Archives September 2018

live action brainiac

Did We Finally Get A Good Live Action Brainiac?

On this episode of Comic Movie-10, the Kane brothers discuss the recent live action versions of Brainiac. For those of you who are unfamiliar with the character, he is one of the most well known villains in Superman throughout the original comics. He first appeared in Action Comics #242 in July of 1958, and his first appearance on television was in the cartoon New Adventures of Superman in 1966. While he is Superman’s main adversary, there are different variations of where Brainiac has come from; some stories indicate that he is from a new planet and he is the collector of worlds, while others explain he was created by Krypton to destroy Superman. It was not until 1996 that Joe and Dan recall seeing Brainiac on television when he was featured on Superman The Animated Series, looking similar to Mr. Freeze.

Although there have been a few live action versions of Brainiac, it is apparent that until 2018 there were not any great portrayals that were true to the comics. The first instance of a live action Brainiac was on Smallville, played by James Marsters. He was able to morph into things and his fingers could touch people’s brains. While these factors came from the comics, he did not look at all like what fans would have expected Brainiac to look like.

He made his next live action appearance on Supergirl, however he is a friend from the future who comes back in time to warn them of dangers they are going to be faced with. This relates to Brainiac 5, who is the leader of The Legion of Superheroes and acts as a friend to Superman. Supergirl did have another visitor, named Brainiac 8, which followed the characteristics of the original Brainiac as a villain, however 8 was a female, and blue, rather than the classic green color.

It was not until 2018 that the world saw a live action Brainiac that was true to his comic roots. The television show Krypton featured the actor Blake Ritson to accomplish this task. Ritson’s character spent the beginning of the season sending his brain waves to a human, which indicated to viewers that he was on his way. This is known as the Voice of Rao. When he did finally appear, he was green and had the exact look of the Brainiac that is so well known from the comics. This version of Brainiac supposedly originated from a foreign planet and he is a collector of worlds. Both Joe and Dan have positive feelings about this portrayal, and say they would love to see Brainiac’s character in a cinematic picture.

Had you previously heard of Brainiac? What are your opinions on the various versions of this character? Leave your comments, questions, and opinions, and as always, tune in to the next episode of Comic Movie-10!

Henry Cavill Out As Superman

Who Cares if Henry Cavill & Ben Affleck Leave the DCEU?

On this episode of Comic Movie-10, the Kane brothers discuss the recent news about Henry Cavill and Ben Affleck leavening the DCEU. These two are currently playing Superman and Batman respectively. Joe and Dan recall growing up with these beloved characters and vent some frustrations with the recent portrayals in the current run of movies such as Superman “Man Of Steel”, “Batman V Superman” and The Justice League”.

Pointing out many highlights from the franchise so far, they go on to site the success of the Wonder Woman movie. Although some of the other films that are in the DCEU have not had the box office power that that film did by no means were any of them flops.

There are also many movies to come from DC such as Wonder Woman 84, A Flash movie and this December the Aquaman Movie. Keeping the train rolling for the universe are there any signs of a total reboot. One option that was talked about was just plainly starting over. The downside to that was losing actors that have already proven themselves in the films. Joe and Dan site how Gal Gadot and Jason Mamoa have knocked it out of the park and they can’t wait to see more from them. Rebooting the series would be a giant mistake to lose the rest of the characters. They do say that they look forward to seeing more of Ezra Millers Flash.

There rumors of the departure originate from several different places. First is that Ben Affleck has become a liability to the studio due to him reentering rehab for the third time. Henry Cavill posted a video on his Instagram showing him raising up and lowering a Superman doll to the tune of “Blue Danube” performed by barking dogs. “In our opinions neither of these things should warrant a rumor of them leaving, what is this middle school?”

The brothers discuss the possible additions to the Justice League that could possibly save the run such as Green Lantern, Martian Man Hunter and the Green Arrow. The Curiosity is if they add other characters would this keep the franchise running.

Do you have a possible solution for Warner Brothers? What are your thoughts on the possible departures of the actors from the series? Leave your comments, questions, and opinions, and as always, tune in to the next episode of Comic Movie-10!

henry cavill as batman

Would Henry Cavill Make a Better Batman?

On this episode of Comic Movie-10, the Kane brothers are discussing Henry Cavill and his portrayal of Superman. Cavill has played Superman in Man of Steel, and all the recent DCU Superman films. While there is no doubt that Cavill is in top physical shape and a great actor, the Kane brothers feel he might not be the best choice for the iconic role.

To start, Joe and Dan toss around the idea that Cavill would likely be a much better Batman. Why? This is because Superman is typically seen as a “boy scout” type of guy. He is kind and calm and willing to talk through problems, only fighting when it is absolutely necessary. Cavill’s character however is buff and dark with more of an attitude than the world has ever seen in Superman.

Although Superman has a pretty classic look, Joe points out that in The Animated Series, Bruce Wayne and Clark Kent looked basically identical except for the fact that one had glasses, while the other did not. Dan also explains that Clark Kent’s character does not necessarily need to be big and bulky, as his strength comes from the fact that the sun powers him, having come from another planet. Bruce Wayne on the other hand, is expected to be physically fit. For these reasons, along with others, the brothers believe Cavill would be more successful as a Batman than most of the recent Batmans, including Ben Affleck. It should be noted that while there have been Batmans who did not have serious personalities, they were not widely successful in the way others were.

In addition to taking a look at Affleck’s version of Batman, the brothers explain that if this new version of a rougher Superman did not exist, it is likely that Batman vs. Superman would have never existed. The Superman that most of us are familiar with would have talked out his issues with Batman and resolved the fight before getting physical. One major reason that both Superman and Batman have remained crowd favorites throughout the years is that they serve as foils for one another. Cavill’s version of Superman eliminates this aspect.

What do you think of Henry Cavill’s Superman? Would he make a better Bruce Wayne? Leave your comments, questions, and opinions, and as always, tune in to the next episode of Comic Movie-10!