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With The Nova Core Gone, What Happens to the Nova Force

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Even when taking a large step back it can be tough to encompass the full scope of just how many possibilities lay waiting in the MCU. If it’s not Thano’s killing our decade long developed heroes/heroines, Adam Warlock marinating in a pod or Kurt Russell sporting a magnanimous screen beard it is some world ending event that means our utter annihilation. Completely understandable to forget about some of the begging to be asked finer questions.

Questions like what happened to the Nova force, not the Nova Corps but specifically the energy source used by the Xandarians entire society, which leads to an even bigger question what does the MCU have planned next? We know from what Thor tells us in Avengers Infinity Wars that when retrieving the power stone Thanos decimated Xandar, homeworld of the Nova Force. Does this mean we will see one of the most active galactic level forces omitted, hopefully not. If you find yourself asking what is the difference between the Nova Force , Nova Corps, will I see John C Reilly in a jumpsuit again and why should I care. Well before pondering that it helps to have a little background from the comics to get an idea of what could be coming next.

Nova Force being emitted from Nova Prime

What’s referred to as the Nova Force is a nearly limitless energy source harnessed by the Xandarian people. The Nova Force has a range of abilities, (primarily manipulating gravity fields): for a visual reference the large interlocked shield that appears when the Xandarians join their ships in the Guardians of the Galaxy, that is a physical manifestation of the Nova Force. The source of this energy is a machine known as a Xandarian Worldmind, one of the most advanced sentient supercomputers in the known universe. After the Marvel Annihilation event, all of the Nova Force was transferred to the last Nova Corps Centurion, Richard Rider. As inheritor of the Nova Force Rider becomes the Nova Prime, giving him a host of powers like superhuman strength; speed, stamina, durability, flight and the power to emit gravimetric pulses and beams. One of the lesser mentioned powers of Nova Prime is the ability to make use of the vast Shiar stargates network. Due to the infinite pool of energy, the Nova Force is capable of bending space and time itself when centered into a single conduit. With such a high versatility it is easy to see why the Nova Force could be a top contender for future MCU phases. With directors Taika Waititi and Simon Kinberg displaying cosmic level power sources like the Phoenix Force and Odin Force throughout their films, filmmakers have really just scratched the cinematic surface of what the Nova Force can do.

Nova Corps with the World Mind computer at the top right

Channeling this awesome power is Xandar’s space militia also known as the Nova Corps, a galactic police force that first appeared in Fantastic Four #205 (April 1979). Initially charging themselves with protecting the Andromeda Galaxy and later earth, the Nova Corps seeks to uphold the ideals of justice and order. A brief quote from Nova Prime after being trapped in the cancerverse puts into perspective the resolve of the Nova Core,

“I would do it all again because of one simple reason: what would have happened if I didn’t. Peace and order aren’t the natural state of things. They had to be invented and they have to be constantly defended. That’s why the Nova Corps was created. That’s the legacy that you carry on. “

Movie watchers had a brief glimpse in the MCU of the egalitarian galactic peace keeping society the Nova Core strives for. The operations of the Nova Core are reminiscent to a militant policing force that has a history of involvement in space conflicts such as the War of Kings event and the 1,000 year war with the Kree Empire. Within the Nova Corps are various ascending ranks imbued with access to portions of the Nova Force, rank determining the portion of control over the Nova Force granted. This gives us an idea of just how powerful Nova Prime could be in the MCU. As this universe has expanded the sheer proportions of the MCU creates such massive distances between locations, it’s more than a hop skip and jump from Xandar to Earth. This type of scaled environment makes it essential to have heroes and villains able to utilize powers for traveling vast distances fairly quickly. ††

A cinematic Nova Corps depiction on the right with comic apperance on the left

Even though Thanos was able to destroy all the Nova Core members in Avengers Infinity Wars, if the 2006 Annihilation comic crossover is any indicator of what’s to come: the Nova Core has been decimated before and made a comeback. As long as the Worldmind has survived Xandar’s destruction the Nova Force lives on. If we are strictly speaking films, all bets are off and it is very possible a director may create their own unique story similar to what Taika Waititi did in Thor Ragnarok. Marvel phase 4 has been laid out following the story lines of established Avengers like Black Widow and Doctor Strange. Marvels recent announcement at the San Diego 2019 Comic Con confirmed some amazing MCU additions: Fantastic Four, X-Men, an Eternals movie and to many fans surprise a new Blade movie. You can see the full phase 4 announcement here . This leads a lot of room for speculation as to what we could see over the next few years leading to phase 5.

If we are speaking in terms of pure story potential I would think the Guardians would have some of the most, an entire galaxy in disarray after Thanos’s snap. The concept behind the snap is that such a massive ripple of cosmic energy across the universe could have created realities like the cancerverse and negative zone. Traditionally most MCU films have been based on an earth setting but with the potential of an Annihilation event the entire galaxy could be a battleground for Annihilus’s forces. Speculating it would appear that phase 4 is beefing up a the hero and heroine cast, maybe for something terrible coming in phase 5? Fans can be ecstatic at the possibility of an event leading to a Guardians of the Galaxy Nova Prime meet. Plenty of comic history between Annihilus and the Nova Core sets a high expectation for fans in upcoming Marvel films. While the possibility of an Annihilus Nova Prime show down is a little backwards since the Nova Corps had an Alamo stand against the Annihilation wave and fell, I will take what I can get if it means a Nova Prime movie. Such heavy hitters are established in the MCU; Scarlet Witch, Captain Marvel, Thor etc. it is inevitable that we will see a consistent up scaling in heroe power levels.

It would seem that the silent absence of the Nova Force so far could be leading to a big show later down the road. In trying to change the universe Thanos may have created one of the most powerful heroes we have seen yet, John C. Riley er I mean Nova Prime.

Movies/TV, News

Avengers Endgame: Puts an End to the Hulk You Know

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When you’re watching Endgame it’s easy to see all the things done right. It isn’t until you make your way into your car and drive several minutes down the road that you start to notice some of the things it does very wrong. No one likes to nitpick or be that guy, but we still need to talk about the jolly green giant in the room, Professor Hulk.


“Avengers Endgame” has been out for over a week now, turning to the Russo brothers spoiler ban for guidance we are past the set date for talking about some of the most interesting cinematic events of the year. You have been warned the below may contain spoilers.

For those new to the MCU or Marvel characters, the Hulk has traditionally been an unbridled rage machine whose strength scales exponentially with his anger. Possessing a low-level intelligence, this adaptation of the Hulk is known as Savage Hulk, MCU “Thor Ragnarok” showed the Hulk possessing a young child’s intellect and even capable of communication. This character development meant the Hulk could now work effectively with his fellow Avengers and smash some stuff along the way. Until the recent debuts of Thor wielding Storm Breaker and Captain Marvel making her way on the scene, the Hulk has arguably been the strongest Avenger.

Taking Hulk and Bruce Banner fans down a painful memory trip, the last time audiences saw Banner Hulk out he tried to take on the Mad Titan single-handedly, Thanos quickly put Hulk in a timeout. This defeat was so hard felt it caused the Hulk to refuse stepping into fights for Banner for the rest of the film.

It was leaked before Endgames release that fans would be getting a whole new Hulk, the perfect fusion of brains and brawns. The result is a slightly different one than you would expect, Professor Hulk is definitely contrasting to his previous version but it can be argued his personality is nothing short of Banner if he was coolest kid in highschool.

Professor Hulk is a new take on the Hulk smash aspect , he generally prefers taco sharing to smashing. That’s a literal statement the Banner Hulk fusion has a run in with his former more savage self in 2012, doing a little time jumping. Detesting his more base forms treatment of some Chitauri warriors and a poor car, he soon after resents having to play the part as he casually dented some cars. The Hulk reluctant to smash, say it ain’t so. Shortly before this scene we see him handing two crispy tacos to Antman who just can’t seem to get a break. An observant eye or third time watcher can tell you that Professor Hulk is not just a drastically different character in terms of personality but also a physically puny comparison to his Savage versions height and bulk. Audiences immediately caught on to the imposing differences in the Hulks when side by side. The Hulk is now more akin to the largest human being you’ve ever seen and no so much a monstrous hulk.

The team does a good job creating an accurate potrayal of a laid back professor Hulk, with all the Hulk versions out there (Totally Awesome Hulk anyone) is this the best fit for the continuity of an expanding MCU?

Since the Hulk initially had his tail whipped by Thanos in Avengers Infinity Wars I have waited for one thing, the rematch. It was one of the absolute pinnacles Endgame sold me on “the big rematch” something as grandeur as the upcoming Clegane Bowl in Game of Thrones. Admitting, no previews or trailers leading up to the release of the film appeared to show any sign of a rematch between the Hulk and Thanos. It was something that all MCU fans had come to expect after the big green guy’s no show. Endgame gives nearly the entire roster a shot at Thanos: Spiderman, Ironman, Dr. Strange, Thor, Captain Marvel just to name a few. While all this is happening Professor Hulk is beneath the mansion under an immense pile of rubble absent for most of the ensuing conflict. So we actually never seen an exchange between the two, not so much as a witty remark.

Making expectations clear I never presumed the Hulk or Professor Hulk could overpower Thanos much less be able to defeat him however I did expect some well deserved punches to be dished out from a Hulk who had put  his big boy pants on. Being fair Professor Hulk is an invaluable asset to the team in the “big brains” department but is also a real powerhouse who could of been used as more than an infinity battery.

Fans are presented with a hard trade of personality, charisma and nice duds for one of the physically weakest versions of the Hulk (Professor Hulk). Weakest is by no means a slouch Hulk is still able to support the entire weight of the Avengers Mansion when Thanos first attacks. Later on though he Is incapable of any type of quick regeneration after using the Infinity Gauntlet. This is a no no for any Hulk fan who knows the Hulk’s regenerative capabilities are on par with other Marvel self healers like Wolverine and Deadpool. My biggest peeve at the end is Professor Hulk actually wearing an arm cast days after the battle, are the directors trying to tell us something? Could the Hulk be out for future MCU projects?

It’s not that hulk wearing sweats and glasses isn’t cool, its freaking awesome. The problem arises when one of the strongest characters in Marvel being used as a testifiable villain strength punching bag, sacrificed for plot continuity.

Movies/TV, News

Game of Thrones: Parting Will be Sweet Sorrow

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Two days after the shock of experiencing the last Game of Thrones premiere, I feel the social discussion group therapy starting to work. The next day I went to work on my keyboard sifting through sites for clues, fan theories anything that might give me a glimpse into the upcoming episode. I ceased the staring contest with my computer screen and tried to ignore the dozens of fan theories detailing who might die next. So instead I took to the most direct source and tuned in like millions of others, combing over season 8’s episode one. What I learned, I’m going to miss being reminded in the middle of summer that winter is coming.

Taking a step back the episode was enjoyable to watch, a lot of build up but that’s what we should expect. All the major players are moving into place for their final moves. As the last battle approaches and the plot develops, it is nice to see the gradual change in our characters attitudes and alliances leading up to the season finale.

Everyone in the episode seems to have a lot going on, Tyrion is busy formulating his next calculated move, Jon is tripping over his feet after Daenerys, the dragons are flying but what about poor Bran Stark sitting by himself? Can someone spend two minutes of their day standing in the mud next to Bran carrying a conversation? This is the setting we see for most of Brans screen time. Bearing a look that says, “I can see the blueprint of your soul” sadly this doesn’t help my hanging out with Bran argument. At this point Isaac Wright (Bran) is doing a great job with his portrayal and behaving how we should expect a three eyed raven in training to. By now he is very similar to a deity seeing the past present future, this likely distorts his connection to people and the world around him. The part that makes Brans performance really worth mentioning is the foreshadowing felt when Bran casts that gaze. Discovering who dies next, gains the crown, or betrayal might bee as simple as calculating how long Bran had stoic eye contact with them.

Everyone in the episode seems to have a lot going on, Tyrion is busy formulating his next calculated move, Jon is tripping over his feet after Daenerys, the dragons are flying but what about poor Bran Stark sitting by himself? Can someone spend two minutes of their day standing in the mud next to Bran carrying a conversation? This is the setting we see for most of Brans screen time. Bearing a look that says, “I can see the blueprint of your soul” sadly this doesn’t help my hanging out with Bran argument. At this point Isaac Wright (Bran) is doing a great job with his portrayal and behaving how we should expect a three eyed raven in training to. By now he is very similar to a deity seeing the past present future, this likely distorts his connection to people and the world around him. The part that makes Brans performance really worth mentioning is the foreshadowing felt when Bran casts that gaze. Discovering who dies next, gains the crown, or betrayal might bee as simple as calculating how long Bran had stoic eye contact with them.

Last season we were left with a growing problem, Daenerys is quickly accelerating into what could be the classic Shakespearian (Macbeth) descent into darkness. It was chilling to hear her speak to John just after her last exchange of words with Sansa, “If she cant follow me than…) I wonder what would she of said if she wasn’t cut off. The Queen of Dragons arrival shows us that both Sansa and Daenerys are speculative of the other, testing and probing for some type of reaction. Daenerys makes the statement when she is alone with Jon. Sansa does get a chance to speak with Jon advising caution about his new queen and possibly the greater threat, Cersei. Sadly it seems her words were falling on deaf ears. All the major players that are willing to fight in the north have finally moved into place to do so. Sansa under the same roof as Daenerys is bad news: this is not Sansa’s first go around with someone in power. Her Time spent with Ramsay Bolton, Joffrey, and Cersei has done anything but make Sansa ignorant in the ways of manipulation, betrayal and court. I can honestly say I think Sansa is one of the most intelligent characters on the show, maybe the very reason Daenerys seems so hostile towards Sansa. The work put into the show is amazing, 8 years later and we still see character killing rivalries blossoming.

Last season we were left with a growing problem, Daenerys is quickly accelerating into what could be the classic Shakespearian (Macbeth) descent into darkness. It was chilling to hear her speak to John just after her last exchange of words with Sansa, “If she cant follow me than…) I wonder what would she of said if she wasn’t cut off. The Queen of Dragons arrival shows us that both Sansa and Daenerys are speculative of the other, testing and probing for some type of reaction. Daenerys makes the  statement when she is alone with Jon. Sansa does get a chance to speak with Jon advising caution about his new queen and possibly the greater threat, Cersei. Sadly it seems her words were falling on deaf ears. All the major players that are willing to fight in the north have finally moved into place to do so. Sansa under the same roof as Daenerys is bad news: this is not Sansa’s first go around with someone in power. Her Time spent with Ramsay Bolton, Joffrey, and Cersei has done anything but make Sansa ignorant in the ways of manipulation, betrayal and court. I can honestly say I think Sansa is one of the most intelligent characters on the show, maybe the very reason Daenerys seems so hostile towards Sansa. The work put into the show is amazing, 8 years later and we still see character killing rivalries blossoming.

The Queen of Dragons might be teeter toting the line of justice and madness but let’s discuss the facts, she burned Sam’s family alive. If there was a scene so emotionally shattering for audiences, enough to crack dragon glass it would be Sam Tarly learning from Daenerys his father and brother had been executed by her. Sam greeted his new Queen with typical sunny disposition, only to be given the news after she learned his house name. Daenerys is cold and ruthless dispensing what justice she sees fit but here she has no remorse whatsoever in the scene after destroying Sam. The conversation seemed to of already been rehearsed in her mind, they were traitors to her and undeserving of remorse. How does that saying go, “only a Sith deals in absolutes” not sure if its cannon but it does make a lot of sense. The cold remorseless expression from Daenerys is only trumped by Sam’s secondary reaction to hearing his brother was dead as well. He had no idea, believing initially only his father was dead: this wasn’t such a bad thing because he could return home to his brother the new lord of Horn Hill. For this reason Sam’s reaction just overwhelms you. Acceleration from his genuine shock to utter breakdown as he excuses himself caused fans and myself to cry out for beloved Sam.

The Queen of Dragons might be teeter toting the line of justice and madness but let’s discuss the facts, she burned Sam’s family alive. If there was a scene so emotionally shattering for audiences,  enough to crack dragon glass it would be Sam Tarly learning from Daenerys his father and brother had been executed by her. Sam greeted his new Queen with typical sunny disposition, only to be given the news after she learned his house name. Daenerys is cold and ruthless dispensing what justice she sees fit but here she has no remorse whatsoever in the scene after destroying Sam. The conversation seemed to of already been rehearsed in her mind, they were traitors to her and undeserving of remorse. How does that saying go, “only a Sith deals in absolutes” not sure if its cannon but it does make a lot of sense. The cold remorseless expression from Daenerys is only trumped by Sam’s secondary reaction to hearing his brother was dead as well. He had no idea, believing initially only his father was dead: this wasn’t such a bad thing because he could return home to his brother the new lord of Horn Hill. For this reason Sam’s reaction just overwhelms you.  Acceleration from his genuine shock to utter breakdown as he excuses himself caused fans and myself to cry out for beloved Sam.

The end of the show we see everything wrapping up until the arrival of Jamie Lannister at Winterfell. So closed towards the close Jamie doesn’t actually get any lines in but it seems implied that Jamie will be in hot water from the start with Daenerys. He is after all the king slayer and that king just happened to be her father. It is unlikely Jon would allow Daenerys to outright kill Jamie but the way she approaches the situation could have rippling consequences later in the season. Jamie is another character that is fun to see on-screen just the right amount of humor and faults, emerging from an arrogant and self-centered Lannister to likeable golden handed guy.

The end of the show we see everything wrapping up until the arrival of Jaime Lannister at Winterfell. So closed towards the close Jaime doesn’t actually get any lines in but it seems implied that he will be in hot water from the start with Daenerys. He is after all the king slayer and that king just happened to be her father. It is unlikely Jon would allow Daenerys to outright kill Jaime but the way she approaches the situation could have rippling consequences later in the season. Jaime is another character that is fun to see on-screen just the right amount of humor and faults, emerging from an arrogant and self-centered Lannister to likeable golden handed guy.

In July of 2017 more fans tuned into streaming services than they did the Super bowl. Letting that statement sink to the bottom it isn’t hard to speculate the exponential anticipation from fans as the shows big battle finale approaches

Movies/TV, News

Shazam: Adds Depth To an Expanding DCEU

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After the anticipated opening weekend for David Sandberg’s Shazam, fans are left with a wanderlust of possibilities for the DCEU. Surpassing initial North American box office projections of $53.5 million and topping out at just over $56.8 million nationally, $102 million internationally. Shazam has had the lowest opening box office weekend of any film in the DC universe so far but managed to stay well under its modest $100 million dollar budget. Shazam is an enjoyable break from the typical somber and serious DCEU tones.

 A fresh take on what it means to be a DC hero on the big screen, Shazam follows Aquaman’s success adding depth and possibility to the seven film franchise. For those of you who may have not had the chance to see the film this weekend warning, further reading may contain spoilers.

Shazam. explores Billy Batson’s life; an abandoned 14-year-old looking for his parents; isolating himself from anyone willing to give him anything until he is given a final chance to settle in with a new foster family (themselves orphans) hoping they can help him see sense. Billy finds himself out of his depth quickly and it ends as so many had before; him running away. But this time; he runs into a powerful wizard and must take the mantle of Shazam. Leaving him with a confusing face, a confusing body, confusing powers, and no-one to turn to, but his foster family. –Adam Zensi

A project this large incorporates hundreds of dedicated supporting individuals that spend countless hours to make it a reality. For producers, directors, actors and crewmembers a films financial success is celebrated but it is truly inspiring to see a unique character paired with an actor or actress that can deliver a performance meriting additional films, Asher Angel (Billy Batson) and Zachary Levi (adult Billy) do just that. Asher embodies the isolation every teenager feels at some point from the group, growing from the guy who steals your gel pens to a genuine hero. The chemistry between co star Jack Dylan Grazer (Freddy) and Asher is simply amazing highlighting a friendship audiences feel almost envious of. Zachary Levi churns out one of the most authentic and comical takes on a “kid in an adults body” routines ever, physically and emotionally manifesting the wrestling of  being a teen in an adult body with superman level powers. It was actually hard to tell what was more funny to watch, older or younger Billy Batson squabbling with Freddy. The performance is a breath of fresh air that portrays a fun superhero that future children can relate and aspire to.

The entire tone is light hearted, even though the world is hanging in the balance there is just the right amount of comedy to get a laugh. Probably the only character taking the role without a single smirk is Mark Strong playing the villain Dr. Sivana. Young Billy Batson isn’t a bucket of laughs but more of the quiet loner type, kind of like the guy who wore a denim jacket in high school. Powered up, he is on a continuous role of arguing, hiding, fighting and running in a manner hilarious compared to your typical hero.

One of the most enjoyable takeaways after watching Shazam  is the abundant references  to other DC cinematic characters like Batman and Superman. Whether it is in the form of comic relief or direct interaction between Shazam and other franchise heroes, the message is that Shazam will be a player in the future of the DCEU. Shazam marks the first stride filmmakers have taken to create a  universe that allows the easy transition of heroes and heroines into each others films.

On the less exuberant side, the movie does have some pitfalls that a returning fan to the franchise might point out. Shazam is anything but short and towards the point, I found myself checking my phone fighting through a series of possible end scenes similar to Return of the King’s drawn out wrap up. Aquaman created a fantastic world with enough spectacular CGI to give Avatar a run for their money. Shazam is not quite at the same level, set in PA the story does keep the environment accurate to the plot limiting fans to building gazing.

With a great performance from a talented team Shazam exceeded my initial expectations. After the experience I felt satisfied knowing the universe had grown from a more lighthearted perspective that will surely continue into future titles.