Brainiac Vs. Doctor Doom

Why we have had six Superman movies without introducing Brainiac is beyond me.  I thought for sure that Zach Snyder would take a page from Superman: The Animated Series and set up Brainiac for future films in the Krypton sequences in Man of Steel, but if he did, I didn't notice.  There have been rumors that Brainiac will be the big bad in the Justice League films, but no confirmation on that yet.  Maybe DC/Warner Brothers are waiting to see Avengers: The Age of Ultron before they make a final decision.

The Saturn 6

Just because you are tasked with protecting the cosmos, it doesn't mean that you can't do it with an enjoyment of the job and a healthy dose of humor.  That's the idea behind this team.  I think the biggest challenge that they might face is determining who to lead the group - they all seem to be the type that are more comfortable with handing out orders rather than following them.

The X-Files investigate Godzilla

The X-Files is the latest series rumored for a revival.   David Duchovny had expressed an interest in returning with Gillian Anderson and creator Chris Carter for a limited return engagement of the hit show.  I was a big fan when the series originally aired, and even though I wasn't crazy about the movies that followed, I think this could be very cool.  Let's hope they finally find some definitive answers to the many plot threads still dangling.

Doc Savage and Hellboy

 With all the talk lately about how and if to continue the Indiana Jones franchise - do they keep an aging Harrison Ford in the role or will audiences accept a new actor to take on the iconic hat and whip - a different solution comes to mind.  Why not let Indy rest when Harrison Ford is done playing him and instead focus on a new Doc Savage movie series?  That could fill the gap left by featuring another pulp hero in a period setting that travels the world encountering artifacts, opposition and deadly deathtraps.

Photon and Halo

Here are two of my favorite underutilized super-heroines.  Both have interesting looks, powers and back stories - and best of all, neither one is simply a female version of a previously existing male hero.  I'd love to see both of them get more exposure in their respective comic universes.

The Spectre and The Fantastic Four

The teaser trailer for the Fantastic Four reboot has been released, and while there were no moments that looked completely off, it did not do much to get me worked up for the film.  I realize it was just a teaser and not a full trailer, but I wish it showed more.  We really didn't get to see very much of the team members using their powers or a good look at the costumes.  One long shot of the full team from the back with Ben in Thing form looked kind of cool, but it still wasn't much to go on.  Hopefully we will get a better look at the movie soon.

Scalphunter and Red Wolf

 I liked the idea that Marvel and DC's shared universes not only included their roster of superheroes, but but their horror and western stars as well.  It was cool that we could read about these characters in their own setting, and then in another story they might be crossing paths with the likes of Batman or The Hulk.

The Demon and Doctor Strange in "The Legacy of Morgan Le Fay!"

Out of all of Marvel's upcoming slate of films, Doctor Strange was the one I was least interested with.  I like the character and he has had some great runs, but his comic was never the first one I would pick up. That has changed now with the casting of Benedict Cumberbatch in the title role.  I am a huge fan of his work on Sherlock, and I think that he is a perfect choice to portray The Master of the Mystic Arts.  I hope we'll get an idea of what he will look like in the role soon.

It's nice to see these two working together - when they first met in STF #81, they did not get along so well.

Iron Man joins the Green Lantern Corps

It is going to be interesting to see where Iron Man goes in the Marvel cinematic universe.  He looks to be positioned for a fall, with Ultron coming about as a result of his technology.  The upcoming Avengers sequel is rumored to end with a disjointed team, and them Tony Stark will next be seen in Captain America: Civil War - in which he will supposedly be the primary antagonist.  Thus all sounds interesting and will give Robert Downey Jr. plenty of cool scenes to perform.  I just hope that the heroic side of Iron Man still comes through in the end.

Harley Quinn and Howard the Duck

Howard the Duck's cameo in Guardians of the Galaxy seems to have sparked some renewed interest in the character.  He has his own self titled comic returning to the stands, and with Disney owning marvel now, there shouldn't be any more dispute as to how he can appear.  Will Howard get the chance to redeem himself with another motion picture?  I don't think we are quite there yet, but at least he is on the comeback trail.

Firestar and Miss Martian

I have to admit that when Miss Martian was introduced in the comics, I rolled my eyes a bit.  I know there is a strong thread of legacy heroes running through the DCU, but did the Martian Manhunter really need a junior sidekick?  Geoff Johns' writing helped me eventually warm up to the character, but it wasn't until the animated Young Justice series that I truly began to enjoy the Teen Titan.  I found that I enjoyed her on that show much more than in the comics, which doesn't happen often.

The Six Million Dollar Man on the Planet of the Apes

The Planet of the Apes franchise seems to be in good hands these days, and now it seems that Steve Austin will be getting his chance at a resurgence of his own.  Peter Berg is set to direct Mark Wahlberg in The Six Billion Dollar Man.  I hope to learn more about the project, because both have had recent missteps with the sci-fi/action genre - Berg with Battleship and Wahlberg with the last Transformers.  Let's hope a little more care is put into the Bionic Man's big screen debut.

Justice Society of America and Man-Thing

DC is about to undergo another semi-reboot/relaunch of their titles, and I was hoping that we would be seeing more of the classic JSA following their appearance in a few Convergence specials. It looks like DC will be sticking with their newly developed Earth 2 characters though.  I don't see why there can't be both though - why not try a series set in the 40's featuring the original heroes in  their prime?

Metamorpho and Judge Dredd

When I was a kid, I loved drawing superheroes. In those early years, one difficulty I used to have was with illustrating hands.  For that reason I really liked to draw Metamorpho.  Since since the intricacies of fingers and thumbs were too much for me, I would just have him transforming his hands into sledge hammers or giant wrenches.  Problem solved!

Adam Strange and Star-Lord (Part Two)

Because I keep showing it to people, I have watched Guardians of the Galaxy five times now, and I have thoroughly enjoyed it each time. I am especially impressed by Chris Pratt's performance as Peter Quill.  He created a character that is at once goofy, heroic, charming and sympathetic.  I look at the "dance off" scene, and it's hard to think of another actor that could have pulled that moment off so well. In a movie filled with CGI characters and sci-fi concepts, he still found a way to be the most interesting character to me.

Adam Strange and Star-Lord (Part One)

If former C-lister Star-Lord can become the star of the highest grossing movie of the year, there's no reason that Adam Strange couldn't flourish in live action as well.  The story of a man who divides his time as a regular Joe on Earth and a Champion on the other side of the galaxy seems perfect for the big screen.  Heck, it could even make for a cool TV series.

Stay tuned for tomorrow's cover, these two aren't done adventuring together yet!

Indiana Jones and Hawkman

These two are both in the same line of work, so it was only a matter of time before they crossed paths. There has been some discussion lately about whether the Indiana Jones franchise should continue. and if so - in what form.  Harrison Ford has expressed interest interest in one more outing, and I am not against that, even if the last one was not as well received by critics as they had hoped.  Every once in a while a name comes up as a choice to recast the iconic role.  Usually, I don't give these much credence, but one has surfaced that might actually work: Chris Pratt. It would still probably be a mistake to try and replace Ford, but Pratt is the first actor I have heard that I think could maybe pull it off.

Samurai Jack and Usagi Yojimbo

I think that this would be an interesting match up.  Both a wandering warriors of few words  who are extremely proficient with a sword, no matter how big the odds they are facing. It is hard to say who would come out one top if they were ever to clash, but it would be a blast to read... even more fun to see animated!

Batman and Lancelot Link

 I got a kick out of seeing a Gorilla Grodd for a brief moment on last week's episode of The Flash.  I am glad that they are going with CGI and thought he looked cool in the quick tease.  We've come a long way since Lancelot Link, where they just dubbed dialogue into the mouths of live action monkeys. I have to confess,  though, that I was thoroughly entertained by the program back in the day.  My memories are vague, but I remember thinking it was hilarious.  I think I even had a coloring book that was based on the show.

I used art by the great Norm Breyfogle on this cover.  Breyfogle recently suffered a stroke and has many medical bills that will come with his rehabilitation.  If you would like to help him out, you can do so by contributing here.

Superman and The Greatest American Hero

I was a fan of The Greatest American Hero and I liked the idea of a guy with no instructions on how to use his power granting uniform.  Even though Ralph Hinkley gradually got better at the use of his abilities, he was never a completely polished superhero. It would have been cool to see him eventually master his powers and really get to cut loose, maybe in a follow up TV movie.

The Atom and Tarzan

Brandon Routh's Atom costume for Arrow has been revealed and it looks pretty well done for a TV budget.  My only quibble is with the helmet.  Instead of a traditional mask, there is a clear visor so that you can see the actor's full face.  Ray Palmer on the show has spoken about keeping his anonymity while using his new suit so that decision doesn't make much sense to me.  Hopefully it will turn blue or something once he shrinks and goes into action.

Catwoman and The Punisher

I have yet to see a perfect live action depiction of Catwoman, but many actresses have delivered when it came to certain aspects of the character.  Julie Newmar had those great eyes and eyebrows.  Eartha Kitt had the best Catwoman voice.  Lee Meriwether looked the best in the cat suit.  Michelle Pfeiffer used the whip well and had nice chemistry with Batman.  Anne Hathaway had Selina Kyle's personality and mannerisms down.  Halle Berry... well, they spelled the name right on the poster I guess.  I'd love to see a performace that can get all of these characteristics correct at the same time.

Daredevil and Quantum & Woody

The trailer for The Marvel/Netflix Daredevil series has been released and while it did not show a whole lot, it gave a good indication of the tone.  This looks to be a very gritty production, which is fitting for the character.  DD is wearing the prototype outfit from Frank Miller and John Romita Jr's Daredevil: The Man Without Fear mini-series, but it has been promised that the look will evolve.  Hopefully we will see Matt Murdock in his full red glory by the end of this first season,.. the good news is that all 13 episodes will be released at once!

Wonder Woman and Sif

The Thor movies have been a mixed bag for me.  I have liked the Asgard and action scenes, but the hit and miss humor and unnecessary side characters have hindered my enjoyment of both films. One character that I would like to see more of is Sif.  I really enjoyed Jaimie Alexander's portrayal in both movies and would not mind seeing her receiving a larger role in future sequels, even replacing Jane Foster as Thor's love interest.

Robin and Bucky in "The Legend Must Live!"

TNT's upcoming Titans series has announced its cast (Nightwing, Barbara Gordon, Hawk & Dove, Starfire, Raven), and it has me interested in the series, as I am a fan of all of the characters.  Most interesting to me was the  revelation that Dick Grayson will begin the series as Robin and viewers will get to see his transition to Nightwing.  I am looking forward to this classic character finally getting his due in live action - the Chris O'Donnell and Joseph Gordon-Levitt versions didn't really do him justice.

Robin and Bucky have a bit of history on STF: The Lost Issues:

There was the time they tackled zombies together...

They met later in their careers as Nightwing and The Winter Soldier...

They met when their teams shared an adventure...

Bucky has even tried to take over for Robin, once solo, and once with The Young Allies.

Iron Man and Han Solo

I loved the teaser trailer for Star Wars: The Force Awakens, with its quick shots of some of the new characters that will be featured in the upcoming film.  It was a nice first taste to whet my appetite for the long awaited sequel, but what I really want to see is some footage of the returning heroes from the original trilogy.  Han Solo is my favorite role that Harrison Ford has ever played, and I can't wait to see him bring the Millenium Falcon's pilot back to life once again.

Big Guy and Rusty the Boy Robot Join The Avengers

The first Avengers film was all about assembling the team and this summer's Avengers: The Age of Ultron is rumored to end with the team being broken up.  I hope we at least get a few scenes of the team working together effectively before they are torn apart.  Comic movies seem to be obsessed with the beginnings or endings of heroic careers. I'd like to see more superhero films where the protagonists are operating in their prime.

Airboy and Enemy Ace

I was fortunate enough to briefly say hello to Joe Kubert a couple of times at conventions late in his career.  I was very happy to get the opportunity to thank him fo r all the pleasure his art and creations had given me over the years.  What really stood out for me was when I shook his hand - the man had a grip of iron!  Clearly forged from deftly utilizing a pencil and pen for over seven decades!