Daredevil Vs. Brainiac

Posting a little early because I won't have internet access tomorrow... moving day!

Like many fans, I have thought that Brainiac needs to face off against Superman in the movies.  Finally, on SYFY's Krypton, we are getting a live action version.  He has only been in a few fleeting scenes, but I think that he looks pretty cool, even on a TV budget.  I just hope this doesn't mean that he is ruled out for a future big screen appearance, though.

Jonny Quest Vs. Fin Fang Foom

This is another property that I am surprised has not been made into a movie franchise.  It's got action, likeable characters, and huge nostalgia value.  Perhaps if Shazam! is a big hit, studios might take a look at its potential for a live action treatment.

Warlord and Man-Thing

I hope Marvel finds a way to bring Man-Thing back to the screen, if nothing more than to replace the memory of his cheesy TV movie.  He's got a great, creepy design and would be cool to see him as a supporting character in a future Netflix series or Doctor Strange movie.

The Rocketeer and The Invaders

Captain America's war years were covered quickly in a few scenes and montages in his first movie.  Now that Marvel is on the verge of acquiring most of its characters, a flashback Invaders movie could actually happen - and be very cool.  Of course, the one sticking point would be Namor, who's rights are still tangled up with Universal Pictures, but perhaps a deal like was done with Spider-Man could make it work.

Bugs Bunny and Hoppy the Marvel Bunny

Very few cartoons hold up as well as Bugs, Daffy and company in the original Looney Tunes shorts.  They were already considered classics when I was a kid, and nearly five decades later they put most modern cartoons to shame and are still fun tp re-watch.  The music, the physicality and design of the characters, the comedic irreverence  and the high quality of the animation truly made them timeless.

The Prowler Joins The Secret Society of Super-Villains

The Prowler was teased with the appearance of Donald Glover as his alter ego Aaron Davis in Spider-Man: Homecoming.  He was seen to be trying to purchase high tech equipment, so the seeds have been set for a full costumed appearance in the future.  A deleted scene had him mentioning his nephew Miles, so perhaps he will be back in an Ultimate Spider-Man movie down the line instead.

Batman and Longshot

This is another team up that I always meant to get to in my Brave and the Bold: The Lost Issues days. Longshot's debut stood out to me because it was also my true introduction to the artwork of Art Adams. I had seen him do a cover for Marvel Team-up, and his interiors here was even more impressive.  I was an instant fan of his work, which was highly detailed while still retaining a cartoonish flair, and made a point to seek out anything he was attached to after that.

The Demon Vs. Deadpool

I had always liked The Demon, but his appearances in the Alan Moore-written issues of Swamp Thing really made me a big fan.  Moore really had fun with Etrigan speaking in rhyme, and I loved reading his dialogue.  Artists Steve Bissette and John Totleben depicted him perfectly as well, they kept his design but made him appear truly demonic with sharp teeth and claws - he never looked better to me.

Spider-Man and The Unknown Soldier

I hope that Stephen Spielberg really has fun with the Blackhawk movie, and embraces its comic book roots rather than make it a straight war film.  Wonder Woman and Captain America have proven that both genres can be successfully mixed.  is it too much to hope for cameos by other DC war heroes like The Unknown Soldier?

All-Star Squadron and Guardians of the Galaxy (And More!)

This anniversary issue's tales all have their roots in earlier STF stories - Per Degaton started time-travelling in STF #2111...  The Surfer and Starfire tied the knot in STF #397, but were already facing difficulties in STF #398...  Thanos crossed the GLC in STF #1546 and Hal Jordan in STF #516...  and Adam Strange first met Captain Universe in STF #865, and first assisted The Federation in STF #2056.  

Man-Bat Vs. Baron Blood

Continued from yesterday.s cover, we finally get Man-Bat facing off against Baron Blood, a request I have received from time to time.  Don't worry, The Falcon saved his family.

I have liked Baron Blood ever since I first encountered him in an issue of Captain America during the Roger Stern/John Byrne run.  That was one of Cap's greatest story lines, and it has stayed with me decades after first reading it.

Make sure you come back tomorrow for STF #2200!

Man-Bat and The Falcon

With Chris Evans strongly hinting that he will be done with the role of Captain America soon, many are speculating that the MCU will follow the comics and his mantle will be passed to either Sebastian Stan's Bucky or Anthony Mackie's Falcon.  While either would be interesting to see, I think, Bucky is probably the better choice.  I never thought that having the wings and the shield together ever really worked when Sam Wilson took on the role, and I wouldn't want to see him give up flying.

This is only Part One of a Two-Part Epic - so make sure you come back tomorrow for the thrilling conclusion!

Ragman and Moon Knight

Moon Knight is one of those Marvel Character that I have been waiting for decades to make the leap to live action.  The superhero with multiple personalities gimmick could make for a very cool story, but I think the costume may be tough to pull off.  All-white with shadows hitting just the right places looks cool n the page but I can imagine it's a tough look to accomplish on screen.  Maybe an animated series would be better?

James Bond and The Black Widow

I caught the second half of Goldfinger the other day, and thoroughly enjoyed it.  The special effects may not be up to today's standards, but Connery's charisma is more than enough to overcome that shortcoming.  I've enjoyed movies with the Bonds that followed him, but in my mind, he is still the one true 007.

Wonder Woman and Black Panther

This is another pairing that I am surprised it has taken me so long to get to.  They both are royalty and ambassadors from heretofore hidden civilizations of technically advanced warriors as well as superheroes - not to mention the fact that they both recently had incredibly successful debut movies!  I think there are lots of stories that could be told linking the Amazons and Wakandans.

Mighty Mouse Vs. Underdog

We had lots of pets growing up.  The best thing about having mice was that they fit perfectly into all of our Weeble Wobble toys.  It was almost like they had little vehicles designed just for them.  I can see why creators like to anthropomorphize them so much, remembering those days.

This cover came about from a suggestion by comics historian and Patron of this blog, Marc Tyler Nobleman.  Thank you, Marc!

Ambush Bug Vs. Galactus

I remember the issue of DC Comics Presents where Ambush Bug made an early appearance, which featured Superman and The Legion of Substitute Heroes.  The story stood out for me because of it's humor.  while comics always had funny moments in them, this one was a straight up comedy, with amusing bits throughout the whole issue.  This style would become fairly common in later years with comics like Justice League International and Sensational She-Hulk, but it was quite a fresh change of pace back then.  As a bonus, that issue of DCCP also features a letter from yours truly - 14 year old me pointed out a costume continuity error from an earlier issue that featured Air Wave.

Captain Marvel and Dreadstar

Space epics seem like the next big wave in comic book movies.  The success of Guardians of the Galaxy and the now space-bound Thor (not to mention Star Wars) have given studios to green light more interstellar adaptations.  Captain Marvel is up next, then more Guardians of the Galaxy and now there's news of Green Lantern Corps,  The New Gods and The Eternals in the planning stages.  How long before Dreadstar gets his chance?

Superboy Vs. The Kingpin

Marvel has resisted having any characters cross over from the Netflix show to the movies so far, but I hope that won't always be the case.  I think a good place to start with would be Vincent D'onofrio's Kingpin.  he's been one of the best parts of Daredevil, and in the comics I always saw him as as being a pretty big villain for Spider-Man as well as DD.  I'd love to see him inthe mix in a future Spidey film.

Starman and Iron Man

Of DC's Golden Age characters, Starman was one of the most beautifully illustrated.  Artist Jack Burnley had a dynamic, yet realistic style that reminded me of another early comic master, Alex Raymond.  He was also great at covers, I can imagine issues of Adventure Comics with his artwork on the front really stood out in the stands.

The Hulk Vs. Groo the Wanderer

With each movie appearance, the effects to create The Hulk keep improving.  I just watched Thor: Ragnarok again, and was really impressed with the motion capture work, he looked great.  That said, while I like that Mark Ruffalo's facial expressions can be used to create a more emotive Hulk, I happen to like the design from the Edward Norton-starring Incredible Hulk a little better.  Yes, the CGI isn't nearly as polished as the new movies, but the appearance of The Hulk looked just like a Sal Buscema comic illustration to me.  Buscema art was featured on many of my favorite Hulk stories growing up, so that really worked for me and I wish they had stayed closer to that look.

Captain Britain and Sgt. Rock

Has Captain Britain ever made the leap to other media?  I am trying to recall whether he has had any animated appearances or showed up in any video games.  The 90's Spider-Man and X-Men cartoons would sometimes feature fleeting cameos of other Marvel characters, but I don't remember if he made the cut.

Booster Gold and The Fantastic Four

I'm sure it's still a long way off, but casting suggestions for a new Fantastic Four film are starting to come in already.  One that has me interested is the husband and wife team of John Krasinski and Emily Blunt for Reed and Sue, which could work, I think.  Zac Ephron for Johnny maybe?  Ben should be CGI, but you'll need someone with a great Brooklyn accent - maybe Bobby Cannavale?

Where no blog has gone before...

William Shatner was retweeting some covers last night - he even sent one to Lynda Carter!

Aquaman and Storm

Aquaman in Justice League with his surfer dude attitude and shaggy look didn't remind me very much of the comic character, but I am still holding out hope for his solo film.  I am hoping the producers saw what has worked and what hasn't in the previous DCEU films, to make stronger and more faithful movies going forward.  My one main reason for optimism is director James Wan.  I really like his visual style and his action scenes always impress me.  Even if it might not be my Aquaman, it still has a chance to be a great action flick.

Wolverine Vs. Deathstroke

These two tangled before, back in X-Men and The New Teen Titans - but their encounters were fleeting, just a panel or two.  It would be very cool to see them truly go head to head for a full issue.  My money's always on Logan, but it would be a fun fight to watch.  Thank you to Joe Carey, a Patron of this blog, for suggesting this match up.

Plastic Man and Medusa / Darkseid Vs. Darth Vader

Some commented on my recent Moon Knight/Elongated Man cover that they enjoyed the offbeat team ups just as much as the pairings that more naturally go together.  Well, here's both on one cover for you!  Plastic Man and Medusa both spent time as criminals, so they aren't completely different from one another, I guess. Darkseid battling Darth Vader is a common request, and I can understand why - it would be an epic battle!

Green Lantern and Beta Ray Bill

I had figured that the third Thor film would be the last one for a while, but with the positive reaction from critics and audiences, as well as the new status quo, I'm thinking another installment is looking more likely.  Beta Ray Bill was teased in Thor: Ragnarok as one of the champion statues on the Grandmasters arena, and now I am ready for a full fledged co-starring role for him.  The work with Hulk and Korg shows that the motion capture technology is definitely there to bring him to life, all it would take is finding an actor with the right voice to portray him.

Badger and Rose & The Thorn

People like to talk about Batman being a hero with a damaged psyche, but Bruce Wayne has nothing on these two.  Their multiple personality disorders set their adventures apart from most other characters.  It's interesting to read about their inner struggles and watching their heroic sides come out when they are most needed.

Deadman and Captain Marvel

There was lots of talk of Nanda Parbat on Arrow a few seasons back, so I was hoping they were planting the seeds for a Deadman appearance. Alas, it did not happen, nor did the proposed Deadman solo TV series that was proposed.  Boston Brand is usually mentioned as being a member of the on-again, off-again Justice League Dark movie... which seems to be off again these days, I haven't heard much news about that lately.  Hopefully comics greatest undead hero will finally end the curse and break through to live action soon.

The Falcon and Robin

Yes, even Alfred Pennyworth had super-abilities at one point, becoming the villainous Outsider.  Even as a young kid reading the story for the first time, I thought it was an odd development.  If memory serves, it was all part of a plan by DC to get Alfred off the table and replace him with Aunt Harriet at Wayne Manor.  Fortunately that new status quo was soon abandoned and Alfred was returned to his proper post (and life as well - I think they also killed him off).  I guess it's like being a supporting character on the CW's The Flash - hang around long enough and you'll get powers, too.

Astro Boy and Big Guy & Rusty the Boy Robot

Geoff Darrow always amazes me with his ultra-detailed artwork.  There is so much to see in his illustrations, which makes the comics he's done art for a joy to revisit.  I'd be interested to see what kind of paper he does his original artwork on - I imagine it's got to be huge, much larger than the standard size for producing comics, just to fit all of the detail in.