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D23Expo Recap Marvel’s 80th Anniversary Panel

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Fans at D23 Expo were treated to a very special panel Saturday night commemorating the 80th Anniversary of Marvel Comics. Moderated by CB Cebulski (Current Editor-in-Chief of Marvel Comics) and Tom Brevoort (Editor; “New Avengers”, “Civil War”), the panel covered a complete history of the company since it’s original inception in 1939.

D23 EXPO 2019 – The Ultimate Disney Fan Event – brings together all the worlds of Disney under one roof for three packed days of presentations, pavilions, experiences, concerts, sneak peeks, shopping, and more. The event, which takes place August 23 – 25 at the Anaheim Convention Center, provides fans with unprecedented access to Disney films, television, games, theme parks, and celebrities. (The Walt Disney Company/Image Group LA)
C.B.CEBULSKI, TOM BREVOORT

Originally founded as Timely Comics, the company’s first publication was “Marvel Comics #1”, an anthology magazine featuring 4 different characters and story arcs. These characters included “The Human Torch”, “The Sub-Mariner (Namor)”, “The Angel”, and “The Masked Raider”. Cebulski and Brevoort both surprised the audience with a tough trivia question that none of the audience members could answer: “Which issue featured the first-ever Marvel team-up?” The answer being “Marvel Mystery Comics #9: The Human Torch vs. The Sub-Mariner”. While team-ups are very commonplace in the comic book world today, this was the first time two different characters with different story-arcs ever crossed over in Timely Comics history.
In 1941, at the height of World War II, Timely published the first issues of “Captain America”, who was created as a way to raise the spirits of children with fathers who were away at war. After the war, Captain America was cancelled and the age of the superhero at Timely Comics began to dwindle. During this time came the era of various characters who weren’t very popular at the time, but have now been given a new life within the Marvel Cinematic Universe. These characters include Guardians of the Galaxy’s Groot, who first appeared in “Tales to Astonish”; Patsy Walker, who has since appeared in Marvel’s “Jessica Jones” on Netflix; and The Black Knight, who was recently annouced to be making his first cinematic appearance in the upcoming MCU film, “The Eternals”. Despite the age of the superhero being temporaily dead at Timely, this was the time when four incredibly essential human beings entered the company and forever changed what would later become known as the Marvel Universe; these four men being Stan Lee, Jack Kirby, Steve Ditko, and John Romita Sr.

D23 EXPO 2019 – The Ultimate Disney Fan Event – brings together all the worlds of Disney under one roof for three packed days of presentations, pavilions, experiences, concerts, sneak peeks, shopping, and more. The event, which takes place August 23 – 25 at the Anaheim Convention Center, provides fans with unprecedented access to Disney films, television, games, theme parks, and celebrities. (The Walt Disney Company/Image Group LA)
C.B.CEBULSKI, TOM BREVOORT

By the time the 60s rolled around, Stan Lee grew tired of his job as a comics editor and wanted to write more serious material. He relented this to his wife, Joan, who encouraged him to publish one last book the way he would want to do it. From this came the first issue of The Fantastic Four, the superhero team that birthed what would become what we all know and love as the Marvel Universe. The Fantastic Four would later give birth to Black Panther, whom was a controversial character when first created due to the racial bigotry present in the American South at that time. Lee still pushed for the character, however, feeling that young black children deserved a positive superhero role model just as much as white children.
Shortly after the release of the Fantastic Four came Spider-Man, The Incredible Hulk, the X-Men, and eventually the Avengers. All characters that would greatly influence millions of people all over the world. Eventually popular animated and live action television series were created and later, live-action films. At first, most of the Marvel properties had partnered with film studios such as 20th Century Fox and Sony Pictures, but beginning in 2008, Kevin Feige and Jon Favreau teamed with Marvel to create their own division of films beginning with the first “Iron Man”. This would later spwan what is now very well known as the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

D23 EXPO 2019 – The Ultimate Disney Fan Event – brings together all the worlds of Disney under one roof for three packed days of presentations, pavilions, experiences, concerts, sneak peeks, shopping, and more. The event, which takes place August 23 – 25 at the Anaheim Convention Center, provides fans with unprecedented access to Disney films, television, games, theme parks, and celebrities. (The Walt Disney Company/Image Group LA)
C.B.CEBULSKI, TOM BREVOORT

Cebulski and Brevoort ended the panel with a small tease at the upcoming Marvel Comics #1000, a commemorative issue featuring an all-new Marvel superhero. The book is set to be released this Wednesday, August 28th.

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‘Mufasa: The Lion King’ Will Leave You Breathless

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“Mufasa: The Lion King” is a visually stunning addition to the beloved Lion King franchise, offering a fresh and emotionally resonant take on the origins of one of Disney’s most iconic characters. The film beautifully explores Mufasa’s journey, balancing heartfelt moments with touches of comedy that lighten the mood and make the story accessible to audiences of all ages. The animation is breathtaking, capturing the vibrant landscapes and lush environments of the Pride Lands, adding depth to Mufasa’s character and his relationships.

The storytelling is compelling, effectively pulling at the heartstrings while providing insights into Mufasa’s character before he becomes the legendary king. However, the setup for Scar’s betrayal feels somewhat underdeveloped, lacking the deeper motivation that could have enriched their complex brotherly relationship. This missed opportunity leaves a slight gap in understanding Scar’s actions, which could have elevated the dramatic stakes.

The musical score is impressive, featuring memorable songs that enhance the emotional impact of pivotal scenes. While there are several standout tracks, one song, in particular, resonates deeply and is sure to linger in viewers’ minds long after the credits roll. Overall, “Mufasa: The Lion King” is an amazing film and a worthy addition to the Lion King lore that manages to deliver both laughter and tears, offering a rich tapestry of storytelling that fans will appreciate.

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Is ‘Kraven the Hunter’ a Total Letdown?

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“Kraven the Hunter,” directed by J.C. Chandor, aims to introduce a beloved Spider-Man villain to the big screen, but unfortunately, it falls short of expectations. The film suffers from noticeable issues, notably an overuse of ADR (Automated Dialogue Replacement), which detracts from the authenticity of the characters’ interactions and contributes to an uneven audio experience. This technical flaw is compounded by rough storytelling that feels disjointed and lacking in coherence, leaving viewers struggling to connect with the narrative.

Aaron Taylor-Johnson delivers a commendable performance as Kraven, showcasing the character’s gritty nature and complex motivations. His portrayal has potential, and it’s evident that he could elevate the character far beyond what is presented with a stronger script and direction. However, the absence of Spider-Man, a central figure in Kraven’s lore, leaves a void that the film struggles to fill. Without this critical connection, the plot meanders and fails to create the tension or stakes that fans of the superhero genre crave.

Additionally, including Rhino as a villain feels like a missed opportunity; he is presented more as a gag character with limited screen time, undermining any sense of threat or depth. For the average moviegoer, “Kraven the Hunter” might entertain but ultimately feels like a mediocre viewing experience. Comic book fans, however, may find disappointment in this lackluster attempt to create a solo character film. Instead of an exhilarating dive into Kraven’s world, the film presents a watered-down version, leaving audiences wishing for a more cohesive vision that honors its comic book roots.

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A Brief Review and History of A Year Without a Santa Claus

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A Year Without a Santa Claus, the 1974 stop-motion holiday classic produced by Rankin/Bass, is a heartwarming and whimsical tale that has cemented its place in holiday traditions. Based on Phyllis McGinley’s 1956 book, the story revolves around a disheartened Santa Claus who, feeling unappreciated, decides to take a year off from his Christmas duties. It’s up to Mrs. Claus and a pair of well-meaning elves, Jingle and Jangle, to reignite the Christmas spirit and show Santa the world’s unwavering belief in him.

The movie is beloved for its unforgettable characters, especially the bickering Miser Brothers, Snow Miser and Heat Miser. Their catchy, vaudeville-style musical numbers, “Snow Miser Song” and “Heat Miser Song”, are so iconic they’ve become cultural touchstones, often parodied and celebrated decades later.

Directed by Arthur Rankin Jr. and Jules Bass, the film continues the duo’s tradition of stop-motion magic, blending heartfelt storytelling with quirky humor. The voice cast, featuring Mickey Rooney as Santa and Shirley Booth as Mrs. Claus, delivers standout performances. Booth’s warm narration was her final acting role before retirement, adding a layer of poignancy to the film.

Initially released on December 10, 1974, on ABC, the special didn’t immediately achieve the legendary status of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. However, it gained a dedicated following through annual holiday airings, nostalgic appeal, and its distinct charm.

The film’s themes of hope, unity, and rekindling joy remain timeless, making it a perennial favorite for audiences of all ages. Its blend of humor, catchy songs, and a touching message about believing in magic and goodwill ensures its enduring legacy during the holiday season.

For fans of holiday classics, A Year Without a Santa Claus is a must-watch that never fails to warm hearts and spread cheer.

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