#credit: shellhead.

[shellheadrpg]

[racefortheironthrone]

How was Iron Man thought of by comics readers, before the movie? I've heard different takes, from him being despised to being generally popular.

This is one of those that really changes depending on the era you're talking about. It is true that, overall, Iron Man was not a particularly well-loved or important character before the movie.

Indeed, I would argue he was kind of the bottom of the C-tier. Yes, he was a founding Avenger and he had some solo stories people liked, but he also fucked off out of the Avengers after #16 (because of a weird Stan Lee idea), and wound up leading the West Coast Avengers who were sort of an in-universe joke, very much the also-rans to the Avengers (who weren't particularly that big either). There was likewise a running gag about villains finding it embarassing to lose a fight to "Old Shellhead."

But he wasn't despised, just kind of inessential and overshadowed by more prominent heroes. This would change in 2002 with the creation of the Ultimates and the Ultimate Universe.

Now, I fucking hate Mark Millar's work, but credit where credit is due: he made Tony Stark a main character when he had not been one before, and the movie would not have happened without his inspiration (although I'd argue there was a lot of sifting the pure from the dross on that one).

One of the ironies of the MCU, though, is that it got its liftoff from Iron Man just at the point where the comics had reached Peak Tony and fans really turned against him during Civil War. Mark Millar might have thought that the Pro-Registration side was self-evidently in the right, but no one agreed with him - especially once he started building interdimensional black site prisons for superheroes, recruiting supervillains to work for the government, and creating a murderous Thor clone. Not only did the fans hate him, but pretty much all of his old friends now considered him a traitor - and Marvel pretty much had to kill Tony and replace him with a pre-fash AI backup, then have Tony be the leader of the "good" side in Civil War II, to deal with the backlash.

(Incidentally, I would argue that Hickman's Avengers run did a way better job with Millar's concept than Millar ever could.)

This is why Captain America: Civil War ended up being a second take for the concept, where both sides were depicted as more reasonable in their motivations and actions than in the comics that inspired the movie, and then Infinity War and Endgame recontextualized Tony as a tragic character who ultimately managed to redeem himself with a heroic sacrifice. (Although since then, they really have gone too far with his canonization.)

[mikasleaf]

YO CHALLENGE TO CELEBRATE THE TURTLES'S 40 YEARS! LETS HAVE A T-MAY-NT

Hi fellow shellheads! Since we have this special date coming upon us! This may 5th will be the 40th anniversary of the creation of our beloved turtles! So i wanted to make something special, an inktober but turtles themed! and I also don't think it needs to be only an art challenge,many of the prompts I shared could also be completed just sharing a picture or something! But the idea is to fill all kinds of platforms with our turtle boys! I already got a lot thought out but I know many of you may have great ideas that im missing, I'm gonna share the prompts on my art profile and stuff, but of course I'll credit you if with the username you choose if I include one of your prompts! Here's what I have so far, any suggestions on prompts or prompt orders will be welcomed of course!

Also like inktober I'm pointing to have a version of the challenge where you just draw 1 prompt a week and just answer the rest

Okay now, here they are:

1. Your Favorite turtle(-)

2.Favorite turtle merch/toy that you own

3.Favourite lesson

4.fav low ranking villain!

5.Favorite turtle curseword!

6. Favorite April!

7. Fav splinter

8. Favorite shredder

9.Favorite villain!

10. Favorite ally!

11. Favorite ship!

13. Baby turtles!

12. Favorite pizza toppings! And who'd like it the best?

13. Best leo (from all incarnations)

14. Best raph (from all incarnations)

15. Best Donnie (from all incarnations)

16. Best Mikey from all incarnations

17. FAV turtle Duo!(of 2)

19. Turtles in their 40's

18. Favorite episode (from any series)

19. Favorite movie

20. Favorite rivalry (Turtle+Villain Dynamic)

21. Favorite turtle + ally dynamic

22. Favorite opening or t

23.fav High ranking villain

24.Human turtles!(-)

25.favourite alternative outfit or design

26.Favorite turtle curse!

27. If you were a mutant! What would you be?

28. best gadget/vehicle

29. fave turtle video game

30. best Casey jones

31. best karai!

32.your turtle Sona!

33.Favorite opening or theme song

34.Human turtles!(-)

35.If you were another kind of mutant(not turtle) What would you be?

36.best gadget/vehicle

37.fave game

38.One of the three oldest versions of the turtles (1984, 1987 or 1991)

Which ones do you vote out? All feedback you can give will be welcome!

[the-faultofdaedalus]

1. Love your Robo Iron Man thoughts, could I perhaps request you tag those posts to consume them all together please? If you are so inclined, no worries if not, thank you for the delicious thinks either way

2. Where does robot Iron Man’s… brain… live? Like in the helmet? Maybe the like hard drive is in the chest piece because that’s technically the most protected and oops maybe it is right by where the heart would be? Or is he in the cloud? A floppy disk???

3. When Molecule Man melts Iron Man, is there a backup somewhere? Does he in fact kill THAT Iron Man??

4. You mentioning Wall-e and the team and Stark Industries people loving him so brings to mind the concept of Tsukumogami tho perhaps in a simpler, more pop culture-y way, then the more authentic definition. More like The Velveteen Rabbit perhaps?

5. So… did Rhodey give a robot a lift home? Or was Tony still alive then? Does Iron Man make the War Machine armor for him? Is that … odd? For Shellhead?

6. And when Vision and Jocasta and Ultron start popping up… can they spot him? Are they like kindred “spirits” or are them starting so much more advanced and programmed in a way to where Iron Man ends up, that’s more of a Convergent Evolution that makes them to Iron Man as a seal to a sea lion?

1. I CANT TAKE CREDIT FOR THIS THIS IS @docdracula ‘s FAULT ENTIRELY (og post here) also all posts i’ve made about it have been retroactively tagged “AIron man au”

i uhhhh will reblog this tomorrow with more thoughts because i’m very tired fkskdksjs

[skylarstark4826]

I loved this beautiful Fanart of the Corxima ship of Avengers: Infinity War of the characters of Corvus Glaive and Proxima Midnight together and above all because I really love the theme of Modern AU what it has in it and especially because I really like to imagine that despite the fact that on the outside Proxima and Corvus only looked like heartless cold-blooded killers they were very different inside to what they were on the outside because inside they knew that what they did was not right but they had to do it so as not to die and they had no choice in addition to the fact that inside they did care about their adoptive sisters Gamora and Nebula and that if when they left their adoptive sister Gamora to watch over the future version of their adoptive sister Nebula then both would have stayed with them 2 and both would have been with Gamora when she asked her what would happen to Nebula in the future and she told them the truth then it would have been when Corvus and Proxima like Gamora would have deserted from Thanos' army to join his adoptive sisters to defeat him once and for all and so they could be happy and free to do what they really want to do for themselves and then they could have had a beautiful and happy life together and with a beautiful family of their own together and above all because I'm really a big fan of their ship together and I really would have liked to have been able to see them more time together and they would have redeemed and they would also have deserted from Thanos' army along with his adoptive sister Gamora and the future version of his other adoptive sister Nebula... sincerely

By the way, these beautiful Fanarts of them are not mine and the credits are not for me, but I will let you know that right here I am going to leave you the link of the real creator on Pinterest.

[liugeaux]

110k - It Snuck Up On Me

Another achievement achievement! As the title suggests, this one snuck up on me. I've just been plugging away at the games I play and I found myself in the 109500 range. Imagine if I hadn't seen it and just blew right through. Man, I really dodged a bullet on there, lol. If any of this is confusing, here are my previous posts meticulously outlining exactly what's going on here.

Segment 5 | Segment 6 | Segment 7 | Segment 8 | Segment 9 | Segment 10

I'll spare any readers the breakdown of what the chart below is saying. If you're curious about the specifics, check out the links above. Let's get to the nitty gritty.

I only recall playing one SUPER easy 1000-point game, 2007's TMNT. I was playing it for Shellheads, my Ninja Turtles Podcast, and noticed I could knock out all 1000 pretty quickly, so of course I did.

Otherwise, the other 9000 were obtained rather normally, almost too normally. My achievement hunting days might be behind me. Where in the past I would put 5-10 extra hours into a game trying to wring as many points out of it, now I find it hard to stick with a title past the credits. For our purposes here, that TMNT game and my slacking up probably balanced each other out. Performance-wise, Seg. 11 was my third worst overall but was only 1.3 PPD off of my career average and in line with what has come to be a normal 10k point segment. I don't have too much else to say about this milestone, I'm just glad to be here.

I had previously predicted I would reach 110k on 2/1/24. I missed that by about 42 days, but that prediction was based on a bloated 18.70 PPD caused by an erratic Seg. 10. As my performance comes back down to earth, my current career PPD is 18.57, but I don't see myself hitting that number. So, despite my calculations predicting early Sept '25 for the next 10k, I'll add an asterisk and say it will more than likely be Oct or Nov.

I guess I'll continue taking these stupid pictures. At this point I've been doing it for 15 years, none of my kids are even that old.

[xcaptain-winghead]

Sending another prompt, just like I threatened I would. Handholding, 17. holding hands while skating for Tony and Clint

I stretched skating to ice skating 'cause Tony on ice skates was too good of a visual to pass up, haha.

Slippery When Wet

rating: G fandom: Marvel relationship: Tony Stark/Clint Barton prompt: Hand-Holding 17 - holding hands while skating summary: Who would've thought that the man who could pull all sorts of elegant aerial acrobatics in a clunky metal suit would turn into a newborn deer, all knock-kneed and wobbly, the minute you strapped ice skates on his feet? wordcount: 738

Okay, so this looked bad.

Well, actually, no. This looked hilarious. Who would've thought that the man who could pull all sorts of elegant aerial acrobatics in a clunky metal suit would turn into a newborn deer, all knock-kneed and wobbly, the minute you strapped ice skates on his feet?

The other Avengers had, for the most part, paired off: Steve with Wanda, Bruce with Pepper, Thor with Natasha (which, Thor on ice skates was also hilarity incarnate), and Sam with Bucky. It left Clint and Tony as the spares which wasn't all that surprising, and it meant that Clint got to stare at the billionaire genius do his best not to crack his pretty head open while Clint lazily circled the rink, just at home on ice skates as he'd been on the highwire as a teenager.

Eventually, he took pity on the other man, twisting around so that he was gliding backwards as he came up on Tony. "C'mon, shellhead, gimme your hands." The six-foot-three archer effortlessly glided over so that he was directly in front of Tony, still skating backwards so that they were face-to-face. He reached out with both hands, fingers curling in a grabby hands motion, trying to get Tony to give him his hands.

Tony, to his credit, gave Clint a skeptical look, even as he desperately tried not to overbalance and send himself pinwheeling across the ice. "Because you're so good at this, Merida?"

Clint snorted, his eyebrows arching. "Between the two of us who's the one skating backwards?"

Okay, fine, it may have been a stupid thing to say, but that wasn't the point, was it? The futurist gave the still-offered hands one more long look before he sighed long-sufferingly and reached out to put his hands in Clint's. The archer's long fingers immediately curled firmly around his hands and Tony found his tongue darting out to wet his lips before he swallowed. "Okay, so what now?"

Clint's lips spread in a smile when Tony finally gave in to the offer of help. "Now, I teach you how to skate. But first," Clint paused and readjusted his grip on the other man so that he was grasping the whole of his forearms instead. It would be easier to keep Tony standing that way, without risking snapping his wrists. "Alright, now stand up straight, feet aligned with your shoulders."

They had long since glided to a stop, so it wasn't all that difficult for Tony to straighten up, getting his legs under him and his skates straight. And with Clint supporting him he felt almost stable on the skates for the first time.

"See, not that hard." Clint smiled, and then chuckled as Tony rolled his eyes. "Okay, so you're going to push off, one foot at a time. Small strokes, and don't worry about running into me, I'll stay out of your way."

"Uh huh, small strokes, right." Tony had to bite back the retort he wanted to give to that, focusing instead on the whole... skating bit. His first couple of 'steps' were shaky, but it actually helped a lot that he had Clint's strong arms to brace himself against (and good God, the man's arms were all muscle, all that archery was seriously paying out dividends).

"Lookit that, we'll have you doing triple lutz's in no time."

"Hilarious, Barton. You ever consider giving up the whole Avenger thing to be a comedian? I feel like you could do well, you'd be a real hoot."

Clint rolled his eyes, but there was a grin on his face. "Y'know, I hadn't before, but now that you've mentioned I just may have to give it a whirl."

Every so often Clint was glancing back over his shoulder to make sure that he didn't run into anyone, but the majority of his attention was on Tony and keeping him upright. "Alright, so let's start working on lengthening that stride. The quicker we get you moving at speed the easier it gets." Skating slowly was a hell of a lot harder than skating at a good pace.

It took them a few minutes, but eventually Tony did get the hang of it. So much so that Clint had to shift so that they were skating side-by-side. At some point, his hand had slid down from Tony's forearm to his hand, their fingers tangled together.

"Legolas?"

"Hmmm?"

"Thanks for the help."

"Anytime, Gimli, anytime."

Send me a prompt❣

Visit me on AO3❣

[catbowserauthor]

2003 Mikey Story: Captive Audience

Because Mikey is a lot smarter than people give him credit for. And a damn good ninja to boot!

TRIGGER: There is mind reference to potential unwanted advances in here. Nothing described but mentioned.

—-

Why do we keep going into space?"

Leonardo bit his lip to keep from giving his red banded brother a snarky response. Though, truthfully, he was wondering that himself. It seemed like every single time they went into space, it never ended well. The Triceratons (not once but MULTIPLE times), the whole Federation mess with the Professor, chasing Ch'rell into space and nearly dying...about the only time it had EVER ended well had been on the Utrom homeworld and even then, that had been to repair and recuperate from the clash with Ch'rell!

Yes, space was just bad news for them.

"It was hardly my idea, Raph," Leo felt inclined to defend himself because it hadn't been! "If you want someone to blame, blame Agent Bishop."

Raph scowled "Don't need a reason to hate that bastard." He shifted his eyes around but he saw no sign of his two younger brothers. Good. Donnie had the brains so that might keep them from joining him and Fearless Leader here. He and Mike would figure out a way to get them out, he was sure of that. Or at the very least, they'd meet up with them mid-way through escape.

Cause he sure as shell wasn't going to stay here! They were weaponless but not powerless! They needed to make their move and make it now.

Though, being forced forward with four of these aliens on each of them did make it a little more challenging. Least this stupid ship had decent atmosphere so they didn't need those ridiculous atmosphere converters like the Triceraton homeworld required. However, if the chattering amongst their captors were to be believed then apparently, they were well known amongst the planets.

Raphael didn't know if this was a good thing or not. Judging from their current state, he guessed not.

Leonardo didn't give a response to Raphael's remarks but they didn't have much more time to chat. A sharp cutting pain through his neck sent the katana wielding turtle sprawling forward and despite how Raph fought and snarled, when you were jabbed with a stick that shot electricity through your body, your muscles tended to simply react, regardless of your will and the cursing turtle fell to his knees next to his older brother.

The clamps around the neck were swift and sharp, almost choking but with just enough room to breathe but not quite enough room to be comfortable. Obviously, they were designed to not kill but make focusing and conversing extremely difficult. Leonardo, as was his way, immediately forced himself to slip into mediation mode. He didn't feel the need to utilize qi gong though it was definitely an option if need be. Right now, they needed to analyze their situation.

Raph was NOT helping.

"Let us...go...you damned...Jurassic Park...rejects..." The tightness of the collar around his neck kept him from using his more colorful terms of endearment for their enemies but if he kept it up, they might decide he was not worth the trouble to keep alive. While Leonardo could not move much, he managed to shift his arms enough to jab his sibling in the side with his elbow before the chains jerked them painfully back to his sides.

"Not...helping...Raph," he wheezed lightly.

Raphael gave his brother a dark glare but his lungs demanded air so he couldn't tell Leonardo exactly what he thought. It was curse at his brother or breathe and quite frankly, air was more important at the moment. Refocusing, he settled his tense muscles and let the air bring some clarity to his mind. These things weren't stupid, he gave them that. Best way to keep your victims still was make breathing a chore.

"Emperor!" The largest of the group of guards, clothed in deep black armor that resembled broken pieces of clay and stone, stated "We bring you the enemies of the Federation." He snorted down a long turtle beak at Raphael "And the one that struck my son."

Raph would have remarked that the guy's son had horrible reflexes but instead narrowed his eyes at the individual that sat at the head of this little party. It figured, really, the first planet they found where there were creatures that were like them, at least some what, and they turned out to be total asses. Okay, so maybe he had not made the best first impression by punching the soldier that leveled a weapon at him but that was New York and Ninja Survival reflexes! Someone points a weapon at you, you react. Don't point a weapon unless you're ready to use it!

"The smaller one is the Leader of the two. Pathetic." came the thick accented sneer from above Raph's head and it was a good thing they had bound his hands because he was fairly certain he would have knocked someone's teeth out otherwise. Much as Raph liked to pick on Leonardo, or heck, on any of his siblings on any given day, it was a right that only he and his brothers had. You didn't just waltz in and insult his brothers. Sibling rules.

Leonardo, to his credit, kept his face empty of emotion. While the jab at his lack of height or build compared to Raphael was a bit pride-dinging, he had grown up with three brothers. You tended to grow a thick skin. His eyes and full energy were on their opponents. Currently, they were in a dangerous predicament. He and Raphael had been captured and taken onto an alien ship, currently surrounded by at least forty five opponents. Large, armored opponents--large in size, probably twice their size with long tails, over sized shells with spikes and beaks that curved into wicked points. That wasn't even counting the large amount of weapons they were carrying--guns, lasers, swords and he and Raph were currently disarmed.

It was very apparent that diplomacy was not going to work either.

The man that these soldiers had called Emperor, stood from his large chair in the center of the room and approached with such an arrogant swagger that Leonardo was shocked his shoulders could support that huge ego. He was easily the biggest of the whole room and had four soldiers, two on each side of him, each one with large barreled weapons that they always kept leveled. They backed away only when he lifted a hand but still kept their guns at ready.

Two smaller of these creatures (Leonardo had heard them say Cyamodian a few times) clothed in sheer silk wrappings of different colors would approach occasionally and refill wine goblets. They never raised their heads and had horrible scarring designs up and down their arms. The soldiers never said anything to them except to bark out orders, swipe at them for not being fast enough or to made crude remarks about "pleasuring them later." Judging by the faint feminine quality to their voices, Leonardo guessed they were the females. His heart felt pity for them, being with these dishonorable creatures.

The smallest of them, wrapped in silver sheer garments from head to two with very elaborate white painted scars of the odd feather like plants they'd seen briefly on the planet's surface on her arms, kept close to the Emperor as he approached, refilling his wine with shaking hands whenever it slipped below half full. She'd spilled some on her first try and was rewarded with a backhand across the face and a "Stupid bala" She withdrew slightly and returned to the soldiers who were gawking at her for her assistance. She never said a word.

"So," the emperor addressed Leonardo now with a sickening slow smile "You are half of the enemies that gave the Federation such a headache before. Whisked away the Fugitoid as I recall..."

"What's..." Raph wheezed despite the restraint "It to you...Shellhead?"

The soldier behind them struck Raphael hard with the butt of his gun "Speak with respect to our Emperor, Weakling!"

Hissing lightly, Raph, in true Raph fashion responded in cheek "Show me...someone....who...deserves respect...and...I will."

It was a miracle that second hit didn't render him unconscious. But then, Raphael had always been utterly hard-headed. Leonardo redirected his efforts towards the Emperor. His ever calculating eyes were always glancing over the room but he needed this Emperor to leave them alive and conscious if they were to get out of here. He gave his immediate younger brother a half glare and responded "We...assisted...Professor Honeycutt...because...he wanted...peace."

The Emperor withdrew, laughing loudly before he took another swig of his wine, "Peace...what good is peace? War brings money, war brings supplies, war provides for our economy." He eyed the two of his prisoners, remarking "You two will be a perfect gift to the Federation. A little minor destruction, some blame on the Triceratons...war is quite easy to start."

"The Triceratons....have...a new...leader," Leonardo reminded him, quickly. "They aren't...war mongers...anymore."

One of the soldiers remarked as he pulled one of the serving girls wrapped in gold a little closer and laid a hand under her wraps. She whimpered, lightly but did not resist, "A new leader does not change the people, weakling." Apparently, dissatisfied, he yanked the poor girl over and slammed her onto the table, hard, "Submit Bala."

Raphael snarled "...bastard."

The Emperor eyed them, baffled but ultimately amused. "It's simply a Bala. No purpose other than service, entertainment and pleasure. You waste your emotions on them." He did set his eyes on the soldier though, "Not yet, Pelom."

The soldier, having tossed his weapon to the ground and nearly pulled the poor girl's wraps to shreds looked up.

"We still have a feast to prepare and I need her for that. Once we've eaten our fills, have your way with her to your heart's content." The Emperor strode back to the chair in the center of the room, stating "And I want fifteen of the soldiers from the bridge on the lookout. We only have two of them. There are two others. I want both found and brought here so I may deliver a whole package."

"Understood, Emperor." He stood, retrieved his weapon and yanked the girl up, pushing her towards the back of the room where tables of food were being laid out by her fellows. "Go, Bala. Make sure you're tight for me, later."

Raph growled and eyed Leonardo "We...gotta...get outta here. I...SO...wanna crack....these guys'....shells...open."

Leonardo was hardly one to disagree but they needed to plan. He diverted his eyes about. Three exits, with a collection of at least six soldiers at each one. Some small vents near the ceiling but far too small for any of them to move, and the binds that currently held them tight had no conventional lock that he could see. Some type of fancy electronics sure but no wires or anything.

Shell, we need Donnie. And Mikey.

[just-a-kj-blog]

Amaaazing!! I loove your Tony so much

All credit to artist @hello-shellhead

So, a sketchy sketch of Tony in a suit sitting on a puff!

[gokinjeespot]

off the rack #1186

Monday, October 23, 2017

 The back door lock on my X-Trail wasn't working so I had to drop it off this morning at Japan Auto to see if they can fix it. Then it was off to Costco to stock up an a few necessities. It's so nice and warm here in Ottawa that I will be able to read Charles de Lint's new book The Wind in His Heart outside.

 Deadpool vs. Old Man Logan #1 - Declan Shalvey (writer) Mike Henderson (art) Lee Loughridge (colours) VC's Joe Sabino (letters). This 5-issue mini has the two stabby heroes with healing factors teaming up to keep a new mutant from being captured by bad guys. Sure, it's a story that's already been told many times but Declan does a good job of keeping the fun factor up so I will keep reading.

 Batman: The Drowned #1 - Dan Abnett (writer) Philip Tan & Tyler Kirkman (art) Dean White & Arif Prianto (colours) Tom Napolitano (letters). There's a gender swap in this Dark Nights Metal tie-in where a woman named Bryce Wayne transforms herself into an evil version of Aquaman's wife Mera. That was unexpected. I like how this issue clarifies why the bad Batpersons are doing what they're doing. It's a basic motivation and not anything new so there's still a chance that I might stop caring about this story and stop reading.

 Kid Lobotomy #1 - Peter Milligan (writer) Tess Fowler (art) Lee Loughridge (colours) Aditya Bidikar (letters). If I had looked at the credits before picking this book off the racks to read I should have expected the extreme weirdness in this comic book written by Peter Milligan. I remember his stint on Shade the Changing Man and what a psychedelic ride that was. This book is loopy too and it was the art that helped me power through to the last page. If you enjoy exploring odd mindscapes you'll like this.

 Thor #700 - Jason Aaron (writer) Walt Simonson & Matthew Wilson, Russell Dauterman & Matthew Wilson, Daniel Acuna, James Harren & Dave Stewart, Becky Cloonan & Dave Stewart, Das Pastoras, Chris Burnham & Ive Svorcina, Andrew MacLean & Dave Stewart, Jill Thompson, Mike del Mundo, and Olivier Coipel & Dave Stewart (art) VC's Joe Sabino (letters). This 50-page epic features Part 1 of "The Death of Thor", but which Thor? There's a lot of them. If you've never read a Thor comic book this is a great place to start. You can tell that Jason Aaron is having so much fun writing these adventures and I am one very appreciative fan. Buy this book.

 Aquaman #29 - Dan Abnett (writer) Stjepan Sejic (art & colours) Steve Wands (letters). Okay, things are starting to go the good guys' way. Evil King Rath is going to get what fer.

 Maestros #1 - Steve Skroce (writer & art) Dave Stewart (colours) Fonografiks (letters). Yay, Steve Skroce is back on the racks and this time he's writing his own book. I loved "We Stand On Guard" and was hoping we'd see Steve's art again soon. This fantasy book is about a young wizard who inherits the title of big kahuna wizard after his Dad is killed. I thought that Geof Darrow did the art for this after turning the first page, but nope, it's Steve just painstakingly drawing up a storm. This new comic book gets added to my "must read" list.

 Champions #13 - Mark Waid (writer) Humberto Ramos (pencils) Victor Olazaba (inks) Edgar Delgado (colours) VC's Clayton Cowles (letters). Part 2 of "Worlds Collide" has the Champions teaming up with the Avengers to stop the High Evolutionary from destroying the planet. Four groups scatter around the world to save lives but even though they keep the world's tallest buildings from disaster there's still plenty of danger ahead. The story continues in Avengers #673 which hits the racks on November 1.

 Batman #33 - Tom King (writer) Joelle Jones (art) Jordie Bellaire (colours) Clayton Cowles (letters). You gotta read this. Do you guys have a good chuckle when you get to the last page of a really good comic book because you feel happily amused and think, man I can't wait to read the rest of this story? I do. Few writers can make me do that and Tom King just got added to the list of writers that do. Some fans might not like what's going on with Batman's love life but I think it's great. Part 1 of "Rules of Engagement" has the Bat visiting an old flame and boy, is he going to get burned. Joelle "Lady Killer" Jones did a wonderful job showing the men folk back at the mansion and made my heart swoon with her rendition of Selina. I wish the word balloon person hadn't screwed up on the last page, otherwise this issue was a perfect read.

 Sherlock Frankenstein and the Legion of Evil #1 - Jeff Lemire (writer) David Rubin (art, colours & letters). This spin-ff of Black Hammer is worth checking out if you like that mystery about a team of old super heroes. This story focuses on their super villain enemies and follows Black Hammer's daughter as she goes searching for her father. Jeff Lemire is every bit as clever as Alan Moore at creating neat super characters when Alan was doing America's Best Comics.

 Ms. Marvel #23 - G. Willow Wilson (writer) Diego Olortegui (art) Ian Herring (colours) VC's Joe Caramagna (letters). Remember the time when Kamala went to Karachi and had a team up with a hero there? Guess who's in Jersey City and attending her high school now? I'm glad Willow did the conversion to metric on the runaway train's speed. I didn't have a sense of what 25 miles per hour feels like. 40 kilometres per hour I get. This was a great way to have the two heroes commiserate while the train rolls along.

 Wonder Woman #32 - James Robinson (writer) Sergio Davila (pencils) Scott Hanna & Mark Morales (inks) Romulo Fajardo Jr. (colours) Saida Temofonte (letters). I found the writing in this issue was as stilted as a bad soap opera script. I don't like how the relationship between Wonder Woman and Steve Trevor is portrayed. I hate that he calls her "angel". I will read the next issue to find out more about Diana's "brother" Jason and to see Emanuela Lupacchino drawing her first issue of this series.

 Groo: Play of the Gods #4 - Sergio Aragones & Mark Evanier (writers) Sergio Aragones (art) John Ercek & Tom Luth (colours) Stan Sakai (letters). And so another great Groo mini ends. This time the last laugh was on the gods.

 Superman #33 - Peter J. Tomasi & Patrick Gleason (writer) Doug Mahnke (pencils) Jaime Mendoza (inks) Wil Quintana (colours) Rob Leigh (letters). "Imperius Lex" starts here. With baby Darkseid missing, Apokalips needs a new ruler and it has chosen Lex Luthor. But Lex is a good guy now, right? Maybe he'll find a way to change the Parademons into minions. I like that Lois and Jon are in this story too.

 Incredible Hulk #709 - Greg Pak (writer) Greg Land (pencils) Jay Leisten (inks) Frank D'Armata (colours) VC's Cory Petit (letters). "Return To Planet Hulk" starts here. Not to worry, they haven't resurrected Bruce Banner (yet). This time it's Amadeus "The Totally Awesome Hulk" Cho crash landing on the planet. There's no holding back when the kid unleashes the junk in the trunk as he battles a tribe of bad guys. All hail the Green Scar. This is a refreshing change of pace.

 Super Sons #9 - Peter J. Tomasi (writer) Jorge Jimenez & Carmine Di Giandomenico (art) Alejandro Sanchez & Ivan Plascencia (colours) Rob Leigh (letters). "Planet of the Capes" ends here. I much preferred the art of Jorge Jimenez over that of Carmine Di Giandomenico. Carmine's kids don't look like kids.

 Wonder Woman Conan #2 - Gail Simone (writer) Aaron Lopresti (pencils) Matt Ryan (inks) Wendy Broome (colours) Saida Temofonte (letters). There's a #MeToo moment in this issue that I found was unnecessary that made me feel disappointed because this is written by a woman. The crew threatening Diana that way wasn't needed for Conan to be any more protective than he already was. I wondered if it was put in just to titillate male readers or to point out that most men are scum. I did like how the crow girls dealt with the wine besotted pervert in the stands though.

 Invincible Iron Man #593 - Brian Michael Bendis (writer) Stefano Caselli & Alex Maleev (art) Marte Gracia &  Alex Maleev (colours) VC's Clayton Cowles (letters). "The Search for Tony Stark" starts here. Get everything you need to know to start reading this series. It's the rebirth of one of Marvel's iconic super heroes so join us long time shellhead fans and buckle up for a wild ride.

[shellheadrpg]

(+more)

[lady-pei]

interim (chapter: 1 of 2)

Here we are, just 1 day left until AA S4! I received this ask the day of the season 3 finale and have been working on it ever since. So, if you’re still around nonny, thank you so much for being patient with me. I hope this was worth the wait. (Read on AO3)

Sometimes, after particularly rough battles, Steve likes to remember how easily he used to bruise as a child. It didn’t take much back then—even a short-lived game of hide-and-seek would result in a cut or a scrape here and there.

My baby, his Ma had said once as she pressed a bag of frozen peas to his freshly purpled kneecap. She was smiling, though her forehead was puckered with concern. Be more careful, I only have one son you know.

Bucky an’ I were just playing, Steve had said, and whimpered as his Ma tried to straighten his leg. Mama, it hurts.

I know darling, she had said, and briefly lifted the peas away to press her lips to his skin. It’s okay. Sometimes, it’s gotta hurt before it gets better.

Without Tony, the days at the new Avengers base pass slowly.

There are, of course, bright spots. Attilan’s reconstruction is a healthy two weeks ahead of schedule, thanks to the combined efforts of Inhumans and Avengers alike. Sam, Scott, and T’Challa have worked together to rebuild and modify Tony’s old Ultron detector, and each clean scan is a small but lovely blessing. Most importantly, thanks to Sam’s tireless efforts, Tony gains more and more presence in the Avengers base each day, having wrested basic remote access of all the facility’s tech in the span of a single week.

Still, most days, Steve feels Tony’s absence like a raw and gaping wound. The interdimensional connection is limited at best, nonexistent at worst, and Tony’s voice is often drowned under heavy static. Even if they could find a way to stabilize the connection, most of what Steve wants to say is too vulnerable and intimate to broadcast over the facility’s main intercom.

Instead, Steve does what he does best: he moves on. At the very least, he tries to; he eats, he trains, he leads the team. The other Avengers pass him like ghosts, simultaneously tethered and alienated by the collective heaviness of losing a teammate. On good nights, when he manages to sleep, Steve is careful to stay on one side of the bed, as if leaving a space for where Tony’s body would have been. On even better nights, those few and far in between, he dreams in violet—of a quicksilver grin, an extended hand, and a shining figure soaring through the sky.

“You there, Cap?” Natasha asks one morning as she digs through the fridge for protein shake. Steve starts, dropping his haphazardly assembled sesame bagel. It lands back on his plate with a smack and leaves a smear of almond butter on the ceramic edge.

“Sorry, what’s that?” he says, and their eyes connect over the top of the fridge door. Steve wonders what Natasha sees—if perhaps she can tell that he didn’t get a wink of sleep last night, or that he had eventually locked himself in the training room and punched robots until his knuckles had bled and the sun had crawled up into the sky.  

“Just wondering how you’re doing,” she answers, and closes the fridge door. She comes around the breakfast bar, her shake tucked in the crook of her elbow—coconut vanilla, Tony’s least favorite—and lays a hand gently on Steve’s wrist.

The rips on his knuckles had healed a mere 15 minutes after he’d walked out of the gym that morning, but Natasha’s touch makes him flinch regardless.

“I miss him too,” she says quietly, her gaze solid and steady, and as the first aborted sound claws its way out of Steve’s throat, she sets her breakfast aside and graciously presses her face against Steve’s shoulder so he can cry without her seeing.

One evening, about three weeks into Tony’s interdimensional quarantine, Sam hands Steve a silver earpiece.

“Is something wrong with my comm?” Steve asks, puzzled, and fishes the Avengers comm out of his ear. “It was still working earlier today.”

“Don’t worry Cap, it’s not that,” Sam says, and places the new earpiece in Steve’s palm. “This one’s just for you. A private channel. From Tony.”

At once, the tiny piece of plastic in his hand becomes infinitely precious. Steve closes his fingers around the earpiece automatically. “He made this?” he chokes out.

“Technically, I made it,” Sam says. His smile is equally bright and weary. “Tony just gave me the instructions.”

This isn’t goodbye forever, Steve remembers Tony saying as they stood reaching for each other across an invisible barrier. I’ll be back.

Even trapped dimensions away from home, Tony always found a way back to him.

“Of course, there are still bugs to work out,” Sam blurts, as if unnerved by Steve’s lack of response. He scrubs a hand over his face. “Theoretically, it should work better than the main comm, but Tony said himself that he’s not sure—”

“Thank you,” Steve says, and Sam’s jaw clicks shut. “Really Sam. I’m…”

He shakes his head. Lifts a hand and places it on Sam’s shoulder. Squeezes. “Thank you,” he says again. “I mean it. You’ve really outdone yourself this time.”

Sam glows.

Steve stumbles to his room, clutching the earpiece to his chest.

Like the other Avengers, Steve hadn’t found the energy or heart to decorate his space since moving in, so his room contains only the bare SHIELD essentials: a twin bed, a desk, a set of drawers, a single lamp.

The only thing Steve owns here is his sketchbook. He’s barely a few pages deep, having lost his original one to Ultron after he destroyed Avengers Tower. There were many other things Steve lost that day, but none of them seem to matter as much as his artwork; if he closes his eyes, he can still see his paintings hanging on the wall, a procession of figures in motion—Natasha, with her brilliant red hair swelling behind her. Clint and Hulk, smiling widely and knocking elbows. Sam in midflight, his glassy wings outstretched. Thor, with Mjolnir at his fingertips, swathed in electric blue. Tony in his lab, gesturing wildly at JARVIS. Tony in the armor, his face hidden behind red and gold plating. Tony smiling as he sleeps, the arc reactor glowing like a star from the center of his chest.

Steve’s lost a lot in his life, but that doesn’t mean it gets any easier.

But Tony’s not lost, a small voice says from the corner of Steve’s mind, and he curls around that voice like it’s a flickering ember. He’s just stuck. And when something is stuck, you find a way to unstick it.

Moving his sketchbook to the floor, Steve sinks onto the bed, turning the new comm between his fingers. There’s a dial on the side with three pictorial settings: a moon, a sun, and a shaded oval. A small bulb, barely the size of a pinprick, protrudes from the center of the dial, dark and dormant. Steve makes a mental note to thank Sam again for his craftsmanship. Even with Tony’s verbal instruction, making something this small and intricate must have taken a lot of skill and a lot of time.

Heaving a shuddering breath, Steve moves the dial from the moon to the sun. The bulb on the side winks to life with a bright green glow. Shaking, he tucks the comm into his ear, and is unsurprised to find that it fits snug and perfect, as if it was made to be there.

“Tony?” he whispers.

White noise. Steve strains to catch any other semblance of sound—a voice, a hum, even a breath—but there’s nothing.

Steve sighs. Sam had said that there were still bugs to work out.

It’s all right, he thinks. He can wait. He once waited 70 years for the right person. He can wait again.

With the comm still nestled in his ear, Steve reclines on the bed and picks his sketchbook off the floor. Flips open to a fresh page and begins outlining the curve of Tony’s wrist.

He waits.

“Tony.”

“Hrm.”

“Tony, the movie’s over.”

Steve feels his sternum vibrate as Tony hums sleepily into his chest. They’ve sunk so far into the couch that Steve wonders if they’ve made a permanent groove. On screen, the credits for “The Graduate” roll lazily from bottom to top, the soft, melancholic voices of Simon and Garfunkel playing in tandem.

Tony had fallen asleep halfway through the movie, curled up with one hand tucked under Steve’s shirt, fingers splayed against his chest. He’s warm and pliant all over, and Steve can feel the cool press of Tony’s wedding ring against his left pec. It had been a relatively peaceful week, so they had taken to wearing their rings as a quiet indulgence around the Tower.

As gently as he can manage, Steve fits a hand over Tony’s cheek and tips forward so Tony’s head slides off his chest and onto his palm.

“You’ll get a crick in your neck if we stay here,” he murmurs, and sneaks a butterfly kiss on Tony’s sleep-soft mouth. “C’mon Shellhead, let’s go to bed.”

“Don’t wanna move,” Tony grumbles on an exhale, though he nuzzles further into Steve’s palm, and Steve feels his heart grow three sizes.

Years ago, before the ice, and even after, he would have never guessed that love could be like this—as quiet as it is overwhelming, understated and inexorable in equal parts, like feeling the sun warm the earth after rain, or falling asleep under a sky full of stars.

Heaving a sigh, Steve forces himself off the couch, gathering Tony in his arms as he goes. Tony flails, his eyes snapping open as they flick to Steve’s face in surprise. For a moment, it seems as though he might protest, but then Tony just loops an arm around Steve’s neck and tucks a kiss under his jaw.

“Gonna carry me over the threshold, Cap?” he asks, smiling, and Steve loves him so much he feels himself trembling with it.

“You got to do it the first time,” he says instead, and brings them both back to bed.

Steve’s in the process of drawing Tony’s nose when he hears it.

There’s a faint clicking noise coming from the comm in Steve’s ear, as if someone were trying to light an old gas stove. Steve drops his sketchbook to the side and sits up on his knees, one hand cupped around his ear.

“Tony?” he calls, his chest tight. The clicking continues. “Tony?” he repeats, louder this time. “Iron Man, come in, do you copy?”

The clicking morphs into a steadier crackle, then a low hum, and—

“Cap? You there? Can you hear me?”

Tony.

“Tony,” Steve says in a rush, and his heart is pounding so hard he can feel it in his ears. “Tony, yes, I can hear you, it’s me, it’s me—”

“Fucking finally,” Tony says, and god, Steve wants to cry. “I saw the moment you turned your comm on, but the signal was so faint I couldn’t hear anything.” There’s a series of clicks and beeps, like Tony’s rearranging something on an interface. “I’m thinking the device just needed time to warm up, but it really shouldn’t have taken so many tries to zero in on your frequency—have I mentioned how much I hate magic?”

“Once or twice,” Steve chokes out, and it should be ridiculous how overwhelmed he suddenly feels; it’s not like this is the first time he’s heard Tony’s voice since he was trapped in Strange’s pocket dimension, and yet—

“God, I miss you,” he settles on at last, because it’s true and because the thought hasn’t left him alone since they left Tony behind.

Tony chuckles, the sound short-lived and fragile. “I’m…” he starts, and Steve hears him swallow. Can almost imagine him scrubbing a hand over his face. “Steve. Not a day goes by here where I don’t think about you.”

And I you, Steve thinks, but the words catch in his throat. “Tell me you’re okay,” he says instead, because that’s more important, that’s all that matters. “Tell me that there’s something I can do.”

Tony pauses, long enough that Steve begins to worry that the connection has broken again. “I don’t know how long I’ve been here,” he says quietly, “and part of me is afraid to find out. Time passes so differently. Like I’m in a dream without a beginning or an end.” He sighs. “I’ve been taking apart the suit. It’s grounding in a way, you know? Gives me a sense that there’s something to look forward to.”

“And Ultron?” Steve asks, because he hasn’t had a dreamless sleep in weeks, because too often he lies in bed haunted by images of Ultron growing like a cancer in the pit of Tony’s chest—

A body even more indestructible than vibranium, Ultron had said, his metallic voice saturated in malice. Because you will never destroy it.

“Deactivated, as far as I can tell,” Tony says, and Steve presses a hand into his eyes until he sees bright spots. “Whatever Strange did, it’s still working. Ultron’s in statis and stuck here with me for the time being.” He huffs a laugh. “At least we know for sure he isn’t terrorizing anyone on Earth. Maybe it’s better this way.”

“Don’t say that,” Steve snaps, and cringes at the way the words come out of his mouth. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean—I’m just—” He’s suddenly exhausted, as if all his sleepless nights have finally caught up to him.

“Hey,” Tony says, and his voice is gentle and coaxing in a way that’s almost foreign. “You okay Cap?”

Steve swallows, shakes his head even though he knows Tony can’t see. “It’s not the same here without you,” he admits, and hates himself a little for it. Tony shouldn’t have to worry just because Steve is having trouble adjusting to his absence. “Never mind. It’s been a long day.”

“I can guess,” Tony says, and the words are bittersweet. “You should go to bed, Cap. A little birdy told me that you haven’t been sleeping very well.” A pause. “A little spider too.”

But I’m not ready to say goodbye, Steve thinks. They’d only just started talking. There was still so much he wanted to say.

Instead, he hears himself laugh, weak and forced. “I’m gonna have to tell them to mind their own business,” he says. Please don’t leave.

“Hey, someone’s gotta look out for you while I’m not there,” Tony says, and Steve aches. As much as he doesn’t want to hang up, he is tired. He wonders if it’s psychosomatic, if his body recognizes the closeness of Tony’s voice and has relaxed because of it. He’s right here, his mind supplies. It’s okay. You can rest now.

Mindful of the comm in his ear, Steve strips down to his boxers and crawls under the covers, flicking the bedside lamp off as he goes. He curls on his side. “Tomorrow,” he promises. “We’ll talk again tomorrow. I just need a few hours of sleep.”

Tony hums, the sound a low rumble in Steve’s ear. “Goodnight Steve,” he says softly, and when Steve closes his eyes, he can almost pretend that Tony’s lying right beside him, warm and solid and thrumming with life.

“We’ll bring you home Tony, I swear it,” he says urgently, because he has no choice but to believe it. “Just hang in there. I’m not leaving you behind.”

Tony doesn’t answer for a long time, though there’s a heaviness to the silence that makes Steve wonder if he’s missing out on something. Just as he’s about to ask, Tony voice cuts back in, low and hoarse.

“Steve…you know I love you, right? So much.”

Steve throat constricts. He is suddenly reminded of their wedding night, of Tony’s hand gripping his and the words they pressed into each other’s skin: I do, I do, I do.

“I love you too,” he says, and then the silence deepens as Tony goes offline on his end. Steve pulls the comm out of his ear and thumbs over the bulb of green light in the center, still shining.

Soon, he thinks, and fits the comm back in. He sleeps.

[aion-rsa]

The Marvel Movies Debrief: Iron Man 2 Recap, Legacy, and MCU Connections

https://ift.tt/2VLixBE

Jon Favreau and Robert Downey Jr. suffer from "difficult second album" syndrome in the plot-heavy third MCU installment.

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Richard Jordan

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Mar 7, 2019

Iron Man

Iron Man 2

This article comes from Den of Geek UK. It contains spoilers for Iron Man 2 and the wider MCU. 

After Iron Man’s decent word-of-mouth and box-office success (it earned a respectable $585 million worldwide), the fledgling Marvel Cinematic Universe seemed to be off to a solid start – and a sequel was pretty much inevitable. Keen to capitalize on ol’ shellhead’s newfound popularity, the studio fast-tracked Iron Man 2 as the MCU’s third chapter.

With Marvel hoping to replicate what made the first movie such a winner, director Jon Favreau and star Robert Downey Jr. were quickly tempted back for a second outing. Everyone else duly followed. Well, everyone apart from Terrence Howard, who was swiftly replaced by Don Cheadle amid varying reports of on-set disagreements, contract squabbles, and salary disputes. 

Adhering to the well-trodden “bigger is better” sequel formula, Favreau and company expanded the cast to include some fresh faces and seed some future MCU regulars. Mickey Rourke and Sam Rockwell were drafted in as villains Whiplash and Justin Hammer respectively, while Scarlett Johansson was hired as Avenger-in-waiting Black Widow and Samuel L. Jackson was given an expanded role – and a nine-picture deal – as SHIELD director Nick Fury. Even rockers AC/DC were tapped to supply a soundtrack of banging back-catalog hits.

The stage was set for a sure-fire super-sequel. What could go wrong?

Well, as it turned out, Iron Man 2 was destined to become Tony Stark’s difficult second album. It outperformed the first film at the box office, sure, but despite all the upgraded bells and whistles, something just wasn’t quite right.

Iron Man 2’s biggest problem is that there’s just too much going on. Maybe it’s the film’s attempts to out-do its predecessor. Maybe it’s all the MCU world-building that’s shoehorned in. But the sheer number of story elements means that almost none of them are given the room they need to develop coherently.

So we have, in no particular order: Whiplash’s baddie-origin arc; the Stark/Hammer rivalry; Tony’s life-threatening palladium poisoning; the US Senate shenanigans; the introduction of Black Widow; Rhodey’s transition into War Machine; the momentum-sapping throwbacks to Tony’s dad, Howard; the Nick Fury-led Avengers set-up… That’s a lot of plot for one movie. And given the film’s scattershot approach, many of these threads frustratingly fall flat.

Chief among the casualties is the film’s big bad. An eccentric, edgy character actor at the height of his late noughties renaissance (having just picked up an Oscar nomination for his turn in The Wrestler), Rourke was an inspired choice to play Ivan Vanko. He’s the perfect foil for Downey Jr.’s Stark: the damaged side of the same coin; the bitter, vengeful have-not to Tony’s increasingly egotistical gluttony.

A vodka-swigging, down-and-out former Soviet physicist with a penchant for exotic birds, Whiplash is a quirky, menacing and, in Rourke’s hands, sympathetic nemesis. He’s not only Stark-level smart, he’s physically imposing to boot – tatted, muscular, and wielding a pair of fizzing energy whips. His first dust-up with Iron Man on a Monaco racetrack is one of the most memorable scenes of the Phase One films, if not the entire MCU (more on that below).

“You come from a family of thieves and butchers,” he tells Tony in a tense exchange afterward. “And now, like all guilty men, you try to rewrite your history and forget all the lives the Stark family destroyed…” Dark, eh?

It’s a promising start. And then, inexplicably, Vanko is unceremoniously sidelined to make room for the machinations of Rockwell’s preening industrialist (another underserved comic-book stalwart) and Stark’s drawn-out navel-gazing. He only properly comes back into play for the final battle, ensconced in a blandly designed metal suit and dispatched in a matter of minutes – a fate hardly worthy of the character or the actor who’s playing him. A potentially great villain is squandered.

The film’s not all bad, though. Downey Jr. is as charismatic as ever, while Johansson makes a great first impression as the duplicitous Natasha Romanoff (her acrobatic corridor takedown of Hammer’s henchmen is one of the film’s highlights).

Cheadle, meanwhile, quickly manages to banish the shadow of Howard (“Look it’s me, deal with it, let’s move on…” he quips as he makes his entrance), showcasing a much warmer, funnier, and more natural rapport with RDJ – especially during their entertainingly bizarre in-suit brawl, which plays out like a big-budget Bottom sketch.

Iron Man 2 is a fairly middling entry in the Marvel pantheon, then – a film that fudges some of its best ideas simply by trying to cram them all in. Crucially, Favreau's sequel lacks the simplicity and slickness of its predecessor. While there are several entertaining beats, the film is ultimately a bit of a slog.

Standout scene: The Iron Man vs. Whiplash Monaco battle. Rourke’s brazen, slow-motion entrance onto the racetrack, dodging crashing cars as his overalls burn away to reveal his crackling energy whips, is as menacing as it is effortlessly cool. It’s a smart move having Tony out of his super-suit for the majority of the fight, too, giving the scene a real sense of peril as Vanko lashes out ferociously (it’s a technique that would be revisited in Iron Man 3). It’s a real statement setpiece that shows so much promise for the villain, even as he’s dragged off, spitting blood and cackling maniacally (“You lose!”). Which is why his subsequent benching feels like such a wasted opportunity.

Best quip: “You guys look like two seals fighting over a grape.” Rhodey hilariously spoils the moment for Tony and Pepper (Gwyneth Paltrow) as they share their first kiss.

First appearances: Scarlett Johansson's Black Widow plays a small but key role here before her big breakout in The Avengers. Ditto Samuel L. Jackson’s Nick Fury, upgraded from end-credits cameo to give Iron Man a bit of hero-coaching. We also meet Tony’s dad, Howard, (played by Mad Men’s John Slattery) in the flesh for the first time thanks to some archival Stark Industries recordings, and the late Garry Shandling’s buffoonish (or is he?) Senator Stern, who we’ll be seeing more of in Phase Two...

So long, farewell: It’s hello/goodbye to Mickey Rourke’s Ivan Vanko, who blows himself up, Predator-style, during the film’s climax. And even though the fate of Sam Rockwell’s smarmy Justin Hammer is left open, he hasn't popped up in the MCU since. “I’m going to be seeing you again real soon,” he tells Pepper as he’s carted off by the authorities. Erm, no you aren't, mate.

It’s all connected: With Iron Man 2 more concerned with shared universe-building than Iron Man or The Incredible Hulk, there are more overt MCU links here...

• “Tony, my greatest creation is you...” John Slattery makes his biggest MCU appearance here as the older Howard Stark, albeit through “archive” footage. But as one of the key figures in the formation of SHIELD, his legacy is felt through the entire series. He cameos in both Ant-Man and Captain America: Civil War (as well as, reportedly, the upcoming Avengers: Endgame), while the young Howard – played by Dominic Cooper – appears in Captain America: The First Avenger and the Agent Carter TV series.

• When Stark is working on creating a new element to power his internal arc reactor, he props up his makeshift particle accelerator with a half-built version of Captain America’s shield, found among his dad’s old possessions.

• Senator Stern (Garry Shandling) mostly serves as a sort-of comedy punchbag for Stark in this film. However, his attempts to force Tony to turn over the Iron Man technology are later revealed to have a more sinister motive – in Captain America: The Winter Soldier, he’s exposed as a covert member of HYDRA.

• At the armed forces Senate hearing, Tony resolutely refuses to give up his Iron Man suit and fiercely defends his independence, describing the suit as a “high-tech prosthesis” and describing working with the government as tantamount to “servitude or prostitution.” The events of Age of Ultron clearly change his mind though – he’s the first Avenger to sign up to the Sokovia Accords in Captain America: Civil War…

• When Tony offers Pepper the job as CEO of Stark Industries, he tells her: “It’s you…It’s always been you.” It’s startlingly similar to the line in the Avengers: Endgame trailer, where a space-bound and down Stark records a message for his soulmate: “When I drift off, I will dream about you...It’s always been you.” *Sobs*

• Black Widow’s report on Stark’s readiness to join the Avengers initiative leads Fury to declare: “At this juncture, we’d only like to use you as a consultant.” Hence Stark’s mission to “annoy” General Ross into keeping Emil Blonsky, aka the Abomination, behind bars rather than release him to join the Avengers, as requested by the World Security Council (seen in the post-credits scene of The Incredible Hulk and the Marvel One-Shot, The Consultant). The nature of his involvement obviously changes by the time of Loki’s invasion in The Avengers.

Credit check: Agent Coulson (Clark Gregg) rocks up in New Mexico at what looks like a meteor crash site. “Sir, we’ve found it,” he reports over the phone, as we see people crowding around Mjölnir – aka Thor’s hammer. Cue the thunder...

Are you a fan of Iron Man 2, or does it miss the mark? Are there any other aspects of it that you like, don't like, or anything that we’ve missed? Let us know in the comments below.

from Books https://ift.tt/2J0Ve58

[theprocrastinatingalien]

10 MCU Characters That Could Lead Their Own Movie.

Since IRON MAN made it's debut in 2008, there have been 15 movies released for the Marvel Cinematic Universe, with more on the way... and a lot of characters and actors.

However, there's only been a handful of lead characters - Tony Stark (Iron Man), Edward Norton (Hulk), Chris Hemsworth (Thor), Chris Evans (Captain America), Chris Pratt (Star-Lord), Scott Lang (Ant-Man) and Benedict Cumberbatch (Doctor Strange)  - and we know that over the next three years, they'll be joined by Tom Holland (Spider-Man), Chadwick Boseman (Black Panther) and Brie Larson (Captain Marvel).

In each case, the actor and character have been introduced with the intention of them to lead.  Most of the lead from the get-go, whilst a few have been planted in other character's movies as a way of introduction (notably Spider-Man and Black Panther in CAPTAIN AMERICA: CIVIL WAR).

At no point has a character been introduced, purely as support, later to promoted to lead.  But with so many popular characters, and able actors, surely, as we head beyond Phase Three, we can consider some of them 'lead worthy'?

Here are, in my opinion, the 10 most likely characters/actors that could lead a future movie in the MCU.  So, in no particular order...

ROCKET RACCOON & GROOT

Okay, so, already I'm mixing it up by giving TWO names in one entry!  The reason for that is - I'm not sure which one would actually get the top billing?!  In the GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY films, Vin Diesel is credited before Bradley Cooper, so to that end, I guess Diesel and Groot would be seen as 'the lead'.  However, as we all know, Groot isn't the most chatty of characters with only 3 words in his vocabulary.  That suggests to me that if the two get their own story, it'll be Rocket and Bradley Cooper taking the lead.

Of course, this movie is one that might come to be made, I think even GOTG director James Gunn has said he'd like to do it, and with GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY VOL 3 set to be the last outing for this group, if we want for of the characters, their own film may be the only way to go!

PEGGY CARTER

Hayley Atwell was, in my book, one of the highlights of CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE FIRST AVENGER, and the MCU have found ways of bringing the character back a few times since - an aged appearance in THE WINTER SOLDIER, a dream sequence in AGE OF ULTRON, a flashback in ANT-MAN, and - most importantly - two seasons of her very own AGENT CARTER (not to mention a short, and a few appearances in AGENTS OF SHIELD).

Her series may have come to an early end, but there's still plenty of adventures for Steve Rogers' first true love.  I predict we'll be getting quite a few female-lead superhero films over the next few years, and whilst not 'super' Peggy Carter works in that world, over many decades! 

HOPE VAN DYNE / WASP

We've only actually met Evangeline Lilly once so far, in ANT-MAN, but we know we have more of her coming.  in ANT-MAN AND THE WASP, she'll become the first MCU female character to appear in the title, and then she'll get to hang with the Avengers in the untitled INFINITY WAR sequel.

Now, it's possible the character will only ever play second fiddle to Paul Rudd's Ant-Man, but considering the fact Wasp was a character that Joss Whedon was desperate to include in THE AVENGERS, and it's possible - of the character proves popular - Marvel may wish to give her a solo film.  As I say, I predict a few female-lead films on the way, and I wouldn't be surprise if Lilly finds herself one of the serious contenders.

JAMES RHODES / WAR MACHINE

Okay, I'll mark this as one of the most unlikely on my list, but that doesn't mean it won't happen.  Of course, the character was introduced in the first film in the franchise, with Don Cheadle taking over from Terrence Howard in IRON MAN 2.  He's since appeared in IRON MAN 3, AGE OF ULTRON and had a nasty, potentially life-changing, accident in CIVIL WAR. 

It's expected that Robert Downey Jr's tenure as Iron Man will come to an end soon, so it's possible bosses will keep Cheadle on to keep that 'shellhead' vibe going.  But will Rhodes offer anything new?  Well, War Machine does have his own comic line, and Cheadle is popular enough.

I'm including him, but honestly feel, if Rhodes makes it past Phase 3, it might only be  as a support.

DR. HANK PYM / ANT-MAN

Well, why not?  Pym was the original Ant-Man, and we've already been introduced to him, as played by Michael Douglas in ANT-MAN.  He obviously had a lot of adventures long before this new wave of heroes showed up (well, not before Cap, but still) and I think there's an audience for him, and Janet Van Dyne (the original Wasp).

Whether it'd be Douglas continuing on in the role - maybe with that fancy de-aging cg effect - or with a younger actor, it could work with a mix of the two - Douglas could book-end the film if not appearing throughout.

I actually think this is a strong option, depending on how much we get to see in ANT-MAN & THE WASP due out next year. 

JANE FOSTER / THOR

Okay, I'm just going to throw it out there... Hemsworth's time as the God of Thunder is due to expire soon.  He's a possible casualty of the INFINITY WAR, and if that is the way the movies go, the MCU might call forth a female THOR - just like in the comics!

Jane Foster was revealed as being the new Thor, and that's an interesting route to go down... especially as we know Natalie Portman won't be playing the character in RAGNAROK later this year.  That's possibly due to her tantrum at Patty Jenkins leaving THE DARK WORLD (before going on to direct WONDER WOMAN for DC), or maybe they're saving her for bigger things?  Portman is a popular actor, and capable of leading a superflick. 

This might be something to look out for!

NICK FURY (and SHIELD)

Samuel L Jackson's appearance in the post credits scene that the end of IRON MAN, is what excited the world for the promise of THE AVENGERS.  He's appeared in a lot of films since, although those appearances have grown fewer and far between as he closes in on the end of his contract.

It's thought that he has only two films left on his contract.  He's going to be in at least INFINITY WAR, possible the next AVENGERS film too, but he also hinted that he might be popping up in CAPTAIN MARVEL, so who knows when we'll be seeing him... but there's been rumblings of  Nick Fury for a few years now.

Fury was the Director of SHIELD until it imploded with Hydra-ness in THE WINTER SOLDIER.  Since then SHIELD went underground, lead by Phil Coulson - as chronicled in AGENTS OF SHIELD) but it would make sense for Fury to take back leadership for a big screen outing.  It would also be a good way of utilising Cobie Smulders in a supporting role as Maria Hill, and (fingers crossed) make use of our favourite characters from the series (such as Daisy Johnson, Fitz and Simmons). 

Or maybe we'll get to see a younger version of Fury at the start of his career?  I would definitely suggest they go with de-aging Jackson with CG for that, nobody can play Samuel L, like Samuel L!

Now, it might be too far down the line for this film to happen, but whilst Jackson's under contract there's still hope!

CLINT BARTON / HAWKEYE

Barton got a bit of a bum deal in THE AVENGERS, being all mind-possessed by Loki, but he was a highlight in AGE OF ULTRON, whilst getting some good blows in during CIVIL WAR.    There character's already retired once, but he's still at it.  There's nothing to say he'll survive INFINITY WAR, but if he does, maybe the guy deserves his own film?

Jeremy Renner would certainly like to do more, suggesting maybe Hawkeye could lead a Netflix series, but how about this - with the majority of the Avengers going their own way, or getting killed off over the next Avengers film (we assume) maybe Barton will end up being the boss of team, leading a new guard to save the world.

Just a suggestion, but realistically, I reckon Hawkeye will appear as a support for a different lead...

NATASHA ROMANOV / BLACK WIDOW

Scarlett Johansson is hot property.  Black Widow is really the leading lady of the MCU at the moment, and there's been chatter of her own solo film for a film.  Joss Whedon wanted to do one, and the Russo Brothers seem pretty keen too.    Of all the names on this list, I predicted this is one of the most likely - although not guaranteed.  As Johansson has said, she'll not want to fit into the tight costumes for ever, so Marvel are running out of time if they want to get the ball rolling. 

I think it will happen though, in either 2021 or 2022, and I wouldn't be surprised if we get some flashback action, with her going on some missions with best bud Hawkeye.

And finally... last but not least...

CAPTAIN AMERICA

And by that, I mean either James Barnes (Winter Soldier) or Sam Wilson (Falcon)!

Steve Rogers didn't die in CIVIL WAR like many thought.  That's just as well, we kinda already knew Evans was signed up to INFINITY WAR... but will he make it past 2019?  That's a big question with most of the original Avengers.  Chris Evans has made it known he intends on stepping away from acting (to behind the camera) once his Marvel contract expires - which it is due to very soon!  He has made comments that he'd ready to do more, but that could just be a smoke screen.

In the comics, Bucky Barnes takes over as Captain America, and we do know that Sebastian Stan signed a 9 picture deal (to which he's only used 3 currently, with one to three more coming up with INFINITY WAR, AVENGERS 4 and that persistent rumour he'll be in BLACK PANTHER too (which would make sense considering what happened in the mid credits scene in CW).  Rogers seems to have thrown away the shield, so it's possible this is where Barnes (and Stan) take over role).  Of course, there is a slight hiccup... having killed Stark's parents, he's unlikely to be a welcomed member of the team, I certainly doubt Tony Stark will allow it, so it might be a tough sell in terms of the MCU.

So what about skipping Barnes for Sam Wilson?  Anthony Mackie has proved to be a fun and energetic member of the MCU team, Falcon is certainly one of my favourites.  In the comics  Wilson has became a flying Captain America, under the watchful eye of an elderly Rogers.  This might be an interesting way to pass the torch from Evans to Mackie, and Wilson would be a more accepted member of the team - he's already been an Avenger!

Of course, I quite like the idea that - following the death of Rogers - Bucky and Falcon battle it out for the Shield, possibly both becoming Captain America, with only one victorious at the end.  They could even it up with Emily VanCamp appearing as Sharon Carter, in the race to become a female Cap.  I'd watch that!

So far, Stan as been credited about Mackie and VanCamp in each outing and unless the writers decide Wilson will be Cap from the start, I guess Stan will edge it.  Although, I'll admit it now - I want Mackie for Cap! I'm positive it'll be one of them though!

They're my choices for most likely leads from the supporting ranks.  Think I've missed someone obvious?  Let me know!

And remember to add my twitter - @procrastinalien - where I often run polls for fun!

[buckys-shield]

(credit) So I just hit 300 followers. Thank you so so much guys, I couldn’t be more happy! I love you with all of my heart and I hope that you had a morning as good as mine after I checked my follower count. I decided to celebrate this with a follow forever, thank you all for being here

mutuals are bolded, favs are italicized

a • b • c

@always-an-evans-addict • @ariallane • @avengerofyourheart • @avengersandchill • @beccaanne814-blog • @bovaria • @buckysberrie • @buckyywiththegoodhair • @callingmrsbarnes • @capsbuchanan • @captainpunk • @captcevans • @chris-evans-imagines • @crazychick010

d • e • f

@dailyteamcap • @emilyevanston • @formyfandoms • @fuckyeahtonystark • @fvckingavengers • @fvckingbuckyandsteve • @hello-shellhead • @hunters-from-stark-tower

g • h • i

@imagine-assembling-the-avengers • @imaginedaily • @ironstarkasm

j • k • l

@james-bionic-barnes • @jarnesbrnes • @jurassicbarnes • @just-call-me-mrs-captain • @juvenile-reactor 

m • n • o

@mangosoldier • @markruffalo • @marvel-ash • @marvelous-fvcks • @master-of-duct-tape • @mattymattymerduck • @mcuimxgine • @minervaem • @mrs-captain-evans • @omg-hawkeye

p • q • r

@pitubea1910 • @pleasecallmecaptain • @punkpeqqy • @radiotommo​ • @rogersthat-cap​ • @rogerthat-bucky • @romanovoff​

s • t • u

@sebbytrash • @sergeantbuchxnxn​ • @that-sokovian-bastard • @the-real-tony-stank • @themcuhasruinedme • @unclesteeb​

v • w • x • y • z

@violentlyfarts • @wakandasoldier • @whotheeffisbucky • @wintersoldierogers • @wintersoljerk • @writingbarnes​ • @writingfortheavengers​

(If we are mutuals and I didn’t tag you, write me a quick message. Tumblr was being annoying again.)

[shaded-sunlight]

If it helps Anon, this is what Toni generally looks like.

(credit to @hello-shellhead for their gorgeous portrait of Natasha Stark)

I wanna draw your female tony stark but I feel like I'd mess it up and I don't want to end up making her look different than what you envisioned when creating her

No Nonny!! Don’t worry about that! I am absolutely thrilled to get any kind of fanart and there’s no way you can mess anything up when you take the time and effort to make something like that.

Feel free to draw Toni and if it makes you feel any better you can always drop me a line about questions or concerns you might have and I’ll help as best I can!!!