Saturday Showcase: Stained Glass Scarlet

 

For today's Saturday Showcase, I chose a villain who is as deadly as she is beautiful.  For my fellow Moon Knight fans, you will know here from the cover of issue #24 in the Moon Knight series but she actually made her first appearance 10 issues prior.  So, sit down and relax while I spin you a tale of the one known as Stained Glass Scarlet.

Abused by her father, Scarlet had an unhappy childhood. One evening when she had had enough of it, she killed her father, by lighting his bed with a cigarette. His death was considered an accident and she was sent to live with her uncle and aunt, where her living conditions were improved.

Later in life, she met and married Vince Fasinera, a small-time criminal, believing that she could save him from himself. She was wrong, and he simply mistreated her, much like her father had. They had a child together named Joseph.  Vince really wasn't there for  his son and eventually Vince was gunned down on the steps of a church, and died.  Years later their son turned to a life of crime, following the footsteps of his father.  He was later called Joseph "Mad Dog" Fasinera.

When he escaped prison, Scarlet took it upon herself to save her son from his life of crime, but in the end she was forced to kill him. Scarlet turned into a vigilante and started hunting down all the criminals who had ever had a hand to play in her son's turning to crime. Moon Knight tried to stop her, but ended up letting her escape.

* Interesting Fact: Stained Glass Scarlet is an ex-nun who became a vigilante *

Scarlet would cross paths with Moon Knight over and over and to be honest, had some of the best battles in Moon Knight's comic book history.  In fact, Scarlet returns and haunts the streets of Brooklyn armed with her crossbow. She finds Bertrand Crawley and, recognizing him as a friend of Marc Spector (or Jake Lockley), fires a crossbow bolt into his shoulder. Crawley runs off and falls through the glass front door of Gena's Diner. Scarlet follows after him, firing several more shots into the diner. She pitches Gena Landers through a window then fires a shot into the oven's gas lines, causing the entire building to explode. Scarlet returns to the church where she lives, confident that her "sweet angel" will come for her.

Moon Knight, as Marc, visits Gena and Crawley in the hospital and promises Gena that he will rebuild the diner. When he leaves the hospital and goes to the Bronx Memorial Cemetery, a group of nuns, all answering to Scarlet, emerge from the shadows and attack him. Scarlet appears and fires a crossbow bolt that tears a hole through Moon Knight's mask. As quickly as she came, she disappears again.

Scarlet later returned, having somehow formed a psychic link to Moon Knight. She was fighting inner demons, and began fire-bombing New York. Moon Knight caught up with her atop a bridge, but she jumped, and he was unable to find her in the waters below. At the time it was unknown whether she survived or not. 

Powers and Abilities

While Scarlet does not have any apparent powers, she possesses a mysterious psychic bond with Moon Knight. This psychic bond is not systematic. It appears when Stained Glass Scarlet concentrates on Moon Knight, and can manifest in the form of dreams during which their thoughts intermingle and allow them to briefly communicate. Some speculate that this bond between Stained Glass Scarlet and Moon Knight could be due to the Egyptian god of the moon, Khonshu. 

Scarlet is an expert in martial arts. She is able to wield bayonets, guns, and crossbows with precision.

* Interesting Fact #2:  She learned how to fight while working as a guard in a women's prison. *

Publication Information

Publisher:  Marvel Comics

First Appearance:  Moon Knight #14 (December 1981)

Created by Doug Moench, Bill Sienkiewicz, & Jim Shooter

Full Name:  Scarlet Fasinera

Place of Origin:  New York City

Until next time, get your READ on!

Moon Knight (Super Bowl LVI TV Trailer)

 

Marvel Studios' Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness | Official Teaser

 

Spider-Man: No Way Home (Official Teaser Trailer)

 

Derf's Picks of the Week (June 9, 2021)

 It's hard to believe it's the second week of June already. Where has all the time gone?

Not only is today New Comic Book Day, but it's the premiere of the new Loki series.

I suggest you check it out ASAP!

Enough small talk,  let's get to my picks.

DARK HORSE

God of War: Fallen God #4

DC Comics

Batman: The Detective #3

Batman: Urban Legends #4

Detective Comics #1037

Future State: Gotham #2

The Joker #4

Justice League: Last Ride #2

Rorschach #9

Wonder Woman #773

Dynamite

Red Sonja 1982

IDW

G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero #282

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #117

Transformers Annual 2021 #1

The Transformers / Back To The Future #4

IMAGE

Geiger #3

MARVEL

The Amazing Spider-Man #68

Children of the Atom #4

Excalibur #21

Heroes Reborn #6

Heroes Reborn: Night-Gwen #1

Heroes Reborn: Squadron Savage #1

Spider-Man: Spider's Shadow #3

Star Wars: Bounty Hunters #13

W.E.B. of Spider-Man #1

**************************************************************************

Well, that's it for this week.  

Be sure to check out Wednesday Night Dudes at 7 PM hosted by yours truly

 over at  Umbrella Comics and Collectibles.  

While you are visiting the page, go ahead and give a like so you can be updated on all our cool live shows like Wednesday Night Dudes as well as our auctions on Mondays known as Monday Night Dudes hosted by Phil and Jon.

Until next time, get your READ on!

Saturday Showcase: Zheng Zu (Fu Manchu)

 

With the teaser trailer to Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings breaking the internet a few weeks ago, I have decided to let my next few Showcases center around characters from the film.  Last week I showcased Death Dealer and back in February of 2020, I showcased Razor-Fist.  This week is a controversial showcase.  You see, in the comics Shang-Chi's father is Zheng  Zu, but in the upcoming film his father is Wenwu.  Why the change?  It is simple.  The character of Fu Manchu can be seen as a negative stereo type and not a correct representation of the Chinese culture.  That is why Marvel Studios went the route of Wenwu being Shang-Chi's father.  Which is cool on another level because Wenwu is a Marvel villain that needs to be in the MCU. (not the Iron Man 3 version Jay)  Since I see myself as a Comic Historian, I decided to showcase Shang-Chi's original father first so you can get a feel of Shang-Chi's true origin. Don't worry, I will showcase Wenwu one day as well.

BIO:

Born during the early Qing Dynasty, Zheng Zu gained his education at the Tibetan monastery of Rach where he learned martial arts, arcane knowledge, and every known discipline of science. Becoming highly regarded in his monastery.

Zu was a powerful sorcerer along with his younger brother Zheng Yi. The brothers and their five disciples, the Deadly Warriors, formed the Five Weapons Society to protect China. On one such mission, the Sorcerer Brothers and the Deadly Warriors protected the Tianjin Prefecture from Fin Fang Foom. The Ancient One, a fellow sorcerer and friend, provided the brothers the Eyes of the Dragon, a pair of stones that granted longevity and vigor while requiring the sacrifice of another. By 1860, the brothers had aged decades beyond their natural lifespans through the use of longevity spells and had grown weaker as a result. 

During the Second Opium War, the Society fought against British forces, but were defeated by Dormammu and the Mindless Ones summoned by the British sorcerer Baron Harkness, resulting in the death of the Deadly Warriors. Zu attempted to use the Eyes of the Dragon to save the fatally wounded Yi at the cost of his own life, but not wanting to rule the Society alone, Yi reversed the spell, granting Zu immortality and restoring his youth, giving him the power to defeat the combined British forces.

Following the death of his brother and the Deadly Warriors, Zu led the Society alone, establishing five houses in their honor. Without his brother's guidance, Zu lost his way, becoming increasingly bitter and ruthless. After losing one of the houses during the Boxer Rebellion, Zu renounced his country and followers for their perceived weakness and lied about his brother's death, claiming he killed him for being weak as well and stole his spirit energy to augment his own. 

Fu Manchu approached a "scientifically perfect" American woman to be the mother of his progeny. Enticed by his power, she agreed, resulting in the birth of a son, Shang-Chi and a daughter, Zheng Shi-Hua.  During their childhood, Shang-Chi and Shi-Hua accidentally discovered one of their father's secret laboratories in his Hunan retreat. As punishment, their father told Shang-Chi that he gave Shi-Hua a merciful death, explaining that the luxury of human bonds was weakness. In truth, he secretly sent Shi-Hua to the House of the Deadly Hammer in Russia. Shang-Chi would continue to be raised in isolation in his father's Hunan retreat; unbeknownst to Shang-Chi, the Hunan retreat was the House of the Deadly Hand, with Shang-Chi chosen to be its champion.  Like with Shang-Chi and Shi-Hua, their father selected several of his other children to be raised in the Society's other Houses as their respective champions, with an unnamed son at the House of the Deadly Staff in Britain, son Takeshi at the House of the Deadly Sabre in Japan and daughter Esme at the House of the Deadly Dagger in France.

Powers and Abilities:

• Fu Manchu is a genius in every field of knowledge. He is a skilled medical practitioner and surgeon, where he has cultivated various diseases and viruses to use against his enemies.
• Fu Manchu is a master of disguise and can pass for any member of the human race, while speaking in their languages without any discernable accent.
• Fu Manchu is a master of unarmed combat.
• He can hypnotize people with his eyes to the point where few men could gaze into his eyes without falling under his control.
• With the revelation of his true identity as the ancient sorcerer Zheng Zu, he is a master in the mystic arts and has discovered the means to immortality.

Fu Manchu Publication Information:

Publisher- Marvel Comics

First Appearance- Special Marvel Edition #15 (December 1973)

Created By- Sax Rohmer

Adapted By- Steve Englehart, Al Milgrom,& Jim Starlin

Alter Ego- Zheng Zu

Team Affiliations:

Si-Fan

Golden Dawn

Hai Dai

Shadow Council

Five Weapons Society

Abilities:

Genius-Level Intellect

Hypnosis

Martial Arts Expert

Medical Practitioner

Longevity

Master Sorcerer

I hope you found this post informative.  Like I said earlier, I will eventually do a post on Wenwu as well.

Until next time, get your READ on!

Derf's Discussions: My interview with the talented Jermaine Rivers

Jermaine Rivers as Shatter from the TV series, the Gifted

    As many of you know, I was a writer for the site SomeWhatNerdy.  I did the majority of my interviews for that site.  Well, the times are a changing and the site is no more.  Sure, you may find some old active links but the site itself is no more.  So, I decided that I would go back to my roots and do my interviews for my blog once again.  I needed a new title for my interviews and I needed someone special to focus my first interview back on my Domain.  So, my interviews are now called Derf's Discussions and that someone special is Jermaine Rivers.  Jermaine is the actor who brought life to his character Shatter on the hit series the Gifted.  I am honored that Jermaine agreed to do this interview.  It was really a blast and I hope to have future discussions with him in the future.  I have rambled on too much, so here is my discussion with the great Jermaine Rivers.

At what age did you know that you wanted to be an actor?

I think I was around 10 years old when I caught the acting bug. I was always running around the house re-enacting scenes from my favorite films and TV shows. I had the kind of memory that if I watched something once and if it was really good, I would remember all of the lines. I know I drove my parents NUTS, but at least it paid off… plus, I still know all the lines to the Goonies and The Last Dragon.

Jermaine Rivers

I love the Goonies!  What was your first role?

My first legit acting role was back in 2012 playing a Deputy Sherriff in a dark comedy called “Killing Winston Jones” directed by Joel David Moore (Avatar) and starred Richard Dreyfuss and Danny Glover. Unfortunately, the film didn’t do well at the box office, or get that much press but I got to work with and learn from two legendary actors early in my career.

I bet they had a lot to say.  My followers will know you most as the mutant Shatter from the series the Gifted.  What was it like playing a mutant?

It’s no secret that I’m a comic book geek since way back, so getting the opportunity to play a character like Shatter and be part of the X-Men Universe was a dream come true. Shatter was hands-down one of my favorite roles to step into. After landing the role I had several conversations with (Shawn Martinbrough) the Illustrator and Co-Creator for the Morlocks, trying to get as much insight on the character as I could. This was going to be the first on screen adaptation for the character and I didn’t want to be the guy to screw it up. I wish we could’ve explored the character more in the series but all good things must come to an end.

I agree,  I wanted to see more from Shatter.  I know from following you on Instagram that you are a fan of comics.  What are some of your favorite titles?

From DC, Legion of Super Heroes (1980’s), and Green Lantern “Darkest Night Series”.  From Marvel, I loved collecting The Amazing Spider Man, Spectacular Spider Man, Anything Spider Man. I also loved reading the Avengers (East and West Coast), and couldn’t get enough of the Secret Wars, Infinity Stone Sagas of the 80’s and 90’s.

I loved the West Coast Avengers, especially the Moon Knight years.  I also noticed that you read from a variety of publishers, but I got to ask…Marvel or DC?

I love reading from both universes but, if we talk films … The MCU has been kicking ass the last 10 years.  However, I have to admit that I much prefer to watch DC animated films over Marvel’s.  Cartoons like Justice League War and Superman/ Batman Public Enemies have definitely raised the bar in animation.

I agree, Marvel Studios has better live action but DC has cornered the market on animated films.  Do you have a favorite comic themed series that is a must watch for you?  Besides the Gifted of course, lol.

Daredevil on Netflix is probably the best comic book themed series that I’ve watched. I enjoyed it so much I recently re-watched the entire 3 seasons. The Flash and Black Lightning are also really good shows that I plan on binging once their new seasons are available.

I love Black Lightning!  Are you a gamer?  If so, what platform do you use?  Any favorite games?

I’m definitely not a gamer, in fact I still have the first version of the Xbox console and have been playing and beating the last two levels of the original Halo game (repeatedly) for the last 10 years.

Nothing wrong with that.  During the Covid Quarantine, I have Netflixed and Chilled quite a lot.  Two of my favorite movies were Den of Thieves and Hangman. What was it like to work with such an amazing cast?

The cast on both of those films were amazing to work with. I was fortunate to work alongside a legend like Al Pacino on Hangman who dropped more than a few gems during our conversations on set. As an actor I’m always looking for opportunities to push, stretch and improve myself in the craft. I think the only way you can do that is by surrounding yourself with people who are so good at what they do that you can’t help but learn a few tricks from them during the process.

Den of Thieves

That must have been amazing!  I also know that you have worked with Tyler Perry on several projects.  What was that experience like?

Tyler Perry is one of those guys that when you work for him you can’t help but get better as an actor. Anyone who’s worked on a Tyler Perry project knows that he shoots REALLY FAST! He expects his actors to be off book and get it in the first take, which is not a problem if you’re like me and do tons of prep work in advance. I was extremely fortunate to book a recurring guest star role on two of his series “The Haves and Have Nots” and “If Loving You is Wrong.” He directed me on both of those shows and I had great experiences each time.

My mother loves the show “The Haves and Have Nots” by the way.   What have you been doing during the Quarantine?

I’ve been working on a few screenplays and playing catch up on some really good shows I missed last year like “The Mandalorian.” The Quarantine has added a few pounds so I’ve been working out and trying to stay fit, so when productions start back up, I’ll be ready to do my thing.

The Mandalorian is awesome!  What projects will you be working on next once the “ban” is lifted and the country returns to “normal”?

I have two films that should be released this year, The Royal and Freedom’s Path. So, I will most likely be doing a lot of press once the ban is lifted. The one film that I’m most excited about is “Freedom’s Path” which is a period piece set during the civil war. I play a character named (Dee) who’s a runaway slave and member of the underground rail road, helping other slaves to escape captivity and find freedom in the North.

I am looking forward to seeing you in Freedom's Path.  I love historical films.  If you could portray anyone on film, who would it be and why?

I would love to do a biopic on Floyd Mayweather. He’s an interesting character with a very interesting backstory. It would be fun to step into his shoes and tell his story. Plus, I would have an excuse to punish my body and get back into boxer-shape again.

I can see you playing Floyd Mayweather.  Getting back to comics, if you could portray any hero or villain in a comic film, who do you see yourself portraying?  I think you would be perfect as Green Lantern John Stewart.

I would love to step into the role of Green Lantern John Stewart. in fact, I know I would kill it! I think John and I have a lot in common. We both served in the military and are partial to the classic western film “Old Yeller.” There’s one other Marvel comics character that I would love to play and it’s Elijah Bradley aka The Patriot. Since Cap retired in the MCU it created a void that has to be filled. Sam Wilson “The Falcon” isn’t the only hero of color to assume the mantle of Captain America. Isaiah Bradley the first Patriot did as well. He along with his grandson (Elijah Bradley) are among the short list of heroes inspired by Steve Rogers example, and received a version of the super soldier serum. I read an article that mentioned how Ryan Coogler showed interest in bringing the Patriot character into the MCU during the initial drafts of the Black Panther, but decided to focus more on a Wakandan centered storyline. Hopefully we’ll get a chance to see this character in the MCU in Phase 4. If that happens… Kevin Feige, holla atcha boy!

That would be awesome!  The Patriot is an important character as well as role model that needs to be explored in the MCU phases.  If you were not an actor, what would you do as a profession?

Elijah Bradley aka The Patriot

If I could no longer act, I would do the next best thing … write! I’m actually a published author with three novels to my credit titled The Nemesis Chronicles.

I'll have to check them out!  Do you have any advice for the next generation of actors?

I’d have to echo a statement made by Sir Ian McKellen when he admonished young actors for mumbling. I watch a lot of movies and TV shows and have to agree with him. I’ve been on sets where young actors mumbled their lines or was more focused on looking pretty. My advice to anyone who desires to work in this industry is to commit to the craft and Speak Up, words have power and your voice is one of your most valuable instruments. Stay in your lane and let the directors and crew members do their jobs. Most importantly, learn your lines and don’t bump into the furniture!!

That's great advice!  Because I know you are a Comic “Nerd”, who would win in a fight…Superman or the Hulk?

Using the original 1938 Infinitely less over-powered Superman, against the original 1960’s version of The Hulk. I’m giving the win to old Green Genes by way of a knock-out followed by a 10 minute “Hulk Smash” ground pound on pajama pants.

I have to agree! 

I just want to thank Jermaine Rivers for taking the time to discuss his acting and hobbies for all of us to enjoy.  This interview is the first of many, so stay tuned.

Until next time, get your READ on and unleash your inner NERD!

Avengers: Endgame Official Trailer

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!

the Avengers: Endgame (Trailer #1)

Is it April yet?

Luke Cage: Season 2 Review

BRAVO! BRAVO! BRAVO!

    Netflix has done it again!  The writing for Luke Cage is always phenomenal but season two pushed it over the top.  This is by far my favorite season of any of the Netflix/Marvel series hands down.  Hell, I am a Punisher fan and this season blew it out of the water.  Not everyone may agree with me, but you have to realize something. I am a fan of comics in general, and when the story lines match up with the comics with a modern day twist, you know the writers did their research.

    First of all, I need to give props to Mustafa Shakir for his portrayal of the Bushmaster.  You know he is the villain, but you route for him.  That is how powerful his acting and portrayal of the character real you in.  If Netflix shows were able to be for the Oscars, Mustafa Shakir would win best supporting actor hands down.

Mustafa Shakir as John McIver aka the Bushmaster

    Next, you have Misty Knight getting help from the Rand corporation.  Why is this important?  Well, that is how Misty gets her kick ass cybernetic arm.  This not only gives her a little extra strength, but allows her to fit her role as a "Hero for Hire" that we all know in love from the world of comics.

Misty Knight shows of her new arm while on a mission with Luke Cage.

    Speaking of "Heroes for Hire", Daniel Rand aka Iron Fist shows up along the way to help Cage in his battles to fight Bushmaster and Stokes.  It is in the episode where you first hear the mention of Power Man and Iron Fist in the series.

Daniel Rand aka Iron Fist lets Luke know that he is here to help regardless of how Cage feels.

    As a comic fan, this was a total joy to watch.  The Power Man and Iron Fist reference alone had me giddy.  If you are not familiar of the old Luke Cage/Power Man series I suggest you pick up some issues or graphic novels to see how well the writers did with keeping the story of Luke Cage true.  Sure, some things were changed like outfits or some origins were changed, but it stays true.  At the end you will realize that they introduced another player for the throne of Harlem.  If I tell you their name, you will know pretty early who I am speaking of, so I will leave that alone.

Mike Colter as Luke Cage

   Can a none comic fan love the show?  Hell yeah!  That is how well teh writing is on this series.  Luke Cage has the potential of being on the air for a long time if they keep the group of writers that they have.  You know the show is hot when you have legends like KRS-One and Rakim performing on the stage of Harlem's Paradise.  Speaking of Rakim, he wrote an original track for the show called King's Paradise.  I have included the video below.  Please do not watch it unless you have seen the show or don't care if there is a spoiler or two.  

Until next time, unleash your inner NERD!

Saturday Showcase: Man-Ape

    The Marvel Studios film, Black Panther, will be released in 6 days.  I thought their is no better way to show some love by doing my Saturday Showcase on someone from the world of the Black Panther.  Of course as you know, my goal in my Saturday Showcases are to spotlight those characters who I think we should hear more of and not necessarily the main stars.

    M'Baku was born in Wakanda, Africa and was a fierce warrior second only to the Black Panther.  M'Baku disagreed with the direction was going and joined the White Gorilla Cult in attempt to overthrow the reign of the Black Panther.  He killed a White Gorilla and bathed in it's blood which appeared to increase not only his strength but his agility.  To honor the slain gorilla, he skinned it and wore his fur into battle.  M'Baku became the White Gorilla and he is in a constant mission to overthrow T'Challa and takeover control of Wakanda.

    In his attempts to stop the Black Panther, the Man-Ape has even taken on the Avengers.  When he realized that a group of heroes was a little too much for him, he joined up with the Grim Reaper and his Lethal Legion.  After several failed attempts of stopping the Avengers, Man-Ape clashed with the Reaper and headed back to Wakanda to plot his next move.

   Man-Ape has made a few changes through the years, but the major change that fans will notice in the Black Panther film is the disappearance of the Gorilla Head  and chest piece of his costume.  In fact, he will not even go by the name the Man-Ape but only be known as M'Baku.  I can understand the flim maker's decision on changing that aspect of M'Baku's appearance with PETA and other organizations that may protest, but I don't understand why he can't use the name Man-Ape.  However, I am excited to see M'Baku's presence on teh screen and I know that Winston Duke will do justice to M'Baku and bring the great warrior to life.

Until next time, get your READ on! 

Oh, and as always, unleash your inner NERD!

First Appearance:

Avengers #62 (March '69)

Created by: Roy Thomas and John Buscema

Avengers: Infinity War Official Trailer

the Punisher (Netflix) Official Trailer #2

Black Panther Official Movie Trailer

Marvel's Inhumans - Official Trailer #1

Thor: Ragnarok Trailer

I love the use of Led Zeppelin's Immigrant Song in the Trailer!

Captain America : Civil War Posters

Which side will you choose?

Captain America : Civil War (Official Trailer #1)