What to Expect in 2010 - Part 2

Part 1 covered upcoming shows through June. In part 2, we will finish off 2010.

02 Jul 2010 - The Last Airbender

Avatar: The Last Airbender is an amazing TV series. I do not expect The Last Airbender movie (having dropped the Avatar to avoid confusion with the current phenomenon) to be as good, but hopefully M. Night Shyamalamading-dong can do the series some justice. If not, at least we will always have the animated version. Either way, landing the 4th of July weekend was a big win for this movie and may allow it to follow in the footsteps of last years Ice Age 3 (released during the same weekend made $884 million worldwide) on its way to global domination.


Summer 2010 - Batman Under the Red Hood

Though no details have been released, the title for DC's summer DtV movie Batman: Under the Red Hood has been announced. Believe it or not, this is only Batman's second solo feature in the line and the first, Gotham Knight, was more of a gimmick that a movie with a story. So, I am looking forward to this one even though it seems like focusing on an obscure villain is an interesting choice. Who knows, its possible Red Hood is the Joker. That makes more sense.

Augustish 2010 - Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World

I don't know much about Scott Pilgrim other than that he is a comic book character that must defeat 7 ex boyfriends to win a date with a bonnie lass. Does that make him a superhero? I guess that depends on whether or not he wins.

05 Nov 2010 - Megamind

Originally Master Mind then Oobermind, its now Megamind. Dreamworks is no Pixar but its also no Fox animation studios, so maybe this will be an interesting "fractured fairy tale" like take on the Superhero genre.

17 Dec 2010 - The Green Hornet

Will The Green Hornet be this years surprise hit as was Sherlock Holmes? Maybe. If it is a big hit, I will be surprised. Will it be this generations lackluster Dick Tracy. Also fairly likely. Then again this picture is all we have to go on thus far.

Sometime in 2010, Maybe

A couple of other projects are in the works with release dates that are still up in the air.

The Black Panther will be the star of an animated mini-series on BET. The motion comic style episodes may air elsewhere as soon as February, but in these United States we still don't know when they will arrive.

The Canadian made Woody Harrelson film Defendor debuted in 2009 at the Toronto film festival and will probably be seen in broader release at some point. Does this description excite you? "Arthur Poppington is a regular but delusional man who believes that he is a superhero named Defendor. He combs the city streets at night in search of his arch enemy, Captain Industry, befriending a young prostitute in his quest."

Lastly, the Phantom having already aired in Canada is set to debut as a mini-series on SyFy. Hardly anyone seems to have watched it when it was on, but those that did don't have much favorable to say. So, don't go signing up for cable to watch this one.

With so many projects forthcoming, surely some of them have to be good. Right? If not, fear not. In part 3 we will look at all those other sci-fi and fantasy movies that will be vying for your hard earned cash.

Spider-M4n is Dead, Thor to the Rescue

Looks like Sony took my advice. If they weren't going to let Raimi make the Spider-Man movie he wanted (including the Vulture as the main villain) they should fire him. They did. Spider-Man 4 is no more. I guess if Sony is going to spend $300 million on a movie they should be happy about the villain, and to me the Vulture is pretty much as lame as the Penguin. Bird themed villains are just kooky. I wonder who Sony was pushing for?

So, it looks like Thor made the right call in swooping in (ironically like a proverbial vulture) to Spider-Man 4's release date, cuz Spidey is dead. Instead we are looking at a Spider-Man reboot in 2012. I just hope they give us something different this time around. Seriously, the Spectacular Spider-Man animated series is a good model, at least as far as the holding off on MJ goes. I really doubt anyone wants to see the whole Spidey loves MJ arc again. But I wouldn't mind seeing the Goblin kill someone.

Anyways, these reboots are getting out of control. I guess its sort of the James Bond model where no one points out the continuity problems and just rolls with it. But to reboot a franchise after 4 or 5 years seems a tad quick. At least we got 2 1/2 good Spider-Mans. And now we can all look hope that Venom will show up again and not suck and that some of Spider-Man's enemies aren't also his mentors. Also, we can forget that it was really Sandman that did in Uncle Ben.

Onscreen History of Penguin

As a supervillain, the Penguin is one odd duck but for one reason or another he has stuck it out through the years and is arguably Batman's most well known villain second only to the Joker. Oswald Cobblepot AKA the Penguin first appeared in 1941 in the pages of Detective Comics #58. His first on screen appearance belonged to the 1960's Batman series followed by the 1966 theatrical film. No doubt this portrayal, complete with quack laugh, is what earned Pengy such a lasting legacy.

The Penguin was next spotted in animated spin-off of the 1960's series Batman with Robin the Boy Wonder.

During the 70's the Penguin landed a couple of guest spots on Scooby-Doo along with the Joker and teh Dynamic Duo.

In the 1977 New Adventures of Batman series, very little had changed with the Penguin's look since the previous series nearly 10 years prior.

Just in time to support a Super Powers action figure, the Penguin made a single Super Friends appearance during the shows final incarnation, The Super Powers Team: Galactic Guardians. In the episode, Penguin managed to possess, albeit briefly, Superman's powers.

In 1992, the Penguin received the opposite of a face lift when Tim Burton created a grotesque version of the character with webbed fingers and an army of actual penguins for Batman Returns. Oh and he ate raw fish- and not your sushi variety.

The Penguin in Batman: The Animated Series somewhat reflected the new film version of the character in appearance, mostly in stature, but was toned down quite a bit. Penguin was the star of some of the series worst episodes like I've Got Batman in my Basement.


When it was time to redesign characters for The New Batman Adventures, Penguin was once again given a bit more of a dignified look and became more of a mobster than a circus freak.

This incarnation of the Penguin served as one of the main villains in the DTV Batman: Mystery of the Batwoman in which he used his Iceberg Lounge as a legitimate front for his dirty dealings. Though the Penguin would not appear in Justice League, his Lounge was seen on occasion.

The Batman decided to go back to the more outrageous version of the character, though to make him more menacing he was given Wolverine inspired Kabuki henchwomen. Also, the Penguins family of the Cobblepot's was given a long standing rivalry with the Alfred Pennyworth (Bruce Wayne's butler) family. This version was pretty detestable, though like many other versions still pretty lame.

In the Batman vs. Dracula DTV, Penguin unearthed Dracula and became a stooge for the vampire.

In 2009, the Penguin along with a slew of other classic Batman foes appeared on Batman: The Brave and the Bold. This incarnation payed heavy homage to the 1960's live action incarnation. Penguin would finally get his own main villain story in 2010's Aquaman's Outrageous Adventure in which Batman and Aquaman (along with Mera and Aqualad) were needed to take down the bird. In a series with foes like Kite Man, the Planetmaster, and Babyface, the Penguin finally fits right in.

What the future hold for him is uncertain, but I sure hope he doesn't show up in any live action films any time soon. There is no denying his rich legacy, but not matter how many trick umbrellas he has the Penguin is and always will be pretty lame.

Animated Avengers Assemble, Does Anyone Care?

The trailer for The Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes has arrived even though the actual series probably wont debut for a year or so. My thoughts? The show looks OK without much to go on. I will give it a chance, but I have never been a huge Avengers fan. To me, they pale in comparison to DC's Justice League and as far as teams go I even much prefer Marvel's own X-Men or even the Fantastic Four.

Don't get me wrong, Iron Man and Captain America are fine, but Hulk isn't much of a team player and Giant Man and Wasp just aren't that interesting to me. Thor is just kind of a weirdo. The Avengers seem more of a Justice League Detroit (Led by Aquaman featuring Zatanna, Martian Manhunter, Elongated Man, Vixen, Gypsy, Steel, and Vibe) than an actual all-star team. Where is their Batman or Superman or even Wonder Woman? I would rather see a team of Spider-Man, Daredevil, Iron Man, Captain America, the Human Torch, and a couple of X-Men. I guess that's not what the Avengers are, but like I said, I've never been a big fan.

Evolution of the Batman (and Robin) - Batman Beyond

What if Batman was a kid? Sounds like a terrible idea, but that's exactly the premise that spawned 52 episodes and three seasons of Batman Beyond starting in 1999. Rather than just throwing out Batman's history and making him a kid, the show creators decided to add to existing Batman history and continue the established DC Animated Universe continuity begun with the Batman and Superman Animated Series. Ironically, this kid focused series is easily the darkest of the bunch.

The series opens with Bruce Wayne wearing a futuristic batsuit and battling not only thugs but old age. During a fight, Batman's heart starts to give out and in an act of desperation he crosses a line breaking one of his rules and grabs a gun to finish the fight. After this he vows, "Never again," and retires from crime fighting.

Eventually a teen named Terry McGinnis meets up with Wayne, discovers the batsuit and takes it to avenge the murder of his own father at the hands of Derek Powers who coincidentally was also a foil for Wayne having taken over Wayne Enterprises for his own wicked purposes. In the end, Powers becomes the supervillain Blight, a nemesis for the new Batman who operated with the mentoring of an aged Bruce Wayne. As the series progressed, the differences between Terry and Bruce were apparent and Terry never became a Batman clone, but was a hero nonetheless.

As the series progressed, it was fun to see the ultimate fates of many classic Bat-foes such as Bane, Mr. Freeze, and R'as Al Ghul. Additionally, Barbara Gordon has become the new commissioner and even though she has grown to disapprove of some of Batman's methods, she is a frequent collaborator with Terry.

A series highlight, The Call, featured the future Justice League under the leadership of Superman battling Starro. Not only was this a great two-parter, but it served as a testing ground for the Justice League series.

Full disclosure, the series had some stinkers mostly in season 2. Take for example the episode, Rats, described as "Dana (Terry's girlfriend), who feels she has been ignored and let down by Terry once too often, begins receiving roses from a secret admirer. When she is abducted by the mystery man, a boy named Patrick who lives in the sewers because of his rat-like appearance, Batman may be the only one who can save her." This one was horrible. Also, Terry ended up with his own sidekick Max, an annoying know it all that sucked the life out of all her scenes. Watch out for episodes with her...

Up Next: Gotham Girls

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 * Batman Forever * Batman and Robin * The New Batman Adventures * Boo Wonder * Batman & Mr. Freeze: SubZero * Batman Beyond

* Special Musical Edition * Special Christmas Edition *

UPDATE: Vulture Defeats Spider-M4n

Word on the street is that Sam Raimi REALLY wants the Vulture and Sony really doesn't for Spider-M4n AKA Spider-Man 4. Disagreements have derailed the start of film production and Spider-Man 4 will likely not make its May 2011 release date.

Just a couple thoughts on this. This delay will be costly. Summer 2011 is already full of superheroes with Thor in May and Green Lantern and Captain America in July. May 2012 has already been claimed by the Avengers. So unless Spider-Man wants to cannibalize other Marvel films or take on GL head on, something will have to move.

Also, as I have said before, either let Sam make the movie he wants or don't. After his treatment of Venom it doesn't seem wise to force in a different villain than he chooses. Having said that, Vulture is lame. If they are that against Vulture then just hire someone else and settle for an X3 style disappointment for the Spider-Man franchise. I am sure Brett Ratner and McG are both available.

Update: Thor has swooped into the May 6th release date. Sorry Spidey. At least the Marvel tradition of opening the summer movie season will continue.

What to Expect in 2010 - Part 1

2010 is upon us and this is your guide for what to expect from:

02 Feb 2010 - Planet Hulk

One of 2010's first treats will be the animated Planet Hulk DtV described as, "When the Hulk becomes too dangerous for the Earth, the Illuminati trick Hulk into a shuttle and launch him into space to a planet where the Hulk can live in peace. Unfortunately, the Hulk's struggle to escape and a malfunction in the shuttle causes Hulk to land on the planet Sakaar where he is sold into slavery and trained as a gladiator. With the aid of fellow gladiators Hiroim, Korg, Miek, and Elloe Kaifi, the Hulk forms the Warbound in a plot to overthrow the Red King." The last Marvel DtV, Hulk Vs was well received and this one will probably be as well. Unfortunately, this will be the solo release from Marvel this year.

05 Feb 2010 - Absolute Justice

Anticipation for the Smallville two-parter featuring the Justice Society was so high, the network decided to build a movie event. Absolute Justice will feature Dr. Fate, Stargirl, Hawkman, and cameos by other Society members including the Green Lantern and Sandman.

23 Feb 2010 - Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths

Also in the jam-packed yet tiny month of February will be the release of the Justice League alternate Earth movie. Not sure if this alternate Earth Joker is supposed to be good or bad, but either way, he should be entertaining.

23 Feb 2010 - The Spectre

Packaged with the Crisis movie will be DC's first in a new line of hero shorts featuring lesser knowns like Señor Spectre. Not sure he is going to be the next big thing, but these shorts are pretty nice way to sell a few extra DVDs.

16 Apr 2010 - Kick-Ass

Yet another take on "real" superheroes. I guess this one is supposed to be extra violent. Sounds fun.


07 May 2010 - Iron Man 2

The most anticipated superhero show of 2010 has to be Iron Man 2. I hope this doesn't pull a Spider-Man 3 because its stuffed full of characters. You get not only Iron Man, but War Machine, Black Widow, Whiplash, Justin Hammer, and of course Nick Fury. Either way, its going to make a ton, possibly becoming the biggest movie of 2010.

18 Jun 2010 - Jonah Hex

Rather than releasing a new Superman or Batman movie or even going with the Flash, Wonder Woman, Blue Beetle, Plastic Man, Captain Marvel, Green Arrow, or even Aquaman WB opted for Jonah Hex- basically an old west bounty hunter that looks like Two-Face. This one might get lost in the summer crowd.


Classic Show DVD releases


On January 5, Wendy and Marvin will finally make their DVD debut on the Super Friends Season 1, Volume 1 release. Not really sure how the folks at Warner decided the release order for this show but I guess its finally season 1's moment.

On March 3, its rumored that the final volume of the X-Men animated series will be released including the Captain America / Wolverine team-up. And that's a look at whats coming in the first half of this year, stay tuned for part 2 coming soon.