn’t exactly a new theme in comic book movies and television. We can all wear the mask, right? Or wield the sword. Or the staff, or the hammer, if we’re worthy of it.

Stargirl has vaguely touched on this theme already – after all, it’s not like Yolanda or Beth are exactly legacy heroes or anything, and Henry King still chose the light in spite of who his father is. But the trope has never played out so directly and so heart-wrenchingly as it does in “Shining Knight,” an emotional hour that sees Courtney meet her father, who isn’t Starman.

Instead, Sam Kurtis is a run-of-the-mill deadbeat, a man who pays lip service to the idea of finally getting to know the daughter he abandoned, but only until he manages to coax her into surrendering her beloved antique locket, which he wants to sell. Sam tells Courtney it’ll help him establish his life in Los Angeles so that she can come to visit – but we all know there’s little chance she’ll ever see him again. It’s the way of men like this, after all: She has nothing else of value left to give him, and therefore she likely has no value to him.

For Courtney, the revelation of her father’s identity is devastating. At least if her dad was Starman, it gives a meaning to the gaping hole that the absence of her father left in her life, as well to everything she’s doing right now. She’s not putting on a costume and risking the lives of her friends for fun, she’s honoring the legacy of the father she never knew and trying to get justice for his death. If her true dad is just some random who didn’t care enough to stick around because he was lazy or bored, then that’s an entirely different story. It means he just didn’t love her enough to stay.

Read more

TV

How Stargirl Tackles Generational Trauma With Brainwave, Jr.

By Rosie Knight

TV

Stargirl: Who Are the Seven Soldiers of Victory?

By Mike Cecchini

Thank goodness for Pat Dugan, who offers himself up as a convenient target for Courtney’s rage and disappointment over Sam’s general existence, only to find that what she needs from him is simply what he’s always offered: His pure, unfettered belief in her. And a really big hug.

Confession time: I cried during this episode, and I’m not ashamed. Perhaps it’s partly because I’m also the daughter of a disappointing man like Sam, so Courtney’s complex reaction to him felt brutally realistic to me. But it’s also because we so rarely get to see men like Pat on television, particularly on superhero shows like this. He’s not particularly strong or tough. He’s not a great fighter, and even though he’s built a giant robot out of car parts he’s always going to be a sidekick instead of a leader. But he’s still a hero anyway – because of what’s in his heart.

Also, watching Pat punch Sam in the face was one of the most utterly satisfying moments of this entire season, and it had nothing to do with the Justice Society or deep cut supervillains. (Honestly, I only wish he’d taken the locket back too.)

Brec Bassinger and Luke Wilson have always been the emotional center of this show, but as the storylines of Stargirl’s first season have gotten more complicated, we’ve had less time for their relationship, or even for scenes that just feature the two of them together. But despite that, the pair knock this episode out of the park together. Bassinger seems to contain a dozen conflicting emotions at once: Anger, despair, desperation, fear. Who is she if she’s not Stargirl? If she’s not Starman’s daughter? Why would the Cosmic Staff ever choose her, when her own father didn’t?

Bassinger’s teary delivery of “It doesn’t want me anymore” here is heartbreakingly good, as is Wilson’s calm, level-headed certainty that Courtney has always been worthy despite her mistakes. That the staff itself responds – choosing Courtney by glowing brightly enough to blow the lights out in her basement and bring a knight to her side – is a moment that’s only possible in the best kind of comic book adaptation. This is why we watch this stuff, folks. This, right here.

For all that this is an episode named “Shining Knight,” Justin the Janitor is largely an afterthought in it. Sure, Stargirl finally confirms out loud what many viewers have known for weeks – that Justin is Shining Knight, one of the Seven Soldiers of Victory who used to fight alongside Pat and Starman before the advent of the original Justice Society. Now, his memory is fuzzy and full of gaps, but his story about how he arrived in Blue Valley references dragons enough times that it seems like a likely guess that whatever has happened to him is tied to Dr. Ito’s brainwashing methods. Will Courtney’s staff be able to help him reclaim his lost time?

Stargirl also deserves bonus points for folding Barbara so seamlessly into the story here. Whereas last week she was ready to bolt from Blue Valley for good, she now seems more conflicted. Your mileage may vary on whether or not it’s a moral good for a mother to consider letting her teenager fight a deadly group of grown men just because a special staff glows for her, but the fact that the show is actually allowing the character to wrestle with this issue is a good thing. Barbara isn’t an obstacle to Courtney’s superhero journey – or she shouldn’t be, at least – and the story works better with her as a real and meaningful part of it. (Now, if only the same could be said for Mike….)

The post Stargirl Episode 11 Review: Shining Knight appeared first on Den of Geek.

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[ao3feed-hawksilver]

Let the Past Die

read it on the AO3 at https://ift.tt/2YLP2BA

by DianaNatashaCarter432

Peggy Carter was given the superhuman serum. She thought she saw it all, but she never imagined she would wake up several decades later after being trapped in ice. The world seems to be getting weirder with every passing year. But she's not alone. Nicky Fury convinces her to join the Avengers, with a man in a robot suit, a norse god, a giant green rage monster, a master arrow-wielding assassin, and a Russian woman with the same serum like her. It's difficult for her to trust, but Peggy finds it even more difficult when the Russian woman, by the name of Natasha Romanoff, contentiously keeps the secrets of her past from her and the rest of her team.

Words: 1643, Chapters: 1/?, Language: English

Fandoms: Marvel Cinematic Universe, Agent Carter (TV), Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. (TV), Black Widow (Comics), Marvel (Comics), The Avengers (Marvel) - All Media Types, Daredevil (TV)

Rating: Explicit

Warnings: Graphic Depictions Of Violence, Major Character Death

Categories: F/F, F/M, M/M

Characters: Peggy Carter, Natasha Romanov, James "Bucky" Barnes, Melinda May, Nick Fury, Maria Hill, Phil Coulson, Jemma Simmons, Leo Fitz, Matt Murdock, Elektra Natchios, Madame B. (Marvel), Yelena Belova, Clint Barton, Steve Rogers, Tony Stark, Pepper Potts, James "Rhodey" Rhodes, Hulk (Marvel), Bruce Banner, Thor (Marvel), Loki (Marvel), Sif (Marvel), Frigga | Freyja (Marvel), Brunnhilde | Valkyrie (Marvel), Skye | Daisy Johnson, Bobbi Morse, Lance Hunter, Kate Bishop, Pietro Maximoff, Wanda Maximoff, Vision (Marvel), Shuri (Marvel), T'Challa (Marvel), Yo-Yo Santos, Alphonso "Mack" Mackenzie, Jessica Jones, Luke Cage, Danny Rand, Stephen Strange, Scott Lang, Sam Wilson (Marvel), Hope Van Dyne

Relationships: Peggy Carter/Natasha Romanov, Melinda May & Natasha Romanov, Sif/Thor, Pepper Potts/Tony Stark, Bruce Banner/Brunnhilde | Valkyrie, Clint Barton/Pietro Maximoff

Additional Tags: Past Bucky Barnes/Natasha Romanov, Past Peggy Carter/Steve Rogers

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[othersportsnews-blog]

Olney: What would switching to robotic umps glimpse -- or audio -- like? - Buster Olney Web site

New Post has been published on https://othersportsnews.com/olney-what-would-switching-to-robotic-umps-glimpse-or-audio-like-buster-olney-web-site/

Olney: What would switching to robotic umps glimpse -- or audio -- like? - Buster Olney Web site

Some group executives chat about the electronic strike zone as if it is an inevitability, and the exact is correct with some gamers. Technological know-how has improved pitching, hitting and player analysis, and the contemplating goes that Big League Baseball ultimately will shift to a procedure that judges balls and strikes to a better diploma of accuracy than the eyes of even the ideal umpires.

Commissioner Rob Manfred reported the other day on Mike & Mike that it could possibly be a make a difference of many years in advance of the activity regarded as the adoption of an automatic strike zone, and even then, he observed, there would have to be a conversation about all of the implications of taking this specific human factor out of the activity. MLB would not only have to function through the information with the players’ association — some of whose associates say privately they would like to see an electronic strike zone — as perfectly as the umpires’ union.

But some in the activity have mulled this eventual development to the diploma that they have posed an exciting problem: If an electronic strike zone is used, how will the rivals and the enthusiasts be alerted when a ball or strike is called?

“Are you heading to have an umpire there with an earpiece?” questioned a single player. “Will [the umpire] be instructed what the simply call is, and then give the indication?”

On Sunday Evening Baseball, the K Zone identifies the pitch as a ball or strike straight away, the prompt that it passes through or outdoors the strike zone, so the course of action should really be seamless. Previous weekend, ESPN’s Will Dorney — in St. Louis to do graphics for Sunday Evening Baseball — mentioned an plan that you could envision the instant he reported it out loud: Strike and strikeout new music for the dwelling pitchers, activated instantly by the strike zone electronics.

In other terms: wander-off new music for pitchers.

Just think about: Craig Kimbrel is trying to function his way through a tense predicament. Bases loaded and two outs, Aaron Decide at the dish, and Kimbrel tries to do what the Purple Sox pitchers tried to do regularly in opposition to Decide on Friday night time — attacking the best of the strike zone.

And with a total count, Kimbrel nicks the strike zone, and in an prompt, there is a flash of crimson on the scoreboard, and Kimbrel’s strikeout new music is activated.

A guitar riff from Jimi Hendrix, or the Rolling Stones’s “Fulfillment.” Or the audio of a chainsaw. Or a lawn mower. Or a lightning strike. Or Luke Combs singing “Hurricane” if Kimbrel wished some nation new music. If the pitcher wished to deploy a small pointed humor, he could use the epic episode-closing new music from “Suppress Your Enthusiasm” — if the pitcher was willing to chance bothersome some opposing hitters.

The umpires have understood for decades the significance of permitting the enthusiasts and gamers know the end result of significant pitches, which is how and why so many arrived to create their individual individual model for signaling a strike three — like that of Mike Everitt, or Tom Hallion. That impressed this compilation of some exciting strike-three phone calls from novice umpires and, of course, Leslie Nielsen in “Naked Gun”.

A 3rd strike within the activity is a big instant, and with just about the total range of audio accessible, the prospects are endless, as Will observed, and teams could get enthusiasts associated as perfectly, by asking them to decide on the new music and seems that would accompany strike a single, strike two, strike three, or the ball and strike phone calls for the dwelling-group hitters. But if the electronic strike zone ever grew to become a serious issue — and I concur with the gamers and executives who assume that is it is inevitable, and perhaps nearer to getting applied than a lot of people know — MLB and the players’ association will be in a position to type through a total lot of exciting methods to talk the end result of pivotal pitches.

All around the league

Gary Sanchez was promoted to the big leagues final Aug. 3, and given that then, he has strike 34 homers in 113 game titles, including a booming shot off Drew Pomeranz on Friday night time. But rival evaluators have observed a big regression in his protection this year, particularly in how he moves behind the plate. A person of the theories guiding the Yankees’ dealing with of Sanchez now is that he received to some degree muscle-bound during the final offseason, attaining twelve pounds through body weight coaching. Sanchez has been in the course of action of trying to reduce that further body weight during the season, to improve his adaptability and his catching.

• Shohei Otani is bound to be the most distinguished acquisition goal of the offseason, and Eric Hosmer and Yu Darvish will deliver a lot of focus in the sector. But yet another higher-profile free of charge agent could be Yankees normal manager Brian Cashman, who is completing his twentieth season at the helm of the group. Theo Epstein established a new bar for front-business pay back final year when he and the Cubs negotiated a five-year, $50 million deal, and that regular could assist Cashman in his talks in an era in which higher-end executive expertise is getting valued more and more. What is mysterious is irrespective of whether aggressive bids begin to create for him as his deal expires, irrespective of whether it be from whoever can take management of the Marlins at the end of the bidding course of action or a group on the lookout for new route.

Trade chatter

Julio Teheran could be a important asset on the shift in the following two months as the Braves appraise their long run. EPA/Erik S. Lesser

Rival executives say that the Braves are incredibly open up to features for Julio Teheran, who is underneath deal for at the very least two more seasons past this year. He’s earning $six.3 million in 2017, $8 million in 2018, $eleven million in ’19 and his deal ends with a $twelve million group alternative for 2020. But Teheran has struggled this season, with an Period of 4.79. The perception of other teams is that the Braves would like to flip Teheran for prospective clients, but that in purchase to do so, Atlanta would will need to get a comparable front-of-the-rotation starter, which is why the Braves mentioned Jose Quintana and have checked in with Oakland about Sonny Grey.

• Oakland is speaking up Grey, 27, with other teams, and the suitable-hander might have offered the mic-drop outing that the Athletics’ front business requires to glean the variety of package deal it seeks. Going through Cleveland, Grey — who will be qualified for free of charge agency following the 2019 season — shut out the Indians for six innings, making it possible for two hits and no operates, with a wander and five strikeouts. He had a great changeup. Grey is amongst the ideal starters accessible, and the Brewers, Cubs, Astros and Yankees are amongst the teams that might be associated in the discussions about him it is possible that Cleveland could be a match, as perfectly.

• The Indians are on the lookout at a range of prospects, from complementary items to major upgrades — and Grey would definitely qualify in the latter category mainly because of the acquisition value.

• Some teams have looked into the function of Detroit’s Justin Wilson, who will be amongst the relievers moved in advance of the July 31 deadline. A person of the concerns about him is that he is a remaining-hander who does not dominate remaining-handed hitters mainly because he does not have a terrible breaking ball. He has owned suitable-handed hitters, nevertheless: Righties are batting just .126 in opposition to him this season, with a .504 OPS, although lefties are hitting .235. Wilson also has some practical experience closing game titles, which is why some rival evaluators assume he would be a great alternative for the Washington Nationals.

• The Minnesota Twins have instructed other clubs in so many conditions that they will be measured purchasers — in other terms, they will not rip up big areas of their farm procedure to trade for big names, but they would like to include some assist in their pursuit of a wild-card spot. As of Saturday early morning, the Twins ended up just a activity behind the Yankees for the second wild-card spot.

• Teams that have actively indicated to other teams they are ready to speaking about the internet marketing of gamers: the Marlins, Tigers, Athletics, White Sox, Blue Jays, Padres, Mets, Braves, Phillies, Reds and Giants.

• San Diego is totally intent on finding the ideal possible return in the following two months for remaining-handed reliever Brad Hand, who went from getting some thing of a journeyman with the Marlins to an All-Star. The Padres took edge of Drew Pomeranz’s climb in benefit in ’16 in the exact way: At the time Pomeranz ascended and grew to become an All-Star, San Diego flipped him during the All-Star break for prospect Anderson Espinoza.

• Rival executives continue on to perspective the Dodgers as opportunity purchasers: They really don’t have a obvious hole on their roster, and they have a great farm procedure from which to make bargains. “If they get a shot at a higher-end player, you could see them taking it,” reported a single NL official. “Or maybe they get on somebody’s income dump. But they are in the ideal possible position [from which] to make trades.”

• The Angels’ play over the following 7 days might go a extended way toward determining what course of action that group will get, rival execs say. If the Angels make your mind up to make a tricky operate at a wild-card spot, they could include — but like the Twins, in a measured manner, supplied that the AL West title is all but out of get to. If the Angels slide back, they could carry out a strategic provide-off to get more controllable items as they did a year ago — and they’ll have close to a dozen gamers headed into free of charge agency on their twenty five-person roster, including Bud Norris (1.02 WHIP, 48 strikeouts in 37 ⅓ innings), David Hernandez (two.73 Period) and Yusmeiro Petit. All are building fairly reduced salaries and in all probability wouldn’t clear waivers following month, so if the Angels turn out to be sellers this month, it would in all probability behoove them to swap that trio in advance of the deadline.

Huston Avenue has produced only 4 appearances this season and is now on the disabled checklist, but if the Nationals are on the lookout for a fairly cheap alternative for nearer — assuming that the Angels could possibly take in some dollars in any variety of a swap — Avenue could possibly be an alternative at the end of this month or in August, when Avenue in all probability would clear waivers.

Cameron Maybin is building $nine million this year and having a great season, and he could desire teams in will need of an outfielder with positional adaptability. 3rd baseman Yunel Escobar is a great hitter and is building $7 million this season.

• The Rays are on the lookout for bullpen assist, and specifically, they are on the lookout for a remaining-hander — like the Padres’ Hand.

• Rival executives say the Tigers are incredibly open up to speaking about Justin Verlander but think it will be challenging — just about unachievable — for Detroit to make an appropriate trade. Verlander is a legacy player for the Tigers, a possible Corridor of Fame pitcher, but he would make so considerably over the following two ½ seasons (he’s certain more than $75 million) that rival teams just about definitely would glimpse for Detroit to take in a ton of income although also accepting incredibly small in prospect return.

“If you trade a player with that variety of record, you want some thing to show for it coming back,” reported a single AL official. “I’m not confident they can get that.”

And there is a single final hurdle the Tigers would have to conquer: Verlander would have to approve any trade.

Verlander is 34 many years aged, has at the very least two hundred innings in 9 of the earlier ten seasons and has a 4.66 Period and a FIP of 4.34 this season.

Baseball Tonight Podcast

On the podcast final 7 days:

Friday: Cubs GM Jed Hoyer about how the Jose Quintana deal arrived alongside one another, the benefit of Quintana’s deal and the implications of the shift Jessica Mendoza on the House Run Derby and Aaron Decide, and a glimpse ahead Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Moments on the stunning final decision — or not stunning, genuinely — of Colby Rasmus to wander absent from baseball Karl Ravech and Justin Havens trip the Fireball Categorical alongside one another a single final time Jesse Rogers of ESPN Chicago on what’s following for the Cubs.

Thursday: A conversation with MLB commissioner Rob Manfred about the electronic strike zone and the initiatives to improve speed of action in addition Tim Kurkjian on Judge’s emergence, in addition a glimpse ahead to the second fifty percent.

Wednesday: Keith Law spins forward to the second fifty percent Bob Nightengale of United states These days on the developing trade sector Alex Rodriguez’s views on Decide.

Tuesday: Boog Sciambi, the voice of the House Run Derby, on what transpired in Miami Pedro Gomez about his job interview with Jose Fernandez’s mother Sarah Langs plays The Figures Sport Cody Bellinger at the desk.

Monday: A conversation with the Indians’ Francisco Lindor Jerry Crasnick on the Dodgers’ surge and Todd Radom unveils the No. twelve MLB symbol of all-time and oversees the hottest uniform and symbol quiz.

And right now will be better than yesterday.

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Diamond Select Toys Celebrates Marvel, DC, Muppets And More in 2017

When it comes to offering an army of well known characters from comics, film and TV in a variety of different styles, Diamond Select Toys stands at the top of the pile. At this year’s New York Toy Fair, the pieces the manufacturer had on display did not disappoint, as the fabled halls of the Minimate world expanded to include everyone from “Iron Fist” to the Ninja Turtles, and the Vinimates line grew to include not just DC movie characters but some classic favorites as well. As if that wasn’t enough, DST also showed off a variety of Marvel Netflix pieces, DC animated statues and Select figures that will making more than a few wish lists.

Let’s just right in to the Marvel Cinematic Universe products! With the impending release of “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2” keep an eye out for a series of statues based on those characters including Drax, a flying Star-Lord and the Gamora/Rocket piece that looks immediately ready to rumble. The film also inspired not only a Star-Lord Marvel Select action figure, but also a full line of Minimates that includes newbies like Ego and Mantis! Also, while he’s not associated with this movie in particular, the Black Panther movie statue crouches ready to pounce at a moment’s notice!

Another major player at the cinema this year will be “Spider-Man: Homecoming.”As in years past, DST will offer Wall-Crawler fun in plenty of ways. Your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man will earn another entry in the Marvel Select line, this one based on the new film, as well as a line of Minimates that will mark the 72nd entry in the Marvel branch of the brand.

Moving from the big screen to the small, last year was a big one for Marvel’s Netflix shows as both “Jessica Jones” and “Luke Cage” became instantly binge-worthy. DST celebrates the popularity of the shows with a quartet of statues immortalizing Luke Cage, Daredevil, Elektra and Punisher. The Man Without Fear will also come as a Marvel Select figure so you can recreate all your favorite moments from the show. And, of course, the series’ work their way into the Minimates style with new sets based on our favorite Heroes for Hire: Danny Rand and Luke Cage!

This year will also see the release of the next two installments in DC’s ever-growing film universe with the debuts of “Wonder Woman” and “Justice League.” Getting in on that action as well, DST will include two different versions of Diana and some of her pals — Superman, Batman and Flash — into the growing line of Vinimates. Even the big screen versions of the Watchmen will join in on the fun. DC’s TV presence also continues to grow and will do so on toy shelves with Select figures of Season 2 Liv from “iZombie” and Mr. Freeze, Azrael and Hugo Strange from “Gotham.”

The company also looked back to some classic DC television shows for inspiration, specifically the universe created by “Batman: The Animated Series” and the beloved 60s “Batman” show. Pieces based on the animated DCU include H.A.R.D.A.C., Batgirl jumping onto a Clayface base, Harley sitting on a wrapped-up Batman, Joker perched on Batman holding a Joker Fish, versions of Catwoman from both “The New Batman Adventures” and “The Animated Series,” Poison Ivy and Harley Quinn. Meanwhile, Bat-busts of Riddler, Man-Bat, Guard Harley, Penguin and Batgirl are in the works as are pieces from the wider universe like Huntress, Shazam, John Stewart, Doomsday, Aquaman, Darkseid, Martian Manhunter and Brainiac. For fans of the more classic TV appearances, dig that crazy new Joker statue along with busts of Bookwork, King Tut, Catwoman and a vinyl bank in the shape of the classic Batphone!

Sticking with the statue theme, let’s switch back over to the House of Ideas and DST’s highly detailed line of Marvel Milestones pieces. These statues capture all the details of our favorite heroes from both the films and comic books. The company showed off not only the Captain America movie statue that goes with the previously revealed Iron Man one, but also a Doctor Strange one that looks like it fell off the silver screen. Characters from the funny books like Cap, Thor, Thanos, Psylocke, Wolverine and Spider-Gwen also get the high-end treatment making for an awesomely well-rounded line.

But the Marvel goodness doesn’t stop there. The Marvel Gallery line of statues will also continue on with new additions like Gwenpool, Ironheart, Old Man Logan, Sam Wilson’s Captain America, Miles Morales’ Spider-Man and Phoenix. Meanwhile, Lady Deadpool will sneak into the Marvel Select line of action figures alongside Spider-Gwen and Punisher blasts his way into the Retro line.

And now we come to the Minimates portion of our show! Sure, you’ve seen a few sets above, but let’s close out the Merry Marvel jamboree by checking out the Wolverine comic-centric wave. From there, head on over and scope out waves based on “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles,” the “Watchmen” movie, “Iron Giant,” “The Day The Earth Stood Still” and “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales.”

Stepping up a level, it’s now time to peruse the larger Vinimates figures which take the aesthetics of the Minimates and place them on bigger pieces that don’t have the articulation. If you’re a fan of “Caddyshack,” “Elf,” “Beetlejuice,” “Predator,” the “Pirates” movies, “Back to the Future,” “Nightmare Before Christmas,” “Ghostbutsers,” “Iron Giant” or Robby the Robot then this line has something you’ll be into.

In keeping with the cinematic theme, here are a few more of the big screen characters who will get the plastic treatment from DST. When it comes to the busters of ghosts, you’ll get marshmallow-splattered Winston and Egon to finish out figures based on the first film which means it’s time to get into “Ghostbusters II!” Two of the first figures will be Vigo and Dr. Janosz-Poha. As your collection grows, so will the number of pieces you can use to put together the visage of the firehouse headquarters! The lines of Quentin Tarantino figures based on “Pulp Fiction” and “Kill Bill” also seem close to finally coming out. Many were on display and looked amazing, but we could only shoot the first three figures from the former film. And then there’s “Nightmare Before Christmas.” The Halloween-tinged Christmas classic continues to inspire figures, busts, Minimates and statues of everyone from Santa to Zero.

And finally, let’s take a moment to celebrate The Muppets! The stars of stage and screens of all sizes will keep on keepin’ on in action figure form thanks to new entries including Dr. Teeth, Zoot, Sam the Eagle, Rizzo, the Swedish Chef, Rolf, Mahna Mahna, Crazy Harry, Floyd, Janice and the inimitable Miss Piggy.

The post Diamond Select Toys Celebrates Marvel, DC, Muppets And More in 2017 appeared first on CBR.com.

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