It's been interesting to see the cinematic depictions of some of Marvel's truly larger than life villains. Hela was realized perfectly (visually at least, there were some changes to her back story), as was The Red Skull ans Surtur. Dormammu wasa character that I thought would be very difficult to pull off, but I was impressed with how he was handled in Doctor Strange. It gives me faith that we will finally see a proper Galactus on the big screen one day.
I might be the only comics fan in the world who didn't really mind the "cosmic cloud" version of Galactus that appeared in Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer. The reason for this is because (now keep an open mind) to me Galactus served one very specific purpose in the film. His only real purpose was to provide a reason to bring the Silver Surfer to Earth. Once he did that, he was no longer necessary to the plot. While it is true that the "cosmic cloud" did not do justice to Galactus in a movie that was supposed to be ABOUT Galactus, FF: RotSS was not that. It was a film about the Silver Surfer. One could argue that it SHOULD have been about Galactus. I might even agree with that, but if it was, the Silver Surfer would most likely have been regulated to being an interesting side character. Instead, the film makers wanted to bring the Silver Surfer front and center. Once they did that, the question becomes: How do you make the Silver Surfer stand out beside a character as awe-inspiring as Galactus? The solution: Make Galactus something boring like, say, a cosmic cloud. Perhaps this is not the most poetic solution in the history of film, but it's one that I can live with... even though I might be the only one!
ReplyDeleteI've always been a BIG FAN of the Phantom Stranger, and I hope that they never give him a definitive origin.
ReplyDeleteThis is a great cover, Ross!
Damn fine cover Ross, as usual, and I'm really, really liking this combo. I'm legit curious as to who would win, as I know a lot of factors go into that, like if it's occurring in Dormammu's home dimension, or on Earth. Does God step in if PS is losing?
ReplyDeleteMy one nitpick about DR.STRANGE was that Dormammu looked _too much_ like the Red Skull! I prefer the classic Ditko depiction, wherein his head basically makes him resemble the love-child of the Human Torch and Little Orphan Annie. Sort of the way you photo-captured him above, in fact.
ReplyDeleteThat being said? I think even the Phantom Stranger might be biting off more than he can chew, here. I remember reading a barber shop back issue of a Silver Age Brave&Bold, wherein Batman met PS for the first time. And the latter barely held his own in a one-on-one wizarding duel with the ghost of a pseudo-Mormon named Heller!
P.S. @ TJW: you're _not_ the only one! I preferred the interstellar smog bank, too.
ReplyDeleteThis is another one that I had never thought of before. Your cover today gave me yet another "aha" moment. This would be an amazing story if DC and Marvel would look at this and write it. Thanks, Ross.
ReplyDeleteWhen I was a kid I used to fantasize about a regular DC/Marvel crossover comic that would be published monthly and would feature the big guns as well as lesser known characters. The title? (What else?) DC Comics Presents Marvel Team-Up!
ReplyDeleteI've heard worse titles. ;-)
ReplyDeleteLooks like a gold medallion match!
ReplyDeleteDitto what Sonofjack said! That multiple-origin comic from years back was just enough to keep everyone interested without giving the show away.
ReplyDeleteEven though he usually played the "herald of doom" at times, he was the agent of divine intervention that challenged the other DC heroes' morals and beliefs. That's what makes the Phantom Stranger such a great character.
Plus, he has this classic "hip" look. The hat, the cape and the turtleneck is still a cool ensemble, letting him go anywhere, even if some fancy, stuffy restaurant. I could even see him hanging with the Rat Pack without any trouble, as though he was some kind of swinger.
Never knew if his medallion functioned as some sort of power talisman or not. Hope he never gets tempted by the Infinity Gauntlet!
"May I take your hat sir? Oh, ah, I see. That's all right sir, this way please sir."
ReplyDeleteThe appearances in Brave and the Bold hardly represent the true Phantom Stranger! I liked his appearance in Justice League of America where he was asked "What are you doing here Stranger?" and he answers back with straight line "I am a member, am I not?"
ReplyDelete@Glenn: with four different origins to choose from, nobody can say-- with any degree of legit authority-- what represents the "true" Phantom Stranger.
ReplyDeleteMuch as I hate to admit it, Anon is right. :-(
ReplyDelete