The Fantastic Four Logo

[Click on image to download Insignia Wallpaper]

Created and Written by Kal-El

For the second Insignia, this week we've pick to go with The Fantastic Four Logo. Used on each of the Fantastic Four as a symbol on their uniform. Except for the Thing, he uses this symbol on his pants, or belt buckle if you will. Stay Fantastic dear readers, there's more insignia to come. Let's see what's next.....

Face Your Doom

[Click on image to download wallpaper]

Created by Kal-El

Batman 1:2 Scale Bust

[Madness!]

Written by Kal-El

Any of you girls ever wanted to wake up next to Batman (and i don't mean that in a dirty way so don't go there)? Well here's your chance to all Batman fans to place him right there on your table lamp, cause you don't want to miss the first in DC Direct's new line of 1:2 scale mixed-media busts!

THE BATMAN 1:2 SCALE BUST features lifelike facial details, as well as finely tailored fabric costume fitting the cold-cast porcelean body. Each bust in the series has a consistent base design and a unique logo plaque. This BATMAN 1:2 scale bust measures approximately 13" h x 10" wide x 7" deep (wow, this guy is huge), includes a four-color Certificate of Authenticity and is packaged in a four-color box.

Available at www.alteregocomics.com and shipping starts for this awesome bust is only in April next year, and of course lastly, The Batman Scale Bust goes for a pocket full of U$265.50 (or est BND$406.215)

Meet The Dibnys

[ Ralph Dibny, Hero and a Loving Husband ]

Written by Kal-El

What is the common theme superpowers does these 2 men have? - Mr. Fantastic and Plastic Man? Of course we know that they all can stretch them selves into tight situations. But there's one more guy who is always in the shadows of these two stretch-a-ble men, He was a reserve member of the Justice League, His abilities is quite equal with the two, his name was Elongated Man aka Ralph Dibny.

As a teenager, Ralph Dibny adored contortionists, or people who displayed feats of agility and suppleness. He learned that all of the body-benders he spoke with drank a popular soda called "Gingold." Ralph set to work learning chemistry and developed a super-concentrated extract of the rare Gingo fruit, which gave him his elasticity.

[Elongated man was one of the special reserve members of JLA]

Ralph Dibny was one of the earliest Silver Age DC heroes to reveal his secret identity to the public, and also one of the first to marry his love interest. He and his wife Sue Dibny became effectively partners, solving mysteries and participating in Justice League adventures as equals. They were also notable in having a stable, happy, and relatively trouble-free marriage.

In Identity Crisis #1, published in June 2004, tragedy struck the Dibnys, when Sue was murdered in their home just before she was going to surprise her husband with the news that she was pregnant. This is what they call, a Death in the Family.

[Sue was found burnt and murdered]

In the 2006 weekly series 52, Ralph Dibny has a gun to his head when he is informed that Sue's gravestone has been vandalized with an inverted version of Superman's 'S' symbol. The Kryptonian symbol for resurrection. He confronts Cassandra Sandsmark, and she tells Dibny that she is in a cult that believes that Superboy can be resurrected, but that they would like to try it first with Sue. Despite his initial agreement, Dibny and his friends disrupt the ceremony, but the effigy of Sue crawls to Dibny and calls out to him as it burns; Dibny suffers a nervous breakdown as a result.

A voice from within the helm of Doctor Fate speaks to Dibny and promises to fulfill his desires if he makes certain sacrifices. Dibny journeys with the helm through the afterlives of several cultures, where he is cautioned about the use of magic. The Spectre promises to resurrect Sue in exchange for Dibny's taking vengeance on Jean Loring, but Dibny is unable to do so.

Ralph and Sue reunited as ghosts. At Nanda Parbat, Rama Kushna tells Dibny, "The end is already written." In Dr. Fate's tower, Dibny begins the spell to resurrect Sue, puts on the helmet of Fate, and shoots it, revealing Felix Faust, who was posing as Nabu. Faust planned to trade Dibny's soul to Neron in exchange for his own freedom. Ralph reveals that he was aware of Faust's identity for some time, and that the binding spell surrounding the tower is designed to imprison Faust, not to counter any negative effects of the spell. Neron appears and kills Dibny, only to realize too late that the binding spell responds only to Dibny's commands: Through his death Ralph has trapped Faust and Neron in the tower, seemingly for eternity, though this victory is short lived as both villains are able to escape seemingly almost immediately.

At the end of Week 52 it is revealed that Dibny's magical, wish-granting gun, it was a souvenir from "The Anselmo Case", a reference to The Life Story of the Flash that worked and that Ralph and Sue are now reunited as ghosts, investigating a school where a paranormal phenomenon has just occurred.

The Elongated Man gets his abilities from a combination of drinking a soda named Gingold that contains the extract of a (fictional) fruit called gingo and his natural latent metahuman physiology. The extract interacts with a latent gene that Ralph has, thus activating his super powers. It was revealed in Invasion no.3 that it was a metagene reaction to the Gingold elixir that had always provided him with his stretching powers, meaning that he is, in fact, a metahuman and that an ordinary human would not develop such powers through ingesting the extract. Also, most people are extremely allergic to highly concentrated Gingold. The only other hero in the DCU who uses Gingold is Stretch, a member of Hero Hotline who has been using the compound since the 1940s.

Due to prolonged Gingold abuse Stretch had problems maintaining human form. Pre-Crisis storylines had Jimmy Olsen taking a similar gingo extract, becoming Elastic Lad, and being an Honorary Legion of Superheroes member. Also, The Question's faceless mask utilizes Gingold, although there is no stretching involved. As his name suggests, the Elongated Man can stretch his limbs and body to super-human lengths and sizes. These stretching powers grant the Elongated Man heightened agility enabling him flexibility and coordination that is beyond the natural limits of the human body. He can contort his body into various positions and sizes impossible for ordinary humans, such as being entirely flat so that he can slip under a door, or using his fingers to pick conventional locks. He can also use it for disguise by changing the shape of his face, although this is painful and difficult for him. Ralph's physiology has greater physical limitations than Plastic Man; there is a limit to how far he can stretch his finite bodily mass. The Elongated Man's powers also greatly augments his durability.

He is largely able to withstand corrosives, punctures and concussions without sustaining injury. It has been demonstrated that he is resistant to high velocities that would kill an ordinary person and that he is also more resistant to blasts from energy weapons that would kill ordinary humans. His physiology is more like that of an ordinary human than Plastic Man and as a result he does not share Plastic Man's nigh invulnerability. In addition to his stretching abilities, Elongated Man is professionally trained as a detective and is highly skilled in deductive reasoning. Often considered one of the most brilliant detectives in the DC Universe (on par with Batman only differing in the actual course of their logic), his name is also a play on The Thin Man detective serial. He is a talented amateur chemist as well.

[ Sue and Ralph re-united]

After his sacrifice, he and Sue are ghosts, with all the powers that a ghost possesses such as flight/levitation, intangibility, invisibility and maybe others. May they rest in peace with Harmony and Love. Thanks for Reading guys.

Trinity Action Figure Set

Written by Kal-El

Based on the best selling graphic novel , TRINITY, The TRINITY action figure assortment brings Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman, in the birth of their legendary alliance as they face the billionaire eco-terrorist Ra's al Ghul! In TRINITY, witness for the first time ever the meeting of Superman and Batman with Wonder Woman! Each figure features multiple points of articulation and a base. Available for Pre-Order only, Item is to be released only in April 2007. Price for these cool collectibles is U$49.99 (or est BND$76.48). Be sure to look out for more awesome stuff as the year 2008 is just around the corner.

For more information, visit www.bigbadtoystore.com

400th Post: Ride In Hell

[Click on image to download wallpaper]

Created by Kal-El

Enter The Hand

[Click on image to download wallpaper]

Created by Kal-El

Justice Rumours

Written by GL

The most talked about topics recently, and probably for the rest of the year, and the beginning of next year, is Warner Bros. and their probable adaptation of Justice League of America. This is the movie to end all movies. This is the mother of all super-hero movies.

But I'm going to do something totally out of habit for The House Of El - and just report a few rumors here and there. But, blogging rumors is not something we condone here in The House Of El; don't let that be forgotten.

The first rumor we've heard is that Happy Feet director George Miller is reportedly attached to this upcoming movie.

[George Miller: or better know as Mr. Mxyzptlk]

Reports have said that the superhero team-up movie would include Batman, Superman, The Flash, Aquaman, Wonder Woman and the Green Lantern. And that casting for the movie would start next week. On top of that Christian Bale (Batman Begins, The Dark Knight) and Brandon Routh (Superman, Superman: Man of Steel) would not be involved.

Movie watchdogs say that the movie might be a CGI/performance capture project, much like The Polar Express, and the upcoming Beowulf and Avatar.

The company, Imageworks, are apparently in the running to provide services on the JLA film, competing with two other companies, R&H and possibly WETA (based in New Zealand, and famous for King Kong effects).

But the real interesting thing is that the contract is for an all-cgi 'photo-real' motion capture movie, like the upcoming Beowulf. Expect Justice League of America to go into production early 2008, if everything goes smoothly. I can't wait.

Hal Takes Over

Written by Kal-El

Wow! the votes just came in today, a few days ago when i checked, Kyle Rayner was in the lead while John and Hal was tied. But today, Amazingly, I know it's only thursday, but i won't be able to do any entries tomorrow, so i'll just do the poll updates abit earlier.

Congratulations for those who voted for Hal Jordan, there are truly fans of the Green Lantern out there GL. 1 Voted for Guy Gardner, which i was totally shocked about, i have not ran into any Green lantern fan of Guy Gardner, good for you man or woman. Of course lastly, The youngest Green Lantern amounsgt them all, who caught 2 votes from you all. I tell you what, i'll have a chat with GL later about doing a special piece that has to do with the whole Green Lantern Corp.

Stay tune Green Lantern Fans, we'll try not to let you guys down. Also, Check out our new poll, Thor contributed the question for us for the time being. Check out his poll questions. Have a great weekend, and thanks for stopping by,You guys rock!

Superb

Written by Kal-El

These two Ame-Comi statues are limited edition, hand-painted vinyl statue in a 9" scale tall. This non-articulated plastic display figure comes with a base, is packaged in a 4-color window box with J-hook and is manufactured to order. You can now complete your hot collection of these Japanese Anime drawn statues with the previous Catwoman and Bat-Girl.

These Hot items are only available for Pre-Orders made only. Price tags on it is $45.00 (or B$67.50) On Sale Next April 16, 2008.

I can dig these Super Kryptonian Girls any time. You can thank Udon-Studios and DC Direct for these items. Sweet!

New Gods R Us

Written by GL

Now, here's a really unique set of characters to develop an action figure line from. Available only in April of 2008, the above image is your first look at DC Direct's New Gods line.

This set of four features the most well known characters from Jack Kirby's New Genesis and, of course, Apokolips. Purchase this and have your very own Mr. Miracle, Lightray, Orion (Darkseid's son), as well as a very awesome looking Darkseid, himself.

These figures are right from the Countdown novel series and come with a stand-base for your displaying pleasure. Head to Alter Ego Comics with US$40 (or B$60) and add to your collection.

Superman Vs Doomsday Collectors Set

["Most wanted items" - Kal-El]

Written by Kal-El

Well guys, August is here already...do you know what happens when August comes around? Get this Not only you'll get to see Superman Vs Doomsday (The animated movie) goes out, which is totally cool. When you purchase this item, This collector's set contains the sold-out classic DC DIRECT 21-point of articulation Superman action figure, which stands at 6.5" as well as the sold-out Doomsday figure, which stands at 7"! Bases for each figure is also included and the 168-page best-selling graphic novel THE DEATH OF SUPERMAN!

I'm still waiting for mine to come this August, the lady at Best Eastern have yet to call me for my stuff to come. I grew eager for the day this arrives. This is the problem with Pre-Orders see.

But Anyways, it still not to late for you to get your chance to collect your very own Superman Vs Doomsday Action Figure Set today. It is now available to you at www.bigbadtoystore.com sold at U$26.99 (B$40.485).

I've waited long enough on this particular item, if it comes out, i might do an article on these items myself. Thanks for reading and we'll see you around. Peace.

The Archer

Written by GL

Wow, wow, wow! That's three times of excitement for all your super-fans out there. Three times, because it's been a while since something this cool has come out - and we at The House Of El know this for sure, cos the action figure market's been dry for a while.

I present to you, in line with DC Direct's very awesome Deluxe Collector's Edition figures, Oliver Queen, or better known as the Green Arrow.

Look at this figure and be amazed at the detail and costume design (which is made for actual cloth). This Green Arrow is a perfect representation of the classic Green Arrow. He'll come with a display stand and a 4 window box for your collecting pleasure. Expect to pay US$64 (or B$96) at Corner Store Comics. Available for pre-order now.

Being Frank Castle

Written by Kal-El

We know who lands the deal to do the new Punisher Movie after Thomas Jane announced his retirement from being Frank Castle, Shortly after the announcement, However, ROME star Ray Stevenson lands the deal, and here are his thoughts on becoming Mr. Frank Castle:

"Although i am still very much in the embrionic stages of developing and discovering FRANK CASTLE's character; what i can say about my approach so far is that I dont wish for anyone to walk out of the theatre wanting to 'be' FRANK CASTLE - Let me explain, I would be mortified if, for any reason, some kid at high school wanted to reach out and right the wrongs of bullying or rejection or isolation by deciding to "tool up" and take out the bad guys ! It is my full intention to have FRANK in such a dark place and do such violence on those beyond redemption that you should feel glad that there is someone who lives in the dark so we may live in the light. (and you cant wait to see what hell he brings to those targeted by him) My training program is the most comprehensive i have ever undertaken and hopefully we will bring all his skills to bear - and then some! Sorry it is a bit sketchy at this stage but we are driving forward and will stay true to the essence of THE PUNISHER!"

Let's all hope Ray Stevenson could pull off the job. The new movie is scheduled for a 2008 release. Stay tune.

Is Ryan Up For The Flash?

[Will it be Jay Garrick, Barry Allen or Wally West?]

Written by Kal-El

We know there has been rumours spreading out since last year that Ryan Reynolds might be up for the role as The Fastest Man Alive: THE FLASH. Have a read on what he has to say in an interview at MTV.

“‘The Flash’ isn’t dead at all. There’s talk of it being a JLA movie, the Justice League having them all together. And then there’s other talk of doing a ‘Flash’ movie with Director Shawn Levy.”

Rumors of a Justice League movie have gained momentum in recent weeks. Now we’re hearing it straight from one of the potential stars’ mouths. When asked if he thought the JLA film might happen first, Reynolds told us, “it might, yeah. I don’t really know how much I’m allowed to talk about that stuff. But I’m sure they’ll figure out something. It’s no secret that they have a JLA script and it’s a project that’s in development – the contents of which, who knows. We’ll see.”

For an actor who’s no longer “officially” attached to play a role, Reynolds sounded very excited about the prospect of a Justice League film, “I’d love to see a full on Justice League movie done, the scope of which is just enormous. I think it’s something they can pull off.”

Wait for more Flash & JLA Movie news as it develops only here at The House of El

1st Insignia : The Flash Emblem

[Click on image to download]

Created & Written by Kal-El

The House of El proudly presents the new label for this blog, this is called the "Insignia". I have discussed this with GL about creating wallpapers out of emblems from our very own favorite superheroes, These wallpapers are abit hard to re-create from scratch. But nevertheless that's not gonna stop us. So please, help your self by clicking on the images, right click on it, save as picture, and uses it proudly on your desktop, as each week or every month, we will try to come up with more superheroes logo for your own collections.

We kick off with The Fastest Man Alive logo. The yellow lightning bolt in a white circle was introduced with the first appearance of Barry Allen in Showcase #4, back in 1956. While a simple lightning bolt had been Jay Garrick’s emblem, but this spectacular logo has become “the” Flash symbol in the same way that the S-shield is tied into Superman’s design, or the big spider on Spider-Man's chest. In addition to later Flashes Wally West and Bart Allen, numerous alternate reality and future Flashes have worn the lightning in a circle.

Hope you enjoy it as much as we do. Be sure to stay tune for more insignias. See you around.

Coolest Belt Ever Made

[Batman's Utility Belt]

Written by Kal-El

Ever wondered was is one of the most into becoming a Batman? Is it the cape? Is it the skills that you need to battle villains? Is it the Car? Chicks dig the car..Well i think all in all, you might need to sit down with Mr.Wayne a.k.a. Batman himself to answer to that, but today, one of our many wonders, for a special info piece, we'll talk about his Utility Belt or should we say, all-in-wonder-god-knows-how-many-stuff-it-could-carry-shiny-yellow-belt.

Batman's utility belt is the most characteristic portion of Batman's costume, much like Wonder Woman's Lasso of Truth, or Green Lantern's power ring. Given that Batman is purely human with an intelligent IQ, skills, cool butler and lastly his got the money.The exact contents of the belt are not known, as Batman changes them to suit his needs, his uncanny ability to carry the appropriate tools for a mission is legendary.

[More handy than your average Fanny Pack]

Batman's enemies are especially interested in the belt as they believe it will give them an advantage over him, but the belt's pockets are locked and only Batman knows how to open them. Occasionally, the belt is depicted as having defense mechanisms such as electric shock or stun gas or even an explosive device in order to prevent tampering.Amazingly enough, It might be hard for the villains to open it, he does it really quick. Similar belts are used by the various Robins, Batgirls, and other members of the Batman family.

Up until 1989, most artists drew the utility belt as a simple yellow belt with a buckle and cylinders around it. In 1986, Frank Miller drew Batman's utility belt with military-style pouches in the Batman: The Dark Knight Returns limited series. This rendition was utilized again in Batman: Year One and used by almost every artist in the Batman: Legends of the Dark Knight comics series. In 2000, the pouches became a standard feature in the depiction of the utility belt.

One feature added to the utility belt in the two Tim Burton directed Batman films, Batman (1989 film) and Batman Returns, was a small motor which would move items from the back of the belt around to the front allowing Batman easier access to his weaponry and tools. The feature was seen briefly when Batman and Vicki Vale were escaping the Joker's henchmen in the alley and when he rescued Selina Kyle from the Penguin's clown henchmen at the beginning of Batman Returns.

A common gag amongst comic fans is Batman's apparent ability to carry a tool for almost every eventuality on his belt, all prefixed with the word 'bat', such as bat-cookies and bat-snacks. Oftentimes, especially in the Adam West series, Batman could carry everything needed for a particular scenario, from typical batarangs to a miniature batphone which remotely linked to the one in the Batmobile. Eat your heart out Mr.Versace, this is one belt that would be awesome to have.

[Batman's belt through the ages used in the movies]

Although seemingly unremarkable in appearance, the utility belt is one of Batman's most important tools in fighting crime. Composed of a kevlar strap and metal buckle, the utility belt houses ten cylinder cartridges, which vertically clip onto the outside of the belt. The buckle itself contains a miniature camera and two-way radio. A secondary compartment behind the length of the belt houses Batman's supply of collapsible batarangs.

Each of the ten cylinders contains various tools integral to Batman's war on crime, and are interchangeable with other cylinders depending on Batman's needs for the mission. Through the years, Batman has modified the contents of his belt to accommodate various needs.During the events of No Man's Land, Batman made use of a more simple worksman's belt with larger pockets due to the necessity of carrying more equipment.

[Awesome replica of the belt]

What's in the belt? Elements of the utility belt at times include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Batarangs: Batman's version of the Shuriken.They have often been more closely identified with boomerangs. A large array of different types and sizes for different effects (ie blunt impact, edged, slashing, etc. and other uses) sometimes dipped with tranquillizers.
  
• Bat-bolas: Thrown around the feet of Batman's enemies to tie them with a composite-nylon cord. Often causes an escaping opponent to trip. With the push of a button in Batman's glove it can deliver an electric shock.
  
• Bat-cuffs: Bat shaped handcuffs, resembling the kind used by Special Forces units. These restraints are made of a lightweight diamond-impregnated nylon overlaying a banded steel core. Using a one-piece design, they slide closed and have to be cut off. Batman has given a special tool with a diamond-edged cutting implement to the Gotham PD for removal.
  
• Bat-Tracer: Used to track enemies Batman can't follow closely. Communications device: Often an earbug, but sometimes handheld.
  
• Bat-Darts: Tipped with tranquillizers
  
• Goo gun: A handheld foam projector that fires an adhesive-like substance to incapacitate opponents.
  
• Grappling Hook: Used to attach a with high-tensil wire line in order to scale sheer surfaces and/or swing across gaps.
  
• Night vision goggles: Using Starlite infrared lenses to see thermal output in low light or non-lit situations. Currently built-in to Batman's cowl.
  
• Kryptonite ring: Stored in a lead box, it is reserved for emergency use against a rogue Superman and/or other Kryptonians.
  
• Laser torch: A strong miniaturized laser use as a cutting tool.
  
• Line gun: (Grapnel Gun)Similar to a grappling hook, the line gun uses a strong clamp attached to a high-tensil wire for scaling surfaces and/or traversing gaps. It can be recovered by releasing the clamp and rewinding the cable. It was based from one that is designed as compact climbing gear for commando units.
  
• Lock pick: Of course Batman needs to break in some entries.
  
• Marble: Rolled down stairs to imitate footsteps. Depicted as a magnetic metal ball in the "Hush" storyline arc.
  
• Micro camera: Well Batman is considered as the World's Greatest Detective.
  
• Miniaturized toolkit : Batman is also Mr.Fix it.
  
• Rebreather: Allows Batman to breathe underwater or in vacuum. Depending on the writer and/or artist, it may also be incorporated with the gas mask.
  
• Smoke pellets: Often used to quickly provide cover for Batman's stealthly exits and entries. Knock-out gas pellets are used as well for non-lethally incapacitating opponents. Lachrymatory and regurgitant agents are deployed by throwing or breaking open the small hardened-gelatin spheroid capsules.
  
• Stun (Flash-Bang) grenades: Emits bright light and loud sound to blind and stun enemies.
  
• Thermite grenades: An incendiary used to burn through obstacles. In Batman: Year One, the thermite charge ignited accidentally and destroyed the utility belt. Although they are identified as Thermite, it is safe to assume that Thermate is used instead. (The former is a World War II technology which has largely been replaced by the latter.) In Judgement on Gotham (1991), Batman is equipped with a phosphor-based incendary device.
  
• A cache of cash : For late night Coffees. Usefull for stake outings.
  
• Evidence Bags: Bags to hold evidence in, he is a detective after all.

So there you go, another wonderfull facts learned and shared with you all, btw, watch out for his new up coming Movie, Batman: The Dark Knight, Look out for his new utility belt.

Transformers Max

[The IMAX Theater: imagine the echo if the big guy said 'Arise, Rodimus Prime!']
Written by GL

How much money has the Transformers movie made? How many of us have spent repeated amount of cash on this snow when we know we could, instead, use the money for an awesome meal in KFC Kiulap? The answer is: $633.9 million worldwide, all in tickets sales. Their movie-making budget was $150 million. But soon, there'll be a reason to spend more money watching the.

Paramount Pictures has announced that their going to re-release Transformers in IMAX theaters on September 21 with more footage than you saw in the theatrical version. So, true-blue Bruneian fans will start planning their weekend trips to Singapore for the IMAX theater there. Did I say 'more footage' already?

Imagine Optimus Prime's voice on IMAX's digital speaker system. Rock on!

Hulk Get's Re-Written

[He's coming back to the screen to say "Hulk Smash!"]

Written by Kal-El

We just had word that Edward Norton has rewrote the screenplay for The Incredible Hulk which is due in 2008, In the case of "Hulk", after another writer's treatment was declined in early 2006, Marvel hired Zak Penn, who wrote three drafts over a year. By spring 2007, Penn was about to go off to promote his movie "The Grand," but the studio and the director, Louis Leterrier ("The Transporter"), still felt that the screenplay needed work.

When Norton came in to meet about starring as Banner in April, the film had already been greenlighted and there were just three months before shooting was scheduled to begin, just after Independence Day. But Norton had well-established (if underground) writing experience and strong ideas about how to separate the film from any confusion over its connection to the 2003 Ang Lee version by casting it in a more distinct, starting-over vein like "Batman Begins" or "Casino Royale."

So Norton's initial deal included payment not just for his acting services but for his writing talents too, with his draft contractually stipulated to be turned around in less than a month. As it turned out, Norton delayed work on another screenplay job to do "Hulk," and he continues to tweak the script as principal photography hits its halfway point outside Toronto.

Meanwhile, Penn is writing a big-budget version of "The Avengers" and yet another potential "X-Men" spinoff. The Incredible Hulk opens June 13, 2008.

The Name is Barton, Clinton Barton

[Clint Barton aka Hawkeye]

Written by Kal-El

How many great superheroes have Stan Lee created already? Well we don't really know, all we know is that Stan Lee is a god for creating the likes of Spider-Man, Fantastic Four, Daredevil, The X-Men etc. But today we won't be talking about these regular icons, today we'll talk into one of his other great creations. namely Hawkeye. Hawkeye is one of the senior member of the Avengers. Hawkeye is a costumed archer, possessing a variety of specialized arrows. Brash and somewhat cocky, he has often butted heads with teammates but has been a member of some segment of the Avengers fairly consistently throughout the group's history. He also led the Thunderbolts, attempting to guide the former villains to become heroes. Sounds familiar? However DC Comics has thier own marksman specialist, aka The Green Arrow. But lets not get into that for now. Here's how he amazing story begins.

Clinton Francis "Clint" Barton was born in Waverly, Iowa. The second son of an alcoholic butcher and a shopkeeper, he was orphaned at age 8, when his parents died in a car accident caused by his father's drunken driving. He ran away from an orphanage as a pre-teen to join the circus as a performer, where he was trained by the Swordsman and Trickshot. When he discovered that his mentors were both criminals he rejected them, leading to a beating by Swordsman which left the teen-aged Clint Barton badly injured and hospitalized.

Years later, he decided to become a costumed hero after being inspired by seeing Iron Man in action, but his first attempts were less than successful; he stopped an armed group of jewelry store robbers only to be mistaken by police as the thief himself. On the run from police, he met and came under the influence of the Black Widow, who was a spy for the Soviet Union. The Black Widow's main mission at that time was to steal Stark-developed technology to turn over to her handlers, and she was able to convince the besotted Hawkeye that she was working in the interests of international peace. The pair tangled with Iron Man twice, being defeated both times. When Hawkeye finally learned the Black Widow's true mission was to steal the technology and destroy Iron Man he refused to betray his country for her, but was persuaded to help her one last time. When the Black Widow was injured during the last fight, Hawkeye broke off his attack on Iron Man to help her, choosing to withdraw rather than kill Iron Man.

[Clint makes a statement]

Hawkeye has no superhuman powers although Somtimes uses Pym particles to become Goliath on occasion but is a peak-athlete. He possesses exceptional strength, endurance, and stamina. His reflexes and agility represent the absolute pinnacle of human perfection. He is capable of acrobatic maneuvers that would put an Olympic gold medalist to shame. His accuracy as an archer is virtually unerring. He is also a highly competent strategist, tactician, and field commander. He is an exceptional hand-to-hand combatant, having been trained by Captain America. His primary weapons in crime-fighting are a long bow and an arsenal of arrows, often 36, carried in a back quiver. Half of them have either target or blade points, while the rest carry a wide variety of customized special heads: high explosive, acid, cables, webs and bolas, smoke and freeze arrows are just a few samples. For emergency use, Hawkeye has several spare arrowheads in his costume's belt and straps, enabling him to refit the target point arrows into trick arrows if need be. Hawkeye also has a sky-cycle that he sometimes uses.

[Hawkeye teams up with Black Widow]

Eventually Hawkeye applied for membership in the Avengers by breaking into the Avengers Mansion and announcing that he wanted to be a part of the group and was accepted. He served alongside the late Captain America, Quicksilver and the Scarlet Witch as "the New Avengers". Quicksilver and the Scarlet Witch had also initially been supervillains until realizing the error of their prior actions. Although Hawkeye wanted the Black Widow to join the Avengers with him, several other Avengers were resistant to the idea, given her Cold War spy past, and Black Widow's increasing involvement with S.H.I.E.L.D. also created tension between the pair, finally resulting in a split.

Although Hawkeye was enamored with the Scarlet Witch and very briefly tried to romance her, she eventually married their teammate, the Vision. During a later solo adventure, Hawkeye met the former S.H.I.E.L.D. agent Barbara "Bobbi" Morse, alias Mockingbird while she was investigating Cross Technological Enterprises, Hawkeye's employer at the time. Unknown to Hawkeye, Cross Tech was run by the villain Crossfire, who had a plan to use an aggression-inducing sonic wave against all of New York's superheroes. Crossfire captured the snooping Hawkeye and Mockingbird and tested the sonic wave on them, causing them to fight each other. Hawkeye used a sonic ray arrowhead, hidden in his mouth, to cancel out the sonic waves, freeing himself from the wave's control but ruining his hearing requiring him to use hearing aides afterward in the process. After defeating Crossfire, Hawkeye and Mockingbird eloped.

During the Avengers Disassembled storyline, the Scarlet Witch becomes insane and uses her reality-manipulation powers to create deadly threats to her teammates. Hawkeye dies in one of the battles, sacrificing himself to destroy a Kree starship and save his fellow assembled Avengers. However, during the House of M, he is alive once more in the Scarlet Witch's mutant-dominated altered reality, with no memory of the previous reality. When a young mutant named Layla Miller gives several of the heroes the ability to remember the way the world once was, Hawkeye and the others are horrified at what the Scarlet Witch has done. He travels to Genosha and, as Dr. Strange is trying to get the truth of the altered reality from the Scarlet Witch, Hawkeye shoots her in the back, apparently aware that it would not harm her. He demands to know why she killed him. In the course of their argument, one of her re-created children becomes angry and simply dissolves Hawkeye into nothing.

Immediately after the altered reality is terminated and the world restored, sans most of the mutants, the dispirited New Avengers answer an intruder alarm at the ruined Avengers Mansion, and find only Hawkeye's costume and a newspaper cutting about his death, pinned to the ruins by Hawkeye's trademark purple arrows.

In the time period between Avengers Disassembled and the events of House of M, when Clint Barton was believed dead, Kate Bishop, a member of the Young Avengers, takes up Hawkeye's bow and general appearance as a superhero. She later between the formation of the New Avengers and Civil War adopted the codename "Hawkeye" at Captain America's suggestion. As explained to Kate by Jessica Jones, Kate reminded Captain America of the first Hawkeye not only because of her skill with a bow and arrows but because she was unafraid to stand up to Captain America for what she thought was right, as the first Hawkeye had often done.

[Kate Bishop is the New Hawkeye]

In Fallen Son: The Death of Captain America series "Bargaining," Clint Barton confronts Tony Stark over the death of Steve Rogers. Upon confirmation of Barton's identity, Stark offers him Captain America's costume and real shield. Stark takes Barton out on patrol and they discover Elijah Bradley and the new Hawkeye, Kate Bishop, defeating the supervillain Firebrand. Stark confronts the duo about their violation of the Super Hero Registration Act. Dressed as Captain America, Barton confronts Bishop about her assumption of the Hawkeye mantle. Unaware of who he truly is, Kate berates Clint, saying that she took Hawkeye's name to honor him but didn't copy his costume as that would be shameful; she further states that "if Hawkeye were alive, I'd call myself something else." She also states that it was the REAL Captain America who gave her the name Hawkeye as a tribute to his friend. Her words convince Clint to return the shield and costume to Tony Stark, condemn Stark for his role in the Civil War, and go his own path. Stark vows to pursue Barton if he sides with the New Avengers.

[Clint Barton dons the Ronin costume]

In New Avengers #30, Clint Barton returns to speak with Dr. Strange, meets the New Avengers, and ends up donning the Ronin costume to assist them, accompanying the team to Japan to rescue Echo Who which later officially hands the Ronin costume and identity over to Barton. The New Avengers are driven by two goals; to save people "the way they want to", and to investigate the reason why the world has been turned upside-down recently. After a confrontation with Elektra and the Hand to rescue Echo, the team discover that Elektra had been replaced with a Skrull some indeterminant time ago.

What a twisted story his life was, but honourable indeed, anyways, stay tune with us more on the Avengers, it's coming your way. Hopefully Hawkeye makes a movie on day.

Captain America's Killer

Written by Kal-El

Hey folks, sorry we haven't been around as much as usual, just being at a hectic schedule lately, But we hope to not totally disappoint you, we still strive to bring you all the facts and updates that we're supposed to.

Anyways, as for your vote results are out now, You voted was correct, the recent assassination of Captain America was planned by Caps own no.1 Arch Enemy, The Red Skull.

Upon Captain America's trial, after pleading guilty for his actions, Captain America told the truth about his secret identity, Steve Rogers was shot down when coming out from the High Court of justice as he was shot by a sniper named Crossbones, he was The Red Skull's No.1 guy. Tony Stark was one of the guys that brought him to the hospital, The Punisher was inside the court house where he took the Captain's mask and at the moment, has been using it in memories of the late captain.

Have no worries dear Captain America fans, Comic editors all say that it is not impossible for Captain America to come back in to the comics like any other icons, for example Superman. He came back..with longer hair of course.

The Thor vs Loki diorama

Written by Kal-El

Behold! The noble mortals at Sideshow Collectibles and Marvel Comics are honored to present one of the oldest and most celebrated conflicts in all of comic history. The Thor vs Loki diorama recreates the artwork and style from the Loki tale, as imagined by Esad Ribic, with the two foes captured the heat of battle. The Thor vs Loki diorama is cast in heavy-weight, high-quality polystone, then hand-finished and hand-painted to exacting standards. Each piece is individually hand-numbered, then packaged in a durable foam shipping interior and beautiful full color box.

This amazing diorama is pre-order only and estimated to arrive 1st qtr 2008. U$269.99 (around BND$404.98) For more information visit http://cornerstorecomics.com/

Trinity

Created by Kal-El

[Click on image to download wallpaper]

Deadly Marksman

Created by Kal-El

[Click on image to download]

Thor's On The Way

[ The God of Thunder makes his way to Hollywood]

Written by Kal-El

Alright, you are in luck Thor fans, Marvel Studios is setting Matthew Vaughn to direct Thor, Our predictions were right, Marvel is racing off thier characters to get into the the big tv screen. Based on the Marvel Comics character. Marvel is aiming for a pre-strike production start this winter. Mark Protosevich (I Am Legend) did the adaptation of the comic book franchise that launched in 1962. Thor is a blonde-tressed, hammer-wielding hero who's sent to Earth to protect mankind. Vaughn's deal is closing just as Paramount releases the Vaughn-directed Stardust today.

Thor marks Vaughn's second effort at a superhero pic. He was attached to direct X-Men: The Last Stand before bowing out for personal reasons. Vaughn, who produced the Guy Ritchie-directed films Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels and Snatch, made his directing debut with the Daniel Craig starrer Layer Cake.

Stay tune for more update as it develops here at The House of El.

I Am Iron Man

[Click on Image to download Hi-Res]

Written by Kal-El

I know most of you have probably seen this image before the recent issue of Empire magazine, but you can now download the photo of Iron Man in high resolution by just clicking on the image. Definitely one to add to your collection of pics so far, i know i love this image.

Watch out for this movie, this is gonna hit you rock bottom when it hits theaters on May 2 2008.

Marvel Icons Continues

Written by Kal-El

The Marvel Icons continues with their amazing lineups from Hasbro, Check this out, each figures stand as 12"Inches tall, and they all look really fantastic! Go and reserve your action figures as these babies are only available in November 2007 (Not that long) These assortments includes - Colossus, Jean Grey Phoenix, and Dark Phoenix Variant.

Oh yeah, they go for the price of US$74.99 (est BND$112.485)

For more information please visit www.bigbadtoystore.com

Collector Showcase presents Sexy Lexy's Collections

[Sexy Lexy is on our Collector's Showcase]

Written by Kal-El

It is with great pleasure to introduce to all our readers a new label that we at The House of El is adding to the blog, Under the label – “Collector’s Showcase” We will be posting people’s collection of Action figures (under invitation only of course). There are more new upcoming labels that GL and Myself thought about doing in the near future to stay tune for more.

On a Saturday morning, 28th of July 2007, The House of El was greatly invited by one of earliest reader of our blog, Sexy Lexy. Other readers will see him from time to time leaving us messages of whereabouts of Action figure shops in other countries or even websites to share information with the other readers. We have known him since before this blog had actually started up, he was a friend, a brother, a ex-colleague and now one of the major collectors that I have personally know.

2003 is the year that he only started collecting action figures, All started with him being overseas, again the oppurtunity was there for him to cash in some action figures, i guess that's all how we started out as well. Sexy Lexy shared the same hard felt feeling of how it is very hard to get the decent and legit stuff here in Brunei. So he spends most of his time buying his stuff through online.

When growing up he told me that his hobby wasn’t really into the whole action figure collecting, he was more of a genuine comic book reader. With his vast knowledge of storylines and information that even some of them I have not read of, it’s amazing to see his collection of comic books stack into boxes of A4 papers. When me and GL came into his old room (He moved out from this room so it’s all Action Figures and Comics). What we felt when we came in, was just like walking into an action figure shop, with Figures hanging on the wall for display only in his case. With comics stacks on the other end. Sexy Lexy has proven to be quite the collector he has solely claim to be.

[Sexy Lexy’s Half of his graphic novel collections]

Now being a father to a lovely daughter and married to the love of his life, Mrs. Sexy Lexy. (Not sure if i should releaved her real name). Sexy Lexy had claimed that when she first saw the boxes of Action Figures and Comic Books that he had. He was lucky to find that she too had an interest in comic books. (How cool is that?) Ranging from DC Comics to Marvel Comics, Graphic Novels with likes of Alex Ross and many more, All were still packed in mint conditions. I think personally they both luck out and the daughter has so many comic books to read up after his dad. Well look at it this way, at least he’ll have a lot of story telling time with his daughter. Btw did we mention that The House of El owns 20% of Sexy Lexy’s child? Psych…Just kidding...

[Here are some images Half of Sexy Lexy’s collections of Action Figures.]

It was unsaid during the meet up at his house though, but Sexy Lexy has all but DC action figures only, we did not see any of Marvel collections. Maybe it was hidden some where in his secret lair that he didn’t want me and GL to come in. With action figures line from The Green Lantern Series, Batman Hush, DC superheroes. DC Minimates, The Bat Mobile, Superman / Batman Vengance, Public Enemies 2, Teen Titans, Kingdom come, JLA Series, Transformers Masterpieces and to his most spectacular series line of Japanese Statues of Gotham’s Guardian against Crime. This was just simply “Jaw Dropping!” Amazing Collection there Lexy. We left the house being mesmerised by your awesome collections.

Hope to do more business with you in the near future. Stay Cool True Believers! Start your collection today.

Bad Reflection

[First Appearance: in 1959]
Written by GL

It's quite rare that we here at The House Of El have given focus to one of the Flash's outstanding villains; and without a doubt, he does have his share of villains. However, Flash has always had that reputation of suffering from over-colorful and over-comic enemies. One of those is Mirror Master.

Mirror Master is a recurring bad-guy of the Flash with a large technical knowledge of mirrors. Mirrors are his based weapons and there are a variety of skill the Mirror Master employs in combat. To day, four individuals have donned the guise of Mirror Master.

[DC Direct's Mirror Master: released as part of Flash's Rogues Gallery]

The very first Mirror Master was a convict named Sam Scudder, who worked in the prison machine shop. One day, he stumbled on a mirror-making technique that would allow mirrors to capture and retain images for a limited period of time. Scudder used his discovery to escape, and then began to refine the technology. He then began a life of crime as the super-villain, Mirror Master, and terrorized Central City. Mirror Master was constantly working on new technology, developing mirrors that allowed him to capture people inside them, travel to other dimensions, control minds, and convert matter into glass. During the Crisis on Infinite Earths event, Mirror Master was dispatched back in time to prevent a catastrophe, but was killed while arguing with fellow villains.

Later, Captain Boomerang briefly took Scudder's identity, becoming the second Mirror Master, to commit crimes while remaining in good standing with the bad-guy-team known as the Suicide Squad.

The third Mirror Master was Scotsman. As a baby, Evan McCulloch was left on the doorstep of an orphanage run by a lady named Mrs. McCulloch. He had nothing but his first name and a photograph of his parents. He grew up as a fairly normal child, until one night he got into a brawl with a bully and killed him. He was never caught, and, at age 16, Evan left the orphanage, again with nothing but his parents' photograph.

He settled in Glasgow, where he took up a life of drinking and partying that eventually led to crime. Evan began to hire himself out as an assassin. He was an excellent killer, and quickly became one of the most renowned mercenaries in the United Kingdom.

One day, he had been scheduled to do two hits. His eye was injured in the course of the first, leaving him with impaired vision. Evan couldn't shake the feeling that the second target seemed familiar, but only after he pulled the trigger did he recognize the man as his father from the photograph. At the funeral, Evan saw his mother.

Over the next few days, he tried to work up the courage to see her, but by the time he had, his mother had committed suicide. Evan, in grief, was about to turn himself over to the authorities when an unknown and shady company (a mix of U.S. Government and big corporations) offered him the costume and weapons of the original Mirror Master in exchange for his services.

[Evan McCulloch: the Scottish Mirror Master]

His first assignment was to scare Animal Man into abandoning his animal-rights protests. This was a mission he failed thanks to the sheer anger of Animal Man's wife. McCulloch eventually even helped Animal Man to fight the same men who gave McCulloch his weapons, but his heroism was short lived. He continues to work as a criminal and a super-villain-for-hire. At times, Evan also worked out of costume as a common mercenary in Britain.

Evan later moved to Keystone City, and came into conflict with the third Flash. He discovered a Mirror Dimension which enabled him to travel through any reflective surface. During the events of Underworld Unleashed, the team known as the Rogues had accepted him as Scudder's successor. After being betrayed by the devil Neron, McCulloch and four of the other Rogues died and went to Hell, but returned later due to a confrontation between Neron and the Flash. For a brief time, McCulloch then joined Lex Luthor's Injustice Gang and fought the Justice League of America.

[Part Of Luthor's Injustice Gang: to battle the Justice League]

He worked with a female villain called Blacksmith in her plan to takeover Keystone and Central City. When her plan failed, he became a member of Captain Cold's gang. Interestingly enough, Evan also battles an addiction to cocaine, although he seemed to have sobered up since the death of Captain Boomerang.

McCulloch subsequently joined Alexander Luthor's Secret Society after the Rogue War. But, during the Infinite Crisis subplot, Mirror Master fought in the final deciding battle and was defeated by Martian Manhunter. Shown in the One Year Later subplot, Evan is no longer a useful villain, being totally addicted to cocaine. Sad.