The Generation Spanning Hero That is ‘Blue Beetle’

Originally, Blue Beetle appeared in the pages of Charlton Comics before the character made its way to DC Comics. However, the character of Blue Beetle seen in the film is represented by Jaime Reyes, an original character for DC. With ‘Blue Beetle’, we not only get to experience not just this current version that had its first appearance in the pages of the ‘Infinite Crisis’ comics, but we also get exposed to the rich origin of this character in cinemas.

From the opening credits, we already get a background of the Scarab that plays a central part in Blue Beetle’s story. You have to pay closs attention to it, otherwise you will miss bits of information on the Scarab, and the previous Blue Beetles before Jaime Reyes. For one, there is more than one Scarab that exists akin to the many Green Lantern rings that also exist. In fact, there is also an encounter between the Scarab and a mysterious green beam that shoots at it, revealed to be from aGreen Lantern, before it lands on Ancient Earth. Also in the opening credits are bits, and pieces of passing histories of Dan Garrett, the first Blue Beetle, and Ted Kord, the second Blue Beetle. These little easter eggs optimizes the storytelling elements of the film, and gets you jumpstarted on ‘Blue Beetle’ movie lore even before the opening scene begins.

Xolo Maraduena portrays a charismatic Jaime Reyes who becomes an unwanted hero thrust with the responsibility of the powers of the Scarab which chose him. The Scarab is a technological symbiote that grants its user powers of alien origin with its AI named Khaji Da. In DC Comics lore, Khaji Da is a Reach infiltrator that chose to bond with Jaime similar to Dan Garrett but unlike Ted Kord. Unlike the previous two Blue Beetles, Jaime initially wanted no part in the union with Khaji Da, but he eventually accedes to its will allowing Jaime to use the vast arsenal, and technology provided by the alien Scarab. Xolo shows this shift from unwanted hero to willing champion flawlessly, and somewhat playfully as he as Jaime eases his way into a symbiotic partnership with Khaji Da.

At the core of Jaime Reyes’s strength as a hero is his ties to his family, and to Jenny Kord, daughter of the ‘dead’ Ted Kord. This connection to Jenny Kord also allows Jaime to learn the history of the Scarab: from the Ted Kord to the Dan Garrett versions of Blue Beetle. With this knowledge of the Scarab, Jaime initlially rejects its choice of him even though it is revealed that the only way to remove the Scarab from his body is his own death. It is his connection to his family through his recently deceased father that completes the union between him and Khaji Da. He realizes that he can use the power that he now has to protect people, and prevent further loss to others like what he felt when he lost his father. With his reluctance overcome, Jaime Reyes becomes the hero that Blue Beetle can truly be.

‘Blue Beetle’ gives us a glimpse of the beginning of James Gunn‘s reign as the creative head of DC Studios. Of course it helps that his Co-CEO Peter Safran produced this film. Also, there is a mid credit scene that reveals Ted Kord is still alive, information that might be taken up as a crux of future DC films. So far, this is consistent with Gunn’s plans to create material for DC Studios that is rich in DC Comics lore thus connecting to various aspects of the DC Universe in the background which effectively indicates that these characters are part of a larger fictional world.

It is refreshing to see Xolo as Jaime Reyes. His work on Cobra Kai matches what is needed to portray an on-screen Jaime Reyes. The character is at an age that makes him relatable to younger audiences. It also caters to DC comic fans with a LOT of history on the Scarab. If you’re not a comic book fan, but a fan of action romps, this will appeal to you. I was entertained. I hope you will be too.

‘The Flash’: Five Things I Liked about the Movie

It’s about time I wrote this review, and it’s a bit late just like Barry Allen usually is (See what I did there?). The story of ‘The Flash’ was based loosely on FLASHPOINT penned by Geoff Johns which was a huge crossover event over at DC when it first came out. By now a lot of things have been said about how ‘The Flash’ has done badly at the box office. I saw it before the box office returns, and I had an enjoyable experience watching it. So, this review will focus on the parts that I like about the film. If you are up to that, then read on.

Batman in Cruise Control

The first story element that I like from ‘The Flash’ is the return of Michael Keaton as Batman. For those of you who are unaware of it, Keaton last played the roll of Batman in 1992 with ‘Batman Returns’. He hasn’t really lost a step when it comes to playing the Dark Knight, and had some familiar lines reminiscent of his time wearing the cowl in the 90s. He’s a sight for longtime DC fans, and his appearance there adds a lot of nostalgia to a modern superhero film.

The Flash

I also enjoyed the use of the Speed Force in the film. The Flash is the fastest man alive, and using the Speed Force to explain his time traveling abilities is very apt. Even though Mark Waid wasn’t mentioned in the credits for the movie, the Speed Force is an integral part of Flash lore. It’s also the reason why he needs to eat a lot to recover his lost energy (though this is something that is more taken up with Wally West’s version of The Flash). And, yes, the Speed Force allows to do some crazy things with his speed including time travel.

Batman, Flash, and Supergirl

There is also some ‘farewell’ appearances from the Snyderverse Justice League. There are a lot of arguments for, and against Zack Snyder’s iteration of the league. Personally, there are a few films that I like with his handling including his four hour cut of ‘Justice League’. This is probably the last time we’ll be seeing these iterations of Batman, Wonder Woman, and even Alfred together. If you’re a fan of these characters (for me it’s Wonder Woman), then this the chance to send them off to comic book movie history.

Batman, The Flash, and Supergirl

Fourthly, I loved seeing the DC Multiverse through the Speed Force. There’s a lot of nostalgia there from old DC properties including one iteration by Nicolas Cage of Superman that never came to be. What these glimpses of alternate versions do is stress that these iterations of iconic DC superheroes are around somewhere in a multiverse of timelines. Where will the multiverse take us next? I suppose that’s up to the regime of James Gunn, and company.

The Flash, Supergirl, and The Alternate Flash

Finally, and this is probably the only element taken from the Flashpoint comic book, there is Barry’s going back in time to change history. Barry decides to save his mother from murder. By doing so, he hopes not only to save his mother, but to also save his father from imprisonment. As he does that, the timestream starts to unravel the multiverse, and Barry doesn’t really get the outcome he wanted. It was not executed as grandly as it did in the comics (which led to the New 52), but it has a valid point that hits home to many who can relate. By movie’s end, Barry realizes that there are parts of your past that define you, and if changed will affect who you are: good, and bad. It’s such a nice message to move forward in spite of past tragedies to build a better version of yourself. Barry learns that the hard way.

These are my thoughts on the ‘The Flash’. Agree with me? Disagree with me? Let me know in the comments. ‘The Flash’ is now showing in theatres.

‘Peacemaker’ Made Good Use of Its Ef@@@g Chance

There were people who saw the ‘Peacemaker’ series as a laughable concept when news of it first came out. I suppose there are fewer people laughing now as the HBO Max series has become a certified hit, and used its ef@@@g chance quite well. Already renewed for season two , let’s take a look back at what made ‘Peacemaker’ one of the best series of this young year. Warning THIS REVIEW HAS SPOILERS. If that bothers you, why don’t you take out Judo Master for some chips?

Peacemaker and Adabayo Opening Dance Sequence

There’s no question now that the opening dance sequence for ‘Peacemaker’ is a major draw to the series. It’s quirky, hilarious, and downright in-your-face. It makes me giddy in aticipation to what James Gunn has planned for season two. Note that being part of the opening credits doesn’t assure you’ll survive season one. In fact, A LOT of the characters in that dance sequence die by season’s end. Though, that opening musical scene is partly what makes ‘Peacemaker’ entertaining from beginning to end credtis.

(From top left moving right, and down) Harcourt, Eagly, Economos, Vigilante, Murn, and Adebayo

Part of what makes ‘Peacemaker’ so special is the solid supporting cast from Vigilante to Eagly. Each has their own unique personality quirks that make them very relatable. If we’re talking about flaws, these characters wear them on their sleeves like badges of honor. All these mundane imperfections create a very rich core of character background, and development. Too bad that Murn bites the dust in this season. As for the other characters in Christopher Smith’s team, I expect to see more character development moving on to season two.

Peacemaker’s Father: The White Dragon

One of the more well-written,and most important characters in ‘Peacemaker’ is his father: Auggie Smith aka the White Dragon. Yes, he’s dead by the end of season one, but that doesn’t mean that the character will leave the show. He appears to be haunting Christopher Smith’s mind much like what is done in the comics. The comic books show that Peacemaker regularly converses with his dead father, and it looks like James Gunn is incorporating this in his story moving forward. This just solidifies Peacemaker as full-blown crazy with daddy issues. This is bad for Chris, but good for ‘Peacemaker’ in general since it just provides more layers of storytelling.

Christopher Smith with ‘microphone’ half-naked

Chris’s relationship with his father goes to the core as to why ‘Peacemaker’ is so appealing : Christopher Smith aka Peacemaker is the underdog we can empathize. His morals are questionable, but his intentions are pure. But aren’t we all like that sometimes? Wanting to do the right thing by doing the wrong thing, or worse ending up doing the wrong thing? Chris also brings super heroes from DC lore down to earth with all of his supposed inside information, some of which are proven actually true (like that Aquaman snipe). Granted, these slights mask his insecurties. Then again, that just makes Peacemaker more relatable, and lovable. People love rooting for the underdog especially when they see themselves in the character. In this case, Chris is relatable on so many levels to so many people.

Vigilante and Peacemaker Having a Chat in Peacemaker’s Home

The story flow of ‘Peacemaker’ itself is a great balance of action, violence, sex, comedy, and emotional storytelling. The comedy reflects on the characters themselves, and is balanced out by the emotional beats that each main character is given in the story. Yes, even Emilia Harcourt has her soft, and mushy side too. The effect is that ‘Peacemaker’ doesn’t fall into the trap of being one long overextended comedy skit, and balances excellent storytelling with character development. ‘Peacemaker’ doesn’t get tied down by DC lore like another HBO Max show I love. Instead, it adds to the lore, and uses existing lore to its advantage. In particular, there’s this little bit of DC Cinematic Universe lore that it uses quite well.

Peacemaker meets the Justice League

With the last episode, ‘Peacemaker’ has established that it exists in the same DC Universe as the Justice League, with particular cameos of both Aquaman, and the Flash. More importantly, the Justice League’s appearance late in the story solidifies the importance of Peacemaker in this common universe. The Justice League can’t always be around, and someone has to do the dirty work. This helps in establishing Chris’s place in the super hero order now that the Suicide Squad, and its operations have been outed to world at large.

Adebayo and Peacemaker Avoid an Explosion

All in all, ‘Peacemaker’ is a breath of fresh air in a live action genre that has become formulaic for the most part. What ‘Peacemaker’ provides is an alternative storytelling pattern that caters to a much different audience than what has been established by many. The series is not for children, and that’s a good thing. ‘Peacemaker’ can be crass, and offensive to the socio-culturally sensitive. That too is a good thing. In spite of all these, ‘Peacemaker’ expands the boundary on what CAN BE DONE with super hero adaptations. The series dances to its own beat right from the onset, and it works to the benefit of the comic book genre as a whole.

Peacemaker outsid of his trailer park home

So, if you’re willing to give ‘Peacemaker’ a chance, you’ll be feasting on a storytelling style that is fresh in its damaged goods. ‘Peacemaker’ is now streaming on HBO Max.

Peacemaker on HBO Max is as Crazy as Its Main Character

With all due respect to James Gunn’s ‘The Suicide Squad‘, I’ve always believed that Peacemaker was a better character outside the Squad. Having said that, ‘Peacemaker’ takes off directly after ‘The Suicide Squad’ film, and it has kept me laughing right from the opening credits. WARNING: This review has SPOILERS from the first three episodes. So if you haven’t seen those yet, you might as well take Eagly out for a ride.

Christopher Smith aka Peacmaker Recovering in the Hospital

It helps that you recall your ‘The Suicide Squad‘ movie knowledge. As shown in the movie, Christopher Smith aka Peacemaker miraculously survives his duel with Bloodsport, and is recuperating in a hospital. This leads to his new life. Chris believes he is done with Waller and the Squad. Later, he finds out that he is done with the Squad, but not done with Waller. Turns out he is tapped by Waller’s lackeys on a new mission called Project Butterfly of which he has no clue. Though, if you’ve seen ‘The Suicide Squad’ then these project names are fairly obvious and self explanatory.

Peacemaker in Full Costume

With that brief intro of the series plot (so far), here’s now where I get to say that this series IS NOT FOR CHILDREN. And, that’s a welcome sight. Just like a lot of DC properties, ‘Peacemaker’ is a story about superheroes, and not a superhero story. As such, this allows James Gunn and company a lot of leeway to tell the story he wants. There are a lot of superhero stories for children out there. This is not one of them. To force it down everybody’s throats that it should follow a particular formula would be pointless, and absurd. So, if you want a campy-funny family friendly series to watch, I suggest you search elsewhere, and let those who appreciate this kind of seminal storytelling enjoy it for what ‘Peacemaker’ is: a series about the crazy life of a crazy superhero.

Peacemaker talking with His Team

With the freedom of storytelling, we have one of the weirdest and funniest opening credits I have ever seen. Yes, it’s very whimsical. And yet, this just reflects on the personality of the main character, and the ‘Peacemaker’ series. If you’re familiar with your comic book references, then you know that James Gunn is really playing on Christopher Smith’s insane mind. Peacemaker is crazy. You can see that in the series in loads. The opening credits sets the expectations on how quirky the series is, and will be.

Vigilante with Peacemaker Unmasked

One of the great strengths of the series is the supporting cast. To name a few, we have comic book characters Vigilante, Emila Harcourt, and John Economos. I’m a longtime DC Fan, and Titans fan so I’m very familiar with the Vigilante. There are some liberties taken to his interpretation here, but, just like in the comics, he is as crazy as Peacemaker when it comes to serving justice. Then there’s Emila Harcourt, and John Economos. As I shared in my review of ‘The Suicide Squad’, James Gunn digs deep into comic book lore, particularly Suicide Squad lore. These two are carry-overs from the movie, and are supproting characters found in earlier Suicide Squad runs. More proof that James Gunn is a geek, and uses his knowledge well.

Peacemaker with the Full Main Cast

With the first three episodes, you are provided a visual feast of humor, sex, action, and violence that only HBO Max has to offer; and that’s a good thing. It’s also not in small part that the storytelling has enough pace, and intrigue to keep you wanting more.

So, if you’re up for a series about a crazy superhero, give ‘Peacemaker’ a try. ‘Peacemaker’ is now streaming on HBO Max.

Amazon Prime’s’Invincible’ Delves into Responsibility and Relationships

You’ve heard it so many times before: with great power comes great responsibility. ‘Invincible’ highlights this in spades, and you get to see two versions of responsibiltiy at the center of this adult animated series. The story focuses primarily on the relationship of father, Omni-Man who is also Earth’s greatest superhero, and son, Invincible. Omni-Man aka Nolan Grayson is a Viltrumite who came to Earth to protect it from evil. Or so the story initially goes. Invincible aka Mark Grayson got his powers upon turning seventeen, and is being schooled by Omni-Man to use his powers properly. Between them and with them is Debbie Grayson, wife to Nolan and mother to Mark, who serves as the apparent moral barometer for both characters. The dynamic of these three characters serve as the lynchpin for the development of the series’ plot as it drives the story forward tackling on the responsibility and burden of being, for Omni-Man and Invincible anyway, the most powerful heroes on the planet.

However, not everything is as clear cut as it seems. Later on we find out that Omni-Man’s initial story of protecting Earth was all a big lie. In fact, he came to Earth to prepare it for conquest by the Viltrumite Galactic Empire. More so, Omni-Man doesn’t see humanity as a race worth the time to save, but rather, not only does he see them as beneath him, he also sees humanity as, in his words ‘pets’. Of course, this doesn’t rub well with Invincible since he is part human, and this builds a burning tension between father and son on their responsibilities: Omni-Man to his Viltrumite origins, and Invincible to his love of the human race. This difference in priorities inevitably leads to a massive conflict that takes all of Earth into the battle, an it’s a scary sight to behold. By the end of season one, the future of the Earth is placed in these two characters hands while the rest of humanity can do nothing but watch the resolution of the conflict. Indeed, the battle brings a lot of tension considering that humanity’s survival will be determined by beings who, though they call Earth their home, are not even completely human.

If you’re familiar with Robert Kirkman, then you know that he has already had success wiht a series also based on a comic book, ;The Walking Dead’. Unlike the zombie series, “Invincible’ focuses on super heroes and not a zombie apocalypse. Similar to ‘The Walking Dead’, the story also focuses on a father-son relationship. Additionally, ‘Invincible’ takes the same liberties using violence as an integral part of the storytelling, and it benefits from it as a means to highlight important elements of the story. This is not a series for children. Yes, it is a superhero series, but the show is catered to a much more mature audience. In spite of this, the series is also a coming of age story with Mark Grayson growing into his powers as he realizes that the life of a superhero is not all fun and games. Mark aka Invincible had to make many decisions that often cause moral and emotional dilemmas in his daily life. This continues till the end of season one, and he learns that having powers like his father is not as simple as having them and using them as he wishes.

As a teenager, Mark Grayson also encounters difficulties in his personal life, particularly with his romantic relationships and his schooling. This was seen in his interactions to both Atom Eve, a fellow superhero, and classmate Amber Bennett. Mark finds his relationship with both quite challenging. However, it is his relationship with Amber that takes a big hit due to his time as a superhero. Though the conflict between Amber and Mark resolves positively, the growing friendship between Invincible and Atom Eve provides a better anchor to Mark’s superhero life. Moving forward, this romantic triangle will provide some interesting dynamics in the future.

All in all, ‘Invincible’ is a story about power, responsibilty and maturity. Though the relationship of Mark and Nolan take center stage, how Mark adjusts to his new status quo as a teenager with powers cannot be ignored. More so, Mark’s growing pains into the person he wants to be will determine the ultimate fate of the Earth. The challenge for Mark will be his acceptance of the responsibility that accompanies his powers. Invincible has already taken a stand on what he wants to do. Now all that is needed is for Mark to follow through. As such, season one of ‘Invincible’ has provided enough hooks for future stories to tell.

If you’re up for a more mature take on the superhero genre, give ‘Invincible’ a try. You’ll find that there are many layers to its storytelling. The series uses the comicbook superhero backdrop to talk about family, relationships and responsibilty. These elements makes it stand out from other superhero series.

Superman & Lois Pilot Review: The Superman Family We Need

It took me a while to write this pilot review. Maybe because I had to digest the story’s approach. Or maybe because I had to analyze my feelings for this show more? Or maybe I had to watch it several times in order to get a better understanding of what I just watched. Or, all of the above. This new series that adds to the CW Arrowverse has all the makings of the Superman family we need.

The ‘Superman & Lois’ pilot sets the stage of what to expect, and it leaves no room for doubt that this is a family story. Grounded on the relationhsip of Lois and Clark, the series also introduces the concept of a mature Superman with twin sons, Jordan and Jonathan. Neither of them know of their father’s heritage or his powers as the story begins. This provides an interesting family dynamic that takes center stage amidst the Earthly landscape that is the Superman mythos. In current comic book cannon, Lois and Clark do have a son named Jonathan, and it’s refreshing to see that the series isn’t afraid to take it a step further by giving the Man of Steel two heirs to Krypton’s legacy.

However, the quiet lives of the Superman family gets rocked with a tragedy that moves the characters forward in a direction that is totally different from where it began. While all of this is happening, Superman encounters a mysterious villain who has his identity veiled till the end of the episode. However, the revelation begs more questions than provides more answers. This appears to be the central villain of the series for the immediate future along with an unraveling mystery uncovered by Lois Lane. In spite of all the Superman drama and mystery, the series never fails to remind us that what will hold ‘Superman & Lois’ together moving forward are the challenges this Superman family will have with the revelation to Lois’s sons that Clark is indeed Superman.

All in all, we have the makings of a super hero series that stands out at least amongst its CW counterparts. Yes, it’s a Superman series. But, it is also a series about family, friendship and growth. As I viewed the pilot several times, I can’t shake the feeling that I was uplifted by the kindnatured dram that ‘Superman & Lois’ provided. Just as it is true with Superman, the series provides a lot of hope and positivity, something we all need in these pandemic times. It’s always nice to know that there is a Superman showing by example how it is to balance family life with superheroics. This is truly a series worth investing your time in if you want a bit more hope and positivity in your lives.