Spotlight on Black Cat

With all the rumblings about Black Cat joining the Spider-Man 4 lineup, I figured it was time for the "felicitous felonious feline" femme fatale to get the spotlight. Felicia Hardy first appeared in the pages of The Amazing Spider-Man #194 in 1979.

Just a couple of years later, she made her on screen debut on the cleverly titled 1981 Spider-Man series episode, "Curiosity Killed the Spider-Man." Judging by the image above, I think this series nailed the look of the character better than any of the subsequent attempts.

Black Cat returned in the 1990's Spider-Man: The Animated Series. Like many of the characters in the series, her look was close, but somehow off. I guess this can be somewhat explained by the fact that in this version the character had super powers granted by a variation of Captain America's super soldier serum.

In 2003, the MTV Spider-Man: The New Animated Series introduced a character named Talon. The script originally was written to include Black Cat, but with the casting of rapper Eve, the character was reimagined as a variation of the burglar.

2008's Spectacular Spider-Man series reintroduced the Black Cat to television with an interesting twist. In this continuity, the Black Cat's dad who was the petty thief that killed Uncle Ben (a much better idea that retconning Sandman into that role). Although at first friendly with one another, Spider-Man's refusal to let the cat spring her pop from prison introduced a rift between the two sometimes partners.

So, will the cat be out of the bag in 2011's Spider-Man 4? Sounds likely. Stay tuned.

Enter Sandman, Green Lantern, and Dr. Fate

Here it is, the preview for the Justice Society on Smallville:

Not only did this little bitty show us our first glimpse of Dr. Fate, but it looks like DC's Sandman is going to be a part of the team as is possibly Alan Scott- the JSA's own Green Lantern. This looks to be a huge event in the making. Absolute Justice airs on February 5th. In the mean time, enjoy some screen grabs below.

The Hand of Fate



Sandman



The Ring of Green



Hawkman as previously revealed.


One more for good measure- The Society (Speculative identies from left to right- Star Spangled Kid, Wildcat, Atom Smasher, Sandman, The Spectre, Flash (Jay Garrick), Hawkman, Hawkgirl, Dr. Fate, Green Lantern (Alan Scott), Hourman, Dr. Midnite, Liberty Belle,?)

Hawk of the Walk

Smallville's Hawkman has been revealed. Ironically, the superhero who has come to Smallville with the most out there comic book costume looks to be getting the most faithful adaptation- wings, chest plate, and all. Hawkman's Justice Society including Dr. Fate, Stargirl and The Martian Manhunter will face off with Green Arrow and of course Superman in January in a formerly 2-part, now movie event titled, "Absolute Justice". Looks like Smallville is making a serious case for a 10th season.

Evolution of the Batman (and Robin) - Batman: Mask of the Phantasm

Batman: Mask of the Phantasm was originally planned as a direct to video movie based on the Animated Series, but was ultimately released theatrically on Christmas 1993. It mustered up a modest $5.6 million, but that's not to say this movie was no good. In fact, until Batman Begins came out, Phantasm was frequently considered the best Batman film.



Even the esteemed Siskel and Ebert realized they were part of the huge audience that overlooked this gem.

So, what makes it so good? It is true to the spirit of Batman. Now that Batman Begins has spoiled us, it may be difficult to appreciate just what an accomplishment it was to nail the characters of Batman and Bruce Wayne. Kevin Conroy is Batman. His voice is intimidating and commanding without sounding exaggerated. He conveys Bruce's struggle to please his fallen parents, and to and happiness of his own.


The film presents Bruce accepting his tragic fate of becoming the Batman. Also, there is mystery, who is the Phantasm? and what is his game plan?


And there is the Joker who seems to be in all of the best Batman movies. Luke Skywalker delivers a maniacally brilliant performance as Mr. J.

One of my favorite scenes is a flashback sequence showing Bruce wearing black, and a knit ski mask (I wonder were they got that idea from in Begins?). He takes on a group of thugs, and ends up on the hood of a speeding semi, where he pulls out a ball-peen hammer from his belt with which he takes out the big rig. Nice!

Up Next: Batman Forever

Batman Serial * Batman and Robin Serial * Batman '66 TV * Batman '66 Movie * Batman with Robin the Boy Wonder * Batman on Scooby Doo * Batman the Super Friend * The New Adventures of Batman * Batman '89 * Batman Returns * Batman: The Animated Series * Batman: Mask of the Phantasm
* Special Musical Edition *