The “Martha” Ending in Batman v Superman

Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice divided fans on how the fight between the two titular heroes ended. Some feel it was a cheesy byproduct of lazy writing, while others believe it was the emotional crux of the film. 

It’s easy to understand why the ending was received poorly. The two most iconic superheroes bonding after learning that their mothers share the same name seems like something that would call for a cease-fire on the playground. Personally, however, it was brilliant in its simplicity not only because of the emotion it evoked but also because of what the moment represented.

The very real danger Batman perceived Superman to be was only equaled to his inner rage fueled by the death of his parents, Martha and Thomas Wayne. When Superman uttered “Save Martha” with what appeared to be his last dying breath, Batman took it as an insult from his beaten foe because he is so consumed by his childhood tragedy.

Once Lois Lane rushed in and told Batman who Martha is to Superman, Batman realized that this alien has a mother, which made Superman human in his eyes. Of course, both of their moms sharing the same name helped matters, however, Batman would have lowered his spear regardless of whose name he heard because he is a hero that saves people.

My Declaration for Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice

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Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice needs to be a great film, not a good film because good isn’t good enough. While this movie will establish the shared DC Films Universe, planting the seeds for future flicks with an Easter egg here and a cameo there is ancillary.

I want a movie that is worthy of the titular characters on the marquee while awakening my eight-year-old self. This film needs to finally settle every “who would win in a fight between Batman and Superman” argument I’ve ever had without dis-serving the iconic reputation of either hero. Continue reading “My Declaration for Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice”

Thoughts on the Final Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice Trailer

The final trailer Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice dropped yesterday, and it’s perfect in every way! Not only does it show that the marketing is now clearly on the fight we’re paying to see, it also primarily focuses on Batman. Sounds kind of unfair considering he shares the marquee with Superman. Nope, and I’ll tell you why.

We’ve already seen what Superman brings to the table as a character in Man of Steel. This trailer gave us our first real peak at what kind of Batman we can expect. He was the supreme fighting machine in every way imaginable, and it was awesome!

Batman blocking Superman’s punch is the money shot of the trailer. The look of disbelief on Henry Cavill’s face absolutely sells this moment to the highest magnitude. It tells us that %$#@ is about to go down and that March 25th can’t get here fast enough!

Click here for my special look at Frank Miller’s Batman: The Dark Knight Returns at Forces of Geek.com

Batman v Superman: Battles of the Past

Batman #612 | Creators: Jeph Loeb, Jim Lee, Alex Sinclair | 2003

DC Comics has treated fans to many fights between Batman and Superman over the years. Some have been great while others left a lot to be desired. Of course such an endeavor is easier said than done because there are so many creative masters to satisfy when having the two most iconic superheroes lock horns with one another.

During the critically acclaimed story arc Hush, where a villainous foe was sabotaging Batman from afar, Superman, under the control of Poison Ivy, was ordered to kill Batman. Superman’s tactics are predictable, which Batman uses to his advantage while respecting the fact that Clark could kill him with the flick of his finger.

Superman finds a way to pull his punches, which is a key component here, but they still pack quite the super-powered wallop. In the end, Batman realizes that even with all his know-how and Kryptonite, he is not going to win a fist fight. He pulls out some devious tactics that appeal to the one thing about Superman that will always reign true: His love for Lois Lane.

In the second BVS trailer, an angry Superman yells to Batman “Stay down. If I wanted it, you’d already be dead.” This implies that he is trying to prevent another Zod neck snapping scenario. Perhaps Superman’s unwillingness to kill is the opening Batman needs in order to win the fight? We will all find out the answer on March 25.

Click here to check out THE PATH TO JUSTICE in its entirety at Forces of Geek.com

Supergirl Takes Flight

 

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If you’ve watched any television program on CBS over the past several weeks, then you’ve seen the bombardment of advertisements for the newest show to enter the superhero fray.

Supergirl is here at last…officially. The fact that Supergirl was ordered to series before the pilot was even filmed tells you that CBS is banking on this property to become one of its flagship shows. Programming based on comic book entities is all the rage right now, so it’s a calculated risk.

In some ways, this is a chance for the network to succeed where DC Comics has failed with the character. The majority of Supergirl’s notoriety comes from the wide array of Halloween costumes you can buy in her likeness. Many of them are tailored toward promiscuous persuasion, therefore highlighting sexiness over heroism.

Arrow and The Flash executive producer Greg Berlanti, along with executive producer Ali Adler, look to do the character justice as this is the first female lead superhero of a comic book show, which is kind of amazing considering the slew of Marvel films that have been released.

CLICK HERE for the rest of my review of the Supergirl pilot at Forces of Geek.com

Krypto: SUPERman’s Best Friend

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There is a lot of news coming out about the upcoming Batman V Superman movie regarding various characters who may or may not be in the film. Wonder Woman is confirmed, Aquaman and Doomsday are heavily rumored, and even secondary Batman villain KGBeast might make an appearance. However, I couldn’t help but notice that a certain super-powered canine was missing from the rumor mill.  Continue reading “Krypto: SUPERman’s Best Friend”

Masters of the Universe is Kind of My Jam

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Christmas of 1984, times were tough for my family as we lived in a crammed one room apartment. I was only four years old, so I didn’t understand the gravity of the situation. I really had no concept of Christmas, so I was surprised when there were four wrapped presents waiting for me when I woke up that morning.

The first two were Superman and Batman action figures courtesy of Kenner’s Super Powers line. Presents three and four were He-Man and Skeletor of Mattel’s Masters of the Universe collection. To be more specific, it was the Battle Damage He-Man and Battle Damage Skeletor, not the regular figures. Continue reading “Masters of the Universe is Kind of My Jam”

First Photo’s of Melissa Benoist as Supergirl. (Yes, I’m Blogging about a Costume)

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I’ve received a lot of messages over the last six days with everyone asking me one very important question. What do I think of the new Supergirl costume? I found this kind of weird since its WrestleMania season, but hey, I’m game.

CBS has just begun production on a new Supergirl television show that is scheduled to air this Fall. Melissa Benoist of Glee and Whiplash fame has been cast in the titular role and the first photos of her costume has received enormous feedback.

Most people seem to like the outfit, but there are others who don’t like because it’s too dark. Seeing the first image of any actor in a superhero costume is a big deal because it’s our first glimpse into a new world.

Continue reading “First Photo’s of Melissa Benoist as Supergirl. (Yes, I’m Blogging about a Costume)”

Superman: Earth One, Volume 3 Review

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Superman: Earth One, Volume 3 | Writer: J. Michael Straczynski | Artist: Ardian Syaf | Inker: Sandra Hope | Colorist: Barbara Ciardo | Publisher: DC Comics | From my column at Forces Of Geek.com

Superman is more than a comic book character who saves the day by leaping into action in a single bound.

He is an ideal that we all strive for every single day. At least, that is what most people would have told you several years ago.

In 2015, the general consensus was that he’s too powerful, and therefore, he’s boring and unrelatable.

When you peel back all the layers of contempt that didn’t exist a generation ago, the answer is more intuitive than a super-powered skill set. The affluence of Superman’s deeds still causes us to look inward, but instead of finding inspiration, we see an underlying arrogance in the ease of his endeavors.

That is how much of an imprint The Man of Steel has on our culture: that we look beyond the obvious nature of truth and justice only to see a pronounced representation of what we can’t do. Continue reading “Superman: Earth One, Volume 3 Review”

Secret Six #1 Review

Secret Six #1 | Writer: Gail Simone | Artists: Ken Lashley, Drew Geraci | Colorist: Jason Wright | Publisher: DC Comics | Price: $2.99 | From my column at Forces of Geek.com

One of the disappointing causalities of DC Comics New 52 was the Secret Six series. Once again, the talented Gail Simone is at the helm of this clandestine awakening. Continue reading “Secret Six #1 Review”