Man, it feels like the DC Extended Universe just can’t win. For every success they gain, they take three losses. Black Adam was met with mixed reviews, but we got back Henry Cavil as Superman. Warner Brothers finally gained a new creative direction, with director James Gunn. But with the news of both Cavil and Dwayne Johnson not coming back to be a part of the first stage of WB’s new project slate, and with new rumors of more actors leaving, fans are wondering if certain projects are safe. While Gunn has confirmed that Margot Robbie, John Cena, and Jason Momoa are safe in their respective roles, fans continue to speculate just what is DC doing. Since WB Studios are basically rebooting the franchise, here’s a list of what I think Warner Brothers should do, during the “DC Rebirth”.
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A Superman Movie.
While Cavil may be out, he did leave on good terms with Gunn and company. But one thing is needed…a damn Superman film. It’s been years since Man of Steel released in theaters, and while Gunn says he wants to tell a story with a younger Last Son of Krypton, one thing is clear. We drastically need another Superman movie. In addition, if the CW and Into The SpiderVerse have taught us anything, it’s that there can be more than one Superman. Just have an interesting villain (Luthor, Darkseid, Brainiac, Mongol, etc) and go from there. With current political events where they are, a Superman movie would be interesting to witness.
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Static Shock Project
From the Milestone comics, Dakota City’s electrifying hero, Static Shock has quite the cult following. From his introduction in the 90's to the breakout cartoon, to various appearances in Young Justice, it’s time for Virgil Hawkings to make a live-action appearance!!! Maybe, we could have fellow Milestone heroes, Icon and Rocket appear. Black Lighting can also be featured, and answer the age-old question that blerds have: why is it that so many black superheroes have lightning powers?!
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Green Lantern Corps
The Green Lantern film starring Ryan Reynolds was…less than successful. But, if Gunn can make some C-List heroes like the Guardians of The Galaxy a success, he can make a Green Lantern Corps movie a hit. With veteran ring-slingers like Hal Jordan, John Stewart, and Kyle Rayner, with new blood like Simon Baz, Jessica Cruz, and Sojourner Mullein, I can’t see why this won’t work.
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A Bat-Family series
While the video game, Gotham Knights, didn’t exactly make a splash, and the CW made a show with the same name (but with completely different characters. Like, WHY?!), fans deserve a true project about the Dark Knight’s proteges. My picks would be Nightwing, Oracle, Cassandra Cain as Batgirl, Batwing, and Tim Drake as Robin.
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Finish the Knightmare Scenario.
Look, I get it. Not everyone loved Zack Snyder’s DC movies. While I personally loved them, his plans weren’t perfect. Dick Grayson dying, Batman and Lois having a love affair, and some other bad creative ideas played a part in how the tone of his DC movies However…there cannot be any denying that his version (some would say the true version) of the Justice League film did so well, that there could be a chance to have that expanded on. What I’m saying is, to keep the main continuity, but if they can make a Joker sequel separate from the main continuity, then they can make this movie separately. Plus, I really want to see the Justice League fight Darkseid.
· CONSISTENCY
No matter what path Warner Brothers and DC Comics take, we need to have some form of consistency in place. Tonally, their movies have been ranging from comedic (Birds of Prey, The Suicide Squad), to focusing on standalones (The Batman, Joker), to the eventual reboot of the franchise (The Flash), have a thought-out plan and stick to it. Don’t try to do what Marvel is doing, because frankly, fans are getting fatigued. Instead, use the iconic characters and storylines that DC is known for, trust your actors and creators, and go from there.
That’s all I got, y’all. For my fellow DC fans, I know it’s hard, being a fan. Especially with all the recent news shaking up things. But all we can do is hope that they learn from their losses and not make the same mistakes. Till next time, fellow blerds!!!
This past week, fans around the world heard the news that long-time Batman voice actor Kevin Conroy has passed away. I’m not gonna lie to y’all. This news gutted me. Ever since the ’90s, Conroy has voiced the iconic character, giving memorable performances that rival (and even exceed) the live-action adaptations of Batman. For many, whenever they read a Batman comic, they imagine Conroy’s voice saying those lines. For a special tribute, this will be dedicated to Conroy’s performance, how I first heard of him, and how no one can touch how he portrayed Batman for decades!
I was about 8 when Batman: The Animated Series first aired. After the success of the Tim Burton films, we got a new Batman show that was taken seriously. With mature themes that both kids and adults viewed, the show earned instant success and multiple spin-offs. But, if there’s one standout to this show that helped gain attention, it’s how Conroy played a Batman who was stern, but fair. Cold, yet human. (And a surprisingly great singing voice. If you know, then you know.) Using his voice, Conroy would go on to be one of the best voice actors of all time, joining the likes of Steve Blum, Cree Summer, Peter Cullen, and more. Conroy was perhaps the first to master making the “Batman” and “Bruce Wayne” personas sound different in cartoons, which translated to live-action films. Conroy would go on to voice the character for the spin-offs, the Arkham games (except for Arkham Origins, which is still fire.), various animated movies and projects. He even portrayed a version of Bruce Wayne in live action (FINALLY), during the CW’s Crisis on Infinite Earths crossover special. I collected a TON of Batman comics, as a kid. Whenever I would read them, Conroy's voice would be what I'd imagine Batman would sound like. A strong, firm, vulnerable at times, but wise. Not raspy, or barely above a whisper.
What made Kevin Conroy so special was his connection to the character. While he was young, he struggled to gain work as an actor, due to his being gay. Despite the homophobia he had to endure, Conroy used that experience to create a version of Batman that he could relate to. Gravitating to the pain of Batman losing his parents at an early age, Conroy’s performances became heartfelt and tangible that became the standard of voicing the character.
Perhaps his best performance (or, at least my favorite, anyway) was the 98 animated film, Batman: Mask of The Phantasm, in which we see Batman come to terms with an old flame of his past. The film also shows us a younger Bruce Wayne, right before he becomes Batman. He’s torn between love and a promise he made to his parents. Conflicted, Bruce goes to the graveyard to plead his case that things are different now. The pain is still there, but he’s actually happy. Bruce wants to be happy. However, he feels guilty about his newfound happiness. Bruce begs for permission on the gravestone of his parents, and we can hear the heartbreak that Conroy conveys. I swear, no live-action performance has EVER topped this emotional scene done by Conroy and actress Dana Delany (Bruce’s love interest and villain, in the movie.).
Hearing his now iconic line, “I am vengeance. I am the night. I am Batman!” hits harder now that Conroy is gone. And while he has done other projects that non-Batman related, to many, Kevin Conroy WAS the definitive version of the character. He will be missed. That’s all for now, friends. Until next time, fellow blerds.
In life, there are those who stand for and uphold justice. Those who sacrifice everything, for the sake of equality and balance. Despite whatever obstacles come their way, they use the law to their advantage and overcome any opposing force. In this list, we’re going over some of the best “Lawful Good” characters in pop culture.
Cedric Daniels-“The Wire”
In the iconic (and possibly the best cop show ever) series, The Wire, Cedric Daniels has seen a lot. From majors juking stats on crime to politicians lying about how the police department is handling cases, to his own men not being good police, Daniels is an example of what a cop should be. Rather than play the game, Daniels’ integrity won’t allow for foolishness under his command. He’ll take the brunt of his superiors’ wrath and protect his team, rather than sell them out. Daniels is a true example of “good police”, doing his best to clean up the department, instead of leaving it in worse condition for the next generation. Even if he must fire some of his own people for the sake of doing the job right.
Optimus Prime-“Transformers”
Optimus will (and has) laid down his life for justice, not only for his fellow Autobots, but for all creations of life. A towering robot, with weapons and technology superior to that of Earth, Prime chose to protect mankind from the Decepticons. What’s even more, Prime has allowed himself to be governed by the laws of mankind, answering to the U.S Military and never leaving his allies behind. Even in the face of being hunted but the very ones he swore to protect, Prime will do what’s right, rather than seek revenge.
Daredevil-“Marvel Comics”
Matt Murdock has been raised to do the right thing, no matter what. Instilled at a very early age by his father, Matt learned the true purpose of justice. Even after his father was murdered, Murdock kept his father’s promise and became a lawyer. By day, he defends’ his clients, but by night, he protects Hell’s Kitchen as Daredevil. Although breaking the law by being a vigilante, Murdock picks up where the law leaves off. With his morality influenced by law and his faith in Catholicism, Murdock will throw hands with anyone to protect his city. But he’s not above answering for his past transgressions. On multiple times, Matt has surrendered himself to the police, not just out of some sort of penance, but because he feels it's right. Talk about dedication to the law.
Superman- “DC Comics”
For too long now, whenever we see Superman, we see a twisted version of the hero. But he’s a true boy scout. Standing up for truth and Justice, Clark Kent was taught to see the good in everyone. With the powers of a god, Superman instead taught to live as a man. Humble to the end, Clark has stood up for people everywhere, not just against alien tyrants and invasions, but against corrupt lawmakers and officials. Superman is not beneath answering to the governments of the world for his actions.
Lin Beifong-“The Legend of Korra”
The dutiful police chief of Republic City, Lin is a strict enforcer of the law. A no-nonsense Earth-Bender and the daughter of legendary Toph Beifong, Lin wanted to be just like her mom. Perhaps too much like her. Nearly uncompromising, and a staunch believer in procedure, Lin will arrest anyone who breaks the law. From her own sister (who was just hanging with the wrong crowd) to the Avatar Korra, herself. Very rarely, will Lin break protocol, unless it's for the greater good.
Misty Knight-Marvel Comics
A Harlem detective with a bionic arm, Misty Knight is a detective who, in her own words, “stalks justice”. Misty takes protecting her neighborhood seriously. Taking the law and being a cop seriously, Misty Knight doesn’t rest until corruption is stomped out. A great example is when in the “Luke Cage” series, she investigates dirty cops, and crooked politicians and often teams up with Cage to stop mob wars and superpowered criminals on the street.
That’s all for this list. Did I miss any out? Post who you think is a good candidate for the “lawfully good” category. What category should I do next? Till next time, fellow blerds.
