(Comic) Devil's Advocate....a look at Marvel's Civil War

This review was recommended by James Bridges. 

With all the hype that the Civil War movie is gaining, it made a lot of  sense to have a look at the original source material from which the movie is derived. 

After a massive screw up involving teenage superheroes and an explosion that killed a lot of people, the U.S Government has put forward a bill so that superheroes would be registered, trained and paid. Kind of like a super powered police force. 

This bill, which is then passed, divides the superhero community. 

On the one hand, you have Tony Stark, the Iron Man, suggesting that people register because it's not only good business, it's also very practical. Superheroes would have accountability and be trained to use their powers in a manner that would minimise collateral damage. 

Captain America, on the other hand, believes that by registering, they give up their greatest weapon. Their anonymity. Not only this, but then they'd have a boss in the U.S government and Cap is all too familiar with how they use superheroes. As he says, "If we register, they'll start telling us who the villains are."

These two sides argue, prepare traps and prison and fight it out with people trading sides in between.

Not only does this comic feature heavy hitters like Cap, Iron Man, Yellow Jacket and Doctor Strange, but as it encompasses the entire superhero community, you've also got the X-Men to consider. Every one has a say in the matter.

The story is cohesive and self contained. You know enough about the characters that even if you haven't read comics before, you could still follow the storyline. It's a simple plot, with massive and complex consequences. With that said, I would recommend reading some comics to get backgrounds on some of the lesser known superheroes.

Having only just started reading comics myself, I wasn't overly invested in the characters they killed off, because I hadn't heard of them.

So before you read this storyline, I'd advise reading other comics in the same universe, so you can get a feel for the characters. 

I think the only thing that really bugged me is the fact that one of the key characters they killed off was a person of colour. What's more, I didn't know all that much about him, which is why I advised reading comics prior to this storyline.

The art style is colourful, yet gritty. Heroes in upbeat brightly coloured costumes are contrasted by dark and grungy scenery. Men are drawn with strong square jaws and large shoulders and women are drawn slender, yet well muscled. While unrealistic for two of the many genders, this is comic history and we look back on what was in order to build from that. 

All in all, it was a fascinating read and often makes me wonder what I would do in those situations. Would I take a side? Or would I be like the X-Men and Doctor Strange and sit it out all together?

What would you do?

This comic warrants 4 and a half stars.

Thus ends this review.

Agree? Disagree? Let me know in the comments. 

I'll see you all next week, when I tackle the Guardians of the Galaxy! 

Please leave me some comic recommendations if you have any and I'll see you all soon!  

(Movie) Seeing Stars....a Look at the Winter Soldier (Captain America)

Now I know this movie was a while ago and it's a sequel, but I chose Captain America two for two reasons:

1: It was a superhero movie that actually felt like it took place in the real world. (As opposed to a fictitious Alternate Universe where everything is the same.)
2: This was arguably the best superhero movie to date. (Yes, even better than Age of Ultron, such as it was.)

As a part of the superhero month (With an inclusion of Mad Max: Fury Road at some point,) I'd like to think this would be a fantastic start.

Let's begin!

Story/Dialogue: Cap is adjusting to life as SHIELD's personal attack dog, making friends and meeting up with Peggy (That scene made my heart weep. I had to punch something to make me feel manly again,) when he gets caught up in a whirlwind conspiracy that has him going to ground and fighting the good fight...FOR AMERICA!

To be fair, Cap is about doing what's right and is oddly a polar opposite of the Aryan race, but that's an analysis for later.

The dialogue is filled with snappy one liners and a mere mortal who pulls out those existential, "Are people like you carved from stone and blessed by the gods?" kind of quips in Sam Wilson, AKA Falcon.

Nick Fury returns as his grumpy, sassy self and Black Widow does all the things that Steve can't while trying to find him a date.

And they call Falcon a wingman. Please. I'd want Romanoff on my team anyday.

Cinematography: Oddly enough, I found parts of this film unusual. The framing often felt out of place, which contrasted with the scenes that had really tight and well shot frames.

The shield (and its ridiculous trajectory upon throwing,) is arguably the most terrible CGI I've seen. It felt rushed and not really attached to his arm some of the time.

Though! In all of this, I would like to point out that the elevator scene is the best scene. The tight space was shot excellently and cut together so well to the point it fully conveyed power and struggle.

Audio: The only way to describe the audio is...patriotic. Horns with a deep drum combo makes me want to put a hand to my chest and pledge allegiance to a flag.

In all seriousness though, I enjoyed the epic feel of the horns and drums, complete with the almost Inception style Hans Zimmer tension of the fight/chase scenes.

Overall: I love this movie for many reasons. The action, the one liners, Cap's companions, key quotes which I will not spoil in case you have not seen it. (Though there's one that makes me tear up every time.)

This movie is good at making you feel patriotic while allowing you to question what your country does for the sake of "peace" *cough* political agenda *cough cough*

Furthermore, I love the dynamic of Steve and Natasha. She doesn't act like a substitute for Bucky and doesn't feel forced like she did in Age of Ultron. (That's the writing, not ScarJo I have a problem with, there.) I also loved how romance took a back seat in this film. It was a focus on Steve and him catching up while trying to maintain peace without the iron fist.

Out of all the superhero movies to date, Captain America: Winter Soldier is my favourite.

5 stars.