The Black Widow and The Spirit

The Spirit always did have a knack for letting a beautiful woman get him into trouble...

Of course, his biggest trouble will be getting audiences to forget his poorly received movie so he can get another chance one of these days.  Will Eisner's artwork and inventive use of the comic page is what always stood out to me about the character, so I'd love to see an animated version that could really highlight those aspects.

Stripesy and Bucky

I always thought that Pat Dugan was a cool character, and was glad that Geoff Johns brought him back to the DCU with his Stars and S.T.R.I.P.E. series.  Lately, DC has had a bad record with its red-headed male characters though - they seem to be either forgotten, killed off, or changed into a non-redhead.  What's with the anti-ginger stance, DC?

Lightning Lad Vs. Electro

With the teenage combatant movies (Hunger Games, Divergent, The Maze Runner, etc.) being all the rage, and superhero movies being the new blockbusters, I think the time is perfect for the Legion of Superheroes to hit the big screen.  DC seems to want to lay out its cinematic universe in a certain order though, so it may be a while before they expand into their future characters.  I say, dive right in - let's see the LSH - and throw in a Batman Beyond movie while you're at it!

The Haunted Tank and Tank Girl

I picked up a couple of Haunted Tank Showcase volumes just for the Joe Kubert art, and was pleasantly surprised at how much I liked the stories.  I was never a huge war comic reader as a kid, so all of the stories were new to me.  The tales are action packed and filled with last minute escapes and sage advice from the ghost that guards the tank - great stuff!

Calvin & Hobbes meet Herobear & The Kid

I became a fan of Mike Kunkel from his excellent if all too brief run on Billy Batson and the Magic of Shazam! It was an amazing all-ages title and frankly one of my favorite depictions of the Shazam Family.  His Herobear and The Kid looks to be a perfect title for folks missing Calvin and Hobbes.  It too features a boy and his stuffed animal that he shares adventures with.  Kunkel's artwork evokes Watterson's style as well - without aping it as some other artists do.

Adam Strange and Flash Gordon

This is a pairing that I have been meaning to get to for a while. They seem like they would naturally cross paths sooner or later,   They would certainly have plenty in common, both being Earth men that became champions of a faraway world. Truly it would be an amazing sci-fi adventure!

Black Lightning and Havok

I was glad to read recently of a conversation between Black Lightning creator Tony Isabella and executives at DC Comics regarding the treatment he and his character have gotten in the past and going forward.   It sounded like a first step, but hopefully it will lead to bigger and better things for Jefferson Pierce.  I'd love to see him finally break through to live action. it would be cool to see him show up on Arrow or even in the movies.

Judge Dredd and Axe Cop

A recent request for an Axe-Cop team up had me curious about the character, so I decided to check out a bunch of the cartoons - both the black & white versions and the new color ones.  The shorts are crazy, and it's no wonder when the series is co written by a five-year old.  That's where it gets its charm though, it reminds me of the storylines that I might have come up with at that age.

Vigilante and Ghost Rider

Ghost Rider is another character that has had multiple big screen attempts by a non-Marvel studio that were not well received.  Will the rights finally revert back as they did with Daredevil?  If so, what path should Marvel take?  The Nicholas Cage versions had some cool visuals but the villains didn't work and the tone was way off.  I'd like to see a darker version, with less humor and less chewing the scenery.  Maybe an animated version, even.

The New Teen Titans and DNAgents

Even though I wasn't all that familiar with the DNAgents, I thought that it was pretty cool when they had a pseudo-crossover with the New Teen Titans.  This Titans battled a very similar looking team called the RECOMbatants in their comic, and the DNAgents followed suit by meeting up with a team of Titans doppelgangers in their title.  I never did get around to acquiring that side of the team-up though.

Elektra Vs. Aeon Flux

Aeon Flux was a freaky show.  The animation was kinetic, and the fact that the main character was killed off in each episode was just one of the ways it broke the rules of traditional storytelling.  I liked the movie version OK, but it didn't really capture the feel of the cartoons for me.

The Greatest American Hero and Batgirl

I was saddened to hear of the passing of Yvonne Craig yesterday.  I still maintain that she is my favorite comic book heroine to yet appear in live action.  She played the character straight despite the camp around her, few others have ever looked as good in their superhero outfits and you had to dig that tripped out motorcycle. I hope she knew how many fans she had because of Batman and Star Trek.  Rest in peace, Yvonne Craig.

Swamp Thing and Gargoyle

The Gargoyle is one of those Marvel characters that I always hoped would gain more popularity and wider recognition.  I love the design of his look and like that he is not your typical 20-something aged hero - his advanced age gives him a unique perspective.  I haven't seen him getting much use lately and hope he can find a new home in comics again.

Batman and The Falcon in "Trafficking in Deception!"

The Falcon's guest appearance in Ant-Man was my favorite scene of the movie.  I liked the new costume, which we only saw for a second in Avengers: Age of Ultron, and appreciated the addition of more red to it.  Even though the movie's star got the upper hand in the battle, The Falcon still came off very well.  I look forward hm having an even larger role in Captain America: Civil War, and hopefully his pet falcon Redwing will get introduced somewhere down the line.

Batman and The Falcon met once before, way back in B&B The Lost Issues...

The Human Torch and Green Arrow

I am looking forward to the new season of Arrow.  Even if last season's episodes were uneven, the show seems poised to bring the Oliver Queen closer to his comic book counterpart.  With promises of Starling City becoming Star City, The Arrow becoming The Green Arrow, and a new costume, it looks as though the patience of viewers will really be paying off in upcoming episodes.

The Truants

I knew this would happen eventually.  Originally, the name of this team I came up with was "The Delinquents".  Little did I realize, a team by that name was already created (a spin-off of Quantum and Woody).  So, I had to go with my back-up idea for a name - not as cool sounding, but it still works, I guess!

Space Ghost and The Silver Surfer

I don't know if it is because of the cool costume, simple set up or just nostalgia, but I have enjoyed Space Ghost in all of his incarnations.  I loved the cartoon as  a kid, thought that the talk show was pretty darn funny, and even enjoyed the DC mini-series that attempted a more serious look at the hero.  It's a testament to the strength of the character that he can be enjoyable in so many variations

Deadman Rescues The Marvel Universe

I remember the first time is stumbled on The Official Handbook of the Marvel Universe.  In those pre-internet days I had no idea such a project was in the works, so I was delighted when I saw Issue #1 on sale at my local corner store.  This was the kind of reference that I had always wanted to see.  I devoured the issues and all the minutiae of the heroes and villains I loved.   I especially liked Eliot R. Brown's contributions, where he would provide highly detailed diagrams of vehicles, buildings and weapons.

This isn't the first time the fate of the Marvel Universe was in Deadman's hand...

Popeye And Groo the Wanderer

I have been a fan of Sergio Aragones for as long as I can remember.  His contributions to Mad Magazine were always my favorite part of the issues and I loved squinting to see all the cool tiny "Marginal" cartoons that he would draw in the borders.  Now, a question:  Have those Marginals ever been collected together in one edition?  I am sure it would be a painstaking chore, but if there were such a complilation for sale I would purchase it in a heartbeat!

Harley Quinn and Doc Samson

We've seen Margot Robbie as Harley Quinn looking like her more recent comic incarnation for the upcoming Suicide Squad film, but will she ever don the classic look from the characters original appearances in comics and animation?  While it may not fit in with the gritty look they seem to be going for with the movie,  I'd love to see an attempt made.  There's no reason they can't pull it off successfully when so many cosplayers already have.

The Ray and Cyclops

Joe Queseda may be synonymous with Marvel Comics these days but I first took note of him in a mini series updating classic hero The Ray for modern readers.  I liked his artistic style and made a point to check out his future work.  I like the new version of the Ray too, and it's too bed he never became I bigger star.  I even enjoyed his later membership in an updated Freedom Fighters and I hope we haven't seen the last of him.

Captain Marvel and The Invaders

With the dismal box-office performance of Fantastic Four, fans are once again hoping the rights will return to Marvel Studios.  I am hopeful as well, but for another reason - Namor and the original Torch would be available to join Captain  America in an Invaders film.  Marvel has proven adept at presenting period piece comic movies and that would have the potential to be a great one!

Catwoman Vs. Wolverine

If I had to pick a favorite Wolverine story, I would still go back to his original self-titled mini-series by Chris Claremont and Frank Miller.  I had been a fan of the character through his X-Men appearances, bur this solo outing really allowed the character to flourish.  Miller's artwork was a revelation for me - I remember being amazed at the first image of Mariko.  I also have to admit that I really enjoyed Wolverine: Enemy of the State  by Mark Millar and John Romita Jr., even if it did go over the top a bit.

Colossal Boy and Giant-Man

After the success of Ant-Man in theaters, the next question is, when will we see Giant-Man on the big screen.  The seeds were definitely planted, and I even half expected Scott Lang to grow by the end of the film, or maybe in a post-credits scene.  We know he will be in Captain America: Civil War, but with Marvel prefer to save such a big character moment for an Ant-Man sequel?  My guess is yes.

Sleepwalker and Sandman

Of all the DC movie projects in the works, the one I am most curious about is Sandman.  The series was such a rich tapestry of storytelling with many various styles of prose and imagery.  It's going to be tough to distill it all into one film. Will the movie stick to a few certain issues, or try to encompass the series as a whole?  And what of the look of the film?  There are so many different directions they can go in.  It's a tough property to adapt and I hope the producers can do it justice.

Supergirl Vs. The Wasp

I have felt that The Wasp has been a glaring omission in the line up of the cinematic Avengers and I am glad that she is finally being introduced into the movies, sort of.  Rather than Janet Van Dyne, we have her daughter - Hope Van Dyne- who is promised to be suited up in action next to Scott Lang's Ant-Man in future movie installments.  All is not lost for Janet however, we can still hope to see her in flashbacks to her 80's adventure with Hank Pym... and with the characters in the film realizing a return trip can be made from the sub-atomic realm, there's a chance she can be brought back to the present.

Green Lantern and Iron Man in: "Weapons Testing!"

Well, we were teased with the rumor that Chris Pine would be playing Hal Jordan in the upcoming Justice League and Green Lantern Corps films, but it turns out he will be Steve Trevor in Wonder Woman, as originally rumored.  The latest name I have heard for the role of Hal Jordan is Jake Gyllenhaal, which I think could work. We'll see if this rumor has any more validity.

Iron Man and Green Lantern have a bit of history on the blog:

They first clashed way back in Issue #33...

It was Iron Man's turn to take the upper hand  in their next meeting...

Finally they fought side by side in their third outing...

And Stark joined the Corps in their last adventure.

Wonder Woman and Captain America in "Separated by the Psycho-Pirate!"

Continuing the latest WW/Cap tale, now the events of the last issue start to make a little more sense.

I have been a big fan of the Psycho Pirate ever since I was introduced to the character as a member of the Secret Society of Super-Villains in my favorite JLA/JSA crossover.  I even wound up making him the central villain of a JLA comic that I wrote and drew for some family members in the early 90's.  I loved that he was one of the few characters to remember the pre-Crisis multiverse and had fun playing off of that fact.

Captain America and Wonder Woman in: "Capitol Offense!"

Presenting the latest entry into the ongoing Wonder Woman/Captain America saga.

I am surprised that DC comics has taken the Superman/Wonder Woman romance so far.  It has gone on for a while and they even share a title together.  I always thought that the idea of them romantically involved was "too obvious" as WW herself put it in the classic "For the Man Who Has Everything" by Alan Moore.

Don't worry, I won't leave this one on a cliffhanger for too long - tune in tomorrow for Part Two of this story!

Amethyst and Martinex

Martinex is another character that I would love to see show up an a Guardians of the Galaxy sequel. I just always thought that he looked really cool, and I imagine he would look even cooler in live action.  When folks asked for more Amethyst team ups, he was the first character I thought of.

Frozone and Iceman

The Incredibles is the latest Pixar film slated to have a sequel.  The first film is such a gem, I hope that great care is taken with the second installment, so as to enhance the franchise, rather than tarnish it.  I have faith in the studio, though - their sequels for Toy Story and Monsters Inc. were a lot of fun for me.  The only one that I did not care for was Cars 2. I hope that the new film will have allowed the family to grow, so that we can see where they are a few years after the events of the first movie.  A larger role for Frozone would be welcome as well, he was cool to watch but didn't have much screen time the first time around.