The Punisher Returns

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I haven't posted here for a while, partly because of a busy holiday, and partly because it's been hard to care about writing about nerdcentric pop culture when our country is self-destructing.  Yet, it could be argued that diversion, via comics & scifi, may be the only thing keeping some of us sane.

I'm still polishing my piece on fan-made Star Trek productions, but I wanted to get this spotlight up ASAP.  I think I'm going to post a "Spotlight" each week, whether, or not, I have a main feature ready.

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Spotlight:

Photo Courtesy of Amazon's Affiliate Program.

This Friday, 01/18/2019, Netflix will be dropping season 2 of Marvel's Punisher.  Being a long time fan of the character, I devoured season 2 of Dare Devil (where Jon Bernthal debuted as The Punisher) and season 1 of Punisher.

While I liked Bernthal's portrayal of the psychotic brooding hero, Frank Castle, season 1 wasn't without its problems.  It's not a spoiler to reveal that the story involves Frank befriending a single parent family.  Seeing Frank visit a family in the burbs didn't feel like the Punisher to me.  Frank works best in either an urban downtown, or jungle combat, setting.  If he'd watched out for a poor, but honest, single parent family in Hell's Kitchen it might have been a better fit.

Nevertheless, the writing & urban combat action scenes were good enough to make me look forward to season 2 this week.  Plus, like I told my friend, Kyle, Jigsaw looks awesome in the trailer!  It looks like they're making him a hands-on criminal thug instead of a mob boss.  Can't wait!

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SHAZAM?

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Editor's Note:
Hey there readers, my Star Trek piece will require a bit more work.  In the meantime, find out how SHAZAM #1 became a gripe, instead of a pick.

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Spotlight Pick  Gripe:
Last week DC fans were able to pick up the first issue of SHAZAM! to be published in twenty years. The title is, undoubtedly, being revived now in order to energize a fanbase for the April 5, 2019 movie release.

Photo Courtesy of Amazon's Affiliate Program.

I REALLY wanted to like this #1, I did.  I grew up with the character, and was anxious to read his comic book again.  Boy, did I waste $4.99.

OK, I had resigned myself to the fact that they could no longer call the character Captain Marvel, even though he was using the name long before Marvel Comics' Carol Danvers ever met the Kree.  Still, I'd begrudgingly accepted the fact going in.

The name was the least of this book's problems.  My main gripe is the fact that there was no action in the story.  Yes, there was a run-of-the-mill hold up, but with 6 Marvels/SHAZAMS to answer the call, there was no fight or tension to speak of.  If I'm going to pay $5 for a comic book, I want to see some high-powered action damn it!
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A Fond Farewell to Old Man Logan

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Editor's Note:

This week I only have a Spotlight Pick for my readers, but it's a must read for anyone who's a fan of the X-Men.  Coming soon though, I'll be sharing my thoughts on fan produced Star Trek movies in and episodes.  Stay tuned compatriots. ☺

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Spotlight Pick:

In the fall of 2014, as the result of an alien virus, Wolverine lost his healing factor and was supposedly killed.

Photo Courtesy of Amazon's Affiliate Program.

Rather than leaving their X-Titles Logan-less, Marvel Comics brought Old Man Logan, from a parallel universe, into the main 616 universe to keep fans from going into Adamantium withdrawal.  While he never donned the blue and yellow tights, he delivered the same razor-sharp style of action and gruff attitude we were accustomed to.

Now that they're bringing the primary Wolverine back, Old Man Logan is getting a 12 issue send off.  I just read #1, and without giving anything away, which isn't in the promotional material, Logan knows he's dying, and he's determined to take down one last villain.

The first issue, released on November 28th, 2018, is a bit spendy at $4.99, but if you can swing it it's worth the read.  Future issues will drop to $3.99.

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