Hawkman and The Phantom in: "Craven Crimes of the Crocodile Men!"

I am really curious as to how Hawkman will look when he makes his big screen debut in Black Adam.  The helmet, bare chest & arms and wings are a tough look to pull off, as we have seen in some underwhelming TV attempts.  They will need to find an actor with a big enough physique to no only pull off Hawkman's look, but also be able to not look scrawny next to Dwayne Johnson!  The wings have to be huge as well - The Maleficent movies succeeded there.  If done right, Hawkman could be one of the most visually interesting heroes on the big screen yet.

Hawkman and The Phantom first met way back in STF #122...

Elongated Man and Moon Knight (Vs. Eclipso)

I've had a few requests for Moon Knight to face off against Eclipso, including Blog Patron Bob Greenwade, and I figured that I'd throw that conflict into the middle of STF's greatest fighting team.  I imagine that the events of this issue will have repercussions down the line.

This is the Fifth appearance of the MK/EM team - They faced an angry underworld in STF #2831,  Psycho Pirate turned them against each other in STF #2732, Ralph came to the rescue in STF #2518, and they first started working together in STF #2169...

Dr. Doom Vs. Harley Quinn

It looks like Harley Quinn and the Birds of Prey is the latest film to get an early streaming release in these movie theater-free days.  I guess I will have to check it out despite the less than stellar reviews I read for it, and hope it surpasses lowered expectations.  I had heard much more enthusiastic reviews for the Harley Quinn animated show, but I watched the first episode of that and the cursing and over the top violence was a turn off.  Harley Quinn isn't Deadpool, and the same kind of humor isn't always interchangeable with them, in my opinion.

Spider-Man and Captain Atom

It's nice to get the chance to do an all-Steve Ditko cover.  Looking at the Spidey pose that he did here showcases two of Ditko's talents - He was a master of depicting the Web-Slinger's physicality and the costume design he gave the hero looks great from any angle.

The Atom and Cloak and Dagger

The CW made a big deal out of introducing Ryan Choi in the Crisis on Infinite Earths event.  I thought that was so that they could have Ray Palmer pass on the mantle of The Atom to him, just as happened in the comics.  However, Brandon Routh's final appearance on DC's Legends of Tomorrow has come and gone, with no sign of Choi.  It seems like a lot of set up for a character that they haven't used again.  Oh well, it's not like I'd expect him to get in costume or use shrinking powers much on that show anyway - Palmer barely did, after all!

The Punisher Vs. Deadman

I can understand why artists have moved away from The Punisher's original outfit - the white gloves and boots don't really make sense for a stealthy assassin type and the whole ensemble seems a bit flashy for Frank Castle's personality.  That said, I really like it!  Even if it may not make much narrative sense, it just really looks cool to me and pops off the page.  I'm willing to suspend my disbelief because I like seeing him in his classic costume.

Alpha Flight and Booster Gold

Ah,the death of Guardian from Alpha Flight #12 - it was truly a shocking moment.  In those pre-internet days it was a secret kept from me until I actually read the issue.  I remember seeing the ads for the issue with gun sights over images of the entire team, warning readers that one will die... bu I never expected it to be the team leader, James MacDonald Hudson!It's great that we have such bigger and faster means of communications these days, but that's made it harder and harder to maintain surprises in comics, TV and movies.

Stargirl and Jolt Vs. Electro

I'm looking forward to the new Stargirl series.  From the quick glimpses that we have seen so far, the character designs are faithful to the comics, which is a good sign.  I hope for plenty of JSA action, but they may only be used in limited flashback scenes, so I'm not getting my hopes up too much for that just yet.  I'd love to see Jack Knight introduced at some point.  Hopefully, the episodes will balance personal drama and super-heroics well.  Stargirl herself and S.T.R.I.P.E. look great I can't wait to see them in action.

Stargirl and Jolt first met in STF #2283...

Batman and Super Goof

I've been enjoying watching some classic cartoons on Disney+.  Some I have never seen before, and some bring me right back to my childhood.  Among those are the Goofy shorts, where he explains aspects of every day life.  I remember seeing them as a kid watching The Wonderful World of Disney, and they have been a joy to revisit.

The Legion of Super-Heroes Vs. The Avengers

I thought I would present one giant story for this Anniversary Issue.  I previously featured these two teams meeting in STF #1300, but I wanted to revisit the concept in a bigger way.  So, you see the match-ups presented here - who do you think comes out on top when these super-groups clash?

Godzilla Joins The Green Lantern Corps

Presenting the conclusion to our Three-Part Epic! Looks like helping out the GLC is going to be more than a one-time gig for the big guy!

I was thinking the Green Lantern ring tease for John Diggle on the last episode of Arrow might indicate David Ramsay's involvement in the Green Lantern Corps HBO Max series.  Then, they made a point of him saying that he was relocating to Metropolis - so now it seems he'll be a part of the upcoming Superman and Lois CW show.  Hopefully he'll be on one of the two, I like the actor in the role.

Coming tomorrow: STF #2900!

Guardians of the Universe and Godzilla

As we enter the middle part of our three-part epic, we see just why Godzilla was summoned across space - and the Guardians still have plans for him, so make sure you come back tomorrow for the exciting conclusion!

I look forward to seeing how the Guardians are portrayed in the upcoming HBO Max Green Lantern Corps series.  They definitely need a re-design from the look they sported in the GL movie... and we don't need them sitting on those ridiculously tall chairs again, either!

Mogo and Godzilla

I'm hoping the upcoming Green Lantern Corps series on HBO Max will really explore some of the more unique members of the GLC.  My favorite, Chaselon, tops the list, but I'd also like to see Mogo, Xax, Medphyll and even F-Sharp Bell make appearances.  They are interesting characters in their own right and there's plenty of possibility for fun interaction with the human GL's as well.

This is only Part One of a Three-Part Epic - so make sure you come back tomorrow for the next exciting chapter!

7 Soldiers of Victory and Doctor Strange

It will be interesting to see in the Seven Soldiers of Victory will get a mention in the upcoming Stargirl series.  After all, that was Stripesy's team - he was never really a member of the Justice Society along with The Star Spangled Kid, if memory serves.  It may be a bit of a deep dive, but I've seen more obscure references on the CW.

Conan and Asterix

I'm not sure why I never noticed it at the time, but apparently there was a Conan animated series in the early 90's (Conan the Adventurer).  I always thought that the character would be great for animation (there have been enough cartoons inspired by him anyway).  Have any of you seen the show?  Does it do the barbarian justice, is it worth seeking out?

Deadshot Vs. Hawkeye

Deadshot was one of the few successful parts of David Ayer's Suicide Squad, so I thought it was too bad that the character would not be returning for James Gunn's follow up.  Maybe is the new film is a big enough hit to warrant a third film featuring Task Force X, we'll see Will Smith suit up again one of these days.

Batman and The Outsiders Vs. The Masters of Evil

I've heard talk of bringing The Thunderbolts to the MCU, which I am all in favor of.  To properly feature that team though, they really should introduce The Masters of Evil first.  With no new Avengers movie yet on the horizon, I'm not sure where they would show up.  I hope a place is found, because I loved that gathering of foes, especially in the classic Under Siege arc.

Daredevil and Hourman

It will be interesting to see Lou Ferrigno Jr. carrying on the family superhero mantle when he takes on the role of Hourman in the upcoming Stargirl series.  Hopefully he will have a sizable role, I'd like to see the hero better realized than he was in DC's Legends of Tomorrow. Some distant set photos indicate that his costume will be close to the comics, so that's a good sign.

Sub-Mariner and The Demon in: "Serpentine Sacrifice!"

Like the Infinity Gauntlet, the Serpent Crown is one of those Marvel Universe artifacts that has been at the center of a bunch of fun stories, involving many titles and characters.  Once Namor joins the MCU, I can definitely see a plot utilizing the crown in a future Marvel movie.

These two previously crossed paths in STF #445...

Ice Masters

Ever since I created a fire-based team (The Hotheads, back in 2013), I've wanted to create an ice-based equivalent. It took me a while, but I finally got around to it.  I think one of the appeals of characters with ice related powers is that, for kids, it's fun to play act as them during the winter months.  I know I used to!

Batman and The Vulture (The Movie!)

It's fun to revisit the first two Batman movies from time to time.  The plots don't really hold together, especially in Batman Returns, which is all over the place.  Still, the performances, particularly by Michael Keaton, Michael Gough, Jack Nicholson and Michele Pfeiffer, are a treat to watch and the musical scores and artistic design elements of the films hold up very well even three decades later.

Thank you to Bob Greenwade, a Patron of this Blog, for suggesting this double dose of Keaton. 

The Greatest American Hero Vs. Captain Avenger

I remember the John Ritter-starring movie, Hero at Large, fondly.  It was sort of like Galaxy Quest but for the superhero genre. Ritter starred as an actor that played the hero Captain Avenger for a movie promotion, and winds up taking the role more literally than he had anticipated.  It, like The Greatest American Hero, was an interesting deconstruction of the costumed hero trope well before comics like Watchmen came along.

Dick Tracy Vs. The Kingpin

Much has been said about the hope that Marvel will keep the Charlie Cox / Netflix version of Daredevil around for inclusion in the MCU.  I'm not sure what Marvel plans for the hero, but if they do go that route, I hope that Vincent D'Onofrio's Kingpin can also make the transition.  His performance as Wilson Fisk was probably my favorite element of all the Netflix / Marvel shows, and I'd love to see him continue on in the role.

The Imperial Guard Vs. Darkseid

Marvel likes to beat DC to the punch at the movies when they can, so I am surprised that I have never heard anything about them bringing The Imperial Guard to the MCU.  Maybe if DC were to announce a Legion of Super-Heroes film or streaming series, Marvel will respond by putting The Guard on the fast track.  I'd love to see them in live action.

Power Girl Vs. Iron Fist

Thank you to Barak Blackburn, a Patron of this blog, for suggesting a meeting between Luke Cage's partners.  I had to get Luke himself in there, because everyone can identify with the above scenario.  You have your friends, partners at work, and love interests - and it can be awkward when you all get together and they don't get along.  Add super powers into the mix and it would only get more complicated!

This marks the 9th appearance of The Power Couple.

Mickey Mouse and Doctor Strange

This is another one of those team up ideas I saw discussed in the comments that really stayed with me.  I'm surprised that I had not considered it before - their titles work together so well.  Not to mention the fact that now they are both under the Disney umbrella, this odd pairing could actually become a reality some day.

Galactus Vs. Deadman

Just how do you cast Galactus for the MCU?  I imagine he will be largely realized through CGI, so it's likely that the actor's voice will be the most important element to consider.  Will they go for someone with a distinctive voice, like Liam Neeson?  Or will they prefer someone lesser known, with a voice that can define the World Devourer the way James Earl Jones did for Darth Vader?

Nova and Wonder Woman

Nova is a character that we had heard a lot about joining the MCU, but that talk seems to have died down in the past year or so.  Hopefully his introduction is still in the planning stages.  Richard Ryder is kind of like a cross between Peter Parker and Peter Quill, so I am sure a memorable movie version is possible given the right casting.

Guardians of the Galaxy and Green Lantern in: "Cosmic Consequences!"

Even with the announcement of  a Green Lantern Corps series, I am not sold yet on getting a subscription to HBO Max.  I'm hoping that the common speculation turns out to be true - that the DC Universe streaming service will shut down, will all of its content moving over to the HBO Streaming channel, along with the rest of Warner Brothers' properties.  It makes sense to have everything under one digital roof, and would make purchasing yet another monthly service more reasonable.

The Guardians of the Galaxy met Hal Jordan's Guardians of the Universe in STF #1189,  Hal met some later Guardians in STF #2604, and the future Guardians of the Galaxy met the GLC in a three parter that concluded in STF #2735...

The Beatles and The Hulk

Even though they had already broken up when I was only a three months old, The Beatles were always my favorite band when I was growing up. I attribute that to having older brothers and listening to whatever they listened to.  I used to say that The Beatles were my favorite three bands, because they changed up the style of their music during the beginning, middle and end of their time together as a band.  That versatility is part of what keeps their songs so popular over half a century later.

The Flash Vs. Kang

If there's one DC character that Kang would want to go after, it has to be The Flash.  He's been well known for using his cosmic treadmill to travel backward and forward through history, altering events along the way with mixed results.  That's Kang's whole method of operation, and I can imagine he would want to get rid of the competition!