Female Comic Book Character of the Day: ROGUE

Female Comic Book Characters Month
Day 1

ROGUE (my favorite female comic book character)
Real Name: Anna Marie 
Height: 5"8
Place of birth: Caldecott County, Mississippi
First Appearance: Avengers Annual #10 (1981)
Known relatives: Owen (father), Priscilla (mother), Carrie (aunt), Raven Darkholme aka Mystique (Foster mother), Kurt Wagner aka Nightcrawler (foster brother)
Group Affiliations: X-Men, Avengers

History: Anna ran away from home as a young teen because of her burgeoning uncontrollable mutant powers of absorbing people memories and abilities by contact. She fell in with Raven Darkholme aka Mystique, who had formed the group Brotherhood of Evil Mutants. During one encounter with Ms. Marvel (Carol Danvers), Anna now called Rogue, held on too long and permanently absorbed Ms. Marvel memories and powers. Rogue would eventually leave the Brotherhood and seek out Professor Xavier and the X-Men to help her control her abilities and make up for past misdeeds. At first she was not trusted but eventually she became one of the core members of the team and bonded with Storm, Wolverine and Nightcrawler. She would later on meet Remy aka Gambit, the smooth charmer and has an on and off relationship for the better part of 20 years. Rogue has been through a lot, even losing her powers and staying with Magneto until they came back. But one thing is for certain, she is here to stay and won't back down from anyone. That's why she is my favorite female comic book character and my #2 favorite character period, behind only Spider-Man.

Powers: Rogue's mutant ability of absorbing memories and abilities of any person she comes in contact. It only takes a few seconds and it renders the person unconscious. The longer she holds on to a person the longer she has those memories and abilities. When she bonded with Ms. Marvel for too long, those memories and abilities became permanent. Rogue is immune to all forms of poison, is invulnerable and super-strong. And she can fly at super-sonic speeds.

DEADPOOL is just too awesome!

Thumbs up DP!

Well with much anticipation Deadpool finally arrived in theaters last week and I saw it opening day and was completely blown away. Ryan Reynolds is perfectly cast as ex-Special Forces operative Wade Wilson who now takes assignments helping the little people such as cases of stalkers and general bad guy stuff. Everything is going ok and gets even better when he meets the lovely Vanessa (played by Morena Baccarin) as their humor and craziness match each other to a tee. Things are bliss for awhile showing the couple through-out the year with a sexy montage of sex scenes on holidays thru the year. But when Wade is diagnosed with stage 4 terminal cancer it all turns bleak. He makes it a point to spare Vanessa the sight of him slowly dying in front of her and takes a chance on this mysterious organization that says it can not only cure him but also give him super powers. With nothing to lose, Wade signs up and promptly meets Ajax (played by Ed Skrein) and his right hand henchwoman Angel Dust (played by Gina Carano) who subject Wade to massive amounts of torture to trigger his dormant X gene to release his mutant power. Which is an accelerated healing factor that it is even better than Wolverine's.

Ryan Reynolds as Wade and Morena Baccarin as Vanessa

But the truth is Wade is being made to be a slave to be sold to the highest bidder to become their weapon of destruction. Wade finally gains his powers but at a cost as he is completely disfigured. After the building he is at blows up and they think he is dead, Wade assumes the identity of Deadpool and wages war on Ajax and his cronies for some major payback.

The opening 20 minute sequence showcases Deadpool unleashed as he takes down Ajax's motorcade on a busy freeway with some cool slo-mo action scenes and hilarious humor. The film then smartly flashbacks to how Wade became Deadpool and such and is in perfect sync with the flow of the movie. DP has to deal with two X-Men, Colossus and  Negasonic Teenage Warhead (brilliantly played by newcomer Brianna Hildebrand) who seek to stop his bloody carnage through-out the city.

DP lays out the plan to Negasonic and Colossus

Eventually the trio will pair up once Ajax kidnaps DP's girl Vanessa and have a huge showdown in a ship yard with DMX's X Gonna Give It To You blaring in the background. Deadpool is a winner from the opening and creative title credits and never takes a false step. Ryan Reynolds is perfect in what is sure to become his signature role and gets great back-up in the form of Baccarin, Skrein, Hildebrand and the wise-cracking TJ Miller as Weasel (Wade's best friend).

Brianna Hildebrand as the cool Negasonic Teenage Warhead

I'm so glad this movie came out as most comic book movies were getting so dark and emotionless, specifically DC films, that Deadpool reinvents the genre before it starts to get stale. It is definitely a game changer and I for one, can't wait to see it again. It's already in my top 3 favorite comic book movies ever! May become #1 after a second showing...

Deadpool has reserved seats for you to see his awesome movie!

Seminal moments in comic book movies: Wolverine pops his claws for the first time

It was perfect casting when Hugh Jackman landed the role of everyone's favorite mutant from Canada... Wolverine. From his opening scene in the first X-Men movie (2000) you know he was the guy. And when he popped his claws with the trademark SNIKT! sound, as an X-Men fan, I was in fanboy heaven. I can remember that scene and how the audience reacted. Everyone was cheering and clapping and saying "Oh yes! That's it! That's Wolverine!". Perfection!

If I Had One Super-Power......

With this intense heat wave that is going on, I was thinking of the one super power I would love to have the most. And while flying, super-speed, and super strength would be awesome, I would take the X-Man’s Iceman mutant power right about now. I would keep my body at a constant temperature of around 65 to 70 degrees while being in the heat. Being in total comfort. And I wouldn’t be selfish either as I would spread the cold around. Anyone could stand close to me and I would send them a little coolness as well. Compliments of Monty, the Iceman. Just a thought.

X2 is my favorite comic book ever....still is!

Best comic book movie ever! Terrific sequel that improves on the original in every way. In their second movie, the team must join forces with their rival Magneto to battle a covert anti-mutant operation that targets all mutants in the world. As a die hard comic book fan, X2 hits all the right notes from the opening scene at the White House, when a mind-controlled Nightcrawler (wonderfully played by Alan Cummings) tries to assasinate the president to the thrilling assault on the X-mansion, where Wolverine cuts loose against some bad guys, to the super climax where Storm turns on the cold and Jean Grey lets loose with some major firepower. Oh yeah, this movie is awesome. The entire cast is rock solid including Hugh Jackman, Ian McKellen, Patrick Stewart, Halle Berry, and Famke Janssen. One of my all time favorites.

Some added comments is that when Stryker's soldiers attack the X-mansion, Wolverine and Colossus go to work, especially Wolverine. You get to see why he is the best at what he does, just ripping through the soldiers like they were nothing. I was like screaming hell yeah! mess them up Logan. As he states to one soldier before he takes him out "you broke into the wrong house bub." In fact that sequence has to be one of the best scenes in film history. Also Logan has a fantastic fight with Lady Deathstrike (Kelly Hu) for the film's climax.

Magneto gets to shine too once he gets in on the action and you can still see why he is one mutant you don't want to make mad. His breakout sequence is just awesome.

The introduction of Nightcrawler is a pure stroke of genius as his teleporting power is just so cool. And it looks amazing. And his scenes with Storm and Jean Grey are revealing and very inspiring. This is not just a comic book movie, it's a powerful film full of emotions and grand spectacle. And filled with lots of humor and inside jokes that every X-fan will get. I love the scene where Logan meets Nightcrawler for the first time and the teleporting mutant goes on proudly about his family history of circus entertainers.

X2 just delivers in every possible way, setting a new standard for comic book movies. In fact, years later after its release, it still holds better than ever. I love it more than Iron Man, and yes even more than The Dark Knight. It looks sensational on Blu-ray.
High praise indeed.

A+

Actress Rose Byrne is having one heck of a year...

Australian actress Rose Byrne is having one terrific year at the movies. Her new film X-MEN: First Class just opened this weekend to number one at the box-office. Rose is still riding high off the success of her other summer movie, Bridesmaids, which cast her as a woman jockeying to be the maid of honor at her friend's wedding. At first she comes across as very unlikable but by the end of the movie, the audience have become very sympathetic to her character. And a few months ago, Rose starred in the horror pic Insididous which defied box office expectations and earned over $50 million in America alone. The film only cost about $1.5 million. So, the 31-year actress is having a really good year.

My first film seeing Rose in was 2004's Troy. She played the slave girl Briseis, who caught Brad Pitt's eye. Rose had appeared earlier in 2002's Star Wars: Attack of the Clones as Dorme, but I did not know it at the time. She would then appear in such films as Wicker Park, 28 Weeks Later and Sunshine. She is one of my favorite modern actresses and it's great to see her doing so well this year. Congratulations Rose. Keep up the good work. Because Bridesmaids and X-MEN are two of my favorite films of the year so far.

X-MEN:FIRST CLASS is a fresh new start for Professor X and company

Just got back from seeing X-MEN:FIRST CLASS and I'm pleased to say that it was excellent. In fact it comes close to rivaling my favorite X-Men movie in the series, X2. This prequel focuses on how Charles Xavier (played by Charles McAvoy) formed his initial team of merry mutants to help mankind and battle evil forces. Set in 1962, Xavier is seen as ladies man, using his telepathic abilities to score with lovely co-eds. At his side is the blue skinned Raven (played by Jennifer Lawrence). It's very touching how Charles and Raven meet and become best friends. But that will not last long. On the other side of the world, Erik Lensherr (played by Michael Fassbender) is hunting down the sadistic Sebastian Shaw (played by Kevin Bacon) who murdered his mom during the Holocaust. Erik is learning to control his magnetic powers but he is not yet the powerful mutant he will become. At least not in the first half of this movie. The villains in this film are Shaw and his Hellfire Club, which includes the striking Emma Frost (played by January Jones) who is also a telepath like Xavier. But she is a little more easier on the eyes than Charles is. Shaw plans of starting World War 3 between the United States and Russia and uses the real life Cuban Missile as the stage to get it started. CIA agent Moira MacTaggert (played by Rose Byrne) gets wind of this and once she finds out mutants are involved, she calls on Xavier to help her out. When Xavier and Erik finally meet, things start to come together quickly. They have a common enemy and go about recruiting mutants to help their cause.

There are some nifty new mutants making their first appearance in the X-Men film universe including the super sonic screaming Banshee, the bad boy Havok (Cyclops brother) and the amphibious like Darwin. Also look for Hank McCoy who will turn into the furry blue skinned Beast. It's cool how so many things are finally explained like Hank creating Cerebro and the Blackbird. And how Xavier helps Erik reach his full potential with his powers. And while there is plenty of action in the film, its the story and the characters that are so fully fleshed out, that we understand and realize the dangers and the dilemmas these mutants are facing. As for the performances Michael Fassbender is magnificent as Magneto. His tragic story is finally brought to life and we understand why he took the road he did and why he despises humans. His scenes with McAvoy and then Lawrence are the best scenes in the entire film. Lawrence is a revelation as Raven/Mystique as she is constantly struggling with her appearance and longs to human. Her scenes with Hank are quite touching. Fassbender and McAvoy scenes are quite emotional as well as you can see these two men being conflicted about their differences. Kevin Bacon makes a formidable adversary as he is a mutant who can absorb energy and then re-channel it. Kind of makes him hard to bring down. Also of note is Jason Flemyng as the red skinned teleporting Azazel. He looks positively wicked.

The finale is awesome as The X-Men try to prevent the United States and Russia from launching an all out nuclear war. At this point, the film becomes Magneto's show. And he doesn't hold back. It's like in X2 when Wolverine cuts loose at the mansion against the invading soldiers. Magneto, thanks to Charles has full control of his powers and he lets go. From lifting The Hellfire Club's sub from underwater to going against Shaw one on one to staring down over 100 missiles fired by naval warships, Magneto gets to show his stuff. The design of the film perfectly captures the era of the 60's and it makes it feel new and fresh. Also the music score is one of the best I've heard. It's a good blend of heroic and dramatic themes that swells often and is very pleasing to the ears. I enjoyed this film tremendously and so far it's my favorite film of the summer, even better than Thor. Yeah, it's that good. Just check out my rating I'm giving it.
Oh and one more thing, the film has one surpising and cool cameo. I'm not gonna say who it is but it is freaking awesome when they show up.
A- 

Sebastain Shaw and Emma Frost

Xavier and his team

Oh yeah Magneto cutting loose

Mystique all suited up

Emma Frost looking serene

Banshee taking flight

Professor X in action

The devil looking Azazel

Pics of Hugh Jackman as Wolverine

Ororo Munroe (Storm) and Logan (Wolverine) Photos


X-Men: The Last Stand (2006) Photos


X-Men: The Last Stand (2006) Photos


Logan (Hugh Jackman) and Victor Creed (Liev Schreiber) face off for the ultimate battle – against each other. Photo credit: James Fisher. TM and ©2009 Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation. All rights reserved. Photos

Review: Uncanny X-Men #521 (April 2010)

I just read the newest issue of Uncanny X-Men and it was pretty good. For the past year the team has been living in San Francisco dealing with everything from racist skinheads to Norman Osbourne's Avengers. They recently raised Asteroid M from the Pacific Ocean and are currently residing there, declaring it a safe-haven for mutantkind. In the previous issue a pack of mutant eating Predator X's were unleashed on their new home. After dispatching those creatures with the help of the newly re-powered Magneto, The X-Men find out who sent the predators after them and head to New York to have a little chat with them. So Wolverine, Colossus, and Psylocke arrive in NY and are promptly engaged in battle with the bad guys, who actually are beating the X-Men pretty good until the mutant mercenary Fantomex shows up and starts wrecking s**t all over the place. He's like Snake Plissken, as he is a loner who likes messing up people. But it's a typical day for the X-Men in this issue. The art by Greg Land is stellar once again and the story by Matt Fraction has all the mutant geek babble and required heroics of any good X-Men story. No, what makes this issue note-worthy is the cliff-hanger on the final page that shows a mutant who has been missing from the scene for about two years now. Most people thought that this mutant would never return but they have and it will make for a super charged storyline. And no I'm not talking about Jean Grey. She's been killed and brought back so many times, it has become a running joke. So, I won't give away who the mutant is, but if you stopped reading the X-Men, now would be a good time to pick it up again.

Quote Of The Day

"A day without doing something stupid isn't worth getting out of bed for". Emma Frost (X-Men)