Sandman Casting: Where is Doctor Destiny?

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, the Sandman series on Netflix is in production, and the fans are abuzz with the latest casting news that have been recently revealed. Below is what we know so far as to whcih actors will portray characters of Neil Gaiman’s seminal Vertigo series.

That’s a pretty good cast of characters with a few surprises. With the news of these actors portraying Sandman characters, a lot of people were asking where is Death? Death made her first appearance in issue 8 of Sandman entitled, ‘Sound of Her Wings’. A lot of people were looking for her considerint that the Corinthian was taking part in the series early even though the powerful nightmare made his first appearance much later than Death. It would only be natural to have her casted already, right? However, for me the MORE important question is ‘Where is John Dee?’

If you were to recall, Neil Gaiman himself revealed that they were currently filming the diner scene of the Sandman series. For fans familiar with this reference, this most undoubtedly involves ’24 Hours’, issue number six of the Sandman comic book where the diner scene takes place. In the comic book, the reason why that scene even takes place is because John Dee aka Doctor Destiny had Morpheus’s dreamstone. So you would’ve expected him to be one of the first characters to be casted, right? So where is he?

What follows next is pure speculation on my part. In the comic books, Sandman encountered characters the Justice League in issue 6, ‘Passengers’. Here he meets Mister Miracle and Martian Manhunter in order to locate John Dee who has Morpheus’s dreamstone. This was because Doctor Destiny was captured by the Justice League in the past and they had information on him in their data base. ‘Passengers’ is the issue that precedes ’24 Hours’, and it might just be that the Netflix series is distancing itself from DC comci book characters for whatever reason. Thus, no Mister Miracle, no Martian Manhunter, no Doctor Destiny. So, unless they later on announce a casting for John Dee, where does that leave the dreamstone?

Well, perhaps the focus of the first arc will deal heavily with Roderick Burgess who was cast. Maybe, aside from trapping Morpheus, he has the dreamstone. This would make perfect sense, and explain the absence of John Dee in the series. An epic battle for the dreamstone which leads to Morpheus’s triumph over Roderick Burgess would make for great storytelling.

For now, we can only wait and see how this continuing story of Sandman unfolds. I for one can’t wait for Sandman to finally come to life on Netflix. What do you think of my theory? Let me know in the comments.

Fearsome Five: The Top Western Comic Book Series Adaptations of 2020

So we are near the end of another year, and I can’t help but write this article as it ends. Makes me wonder why I haven’t written anything like this before, but that’s water under the bridge. I present to you my top five best comic book series adaptation of 2020. As the title suggests, this is for comic books meaning WESTERN material. Otherwise, I’d have have included manga adaptations, and other material from the eastern part of the world. In making the list I did not distinguish between animated or live action features. If it’s good then it’s good. Period. Another caveat is that these include series that I was watching. So, if your favorites aren’t in here I probably dropped them or wasn’t interested in viewing them. That’s enough of my disclaimers. We begin my list with…..

At number five, we have Harley Quinn. When Harley Quinn first came out, there was a lot of uproar for making it an R-rated show. Surely, there are children who would love to watch the show, right? When you view the material, you’ll understand why this is the case, and the show is better for it. Even in the comic books, Harley had themes bordering on PG. This is not Young Justice. The rating just allows Harley and its show runners to tell its stories the best way that it can. And tell it well they did. From the saving of the world to Harley and Ivy’s budding relationship, this series captures the essence of a Harley Quinn story. Naysayers be damned. Yes, the series is not for children, but fans of the material will understand that this series provides elements of storytelling that could not have been done without the R rating. Sorry kids, this show isn’t for you, but that doesn’t mean it’s not a great show. Speaking of R-ratings…

At number four we have Doom Patrol. Now this series was R-rated from the onset, taking its lead from the former Vertigo title from DC while incorporating elements of stories from other iterations of the comic book. In the aftermath of the group’s battle with Mr. Noboby, the Doom Patrol meets and now lives with Dorothy Spinner, The Chief’s daughter. Arguably one of the most powerful characters in the story, the second season shows us her powers, and the cost of having them. This is a weird horror science fiction dark comedy which fits well with the comic books Vertigo roots. Unfortunately, the season finale’s cliffhanger is the reason why this series is not higher in the list. Even still, the show is an excellent view to make my list.

At number three is Stargirl. Geoff Johns’ creation comes to life courtesy of well…Geoff Johns. This is not the only show Geoff Johns has executive produced, but this is one with his own original comic book character taking the titular role. What makes this show so special? It reintroduces the Justice Society of America in a way that not even the comic book does. Yes, it’s Americana at its finest. Look at Stargirl’s costume. You will also notice it in a lot of thematic elements of the show. But, it’s an excellent show with excellent storytelling. There is a lot of youthful exuberance that is balanced with discovery, and the measure of experience. Plus, those action scenes are pretty entertaining. This is a show that everyone can watch. Unlike this next one…

At number two, we have The Boys. I love Garth Ennis, and I love this adaptation. This second season is a lot better than season one. and it closes a lot of plot points left unresolved in the previous season. This satire and parody of the comic book superhero genre is bloody, graphic, foul-mouthed and all the more better for it. Unlike the other series on this list, there is no other way to tell The Boys that would be consistent to its source. Amidst the violence and graphic content, there are a lot of relationship themes and social commentaries reflective of our current real life situations. This would actually be number one on my list if not for a series from a galaxy far far away…

The Mandalorian is at the top of my list and is THE BEST comic book series of 2020. I have to be honest with you. This show was number two on my list, and I was ready to give The Boys the top spot. But, and this is a big BUT, episode 8 of season two put this show over the top. I was teary-eyed even before the end credits (and brought to tears AFTER the credits). This show has grown from a space western version of Lone Wolf and Cub to a rallying cry that unites the Star Wars fandoms, and invites everyone else to join in the fun. For a while now the fans have been divided due to recent moves by Disney on storytelling elements of the much-loved Star Wars franchise. What The Mandalorian was able to do was calm everyone down, and invite everyone back in. Hats off to Jon Favreau and Dave Filioni for masterfully showing us that you actually can create material that caters to long time fans while also opening Star Wars to a newer audience. May the Force continue to be with you both. This is the way.

Do you agree with my list? Share with me your comments.

Swamp Thing: Worlds Apart

Warning: This post contains spoilers for ‘Worlds Apart’, episode 2 for SWAMP THING. Stop here if you want to maintain the mystery.

Last episode, I said that the Sunderlands had something to do wi th the virus that’s spreading across Marais. In ‘Worlds Apart’ we find that is partly true. Avery Sunderland is actually funding the research of Dr. Jason Woodrue who created the accelerant. This is the same substance that is being dumped in the swamps which is supposedly linked to the virus that is now plaguing Marais. Avery backed the research to help monetize the swamp to increase the revenue in Marais. Whether or not the virus is related to the accelerant has yet to be proven, but everything is pointing to that direction.

Image is not mine and only used for review purposes under the conditions of free use.

Speaking of Dr. Jason Woodrue, those who are familiar with DC lore will know him as the Floronic Man. This is a staple opponent of Swamp Thing in the comic books. He isn’t transformed her yet, but if his story progresses like in the comic books, he will turning green as well.

Another comic book character who makes his debut in ‘Worlds Apart’ is Daniel Cassidy aka Blue Devil. In his early years, Blue Devil had his own comic book and his personality was somewhat comedic. Fast forward a few years later, and he was entrenched as part of DC’s arcane characters. Still funny, but fully immersed in his magical background.

Image is not mine and used for review purposes under the conditions of free use.

Abby visits Daniel Cassidy to look for any clues on Alec’s research. Alec Holland was living in Daniel’s home, and, since Abby was denied access to Alec’s lab by Avery earlier in the story, Abby had to find other sources of information elsewhere. So, that makes it two major DC character introduction in this episode.

Also in my last SWAMP THING review, I talked about how Susie Coyle could become Suzy, a character who makes regular appearances in the Black Orchid comics. It seems that the series is headed in that direction in some form. ‘Worlds Apart’ reveals a mental connection between Alec and Susie. If she isn’t going to be Suzy, she might be something like her. She feels what Alec feels which actually gets her into trouble. Wishing to help, Susie escapes the hospital to look for Alec Holland who is now transformed into this plant monster. She meets him, nearly gets murdered in the process, but is saved by Alec who is just discovering his powers as Swamp Thing.

Image is not mine and used for review purposes under the conditions of free use.

In the end, Susie escapes the swamp with Abby who went out to look for her as she escaped from the hospital. Abby has her second encounter with Swamp Thing. The kicker here is that she learns from Susie that the creature that is Swamp Thing has a name…Alec. Surprise, surprise.

There is one final surprise in ‘Worlds Apart’. It appears that Abby’s childhood friend and daughter of the Sunderlands, Shawna, has returned form the swamp where she died. Whether she is alive or dead (friend or foe) we’ll just have to wait and see. Not much is revealed of her motivations just yet, but she is back in Marais with an as of yet hidden agenda.

SWAMP THING is a different animal (plant?) from either TITANS or DOOM PATROL that came before it. ‘Worlds Apart’ digs deep into DC occult lore, and introduces some familiar faces to discerning comic book fans. If there is any doubt in the first episode of the kind of story SWAMP THING wishes to tell, it is made clearer here. This is a horror mystery delicately crafted into a beautiful bayou backdrop. You don’t mess with the environment, and SWAMP THING shows you what happens when you do. See for yourself, and you won’t be disappointed.