This episode kicks off with a bang as Ollie and Barry have to contend with a fully deranged John Deegan, now Earth-1’s Superman, black suit and all! It’s a pretty terrifying prospect but he also nicks the opening monologue! THE FIEND!

The whole thing has shades of the Injustice video game about it, or the flashforward/dream sequence in Batman v Superman which also ripped off the Injustice aesthetic, but it’s an effective way to show how boned Ollie and Barry are, especially when they learn that everyone they could rely on isn’t going to help them. Unless they do, like Cisco because they kinda need him to jump dimensions so sure, he’ll help them.

Speaking of dimension-hopping, Ollie and Barry come face-to-face with The Monitor and his whole demeanour is great. LaMonica Garrett has been fantastic any time he showed up. Enigmatic to a fault, The Monitor still has a playful lilt to his voice that indicates that this test isn’t meant in malice and he is genuinely surprised at how our heroes adapt.

So much so that he appears to offer Ollie a deal in order to keep Barry and Kara from not dying, as foretold in the Book of Destiny. What that actually means will remain to be seen but I can see it as a way for Stephen Amell to leave Arrow should he wish to.

Can I just give some love to Tyler Hoechlin? Because he’s a great Superman. And a great Clark Kent. And a great Evil Superman. He’s just a really good actor who gets the character and that chin is chiselled as FUCK! What a handsome lad. But yeah, he’s got great bits throughout the 3 nights but his best spots are in this Supergirl episode, where he finally proposes to Lois after learning they’re going to have a child. Good for them!

The Super Friends continue to have a really fun chemistry and it’s gonna be sad when they go back to their own shows and I have to listen to the same tired shit from The Flash again but that’s 2019 Sharp-O’s problem and that bastard deserves it. He knows what he did…

Deegan is defeated, even gaining a brand new skello-face to match his comic book counterpart; Doctor Destiny. Yeah, I didn’t mention that before because he’s kind of a jobber villain, mostly known for his appearances in Neil Gaiman’s Sandman comics and the two times he was voiced by William Atherton in the New Batman Adventures and Justice League cartoons.

We also get some parting words from Batwoman about Deegan being incarcerated in Arkham and her concern about his new friend; Psycho-Pirate.

Words have power and there are few words in the DC Universe that inspire both awe and terror like those above. I’ve thrown the word ‘Crisis’ around a lot during this crossover, even capitalised it, that’s how important it is, because Psycho-Pirate’s final words are a portent of doom in the DC universe and foreshadowing for next year’s event which may mean the end for more than one of our heroes.

A Crisis is coming and universes will collide. Worlds will live, worlds will die, and nothing will ever be the same again.

And that’s Elseworlds! A thoroughly enjoyable romp over three nights and probably my favourite of the CW crossovers up to this point. It was funny, intriguing, and set the stage for the biggest name in DC events which will no doubt see Black Lightning come into the fold. And if you’re wondering where the Legends were during this whole escapade; let’s just say there was an incident involving Constantine, a cat, the Puppets of Tomorrow, and time being repeatedly shattered. So that’s why they had to cash in a rain check.

That’s all from Flash Facts until mid-January 2019 so I hope you all have a very merry holiday season and I’ll catch you guys next year!

Welcome back to the second night of Elseworlds everyone and hot damn, this is an episode chock full of easter eggs and references to the wider DCU and I can’t wait to dig in!

First up is the Super Friends throwing shade at Gotham because of course they will. Gotham’s like a shittier Star City but it does have a generally better calibre of bad guy!

Naturally, spending a significant amount of time in Gotham means a trip to Arkham Asylum and that means a whole host of characters that we’re not allowed to show on-screen due to a competing television show; like Oswald Cobblepot, Pamela Isley, Basil Karlo, and Edward Nigma! We also get visual confirmation of the Psycho-Pirate, a character previously referenced in Nora in the article about Barry’s disappearance. More on him later.

There’s also an assortment of villain-themed trinkets scattered around in John Deegan’s office and we get a surprise appearance from nora Fries, somehow not on ice, attacking Caitlin with her husband’s ice cannon.

Not to mention an awesome action scene triggered by Jonathan Crane aka Scarecrow’s fear toxin, which gives us the prerequisiste hero vs. hero fight as Barry and Ollie see each other as their hero identities’ biggest bads; namely Malcolm Merlyn and Eobard Thawne.

There’s a lot of talk about Bruce Wayne and Batman and, naturally, we don’t see even a bat ear of him but I do love this exchange from the Super Friends. Ollie’s already tried to out-alpha Superman and now he’s doing the same with Batman, much to the amusement of Barry and Kara.

This episode is also kind of a backdoor pilot for Ruby Rose’s Kate Kane aka Bat-Woman and I’m digging her performance. She’s a no nonsense, extremely capable fighter in the cape and cowl and strikes a nice balance between business and pleasure in civvies when she flirts with Kara. I hope the proposed series proves successful because I like what I’ve seen of the character so far…

And the prospect of this team-up almost gets me as excited for it as I am for this crossover!

Also, somebody pick-up that phone because I FUCKING CALLED IT! John Diggle is Green Lantern John Stewart! Granted, only on Earth-90 but that’s a hard confirm for me and I am taking the win! BOOSH!

With Deegan’s plan exposed and the mysterious book taken from him, the Super Friends plus Earth-90’s Flash face down The Monitor and are so out-classed, it’s not even funny. They’re nowhere near his level and he, surprisingly, congratulates them for getting the book, a feat not managed by another other world he’s tested.

Yup, my theory on The Monitor testing the various universes is spot-on. He’s handing the Book of Destiny to random people in a given reality to simulate the chaos brought on by a ‘crisis’. The original Crisis on Infinite Earths comic series had the Psycho-Pirate (told you we’d come back to him) become a willing henchman to the Anti-Monitor, a being of immense power that The Monitor alludes to. Given the red skies, the presence of The Monitor and the Psycho-Pirate, and the threat of an oncoming Crisis means bad news for Barry Allen, specifically. We may finally see that headline come to pass, after all.

The episode ends with reality being rewritten again; Barry and Oliver being remade as a criminal pair known as the Trigger Twins, Ollie’s greatest enemies as Central City cops and, worst of all, a black-clad Superman intent on arresting them. Tha’s no’ good.

The second part of Elseworlds is a fantastic middle chapter, giving us more humour but also expanding on the ultimate threat while teasing tougher times to come. I truly can’t wait for the third and final act of this story tomorrow on Supergirl so I hope to see you all then!

Seriously, it’s been a rough week and it’s probably going to get worse so when I say this was the most I’ve smiled in a week, I mean it. Elseworlds Part 1 is an utter delight in every way and a fantastic set-up for what’s to come.

This year’s crossover event kicks off with a bang as it repeats the Earth-90 stinger from the previous week’s shows but at the top to quickly establish The Monitor before jumping to Earth-1, where The Monitor hands the mysterious glow-y book to one John Deegan (you may recognise actor Jeremy Davies from his role as Ritchie Simpson on Constantine).

Deegan appears to be a struggling scientist with ideas that some would brand ‘mad’, which happens during a lecture. For reasons unknown, The Monitor hands the book to Deegan and tells him to remake the world. I guess this is some sort of test, given what happened to Earth-90 and how he said that “You did this to yourself” to that world’s Flash. The mystery thickens but from here on out, I’ll just be telling you about how much fun I had with this episode.

Flash Fact: The Monitor is a character closely associated to DC’s various Crisis events, which also have red skies as a motif. Both are present here and that bodes ill.

Like Ollie not adapting well to being the Flash and screaming old faithful at criminals (and earlier assuming Barry fucked up time again).

We finally have an AMAZO! And he’s just as cool as I could hope! AMAZO is one of those great villains to use for a character-driven story because his schtick is to steal powers and that is it. No monologuing, no hidden agenda, just a big out-of-control robot to punch until it falls down. I also liked how it affectionately nodded at the existing Arrow lore of Anthony Ivo, his ship The Amazo, and Mirakuru.

Meanwhile, on Earth-38, shenanigans are afoot and it’s always a pleasure to see Stephen, Grant, and Melissa onscreen together. Grant and Stephen’s banter is pitch-perfect and is often the best part of any crossover. Ollie trying to be more alpha around the perfectly nice Clark is hilarious. Additionally, Tyler Hoechlin and Elizabeth Tulloch as Clark and Lois are a great match, they have brilliant chemistry.

SOMEBODY SAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAVE ME from these Smallville references! The Remy song kicked in before the Earth-38 title card and for a split second I was audibly screaming “WHAT?!” at the idea of a Smallville universe being shown but holy crap, it’s the Smallville farm! That’s so cool! It’s been just long enough for this place to be nostalgic and I’m happy to see out new Superman hanging out.

Flash Fact: The Smallville Green Arrow costume makes a sneaky cameo in the Earth-90 segment.

This scene. I had to pause I was laughing so hard and then I played it again. Perfection.

This is also a damn good scene, despite being the obligatory ‘serious talk’ for the episode. Barry has always been Ollie’s opposite number and the idea of him becoming Ollie is indeed a scary prospect. Expect Ollie wouldn’t erase children from existence. Himself, sure. Loved ones, probably. Children? Only a monster like Barry Allen would do that.

Once AMAZO is dealt with, Cisco talks to Ollie, Barry, and Kara about The Monitor, who appeared to Cisco earlier, and is visibly shaken when The Monitor notices Cisco vibing him again and gives a dire warning. Ollie, though, picks up on a subtle clue and that leads us directly into Part 2 on Arrow tomorrow!

I loved this episode and I have high hopes for the next episode! What are your thoughts on this episode? Be sure to share them on our Facebook and Twitter and I’ll see you all tomorrow for another Elseworlds episode!

And, just like last year, I’m lucky enough to be taking a look at both sets of the brand new LEGO Superheroes Mighty Micros wave and we’re kicking off with the DC offerings!

Immediately, it’s nice to see a more varied selection of characters; having the Big Three represented is a good choice but also an eclectic selection of villains too! Speaking of eclectic…

BIZARRO LOVE SUPERMAN! It’s everyone’s favourite Kryptonian son and his evil(?) twin! This is a fantastic set in concept and it really pays off!

Superman and Bizarro are perfect mirrors of each other, Supes being all perfect and Bizarro looking grim as anything, and that even extends to them coming with their opposite number’s particular flavour of kryptonite poisoning!

Now, I was all ready to not like this set due to Superman’s kart being a plain-jane plane with fists on it but because Bizarro’s is the exact same vehicle but BACKWARDS — I’m instantly sold! It’s a clever idea that I wholly approve of.

Batman’s back (Go see The LEGO Batman Movie, I hear it’s really good!) and this time he’s battling a odd choice of villain but one he’s faced in a set I reviewed previous; Killer Moth!

Killer Moth isn’t just a downsize of his previous minifigure. I mean, he IS, but he’s also looking comically simplified like he’s straight out of the Batman ‘66 series. Which is funny because there’s a definite Adam West vibe from this Batman. Between the light grey and blue costume and his vehicle, I do get a retro vibe.

Killer Moth rides in a bug-mobile that’s more mosquito than moth but it’s goofy-looking and neon-coloured so I naturally love it but I’m also a big fan of the understated Batman ‘66 homage with the black and red helicopter. It’s a much more interesting set for Batman than last years, that’s for sure!

Rounding off DC’s trinity, we have Wonder Woman fighting Doomsday! Why not Ares or Circe? Probably the same reason for Hulk vs. Ultron last year, because it was part of a big movie!

Wonder Woman, like everyone else, is made up in a simplistic rendition of her iconic costume, decked out with a sword and shield and a cocky grin. Doomsday, meanwhile, looks utterly ridiculous with his bone neck beard and brown cudgel.

Doomsday’s vehicle is suitably chunky and covered in spikes and teeth and fire in his signature colours. Wonder Woman is riding in her invisible jet! It’s got wheels on! I like the idea but the execution is a bit lacking. I wonder how much it would add to cast all of the jet parts in clear plastic so you don’t have the design interrupted by the ugly grey bricks. Still, it’s a fantastic idea!

Unlike the previous assortment, where I only recommended the Flash/Captain Cold set, I think each of these two-packs have their own merits and I recommend every one of them if you’re a big fan of the characters involved! The LEGO DC Comics Superheroes Mighty Micros retail for £8.99 each and are available in stores and online!

That’s not necessarily what I got…

– I Am The Bat

The whole opening sequence of Batman fighting criminals in a warehouse rings very true. It’s the first time since footage first hit for this movie that I felt like I’ve seen any real Batman moments. I think Ben will do a great job of his part.

– I See You

Aaron, you’re just posting pictures of Ben Affleck’s face. Yes, but I’m doing it for a reason (other than an excuse to stare in to those beautiful eyes). This trailer is almost entirely from Bruce Wayne’s point of view. It represents the film as a Batman movie that features Superman. For some reason this is the first trailer I’ve seen for BvS:DoJ that has interested me at all and I believe it is because of that choice. Well played.

– Now Spin Around And Change Into Your Costume!

She finally speaks! But only in a cocktail dress… Warner Bros (emphasis on the Bros) has some issues, man.

– …

… alright, damn it, you have my attention.

———————————————————————————————————————

OVERALL: Isn’t it amazing the difference a good trailer can make? The right music, the right tone, the right footage can all turn around the public’s feelings towards a film. There was previously no chance of me ever watching Batman v Superman. Now? Well, they’ve at least upgraded me to intrigued.

In this episode, DJ attempts to play multiple games that we were assured he had played before but he still manages to be really bad at and all of our good ideas about entertaining game play go out of the window. We discuss the many, many superhero movies coming out in 2016, what we’re excited about and what we’re really worried about. Also covered are video games, Yasiin Bey, the Royal Rumble, and a lot of failed segues. 

 Hail to the King, Baby

I mean, just look at him.

*takes a deep breath* mmmmmmm, acting.

Download this episode (right click and save)

Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice

This near 4 minute trailer does give a much better taste of what is to come than the previous teaser but it still struggles with the overwhelming sense of dourness that Warner Bros seems to be peddling. Everything is so miserable and slow. I never thought I’d see the day when the prospect of Batman fighting Superman doesn’t fill me with excitement but Zack Snyder has somehow managed to rip the fun out of it all.

Suicide Squad

Speaking of Warner Bros, they released this trailer today with the following note:
“Warner Bros. Pictures and our anti-piracy team have worked tirelessly over the last 48 hours to contain the Suicide Squad footage that was pirated from Hall H on Saturday. We have been unable to achieve that goal. Today we will release the same footage that has been illegally circulating on the web, in the form it was created and high quality with which it was intended to be enjoyed. We regret this decision as it was our intention to keep the footage as a unique experience for the Comic Con crowd, but we cannot continue to allow the film to be represented by the poor quality of the pirated footage stolen from our presentation.”

If we have learned anything from the Marvel/Fox/WB super-hero movie wars of the last decade or so it’s that Warner Bros are, themselves, slow learners. Did they really not think that the footage was going to get leaked? Really? Do they still believe that the source material is stupid and that they know better than over 50 years of comic book writers and artists? Clearly.
Also, weird to see a movie with Will Smith feature so little of him in the trailer. It’s a whole new world we’re living in now, folks.

Star Wars: The Force Awakens

OK, OK, this is kinda cheating as it’s not an actual trailer but rather Behind-The-Scenes footage. You know what? It’s still the best trailer that has come out of San Diego Comic-Con this year. It does exactly what a trailer should. Gives you information and a feel for the new film without giving anything away. I’m sold.

There has also been footage of Deadpool and X-Men: Age of Apocalypse floating around out there but as of right now it’s blurred phone footage and we don’t deal with that muck here. Rest assured, as soon as something more official comes out we’ll cover it here at DOOM.

Here at The Dunce Corner, I discovered what it supposedly a leaked image from the official storyboard from the “Batman VS Superman: Dawn of Justice” movie.

Although it is only one image, it does seem to address one of the major controversies that was in
“Man of Steel” that I thought was displayed a little too heavy-handed and kind of hindered my enjoyment of the movie. It’s an idea that a lot of readers of the Superman comics have known about and has been floating around for quite a while as well.

At this moment I cannot validate its authenticity but I really do hope it’s real.
And I do hope it’s the direction they are considering for the next Superman movie.

After seeing “Man of Steel” I could watch 90-to-120-to-150 minutes of just this easy.

And Batman is just the guy to do it:

Which made me think of this:

(In case anybody was wondering, no I didn’t just reuse somebody else’s Batman/Superman meme. With a little fun with Photoshop I pieced them together myself and made my own originals, well, as original as memes can be I supposed. Thanks for lookin’!)

JJ and his amazing friend Elizabeth are back this week to talk the best time of the year…VACATION! Yes the two of them spent a few days at the “Goondocks” otherwise known as Astoria, OR. The pair talk of the rather odd experience they had at a Bed and Breakfast and more! Then Elizabeth brings her usual class as they discuss the history of neurosurgery and the brain…. Also, for some reason, they fixate on how bad Man Of Steel sucked and why they hope this does not portend doom for Dawn Of Justice.

Special thanks to Doom’s own Richard “Sharp-O” Sharpe for getting this episode online!

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