Saturday, December 29, 2018

Saturday Showcase: the Orb

1st Orb
    Today's showcase spotlights one of my favorite villains to ever face the Ghost Rider.  Some of you may recognize the Orb from his roll in Marvel's Original Sin story line of recent years, but I knew about the Orb way before that.  You see, growing up I was a huge fan of the Marvel Team-Up series and that is when we first set "eyes" on the Orb.

    The first Orb was created by the team of Len Wein and Ross Andru back in 1973.  His first appearance was in Marvel Team-Up Vol. 1, #15 (Nov '73) to be exact.  His alter ego was that of Drake Shannon, a motorcycle stunt driver who had stock in the show that starred the great Johnny Blaze.  When his partnership with Crash Simpson was over, Drake became obsessed with taking over the show and all the fame and glory that went with it.  With a powerful helmet, that looked like an eyeball, he was able to control others but that wasn't enough to face the Spirit of Vengeance, Ghost Rider.

Marvel Team-Up #15
    In 2008, we were introduced to a new Orb.  This Orb's identity was more mysterious but he was the brainchild of the team of  Jason Aaron and Tan Eng Huat.  Seen as a successor of the original Orb, he took his place as the villain to Ghost Rider.  One way you could distinguish the two Orbs was the simple fact that the 2nd Orb never knew when to shut up.

Highway through Hell
    As I said before, the Orb was resurrected by the Original Sin story line by Marvel in witch one of the Watchers was murdered and his eyes stolen.  It was said that the holder of the eye would have vast power and know what the Watchers knew.  It was in this story line that we found out all the secrets of the Marvel Universe.

Original Sin
    The Orb is a unique character.  Sure, he may look goofy with a Giant Eye for a disguise, but he has proven time and time again that he should not be underestimated.  That is why he has my respect and that is also why he is today's showcase.

I got my EYE on you!
1ST ORB
Alter ego: Drake Shannon
Partnerships: Justin Hammer
Abilities:
Helmet is capable of powerful laser blasts. 
Can also project illusions and hypnotize people.

2ND ORB
Alter ego: Unknown
Partnerships:
Zadkiel
Doctor Midas
Exterminatrix
Abilities:
Use of ray gun
Possesses an eye of Uatu


Until next time, get your READ on!

Saturday, December 22, 2018

Saturday Showcase: Ocean Master

Ocean Master (New 52)
    This weekend the film Aquaman was released.  In honor of its release, I decided to showcase the one and only Ocean Master.  Usually I try to showcase individuals that some may not have heard of or know enough of, but any DC Comics fan knows exactly who is the Ocean Master.

First appearance: Aquaman #29 (September 1966)
    Orm Curry is the half-brother of Arthur Curry (Aquaman).  He was created by Bob Haney and Nick Cardy and first appeared in Aquaman #29 back in 1966.  Orm is one of those characters that can leave you guessing.  What do I mean?  Well, when we were first introduced to the character Orm, he was Arthur's human half-brother, but when the New 52 got it's hands on him he became Atlantean.  So, you can almost say that the Ocean Master and Orm are actually two different people.

Human no more
    I am a fan of the original version of Ocean Master.  The story-lines were more creative and had a little more imagination.  I mean, he was an Ocean Master who was born on land.  
   However, during the New 52 Throne of Atlantis arc, King Orm totally kicked ass!  So, I ask you, which version of Orm is your favorite.  If you find yourself confused, just do what I do and blame all these events on the Flash. (LoL, of course I am referencing the "headache" that is now known as Flashpoint)

Time for War
   All I can say is that I am ready to see Aquaman and I know the films version of Orm will do the Ocean Master justice.  From what I have seen and heard, Aquaman will be the best live action DC movie ever.   Do yourself a favor, go see the movie and then go to a book store and find you a trade or two that star the brothers of the sea and their battles to be.  

Patrick Wilson as Ocean Master aka King Orm
More about Ocean Master

ABILITIES:
-skilled military tactician-
-magical manipulation-
-utilizes mystically-powered trident-
-Atlantean physiology grants:
superhuman strength, stamina, and endurance
-ability to survive in aquatic environment-
-telepathic mind control over marine life-

Team Affiliations:

Anti-Justice League
Injustice Gang
   Secret Society of Super Villains

Game of Waves

Until next time, get your READ on!

Saturday, December 8, 2018

Saturday Showcase: Ronin

Ronin
    After seeing the trailer for the Avengers: End Game, I knew I had to do a post about Ronin.  Now Ronin is a character in the Marvel Universe that has been portrayed by many individuals.  The first Ronin may have been Maya Lopez, but it was Clint "Hawkeye" Barton that brought the character to the fore front.

    The Ronin identity was created by Brian Michael Bendis and Joe Quesada, though the characters who have adopted the identity were pre-existing characters created by other writers.  Ronin's first appearance took place in New Avengers #11 (November 2005). The name Ronin was taken from the Japanese term meaning masterless samurai or lone warrior.

Ronin Vs Elektra and the Hand
    No matter the holder of the Ronin name, they have been a pivotal part in the Marvel Universe.  Ronin has fought the Hand and the Skrulls just to name a few.  As I have already told you, Ronin has had many names.  The first Ronin was Maya Lopez and the second Ronin was Clint Barton.  The Third Ronin was the Red Guardian (Alexei Shostakov) and the fourth person to don the name Ronin was Eric "Blade" Brooks.    Hell, in teh Ultimate Universe, Marc Spector aka Moon Knight takes a stab at being Ronin.  So you see, the character of Ronin is very important to the Marvel Universe but it is Clint's version that will always be remembered.  especially since that is the identity that Clint will be using in the End Game film.

Ronin as seen in the Avengers: End Game
    The popularity of Ronin really has never worn off since our first introduction in 2005.  Ronin has made appearances in toy lines, video games, and even on the popular Marvel cartoons of this century.  I am just glad to finally see Ronin on the big screen in the Avengers films.  I am hoping that fans will like Ronin so much that there is a solo film made or at least a new launch in the world of comics.

Ronin as seen in the Avengers cartoon
Until next time, get your READ on and unleash your inner NERD!

Mortal Kombat 11 Announcement Trailer


Get over here!

the Avengers: Endgame (Trailer #1)


Is it April yet?

Marvel: Ultimate Alliance 3 trailer


Do you really need anther reason to get a Nintendo Switch?

Saturday, December 1, 2018

Saturday Showcase: Calendar Man


    It is December 1st and I thought there was no better character to spotlight than the Calendar Man from DC Comics.  When I think December, I think in with the new and out with the old, which has a calendar feel to it so here we are.

First appearance: Detective Comics #259 (September 1958)
    The Calendar Man first made his appearance in Detective Comics back in '58.  He was the brain child of Bill Finger (writer) & Sheldon Moldoff (artist).  Of course you know the publisher was DC Comics.
    
    The Calendar Man was born Julian Day and he has always been obsessed with dates and times.  Therefore he took the name Calendar Man and would commit his crimes at specific times on specific days.  His look has changed throughout the years, but one thing remained the same, his obsession with dates.

New 52 Julian Day aka the Calendar Man
    The Calendar Man has appeared in Batman Comics since the late '50s but never really gets the credit he deserves.  Sure he has made appearances in movies, shows, and video games, but when you think Batman villain, he is never at the top of the list.  I, for one, would love to see an animated Batman film featuring the Calendar Man and his group of Misfits.

The Misfits: Cat-Man, Calendar Man, Killer Moth, & Chancer
    Abilities
*Genius-level Intellect*

*Obsession with Quirks of a Calendar*

*Successful Inventor*

*Skilled Hand-to-Hand Combatant*

*Expert Manipulator*

*Ages and rejuvenates according to season*

*"Immortal" - He never really dies, but is "reborn" like new*

DC Who's Who (Art by Pat Broderick)
Well, I hope you liked my spotlight on Calendar Man.  

Until next time, Get your READ on!
Calendar Man surprised by the Batman (Brave and Bold)

Saturday, November 24, 2018

Saturday Showcase: the Mandroids

Mandroid Security (as seen in New Warriors)
    For today's Showcase, I thought I would one of my first memories in comics.  In was 1979, and I was infatuated with the X-men.  I go to my local comic store, back then it was a K&B and other local drugstores, and come across issue #118 of the Uncanny X-men.  On the cover, Sunfire is being blasted by what appears to be a robotic hand.  Is this some new version of a sentinel?  I had to have this issue!  What I read inside made me a fan of the Mandroids.  I didn't like that they were used to hunt the X-men, but I loved what the Mandroid armor represented.  It represented the ability to be a superhero without having to be a mutant or having powers of my own.  It meant, that even I, could be a superhero.

the Uncanny X-men Vol. 1, #118 (February 1979)
    My fascination with the Mandroids led me to doing my first non-school related research project.  I had go know more about these suits of armor.  In the hands of Moses Magnum, they were used for evil but I had the feeling they were created for good.  That is when I found out that originally they were designed by Tony Stark for governmental use, mainly for certain missions overseen by S.H.I.E.L.D.   

    The Mandroid armor first appeared in the Avengers #91.  They are the brainchild of Marvel Greats Roy Thomas and Neal Adams.  As I said earlier, they were made for S.H.I.E.L.D. but it didn't take long for such villains as Moses Magnum to get their hands on them and use them to strike fear.

First Appearance: Avengers Vol. 1, #94 (December 1971)
    There has been many versions of the Mandroid, but the mission has always been the same.  The suit gives the person inside the ability to handle all threats, especially those of the superhuman kind.  That's what made them so attractive to villains who were tired of being stopped by the Avengers or the X-men.  Hell, I remember a Hulk story line that had General Talbot put on the "Super Mandroid" suit to try to put an end to the Hulk.  As you may know, that didn't end the way the General had hoped.  

Super-Mandroid (Hulk Vol. 1, #245)
    So, as you can see, as a little child I was infatuated with becoming that hero that I idolized.  I wasn't a mutant, so I needed to find a way that I could become that hero.  I think the Mandroid was the reason I paid attention in Science classes years later, hell, the Mandroid probably also fueled my love for robots.  Most of the toys that I still own from childhood are robotic related.  I never really came to that conclusion until I was preparing this post.  Hmmm, I guess you really do learn something new everyday. 

Mandroid armor as seen in the Marvel Universe Handbook
Until next time, get your READ on and unleash your inner NERD.

Sunday, November 18, 2018

Survivor Series 2018 - My Picks


    Well, I have to admit that after seeing last night's War Games, I do not know how well this pay-per-view will match up.  I mean War Games was extreme in many ways.  I know the WWE has some great talent, but two of the matches I wanted to see have been altered since the card was announced.  First, I am pissed that the Man cannot finish what she started on RAW and I am also pissed that Daniel Bryan used a low blow to weasel his way to victory to take on the Beast.  
    I know that the business is business but this sucks.  I am excited to see the Series, but I really wanted to see the Phenomenal One make the Beast tap and I wanted to see the Man show Rousey  how it's done in the WWE.  
    Oh well, let's get to my picks.  Yesterday I was correct 3 out of 4 times, so let's see how well I do today.

Kick-Off: RAW Tag Division Vs Smackdown Live Tag Division
10-on-10 Tag Team Traditional Survivor Series Elimination Match 

    Both the RAW and Smackdown Live Tag divisions are pretty decent, but I think Team Blue has the best teams.  The Revival and the Ascension are my favorite teams on RAW, but they are always overlooked. I think tonight is their chance to say look at me and to gain some respect from the RAW locker room.  Team Blue aka Smackdown Live is stacked with tag team talent.  I honestly think Team Blue has the greatest chance to pull of the win.  

Winner: Smackdown Live

WWE Cruiserweight Championship
 Buddy Murphy (c) vs. Mustafa Ali
    WWE Cruiserweight Championship Match

    I admit I do not watch 205 Live as much as I would like to due to my work schedule, but I feel this will be one hell of a match.  Both Murphy and Ali are talented wrestlers, but I think Murphy will some how come out with the victory but Mustafa Ali will steal the show as usual.

Winner: Buddy Murphy

Raw Tag Team Champions AOP vs. SmackDown Tag Team Champions The Bar (w/ Big Show)
RAW VS Smackdown Live - Tag Champions Vs Tag Champions Match

    The Authors of Pain are the most dominate force in the RAW tag division, but they need to realize the Bar is not only dominant physically, but mentally as well.  Plus, with insurance like the Big Show, it will be a little harder to pull of the win than when they double teamed Rollins to get the titles.  They may be Corbin's mercenaries, but the Bar is a well seasoned fighting unit that is ready for war.  It will be a tough battle, but the Bar will leave the AoP destroyed on the field of battle.

Winner: the Bar

Women’s 5-on-5 Traditional Survivor Series Elimination Match
Women’s 5-on-5 Traditional Survivor Series Elimination Match

    The women's match is one of the unknowns in my opinion.  We know exactly who is on team RAW, but with the loss of Charlotte Flair, we do not know the exact make-up of the Smackdown Live team.  There are several women they could choose from, but the top two choices are probably Lana and Mandy Rose.  I, personally, think that they will put Mandy Rose in Flair's spot.  With that said, Team Blue has some talent, but Team Red has the POWER.  I think this match will be one of RAW's only victories.

Winner:  Team RAW

Intercontinental Champion Seth Rollins vs. United States Champion Shinsuke Nakamura
Champion Vs Champion
Intercontinental Champion Rollins Vs United States Champion Nakamura

    I think this match will be the most entertaining matches in the single's division matches that are on the card.  Both men are talented wrestlers and have shown the WWE Universe why they are champions.  They take no crap but they can dish it out.  Personally, I think Ambrose will make an appearance and distract Rollins which will allow Nakamura to capitalize.  The match could go either way, but I feel it will go the way of Team Blue.

Winner: Shinsuke Makamura

Men’s 5-on-5 Traditional Survivor Series Elimination Match
Men’s 5-on-5 Traditional Survivor Series Elimination Match

     One might think that RAW has this one in the bag because of Strowman and McIntyre, but I would disagree.  Smackdown Live has the high flying duo of Hardy and Mysterio as well as the AWESOMENESS of the Miz, but most importantly, they have Samoa Joe who can put you to sleep and throw your limp body over the ropes.  Team RAW has a Monster who could easily lose focus and settle a score with the team's manager, Baron Corbin.  There are many ways Corbin can "Get These Hands" without the Monster breaking his word to Stephanie.  Because of how I feel tempers will flare up in this match, my money is on Team Blue.

Winner: Smackdown Live

Universal Champion Brock Lesnar vs. WWE Champion Daniel Bryan
Champion Vs Champion
Universal Champion Brock Lesnar Vs. WWE Champion Daniel Bryan

   Originally, this was one match that I was looking forward to.  I thought the match would be PHENOMENAL, but now I think it is going to be a massacre.  Don't get me wrong, Daniel Bryan is a talented wrestler, but he is no match for the Beast.  Daniel may get some shots in, but no low blow is going to take the Beast out of game, it will only ensure your visit to Supplex City will be very painful.

Winner: the Beast, Brock Lesnar

Raw Women’s Champion Ronda Rousey vs. Charlotte Flair
Ronda Rousey Vs Charlotte Flair

    This was originally supposed to be a champion vs champion match, but the medical officials will not let the Man defend Team Blue.  So, we have the next best thing in the Queen.  I feel this will be a good match and that Charlotte will provide competition for Rousey.  Rousey will realize she has not wrestled someone like the Queen.  I do feel, Becky "the Man" Lynch will make her presence known because I do not feel she is just going to sit around and watch.  The question is, who will the Man's appearance shake up the most?  I feel it will be a close match but I think Rousey just might get her first loss tonight.

Winner: Charlotte Flair

Saturday, November 17, 2018

nXt Takeover: War Games 2018 - My Picks


    The focus has mainly been on Sunday's Survivor Series, but I feel that nXt War Games will still the show.  If this Takeover is anything like last year's War Games, the WWE talent at Survivor Series will have to step it up.  Let's take a look at the card.

NXT Women's Championship (2-out-of-3 Falls Match)
Shayna Baszler (c) vs. Kairi Sane
    Kairi Sane has tasted gold and she wants her title back.  There is only one problem Shayna is the champ and she i it was due to an error of Baszler's own doing.  Don't get me wrong, Kairi is a very talented wrestler, but Shayna is a trained fighter and a  2 out of 3 falls match may be to her advantage.  If Kairi has the endurance to last, she may pull off an upset.  However, Shayna also has her friends if needed.  Personally, I think this match will be great, but I don't think the title is changing hands anytime soon.

Winner: Shayna Baszler

Grudge Match
Aleister Black vs. Johnny Gargano
    Aleister has been on the shelf for months due to an ambush orchestrated by Johnny Wrestling.  I know this match is important to both players.  Hell, this match might as well be a 1st contender match for the nXt championship.  Whoever wins this grudge match will be able to jump the line, and claim their spot for the title.  
    When thinking about this match, I could see a win going either way.  On one side, you have Aleister who wants to take out Gargano for jumping him and regaining his title.  On the other hand, you have Gargano who thinks Aleister is in the way of his championship title shot.  This match should be good, but I feel that Aleister has the edge due to the anger within.  It was easy to jump Aleister when he wasn't looking, but now Johnny, all eyes are on you.

Winner: Aleister Black

NXT Championship Match
Tommaso Ciampa (c) vs. Velveteen Dream
    We all know that the Velveteen Dream is a superstar, but can his charisma handle the power of the Black Heart?  I don't think so.  I think this match will be very entertaining, maybe even the best match of the night.  However, Ciampa loves his gold and will let nothing get in his way to glory.  Dream is a high flyer, but Ciampa is a hard hitter.  This will be one hell of a battle, but Ciampa will walk, maybe crawl, away with the title.

Winner: Tommaso Ciampa

War Games Match
NXT N.A.Champion Ricochet,U.K. Champion Pete Dunne & the War Raiders vs. Undisputed ERA
    Now, for the match of the night...War Games.  This match is going to be so epic you will understand why the pay-per-view bares the same name.  The Undisputed ERA has been a thorn in the sides of Richochet, Dunne, and the War Raiders for the past few weeks.  So, to end this "war", they will take out their aggression in the field of battle known as War Games.  The Undisputed ERA has been in a War Games match before and they were victorious so the advantage has to go to them however, the War Raiders love to fight and this match fits their style.  Who will win?  Who knows, this is really anyone's game.  Because they have been in the match before, I give the win to the Undisputed ERA.  Don't get me wrong, they will be hurting in the morning.

Winner: Undisputed ERA


Saturday Showcase: Black Mask


    Tonight, the nXt Takeover pay-per-view, War Games is a must see with the Undisputed Era taking on the team of Ricochet, Dunne, and the War Raiders.  With that said, I thought my Saturday Showcase should have something to do with War Games. So, I researched a bit and came across the War Games story line in Batman comics that resulted in the Black Mask gaining control of Gotham's underworld.

Batman: War Games
    Black Mask was first introduced to us back in the '80s in Batman #386.  He was created by Doug Moench and Tom Mandrake.  The Black Mask was born Roman Sionis.  Roman was born into a wealthy family but a series of unfortunate events would alter his "personality", among other things.  To show you how twisted he had become, he used part of his father's ebony casket to make his first mask. 

    The purpose of the Black Mask was not only to strike fear into those who saw him, but it was a representation of his true nature.  He is just as deadly as Two-Face, but he doesn't let a coin decide your fate.  If Roman doesn't like you, no one will ever see you again.


Batman: the Brave and the Bold
    Black Mask's Abilities:

  • Criminal mastermind with gifted tactical mind
  • Master of torture and intimidation techniques
  • Skilled marksman and hand-to-hand combatant
  • Expert with firearms
  • Mind control via mask
Black Mask's Affiliations:


  • False Face Society
  • Gotham mafia
  • Secret Society of Super Villains
  • Black Lantern Corps

    The Black Mask started as a small time hood that came across the Bat occasionally to one of the biggest baddies in the DC Universe to ever go toe to toe with the great detective.  He is fearless as well as ruthless.  He has killed time and time again.  Each time Batman thinks he puts an end to him, the Black Mask just keeps coming back for more.

    In recent years, the Black Mask has turned his attention to the Red Hood and his team.  In fact, there was a time when he was able to "convince" Bizarro to do his bidding.  

Black Friday
    Well, that is my post about the one and only Black Mask.  I suggest you read up on him because he really is a great villain to root against.  If you want to check out the Batman: War Games story line, here is the list of comics you will need.  This issues are put in order for you to follow along.


War Drums:
  • Detective Comics #790-796
  • Robin (vol. 4) #126-128
  • Batgirl #53
  • Solo #10
Act One - Outbreak:
  • Prelude: Batman: The 12 Cent Adventure #1
  • Part 1: Detective Comics #797
  • Part 2: Batman: Legends of the Dark Knight #182
  • Part 3: Nightwing #96
  • Part 4: Batman: Gotham Knights #56
  • Part 5: Robin (vol. 4) #129
  • Part 6: Batgirl #55
  • Part 7: Catwoman (vol. 3) #34
  • Part 8: Batman #631
Act Two - Tides:

  • Part 1: Detective Comics #798
  • Part 2: Batman: Legends of the Dark Knight #183
  • Part 3: Nightwing #97
  • Part 4: Batman: Gotham Knights #57
  • Part 5: Robin (vol. 4) #130
  • Part 6: Batgirl #56
  • Part 7: Catwoman (vol. 3) #35
  • Part 8: Batman #632
Act Three - Endgame:

  • Part 1: Detective Comics #799
  • Part 2: Batman: Legends of the Dark Knight #184
  • Part 3: Nightwing #98
  • Part 4: Robin (vol. 4) #131
  • Part 5: Batman: Gotham Knights #58
  • Part 6: Batgirl #57
  • Part 7: Catwoman (vol. 3) #36
  • Part 8: Batman #633
  • Epilogue: Detective Comics #800
  • Epilogue: Batman #634
    There are also trades with these issues in a collected set, but they are hard to find.  If you are able to find them or download them, I really do suggest you read the series because it really is a good story line.

Until next time, get your READ on!

First Appearance: Batman #386 (August 1985)

Wednesday, November 14, 2018

Tuesday, November 13, 2018

Cosplay of the Day


Cosplay of the Day

Gravity Rush 

Kat: Alexandra - Reika Fancy
Raven: Miciaglo - Sweet Angel

Photo by A.Z. Production

Monday, November 12, 2018

R.I.P. Stan Lee



    Thank You Stan for filling our world with heroes and villains that will always be legendary.  You taught the world how to use our imagination to the fullest.  This is not the end my friend, merely a new beginning.

Saturday, November 10, 2018

Saturday Showcase: the Champion

Who can stand toe to toe with the CHAMPION?
    Normally, when I chose my Saturday Showcase character I look back on my childhood instead of recent characters that you may see in apps or games.  Today is special because this character fits in the realm of my childhood as well as for the kids of today.

    As many of you know, I am a huge NERD and I play games (when I have the time) that focus in the realm of comics.  Well, one such game I play is the Contest of Champions app from Marvel.  When I saw the latest champion spotlight, it took me back to when I was a kid and I couldn't wait until the latest issue of Marvel Two-in-One hit the shelves.  You see, today's showcase made his first appearance in a Marvel Two-in-One annual and he is simply known as the Champion of the Universe.

The Champion as seen in Contest of Champions
    The Champion was born Tryco Slatterus.  He has been around for billions of years.  In fact, he is one of the Elders of the Universe.  Tryco is known as the Champion because he believes in settling matters in a competition to see who is the best.  And as we all know, he is the Champion of the Universe so I would say it is a safe bet he hasn't lost a battle.  

    He was first introduced to us in 1982 with the release of Marvel Two-in-One Annual #7.  He is the brainchild of Tom DeFalco (writer) and 
Ron Wilson (artist).  In the Marvel Two-in-One Annual, the Champion took on a variety of Earth's mightiest heroes, eight to be exact.  The fate of teh Earth was in the balance. He fought and won against the Earth's finest but it was the Thing that saved us all.  He gained respect for the Thing because of how he carried himself in battle.  It was this respect that saved the Earth from annihilation.  

First Appearance: Marvel Two-in-One Annual #7
The Champion's Abilities include:
  • Superhuman strength
  • Superhuman endurance 
  • Superhuman agility 
  • Superhuman reflexes
  • Invulnerability 
  • Master of countless fighting styles and martial arts forms
    The Champion has fought in many battles and will continue to fight until the end of time.  He has fought members of the Avengers, X-men, Fantastic Four, as well as the Silver Surfer and Thanos.  He shows no sign of stopping or losing.

    So I say this, Bravo to Contest of Champions!  Bravo for spotlighting such a treasure from the Marvel Universe!  Thank you for allowing me to go back in my childhood and collect this gem all over again.  My advice to any Contest of Champions players who may be reading this - if you get the Champion from a crystal, put him in your starting line-up.

Until next time, get your READ on!

The Thing earns the Champions respect. *As seen in M2N1 Annual #7