Loki Strikes Again

Loki's schemes eventually came to include Earth itself and these schemes often drew some of Earth's superhuman heroes to defend Earth and, often, Asgard itself. Loki was able to manipulate the Hulk into wreaking havoc and, which accidentally led to the formation of the Avengers.

Unfortunately only one vote goes to Loki, Nice try guys, Next one will try something different, Something Thor keeps asking me to posts. - Kal-El

In the Shadows

Click on image to download

Created by Kal-El

Marvel and Sega Team for more Superhero Games

Marvel Entertainment, Inc., SEGA® Europe Ltd and SEGA® of America, Inc. have expanded their relationship to include the rights to develop and distribute games inspired by Marvel's Hall-of-Fame franchises -- Captain America, The Incredible Hulk and ThorIron Man, with both game and film slated to be released in May 2008.

"Video games are an ideal medium to showcase the appeal and excitement of our Super Hero franchises," said David Maisel, Chairman, Marvel Studios. "SEGA is one of the industry's most innovative game developers and we are thrilled to partner with them to bring 'Captain America,' 'The Incredible Hulk' and 'Thor' to the video gaming arena. These franchises represent three of Marvel's most popular characters and lend themselves to captivating game play. We have already seen SEGA's passion for the Marvel Universe through the early development of the 'Iron Man' video game, and we look forward to working closely with them over the next few years to maximize the potential of these franchises in the interactive entertainment space."

Under the expanded agreement, SEGA will develop a title to be based on Marvel Studios' highly-anticipated The Incredible Hulk feature film. Hitting theaters June 13, 2008, the film will return the larger-than-life Super Hero to the roots of the long-running comic series and television show with an all-new action-packed storyline directed by Louis Leterrier (Transporter 2, Unleashed). The Incredible Hulk video game will be released in the same timeframe as the film. Games based on Captain America and Thor will follow, though the timing of those feature film projects, currently in development, has not yet been determined.

"We are excited to broaden our partnership with Marvel, a recognized leader and innovator in the entertainment industry," said Simon Jeffery, President and COO, SEGA of America. "As SEGA continues to create games that are built from the ground up to appeal to Western audiences it makes perfect sense to work with a powerhouse like Marvel. 'Captain America,' 'The Incredible Hulk' and 'Thor' are icons that people are already familiar with and love, so our goal is to give gamers the ability to play out their fantasies by actually becoming these Super Heroes. Fans can now not only watch them in movies and read about them in comic books, but also literally control their actions through the video games we are creating. We look forward to bringing these icons to life like never before and putting the power in the hands of the fans."

Yup for all comic fans, there gonna be busy making games for us! - Kal-El

Thomas Jane on The Punisher 2

Well, the problem has always been getting a decent script. We actually have a script that's being turned in this week and we all have our fingers crossed, you know? We'd love to do it. Everybody wants to do it, but we all want to make a good movie. It starts with the script. We've gotta get a good script, and then we'll be ready to rock. The plan is to start the "Punisher 2" in June; of course, I think I said that last year, too.

Edward Norton is The Incredible Hulk!!

Two-time Academy Award® nominee Edward Norton has signed on to play Bruce Banner, who transforms into Marvel's renowned, larger-than-life Super Hero, The Hulk in Marvel Studios' action-packed, new big screen adaptation of The Incredible Hulk. The film, which is being directed by Louis Leterrier and distributed by Universal Pictures, is scheduled to smash into theaters on June 13, 2008.

"Edward Norton is a rare talent and one of the most versatile actors in the business. His ability to transform into a particular role makes him the ideal choice to take on the character of Bruce Banner/The Hulk. Edward is perfectly suited to bring one of the most popular and important Marvel icons to the big screen in a new and exciting way," said Kevin Feige, President of Production, Marvel Studios. Under the visionary direction of Louis Leterrier (Transporter 2, Unleashed), The Incredible Hulk will return to the roots of the long-running comic series and television show.

The story unfolds when the pursuit for The Hulk - the world's most misunderstood, primal force of fury - heats up, finding Bruce Banner on the run attempting to cure his condition before his pursuers capture him.

Kandor, The Gift Of God

Written by Kal-El

We all know that Krypton is long gone in the multiuniverse of comic history, Krypton, Home of the Man of Tomorrow, also popularly known as The Man Of Steel, Superman. As it major destruction of Kyprton, little do we know, that Kandor still exists.

Kandor was once the capital for Krypton. But only since the evil villainess Android Brainiac managed to downscale and transformed it to a miniature size. His evil scheme however inadvertently spared the city from the destruction that goes with Krypton. Kandor city was now in the possesions of Brainiac, up until his evil plan to come and harvest more cities on Earth. Superman as always, comes to the rescue and discovered Kandor. Kandor now lies safely in the hands of the Man of Steel, as he placed them safely in The Fortress Of Solitude and hoping on day to restore it to it's normal size. In return, the Kandorians have provided Superman with a place where he will be an honoured guest there.

Eventually, Superman did managed to restore it to it's full size scale, with that, he had also have moved them to settle in another planet that revolves in the Red Sun, which means Superman or any other Kryptonians or Kandorians for that matter, will not be as powerful as they would be on Earth. The Kandorians have decided to name their whole new home Rokyn, for which in Kryptonian terms means "The Gift From God".

In the Silver age was told that, Upon releasing it, Superman also did a replica of the miniature city in a Bottle, stored in the Fortress of Solitude, as a memento but to his own suprise, Thousands of Tiny aliens have moved in after fleeing from their destruction of the home planet. When asked what was the original name of the City, The aliens decided to call it their own Kandor city also. However also In Earth 2 Version of the story, Kandor city was never shrunken, and Powergirl (Supergirl's Earth 2 counterpart) also named as Kara Zor-L.

But for which ever lies for the rest of the Kryptonians left in this world, Superman will come to the rescue...Even in the size of a bottle.

This is WarWorld

Mattel does it again with the DC Superheroes line - they've produced a great looking figure, with about the right amount of articulation, at a price point far below DC Direct. The new Mongul is my favorite of the DCSH line up now, replacing Steel at the top of the heap. He's a tough find right now, but I'm betting that with a little patience everyone will see him on the pegs. You can find all the reviews at the usual:
http://www.mwctoys.com

Thanks for reading!

Michael

MWC

Beware My Power

Written by GL

This blog has been a labor of love for me. It’s a place for me to write about those things I'm interested in, to watch for new action figures that have just been released, to fuel my passion for all things comic-related and to promote my own personal favourite superhero – namely, the Green Lantern.

Most people know that the human Green Lanterns weren't and aren't the only holders of the GL power ring. There are other more weird and wonderful races, whom are also considered Green Lanterns, that also bear the GL power ring. We could talk about the GL Corp. all day (meaning to say, I could talk about the GL Corp. all day), yet many readers have been more perplexed and a little more curious about the nature of the power ring itself – the signature weapon of the Green Lanterns.

Let's start with the basics.

When you join the Green Lantern Corp., you must undergo all the power ring training that is required by the Corp. before you may be considered a Green Lantern. The power ring was an original creation of the Guardians of the Universe, perhaps the oldest race in the DC Universe. However (and check this out), you cannot be chosen by the Guardians or the Corp. to be a Green Lantern, it's the ring that chooses who is to be the next Green Lantern. This means, the original bearer of the ring must die first - then the ring will seek out the next worthy bearer (see: Abin Sur's role in the origins of Hal Jordan). Even after you have been chosen by a ring, you must attend the Corp. training. It’s something like going for driving lessons before getting behind the wheel.

So what can the GL power ring do? I think a better question might be: what can't the ring do?

The DC comic world has managed to promote two popular sayings about the ring; that it is considered 'the most powerful weapon in the Universe' and that it is 'only limited by the imagination of the user'. This means to say, the bearer can create practically anything using the power of the ring as long as he can imagine it and focus his thinking on the subject or object.

Therefore, the power ring can accomplish anything.

The power ring allows users to fly and to cover themselves with a protective force field - this allows the Lanterns to travel from underwater to outer space. The power ring also generates the Lantern uniform - and when they go off-duty, it regenerates their regular street clothes as well.

Using solid light technology, the ring can create cages, platforms, cuffs, weapons such as axes and swords, animals, walls, vehicles and more. The funny thing is that, in the DC Universe, the creations of the rings are based on the mindsets of the users. Hal Jordan tends to create workman tools such as hammers and such; Kyle Rayner, being a graphic designer and comic book artist, may use the ring to create drawings and characters; Guy Gardner's ring creates hard light objects that are simple in design and usually blurred by the excess energy of his own willpower. Interestingly enough, according to Hal Jordan, Kilowog's ring is the only one that emits a sound when in use. The sound is usually a loud sonic boom.

The ring can also search of energy signatures and may sometimes be used as a translator of languages. Apart from that, the ring can even simulate different forms of radiation (even Kryptonite) and create other new, fully-functional power rings.

At times, the power ring has been shown to be a sentient thing. Like a computer, it can respond with scientific analysis and advise about different courses of action - like when the ring goes out on it's own to search for a new bearer after it's previous one is killed. In at least one episode of Justice League Unlimited, Jon Stewart could actually summon the ring to him without having to wear it.

The requirements to be a valid user of the power ring have changed over the years. It has been said that the ring searches for an owner that is totally fearless and is completely honest and true. It also takes alot of willpower to be able to use these rings, which doesn't make them much of a tool in the hands of average individuals. However, the ring can be used by anyone who is wielding it at the time. At present, following the storyline of Kyle Rayner, his ring is locked only to his own genetic coding.

But the power ring does have its own weaknesses as well.

Original Green Lantern storylines have shown that the power ring usually requires recharging every 24 hours. Power rings usually need to be recharged at a personal power battery, that each Green Lantern is given. These batteries are directly linked to the Central Power Battery on the planet of Oa.

For quite a while, the power rings could not affect anything of the color yellow. Many thought that the inability to affect the color yellow was because of an impurity within the Central Power Battery – an impurity that was put there by the Guardians themselves to act as a control. Later on, this impurity was revealed to have been a creature imprisoned in the Central Power Battery – a creature that came to be known as Parallax.

After the defeat of Parallax, the color yellow is no longer a problem if the user has enough willpower.

The only problem left with the ring lies not in the mechanics of the ring itself but in the users. Because the effectiveness of the ring is based on the willpower and mind of the bearer; if you can affect the mind of the user, the power will not be accurate. Using things such as psychic attacks and poisons, the power of a Green Lantern can be messed with.

However, following the Green Lantern: Rebirth storyline, only a certain type of willpower is able to effectively use the ring – a willpower that is pure.

Every superhero power has its limitations. But as far as these limitations go, whether they may be in the brightest day or darkest night, let those villains always beware, the Green Lantern’s light.

One Second

Click on image to download wallpaper

Created by GL

Marvel VS Hua Ho

Written by GL

You action figure fans who have been dying to actually get you hands on something authentic for the past few months will be happy to hear that our very own Hua Ho department stores are currently selling new and near perfect lines. I suggest you get there nice, quick and fast because I doubt they'll last long.

The line-ups they've got maybe few but they rate high in the value scale. For one thing, they've got the second wave of those 12" inch Icon series action figures, featuring Victor von Doom and Frank Castle - they're big and totally detailed and go for just above B$40. You've also got Marvel's Legends series featuring the X3 version of Beast, Emma Frost, Hercules, Banshee, Ultimate Ironman and the Hulk (the Planet Hulk version) for just above B$30 each. Following that you've also got a pick of these cute little Superheroes Squad figures no bigger than 2" inches that are just fun to collect. Reserve $11 each for those.

And, in light of the upcoming super feature, authentic Spiderman 3 action figures are also out on the shelves, for those collectors who do not have the benefit of going overseas to fulfill your movie-line action figure desperation. Get them while they're hot because I predict it'll only last for a couple more months before only the crappy stuff is left behind.

Be quick. Be very quick because you know Kal-El and GL are there in line with you. Watch your back.

Be a Hero

Written by GL

It's been quite a while since they managed to create a DC based adventure game that features all the greats that you've been waiting to see. Justice League Heroes is a good example of just what you've been waiting to see (if you're as big a fan of superheroes as I am). I bought this game a couple of months ago and I've clocked it more than a few times.

Released in 2006, Justice League Heroes features exactly what the name says - the heroes from the JLA that you just love long, long time. As the heroes, you fight off a variety of the most vicious supervillains, including Braniac, Killer Frost, Queen Bee and more. I won't spoil it for you by telling you all the villains that you face off against, but I will say, enjoy the show.

Justice League Heroes is featured on more than three different consoles; the Playstation 2, the PSP, the Gameboy, the Nintendo DS and the Xbox. So, if you're really ready to give it a try, just pick the game for the console you have and start knocking stuff around. And, you know this game is an official thing because it's published under the great name of Warner Bros. Interactive (the same fellas who did Batman Begins), developed by Snowblind Studios and distributed by Edios Interactive (of the Tomb Raider franchise fame).

Although the game doesn't really follow any kind of storyline from the Justice League Unlimited cartoons, the characters are the exact same roster sets; you've got Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Hawkgirl, Green Lantern (Jon Stewart, of course), Martian Manhunter and The Flash. In addition to the main guys, the publishers have chosen to add in Zatanna, Huntress and Aquaman. The coolest thing about this game is that I got to play as my favourite Green Lantern, Hal Jordan. But take note, the Gameboy version is a sideline story thing that's focuses primarily on The Flash and possesses side-scrolling based gameplay.

I won't give away too much of the plot but I will just tell you all that a big, evil scheme is going on the seems to be led by Brainiac. All the villains are helping each other out in a plan set on turning the world into their own twisted version. As always, the Justice League is there to put a monkey wrench into their gears. Take each hero through their levels, taking out a many number of enemies here and there and watch the story develop. I will say that the game doesn't really take that much brain-power, and the true fun is in the super-powers you can use once you've managed to reach a certain power level. So get customizing.

As far as mechanics go, you can unlock more characters and suits by collecting tokens, so play hard. To make your characters more powerful, you also collect little spheres called boosts. You add these boosts to you characters skills and strengths, making your character as close to invincible as possible. A little advice too; playing as a single player is fun, but playing with a friend in two player mode is a barrel of laughs, especially if the both of you feel you have the jones to take on the Superhero difficulty level.

Some fun facts you might like to know about the game are that the characters of Superman, Batman and Jon Stewart are voiced by some bigger than normal names: Superman is voiced by Crispin Freeman, the same fella who played Willard and the tuxedo-wearing villain in Charlie's Angels, Batman is voice by Ron Perlman, also known as the man who played Hellboy in the movie, and Jon Stewart is played by Michael Jai White, also known as Spawn.

Justice League Heroes is for the fans and no one else. So, if you consider yourself a fan and you have a character that you're just dying to play in a video game, then get this. If you liked game-play as perfect and as smooth as Batman Begins, then this game might be to your liking. If you only want games as good as Metal Gear Solid, then don't get this. If you like chicken, go to KFC.

Speeding in Reverse

Written by GL

Many main superhero characters in the DC Universe have at least one arch-enemy that had been created almost as a reflection of him or her - possessing similar powers, similar skills and, sometimes, even similar costumes. Superman has his Bizzaro, Green Lantern has his Sinestro. And the Flash. The Flash has his Reverse Flash.

What many generic readers may not know is that there have been just about three different Reverse Flash supervillains; one for each age, one for each Flash.

Back in 1949, Jay Garrick, the Golden Age Flash, was forced to face off against a fella called The Rival. The Rival was a man named Dr. Edward Clariss, a professor who had attended the same university as Jay Garrick himself. Clariss believed that he was the creator of the chemical formula that gave Jay Garrick super-speed. This chemical was called 'Velocity 9'Clariss hated the fact that no one in the science community would believe his claims. So, he turned to a life of crime, wearing a darker version of Jay Garrick's costume. Clariss, however, discovered that his 'Velocity 9' only gave temporary super-speed. The first time he battled Jay Garrick, the effects of the chemical wore off and he was totally defeated. Several months later, Clariss faced off against Jay Garrick a second time. Clariss fought so hard that he managed to reach light speed and just vanished into thin air. Here's where everyone learns something new: when all beings of super-speed die, they are taken to the Speed Force. The Speed Force is sort of like a Heaven for everything that has the ability of super-speed, whether good or bad. That's where Clariss was. Clariss was brought back from the Speed Force by a villain called Johnny Sorrow. He was invited to join the Injustice Society - the organization that was to be the main arch-enemy team against the Justice Society of America (formed in 1999).

Being of pure energy, Clariss' origins and story ends and continues at him possessing the body of another Golden Age speedster called Max Mercury. In the body of Max Mercury, The Rival continues to be the thorn in the side of Jay Garrick.

In the Silver Age, Barry Allen (the greatest hero to hold the name of The Flash) met an arch-enemy that was practically as powerful as himself - that man's name was Professor Zoom. Professor Zoom was Eobard Thawne, a criminal from the 25th century. Eobard Thawne discovered a time capsule containing the costume of Barry Allen. Using a machine, Eobard Thawne managed to harness and amplify the speed-energy that was built into the costume. This gave him all the powers of the Flash for as long as he wore the costume. In the process, all the colors of the costume were reversed - Professor Zoom's suit became yellow with red boots and lightening bolts, and the white background logo symbol on his chest had turned black. Professor Zoom used his powers to commit many, many crimes, whilst plotting for a way to eliminate Barry Allen, the original Flash. Professor Zoom knew of Barry Allen's dual identity, and with this knowledge, he managed to kill Barry Allen's wife, Iris. Professor Zoom met his end when he attempted to murder Fiona, Barry Allen's fiancee. It was while trying to save the life of Fiona that Barry Allen broke Professor Zoom's neck; and this was the final end of the Silver Age Reverse Flash.

After the untimely death of Barry Allen, Wally West came to take over the mantle of the Flash from his uncle. Wally West befriended a fella named Hunter Zolomon. Zolomon, after arriving in Keystone City, was hired by the police department as a profiler for the Department of Metahuman Hostilities. His work meant that he would constantly come into contact with the Flash, and the two became close friends. Zolomon, through his work, offered valuable information that would help solve a number of cases for Wally West.

One day, Zolomon was attacked by Gorilla Grodd. The attack left him paralyzed from the waist down. He approached the Flash begging for help. His plan was for the Flash to use the Cosmic Treadmill, housed in the Flash Museum, to go back into time and stop the attack from happening. Wally West said that it would be too dangerous, that playing with the time-stream would be an unstable thing to do. Zolomon, of course, broke into the museum himself and tried using the treadmill. The resulting explosion destroyed the entire museum and this drove Zolomon insane. The explosion also gave Zolomon the power to play with time. He could now alter his own timeframe, giving himself super-speed.

Being a little bit insane, Zolomon theorized that that reason Wally West didn't help him in the first place was because he had never learnt to suffer personal tragedy. So, he decided to take on the name of Zoom and attempt to murder Wally West's wife, Linda Park, to teach him how to be a better hero. And their fight continues on.

In the case of the Reverse Flashes, there is an arch-enemy for each age. In my opinion, that's pretty cool as it's the villains that also help to keep the superhero characters themselves alive. Not that the Flash, as a character could ever be forgotten – who could ever forget the fastest man alive, the man who lives in-between the ticks of a second.

Sexy Green

Click on image to download Wallpaper

Created by Kal-El

Me Bizarro..You Batzarro

DC Direct shipped some new Batman figures this week, so you know what that means! I'm taking a look at the whole series 4 of Superman/Batman: Vengeance, including Batzarro, Bizarro, Superwoman, Batwoman, Batman Beyond and Kryptonite Batman. Regular readers will remember that I was pretty harsh on the first wave of Public Enemies figures based on McGuinness' artwork, but once you get a bunch of these guys together, they start growing on you! Oh, they're still overpriced for what you're getting, and most of the articulation is completely useless, but they look pretty good as a group on the shelf. You can find all the reviews at the usual:

http://www.mwctoys.com

Thanks for reading, and have a great weekend!

Michael
MWC

Call Me Doom

Click on image to download
Wallpaper created by uaTu

Space Sector 2814 in DC Comics is the designation by the Guardians of the Universe, creators of the Green Lantern Corps, for the sector of space containing the planet Earth. It is simultaneously considered something of a backwater by many galactic and intergalactic powers, and also a place of extreme importance owing mainly to Earth's improbable prominence in the affairs of the universe. This one's for GL.

Batman: Black and White

I'm a big fan of the Batman Black and White series from DC Direct, and the new Wagner version lives up to the quality I've come to expect from the line. Oh, he's not my favorite of the series so far, but he fits in nicely in the middle someplace, looking good on the shelf and adding a very different pose to the mix. You can check out the review at the usual:
http://www.mwctoys.com

This is mid-week, so I have my QSE review up too, covering the new 3-D Poster from Mcfarlane for the Rocky Horror Picture Show. Thanks for reading!

Michael
MWC

'Mark 1' Iron Man Armor Revealed

Paramount Pictures has revealed the "Mark 1" armor from Marvel Studios' Iron Man, directed by Jon Favreau and coming to theaters on May 2, 2008. The comic book adaptation stars Robert Downey Jr., Terrence Howard, Gwyneth Paltrow, Jeff Bridges, Shaun Toub and Leslie Bibb.

God of Mischief

Written by Kal-El

Ever wondered if Thor had a brother, would he be the God of Wind? Or The God of Fire or any kind of other elements, But, What if the facts did say that his brother did exist, Since that only Odin had one son, namely Thor, The God of Thunder, He also did had a Foster Brother. He wasn't a God of any elements in this Universe; He was just simply Loki.

The ancient story began in ancient Asgard time, Home of the Gods, that which consists of Six Races and the Nine Worlds. Asgard had the mightiest ruler of all, A Great ruler and protector of Asgard of Norse Methology, This God's name was Odin. The Asgardians has an Ancient enemy called the Frost Giants, led by their evil ruler, Laufey. Odin and Laufey are sworn enemies, for which Odin defeated Laufey and killed him in a great battle between Good and Evil. After Slaying Laufey, Odin found a small young boy, kept away in a stronghold room, where Laufey had kept him from harm's way in battle with the Asgardians. The Powerful Odin took the small sized boy out of a combination of pity, and also because he was the son of his once greatest adversary in which he had defeated honorably in a battle. Odin raised the boy alongside his very own biological son, Thor.

Throughout his childhood, Loki was resentful of the differences in which he and Thor were treated as citizens of Asgards. The Asgardians only values in Strength, tenacity, honor and bravery in great battles, in which clearly Loki was inferior to as he is weak in those areas. However his strengths lies in Sorcery and Magic. He posses the power to control and commands great magical forces in which he hopes to one day to use his abilities to conquer and become ruler of Asgard. Loki possesses a degree of superhuman strength that seemed to be roughly equal to that of the average male Asgardian. He aged at a rate vastly slower than human beings and was extremely long lived, though he did not possess the same aging process as other god pantheons, such as the Olympians. His obsessions to become stronger as his intention led to wanting to destroy Thor.

As he grew to adulthood, his powers and talents have earned himself a nickname as "The God of Mischief". However, instead of playing harmless pranks, he grew steadily more malicious in his deeds, and his lust for both power and revenge was apparent to all those around him. Over the centuries, Loki attempted on many occasions to seize rulership of Asgard and to destroy Thor. Odin, who had long tolerated Loki's attempts, magically imprisoned him within a tree. Loki eventually freed himself from his prison, and his thirst for power and vengeance became even more consuming than it had been.

Loki's schemes eventually came to include Earth itself and these schemes often drew some of Earth's superhuman heroes to defend Earth and, often, Asgard itself. Loki was able to manipulate the Hulk into wreaking havoc and, which accidentally led to the formation of the Avengers. Thor was one of the founding members of this superhuman team, and Loki often found his goals frustrated by them, even when they appeared close to success.

Loki and Thor clashed more frequently, sometimes with Loki confronting Thor directly and sometimes using various pawns in order to achieve his ends. Among Loki's better known henchmen was the human criminal Carl "The Crusher" Creel, whom Loki transformed by sorcery into the superhuman criminal known as the Absorbing Man. Creel himself would proved to be a formidable adversary to Thor over the years. Loki event went so far as to attempt to turn Odin against Thor and to steal Thor's enchanted hammer, Mjolnir, but all his efforts failed.

If you been a bad boy, you might just end up in a magical tree, just like Loki.

Enter Asgard

Written by Kal-El

Ever wondered what lies at the end of the Rainbow trail? Funnily enough, based on the mainstream of Marvel Comics universe, by crossing this Rainbow Bridge, by crossing the Bifrost, from here on, from Earth, we could reach Asgard, The Home of the Gods, Asgard is popularly known or heard of from their very own Reigning Superhero, The God of Thunder, Thor. Unfortunately, today we won't be focusing it on the Mighty god of Thunder, But solely on Asgard.

Asgard which featured all the time in the adventures of Thor. Asgard of Norse mythology only exists in another dimension called Earth-616. Based on the mythology, Asgard is consists of Nine Worlds and Six different races. On the image above, which I’ve founded, I am quite unsure where the other countries did came from, but all I could share is based on facts written on the world of Marvel.

The Asgardian dimension contains several distinct areas which its inhabitants refer to as "The Nine Worlds". Asgard, home of the Asgardians. Valhalla is a realm of Asgard. It is also known as the land of the honored dead. Vanaheim is the home of the Vanir who is the sister race of the Asgardians. Alfheim is the home of the Light Elves. Nidavellir is the home of the Dwarves. Midgard is more commonly known as Earth and is the home of the Humans. Jotunheim is the home of the Giants. Svartalfheim is the home of the Dark Elves. Hel is the realm of the dead who are neither honored nor dishonored. It is ruled by Hela. Niffleheim is the realm of the dishonored dead. Muspelheim is the home of the Demons. It was ruled by Surtur before he disappeared.

The Six Races of Asgard:

Asgardians: Known Asgardians are Thor, Odin, Loki, Hermod, Valkyrie.
Giants: Known Giants live in Jotunheim, Skurge (The Executioner).
Dwarves: Which only lives in Nidavellir.
Elves: The Light Elves live in Alfheim and the Dark Elves live in Svartalfheim.
Trolls: The Trolls live in scattered settlements throughout Asgard,Vanaheim,
Svartalfheim and Jotunheim.
Demons: Lastly the Demons live in Muspelheim.

Nadia Bjorlin Rumoured For Wonder Woman Role

Redline star Nadia Bjorlin talked about the rumors that she's in consideration for Wonder Woman:

I have to ask you.... about the "Wonder Woman" rumours. Have you talked with anyone about them? Is it something you'd be interested in?

NB: It is definitely something I'm interested in. I own every Wonder Woman episode! Lynda Carter was an incredible Wonder Woman, and I'd be honored to try to fill those shoes....or tights, rather! [Laughs] As of now, there is no script or director in place, but when they find those, I hope I'm still in consideration.

Were you flattered to discover just how much support your fans are throwing your way in terms of "Wonder Woman" ?

NB: I was, and still am, extremely flattered over the support! I would hope that I could make all the supporters proud one day, but we'll see, I guess. I really do appreciate it though, and I want everyone to know that their opinions and support really do matter and help. I believe that people listen to what fans want, so don't think it's hopeless when you want to get your voice heard. Then let's just hope that they want to stick to the real Wonder Woman comic character instead of reinventing it. I guess I'll just have to wait and see.

Goyer on Green Arrow Movie

Maybe it was giving up the gig writing and directing “The Flash” for Warner Bros., but it seems like David Goyer’s a little bit more into villains these days. Just weeks after he and Warners envisioned very different takes on the Flash, Goyer sold the studio on an idea that focused on the more villainous side of the DC Universe.

“Super Max” is Goyer’s take on supervillain incarceration in the DCU. Revolving around a wrongly convicted Green Arrow being whisked away to the super max prison for out-of-control heroes and villains (where he's forced to face a number of inmates he put there), Goyer says the flick—which he’s developing with writer Justin Marx—isn’t just a Green Arrow film.

“He’s Green Arrow for the first 10 minutes of the movie, and then he’s arrested and his secret identity is revealed,” says Goyer, who also has plans to do a graphic novel or miniseries that would tie in to the possible film. “They shave his goatee and they take his costume and send him to prison for life, and he has to escape. It’s like ‘Alcatraz,’ and he has to team up with, in some cases, some of the very same villains he is responsible for incarcerating in order to get out and clear his name. Of course, tons of people try to kill him while he’s in there.

We’ve populated the prison with all sorts of B and C villains from the DC Universe. For the fans, there will be all sorts of characters the hardcore comic book junkies will know, but they’re all going to be there under their human names and no one is wearing a costume, but there will be a lot of characters with powers and things like that.”

See No Evil

Click on image to download wallpaper
Created by GL

100th Post: Do you have a Question?

Written by GL

There are no answers, just millions and millions of questions. What are UFOs? Do aliens exist? How do I find the Loch Ness Monster? Does Bigfoot really exist? Who are the people who frequently come to The House Of El? What is the answer to this week's trivia poll? Too many questions. When the DC Universe needs an answer, the best thing you can get in return is a Question.

Created by Steve Ditko, Question first appeared in comics in 1967. The character was originally created for Charlton Comics, but the group was taken in by DC comics and added to the Universe in 1980s. But take note of this, Question isn't about the powers and the heroism. Question is more about the philosophy and the ethical sides of the real world as shown in comics. The Question is complex.

Let's start at Charlton Comics.

Vic Sage was an investigative journalist with a flair for being totally persistent and really obnoxious. Based in Hub City, he began rising to fame until his persona became so noticable there was nowhere where he would not attract attention. Sage was investigating a fella named Dr. Twain. While investigating this case, Aristotle Rodor, Sage's former professor, approached and told him about a new artificial skin that Rodor had co-developed with the mentioned Dr. Twain. They called it Pseudoderm.

Pseudoderm is like a skin-like bandage that you can apply using a bonding gas (a kind of glue). But there was a problem with it. It seems that all the chemicals used in Psudoderm are a little unstable, and even fatal, when used on open wounds.

This Dr. Twain was planning on selling Psudoderm to 3rd World Countries, knowing full well about its unstable contents. Dr. Twain didn't care, but Rodor did, and he had decided to tell Sage about it. Of course, how could a celebrity like Sage tackle this problem without being noticed? Rodor gave him the answer: use Pseudoderm.

The Question is is born. Or should I ask, the Question is asked.

Needless to say, Question caught up with Dr. Twain and stopped this evil plan. Following this, Rodor and Question became good friends and carried on investigating and exposing evil plots

Charlton Comics went out of business in 1986. And DC brought Question over to the Universe.

The very first Question comic was released in 1987, written by Dennis O'Neil.

It opens on the Question being totally beaten and defeated by a villain named Lady Shiva and dumped in a river. Lady Shiva, for her own reasons, decides to save Question and leave him in hospital care. Lady Shiva also leaves him instructions on how to find a fella named Richard Dragon, after he recovers. With the man called Richard Dragon, Question learns martial arts and eastern philosophy. Question returns to Hub City to continue his superhero duties and his celebrity career.

Victor Sage (in the DC version) is still an investigative reporter for the KBEL news station in Hub City. He still uses the identity of the Question to get his answers, but his focus is more toward political corruption in his city than normal crimes like robbery and theft.

Question is also a very conflicted character. There are times when he almost crosses the point of murder to get what he wants. It is a temptation that he has not managed to control, but his relationship with Rodor (the same Rodor from Charlton Comics) keeps him grounded.

In 1989, the origins on the man known as Question was totally altered. It was revealed that Victor Sage was originally Charles Victor Szasz, an orphan who grew into a man with a journalism degree and violent tendancies. Funnily enough, Victor Szasz is also the name of a criminal being admitted into Arkham Asylum towards the beginning of the Batman Begins movie. In 2005, comic plots suggested that Question, through his mediation practices and experiences, has attained a new level of awareness that allows him to see people's life-forces and interpret coincidences. He was given (by comic writers) a new understanding of his surroundings and an ability to notice disturbances in a city's natural order.

Another version of Question that I've seen can be found in the Justice League Unlimited cartoon, where he is portrayed as a dark-humoured loner who is totally into conspiracy theories. Imagine the Justice League Unlimited version as a Fox Mulder, from the X-Files series, crossed with a Marlon Brando-ish voice. Watch it, you'll enjoy it.

That's the Question. Any questions?

The Martian Manhunter

Martian Manhunter (J'onn J'onzz) , alternately known as the Manhunter from Mars. He is highly sensitive to fire; in some stories this weakness is a physical weakness, and in others it is purely psychological. Fire can make him sick, weak, and unable to use his various powers. Look out for more post each week.

Be Very Afraid

Written by GL

A lot of people would agree that one of the characteristics of the Batman comic storyline that makes it so cool is its atmosphere of darkness. Everything is covered in the shadows. Batman lurks in the cover of night. His villains are twisted and mad - in appearance and persona. And Gotham City is always dusty, urban and grey. But, in Gotham City, no place is as dark and menacing as Arkham Asylum.

The Elizabeth Arkham Asylum for the Criminally Insane was created in the DC Universe by Dennis O'Neil in 1974. The back-story and origins of the place, however, weren’t really written up until the 1980s.

And, if you didn't already know it, Arkham Asylum houses some of the meanest, ugliest and craziest Batman foes you've ever read about (those that have been declared legally insane - which most of Batman's foes are). Those arch-enemies that aren't declared insane are sent somewhere else; to Blackgate Penitentiary. Keep in mind that Arkham is also the forced-home for those criminals that require special medical needs, such as Dr. Freeze who requires refrigerator-level temperatures to survive and Clayface.

Arkham Asylum was founded by Amadeus Arkham, and named after his mother, Elizabeth. And this story goes way, way back.

In the early 1900s, Elizabeth Arkham committed suicide, ending a life of severe mental illness. Amadeus, her son, inherited the Arkham estate and decided to remodel it to serve the community by caring for the mentally ill. Amadeus, before starting renovations on the estate, had been treating patients at the State Psychiatric Hospital in Metropolis. He had been living in Metropolis with his wife and daughter.

After the family moved to Gotham to check up on the remodeling of the estate, Amadeus received a call from the police, telling him that a patient-prisoner, named Martin ‘Mad Dog’ Hawkins, had just escaped. The cops wanted to know what Amadeus thought of the escapee’s mental capacity and state of mind.

On April 1, 1921, Amadeus return home to find the front door open. He discovered the raped and mutilated bodies of his wife and daughter. Martin ‘Mad Dog’ Hawkins had carved his name into the bodies of his victims.

Despite this, Arkham Asylum officially opened in November that same year – and one of its first patients was Martin ‘Mad Dog’ Hawkins. Amadeus treated Hawkins for about six months. On April 1, 1922, Amadeus strapped Hawkins into an electric chair and fried him like his was French.

The death was treated as an accident. But this incident began Amadeus’ spiral into total mental insanity. Eventually, the poor Amadeus was confined into the same hospital that he built. And, that same asylum was where he eventually died.

Just as bad as its history, the asylum’s track record really sucks.

At Arkham Asylum, escapes happen all the time. Some patients have even been let out by accident, due to relevant stupidity of the staff. Patients that have been deemed ‘cured’ always seem to repeat their insane behaviors. Just look at good old Joker. Furthermore, staff members have even ended up as patients in their own hospital, check Dr. Harleen Quinzel (Harlequin) and Dr. Jonathan Crane (Scarecrow) to name a few.

The asylum itself has been badly damaged or demolished and rebuilt several times, through comic history and in sideline stories such as Knightfall – where the destruction of the asylum was caused by Bane.

The marketability of Arkham Asylum is good so far. You can find mention of Arkham in DC cartoons and comics, in games and even in toys. Did you know that Lego has an Arkham play-set too, that includes mini-mates of Scarecrow, Nightwing, Poison Ivy and the Riddler (released 2006)? If only they knew, they’d be very afraid.

Dr.Doom and The Punisher

Marvel Legends goodies are hitting the pegs, including the second series of the Hasbro series. That's not tonight's review though - I haven't found any yet. The second set of Hasbro's take on the Marvel Legends Icons are also hitting though, and I did find those. Doctor Doom and the Punisher make up the new set, running about twenty bucks at stores like Target. Doom is decent, although he's not as nice as I'd hoped he'd be.

Still, he fits in nicely with the better ones in the whole series. Punisher doesn't, and he's sub-par in a number of ways. If you were expecting the end all 12" Punisher, you'll be looking for awhile still. You can find the review at the usual: http://www.mwctoys.com Have a great weekend, have a nice Easter if you're celebrating, and thanks for reading!

Michael
MWC

Answer The Question

Click on Image to download Wallpaper
Created by Kal-El

Transformed

"Autobot, Transform and Roll out!" - Famously said by The great Autobot leader, Optimus Prime. Transformers The Movie should be coming along soon, for the mean time, we'll have to wait, but for now, all i could do to help is post this amazing picture of Prime from the Movie.

The Lovely Mary Jane

Mary Jane is the love of Peter Parker's life. It all began with a blind date set up between Peter's Aunt May, and Mary Jane's Aunt Anna and, grew to become one of comic's most enduring love stories. Uninterested in dating any girl Aunt May might try to set him up with, Peter dodged several attempts to meet "that nice Watson girl next door." But when he finally came face to face with the gorgeous redhead, she not only took his breath away, but took the words right out of his mouth by uttering her now famous line, "Face it, Tiger... you just hit the jackpot." Eventually, she became not only his girlfriend, but also his wife. An actress and model herself, over the years Mary Jane has been there for Peter Parker to nurse his battle wounds, cheer his victories and protect his secrets.


Sideshow Collectibles, Marvel Comics and Adam Hughes are proud to present the latest addition from the Marvel Comiquette line. The Mary Jane Comiquette was designed by artist Adam Hughes, who's critically acclaimed realistic illustration meets "good-girl" pin-up style art has made him one of the comic book industry's most sought after artists and a perennial fan favorite. The consummate "girl next door," Mary Jane discovers that her superhero husband has slipped some of his laundry into the mix, but she's not looking too displeased about Peter's naughty little transgression. Each piece is cast in high quality polystone, then hand finished and hand painted to exacting standards. An absolute must for any true believer's collection.

This comiquette is only available for Pre-order only, arrives 3rd quarter 2007,
US$119.99. Available at http://www.bigbadtoystore.com/bbts/

Itsy Bitsy Sexy Spider

Written by GL

Not many people in the world find spiders sexy. In fact, in my opinion, they are one of the ugliest bugs in existence and the thought of one even watching me right now as I type this blog entry makes me want to go out and buy a flame thrower. However, can you deny a spider when she comes in such body-hugging outfit as Spider Woman does ?

But please note though, throughout comic history, there have been not three or four, but five different Spider Women.

The first was Helen Goddard, who appeared only once in the Golden Age and never showed up again. The second is Jessica Drew, who appeared in 1979 and is, by far, the most popular character to hold the name. The third was Julia Carpenter, a former member of the Avengers and recognizable by her red hair and black and white costume. The fourth was Mattie Franklin, who was a true impersonator of our friendly neighborhood buddy and actually bears the exact costume of him. And the fifth and final version of Spider Woman was, funnily enough, a super-villain who went by the name of Charlotte Witter.

Today, we're only gonna talk about Jessica Drew. Because brunettes are hot.

Jessica Miriam Drew was affected by lethal radiation when she was only a child. In an attempt to save his daughter's life, Jonathan Drew injected her with an experimental serum made up of irradiated spiders' blood. But, it didn't seem to had helped at all and, by the direction of a man named Herbert Wyndham, she was placed into a genetic accelerator for several decades. This machine managed to slow down her aging process to the point that she was still a teenager even after her release.

Jessica had a hard time fitting in with modern society and she was eventually discovered by the infamous organization called HYDRA. She was brain-washed and manipulated into believing that she was not a human, but a highly evolved spider. It wasn't until Jessica was sent on a mission against S.H.I.E.L.D. that she discovered that HYDRA was not as nice as they said they were. After having run off in search of her father's killer, Jessica was recaptured by HYDRA. And once again, she managed to break free of their brainwashing.

It was then that Jessica, by the advice of a sorcerer named Magnus, moved to Los Angeles to begin a career as a crime-fighter. As Spider Woman, she faced a many number of more obscure foes, ranging from the Silver Samurai to the Viper. In between fighting crime, Jessica had been searching for a way to control her wild pheromones - which caused her to attract men but repel women at more-than-normal levels. She had worked for a while as a secretary, and this allowed her to obtain free medical treatments that could control her hormonal imbalance. But, a face off against a villain named Nekra led her to being fired from this job.

Almost at the end of her rope, Jessica ran into the one and only Spiderman, who convinced her to try using her powers for living her life for others. Spiderwoman had now turned to being a bounty huntress for a while. Failing this, she moved to San Francisco with her best friend, Lindsey McCabe, where she began life anew as a private investigator.

However, life took a turn for the worse for Jessica Drew when, in a battle with one of her arch-enemies, Morgan La Fey, Jessica's body was damaged to such a point that the sorcerer Magnus suspected that she was dead. Magnus tried to cast a spell to remove all memory of Jessica from the pages of humanity, but it didn't work. Jessica's body was discovered by two fellow superheroes, Tigra and the Shroud, who called in the help of the Avengers and Dr. Strange. Dr. Strange was able to revive Jessica but at a high cost - she was alive but she lost all of her super powers.

Still grateful to be alive, Jessica continued work as a private investigator. She later discovered that her powers were slowly returning, but they were not as controlled as before. It was during this time that she became the teacher and friend of Mattie Franklin, the female copy of Spiderman. The two ladies worked together on a few cases as Jessica's powers continued to slowly reappear.

Spider Woman's powers were restored to their full potential, ironically enough, by HYDRA. But, this meant she was obligated to do whatever the evil organization wished; or risk having her powers taken away from her once again. HYDRA recruited the renewed Spider Woman to act as their spy in the S.H.I.E.L.D. organization. But (and here's the twister) through recent developments, it was found that Spider Woman had in fact been working as a S.H.I.E.L.D. spy within HYDRA the whole time. And it is here that her story is left.

Apart from the usual powers of super strength and speed, Spider Woman can also cling to walls just as well as good old Spidey can. She is immune to poisons and radiation. She can discharge venom blast from her hands. She secretes pheromones (as mentioned) strong enough to even control the minds of men. And, she can fly too.

So, as cool as our web-slinging, old school hero, Spiderman, maybe, no one looks better in a body curve-hugging suit than this sexy little Spiderwoman. Eat your heart out, Parker.

For Your Protection

Written by GL

In the Marvel Universe, one of the biggest problems with the world isn't pollution or over-population; it's metahumans. Metahumans, with all their powers and abilities, are simply a threat to our way of existence. If, at any time, one of these super-strong, super-fast guys or girls ever decided to take out their anger on us, normal folks, who could possibly stop them?

Thank the Lord for S.H.I.E.L.D.

Standing for the Strategic Hazard Intervention, Espionage and Logistics Directorate (renamed in 1991), S.H.I.E.L.D. was the creation of comic greats, Jack Kirby and Stan Lee. Created in 1965, S.H.I.E.L.D. is concerned with all dangers metahuman in the Marvel Comic Universe.

S.H.I.E.L.D. came into comics during that big trend towards secret agents and underground organizations in the 60’s. The comic itself, when it first appeared, was totally focused on the inner workings of the organization and its employees. It was initially written as long-running S.H.I.E.L.D. titled issues, but this idea was modified to make way for short, high-impact storyline comics where S.H.I.E.L.D. could play major roles alongside headlining characters.

If we take a trip into the wonderful world of Marvel, the actual background of S.H.I.E.L.D. would be something like this:

Right at the end of World War II, after the conclusion of Nick Fury’s run with the Howling Commandos; the one-eyed general came up with the idea of the S.H.I.E.L.D. organization – but he scrapped the idea thinking the American government would never support it. It was a meeting between former members of the superhero team First Line that brought back the idea of S.H.I.E.L.D. once again to Nick Fury. But it was the United Nations that actually managed to put the organization together, without Fury’s knowledge. He was recruited as the group’s executive director (the second in command).

The problem with the S.H.I.E.L.D. storyline is that so many writers have depicted the group in a varying number of ways. Initially, S.H.I.E.L.D. was a branch of the government. Today, however, S.H.I.E.L.D. is highlighted as being under the jurisdiction of the United Nations. This of course means that international problems don’t really bother S.H.I.E.L.D.

A spin-off in the S.H.I.E.L.D. story happened when one of the group’s cool technological devices – the LMD (Life Model Decoy); androids used to replace humans in dangerous situations – went wild and started taking the place of actual S.H.I.E.L.D. employees. It was Nick Fury that came to the rescue and dissolved the original organization. He had replaced it with a totally new company but kept it under the same name.

Another storyline follows the resignation of Nick Fury as executive director. He was replaced with a lady named Maria Hill. It seems that Maria Hill was actually chosen by the members of the United Nations and her main purpose was to get rid of all employees who sided with Fury and to stay away from the world’s superheroes. This had been a main part of the ‘Secret War’ comic-plot issues.

In following comics, hints were thrown about S.H.I.E.L.D. turning corrupt and unethical after the departure of Nick Fury – that the organization had begun piling super villains into prisons and using them as slave labor.

In the ‘Civil War’ comic-plot, S.H.I.E.L.D. had been the controlling company that enforced a new law called the Super-Human Registration Act. This act not only persecuted the metahumans but also started the introduction of superheroes into the actual S.H.I.E.L.D. organization as employees.

Maria Hill then went on to have a chat with a little billionaire known as Tony Stark. Stark was offered the position of Director, to replace Maria Hill by her own consent. What she didn’t know was that the US government had already approached Stark with the proposal.

In ‘Civil War’, Stark accepted the post of Director of S.H.I.E.L.D. and went on to re-vamp the organization successfully.

Although most S.H.I.E.L.D. agents are human, from time to time, superheroes are recruited to act as teams, to help in tough situations. S.H.I.E.L.D. also has some pretty close ties with the more popular metahuman celebrities such as Captain America, the Avengers and the Fantastic Four.

If you’re looking for their base, S.H.I.E.L.D. headquarters is nowhere on land but on airborne heli-carriers that are equipped with serious fire-power and top-of-the-line jet-fighters.

Onboard, there are a countless number of faceless characters that I had never ever read of until I had finished my reading research on S.H.I.E.L.D. The most prominent character would, no doubt, have been the infamous Nick Fury. When you think of S.H.I.E.L.D., you usually immediately think of Fury. Other characters of not such highly fame include Thaddeus ‘Dum Dum’ Dugan and Gabriel ‘Gabe’ Jones – both former members of the Howling Commandos.

S.H.I.E.L.D. is all over the Marvel Comics Universe – from relevant games to long comic storylines. And even though the whole political drama and underground internal security thing in comics is no longer big, thank your lucky stars that there’s an organization like S.H.I.E.L.D. to watch over you.

But don’t say your thanks too loud. They could be watching us right now.

World's Finest

Based on the art of Steve Rude! The world's two greatest heroes, the Man of Steel and the Dark Knight display their heroic strengths. This limited edition, cold-cast porcelain bookends set includes a full-color Certificate of Authenticity. Each side measures approximately 8.5" tall x 8" wide x 7" deep and are packaged together in a 4-color box.

Company: DC Direct Availability: Shipping in July 2007. Price: $ 236.00

Transformer's TV Spot

Look out for this movie, JULY 4th 2007.

Love for a Hero

Click on image to download wallpaper

Created by Kal-El

Here's Donny

Written by Kal-El

Are you a TMNT fan? Do you remember what is use to be having the old vintage Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles toys? well i did, and now since the new upcoming movie TMNT is out, so is the Toy. This isn't your regular toy, this is McDonalds, Happy Meal toy, each week they will be selling each character, for only $2.50, You should go to Gadong and pick up one of four to add to your collection, this week feature character is Donatello.

And while your at it, pick up a sundae...it's burning hot in Brunei..