“Robocop is America's Godzilla,” Makes Sense the More You Think About It

A friend of mine named Sarah Diaz posted on Facebook, "RoboCop is America's Godzilla franchise. Discuss." It immediately got me thinking about how she had a point. I mean, at the most basic level they represent the hubris of humankind--Godzilla is born from our nuclear weaponry and Robocop is a corporation thinking they can build the perfect law enforcement officer out of machinery and a tiny bit of humanity. It works at multiple levels, however. Both alternatively protect and terrify their home regions (Japan/America--specifically Detroit) and both are looked at as monstrous to a degree but have a kind heart buried within their off-putting demeanor. Each franchise is deeply rooted in its home nation's worries and fears (Godzilla is a physical representation of the impact of WWII on Japan, in essence, and Robocop's movies showcase capitalism and law enforcement with no checks or balances). It all makes a shocking amount of sense.

The metaphor isn't perfect as Robocop has never gone to a Robocop Island/Monster Island but just as Godzilla has had crossovers with other characters (King Kong is a big example) Robocop has done so as well--at least in comic-books (Robocop/Terminator is notable and wacky). Godzilla and Robocop are looked at with a mix of awe and trepidation. They represent each nation's anxieties about just how bad things could get. One is a big more horror-leaning (Godzilla) and Robocop definitely has satirical and self-aware elements, but the tones aren't that different in the end--they both are worst-case scenarios that we pray turn out better than our country's history would indicate. I want to thank my friend Sarah for inspiring all these thoughts and giving me material for my blog--it is definitely a lot to chew on.

New Printings of, "Transformers," and, "Void Rivals," Will Come With Sound Chips, an Interesting Promotion

I enjoy a good gimmick cover with my comic-books. From holofoil to die-cut, and everything in-between it can seem silly, but a little fun doesn't hurt either (when gimmick covers become the whole selling point and the comic is lame that can be unfortunate, however). One interesting new promotion is that Skybound (an imprint of Image) will have some comics with little sound chips that, "Talk." This fall there will be reprints of, "Void Rivals," #1 and, "Transformers," #1, featuring "...the iconic Transformers Signature Sound of the bots shifting from robot to alt mode – or vice versa," with different sounds for each comic.

This kind of thing has been done before--one humorous example is the low-budget horror movie, "Frankenhooker," with a button that plays the audio, "Want a date?" from the flick on the VHS box. In regards to comics, there was the recent, "Justice League vs. Godzilla vs. Kong," which had, "Roar," variants as well. Even if this isn't exactly a brand-new novelty, I like seeing it!

"Godzilla: Heist," Sounds an Awful Lot like, "Kaiju Score," Strangely Enough

Some years ago there was an interesting comic called, "Kaiju Score." It focused on a motley group of characters who pull off a big burglary while using a Kaiju attacking the city as a distraction to commit their crime. It was published by Aftershock while they were still relatively financially solvent and was pretty fun, blending two types of story (a heist and big city-destroying monsters) to make a fun blend of the genres. It was successful enough there was a follow-up mini-series. This makes it interesting that when I was reading the solicitation by IDW for a new series called, "Godzilla: Heist," it reminded me so much of that story.

"Godzilla: Heist," focuses on a ragtag group of thieves who try to lure Godzilla to London so he can serve as a distraction while they pull off a high-stakes robbery. "A quirky cast of characters and a massive creature wrecking the city so they can steal some stuff," is a story that can be told multiple ways so I have no problem with, "Godzilla: Heist," existing. After all, decades ago we had two movies out of asteroids heading toward Earth that practically arrived in theaters at the same time and told the story of such an event very differently ("Armageddon," and, "Deep Impact," if you need a reminder/weren't born yet). People stealing stuff while a Kaiju attacks a city is not a copywritten style of story, but it is funny to think Godzilla is the best-known big monster besides King Kong and a little indie comic beat him to the punch with this type of story. That said, I hope that, "Godzilla: Heist," is a fun read and imagine it will have some fun twists and turns with the plot--as most big heist tales tend to feature.

As Always, Be Careful This April 1st AKA April Fool's Day

It's my least favorite, "Holiday," today. Yep, April Fool's Day has descended upon us. The day when you can't trust anything you read online even more than usual. Last year I laid out the worst kind of pranks you can do and should avoid engaging in. 

This year, I simply advise everyone to be alert and respectful. Be on guard for rude pranks that are in bad taste or could upset you. Be respectful if you want to partake in the day and keep your pranks harmless/cute. If Godzilla and King Kong can put their differences aside to defend planet Earth and make a bunch of money at the box office then surely we can rise above the temptation to do hurtful pranks and treat each other kindly, right? Right?

The First Two Issues of, "Justice League Vs. Godzilla Vs. Kong," Are Wild

Back when, "Justice League Vs. Godzilla Vs. Kong," was announced I said it sounded like, "My kind of silly fun." Having read the first two issues of the series written by Brian Buccellato, with artist Christian Duce, and colorist Luis Guerrero I can say this is indeed a wild and good time. The first issue is a lot of setup with a group of villains inadvertently bringing a number of gigantic monsters/kaiju to the DC Universe. Things get going in the second issue, however, with Superman fighting Godzilla, Batman fighting a huge bat (go figure) and King Kong appears in the first issue but has yet to pop back up. I imagine we are building up to an epic fight between the two biggest fellas (Zilla' and Kong) and seeing the Justice League attempting to take them on while a bunch of villains debate if this is a win or possibly could backfire resulting in a great time. 

The little touches are what really make this a fun yarn. Whether it is Gorilla Grodd reacting to King Kong with a mixture of awe and fear as if he's a God or a joke about Oliver Queen/Green Arrow not facing his first abandoned isle when the heroes discover a mysterious new one that seems to have been transported to their realm (Skull Island, to be precise). Duce's artwork really helps sell the imposing nature of these big ol' creatures, with Godzilla towering over Metropolis in a terrifying manner for sure! These first two issues are great and I am quite excited to see more knock-down drag-out fights between our heroes and the kaiju--I just hope the Justice League can survive these encounters.

5 out of 5 stars.

"Justice League Vs. Godzilla Vs. Kong," Sounds Like My Kind of Silly Fun

I am someone who can enjoy stories that are deep, smart, complex, and otherwise complicated. Big and dramatic and serious stuff is important, there is no argument there. However, readers of this blog know that I am also a fan of stuff that is just dumb and silly fun too! With that in mind, I can appreciate that DC will be giving us a comic where the Justice League fights Godzilla and King Kong. Plus there will be special variants where you can press a button and hear a roar? Yes please, obviously! Writer Brian Buccellato, artist Christian Duce, and colorist Luis Guerrero simply just need to give me something bombastic and crazy and I'm sure I'll love all seven issues. 

As this was just officially announced details are scarce beyond how Godzilla and Kong are coming over from alternate dimensions and (one assumes) ready to angrily smash stuff. I’m interested in this without a doubt as a fan of over-the-top stuff. I look forward to the first issue in October!

"Kingjira," is a Hilarious and Gorgeous One-Shot

I enjoy a lot of publications from Scout Comics and their latest title I had a great time reading is, "Kingjira." A self-contained one-shot about a Godzilla-style Kaiju named Kingjira, this comic follows the terrifying creature as he looks for some pizza. Created, written, and illustrated by Marco Fontanili, the comic is basically wordless and uses little pictograms in speech bubbles to get across what Kingjira is thinking and what the humans trying to go against him are saying.

The art is absolutely gorgeous and Fontanili gives us a fantastically imposing Kaiju who is breathtaking to witness as he rampages through the city in an effort to get some grub. Even without any words the story told is clear, funny, and damn good looking (which I can't say enough). I had so much fun reading, "Kingjira," and would recommend you get it from your local comic establishment or on Scout's website.

5 out of 5 stars.

Soon I'm Gonna Watch Godzilla and King Kong Punch Each Other and I'm Gonna Enjoy it!

I'm a kid at heart. At least, that's what I tell restaurants when I want to order from the kid's menu. I'm also a kid at heart because the thought of watching Godzilla and King Kong beat the snot out of each other gives that child within me a big thrill. For that reason, I am interested in, "Godzilla Vs. King Kong," and pleased to see some good reviews saying it delivers on the fun. There have been some movies that have slowly led-up to this fight, and I liked the first Godzilla one in 2014 as well as appreciating, "Kong: Skull Island," in 2017. 

I haven't seen the, "Godzilla: King of Monsters," from 2019 but may give it a quick viewing before watching him and Kong punching each other--it doesn't seem like you have to have seen any of the other flicks to be ready for this one, however. After those movies, I am glad we are at the, "Main event," of sorts and that I can see it on HBO MAX if I'm not comfortable going to a movie theater (I am not yet wanting to do so). This is a pure, "Popcorn," movie with a focus on keeping things fun and I'm totally down for it. It'll be in theaters and streaming this Wednesday.

January 2021 Links, News, and Goodness

The Debut of the Year

We are pretty far into the first month of 2021. Things are maybe just barely better than in 2020, so I'll take it. We have a new President, vaccine doses for COVID-19 are rolling out, and I've got interesting news and links to share!

Stuff to Read

I may do a more in-depth write-up as the season proceeds, but for now, I'll say the AV Club has been doing a great job summing up episodes that they review. Our bachelor, Matt, isn't too over-the-top or full of drama himself (which is fine). This has resulted in the show relying heavily on the more toxic more women stirring up trouble and staying around longer than they maybe should have (Victoria should've been gone ASAP). The overall vibe of the season has been pretty chill and fun, however.

It is not surprising that Biden's administration is apparently inheriting absolutely no COVID-19 vaccine distribution plan from Trump's administration. That man ran the Presidency like his businesses--into the ground.

I really want to read the book about forgotten Black comic artists from the comic-book Golden age, "Invisible Men." There are so many ignored contributions from decades past by amazing creative forces.

When I was a young'un I loved watching, "Godzilla," movies and also enjoyed, "King Kong," flicks. The recent film versions of the characters have been pretty entertaining and I'll admit the kid within me is eager to see the, "Godzilla vs. Kong," movie that will be in theaters and on HBO MAX in March.

Ta-Nehisi Coates began his current run on, "Captain America," with a plotline featuring domestic terrorists attacking the Nation's capital. It seemed like a far-fetched idea when the run started more than a year ago, but now here we are, because this article points out, "This is Who We Are."

As someone who loves anthropology, I was fascinated by this piece discussing Jewish Americans and their relationship with Crisco, of all things.

Wishing for a Great 2021

I hope everyone has had a decent 2021 so far and that it only gets better!

Film Friday: King Kong Gets Mashed-Up With a Vietnam War Movie and it Kinda Actually Works AKA, "Kong: Skull Island."

Note: I spoil a scene that occurs after the credits, but if you already know the subject-matter of the upcoming sequel to this movie you're already spoiled, so yah?

"Kong: Skull Island," takes a gigantic monster-movie and combines it with a Vietnam-era war film and it actually kind of works, believe it or not. Perhaps it is because we've never seen King Kong in recent memory in any films outside of those set farther in the past or during the present, maybe it weirdly marries the idea of the unwinnable war in 'Nam with the unwinnable war against nature in an allegory that is smarter than you'd expect. Whatever the case, it actually is quite cool and if the film had more of those metaphors and cool action scenes of Helicopters fighting Kong this movie would be a pure winner. Sadly, it gets itself bogged down at some points and goes from being stellar to reasonably good.

This movie has an exciting first hour and a great last 30 minutes. Unfortunately, it is a 2 hour-long flick so that means a long half-hour is spent admittedly feeling a little bored. That first hour full of political maneuvering, Kong smashing helicopters, explosions, and the like is just a hoot...before we delve into a whole bunch of plot about monsters that Kong fights and fill-in a bunch of back-story with a mysterious tribe and a soldier who got stranded on the island long ago (a thin role played admirably well by John C. Reily). Thankfully, things pick back-up with some Kong-on-Lizard fighting later on and I quit feeling blasé. Even when the film drags it at least has a solid cast with the likes of Brie Larson, Tom Hiddleston, John Goodman, and the always-excellent Samuel L. Jackson as skilled but also borderline-psychotic sergeant . I haven't talked about the titular star much yet though have I?

Kong is a fantastic piece of computer-generated imagery that truly looks alive as he fights and appears imposing even when he's just standing still. In films the point has always been that Kong isn't a monster--he has a soft-side and isn't a threat unless you piss him off--and the amazing animation makes him strong-but-sympathetic. He is a great special-effect and actor, in other words. The surprise cameo after the credits by another famous monster (Godzilla) was spoiled for me long ago, as a sequel has already been announced featuring the fact that Kong and Godzilla are going to fight. I for one am excited to witness that considering I quite liked the most recent Godzilla movie and would rate, "Kong: Skull Island," a solidly entertaining 3.5 out of 5 stars. Should you want to grab a copy of the movie for yourself getting it via Amazon is always handy.

What I Found Interesting From SDCC This Year

Well, San Diego has finished its immense comic convention. A variety of pieces of news came out of it, and I'll now share my thoughts on what I think is worth discussing.

Stuff From SDCC Worth Mentioning
Besides the fact that I'm amazed "Multiversity" is actually going to finally happen, this map created by Grant Morrison to illustrate DC's multiverse is both fascinating and beautiful.

Image announced a ton of new comics that are going to be coming out from them. Some look more interesting than others, but I imagine each will be good in its own way, as Image doesn't really put out much that is flat-out bad.

ComiXology is now offering publishers the option to provide digital comics to readers without DRM--as in you can back-up your comic and read it on any device without annoying "protective" software getting in the way that actually doesn't stop pirates(my views on DRM are pretty clear). Some publishers are already on-board and others may soon be too.

Batman Versus Superman apparently had a trailer but it is all-but-impossible to find it on the internet due to Warner Brothers making anyone who posts it take it down, so I'm not even going to link to anything.

Could this be a start of a monster-movie renaissance? I don't know, but I am intrigued to hear that a sequel to the Godzilla movie I enjoyed is going to be made, and that a new King Kong movies of all things is happening.

Marvel is going to be putting out Star Wars comics soon that are officially in canon and everything. Plus they've got some good creative teams.

Speaking of Marvel, they have another original graphic novel coming out right before the new Avengers movie hits theaters, fittingly titled "Rage of Ultron".

"Star Trek" and "The Planet of the Apes" will be having a comic cross-over event thanks to a deal worked out by their respective rights holders, IDW and Boom. This is an announcement that is random but also sounds pretty cool.

That's All?
I can't think of anything else from SDCC that when I read news about it I found myself saying "Wow". I guess there just wasn't as much to grab my attention this year.

UPDATE:
I forgot to mention how I am happy that "Mighty Avengers" is not getting canceled, but instead re-launched as "Captain America and the Mighty Avengers". That made me smile. Also, Image's publisher Eric Stephenson delivered quite the keynote speech.

Film Friday: Godzilla--And I'm Aware It Is Saturday, But I'm Still Calling It "Film Friday"

Go, Go, Godzilla!

I saw one of the Thursday-night showings of "Godzilla" because instead of making people wait until Midnight as some film-releases do, I was able to go at the quite-reasonable time of 7:00 PM. I was too busy Friday to write about the movie, but now shall tell you my opinion while trying to not spoil too much--although if you can't stand to have anything revealed, maybe wait to read my review after you see the movie and then decide if you agree with my thoughts. Before we talk about what "Godzilla" is (besides being a good movie) lets talk about what it is not.

What "Godzilla" Is Not...

"Godzilla" is not just about Godzilla.
Godzilla is an important character in the movie but we never get a good look at him until about the first hour has passed. This film is also about other parasitic monster-giants known as Mutos that are wrecking everything, and the philosophical question of if we as humanity have brought such destruction upon ourselves due to it being revealed just how these creatures gain their strength (hint: It relates to our love of atomic weapons).

"Godzilla" is not constant action.
While the last 30 minutes or so of this 2-hour flick are loaded with awesome scenes of monster-fighting, building-collapsing, and explosions, much of the film is in fact a slow-burn. We will at times get the build-up to a big fight, but then only glimpse it being shown as a news report on television. No, much of the movie spends time focusing on the characters and how they attempt to control the force of nature that is Godzilla and the Mutos he fights. Some folk who go into the movie expecting a little more than action will be surprised to see this film actually is often quiet and thoughtful, at least until towards the end when all the anticipation the audience will feel explodes into a gorgeous ballet of destruction.

"Godzilla" is not a movie starring Bryan Cranston, or even necessarily Godzilla.

Despite appearing prominently in all the trailers for the movie, Cranston is barely in it at all, appearing on-screen maybe 15 minutes at the most throughout the film, with this truly being a case where the trailers basically showed every scene he appears in. There is nothing wrong with Cranston having a smaller role, but it just feels like the previews were deceiving when it is actually Cranston's character's son played by Aaron Taylor-Johnson whom is main focus of the film (along with his family)

Taylor-Johnson is heavily involved in dealing with Godzilla and the Mutos with his family serving as an emotional anchor to motivate him, and is probably the most interesting character in the movie besides Godzilla, who is expertly portrayed as not either a hero or villain, but a force of nature.

What "Godzilla" Is

"Godzilla" is fun.
Even though the movie may tackle moral issues such as war, humanity's treatment of nature, and all that, this is still first and foremost a fun movie. The action is spectacular, the characters are interesting, and when I first heard Godzilla's roar I got a rush of euphoria from witnessing a character I loved watching the movies of as a child (ignoring that 1998 abomination) that can not be equaled by too much in life.

"Godzilla" is gorgeous.
The set-pieces in the movie are astonishing. Watching as a Muto and/or Godzilla tear a city apart and then witnessing the aftermath results in some jaw-dropping imagery that is just incredible to look at. Seeing various familiar cities with these giant creatures rampaging around is just expertly done.

Godzilla is actually kind of optimistic.
Despite all the death and destruction, "Godzilla" actually has many elements that make it a feel-good movie in the end. While many movies portray the military as evil and secretive, in "Godzilla" they tell the populace the truth about the monsters in an effort to save lives relatively early on, and even when trying to destroy the monsters there is always talk about and an awareness of trying to help keep civilians safe and alive. Considering how so many movies often show the government and army as being as bad as or worse then the things attacking us, it is kind of refreshing to have a film that shows our armed forces doing what we actually expect them to do, protect people.

Also, the movie makes it apparent that Godzilla may be terrifying in appearance, and not really care much about people, but through his process of fighting the Mutos is in fact a hero--albeit a misunderstood one. Godzilla arriving to inadvertently save the day gets across the message that even if humanity messes up and causes monsters like the Muto to attack us, we at least have help in the form of Godzilla to allow us to survive our mistakes and learn from them.

"Godzilla" is a great movie.
I want to be sure I get across that if there is one thing to take away from this review, it is that "Godzilla" is a really good film. Yes, sometimes the slow-burn nature can make it seem a little sluggish, but the expert balancing of character development and drama with monster-fights and explosions results in a flick that I can say without hesitation is the kind of "Godzilla" movie that both pays respect to the character and his legacy, but also feels fresh and creative.

In Closing
I had pretty high hopes for this newest iteration of "Godzilla". I wanted a movie that wasn't just mindless action, but remembered that at its heart "Godzilla" is a story about the hubris of man's atomic weaponry, and of course enjoying epic destruction. This movie has both those important elements of providing both fun and food for thought, while also spoiling us with gorgeous special-effects. "Godzilla" isn't a perfect movie, but it is one I can happily award a rating of...
4 out of 5 stars.

Some Thoughts About May and How April Already Needs To Be Over

Half-way to May
We are almost mid-way through April and I'm already thinking about May. Why? Well, besides the fact that April is often a miserable month of rain and pollen, May tends to be one of my favorite months--and this May seems to be so chock-full of fun stuff that this year won't be any different.

This May we have a variety of movies I'm immensely excited for, such as the new "Godzilla" and the upcoming "X-Men: Days of Future Past". Plus, there is the new "Amazing Spider-Man 2" that I hope will be good, but am not as pumped-up for as the other two flicks.

May also has some cool games coming out, with the "Wolfenstein: The New Order" sounding bizarre, but at least worth a rental to experience the fun, and of course there is "Watch Dogs" which funnily enough comes out on the very day of my birthday, May 27th (I'll be twenty-six, in case you're curious). I have been excited for "Watch Dogs" since that very-first trailer revealed its existence at the 2012 Electronics Entertainment Expo AKA "E3" and can't wait to play it.

I truly hope "Watch Dogs" is good as I have high-hopes for the title and would be extremely pleased if it turns out to live up to expectations. Considering they delayed it a good six months just to fix-up the bugs that's theoretically a good sign that we are getting a fun, quality, and polished product. Should my saving of funds be enough to play it on a Playstation 4 that would be even better, as I'm hoping to have built-up enough money sometime in the near future to get one of those snazzy consoles.

So, we are only at the mid-point of April and already I'm thinking about all the good stuff at the start, middle, and end of May. Either I'm getting ahead of myself, really don't like this month we are currently in, or its a mixture of both of those factors. Whatever the case, I await May as it slowly creeps ever-closer.