All-Star SuperHero Team For Earth Month

 

I randomly thought of this topic at the 11th hour on Earth day, and while it spun around in my head to write it or not. I decided hell although I missed it for Earth day, April still is Earth Month and today is National Super Hero Day, as such I charged ahead with writing it. Keeping it short and simple here are 5 superheroes, neighborhood heroes, whatever you want to call them. Whose powers and mission statements. come from or to protect Mother Earth, and if needed this would be the team I'd call.

5. Toxie

Every team needs some sort of comic relief and Toxie would be that guy. Toxie is the main character of the Toxic Avenger film series, which were some low budget B movie trilogy during the 80's with a belated sequel in 2000. While the film series was rated R, in the early 90's a cartoon debuted changing the name to Toxic Crusader and taking a more environmentally kid-friendly approach.

Toxie was a meek young man named Melvin who accidentally came in contact with a toxin and became a super human. He then set out to fight off industrial polluters in his fictional hometown.

4. Swamp Thing

Swamp Thing is a DC Comics character depending on who you ask he is either a B level comic book character or C level. Swamp Thing is a a half human/half plant matter creature. He was a brilliant scientist named Alec Holland, and depending on which origin story is crafted one or another a bad accident forced him to merge with the swamps of Louisiana. He has superhuman strength, can manipulate any forms of plant. He also has regenerative ability, limiting the amount of damage inflicted upon him. He has made it his duty to protect the swamp land in which he lives, and the environment in general.

Swamp Thing has been portrayed in two live-action films, and two live-action television series. As well as a cartoon, and guest appearances on several other DC animated films and TV shows. Swamp Thing is the intelligent yet brooding and moody member of the team. 

3. Aquaman

Aquaman is the King of the seven seas. Aquaman's name beneath the seas is Orin and above ground it's Arthur Curry or A.C. He is a half-human, half-Atlantean, the son of the Queen of Atlantis and a human lighthouse keeper. He can communicate and call out for help all forms of marine life, with the ability to establish bonds with them. He has superhuman strength as a result of his Atlantean heritage and can breath underwater indefinitely. He is seen as the protector of the sea and everything that encompasses the sea.

Aquaman would be the overly confident borderline cocky member of the team. With his superior strength and other powers making him very sure of himself. Aquaman is one of DC Comics most popular comic characters, he has appeared in four live action films portrayed by Jason Mamoa, a live action incarnation of the series Smallville, and numerous cartoons.

2. Storm

A legendary member of the X-men team. Storm is a mutant capable of controlling the elements with her powers. She was born Ororo Munroe to a Kenyan princess mother and an American father who was a photographer. Her powers began to demonstrate during her Manipulating the weather is definitely a good skill to have if your trying to protect the one thing (mother nature) that grants you those specific powers. Her connection to earth is so strong, deep emotional states can cause severe uncontrollable weather events. She can also use her powers to fly and is a skilled hand to hand combat fighter. 

 Storm is a headstrong and fearless woman, who shows a great of compassion for others and is very loyal to her teammates. She has been portrayed by both Halle Berry and Alexandra Shipp in X-men live action films, and numerous X-men featured cartoons.

1. Captain Planet

Without a doubt the most well known eco-hero in pop culture. During the mid-90's Captain Planet was a very popular cartoon that aired on TBS, co-created by Barbara Pyle and Ted Turner. Captain Planet is an humanoid figure created through the power of five rings held by individuals dubbed The Planeteers. When needed the powers of wind, fire, water, earth, and heart combine and Captain Planet is called to action. He has the ability to fly, become invisible, and use the powers of the respective rings to manipulate the elements. 

Captain Planet has a dry sense of humor, but is a very noble individual. He cares tremendously about saving the environment, and will do what is needed to save the planet. Captain Planet has never been in a live action film, but he was featured in books, toys, and video games back in the 90's.

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My Top 5 MCU Movies

 5 years ago today, box office records were shattered, tears flowed, and fans everywhere witnessed one of the greatest cinema storytelling eras come to a end. With the release of Avengers Endgame, the culmination of a 11 year saga. Since that film's release the MCU has experienced a serious flow of ups and downs while trying to maintain it's grip on pop culture and introducing a new generation of characters.

Since the film series was such a juggernaut of the 2010's I figured I'd share my personal list of the top 5 MCU movies..so far. 

5. Iron Man

There have been way better movies the MCU has released since Iron Man was released in 2008. This film deserves a spot on any MCU film simply for providing the spark that started it all. While there may have been plans to kickstart a cinematic universe, if Robert Downey Jr's charismatic and confident yet conflicted turn as Tony Stark was not as enticing as it was, the MCU may have never been born.

The film's plot is serviceable and with it's minimal budget and effects some of the film has not aged well, but it's served it's purpose as Iron Man's and The Avengers origin story. Iron Man was a significant gamble that worked and birthed something we'd never imagine.

4. Guardians Of The Galaxy

At the time of the film's release it was so far different than anything Marvel had put out at the time. Featuring at the time a C list Marvel property full of C list characters, that many people outside of devoted fans had never heard of. James Gunn using the low expectations to his advantage, crafted a part space opera, part fish out of water 80's nostalgia comedic zinger of a film.

Peter Quill's introduction dancing to Red Bone Come and Get Your Love should be in any discussion regarding best character debuts. That debut scene also helped show we were in for a different kind of marvel film at the time. The film also played a bit part in continuing the arc of Thanos and the infinity stones. The film proved that light hearted comedy in comic films can work, and spawned two sequels, a Disney Plus special, rides at Disney Park's and more.

3. Winter Soldier 

Winter Soldier turned 10 Years old this year and to me is one of the better MCU films in the entire catalog and has held up very well. It was the MCU movie to me that had that first shit just got real moment, when it was revealed Hydra had infiltrated Shield for all these years. When First Avenger released in 2011, I personally overhyped the film so much I was severely disappointed when it didn't meet my expectations.

Winter Soldier exceeded my expectations, integrating a political conspiracy thriller into a comic book film. While giving Steve Rogers more of a purpose trying to find out what happened to his friend Bucky, was top tier story telling. For the action piece I think we all can admit the elevator scene is one the best fight scenes in cinema history. 

2. Black Panther 

When Black Panther was released February 16, 2018 it was a cultural event. Sold out shows, audience members came in droves with their dashikis on and represented leading the box office gate to a total of $1.3 billion. Fan's went to show love for the culture, but the story of the film is what engaged them. Showing a African Utopia society and the technological advancements  the fictional country Wakanda had was a sight to see. Chadwick Boseman was a screen general as Wakanda's king T'Challa and his hero Black Panther. T'Challa learned quickly in the film, that sometimes you pay for the sins of your parents and that the traditional way of doing things is not always the best. 

But it was Michael B. Jordan as one of Marvel's top 3 villains alongside Thanos and Loki who stole the show as Killmonger. Killmonger was full of rage and misplaced anger but wanted to use Wakanda's resources to help liberate Black people. T'Challa and Killmonger learn from one alone in their respective ways, which made the film even more powerful. It was he last film in the MCU released before the last two Avengers film to cap off the Infinity Saga, which gives it another cool spot in history.

1. Avengers Infinity War/Endgame

I count these two films released a year apart as one, mainly due to the fact it tells an complete story across the two and is an culmination of a saga. In fact originally the two films were called Infinity War part 1 and part II which illustrate how attached at the hip they are. Honestly Infinity War maybe the better film pacing and stakes wise, but Endgame is the more emotional film. Infinity War showed the chaos and brutality that Thanos could do and had that gut punch of seeing your favorite heroes turn into dust after that snap knowing we had to wait a full year to see how everything played out.

Endgame was a fan service film full of callbacks to previous films, easter eggs, that amazing final battle scene where Cap finally uttered the famous Avengers calling. I can watch that scene over and over by the way, and of course that emotional death. It truly was the apex of the MCU thus far and one of the coolest things to witness. This is why it is the best of the 33 films released in the MCU so far.

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A Zordon Origin Film? I'd Watch It

 

We live in a age where intellectual property (IP) is king, companies love mining from the archives looking to revive a property or use characters to spin off something new. Especially in this streaming environment, where streaming services constantly have to churn exclusive quality programs to justify people continuing to pay for them.

I was watching the 2017 Power Rangers movie recently, which deserves more love by the way. It got me thinking, why hasn't an Zordon movie or series been created yet?

As the thousands of years old mentor of the Power Rangers, Zordon has a lot of story to tell before he was banished to that chamber. Particularly during his battles against Rita Repulsa on his home planet of Eltar. The mythology of the series has alluded multiple times he was a legendary wizard, warrior and commander. 

It was briefly mentioned in the original series, it was mentioned in the 1995 Power Rangers film, and the 2017 film changed things to Zordon being a ranger himself. In 2016 Boom Studios released a comic book series that gave Zordon an extensive backstory.

Incorporate the best of his backstory from the various properties. Include his allies starting with Alpha 1 down to Alpha 5,  Dulcea (from '95 movie), and even King Lexian (Masked Rider series). Notable villains such as Goldar, Rito Revolto and Lord Zedd along with Rita Repulsa have to be included too. And it could make for an very entertaining story. 

I believe Paramount has the rights to the Power Rangers franchise, they honestly could make it an animated film like the upcoming Transformers One movie. Or make it a animated series and release it on Paramount Plus to entice subscribers and content is king. If they don't see the value, I'm positive Netflix would and scoop it right up.

If someone ever makes this an reality I'd watch it.

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G.I. Joe Next Movie Should Be A Cartoon

 

During Cinemacon yesterday, Paramount announced that a crossover film between Transformers and G.I. Joe is in development. If you've seen the latest Transformers movie Rise Of The Beast you remember the potential for this was teased.

I enjoyed G.I. Joe The Rise Of Cobra and appreciate it for what it is, essentially a live action movie. My biggest gripe with the film was Cobra's origin story and esthetic changes. Retaliation was a more grounded in reality, had some good action scenes, and set some things right from the first film (Cobra's look), but for whatever reason the majority of audience's didn't enjoy it.

After the failure of both G.I. Joe films and the 2021 Snake Eyes film, my guess is this is Paramount's attempt to salvage the G.I. Joe film franchise. I personally think the live action route is not the way to go for the franchise to move it forward. To get the franchise popular again an animated movie needs to happen.

An animated film would allow the G.I. Joe universe to be as over the top as possible and take more liberties to bring the mythology up to date.  And maybe incorporate some of the wackier aspects of the lore such as Serpentor and his clones. Incorporate some good humor and a core group of Joe's and it could work.

An animated film worked for the Ninja Turtles franchise last summer, it was Fresh and entertaining. And I'm waiting for a part 2. Paramount has an animated Transformers movie releasing in theaters later this year called Transformers One and starring Chris Hemsworth. Even though the live action film keeps falling through, Masters of the Universe has experienced some rejuvenation from the Netflix cartoon series.

If the masterminds at Paramount or potentially the future masterminds if the company is indeed bought, are truly trying to gain more ground and use IP's to their full advantage. They will make a G.I. Joe animated film.

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5 Potential Video Games To Turn Into A TV Series

 The Twisted Metal series debuted on Peacock last year to not raving but satisfying reviews. Season 2 of the show is underway. Halo season 2 premeiered on Paramount Plus in February to good reviews. A series based on Fallout airs on Prime this Friday April 12th. Paramount Plus is also releasing a Miniseries based on Knuckles from Sonic The Hedgehog April 26th. 

 Along with the box office success of Super Mario Bros., you know companies will be looking for the next video game property to bring to the screen.

So I'm going to beat them to the punch with 5 video games that could make good TV shows. Now my goal here was to find some obscure properties that have potential, and not fan favorites everyone would want to see turned into a movie or TV series. With the exception of one property, I think I succeeded so let's go.

Road Rash

Road Rash was a simple video game that debuted on Sega Genesis in 1991. It followed illegal motorcycle racers trying to win and knock each other off their bikes in the process. Pretty straight forward right?

The franchise created follow up games up until 2000's Road Rash: Jailbreak. Now when you think about it there have been motorcycle themed films, but I havent seen too many series other than Sons Of Anarchy and its spin-offs. 

A series based on the game would be perfect to fill that void. Have some stakes involved since as riding across country performing heist or transporting something. While doing some nasty motorcycle tricks in the process. 

There's potential for Fast & Furious on motorcycles popularity.

Comix Zone

Comix Zone was one of my favorite video games on Sega when I was a kid. The game follows comic book artist Sketch Turner who one night is working on his comic, when suddenly his work is struck by lightning. The final boss of his comic Mortus appears in reality. Not yet powerful in the real world, he zaps Sketch into the comic book. With the intention of gaining more power as Sketch is taken care of.

Sketch must work his way through the comic, while Mortus keeps drawing new adversies and obstacles for Sketch to overcome. The game is most popular for every scene throughout the game being a comic book panel. 

If translated to live action that would have to be switched around a little to not be overbearing and silly. However, if done right it could be a fun ride. A film adaption was announced in 2022 but there has been no movement since. 

Ready 2 Rumble boxing 

Ready 2 Rumble Boxing was a game franchise started in 1999, with the initial video game debuting on Dreamcast, Nintendo 64, Playstation, and Gameboy. The game was known for its game play including the RUMBLE meter, which as a player gained momentum the individual letters would fill up until it was time to knock someone out.

Alongside its gameplay was the over the top characters like female boxers Selene Strike and Lulu Valentine. And male boxers Afro Thunder, Tank Thraser, and Boris The Bear. Outside of the boxers the story is pretty straight forward.

Which presents an good opportunity to make it into a series. There is no lore creators would have to be tied to. Just have the characters and the rumble graphics during bouts. Keep the story simplistic and cheesy and there could be a low cost potential hit.

The original game spawned two sequels Ready 2 Rumble Boxing Round 2 and Ready 2 Rumble: Revolution. If a series was created and successful, could open the door to reviving the games for a new generation.

Streets of rage

Streets Of Rage is a true video game classic, a simple beat em game with enough backstory to keep things moving along. There were 3 games released during the 90's with a fourth in 2020 which bought the franchise back in the collective hearts of many 90's kids. 

A movie was announced back in 2022 by the team behind the John Wick movies. However ,there hasn't been any updates since the initial announcement. This franchise though is ripe for a TV adaptation.

It follows 3 ex-cops who take matters into their own hands against a crime syndicate who have overran the city. The plot simply needs a story on why the cops left the force, a generic city rife with crime, and some serious ass kicking fight scenes. There you have it a recipe for success for a quality video game adaption.

Metal Gear Solid

I am 1000% shocked this hasn't happened yet. There has been talk for years of a movie based on the game, but nothing has come to fruition. I feel a movie would not do this franchise justice at all, as it has too much lore and history to be contained in a 2 hour film.

This franchise needs a TV series to span over multiple seasons. In the vain of Reacher and Jack Ryan respective series. With some 24 sprinkled in. It could really be the first "smart" video game adaption covering topics like espionage, terrorism, geopolitics along with the military industrial complex. And everything in between writers could think of.

The video games pretty much followed that path with the main character Solid Snake. Constantly doing battle against nefarious forces chasing whatever red herring "metal gear" is. The appetite is there for a series of this nature, hopefully someone develops it.

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