Religion in Marvel

Nightcrawler (Kurt Wagner) is a  superhero appearing in comic books published by Marvel Comics, commonly in association with the X-Men. Created by writer Len Wein and artist Dave Cockrum, he debuted in the comic book Giant-Size X-Men #1 (May 1975).

Nightcrawler possesses superhuman agility, the ability to teleport, and adhesive hands and feet. His physical mutations include indigo-colored skin which allows him to become nearly invisible in shadows, two-toed feet and three-fingered hands, yellow eyes, pointed ears and a prehensile tail. In Nightcrawler’s earlier comic book appearances he is depicted as being a happy-go-lucky practical joker and teaser, and a fan of swashbuckling fiction.

Nightcrawler is a Catholic, and while this is not emphasized as much in his earlier comic book appearances, in later depictions Nightcrawler is more vocal about his faith. Ironically, his appearance is similar to that of a demonic figure from a faith that he practices.

The Purifiers, also known as the Stryker Crusade, are a paramilitary/terrorist organization in the Marvel Comics universe and enemies of the X-Men. Created by writer Chris Claremont and artist Brent Anderson, they first appeared in the 1982 graphic novel X-Men: God Loves, Man Kills.

A force of Christian fundamentalists led by the ruthless Reverend William Stryker, the Purifiers see themselves in a holy war against mutants, believing Mutants to be the children of the Devil and thus worthy of extermination. The Purifiers made only sporadic appearances since their first appearance, but returned to prominence in the 2000s, when they became prominent antagonists in the series New X-Men and X-Force, murdering over 40 children in one terrorist attack.

Dust (real name Sooraya Qadir), is a fictional character, a superheroine in Marvel Comics’ X-Men-related comic books. She was created by author Grant Morrison and artist Ethan Van Sciver in New X-Men #133 (December 2002), although her character was not fully developed until the New X-Men: Academy X series written by Christina Weir and Nunzio DeFilippis. Sooraya is a mutant with the ability to transform her body into a malleable cloud of dust or “Sand”.

Born in Afghanistan, Sooraya is attacked by a slave trader attempting to remove her traditional niqāb; almost instinctively, she lashes out with her powers and flays him alive with her sand-like dust. The X-Men, hearing of the situation, travel to Afghanistan and rescue her, where she is brought to the USA and becomes a student of the Xavier Institute for Higher Learning. She is a rare example of a positive Muslim comic book character that is shown practicing her religion frequently.

Deadpool and Batman v. Superman released new images

Fox has released another amazing picture from Deadpool. Every time they release an image, I just can’t believe how close to the comic book his costume is. Well done Fox, well done.

Deadpool is due out in theaters February 2016. Stay time for more information.

Entertainment Weekly released a handful of images and a full article on the up coming Batman v. Superman film, yesterday. I’m loving the costumes, very faithful to the comics. Gal Gadot seems like a good fit visually, let’s hope her acting chops have improved. Batman v. Superman will be in theaters March 2016.

What do you guys thing of the pictures?

Awesome LGBT Characters in Comics

June was National Pride Month and last week the Supreme Court legalized gay marriage in all 50 states.

So I thought I should highlight some comic book characters from the LGBT community.

Kate Kane was a soldier in the military before being kicked out due to “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”. She took it hard, which led to her falling into a destructive life full of parties and one-night stands. After an unexpected run-in with Batman, she was inspired to put her training to use by becoming the costumed crime-fighter known as Batwoman.

Teddy Altman, known as Hulkling and Bully Kaplan, known as Wiccan are members of the Young Avengers. Their romance is one of the most genuine in all of comics. Fans speculated that they were a couple when they were first introduced. After much speculation, it was revealed in a later issue that they were indeed both gay and in a relationship. The writer commended the fans for picking up the very subtle hints.

Mystique has been intimate with several male characters — Wolverine, Forge, and even Professor X — but her one true love is Irene Adler aka Destiny. While Mystique often uses her sexuality to get what she wants, Irene is her one true love. Mystique is a fighter for mutant rights and is the poster child for accepting yourself for who you are no matter what you look like — plus she bisexual.

Colossus is one of the most popular X-Men and his ultimate universe counter part happens to be gay unlike himself. Multiple characters had dropped mentions insinuating that he was but he or the story never confirmed it until much later in the timeline. It wasn’t a smooth outing for Colossus when he did come out, his best friend, Nightcrawler, distance himself from him and eventually hated him over his sexual orientation. It’s unfortunate but an accurate depiction life for some have to endure.

Its Morphing Time!!!

BOOM! Studios and Saban Entertainment have announced their partnership to launch a Power Rangers comic series, based on the original incarnation of the franchise, Mighty Morphin Power Rangers. It will premiere at Comic Con this summer.

More information will be posted as it is released.

Harley Quinn

Harley Quinn, her real name being Dr. Harleen Francis Quinzel is a supervillain appearing in comic books published by DC Comics, commonly as an adversary of Batman. The character was created by Paul Dini and Bruce Timm, and first appeared on Batman: The Animated Series in September 1992. Due to her huge popularity in thr show she later appeared in DC Comics’ Batman comic books, with her first comic book appearance in The Batman Adventures #12 (Sept. 1993).

The character is a frequent accomplice and girlfriend of the Joker and a girlfriend of the supervillain Poison Ivy, from whom Harley Quinn gained an immunity to poisons and toxins. Harley Quinn’s origin story relates that she met the Joker while working as a psychiatrist at Arkham Asylum, where the Joker was a patient. The Joker was kind and yet manipulative with her, leading her to fall in love with him. Later she donned her costume and helped the Joker escape from Arkham Asylum.

She has gone on to have multiple solo comic book series, her current one receiving rave reviews from critics and fans.

The Clown Prince of Crime

The Joker is a supervillain appearing in comic books published by DC Comics. The character was created by Jerry Robinson, Bill Finger, and Bob Kane, and first appeared in Batman #1 (April 25, 1940). The Joker was originally planned to be killed off during his initial appearance, he was spared by editorial intervention, allowing the character to endure as the archenemy of the superhero Batman.

In his comic book appearances, the Joker is portrayed as a criminal mastermind. Introduced as a psychopath with a warped, sadistic sense of humor, the character became a goofy prankster in the late 1950s in response to regulation by the Comics Code Authority, before returning to his darker roots during the early 1970s. As Batman’s nemesis, the Joker has been part of the superhero’s defining stories, including the murder of Jason Todd—the second Robin and Batman’s ward—and the paralysis of Batman’s ally, Barbara Gordon.

The Joker has had various possible origin stories during his over seven decades in publication. The most common story involves him falling into a tank of chemical waste which bleaches his skin white, turns his hair green, and his lips bright red; the resulting disfigurement drives him insane. Even Joker himself has stated that he doesn’t know his origins.

The Joker possesses no superhuman abilities, instead using his expertise in chemical engineering to develop poisonous or lethal concoctions, and thematic weaponry, including razor-tipped playing cards, deadly joy buzzers, and acid-spraying lapel flowers. Although the Joker sometimes works with other supervillains such as the Penguin and Two-Face, and groups like the Injustice Gang and Injustice League, these relationships often collapse due to the Joker’s desire for unbridled chaos.

In the1990s a romantic interest for the Joker was introduced in his former psychiatrist, Harley Quinn, who becomes his villainous sidekick.

The antithes of Batman in personality and appearance, the Joker is considered by critics to be his perfect adversary.

Creed is finally here

The first trailer for “Creed” has just dropped ans it looks GOOD!

“Creed” will star Michael B. Jordan as Adonis Creed, Applo Creed’s son. Sylvester Stallone will return as Rocky Balboa and acting as Creed’s trainer.

“Creed” will his theaters November 25th 2015. Link to trailer below!