Animal Man and Machine Man

 

Just from their names, these two clearly don't have a lot in common.  That's of course until they come face to face with a monstrosity that perverts both of their abilities.  It would be a fun battle to see go down.  

Space Cabbie and Man-Wolf

 

These two characters may have never hit the big time, but I always got a kick out of each of them.  It might be fun to watch them share an adventure together. Sure, maybe this issue would have collected dust on the spinner rack, but I'd probably have to pick it up, if just out of curiosity.

Green Lantern and Big Guy & Rusty the Boy Robot

 

Hopefully the failure of The Flash won't slow down DCU properties in development like the MAX Lanterns series, but I suspect it will.  DC's already had one unsuccessful attempt to get the world of Green Lantern into live action so they really have to get it right when they try again.  Announcements on that show have gone quite, however. I'm thinking that James Gunn probably wants to make  sure that Superman: Legacy is as good as it can be before concentration on expanding the universe outward from there, which is as it should be.

Ka-Zar and Batgirl

I was sorry to hear of John Romita Sr.'s passing last week.  When I was a Kid, Romita's style provided what I considered to be the definitive versions of Marvel Characters, mainly because so much of his artwork was used on promotional materials. He could draw anything from heroic figures to beautiful women to demonic villains to engaging cover scenes.  He was one of the true masters of the field and he will be missed.

 

Spider-Man and The Flash in: "Sand and Mirrors!"

 

I went to see The Flash and while it's not a bad movie, I can understand why it is not performing well.  I have never liked Ezra Miller in the role of Barry Allen and that was before the bizarre crime spree.  Having two versions here (while done quite effectively with special effects) didn't help things.  I mainly went to see Michael Keaton as Batman again and his parts were definitely the highlight of the movie fore me.  Sasha Calle was fine as an alternate Supergirl I guess, but all she was given to do was pout and punch so she didn't leave much of an impression.  The CGI definitely looked unfinished in many parts.  I didn't mind it so much in the Speed Force scenes, but the CGI babies in the opening rescue scene were so fake looking it eliminated any sense of peril.  Yes, there are some fun cameos - though they could have been removed and the movie would not have really been affected.  I did laugh out loud at the very final moment of the film, I couldn't believe they went there.  It's worth a watch on streaming - although I'll probably start it at the halfway mark for future viewings.

Spidey and The Flash previously shared an adventure in STF #695...

The Vision Vs. Mongul

 

For The Man Who Has Everything by Alan Moore is one of my favorite Superman tales.  The fact that it was illustrated by Moore's Watchmen collaborator Dave Gibbons makes it even better.  I also quite enjoyed the adaptation of the story in Justice League Unlimited as well.  It was fun to put an STF spin on the story here.

Phantom Girl and Kitty Pryde

 

I got a kick out of the characterization of Kitty Pryde during her first few years in Uncanny X-Men. I liked how she could not settle on a costume or a code name for a while, trying out different things.  I think that's how I would be as a kid that got invited to join a super group.

Nightwing and Mockingbird

 

Out of all of DC's heroes, I think Nightwing would make a great recruit for S.H.I.E.L.D.  He's got the skills that Batman taught him, and is comfortable working within a team as well.  He's even worked in law enforcement before, so this might be a natural step.

Captain America and The Flash in: "20-Foot Temper Tantrum!"

 

I've had these two share adventures in team ups featuring the Invaders or the JSA, but never the two of them together.  That surprised me and I decided it's time I remedied that.

Captain America shared adventures with the Barry Allen Flash in STF #3273 and STF #726...

The Spirit and Jessica Rabbit

 

If Denny Colt has one weakness, it's getting mixed up with beautiful but dangerous women.  Who is more alluring than Roger's better half? I can see Jessica Rabbit leading The Spirit into any number of interesting situations.  

Superman and Captain Marvel in: "Crimes of the Kree!"

 

Now that the Snyder-verse has more or less come to a close with The Flash (and its less than stellar box office receipts), James Gunn, Peter Safran and DC can start to get their new DCU underway, beginning with Superman Legacy.  Casting announcements seem imminent, and I've liked some of the names I've heard rumored for Clark, Lois and Lex.  It'll still be some time before we see any footage, but at least Superman and Lois has been renewed on TV for one more season (sadly minus the entire supporting cast) to tide us over.

Superman first met Mar-Vell in STF #736...

Cloak & Dagger Vs. Eclipso

 

I can see Eclipso taking an interest in these two young crimefighters, as they represent darkness and light that work together.  He would probably get a twisted thrill out of attempting to corrupt one or the other, to break up their effective alliance.  Let's hope their personal bonds are enough to overcome his machinations.

Cloak and Dagger first encountered Eclipso in STF #3498...

Black Panther Vs. Darkseid

 Time for another all-Kirby cover.  I think this would be an interesting match up.  Not only would is supply cool action sequences, it might be interesting to juxtapose the different leadership styles between these two rulers. The difference of loyalty gained through respect rather than fear may be what turns this tide of battle.

Batman and Captain Avenger

 

One of the parts I like about making these photo movie covers is to "cast" the villains and supporting characters.  Anyone who has seen NYPD Blue knows that Dennis Franz' Andy Sipowicz was basically Harvey Bullock, so that one was a no-brainer.  Anthony Hopkins played a twisted ventriloquist controlled by his dummy to do evil deeds in the 1978 movie Magic, so that was another natural casting.  I wonder if that movie inspired the creation of the Batman villain.

Conan and The Demon / Kraven Vs. The Huntress

 

Time for another double dose of action. I always liked a good back up story in the comics of my youth.  Sometimes they were even better than the main feature.  "Whatever Happened to...?" in DC Comics Presents was always a treat and I was a fan f the Nemesis serial in The Brave and The Bold as well.

Samurai Jack Vs. Kang

 

Marvel has just announced new release dates with all of its upcoming film projects, with most being pushed back.  Avengers: Kang Dynasty has been pushed back a full year, and maybe that's for the best. Between the writer's strike, the accusations against Jonathan Majors' and a crowded superhero movie marketplace, stepping back and making sure everything is just right seems like a sensible move to make. 

Batman & Deadman Vs. The U-Foes

 

I was playing an old PS3 Hulk video game (based on the Ed Norton movie)and was pleasantly surprised to find out that I got to battle the U-Foes in one level.  It made me more convinced than ever that these guys would be awesome to see brought to life in the movies, they looked great in action.

Dick Tracy and The Spectre

 

One of the best parts of John Ostrander's 90's Spectre series was the exploration of Jim Corrigan's early years.  I could see Dick Tracy fitting right in with those pre-Spectre tales, so a story like this might not be as far fetched as it might initially seem.  I'd read it, anyway.

The Human Bomb Vs. The Red Skull

 

This could be a two-panel comic book and I'd probably still find it satisfying to read. Roy Lincoln may not have had the flashiest superhero costume around, but he certainly knew how to get the job done!

Aquaman and The Beatles

 

When Marc Tyler Nobleman, a Patron of this Blog, suggested that I pair Aquaman with The Yellow Submarine, I just had to give it a try.  Thanks for the idea, Marc!  I remember the Beatles' movie freaking me out when I was a kid - especially that giant hand and the Apple Bonkers.  I later watched it during my college years, and gained a real appreciation for the inventive animation.  The music, of course, was and remains excellent to my ears.

Darkseid Vs. 4 Famous Co-Stars

 

It's nice to be able to do an all Walt Simonson cover.  His instantly recognizable signature style conveys epic imagery and powerful action in a way that rivals Jack Kirby, in my opinion.  I was lucky enough to meet him briefly at a convention about 15 years back, and I remember that he was very enthusiastic and kind to me his other fans.

Machine Man and Robotman in: "Restoration Project!"

The final episodes of Doom Patrol should air on MAX soon, and it will be interesting to see how everything wraps up in the series.  Cliff Steele has been put through a lot, so I hope he finds some sort of happy ending.  Let's hope it isn't too long before the team appears in the new DCU.

Machine Man met the original Robotman in STF #2001...

Supergirl & Ms. Marvel and Daredevil

 

For the 13th appearance of The Danvers Twins, and the conclusion to this two-part tale, it was time to bring in the one hero in town immune to the Medusa effect.  Did you guess correctly?  I am always glad to feature this particular Supergirl costume on a cover.  Of all of he various looks over the years, I liked this one the best.

Supergirl and Ms. Marvel in: "My Sister, Medusa!"

 

This marks the 12th appearance of The Danvers Twins on this blog.  The 13th appearance will be tomorrow, as this is only Part One of a Two-Part Epic.  Can anything - or anyone - help STF's most famous sister act out of this stony predicament? Make sure you come back tomorrow to find out!

Mr. Terrific and Sherlock Holmes

 

Robert Downey Jr. is done with his time in the MCU, and I'm going to guess there won't be a sequel to Doctor Dolittle any time soon.  I'm hoping his freed up schedule gives him time to join Jude Law for a third outing as Sherlock Holmes.  I've read that there is some interest in making another film, but I haven't seen anything definite about it yet.  Hopefully, that will change soon - The success of the Knives Out movies show that audiences are still ready to embrace a well written mystery.

The Totalitarians in: "When Cthulhu Calls!"

 

The is a group that I have had a lot of return requests for.  It took some thinking to come up with a good adversary for them.   What better than one of the greatest monsters of myth? 

The Totalitarians first banded together in STF #1380...

Raven and Black Widow

 

Scarlett Johansson is seemingly done with the role of Black Widow, but who knows what will happen down the line?  Between time travel and the multiverse, there seems to be opportunity to bring her back if desired by Marvel Studios.  While I prefer death in the movies to have some permanence, and I enjoy Yelena as her replacement, I wouldn't mind seeing her back at least one more time - if only to have an adventure and possibly romance with Daredevil.  I loved the comics of my youth when they she shared his title. 

The Metal Men and Ultraman

 

The Metal Men are at the top of my list of characters that I want to see in James Gunn's DCU.  There had been talk of an animated film in years past, and I always thought that was a good idea.   Computer generated special effects have reached a level where I think they could be done well in live action also.  Whatever path he takes, I hope Gunn has plans for them.

Guardian and The Guardians of the Universe

 

Mac Hudson sure had a cool costume.  Maybe he'll get a new lease on life if the MCU ever gets around to Alpha Flight.  

This is another cover that required a bit of clean up and rebuilding before I could add The Guardian in.  Here's a look behind the scenes:

How to Train Your Savage Dragon

 

I have been meaning to use characters from How to Train Your Dragon on a cover.  When Ian Harac, a Patron of this Blog, suggested pairing Toothless and Hiccup up with The Savage Dragon, it struck me as a fun idea.  Thanks, Ian!