Cap, Spidey and Transformers Trailers

The Superbowl is done for another year. One team won and one team lost, but what I’m interested in are the new trailers!

Opening April 4 is the Captain America sequel, The Winter Soldier. It looks darker than the original. Oh yeah!

Amazing Spider-Man 2 is the longest and by far, most intense trailer of the three released today, with a focus on the villains. It opens on May 2 from Sony, withe original main cast and director. Electro reminds me of The Riddler in Batman Forever, as a loser who idolises the superhero and then goes nutty.

Finally, the Transformers sequel (that nobody really asked for), with a new human cast  is the shortest and less revealing. Lots of pointy, shiny robots, explosions and humans running. Oh, and also Optimus Prime riding a dragon-like (rather than T-Rex) Grimlock. I’m not sure if that’s cool yet.

 

February 3, 2014
Categories: Comics, Movies . Tags: , , , . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

Cheap Captain America Comics

There’s good synergy going on lately between Marvel Comics and Marvel Studios. Now if only DC/Warner Bros. could do the same. Opening in April is the Captain America sequel, The Winter Soldier, which means now is a great time to get to know the characters from the comics, such as Black Widow, The Winter Soldier and of course, Cap himself. I haven’t read most of these on-sale collections, but I can recommend The Longest Winter story.

All of the comics on sale at Marvel’s digital comics shop are collections, (otherwise knows as Trade Paperbacks), which means you get a few issues of a monthly series together, to tell one, complete story. Check out the 4 options below, or here.

Captain America Sale

Prepare for Cap’s return to the big screen with incredible savings on Captain America and Winter Soldier digital collections!
Now through February 3rd, purchase select digital collections for just $3.99 each!*Head to the Marvel Digital Comics Shop now for savings on: Captain America By Ed Brubaker Vol.1, Winter Soldier, and more!

Screen shot 2014-02-02 at 5.28.14 PM

Screen shot 2014-02-02 at 5.28.39 PM

February 2, 2014
Categories: Comics, New To Comics? . Tags: , , . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

Spidey and Cap Superbowl Teasers

Yep, teasers for trailers! That’s how impatient we are, and the studios know it.

Sunday’s Superbowl will see many cool new trailers, at the costly sum of $4 million for 30 seconds, but until then, we have two teasers for two superhero sequels. The Amazing Spider-Man 2 teaser is the most action packed one yet, and the even shorter Captain America: The Winter Soldier shows some new footage, including a cool flying Falcon.

Expect full trailers to go online in the next day or two, if you happen to miss them during the Superbowl.

There’s also some new pics of the Cap sequel, and yes, that last one is French bad guy Batroc the Leaper! You can see more posters here, spotlighting Nick Fury, Cap and Black Widow, the latter of which has been criticised for some obvious Photoshop editing.

Captain America 2 poster

 

February 1, 2014
Categories: Movies . Tags: , . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

Winter Soldier: The Bitter March #1 Preview

Cinemagoers around the world will now be familiar with the name, The Winter Soldier thanks to the advertising for a certain Marvel sequel called Captain America: The Winter Soldier. Comic fans will already be familiar with the identity of the Soldier, and eagle eyed viewers of the trailer will have already pieced it together – he’s Bucky Barnes, Cap’s former (and once presumed dead) partner. It took years to tell the tale of Bucky’s resurrection in the comics thanks to scribe Ed Brubaker, but the film will hopefully cover it in entertaining fashion in two hours. There are still a lot of blanks in Barnes’ history though, and the February 12 debut of this 5 ish mini will cover some of them. Text-free preview below.

Bucky Barnes Strikes in WINTER SOLIDER: THE BITTER MARCH #1!

Bucky Barnes has been called many things – Avenger, Invader, and even Captain America. But to many, he’s known by only one name – The Winter Solider! A name that carries a bloody legacy reaching deep into the pages of history. And today Marvel is proud to present your first look at WINTER SOLDIER: THE BITTER MARCH #1 – a new limited series from blockbuster writer Rick Remender and fan-favorite artist Roland Boschi!

At the height of the Cold War, S.H.I.E.L.D. sends their top operative, agent Ran Shen, deep into enemy territory to retrieve two Nazi scientists that could be the key to winning the war. But they aren’t the only ones who want these high value scientists. The Soviet Union have unleashed their most ruthless agent – THE WINTER SOLDIER! His mission: acquire the scientists by any means necessary – or kill them before they fall into enemy hands!

“In the late 1960s, a S.H.I.E.L.D. mission gone wrong begat the creation of the Iron Nail, the foe whose schemes and strategies are bedeviling Captain America in the present in his own series,” says Marvel Executive Editor Tom Brevoort. “WINTER SOLDIER: THE BITTER MARCH tells the story of that fateful mission, and the events that set S.H.I.E.L.D. operative Ran Shen onto the path that would result in him becoming the dreaded Iron Nail.”

Don’t miss the intrigue, adventure, romance, and action in this high-octane, pulse pounding thriller that will have grave consequences for the life of modern day Captain America when WINTER SOLDIER: THE BITTER MARCH #1 hits comic shops this February!

WINTER SOLDIER: THE BITTER MARCH #1 (of 5) (DEC130640)

Written by RICK REMENDER

Art by ROLAND BOSCHI

Cover by ANDREW ROBINSON

Variant Cover by IN-HYUK LEE

Animal Variant by CHRIS ELIOPOULOS

Winter_Soldier_TBM_1_Cover

Continue reading →

January 17, 2014
Categories: Comic Art, Comics, New To Comics? . Tags: , , . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

Captain America: The First Avenger Film Review

I must admit that I’ve always been more of a DC Comics guy rather than a Marvel reader. As a huge comic book fan for the last two decades, Superman, Batman and co. have always filled my collection more so than the likes of Spider-Man, X-Men, etc. However, it’s pretty obvious that the last few years have seen Marvel hit paydirt with their characters on the silver screen, especially since 2008’s Iron Man, a successful release from their own studio. It was also the first film to build their so-called Cinematic Universe that has seen characters and plot elements shared between both Iron Man films, The Incredible Hulk, Thor and now, Captain America. Next year will see The Avengers, directed by Buffy and Firefly creator Joss Whedon in which those aforementioned heroes, and others, will join forces under the guidance of Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson).

Captain America: The First Avenger, to give the film its full title, is certainly a thoroughly enjoyable “see you later” from Marvel, until The Avengers lands, and if you haven’t got the idea by now, yes, there is an extra scene here after the credits, in which we see The Avengers assembled. It’s short, but certainly worth sitting through the credits for.

What precedes that however is two hours of rousing entertainment, and like all of Marvel’s other films, it works just as well for those unfamiliar with the character as it does for knowledgeable fanboys like me.

Directed by Joe Johnston (The Wolfman, The Rocketeer) it stays very close to the comics character as originally conceived by Joe Simon and Jack Kirby in 1941. Set mainly during WWII, it follows skinny, but noble, man Steve Rogers (Chris Evans) who desperately wants to join the army, but has been continually rejected due to his asthma and general lack of fitness. Seeing within him a courage greater than his strength, experimental scientist Dr. Erskine (Stanley Tucci) chooses Rogers to be the next candidate in his Super Soldier program.

The first candidate was Johann Schmidt, the man in charge of Hitler’s advanced science program, known as HYDRA. Growing impatient, Schmidt tried Erskine’s serum too early and although he became powerful, he was disfigured, taking the nickname Red Skull. He has grown increasingly ambitious in his evil plans, and with the recent power he has gained from the Tesseract (known as the Cosmic Cube in the comics) he arms his soldiers with its power, intent on claiming the world as his own.

Thankfully Erskine’s improved formula works much better, as a now beefy Rogers attests, especially when chasing a spy who kills Erskine and attempts to flee with the last of the serum. Rogers, now dubbed Captain America, becomes a national sensation and is sent on an international tour to rally the troops and get the public to buy war bonds. Rogers soon grows tired of this lack of military action and when he hears that his friend Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Shaw) has been kidnapped, he goes on a rescue mission, with the aid of British agent Peggy Carter (Hayley Atwell) and Howard (father of Tony) Stark (Dominic Cooper). Proving successful and discovering Hydra’s secret plans, Cap recruits a few soldiers and goes on a rampage to destroy all of HYDRA’s bases.

There is a superb mix of humour and drama, and romance and action here, and the sci-fi elements never seem too grandiose for the WWII setting. Initially proving skeptical to becoming Cap, after having played another Marvel hero (The Human Torch) in the two Fantastic Four films, Evans shows that he has the pathos and likeability to portray the patriotic hero here and most importantly, allows us to like the weakling Rogers even before he becomes the star spangled superhero. The supporting cast, which also includes Tommy Lee Jones, rounds things out nicely, but it is Evans’ show. The film moves at a brisk pace and even two montages can’t slow it down. The showdown between Cap and the Skull is somewhat disappointing, as are some of the CGI effects at times, but this is a much more solid film than Thor. It’s accessible, never dull and is quite charming with its straightforward action film approach. Fans of the comics will be taking mental notes here, as those behind the film know the origins of this tale and are not afraid to point them out. The transformation of Captain America’s costume makes sense here, and nods to Bucky’s comic costume, plus the inclusion of Cap’s allies the Howling Commandos are little things that will warm Marvel loyalist’s hearts.

This is another winner from Marvel, and will hopefully get audiences geared up for next year’s rather ambitious super team film.

See clips from this great film (including snippets of the post-credits scene) right here.

July 29, 2011
Categories: Movies, New To Comics?, Reviews . Tags: , , . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: 2 Comments

I Am Captain America Variants

A dozen Cap-centred variant covers for a few June releasing comics below. I like the idea of the patriotic hero represented through ordinary folk. See the full list of the actual issues for these variant covers under all the perty pics.

Marvel Unveils I AM CAPTAIN AMERICA Variants

This June and July, celebrate the release of Marvel Studios’ anticipated summer blockbuster Captain America: The First Avenger with the I Am Captain America series of variant covers! Featuring all-new artwork from a superstar cast of comics’ greatest creators – including Marvel’s own Chief Creative Officer, Joe Quesada, Marko Djurdjevic, Alex Maleev, Skottie Young, and Ed McGuiness! These I Am Captain America variant covers honor real world American heroes of every creed and calling that would be sure to make Steve Rogers himself proud.

Marvel urges retailers to check their orders on these hotly anticipated variant covers as Captain America continues to generate major mainstream interest in the months to come. No fan will want to miss the chance to see the First Avenger in a whole new light when Marvel shouts “I Am Captain America” this June!

Continue reading →

May 13, 2011
Categories: Comic Art . Tags: , . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

Captain America And Black Panther

Unsurprisingly, with the patriotic Super Soldier getting his film treatment released in July, Marvel is putting  a lot of attention on Steve Rogers. Here’s the latest official news from Marvel, plus a few more tidbits.

Marvel Announces Brubaker & McNiven’s CAPTAIN AMERICA #1

New Ongoing Series Begins In July Featuring Marvel’s First Avenger

Marvel Entertainment is proud to announce Captain America #1, the first issue of an all new ongoing series premiering in July from two of the comic industry’s most acclaimed creators—writer Ed Brubaker (Death of Captain America) and artist Steve McNiven (Civil War)!

Steve Rogers is back as Captain America but when a mysterious figure from his past returns with the Sentinel of Liberty in his crosshairs, deadly secrets will surface—and send shockwaves through the lives of everyone Steve holds dear. An all-new, high octane Captain America series begins here, just in time for the First Avenger’s highly anticipated feature film from Marvel Studios.

“I gave myself a few challenges for this new #1 – I wanted to do the perfect Cap comic for anyone who walks out of the Cap movie and wants to know what’s next, but it also had to build on everything I’ve done on the book beforehand, too, and feel like the natural next step,” explained Brubaker. “Thank God Brevoort wrangled me Steve McNiven to pull all this off. Steve is at the top of his game, and no one draws action like him. I can’t wait for these issues to start coming out.”

McNiven revealed, “Captain America has been a character I’ve wanted to work on in more depth since Civil War, a real icon of the Marvel Universe. Not only do I get to run with Cap, but Ed Brubaker, a guy who has redefined the character at Marvel, is writing the books and he’s come up with an absolutely brilliant storyline that I can’t wait for folks to read.”

Perfect for readers new and old alike, the extra-sized Captain America #1 kicks off the next big chapter in the life of Steve Rogers, courtesy of superstars Ed Brubaker and Steve McNiven!

CAPTAIN AMERICA #1

Written by ED BRUBAKER

Pencils & Cover by STEVE MCNIVEN

Cover by STEVE MCNIVEN

Variant Cover by OLIVIER COIPEL

Variant Cover by NEAL ADAMS

Variant Cover by TBA

Movie variant available

Blank cover also available

Rated T+ …$3.99

ON SALE IN JULY

The good Captain also has a few recent one-shots out now, spotlighting his allies and enemies, such as The First Thirteen (what or whoever that is), Crossbones and Batroc The Leaper (who’s a bad guy that …leaps). I picked up only one of these – Captain America and the Secret Avengers. Cap only appears in one panel, despite the title, and as for his Secret Avengers, well, they don’t appear at all. Not the whole team anyway, only Black Widow and new member Sharon Carter. I only grabbed this tale because Greg Tocchini (who created interlocking covers for these Cap one-shots) is the interior artist. Unfortunately it’s not his exotic painted style as seen in last year’s great Last Days of American Crime, but it’s still dynamic. Written by Kelly Sue Deconnick, it has the two lovely ladies infiltrating an evil all girls assassin training school ball and thankfully, it never takes itself too seriously. The art is stylised, but the blank backgrounds are a bit disappointing. It’s fast paced and entertaining enough though, and also includes a short ’80s story from Fabian Nicieza and Rob Liefeld starring Black Widow and Silver Sable chasing a baddie in France.

Black Panther, the African former king from the nation of Wakanda (and husband of X-Men’s Storm) is the new Daredevil. Well, he’s just taking over the protection of Hell’s Kitchen from blind lawyer Matt Murdock after he went crazy evil, but don’t worry, Daredevil returned in Daredevil: Reborn. Novelist David Liss took over when Black Panther did and created a street level tale with new characters, a new costume for the Panther without his Wakandan riches, a new day job at a diner, and most importantly a new villain in super powered mob boss Vlad. I’ve enjoyed this new arc, but with artist Jefte Palo now on board (taking over from Francesco Francavilla, who’s been working on the James Gordon-centred Detective Comics lately), it’s much more impressive. Francavilla is a good artist, certainly, but his creepy visuals work much better in ‘Tec than they did with Black Panther. Palo’s style is less washed out and more rendered and Jean-Francois Beaulieu’s moody colouring adds real grit. With rare but focused action, evil family feuds and a wise cracking guest appearance by Spider-Man, Black Panther #516 works a treat and it’s obvious that things are building to a fateful end.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As a nice combo of Cap and Panther, Marvel will be launching something called American Panther in July, with Black Panther sporting a new Captain America-styled armour. All we have so far is the teaser image below, but it looks like it will tie in to the upcoming Fear Itself event.

April 4, 2011
Categories: Comic Art, New To Comics?, News, Reviews . Tags: , . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

Steve Rogers: Super Soldier Annual #1 Preview

It’s Captain America’s time at the moment. Thor’s too. Fair enough, as both will hopefully wow us on the big screen in the coming months. Below is a text-free preview of yet another Steve Rogers adventure. (He can’t really call himself Captain America anymore, as his former sidekick Bucky has taken that mantle).

Your First Look at STEVE ROGERS: SUPER-SOLDIER ANNUAL #1

Marvel is pleased to present your first look at the second cataclysmic chapter of “Escape From The Negative Zone,” from writer James Asmus and artist Ibraim Roberson in Steve Rogers: Super-Soldier Annual #1! The X-Men have been marked for execution by King Blastaar but luckily, Steve Rogers is on his way into enemy territory to save them! Can the original Sentinel of Liberty take on the entire Negative Zone alone?

Spinning directly into next month’s Namor: The First Mutant Annual #1, the senses-shattering crossover event of the spring continues in Steve Rogers: Super-Soldier Annual #1! With their biggest threat still a mystery, can Steve and the X-Men make it out of the King Blastaar’s realm alive?

Plus don’t forget to see how this epic story begins in Uncanny X-Men Annual #3 on sale next week!

Escape From The Negative Zone: Part One

UNCANNY X-MEN ANNUAL #3 (JAN110796)

Written by JAMES ASMUS

Penciled by NICK BRADSHAW

Cover by BLACK FROG

Rated T+ …$3.99

On Sale – 3/16/11

STEVE ROGERS: SUPER-SOLDIER ANNUAL #1 (FEB110542)

Written by JAMES ASMUS

Penciled by IBRAIM ROBERSON

Cover by BLACK FROG

Rated T+ …$3.99

FOC – 3/21/11, On Sale – 4/13/11

NAMOR: THE FIRST MUTANT ANNUAL #1 (MAR110712)

Written by JAMES ASMUS

Penciled by MAX FIUMARA

Cover by BLACK FROG

Rated T+ …$3.99

FOC – 4/25/11, On Sale – 5/18/11

 

 

March 11, 2011
Categories: Comic Art . Tags: , . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

Comics Games Galore

It’s a good week for comics inspired games, with the release of Marvel vs Capcom 3: Fate of Two Worlds. I’ve never been a huge fighting game fan, but the roster of characters is impressive, as are the special moves. Deadpool, for example, uses his own health bar as a weapon in his typical, fourth wall breaking style. On March 1 you can also download alternate costumes, including classic Thor, Iron Patriot (Norman Osborn in stolen Iron Man armour) and Steve Rogers.

Green Lantern: Rise of the Manhunters has its first trailer, although curiously it shows a cinematic, not any actual gameplay. Hmmm. It’ set to be released on June 1, the same day as its movie counterpart. It’s also the first time any Green Lantern has had their own game.

Much more promising is the sequel to Batman: Arkham Asylum, the best game the Dark Knight has ever had. Arkham City is made by Warner Bros. Interactive and Rocksteady Games and features Batman (obviously) as well as Joker (who doesn’t look too well), Harley Quinn, Hugo Strange and more. Check out 3 more pics of the upcoming game here.

Finally, Captain America’s movie tie-in game is set in WWII and is made by Sega. The pics (more here) look great although the footage shown at New York Comic Con last year shows the classic winged ear costume, but that could be an alternate costume, or perhaps it’s only used early in the game. Actor Chris Evans has only just signed on to voice Cap for the game, so it’s not his voice you hear in the video below.

February 17, 2011
Categories: Games, News . Tags: , , . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

Extra Sequential Podcast #27

63 mins. Another rambling, yet informative episode. We discuss a bunch of comics and film stuff, plus tedious fantasy movies, interstate travelling, water pistols and what Batman’s up to these days.

LISTEN TO IT BELOW, DOWNLOAD IT HERE OR ON ITUNES

1:13 NEWS

The upcoming Red Sonja film starring Amber Heard, Comic-Con 2011 is all sold out, the new Thor, Captain America, Cowboys & Aliens, and X-Men: First Class trailers, Lois Lane and Ursa in the Superman reboot, the most popular comics website, and the Dreams Come True Disney exhibit in Melbourne.

25:35 WHAT WE’VE BEEN READING

Weird zines such as Modern Gentlemen #3, and the far cuter Summer Tears#1, the disappointing Dinner for Schmucks film, Brightest Day #19, Thorgal by Jean van Hamme and Grzegorz Rosiński, the supporting cast spotlighting Superman 80 Page Giant 2011, Raymond Briggs’ nuclear drama When The Wind Blows, Batman and Robin #20 with the new creative team of Peter J. Tomasi and Patrick Gleason and finally Deus Ex: Human Revolution #1.

February 12, 2011
Categories: Comics, Movies, New To Comics?, News, Podcast, Reviews . Tags: , , , , , , . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

Comics Films Super Bowl Trailers

Below are trailers form today’s Super Bowl telecast in the States. The Thor one has some previously unseen footage, the Captain America is the first official non-photos we’ve seen and is the most exciting, even though Chris Evans’ head on a scrawny body looks a tad weird. Daniel Craig and Harrison Ford together in Cowboys & Aliens is an intriguing partnership, although, like the Thor trailer, it doesn’t show heaps of new footage.

If you want to see screenshots in these fast paced trailers go here for Thor and here for Cap.

February 7, 2011
Categories: Movies . Tags: , , . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

Flashpoint, Fear Itself and Captain America

Time for some perty pics.

Geoff Johns made Green Lantern the centre of the DC Universe for a while, and now it’s time for another superhero he resurrected to take the spotlight in May’s Flashpoint series, which launches 15 mini-series set in an alternate future, or something. The cover by Andy Kubert for Flashpoint #1 is below. DC have also released 5 new cryptic teaser images for the series.

Marvel’s next big event is similarly secretive. Here’s the Steve McNiven cover for Fear Itself #1, the first of the 7 ish mini which launches in April.

Finally, the Captain America film opens in July, but the first teaser trailer (as well as Thor’s) is being launched this Sunday during the Super Bowl, as well as a free digital tie-in comic. The grungy official poster for the film is below.

February 5, 2011
Categories: Comic Art, Movies, News . Tags: , , . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

Captain America and Falcon #1 Preview

Steve Rogers turns 70 this year and Marvel are celebrating with a bunch of one-shots. Preview of the first one below, including the awesome Greg Tocchini (Last Days of American Crime) connecting cover art.

Your First Look at CAPTAIN AMERICA AND FALCON #1

Marvel is pleased to present your first look at Captain America and Falcon #1, from fan favorite creators Rob Williams and Rebekah A. Isaacs! Kicking off a series of five one-shots celebrating the 70 years of the Sentinel of Liberty, Captain America’s erstwhile partner Sam Wilson, must confront his past to save a boy’s future! Join Captain America and Falcon as they take on an evil far below the spires of Avengers Tower – the very streets Falcon fought to escape. When Captain America and Falcon #1 hits stands this March, fans should rush out to their comic shops to be amongst the first to grab an exclusive print featuring the connecting covers of red-hot artist Greg Tocchini! Salute the legacy of America’s super-soldier all month long as Marvel pays tribute to Captain America and those around him who have made him the man he is!

*Retailers should check the Marvel Mailer for special incentives on the below listed titles for great deals and promotions.

 

CAPTAIN AMERICA AND FALCON #1 (JAN110704)

CAPTAIN AMERICA AND FALCON #1 GATEFOLD VARIANT (JAN110705)

Written by ROB WILLIAMS

Penciled by REBEKAH A. ISAACS

Cover by GREG TOCCHINI

Gatefold Cover by GREG TOCCHINI

Rated T+ …$3.99

FOC – 2/7/11, On Sale 3/2/11

CAPTAIN AMERICA AND THE FIRST THIRTEEN #1 (JAN110706)

Written by KATHRYN IMMONEN

Penciled by RAMÓN PEREZ

Cover by GREG TOCCHINI

Rated T+ …$3.99

FOC – 2/7/11, On Sale 3/9/11

CAPTAIN AMERICA AND CROSSBONES #1 (JAN110707)

Written by WILLIAM HARMS

Penciled by DECLAN SHALVEY

Cover by GREG TOCCHINI

Rated T+ …$3.99

FOC – 2/7/11, On Sale 3/16/11

CAPTAIN AMERICA AND BATROC #1 (JAN110708)

Written by KIERON GILLEN

Penciled by RENATO ARLEM

Cover by GREG TOCCHINI

Rated T+ …$3.99

FOC – 2/7/11, On Sale 3/23/11

CAPTAIN AMERICA AND THE SECRET AVENGERS #1 (JAN110709)

Written by KELLY SUE DECONNICK

Pencils & Cover by GREG TOCCHINI

Rated T+…$3.99

FOC – 2/7/11, On Sale 3/30/11

February 4, 2011
Categories: Comic Art, New To Comics? . Tags: , . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

Cap and Spidey Movie Pics

Two photos and the internet goes ablaze. Not surprising really. Captain America starring Chris Evans, and Hugo Weaving as the Red Skull opens on July 22. Below is the first good pic of Evans in costume from the latest issue of Entertainment Weekly. I like it. Like The Ultimates version, plus the more realistic versions that Marvel have been showing in their WWII era comics in the last couple of years, with the wings gone and more pouches. He looks like a patriotic soldier.

 

Also released today was the first official pic of next year’s Spider-Man reboot. Sure it’s 18 months early, but it’s a good way to start the buzz now. Here’s what I think about the new Spidey costume, as seen worn by actor Andrew Garfield (The Social Network).

1. It has to distance itself from the Sam Raimi/Tobey Maguire films. Sony don’t want people thinking this is Spider-Man 4, seeing as it will be released only 5 years after Spider-Man 3.

2. Gone is the raised silver webbing. I never understood that. I suppose perhaps it made sense from a lighting point of view, and on Venom in Spidey 3, but Peter Parker was supposed to have made the costume himself. In reality, each suit cost $100, 000. On the DVD of the first Spider-Man film from 2002 is a brief clip of some CGI test footage of Spidey climbing a wall. There’s no silver webbing on the costume, and it looks great. Why they dismissed that approach is due to Hollywood logic, but if you see the alternate Green Goblin costumes and wonder why they chose the laughable final version, it’s fitting I guess.

3. It distances itself from the Turn Off The Dark musical costume, which wisely Sony don’t want to be associated with.

4. It’s a subtle redesign from the original, and still used (mostly) comics one. Of course we don’t know what the mask looks like yet (or the boots), but at least this is sleeker and thus more given to acrobatic manoeuvres (especially as it’ll be in 3D). It has simple lines, almost motocross-styled gloves, slightly darker colours and spider emblem legs that go all the way through to his waist. Minor alterations and still recognisably Spidey.

5. Sony execs will surely be watching the internettery light up with comments, but it may be too late to change anything even if they wanted to.

6. Web shooters! Possibly, as shown here, there’s gold, metallic elements under his wrists. That is awesome. I never liked Raimi’s change from web shooters, made from Parker’s scientific skills, into the organic variety.

January 14, 2011
Categories: Movies, News . Tags: , . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: 2 Comments

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