Masters of the Universe: Revelation Part 1 | Official Trailer | Netflix

 

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!

Transformers: War for Cybertron (Netflix)

Lost in Space Season 2 Official Trailer

Saturday Showcase: Jigsaw

   What do you think of when you hear Batman and the Joker, Spider-Man and Venom, Wolverine and Sabretooth, or even Superman and Doomsday?  I think of the battle of Good Vs Evil but put to the extreme.  One is the Ying to the other's Yang.  When you think of the Punisher, you cannot help but think of Jigsaw.

    With the 2nd season of the Punisher coming to Netflix on the 18th, I decided to showcase the importance of William Russo aka Jigsaw.  We were first introduced to the mob boss Jigsaw back in '76.  His first appearance was in issue #161 of the Amazing Spider-Man series.  He made his first full appearance one issue later in Amazing Spider-Man #162.

That time Frank got himself arrested to get his hands on Jigsaw.

    When he was first introduced, he was a terror on the streets and didn't care who got in his way.  This is still true in later years, but he was much more to Frank.  He was an obsession, the one that got away you might say.  I mean, what fun would the Punisher titles be if he successfully killed everyone?  So, naturally you need a nemesis that can escape and resurface to tackle Frank head on anther day.

    One of my favorite Punisher/Jigsaw story-lines is the time that Frank got himself arrested on purpose so he could get his hands on Jigsaw.  That was the first issue of the Punisher I ever owned.  In fact, I still own all issues of that series as well as it's reintroduction as a graphic novel.

Amazing Spider-Man #162

    One thing is for sure, I am glad they changed his look.  When he battled Spidey, he was in a god awful outfit.  At least, in the Punisher titles he had some class and knew how to dress the part of a leader of a secret organization.  

    It's no secret that the Punisher is my favorite character in the MARVEL universe. With that said, William Russo aka Jigsaw will always have a place in my heart as a great antagonist.  I loved the portrayal of Jigsaw by Dominic West in the film Punisher: War Zone and I have enjoyed the life that Ben Barnes gave Billy on the 1st season of the Punisher Netflix series.  I cannot wait to see his take on the Jigsaw persona in season 2 (Available 1/18/19).

Ben Barnes as Billy Russo aka Jigsaw

    I hope my showcase has intrigued you into learning more about the character.  I could say more but I want you to do your research on this one.  The only way you can truly understand the Punisher Vs Jigsaw dynamic is to pick up key issues of the Punisher series and read them for yourself.

Until next time, get your READ on!

Here's Billy!

Vital Stats

First Appearance:

Cameo Appearance: The Amazing Spider-Man #161 (October 1976)

Full appearance: The Amazing Spider-Man #162 (November 1976)

Created by Len Wein & Ross Andru

Abilities:

Experienced street fighter

Exceptional strategist and tactician

Highly charismatic criminal organizer

Wears a special exoskeleton

Required Reading:

the Amazing Spider-Man issues #161-162, & #188

the Punisher Vol. 1, #1, & #4-5

the Punisher Vol. 2, #35-40, & #55-56

the Punisher Vol. 3, #2-4, & #9-10

the Punisher War Journal Vol. 1, #61

Punisher War Journal Vol. 2, #11, #18–20, & #22–23

Daredevil Vol. 2, #61-64

(Jigsaw has been in many titles, but these titles are the ones I would read.)

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: Bushmaster

     Just in time for Luke Cage season 2 comes my spotlight on the main villain, Bushmaster.  Now don't get him confused with Bushman or Bushwhacker which are other notorious villains in the Marvel Universe.  No sir, my focus is on this tough son of a gun who is capable of ruining Cage's life.

    Bushmaster first appeared in 1977 in the 15th issue of the Iron Fist series.  He was created by Chris Claremont and John Byrne.  Bushmaster was born John McIver and was a powerful crime boss in the Maggia organization.  He was a crime boss who didn't mind getting his hands dirty.  In fact, he lived for it.

    In an undercover mission, Misty Knight got a little too close to Bushman which almost got her killed.  If not for Luke Cage, Misty would be dead and Harlem would be his.  Bushman and Cage had some classic battles but Bushman was wounded in a battle with Cage which eventually led to his death.  After his death, his little brother Quincy took over the Bushmaster alias but that is a story for another day.

    I look forward to seeing how they portray Bushmaster in the Cage series.  I hope the show does him justice, with an actor like Mustafa Shakir they are heading in the right direction.  

    While you are waiting for the new series of Cage to start, I recommend downloading or purchasing some old school Power Man comics to see the original battles between Cage and Bushman.  You will be glad you did.

Until next time, get your READ on!

As always, unleash your inner NERD!

the Punisher (Netflix) Official Trailer #2

Marvel's the Punisher Official HD Trailer

Can't Wait!

Spoiler Free Defenders Review

I have written a spoiler free review of the new Netflix series the Defenders over at Somewhatnerdy.  Check it out - - - ->   Defenders Review

Comics You Should Read: the Defenders (2017)

     I am here once again to tell you about comics that I think you should be reading. The topic today is the 2017 line-up of the Defenders.  First of all, let me just say I have been a Defenders fan since back in the day.  My favorite line-up took place in the 70's but that is a different story.  Today we are talking about the team that consists of Jessica Jones, Luke Cage, the Iron Fist, and finally the Daredevil.

     As many of you already know, Netflix is producing a series about this very team after the success of each character's series already on Netflix.  So, I am sure this what made MARVEL decide to create another run of the Defenders to give the fans a little taste of what's going on and what possibly could happen in the series.

     Well, issue #1 starts with the team being targeted, in fact Jessica is in the hospital after being shot. (Free Comic Book Day Edition of Defenders)  The team scramble to find out who was the shooter only to find out that Diamondback is back from the dead and whats vengeance.  So, now they know the who but still don't know the how (is he alive) or the what to do.  As usual Cage goes after him on his own, only to fall into a trap. 

     In issue #2, we find Luke at the Night Nurse's infirmary after Black Cat dropped him off.  While Jessica is caught up to date on what happened, Blade comes by with a little something that will help Cage recover quickly.  Once the team is ready to regroup, they go out looking for answers only to find more trouble in their way in the form of the Punisher.  God, I cannot wait until issue #3 is released!

    I tried not to ruin the stories too much because I want you to read them for yourself, hence the title of this segment.  I give this series a strong 9 out of 10.  It would have been a perfect 10, but I was not one who had the FCBD edition of the Defenders, so I was kind of lost at first.  However, in hindsight, the book does explain things out so you really do not need the issue.  Start with #1 and move on.  I love how the issues have tied into each Netflix series in so many ways and I cannot wait to see what other crossovers that the writers have in store.

Until next time, get your READ on!

Wanna Wrestle? G.L.O.W. Spotlight - Tina Ferrari

The above image is that of one Lisa Moretti.  She is a very popular women's wrestler who got her start in an organization known as G.L.O.W.  Her ring name was Tina Ferrari.   She was a multiple champion for the Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling organization but you may remember her best by her other persona that won her championships in the WWE known as Ivory.

Yes, Tina and Ivory are one in the same.  G.L.O.W. wrestlers do not get the respect they should have for setting the landscape to allow women's wrestling to be successful.  I just posted my review of the new Netflix series G.L.O.W. over and Somewhatnerdy,  To read it, please click here - G.L.O.W. Review .  I feel that it is about time that someone told the tale, sure the show maybe a work of fiction for the most part, but where it counts is all truth.  I mean, it was a struggle to get the women equal billing in wrestling, any fan knows that.  I am just glad that G.L.O.W. is finally getting recognized the way it should.  I do hope that in the next season, we see some of the regulars from the glory days featured in an episode or two.  Until then, enjoy this match of Tina Ferrari taking on Manna the Headhunter in this classic G.L.O.W. match.