Enter the Thunder God! Thor Film Rocks the Theater!

I cannot recall the last time I was so excited about seeing a movie. As the Thor film approached it's release date I chose not to read reviews, look at the pictures, or take in any knowledge that might affect my view of the film before seeing it. However, since I have seen the film I can honestly say this...it was spectacular!!!

Spoiler Alert: If you have not yet seen the film and do not want to know aspects of what happens do not read any further.

I greatly appreciated the loyalty to the Marvel character's history as it appeared in the comic. While some changes were obviously evident in the storyline, those changes did not take away from the character nor did they define him as something he was not. It proved to be what you would expect from a film that needs to tell decades of history in under 2 hours. It was filled with laughter, action, drama, and special effects that made you believe it was real.

The Asgardians are described as a race from another realm within the physical universe. The Vikings would have believed them to be gods and in the movie it is clearly explained that they are the protectors of the nine worlds that exist. Though they are a higher level of being above humans, they are not without their faults and challenges.

Chris Hemsworth's portrayal of Thor is a perfection in itself capturing his immature hunger for a fight while seeing his on-screen growth to a responsible hero of both Earth and Asgard. He is believably Thor!

Tom Hiddleston was perfect for the role of Loki and captured the underhanded mischievous nature of Thor's adopted brother. His range of expressions, the somber feelings over Thor's banishment, his hurtful anger at Odin for not revealing to him his origin, and his lust for power and revenge were so remarkable that you both hated and felt sorry him.

Who else could have portrayed the authority of Odin and his wisdom better than Anthony Hopkins? From a powerful leader and warrior to a humble king and loving father, Hopkins made the role of Odin epic and alive.

The film also provided us with tastes of what lies ahead from Marvel Studios with a cameo of Hawkeye and a vision of the Cosmic Cube at the end of the credits. Loki, of course, is not out of the picture and it seems he will play a pivotal role in the upcoming Avengers film.

We would like to know what you think of the film. Take part in our poll and leave a comment as to your thoughts. There is so much we could say about the film but we would rather here from you.

PollPub.com Vote

Did You Like the Thor Film?

Aye! It rocked like thunder!
Nay! It was not worthy!
Mine eyes have not yet seen it!
The jury is still out on this one!



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The 1970's - A Great Decade For Comics!

Wolverine, Darkseid, Black Lightning, Black Panther, Luke Cage, Sabretooth, Patsy Walker, Etragan, Ghost Rider and myself all have something in common. We are are tied to the comic book industry and we were all produced in the 1970's.

The 70's were a cool decade that brought us Saturday Night Fever, Kojack, Superman The Movie, Star Wars, and Lynda Carter as Wonder Woman. It was time unlike any other as unrest on the world scene increased. Terrorism beginning to show its ugly face, an oil crisis plagued the world, the US Presidency was in turmoil and inflation was through the roof! Yet, out of the ashes of world turbulence, new heroes arose that led the comic book industry back into an industry of demand and want.

Stan Lee and Jack Kirby continued to produce great stories and art but the art of such individuals like Neal Adams and Jim Aparo helped take the industry to a new level. The stories of the 70's took on real life issues of the day such as teenage drug abuse, domestic violence, terrorism, pollution, cold war and other similar topics. Governmental corruption became more dominate in the news and likewise showed up in the pages of comics. The world increased in more turmoil following the Vietnam War and what it needed was a new breed of heroes and villains. Ghost Rider (Johnny Blaze) and Wolverine serve as an example of the type of anti-typical heroes that arose to take on issues that called for more than simply a 'feel good' solution. Readers wanted retribution and such heroes delivered it.

Horror comics also took on greater roles and increased in popularity during the 1970's. Werewolf by Night, Dracula, Morbius, Blade, Swamp Thing and similar titles/characters became a mainstay during a period of what seemed to be a dark hopelessness. The darker, edgier characters were fitting for the time. Blood, gore and the occult ruled the era that was already ransacked with it.

Long time heroes such as Batman and Green Lantern also took on edgier roles during this period which led them to the kind of characters they still are today. The 1970's blurred the line between heroism and villainy and it made right vs. wrong more difficult to distinguish. Violence grew darker in comics as it also grew darker in the real world.

The 1970's produced an age of comics that certainly was not 'golden'. Yet the demand for Bronze Age issues increases as the nostalgia of such issues are a favorite among modern collectors. It is certainly one of my favorite decades for comics, not because of the darkness, but because of the willingness of the industry to change, the manner in which real problems were addressed, and because of the evident demonstration that answers to problems among humans and heroes is not always as clear cut as we might like them to be. The struggle of heroes helped readers relate to their own issues.

To celebrate the 70's, we have decided to make our contest this week (week of 03-14-2011) 1970's Week. Watch for our contests on Facebook, Twitter or join our email list.

What are you favorite story lines, heroes, villains, artists, etc for the 1970's? We would love to know. Leave a comment and we will give you 20 points per word toward our weekly contest.

Be sure to visit us on the web at http;//www.kryptoknightcomics.com

Comic Book Black History Week

February in the United States is Black History Month. I would be negligent not to acknowledge the black writers, artists, creators, heroes, villains and supporting characters that have helped make comics fun and exciting. This week we will be making the theme of our contest Black History.

It is quite easy for anyone of any race to view another as inferior. It is almost human nature to view ourselves as superior to others even in arenas outside that of race. Among heroes, however, that should never be the case. All humans are equal and deserve the same respect and dignity as any other. Our view at Krypto-Knight Comics is one of equality. We appreciate people from all backgrounds, races and cultures. The difference in backgrounds and skin color bring life to our planet and provide variety for us to enjoy. The human race is like a box of crayons with new colors being added regularly. When we work in harmony with all the different colors we can create beautiful things.

Black and African-American comic book characters are just as good and evil as any other. They bring character and life to the universe and have proven to be the favorites among comic book fans. Let us share a few of ours.

Who cannot ignore the total coolness of Black Panther. An African king and member of the Avengers not only is quite intimidating to villains but he is well respected by his fellow heroes for his honor and ethics. As an honorable king he cares for his people and he has a cool costume too!

Storm, powerful mutant and member of the X-Men, is without doubt one of Marvel's most famous black heroes. As former leader of the X-Men and weather master, she has proven to be a force to reckon with among villains. Few are able to withstand her fury when it is at its peak and it can be frightening if you are on the receiving end of it. Her marriage to Black Panther makes for a great alliance!

Powerman, Luke Cage, is not the kind of guy you want mad at you. When it comes to playing games, he doesn't! His role in the Marvel Universe has become ever more involved over the last decade and a renewed interest in the character is a nice thing to see.

Among the most powerful of all black comic book characters is John Stewart, Green Lantern. His strong will for justice and his upright ethics have made him a perfect choice to wield a 'green ring'. He knows how to use it too! His reputation for what is moral and his desire to protect life far exceed the boundaries of earth. His reputation is known throughout the galaxy as an honorable, yet powerful, Green Lantern. His demonstration of leadership has been evident in his role on the Justice League animated series. John Stewart is definitely among our favorites!

Other heroes that also deserve attention include The Falcon, Spawn, Black Lightning, Bishop, War Machine, Mace Windu and many more. Which black superhero is your favorite? We would like to hear from you!

Be sure to visit us at http://www.kryptoknightcomics.com

iPhone App For Comic Book Day

Have you ever wondered which books are coming out on Wednesday's? Now you can find out everything that comes out each Wednesday with a new app for the iPhone. It is the Comics Day App and it was designed by my longtime

high school friend and fellow comic book fan Joe Martine, owner of Martine Lounge, LLC. Joe's Comics Day App ties in with Diamond Distributor's releases of comics and merchandise each week so that those with the app will know what issues and toys to pick up from their local comic shops on Wednesdays. Anyone with an iPhone should not be without it. The best part is that it is FREE! Maybe I can convince Joe to make one for BlackBerry!

Here is the link to get the app...http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/comics-day/id408138091?mt=8

"Why So Serious? Let's Put A Smile On That Face!"

Those words issuing forth from the Joker's mouth in the film The Dark Knight will stand as one of the most famous lines in movie history. Throughout the Batman's history the Joker has been easily identified by that evil grin plastered against his pale skinned face. However, he will not be the only comic book character identified by his grin. Let me introduce to you...The Maniacal Smile!

Who is the Maniacal Smile? Fierce Comics, publisher of 'The Smile' describes the comic in this way...

"Born with super irritable bowel syndrome, Alex McClendon uses his powers to protect the city of Utopia. And when he dons The Maniacal Smile suit, you can be sure that there'll be a splatter of action. Keeping Alex from just farting around with his powers are his ex-hero Uncle Rich and his lab assistant the enigmatic E.V.I.L. Robot. But not everyone knows that Alex is the Maniacal Smile. His best friends Puffy, who owns a comic book shop, and Nikki can never seem to spend any time with the ever-disappearing Alex. Teenage angst, girl problems, and city destroying threats are all a day in the life of THE MANIACAL SMILE!"

Fierce comics sent me an issue to review and I have to say that I could not help but laugh at the crazy antics of this story. Mike Foss scripts the character with laugh-out-loud humor that borders on the juvenile and considering that the hero is a teenager growing into the role of hero, juvenile is quite fitting. Rob Rhine, creator of 'the Smile', provides the art and colors and gives the book a bright look fitting of the character. The artwork is superb and I found it entertaining to look at. The story flows easily with simple page layouts, and the paper on which it is printed is of a higher quality than you might expect from an Independent title.

The aspect I enjoyed the most about this book, though, is what was mentioned earlier. IT IS FUNNY! It brings 'comic' back into the meaning of 'comic book'! So if you want to read a GREAT book, see some fantastic art and get a good laugh, then pick up an issue of The Maniacal Smile...it will put a smile on your face!

Visit us at http://www.kryptoknightcomics.com

The Passing of the Torch - Flame Off

"Flame On!" How many times have we heard or read those words. They seem to have a 'flare' to them...pun intended. For Fantastic Four fans, and in particular those fans of Johnny Storm, the Human Torch, they will no longer be heard. In true hero fashion the fun-loving and wise-cracking member of the team gave of himself to save his family. He will always be remembered for his wit, humor, courage and bravery, and despite the apparent acts of immaturity he demonstrated a willingness to do what it took to save the day.

As is always the case when a hero falls, there is that possibility that he may return. In the world of comics anything is possible. Heroes just will not stay dead. Will that be the case with Johnny Storm? Will he rise from the ashes to again
ignite the fiery fun of the comic world and his team? Or will he simple burn as a memory of a once great hero? We have no answers. For now all we can do is acknowledge the passing of the Torch!