BY CHRISTINA RIVERO
This summer was all about comics, whether they were presented in film, show, or their original format. Some incredible events as well as some surprising news occurred over the last few months that will make us re-think the current comic world as we know it.
The main event that every comic book reader and writer alike anticipates is San Diego’s yearly Comic-Con. This year, the director and cast of the Avengers introduced Phase Three for Marvel’s Cinematic Universe with a short preview of Avengers: Age of Ultron.However, that wasn’t the only superhero film that put fans in overdrive. Director Zack Snyder, along with the three main actors for the film, let his audience glimpse a short clip of his upcoming movie, Superman v Batman : Dawn of Justice. In addition to revealing this exclusive preview, Snyder unveiled actress Gal Gadot in her Wonder Woman “suit” for the production. Along with this new twist in two beloved comic classics, Comic-Con also celebrated the 75th Anniversary of Batman, as well as Marvel itself.
This summer’s box office was overwhelmed with superhero films. The first to premiere was Godzilla succeeded by Captain America: The Winter Soldier. Both films were remarkable, keeping the audience entranced and excited for more. The next productions released were X-Men: Days of Future Past and The Amazing Spider-Man 2, both of which did exceptionally well and gained much praise. The most recent of the films, Guardians of the Galaxy, was an instant sensation. It was released on August 8 and still remains one of the top three films at the box office today.
The other form of pictorial media for comics is the television shows. This year, DC and Marvel have decided to make it nearly impossible for any household not to be watching at least one of their programs. DC has renewed CW’s Arrow for a third season as well as announced the arrival of three new shows: The Flash and iZombie, on the CW, along with Constantine on NBC. The Flash andArrow will be within the same universe for once, bringing back Grant Gustin as Barry Allen for the star of the new show.
PHOTO CREDIT: KORKA COMICS
Marvel will also be premiering the majority of its shows, such as Daredevil, The Defenders, and a series about Power Man Luke Cage, through Netflix. However, the most anticipated show to be released from Marvel is Agent Carter on ABC, played by Hayley Atwell, who first appeared in Captain America: The First Avenger and continued to be a part of Marvel’s miniseries. Another ABC Marvel Comics spin-off show, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., has also been renewed for a second season.
Comics went through many changes and new editions this summer. However, Marvel’s character changes was by far the hottest topic. Tony Stark is more than just Iron Man with a new suit and character development that now makes him the Superior Iron Man. Another change is Sam Wilson, who plays Falcon in many Marvel movies, as the new Captain America, which should bring a lot of mixed reviews. Also in store is a female Thor, which was only vaguely mentioned, but still brings quite the intrigue. Everyone is at the edge of their seats with this news and it’s only the beginning.
DC has not only brought back Dick Grayson in his own new series, Grayson, but has also announced the revival of a fifth Robin, Damian Wayne. Wayne was killed in battle alongside his father, Batman, and had not been mentioned until late June, but is now all over the Comic news. On the plus side, the long awaited return of Stephanie Brown, the former fourth Robin and Batgirl, has been released in Batman Eternal #28. Sadly, with the reboot, her former past has been erased, but hopefully her return will bring her back to life.
This was quite an eventful summer for all comic book lovers. With all this news, we can confidently look forward to this year and what will become of the comics
