British-Nigerian Akinnuoye-Agbaje nabs key Thor villain role & other news

By Abdulkareem Baba Aminu


During summer of 2009, Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje at the San Diego Comic-Con, made known his intentions to play Marvel superhero Black Panther. “We’re talking to Marvel about ‘Black Panther…hopefully they’ll look at ‘G.I. Joe’ and see the potential. But it’s about time we have a black superhero, isn’t it?” The Panther movie never happened, and probably won’t as he’s won a lead villain role in Thor: The Dark World.

Reports say Akinnuoye-Agbaje will be playing the dual roles of Algrim the Strong and Kurse, kind of like Anakin Skywalker and Darth Vader.

Akinnuoye-Agbaje, perhaps best known for his roles on hit TV series ‘Lost’ and ‘Oz,’ will play the character created by Walter Simonson, introduced in 1984’s ‘Thor’ #347 as the most powerful of a race of Dark Elves. He joins returning stars Natalie Portman, Anthony Hopkins, Tom Hiddleston, Idris Elba, Stellan Skarsgard and Rene Russo. Directed by Alan Taylor, ‘Thor: The Dark World’ opens Nov. 8, 2013.

Rob Liefeld Leaves DC Comics ‘to preserve sanity’

Rob Liefeld revealed last month that he too would be leaving DC Comics soon, announced his abrupt with a torrent of tweets criticizing his editors. “Officially got off the DC52 treadmill this morning,” he tweeted, adding, “I believe in what DC is doing, but had to preserve my sanity. I walked off all 3 books. Can’t wait to see any attempts to spin. I have every email.”

Liefeld was among the original creators when DC launched the New 52 a year ago, pencilling and later also writing Hawk & Dove before moving in May to Deathstroke, writing and pencilling as well. He tweeted from a movie theatre where he was watching the ‘Expendables 2’: “This is the 4th time I quit in the last 4 months. This time it will stick,” he wrote from a theater, where he was watching The Expendables 2. “I lasted a few months longer than I thought possible. Massive indecision, last minute and I mean LAST minute changes that alter everything.”

In related news, ‘Bloodstrike,’ Liefeld’s 1990s team of undead super-soldiers, are marching toward the big screen. Variety reports that Adi Shankar’s 1984 Private Defense Contractors has acquired the film rights, with Shankar, Liefeld and Liefeld’s manager Brooklyn Weaver producing.  “Bloodstrike will be R-rated,” Liefeld wrote last night on Twitter. “Adi Shankar the real deal.”

Superman/Wonder Woman hook-up confirmed by DC

U.S-based morning TV show Good Morning America has run the news that in next week’s Justice League #12 Superman and Wonder Woman are going to “get together”.
Entertainment Weekly has run the cover, and quote Geoff Johns as saying it’s not a one-issue stunt: “This is the new status quo,” Johns said. He also said the duo’s relationship “will have a seismic impact on all the heroes and villains in the DC universe.”
Entertainment Weekly has run the cover, and quote Geoff Johns as saying it’s not a one-issue stunt: “This is the new status quo,” Johns said. He also said the duo’s relationship “will have a seismic impact on all the heroes and villains in the DC universe.”

Johns hinted that an event, possibly tragic, will impact every member of the Justice League, and cause Superman and Wonder Woman to seek solace in each other and move from super-powered colleagues to power couple.

Reviewed: Avengers vs. X-Men #10, Daredevil #17 and Wonder Woman # 12

Avengers Vs. X-Men #10

Story: Ed Brubaker

Art: Adam Kubert, John Dell

Publisher: Marvel

Reviewer: Abdulkareem Baba Aminu

In the latest installment in Marvel’s current blockbuster event, Avengers vs. X-Men, the story continues after Scarlet Witch helps the Avengers to defeat three of five Phoenix-boosted X-men. But those three’s portions of the Phoenix force all add up to Cyclops’, a recipe for disaster. And cool slug-fests.

This issue begins with Cyclops demanding the Avengers (or what’s left of them) to hand over Hope Summers, who takes center stage. Which is great, since all the talk in the past nine issues has got be building up to something. And when that does happen, when she finally goes to-to-toe with the Phoenix-enhanced Cyclops, it is well-done blockbuster fun. With only two issues left in this huge crossover event, things will continue to heat up.

Other noteworthy points include the thread with Emma Frost losing herself to the Phoenix force. Although it seems Magneto will not cow to her as easily as some of the many mutants appear to. Expect a major shift in status quo for the Master of Magnetism in the next installment.

For some time now I haven’t been able to imagine two characters I'd secretly like to see go head to head more than Emma and Cyclops, the next issue teases just that. Talk about Utopia!

Ed Brubaker’s writing doesn’t disappoint, as usual. I never saw the introduction of a dragon coming and it was very welcome. Adam Kubert, too, hits a few and misses some. Some of his work here is gorgeous, while some are barely just OK. It appears his inker John Dell may not be a very good match for him. Avengers vs. X-Men, after a few disappointing lows here and there, is shaping up to become an intricately plotted, surprise-filled, intelligently-written blockbuster. Just like Marvel promised.

Daredevil #17

Story: Mark Waid

Art: Mike and Laura Allred

Publisher: Marvel

Reviewer: Abdulkareem Baba Aminu

Daredevil #17 begins with our hero pondering the end of one of the longest, most enduring friendships in comics: Matt Murdoch (Daredevil) and law partner Foggy Nelson’s. Last issue, Foggy fired Matt, questioning his sanity after finding our hero’s dead father’s remains in his office.

Both Matt and Foggy look back to when they first opened their practice, to an old adventure that is perfect for the standalone issue this is. The simple but well-laced story, via the flashback(s), sees Foggy taking a difficult case so he could give Matt something he’s always wanted: sight. A machine that can allow blind people to see briefly was invented by a scientist, which Matt finds out after a break-in at their office leads to the revelation of Foggy’s secret, a deal to let his best pal rock the coveted gadget. 

The big reveal, I’m sure, will bring a tear to many an eye across fandom. I certainly sighed after the last page. Daredevil #17 shows off effortless, organic storytelling at its written (and drawn) best. As Mark Waid blazes through his Eisner-winning run, it continues to be one of the best comics put out by any publisher, period. He is, of course, helped by the incredibly talented Allreds with their beautifully nuanced, retro-styled art.

Wonder Woman #12

Story: Brian Azarello
Art: Cliff Chiang, Dan Green

Publisher: DC

Reviewer: Abdulkareem Baba Aminu

Debuting in Wonder Woman #1 bearing Zeus’ baby (prophesized to kill one of the gods and take their place), Zola shots up from supporting character to the major league. She does have the baby, finally, but things go very far South for her. Even if Wonder Woman herself at times seems unimportant in the story, it’s usually brief and she does something so big, so heroic that we’re instantly reminded that it’s her book.

There isn’t a lot to say about this issue, as it would result in major with spoilers. After She woke up a year ago in London (issue 1), it’s been a non-stop roller-coaster ride of dangerous adventure and shocking personal revelations. Wonder Woman, obviously, is in good hands.

Brian Azzarello and Cliff Chiang are devils. There, I said it. How Wonder Woman continues to please and please and please is a pleasurable wonder. Various stories told, over the course of a year, have exploded into the comic’s twelfth issue. What’s strange is I’ve always been a casual Wonder Woman fan, but Azzarello and Chiang have made me sign-up full time!

Review: That Teju Babyface Show of bad, bad TV

Reviewer: Abdulkareem Baba Aminu

One of Nigeria’s well-loved comedians continues on his train-wreck of a show. But all is not lost.

Best way to lose a first-time viewer? Copy, in annoying detail, an existing, well-loved American show’s opening. Yes, Teju Babyface, I’m talking to you and the way you copied David Letterman’s show to ridiculous lengths. To make things worse, said opening is weak, almost threatening the coolness of the hat-throwing bit that follows.

Things go further South as Babyface’s Top 3 Amazing Facts (another shameless Letterman Show grab, this time at the famous Top 10) unfold. The ‘amazing’ facts happen to be dead U.S prez Roosevelt’s in-home boxing ring, humans spending a third of their lives in bed and Buckingham Palace’s 600 rooms. Wow, Teju, that’s info that I’d have happily died without knowing.

The show’s set design is loud and garish, perfect for the incessant, shameless self-promotion that ensues. Like equally shameless and annoying promos for the show sponsor’s products. Come on, there’s got to be a classier, less in-your-face way to do that! And the audience, poor souls, apparently forced at gunpoint to laugh and clap at joyless segments (like the main one with guest Gani Adams, but we’ll get to that), like someone looking at photos of someone else’s kids and being forced to smile for 30 minutes.

After guests are handed out gifts of spaghetti or seasoning powder refugee camp-style (surprised DSTV allowed this to pass), came yet another migraine-inducer. The ‘Next Best Thing’ segment was with a young-ish singer called Chris Nice, whose talent certainly isn’t in tandem with his name. Especially since he seemed to be a rock act but ended up caterwauling.

The guest for the night, Gani Adams of Oodua People’s Congress (OPC) spends most of his face-time explaining the metaphysics of traditional spells and charms (fondly called ‘jazz’ by Nigerians), with the rest wasted on an apparent PR drive for his group. A barrage of improvised pseudo-history follows. I snoozed off the minute he claimed to simultaneously be an adherent of Christianity, Islam and traditional religion. And his English, oh his English! It made Dame Patience Jonathan’s seem like Richard Attenborough’s. Seriously.

All is not lost, thankfully, as the aforementioned audience prove to be part of the only things that work. The seating arrangement projects ambience that seems personal, almost intimate. Other noteworthy things include the main jokes, which are fresh (in an industry where ‘recycle’ is the buzz word) and very Nigerian, without the pretentiousness of most other Nigerian TV shows. A relatively young show in its third season, it shows hints of improvement as time goes on, even as the running time of the show felt like 10 hours, leaving me severely un-entertained. This review is obviously not sponsored by Promasidor, sponsors of the Teju Babyface Show.

‘Avengers’ sequel to drop three years from now & other news...

Fanboys groan the world over: Joss Whedon-directed Avengers movie will be back, only in three years, according to Disney and its Marvel Studios unit. They announced that the follow-up to this year’s biggest hit will arrive in theatres on May 1, 2015. It was announced last week that Whedon will be back to write and direct the as-yet-untitled sequel.

Still in Avengers-ville, actor Vin Diesel added an image of the character Vision as his profile picture, while making comments hinting that he might be playing everyone’s favourite synthezoid. The sequel could indeed debut the character, even if it’s on the now-infamous-but-enjoyable end-credits scenes.

Released in May, ‘The Avengers’ gathered characters Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.), Captain America (Chris Evans), the Hulk (Mark Ruffalo) and Thor (Chris Hemsworth). The film has taken in nearly $1.5 billion worldwide.

Dandy, UK’s longest-running comic, will close in December

Mega-poular British comic book's final issue, #3616, will be out 4th of December, bagged with a facsimile copy of the very first Dandy. The comic was pretty popular in Nigeria some decades back.

DC Thompson, publisher of the longest-running comic book in the UK, The Dandy, is pulling the plug on the publication. It was first published in 1937, beating rivals in sales and longetivity.  Featuring characters like Korky the Cat, Desperate Dan and Banananano, it constantly thrashed anthology-style British comics like The Beano and The Beezer on the newsstands. The final issue, #3616, will be out 4th of December, bagged with a facsimile copy of the very first Dandy. The comic was pretty popular in Nigeria some decades back.


Dreamworks’ racing snail movie slow to come out?

 Okay, fine, we couldn’t resist the headline pun. Production folks released a new image from ‘Turbo’ from Dreamworks, simply described as one about a super-fast snail. But wait for this, one of the writers of the movie is Robert Siegel, he who scripted ‘The Wrestler’. Let’s see how well he does with a, er...super-fast snail. While headline writers around the world rejoice, Ryan Reynolds is providing the voice of Turbo the snail. Samuel L. Jackson, Paul Giamatti and a host of others.

Review: Think Tank comic’s awesome debut’s a no-brainer

Reviewer: Abdulkareem Baba Aminu

Publisher: Image/Top Cow

“When I was six, Fibonacci coding was my passion for two weeks.” When a comic book starts with that, you expect a lot. And boy, does Think Thank #1 deliver. Written by Matt Hawkins and illustrated by Rashan Ekedal, it’s the story of Dr. David Loren, a young genius-inventor-slacker (I know, an awful oxymoron, but hey...), who makes new weapons and creates new ways to kill for the government.

The story really begins when Dr. Loren (revealed to have gone to Cal Tech when only 16) pisses off Colonel Harrison for being a slacker, moping around piles of unfinished projects. During his soul-searching after the unpleasant army officer’s harassment, he decides to go a different, morally-upright path. But then he invents a device that ramps up the fun on the book many notches up. It’s also a gizmo that every human being would love to own.

But what didn’t work for me are the Schindler’s List and Spielberg references. Someone as smart as Dr. Loren should be able to work out moral battles without getting a Eureka moment gotten from watching a movie. But, oddly, the Channing Tatum reference worked.

Many comparisons with Marvel’s Tony Stark (Iron Man) will be pointed out, but I see it more as Dr. Loren’s character taking the talented Mr. Stark further. The tropes are familiar in some places, but many readers will relate to him, strangely. Our hero also, towards the end, shows some entertaining James Bond tendencies. And that’s a lot to say about a book that warns – on its cover – to “make you smarter” when you read it.

Memorable moments abound. Best line ever? When Dr. Loren checks out his employers’ ‘wish list’ of weapons to be created, describing it as “Santa’s death list for the naughty.” Of course there are other nuggets like “Ultimately, the problem with the military is they have no sense of humour.”

Memorable moments abound. Best line ever? When Dr. Loren checks out his employers’ ‘wish list’ of weapons to be created, describing it as “Santa’s death list for the naughty.” Of course there are other nuggets like “Ultimately, the problem with the military is they have no sense of humour.”

The art, while absolutely gorgeous to behold, could have been senses-shattering if it were in colour. Yes, a book about tech was made in black and white. It’s even more painful when you behold the gloriously coloured cover. Come on, guys!

But Hawkins and Ekebal made up for it with the DVD-extra-style ‘Science Class’ bit at the end. The writer, clearly, has done his research and after the breath-taking ride that Think Tank #1 is, he reveals how real-life experiences with science helped him shape the tale and the characters within. The kicks within this slick debut are many. But the main one is a deliciously fresh mix of theoretical science (invoking 80’s Byrne Superman reboot flavour) and actual, existing tech that make this one a keeper.

Upcoming Deadpool game debuts stunning production art

The very first press release this blog got came from none other than Deadpool himself. The quick-healing, katana-wielding mutant psychopath was raving about his videogame which is coming out from Gamescom 2012. The promo art hints at an awesome game to come indeed. The release included the following diatribe from the mean ol’ Merc With a Mouth...

“I, DEADPOOL,am here to tell you about all the awesomeness that is my new video game! That’s right – I’ve taken over High Moon Studios in order to develop the world’s first-ever video game dedicated to yours truly, ME – DEADPOOL! You may know me as the “Merc with a Mouth,” which means there will be plenty of ME talking to YOU in the game, along with ALL of my favorite things: katanas, big guns (and not just these amazing arm muscles – check!), hot chicks, cameos from some of my X-MEN friends (ooh, spandex!), chimichangas, bouncy houses, and of course…ME!!!”

Review: Batman’s final rise raises superhero movie bar

The Batman trilogy reaches its finale, showing how comic book adaptations can be made with style and substance.

Film: The Dark Knight Rises

Cast: Christian Bale, Gary Oldman, Anne Hathaway, Tom Hardy, Morgan Freeman and Michael Caine

Director: Christopher Nolan

Reviewer: Abdulkareem Baba Aminu

The bad guy’s introduction at the beginning of the The Dark Knight Rises is so dramatic – so well-staged – it would shame any James Bond opening. The breathtaking midair hijack by Bane (Tom Hardy) is strangely satisfying, without being entirely clear. But who cares? After all, it’s a comic book adaptation, right? Wrong. Director Christopher Nolan’s vision meshes political anarchy, terrorism and other real-life concerns to make his third (and final) visit to the Batman mythos believable.

After the last installment, eight years of dramatic time have passed. Batman/Bruce Wayne (Christian Bale) has been lying low, having been publicly blamed for the death of District Attorney Harvey Dent. Luckily for Gotham City, organized crime has practically disappeared. But our hero is nudged on when cat burglar Selina Kyle (Anne Hathaway) steals a pearl necklace – and his fingerprints – from a safe at his mansion.

As if the sultry feline-themed Catwoman (though she’s never called that in the movie) wasn’t distraction enough, main baddie Bane commences his onslaught. After kidnapping Commissioner Gordon (Gary Oldman), he embarks on a brazen attack on the city’s stock exchange. It lures Batman out of hiding and bankrupts Bruce Wayne in one fell swoop. Boardroom politics ensue while superheroics play out.

Batman induces Selina to take him to Bane, but finds out he’s overmatched by the muscled villain. Bane sends our hero off to a dungeon on a faraway exotic location. The prison, a huge well, has been escaped from only once, by Bane himself. Several treats abound, including a brief appearance by Liam Neeson’s character, Ra’s Al Ghul, who was in 2005’s Batman Begins. Then there’s a new character, a street-savvy cop called John Blake played by Joseph Gordon-Levitt in a last-scene reveal that will cause jaws to drop. Scarecrow (Cillian Murphy) is also present with new heights of craziness. It’s also good to see Bruce’s longtime friend and tech genius Lucius Fox (Morgan Freeman).

Even for Nigerian film-goers, director Nolan’s film is rooted in what is arguably the biggest headache today: Insecurity. The aforementioned opening skyjacking and underground explosions (especially one in a football stadium) are masterfully executed. Relevant as the tropes may be, at first glance it appears the director’s co-screenwriters – his brother Jonathan and David S. Goyer – have penned an airtight script. But holes are scattered here and there

Even for Nigerian film-goers, director Nolan’s film is rooted in what is arguably the biggest headache today: Insecurity. The aforementioned opening skyjacking and underground explosions (especially one in a football stadium) are masterfully executed. Relevant as the tropes may be, at first glance it appears the director’s co-screenwriters – his brother Jonathan and David S. Goyer – have penned an airtight script. But holes are scattered here and there, with many retcons bound to anger die-hard comic book fans. An example: It’s implied that Bane is actually Ra’s son.

Nolan pushes the credibility of a city under siege nuclear-armed revolutionaries but he gets away with it. Okay, maybe not entirely: In the only conspicuous continuity gaffe, the raid on the stock exchange happens during the day but the ensuing getaway at night. Also a bit iffy is how Bruce Wayne languishes in his ‘pit prison’ rebuilding his strength, immediately reminiscent of the first film’s build-up. Portraying both his characters as vulnerable, Bale is at his best in this, the final installment of the trilogy even if there’s still a bit of his voice sounding artificially deepened.

But production designers Nathan Crowley and Kevin Kavanaugh and cinematographer Wally Pfister, aided by costume designer Lindy Hemming, have helped the film look crisp and stunning. Their work – along with that of the sound and special effects crew – makes The Dark Knight Rises look every bit like the $250 million movie it reportedly is. It actually makes the past three or four movies from rival Marvel stables look cookie-cutter, clunky and immature. It is, undoubtedly, with a heavy heart that fans will bid Nolan’s vision farewell. Encore, anyone?