We Can Always Use Another Supergirl

James Gunn has confirmed that Milly Alcock is the DCU's new Supergirl!

The Flash

I usually write my reviews in real time while I am watching my screeners. That way I can make nots as I go along and expand on  my ideas when I edit the final product. But this time for some reason I just watched the film straight through without even looking at my Blogger. I think it was because the film was such a perfect letter to superheroes and superhero adventures. It should be the model for the future. Based on the ideas in the FLASHPINT PARADOX, I was impressed by a time travel movie that pulls no punches but remains completely remains accessible to newbies.

The movie expertly told the time travel story that demonstrates what REALLY takes place when the hero tries to cure his guilt or pain by using time travel. We all know that when you do that you never fix your own past because that is impossible. You just create another world  that branches off from your original planet by creating an alternate one with a whole new history. That is the concept of the Multiverse. 

In this world Barry is a member of the Justice League (with Ben Affleck as Batman) who basically tells the Flash that while he is fast enough to travel through time that he must not try to save his murdered Mother because that one event could destroy more than it saves. However Barry doesn't believe this because he still hasn't learned the lesson about the dangers of time travel The movie moves in the direction where he inevitably realizes the truth and does it in such a perfectly written way. The film is all about his maturing and accepting his pain as a strength and not a weakness. It's also a thinking man's superhero movie and not the drivel by committee that BEAST WARS was last week.

From the trailer you learn that the Batman of this new world where Barry's Mom is alive has a Batman of it's own but this is the Michael Keaton version of the character and he is fantastic as an old Bruce Wayne who has retired from fighting crime and has to be convinced to rejoin the fight when General Zod arrives on the new Earth and finds that there is no Superman for him to fight. This world also doesn't have a Cyborg, Wonder Woman or Aquaman but does have it's own Barry who is days from achieving Flash powers for himself. 

The performance By Ezra Miller is spectacular as he plans Barry as a mature person and a young kid. You believe it's not the same actor but two very different people. All the actors from the new Supergirl are also terrific. I wish if superhero movies won awards that they would consider The Flash next awards season but that will never happen.

The story and the CGI are spectacular and for once the movie doesn't end is some lopsided battle between our heroes and thousands of creatures - only deady Kryptonians with the power of Superman The fiom is full of little Easter Eggs that reward those who know thei comic books and superhero movies. It would be a war crime for me to tell you what they are but they all gave me a big smile on my face.

This is one to see in the theatre before all it's gems are revealed to you and spoil the whole experience. I really liked it. Maybe the best movie I have seen this year. Don't miss this one.

The Future Of The DCU

Today James Gunn announced the first phase of the DCU. Some interesting projects here like THE AUTHORITY. I always enjoyed that comic book adaptation of the Justice League. Comparisons between the two groups are inevitable. I am disappointed not to see WW3 on the list. Gal Gadot is such a fabulous Wonder Woman, my favorite DCU character. I would be a loss to put her on the shelf in favor of that series on the Amazons of Themyscira, which could be very cool to see. I hope the story takes place with Gadot in the lead. Here are the rest of the future line-up.

DC movies

Superman: Legacy – written by Gunn, the film will hit theaters on July 11, 2025, and focus on Superman balancing his Kryptonian heritage with his human upbringing.

The Authority – WildStorm characters will join the DCU as members of The Authority take matters into their own hands to do what they believe is right.

The Brave and the Bold – the DCU will introduce its Batman and Robin in this unusual father-son story inspired by Grant Morrison's comic series.

Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow - this science fiction adventure, which will be based on Tom King's amazing, award-winning recent comics stories, presents a Supergirl viewers are not used to seeing.

Swamp Thing – the film will investigate the dark origins of Swamp Thing.

The Batman – Part II — the film will hit theaters on Oct. 3, 2025.

DC HBO TV series

Waller – starring Viola Davis, this series features Team Peacemaker and will be written by Christal Henry (Watchmen) and Jeremy Carver (Supernatural)

Booster Gold – Booster Gold uses basic technology from the future to pretend to be a superhero in present day

Lanterns – this enormous TV event series follows intergalactic cops John Stewart and Hal Jordan as they uncover a dark mystery

Paradise Lost – set in Themyscira, home of the Amazons and birthplace of Wonder Woman, this drama focuses on the genesis and political intrigue of an island of all women

Superman and Lois (Pilot)

I never miss these pilots episodes because I support any superhero show that I can. After awhile, unfortunately, the shows have all devolved into 1/4 super heroics and 3/4 bad junior high romances. Each season should have been half as long just like Stargirl was. 13 episodes leaves no room for filler and it was the filler that drove me away from the CW.

I did however always return for their yearly movies where several shows like Arrow and Flash and Heroes of Tomorrow and Supergirl got together to do a five night epic adventure.

So I enter this pilot of Superman and Lois with trepidation because I want to like it but I don't want it to turn into 'My Two Super Sons meets Riverdale.'

But the show surprised me by being a really solid Superman and Sons pilot. I kinda was hoping they would have a daughter but that I can forgive. One Super Son is a charming jock with a pretty girlfriend and the other is a sullen moody loner with night terrors and attachment issues. Any guess which one will go evil first when he learns he inherited super powers? Unless of course the daughter of Lana Lang, Sarah, who has lived in Smallville all her life and can be his kind girlfriend that brings him out of his shell and leads him down the path of good. I can see that teen romance coming from a mile away.

After the death of his Mother, Clark and Lois decide that a move back to Smallville will be the best thing for their family right now, especially after both are fired from the Daily Planet. These situations set a nice foundation for a series with a pretty high concept. The boys hate it of course for their own reasons.

Then a farm accident reveals everything. Then everyone's life gets more complicated and that makes for a solid beginning to a solid family drama...with SUPERMAN.

In fact the first episode gets right to the question as to if a SUPERMAN even deserves a 'normal' life. He is too important to the world for that and the guy telling him that is General Lane, Lois' own father so things are personal here. He thinks his daughter is selfish for doing what is best for HER and not the planet. Clark is clearly being pulled in two different directions and the conflict between family and hero is what makes this one interesting from the jump.

"You may have fallen in love with Clark Kent but you married Superman and Superman doesn't get to have a normal life." - General Lane

I know my Superman. More than any other character I have read mostly Superman comics. That choice is in many ways deliberate. Superman is the model of how to be a hero. He could have ruled the planet but instead he does everything he can do to save it. That's a direct quote from the Batman. 

You can imaging how many different incarnations of Clark's life that I have seen. For the first time in a long time I was surprised but in the best way. Superman is not such a super Dad. What a concept. None of his faulted powers gives him any defence against teenagers and their angst and their questions which they have more of everyday. I mean if they were smart kids they would realize that when their Dad takes off his glasses that he looks EXACTLY like Superman. I mean their Mother never figured it out but come on. TWO KIDS - not one brain between them.

Now if the kid has powers, the popular kid, can't he hear what is parents are whispering about him by now. Those sense come first before flight. Just saying.

There are many amazing moments but none cooler than the discover of a certain object in a certain farm cellar by the twins. NOW we got us a program. Then comes the BIG reveal we have seen a hundred times before. The story sounds stupid when told to two kids but to ME, it was MYTHIC.

The superhero effects are cutting edge as Clark meets a foe who might be his superior and has all the advantage against him just when the boys are enjoying their first teen party in Smallville.

THEN AT THE BEST TIME THE PILOT ENDS. NO NO NO NO NO.

Wow...just wow. I think I am in love with this show. I can't wait to see what happens next. 

Supergirl Cosplay By Florencia Sofen

 

Crisis On Infinite Earths - Part Three

Flash 9 continues the story of the Crisis as the heroes continue to collect more heroes to save the Multiverse. There are still a lot of moving pieces here. I like the little pieces of stunt casting from the original Birds of Prey from the 90s and Lucifer Morningstar. Yes, that devil. And Jon Cryer as Lex Luthor is a nice casting choice.


Earnest acting continues and more stupid decisions abound. Supergirl is especially annoying because she is always sad and not a good enough actress to do anything other than frown and furrow her brow. Every emotional moment is so overwrought that I can barely stand it at times. 


I had no idea I would have to wait a month to see the end of the Crisis. That is a whole pile of bullshit because I could have waiting a MONTH to watch the whole thing completed. Thanks for keeping that nugget to yourself CW. You always give me the screwgie somehow.


Oliver Queen as The Spectre? The Death of 90s Flash? Good stuff but a lot of moody acting. Half the time I thought I was reading an X-Man comic.

The premiere dates and times are out. The CW has confirmed the Crossover event will start with Supergirl on Sunday, Dec. 8 at 8/7c. 


It will continue on Batwoman on Monday, Dec. 9 and The Flash on Tuesday, Dec. 10. After the network's traditional winter break, during which no new episodes will air, the crossover will pick up again on Tuesday, Jan. 14 with a new episode of Arrow at 8/7c before concluding with DC's Legends of Tomorrow at 9/8c.



The superhero stuff here is solid despite my low tolerance for earnest young actors. There is lots to admire here and all the shootouts to DC characters on TV is a sweet addition. I loved the 90s Flash show and this character 'moment' felt earned and a gift to fans like myself.

Crisis On Infinite Earths Part One And Two

My biggest problem with the whole CW Universe is all the earnest of the acting and the Jr High romances. But these ARE live action comic books I am talking about here. If I want complex I will go to Watchmen. If I want big budget television superheroes I can always count on the CW to find a mix between cool and camp and cringe. In fact the opening scene from part one (Supergirl 9) will either make you barf or give you goosebumps. It's pretty awesome to me because they are at least trying to tell a larger story. The music is bold, the acting is overwrought but the costumes are colorful. It's all that I love about comic books. Everyone is gloomy and sad because everyone is going to die. Nothing is subtle about Crisis on Infinite Earths nor should it be.



Now I go into this confessing that I don't watch the regular series from which this story mines it's characters. I find there are too many episodes of drivel to get through to get to the good stuff. Luckily for me I get all the references because I have read all the comic books that the stories are based on. Smart for the creators for sticking close to the source material. If it's not broke, don't fix it. The spirit is here. It's goofy but it's here. I look forward to these annual crossover movies just for this style and spirit. Everyone knows it's a live action cartoon but they are playing it for all it's worth. If you like your superhero movies you could do worse than getting into these stand alone projects. That way you see the best the actors have to give without enduring a 22 episode season for years just for a few emotional payoffs and cool CGI moment. Crisis gives you all the best stuff only condensed. It's brilliant actually. The superhero edit I have been begging for. Like an annual where all the heroes show up to save not only their world but the entire multiverse of worlds. That is a huge undertaking by five shows in one connected universe on one television network. It's a bold idea and an even bolder commitment. But the CW has maintained quality and Crisis started out strong.

I am having fun figuring out who will die because a bunch of characters have to die to keep up this level of angst. Yup, there goes the first great death of the Crisis. Not bad. I believed the tears of the survivors. Good point to leave things as we wait for tomorrow and the next chapter which is Batwoman 9 which includes one of the great pieces of stunt casting for this whole project.

Kevin Conroy is THE definitive voice of the animated Batman and has been so for decades so it's a nice nod to his role in Batman mythology. Here he plays the Kingdom Come Batman because of the exoskeleton he wears. When he talks I close my eyes and can hear that great tone. If you are observant you can see many other moments of stunt casting like Burt Ward , the 1966 Robin who gets to deliver a line before his world is destroyed - Earth 66 of course.

 

They even found a great way to re-unite the Smallville Superman and Lois that was sweet and cute and made me want to barf in the best way. Tom Welling has always been a good Superman and it was nice to see him get to do his part. Erica Durance played a great Lois. She was brave, resourceful, smart, difficult, demanding and beautiful. All the things I look for in my Lois Lanes.

 

 

Even Brendan Roth chips in by playing two parts. The Superman role from the movies and Ray Palmer, the Atom on Heroes of Tomorrow.

 

I do hate all the pep talks but each episode is full of them. That is the cringe worthy part. Way too earnest and gloomy.

 

If you are new to this Universe I am sure there a primers on You Tube. It might help you to use one to prepare you with some back story. But you don't need it.

 

And do I see John Constantine?

Okay, maybe he requires some explanation.

He's the Doctor Strange of the DC Universe.

 

 

What's With The Grumpy Supergirl

 

 

Help me out here. In a world of entertainment choices I dumped all of the WB shows involving superheroes. In a perfect world I would love them but with all the garbage JR High romance they shove into half the episodes it gets pretty dull and quickly repetitive. Supergirl was really touch to watch with no likeable characters and a female lead who giggled and was naieve and bubbly and that works for five episodes then you get your shit together. Stop it with the cutesy flirting. YOU ARE DAUGHTER OF KRYPTON and you have responsibilities to your adopted world.

So I hated it and never watched after that.

But has her charcter changed and is that reflective in the new suit or is she just pissed off generally about still playing Supergirl and has lost her mind on set. Either explanation works for me.

 

Introducing Supergirl

I love the animation style. So frenetic and they cram a ton of story into only a few minutes of cartoon. Lauren Faust took over the cartoon division and injected new energy into a solid franchise. There needs to be more female superheroes in this world, not less and Marvel should do a young version of their female heroes in much the same way.

Take Some Advice Warner Brothers

Is Black Panther‘s Michael B. Jordan the man to replace Henry Cavill as the next Superman?

According to Deadline, it’s not as bizarre as it sounds, given Jordan is allegedly the early frontrunner to take point as the fresh-faced Man of Steel further down the road. And that’s just it.

Warner Bros. isn’t expected to launch a new standalone Superman movie for at least several years, what with the studio’s resources now being dedicated to the planned Supergirl origin story from 22 Jump Street scribe Oren Uziel. So even if Michael B. Jordan is in contention for the coveted gig as Deadline suggests, it’ll be some time yet before he makes the jump from Marvel to DC – long after Avengers 4 zooms into theaters and (potentially) heralds the return of Killmonger by means of time travel…

Telling the same Superman story with a bit of stunt casting is such a stupid idea with a thousand ways to go wrong. Here is my solution. Make a movie about a child who comes to Earth from another planet and is raised in the slums of Chicago where he was found by a young hard working black couple. Never mention the planet Krypton. Deal with how he lives in a world where he is also black and a superhero with Superman like powers. Just don't CALL him SUPERMAN or have him wear an emblem or a cape. Now that would be 100 times more interesting that a bit of stunt casting and saves you the racist social media piling on the closer this movie get to being made. Switch it up a bit and everyone can get what they want. And it would be cool if there is never a mention of the word 'Superman' in the script and even in the media you can make the mention of the name a 'thing' that one does not do on this project. People are ready for more black heroes and if we have to trick them a little to get them to accept the concept of a black man playing an iconic white superhero then this is the way to do it. If you need anymore help, you know how to contact me Warner Brothers.

https://wegotthiscovered.com/movies/warner-bros-michael-b-jordan-vacant-superman-role/?fbclid=IwAR1VgCirRwQvd8AMhgt3bVTgB0TF-V8lbzPY7SJRoSFxDXlyyDvixKOPlCE

Supergirl By Enji Cosplay

https://www.facebook.com/EnjiCosplay/

 

 

From The Archives Of Cool - Action Figures

 

I love action figures. I collect action figures. I can't think of a day when I don't come across some post that someone has done about these special kind of toys. I enjoy the variety of design styles a collector can come across and nothing smells better to me than a figure fresh out of the package.

 

 

We live in a golden age of action figures. Never have so many comic book, television, movie and literary figures found their way into plastic form - and never have the characters looks so much like the actors who played them. There are dozens of characters that come out monthly and while most can be found in the large stores like Target, Walmart or Toys R Us. That leaves room for some companies to produce high quality products just for the adult collector market.

 

 

The standard size for the ones I buy of Marvel and DC Superheroes used to only come in 6 inch sizes but recently, due to improvement in articulation and paint jobs, the 3 3/4 inch characters are more popular than ever, maybe almost as popular as the Star Wars and G.I Joe lines who have thrived for years at that smaller size.

 

 

Marvel's Secret Wars and DC's Super Powers lines were also part of the action figure boom of the 80s where many cartoons were produced for the express purpose of selling toy products at the toy stores (Transformers, Masters of the Universe)

 

 

 

 

 

I actually avoided buying any of the individual original Star Wars figures (despite what I know today about how valuable they can be) because the weren't large enough to interest me They came with a few accessories and their clothing was painted on. It's only been possible to created gorgeous paint jobs on these smaller figures for only a few years now.

 

 

 

I was raised on action dolls that you could dress up in various costumes and use realistic accessories to enhance the already high play value of these toys. The classic GI JOE dolls thus remain my all time favorite line.

 

 

 

 

Following closely are the Johnny West figures from MARX. They were 12 inches in height and built sturdy enough for a kid. They also came with over a dozen character specific accessories. I enjoyed the feel and smell of the PVC plastic that MARX used. Even their reproduction figures are beautiful and worth the investment. As you can see here, Johnny West was my first action figure. I was in love with the smell of the plastic.

 

 

 

 

Marx Toys made fantastic knight figures with accurate armor, choice of helmet and multiple weapons. An armoured Horse and Viking wear also available.

 

 

From the Collection Of Cool.

 

 

Like most toy lines from the 70s, the vehicles and accessories are fantastic and you would be surprised how costly it can be to find a figure mint in box from that time period. Slowly, I am trying to rebuild all the stuff that I lost when we moved back from Europe so I treasure those times when a favored old piece comes into my possession. Anyone who has read my blog knows that I have a deep love for this Oscar Goldman character from the Six Million Dollar Man line that was popular during the 1970s.

 

 

You can search PLAID STALLIONS for great pictures of all the toys lines that were available back when I was a kid. The Lone Ranger Rides Again line from Gabriel was especially well made.

 

 

 

In fact any of these figures from the 70s are high on my search list.

 

 

 

Adult Collectibles

 

 

I recently example of a set I wanted but was stopped from getting are these eight-inch Mego style dolls from the movie Django Unchained. Right before their released, they were pulled from shelves because many felt that dolls depicting slaves and slave owners was not something children should be exposed too. I hated that decision because the figures were created and priced in a way to satisfy adult collectors who were the true target for this product. Now the ones that did get out have become priced out of my league because of their scarcity. I hate when political correctness keeps me from enjoying my hobby to the fullest. I know I wasn't after these for the slaves. I just wanted a cool cowboy figure that actually looked like Jaime Fox did in the movie. I also knew the future value of such a set.

  

 

Many companies have reached into the past to created beautifully designed figures from popular TV shows and movies. I particularly love these from the Munsters. Iconic characters done right in plastic.

 

 

Mego made some of the greatest figures of all time. Mostly known for their superhero figures, I was always most impressed with their Star Trek line which in recently years has been re-issued for sale. This was a great way to allow collectors to replace the characters they may have lost since childhood.

 

 

Captain Action was an action figure created in 1966, equipped with a wardrobe of costumes allowing him to become Superman, Batman, Spider-Man, Captain America, Aquaman, the Phantom, The Lone Ranger (and Tonto), Flash Gordon, Buck Rogers, Sgt. Fury, Steve Canyon, and the Green Hornet. Captain Action was the Ideal Toy Company's answer to Hasbro's G.I. Joe — although the protagonist dolls of both toy lines were created and designed by the same toy-and-idea man, Stan Weston.

 

Season 1 By Ideal

 

 

 

 

 

Series 2 By Playing Mantis

 

 

 

 

Series 3

 

 

 

 

But my favorite character to collect in all her variety is Wonder Woman.

 

 

 

 

 

As much as I like the male superheroes, I LOVE the superhero girls. Wonder Woman, Batgirl and Supergirl are the characters that I collect multiple versions of. Plus any Barbie doll that is wearing a costume automatically becomes an action figures.

 



 

It also doesn't help my collecting budget that these fantastic Monster High figures have become available. I love the back story of each of these children of famous monsters and how that identity dictate how they dress. These are beautiful collectibles that display so well so I have no shame about having these beauties in my collection.