War is coming

Today a fellow comic enthusiast tagged me in a photo that makes any Marvel Fan squeal in excitement like a little girl: A fan art of Civil War the movie.

Now I know a lot of people will ask stupid questions and try to sound smart about their deductions about this movie. Let me be the first to tell you that you will hear a lot of interesting views and people who are really adamant about what is going to happen and what isn't going to happen because of trademark issues and all that sort of stuff. My take on this is to wait for Marvel to release the movie and enjoy it. 

The way I see it, there will be three fans walking out of the theatre:

1: True blue fans (especially pre-Disney Era fans) who walk over wanting to be perceived that there was nothing that they didn't expect and critique on the movies's take on remake of the Civil War series.

2: Fans who became fans of Marvel superheroes arising from the trend of Marvel movies and incredulous hype of Marvel Entertainment.

3: Fans that just simply love the characters, knows their shit and appreciate that the new edge is great even though it may not reign true with the original Civil Wars. I choose to be this kinda fan.

C'mon man, now that being a Comic book geek just became cool, we should be more accepting of people, that means MULTIMEDIA COMIC AVENUE: your comic books, movies, tv series and hopefully, a FULL SCALE MARVEL THEME PARK someday.

Let me present you with the facts about the Civil War Series and compare it to what was reported in the news about the lead up to the Civil war movie. While my view may be clouded with biased reasons, let me just say now that the possibility of a Civil War movie is real.

One more thing, this posts contains possible spoiler alerts, but let me assure you, if you read on, I won't spoil the story for you, because of two main reasons. One, Civil War is one of the most important story arcs in the marvel Universe. I have encountered so many fellow geeks talking about the Civil War series that no amount of spoilers and bad movie takes can ever minimize the magnitude of this story arc. Plus, for those clueless fans, let me take you up to speed. And if you really want to post something about the Marvel universe, post something constructive from the point onwards and not something that agitates the true blue fan just because it is a recent discovery for you. We've been waiting for something more and not something so obvious to us.

Civil War (in the comic books)

Rough synopsis

We all know that Marvel has always been good at taking our beloved heroes and portraying them to be very human for us to relate and fall in love with them. So in this story, there is a huge threat to the superhero community.

A highly publicized accident happens in the superhero community, that has a lot to do with Tony Stark's funding of a TV Series based youth superhero team. They effective commited genocide in a town that totally destroyed public faith in superheroes.

So, the US govt mandates superheroes to be drafted like policeman, instructing them to unmask in front of the public and register into the Superhuman Registration Act.
In his guilt, Tony stark leads the charge for pro-registration. While good old captain, emblazoned in values of the old, leads the opposite charge even though as a SHIELD agent is considered an already registered member. (Even the movies point toward this direction).

Tony also becomes the Director of SHIELD and with Reed Richards (Mr Fantastic, also pre-registered) and Hank Pym  (Ant-Man), they make up the top leadership of the pro-registration.

The Secret Avengers, which were on Cap's side made up of whoever has the stronger loyalty to Cap, which was considerable amount.

The rest of the story spells out the struggles and controversies to the Civil War. People changed sides. Old wounds were resurfaced. Villains who registered under the act were also given amnesty. Things pretty much got topsy turvy and many nerves were provoked basically. You get the geez. The devil is in the details which I will list down in the following part which is not already in the synopsis.

Main points of the story of Civil War
These are the occurences in Civil War that is very central to the storyline

1. Spiderman's role in Civil war.

One of my favourite album art from Civil War. A friend of mine commented how beautiful drawn this frame was.

This fram beautifully encapsulates the central struggle of Civil War.

Spiderman is the singular personification of Civil War. We all know his story of why Peter takes on his mask. He has a responsibility to the city he protects, and yet he has to defend his alter ego tirelessly because of the people he loves, Aunt May, Mary Jane. Just look at what happened to Gwen Stacy and you'd prolly understand why donning his mask is so important to Spidey. Which is why Spidey is essential to the Civil War storyline. He struggles between the decision to put his loved ones in harm's way (note: MJ and him are already married in this storyline) and doing the 'right' thing. But he does it. You can see in the next photo how Pete struggles as Tony uses him as a poster boy for the registration act. How MJ and aunt May supportively embrace each other as Pete unmasks himself. And How JJJ collapsed from the news. This is major in the the storyline.

After signing up, Pete dons and adamantium (same metal that coats Wolverine's bones) suit that also comes with the promise by Tony that Aunt May and MJ will be well protected. The suit is seen in previous photos I've placed here (note: photo of spidey in a metallic looking suit above Cap's shield.)

However, like many others, Spidey changes sides along the way, which is seen by him running away and chased by registered heroes group called the Thunderbolts (primarily made up of villains that Spidey fought pre-registration). I cannot emphasize how important he is in this story.

2. Thor is cloned and kills one of the Avengers' mainstay: Goliath

In this story, Thor is already dead. The three stooges of Pro-registration (Hank, Tony and Reed) decides to clone Thor in an effort to create an edge for the Pro-Reg side. But alas, their good intention didn't follow through when Thor kills one of the Avengers on the Anti-Reg side; Goliath. There was a mass funeral, which saw both sides attending, but the ugliness of this episode deepened the divide between close friends torn apart because of the registration.

HUGE SPOILER
IS COMING

Sharon is devasted by the loss of her beloved. You may recognised her in the movie as the "nurse" who stayed next door.

3. Captain America dies.

 I don't even know how to go about explaining this. But this is probably happening. I will tell you why in my analysis later one. But Cap, found the good fight in Civil War. The only reason for this defeat, was because he wanted to protect the ones who were loyal to his cause. Good o' Cap. 

Okay, now for the part of
WHAT IS OUT THERE

1. Spiderman movie rights

Yes. Everyone is frustrated. Sony is getting on everyone's nerves trying to finish up the contractual agreement with Spiderman movies that are dividing Spidey fans.If you see many other comic book sources, it is evident that the need for Spiderman in the Civil War movie installment is undeniably important. How are they going to do it? I don't know. But one thing I know for sure. If Spiderman is so central to the storyline, Marvel/ Disney will make it happen because of the next point.

2. Disney's approach on Marvel's franchises

I'll tell you why Disney will stick to the original Civil War story as much as possible. Because it has been their approach since they bought Marvel! Why? I am not afraid to admit I was one of the skeptics that acknowledge that Disney had the resources to expand Marvel to greater heights, but was so afraid that they will destroy the stories because of the Disney approaches that we are so familiar with. Can you imagine Ironman in Frozen? Okay that was too extreme but you get the idea.

What I was afraid of: Avengers becoming stupid

What actually happened: Avengers being more awesome

So you can see, Disney has no intention mellowing the Marvel franchise to suit them, but using their resources to create a seamless Marvel franchise.
For example: Nick Fury is a black guy in Ultimates, just like in the movies. Captain America 2 story is in tuned with the TV Series Marvel Agents of SHIELD. The cartoon the Amazing Spiderman is coherent with the TV series and movies.

Marvel also announced the revised version of the Civil War series coming up which only means one thing: anything can happen now.

So before you worry about any movie rights, think about other parts that poses a problem to the story instead that is already happening within Disney's control. THEY ARE CHANGING EVERYTHING. You don't know what will happen now. And this changes aren't new. I like to see it as Marvel doing spring cleaning on their plotlines. DC does it too on multiple occasions. In any case, Marvel is now leading the charge in total media domination, anything they do is dine really, they have the advantage of being ahead.

Continuing the topic about major change: are you ready for the next one?

3. Thor is going to be a lady, and Captain America is going to be changed.

So you wannabes out there worry about Spidey huh? You haven't even considered the important things that are already existing: the fate of the Two Chris': Evans and Hemsworth.

See it for yourself here

I'm not pulling a fast one here. This is true. There are intentions to change Thor into a female. Perhaps, this decision will make the story before or after Captain America 3 an interesting one to see if Hemsworth is relieved of his role as Thor. If you want to know why, this is Marvel's way of making a stronger female presence in the comic. DC has Wonderwoman, so now they have Thor. I quote Marvel "This is not She-Thor. This is not Lady Thor. This is not Thorita. This is THOR.. This is the THOR of the Marvel Universe. But it’s unlike any Thor we’ve ever seen before." It's happening guys.

Next, O Captain my Captain

The Falcon, as Captain.

Now that Winter soldier has already featured the Falcon, Evan's departure is also possible. I thought maybe that the Winter Soldier arc might make Bucky Barnes the next Cap, but I have a good feeling this is Marvel's move to tidy up the coherence through the platforms. While Bucky may indeed become Captain, facts lead me to believe that this is also a possibility. However, the Falcon has already taken up central roles in the movies as well as the comic books, so, you be the judge. Bucky doesn'tstay as Cap for long anyway, for those who wish to overanalyse this.

Bucky, in an adamantium Cap suit. Idk why wearing Wolverine's metal is sooooo impt tho.

4.Agent Coulson is Director of SHIELD in the TV Series, and SHIELD is already destroyed.

Like I mentioned before, Tony becomes the director of SHIELD, which is hard to relate back to the TV/movie continuum because there isn't enough to draw any conclusions.

My guess, Coulson plays the role of Maria Hill in the original Civil War series and reluctantly hands over leadership to Tony. The second guess is SHIELD follows Cap in supporting the secret avengers. You have to remember that Coulson is Cap's biggest fan. Opposing him is just weird. In any case, SHIELD will dissolve for HAMMER (aha, I bet you forgot/don't know about that) so this is probably another get-up-to-speed-synchronisation-plan by Disney/Marvel again. Possible. IDK, I'm really clueless on this one.

5. Robert Downey Jr confirms his role in Captain America 3

RDJ's role in Captain America 3 will not be a cameo. He confirmed it. Whether he "asked" for it is another question all together, but one thing is for sure: he is going to take on an opposing role. So believe, that Civil War is going to happen. While we need Spidey, F4 maybe even the X-men for complete appreciation, I don't think movie rights will hinder the inevitable. If all this latest trend of releasing dates way ahead of time proves anything, it is that the integration of movie/comic book from the pages is on. No way some rights issue will stop something this massive from happening. This isn't an issue about rights anymore.

So if you ask me if it's happening, I would give you a resounding YES. It is happening. How it happens is the question. See it for yourself, Even if I'm wrong, you can't deny that my deductions have a strong credibility.

ARGUE AWAY FOLKS! In the spirit of fun of course. Don't cause a divide. Ultimately, Comic books were always used as a metaphor to educate all of us about real world problems, and bring relief through the fictitious characters. If we cause hate over something that was meant for something good, can we really call ourselves fans?

The 6 Robins

My love for comic books began with Batman.

All the fellow comic book geeks out there will know this one without batting and eye. This is a question I like to ask fellow geeks when they declare their adoration to Batman in our conversations. Some times even comic book geeks get this wrong, which is understandable. Heck, with all these new 52 stuff even I could be wrong. I am trying to figure it out myself now, having more time now in my hands after National Service and finally adjusting to Uni life.

I'm the kind of geek that likes to compare my knowledge with articles and see if I know more to make myself feel better. If you think you can beat me, feel free to supplement it in the comments!

ROBIN #1

Richard "Dick" Grayson

Yep, Dick Grayson's uniform features him in a nice scaly underwear. Poor, Dick. He was the comic relief of the silver-age Batman (that's the age of TADA- TADA- TADA- TADA - BATMANNNN) which was deemed to be too dark for readers at that time, with his pun-ny lingo and "Holy- " expressions. He became an orphan after his parents died in an "accident", and Bruce decided to adopt this boy. Before long, Dick discovers that all those times when Bruce went AWOL on him, he was busy being Batman and they became the Dynamic Duo. Dick called himself Robin because his mom always referred to him as her little robin.

As a teen, he struggled with working with Bruce and after disassociating himself from Batman, he led the Teen Titans like he always had. I like Dick the second-most because of the long list of girls associated with him (Starfire, Barbara Gordon, and many more). Most of us know him as Nightwing now. Take a look at all the different Nightwing costumes.

The journey to becoming Nightwing

In the old continuum before the new 52, Bruce dies in Final Crisis, which left the entire Bat famiy (all the characters that falls under the Batman story) scrambling to replace him, because Gotham always need a Batman. Even though we would assume that Dick being the first robin will become Batman, there was a huge struggle been the first three robins. Of course at the end of the Dick Dick assumes the role with Damian Wayne (the "lovechild" of Bruce and Talia Al Ghul) as his robin.

His alter ego is a cop in Bludhaven.

New 52 Nightwing

Dick always had that natural flare of being a leader (Teen Titans, Outsiders, etc.) and in the alternative reality story Kingdom Come, he was Red Robin. In my opinion this character was well received, which explains why Red Robin is now a permanent character in the main continuum (you can make a guess which Robin adopts this monicker now).

Red Robin, envisioned by one of the Comic's greats Alex Ross

The latest developments on Dick in the new 52 continuum was his supposed induction into the Court of Owls as one of their foot soldiers (also known as Talons) when he was still a boy in Haly's Circus. Talons and the Court of Owls is the new villains added to Batman's illustrious list of Bat villains. HOW COOL IS THAT.

According to the new adjusted timeline of new 52, he is Nightwing again. Instead of the blue wing insignia, it is red.

ROBIN #2

Jason Todd

This panel encapsulates Jason very well: Vengeful

This Robin is the one you share a love/hate relationship with, throughout each continuum. Bruce spotted him when he manages to steal the wheels of a Batmobile, which he was impressed since the Batmobile was so secured with all that high-tech mambo jumbo. Todd is and important because his initial death is the most historic comic book death. Readers got to vote if Jason survives or not, and true enough they persecuted this guy. Joker kills him in his desperate search for his mother and his death is one regret that Bruce forever blames himself for.

Just like in every comic book death there is always a way to bring him back (Batman, came back, Captain America came back, Superman came back three times!) So he got resurrected by the Lazarus Pit (Ra's Al Ghul's magic bath) and due to the effects of the Pit amplifying the user's character (Kinda like Captain America's super soldier serum amplifying a person's character kinda deal) Jason Todd became more ruthless. In the Death in the Family, Jason took the mantle of the Bat in a more violent way and broke Bruce's number 1 rule: No guns.

Just before the new 52, he settled with the identity of Red hood after Dick won the mantle from him. In the new 52 he is leading a team with called the Outlaws.

You should know: The Red hood was one of two possible alias that the Joker adopted before dropping into toxic waste and becoming the beloved clown prince of crime.

ROBIN #3

Timothy Drake (and later, Wayne)

Bruce didn't want another Robin after Todd for his regrets were still haunting him. But he was really impressed that Tim was able to discover his identity. Tim has got to be the best Robin of all, even Ra's Al Ghul acknowledged him by calling him "Detective", an honour that was previously reserved for only Batman alone.

Drake did away with the green in the costume to mourn the Death of his best friend Superboy. In my opinion, this look is really nice, it gives Tim a distinct look apart from the other Robins. 

From Young Justice to Teen Titans, like Dick he also possesses strong leadership qualities. And just like Dick, he is as plenty of romantic affiliations as well, notably Stephanie Brown, which you'll find out a little more about her in a moment.

Tim Drake's father was killed by Captain Boomerang. Which explains why he became Tim Wayne and one time CEO of Wayne Enterprises when Bruce was killed in Final Crisis.

When Bruce died, Tim's skeptism to his death led everyone around him to believe that he was obsessed and turning crazy. In his pursuit, he purged himself from the rest of the Bat family and took on the mantle of Red Robin, traditionally a symbol of rebellion to Batman's association. But all's well now that Bruce is back and while he is still Red Robin, he is part of the bat family again.

The new 52 Red Robin, along with Superboy and Wondergirl

ROBIN #4

Stephanie Brown

She wasn't a very notable character. Which comes as no surprise when not many people know about her. She was known to be Time Drake's girlfriend. She was a vigilante called Spoiler trying to make amends because her father is the villain called Cluemaster. 

Stephanie as the Spoiler

She has an extremely volatile relationship with Tim, on and off both in a cape and their alter ego. When Tim falls into depression due to his dad's discovery that he is Robin, Stephanie stepped up for awhile as Batman. But her Robin career was short lived when she was killed by Black mask. But, being part of the bat family, she is revived through the Lazarus Pit (always the excuse used in Bat-related resurrections).

Then, she did a run being Batgirl. According to the new 52 timeline, there is no Stephanie Brown. I honestly have no interest to keep tabs with her anyway. Haha.

ROBIN #5

Damian Wayne

In Ra's al Ghul's  pursuit in creating the greatest heir, he made Talia Al Ghul seduces Bruce, but not according to her father's wishes though, they are both attracted to each other. One Talia shows up with his kid, restless and full of himself to Bruce, and he accepts him and trains him to be a robin. it is no surprise that Damain thought he should be the next Batman when Bruce dies, to carry on his father's legacy. But Damain's definition of Justice was not what his father taught, but in accordance to the league of assassins. He carries on to be Robin when Dick becomes Batman and in the new 52. 

ROBIN #6

Carrie Kelly

Carrie Kelly is the robin in the alternate reality Batman in Dark Knight Returns. Like some of the other robin, Batman encounters her in a fight and she gets inspired, forcing herself to becoming the new robin after Jason Todd's death. In the sequel Dark Knight rises again, she became Batgirl.

Just like many of the continuum being rewritten in the new 52, there has been speculations of Carrie Kelly becoming batman with her character appearing in the pages of Batman. I foresee These titles being rewritten again.

So there you have it, the 6 main robins. Alternate realities and shows, they are amalgamations of some of these robins or some confusing ones (apparently there is a Chinese robin called Robert Chang).

I think being a comic fan, especially since Batman is like one of the most recognisable characters one should know these. So try it yourself, ask that fake geek their favourite robin.

Pilot

Hi reader!

I'm a Singaporean is currently residing in Australia and all my life I've been a closet comic book geek. As I grew older This transpired to a huge fascination for all things pop culture.

Recently, there has been a huge craze on all things DC and Marvel with the release of all the movies and the time line continuum revamps, many have been converted to comic book geeks. I feel kinda sad for all those people who, like me, have been fans all these while. The ones who possess interesting and long time fandom love for these stories that a conversation with them can go on and on.

To these special ones I say: YOU ARE NOT ALONE. Those annoying Facebook posts by your friends who clearly just posting it to show off, whom you know has no strong affinity for comics like you do. Those "fans" who say they looove a certain character (i.e. Ironman) but when you start talking to them, you know they are not true fans (i.e. You: oh yeah, did you see the hulkbuster suit in Ironman 3? them: Huh? What's that?)

For all you hardcore geeks out there: Welcome to this safe haven. Let's go all geeky and spend endless amount of time talking about DC, Marvel, Shows like Game of Thrones, Star Wars and Star Trek (yes, I am both a Star Wars fan and a Trekkie) and let the boy/girl in us come alive!