Smasher

May 16, 2012 11:38 am I don't think the source material for Hulk translates well to television. That isn't to say there aren't good Hulk stories but getting the public's idea of the Hulk (re-emphasized in Avengers) and the Hulk in those stories would take a lot of convincing.

May 15, 2012 4:50 pm I admit I don't know how the TV industry works but it seems like developing programs for network television is a fool's errand. The cost of making a live action series just seems far more expensive to produce than an animated series.

May 14, 2012 5:34 pm All good things must...

May 11, 2012 1:49 pm There once was going to be a Captain America musical in 1985, true believers. From the NY Times: Captain America' boasts a hero-sized $4 million budget. IT'S going to be a big one, if everything works out as befits a musical named ''Captain America.'' Big, in this case, means a budget of $4 million - a lot of money, even for a superhero fighting for the American dream, the flag and the woman he loves. The superhero will not, in fact, be particularly super when the curtain goes up. The book by Mel Mandel and Norman Sachs (who are also responsible for music and lyrics) has Captain A. going through a mid-life crisis. Fortunately, the action speeds up - his girlfriend, a candidate for President, is captured by terrorists and held hostage at the Lincoln Memorial. That's enough of the plot - when you invest millions, as are Shari Upbin, James Galton and Marvel Comics and some as yet untapped sources, you're entitled to a few secrets.

May 10, 2012 12:19 pm Next panel. The Sentry walks in holding a box that reads "500 piece puzzle". Cap seated in a same position as previous panel. Cap: Sorry, Bob. I'm a little busy right now. Cap (thought balloon): I guess it could be worse.

May 8, 2012 3:46 pm Was thinking the same thing. I imagined that before A2 Iron Man would get captured by the big villain. And by the end A3 Tony Stark would go into space in a sort of ultimate sacrifice type thing. You never see the body so if he comes back as another actor... it's fine.

May 8, 2012 3:36 pm Another thing. Thanos doesn't make the movie special, the Infinity Gems do that. With them you have 6 MacGuffins.

May 8, 2012 12:47 pm What Marvel has now in the Avengers (and its related franchises) is an engine to introduce new characters into their movie business. For example it's much more reasonable to see a Dr. Strange movie if he makes his first appearance in Thor 2. Hank Pym & Janet in Iron Man 3. Black Panther in Captain America 2.

May 8, 2012 12:24 pm I kind of have a problem with putting direct to video movies in the same category as those that were theatrically released. The fact that they didn't make it to the box office automatically tells you that there's something wrong with the product. The fish are in the barrel. Howard the Duck is the only Marvel property to ever win a Razzie for worst picture. It's also the only Marvel film property to be nominated. Sadly DC film properties have not been as lucky with Batman & Robin and Catwoman (winner) both getting nomination for worst picture of their respective years. Other comic book movies nominated for worst picture Razzies - Son of the Mask and Barb Wire.

May 7, 2012 2:33 pm If Marvel's Avengers has taught us anything it's that big strong guys who fight are best in ensembles, not their own movies. Don't get me wrong. I get Lobo's appeal but he's a scene stealer not a name over the marquee bastich.