Episode #95: Justice League Review
This week hosts Tim, Troy, and Sunjay are joined by Rob Cast (TSW Roundtable, TSW Comics, Roman Pod and Cast) to discuss DC's latest film, Justice League. The guys discuss everything from the development to the end credits of the film and touch on the future of the DCEU.
Be sure to check out more from the Star Wars Commonwealth and follow Talk Star Wars, Tumbling Saber, Generation X-Wing, Rogue Squadron Podcast, Skyhopper Podcast and the San Diego Sabers!
Batman, My Batman
I have made no secret of the fact that I am not a big fan of the direction Zack Snyder has taken the DCEU. I’m not keen on the tone of Man of Steel, I didn’t appreciate his vision of Batman or Superman in BvS and I’m not looking forward to Justice League. I find the tone too dark and the characters too hopeless. But I’m not suggesting everything that came before was perfect either. In fact, I had issues with The Dark Night Rises. These issues were largely mine because I had built a headcanon version of the movie that could never be…
I have made no secret of the fact that I am not a big fan of the direction Zack Snyder has taken the DCEU. I’m not keen on the tone of Man of Steel, I didn’t appreciate his vision of Batman or Superman in BvS and I’m not looking forward to Justice League. I find the tone too dark and the characters too hopeless. But I’m not suggesting everything that came before was perfect either. In fact, I had issues with The Dark Night Rises. These issues were largely mine because I had built a headcanon version of the movie that could never be…
After the Dark Knight, my mind went directly to the sequel. Nolan’s sequel to Batman Begins may be the best superhero film ever made. It also happens to be very dark, lacking any sense of hope and takes the characters extremely seriously, but somehow Nolan made it work. The film was released in 2008 as Marvel was just booting up the MCU and getting ready to teach the world how to manage comic book IP. But, when Dark Knight swooped into theatres it did so beneath a huge shadow. The shadow was cast by the loss of Heath Ledger who breathed life into The Joker in a way that made the character a poison chalice for anyone who dares try to fill Heath’s shoes.
The way the Dark Knight ended, and indeed, the way it closed the book on the Joker felt like the series had more to say. As if the Joker’s return was inevitable, and so my imagination run away with me and ultimately, I created a “headcanon” movie that The Dark Rises, in some small way, to me alone, failed to surpass. I wanted to share that with you today.
My idea for a Dark Knight sequel would require that Christopher Nolan recast the Joker with another actor. Nolan stated pretty clearly as The Dark Knight Rises entered production that this simply wasn’t going to happen. So my vision for a sequel featuring the character started to fade almost immediately, even as my first choice to replace Heath, Joesph Gordon Levitt was cast in the film. Here is what I wanted to see.
In my Batman movie, we would have seen a slightly different version of the Joker. One incarcerated in Arkham. A Joker with no makeup, no brightly coloured hair and no purple suit. This Joker, I envisioned would have sported a close-cropped haircut, clearly visible scars and a subdued persona. This a Joker who is being kept level by a prescribed list of narcotics. Courtesy of his psychiatrist, Dr Quinn of course. In my mind Joker belongs behind glass, rather than bars, the way we meet Hannibal Lector in Silence of the Lambs, and that wouldn’t be the only parallel to Jonathan Demme’s movie.
Gotham would have fallen prey to a terrorist of sorts. A warped individual who is completely obsessed with The Batman. A fanboy who is setting bombs in Gotham designed to test The Batman. To see if the man the press are calling a vigilante is actually hero or villain. To test his prey, the bomber is leaving a series of test, clues that Batman needs to follow in order to foil his dastardly plans. You might call them riddles…
One thing I wanted to see was the introduction of The Riddler. In my story, the Riddler was a simple Gothamite who had grown increasingly more obsessed with Batman and intrigued by the battle of wits between the Joker and The Bat. This is when The Riddler reaches out to The Joker in Arkham. Dr Quinn passes correspondence between the two men, much like The Tooth Fairy in Silence, giving The Joker an opportunity to strike out at Gotham from within his cell in Arkham.
With Batman being the worlds greatest detective (not something we have seen a great deal of in Batman movies so far) it won’t take long before he realises that The Joker is pulling The Riddler’s strings and he enters Arkham with Jim Gordon, in disguise as Matches Malone, to question The Joker and game is on.
This would have been a way to tell a Batman story that shares some of the themes in Se7en. The Riddler, with the help of The Joker, would put Batman in some impossible positions and ultimately tell a zero-sum tale that costs Bruce Wayne dearly.
Ultimately The Dark Knight Rises wrapped up the Nolan Batman trilogy in a spectacular way. Bane was fantastic, Catwoman was a wonderful, morally grey character, and Gotham, perhaps Bruce Wayne’s greatest weakness, was indeed at the centre of the story. But I think I would have preferred a story that utilised The Joker, introduced The Riddler and set up further tales, even if they were not told by Nolan.
My biggest hope for the end of this film that never stood a chance of being made would riff on the Joker playing card sting from Begins and potentially set up the DCEU. In my imaginary movie, just after the credits, we see Batman, crouched on the edge of a tall building in Gotham. Silently, behind him, Brandon Routh’s Superman flutters down into the frame. Batman’s head turns slightly acknowledging his arrival and Superman has one line, “Bruce, I need your help.”
Thank you for reading,
Marc
Star Wars: Thrawn #1 - First Look
Lucasfilm recently gave us a sneak peek at the first issue of Marvel's Star Wars: Thrawn, an adaptation of Timothy Zahn's novel of the same name.
Lucasfilm recently gave us a sneak peek at the first issue of Marvel's Star Wars: Thrawn, an adaptation of Timothy Zahn's novel of the same name. The pages revealed depict Thrawn's first encounter with the newly formed Galactic Empire, check them out below!
Having completed most of the Thrawn novel, I can say I am really excited to see how it translates into the comics. Adapting novels into comics is a great way to get stories out to a wider audience, especially if you don't have 17 hours to listen to the audiobook!
You can catch Thrawn in the final season of Star Wars: Rebels and dive into his origin story in the 6-issue mini series when Star Wars: Thrawn #1 drops into comic shops on February 7th, 2018.
Star Wars: Thrawn (Novel) Synopsis
One of the most cunning and ruthless warriors in the history of the Galactic Empire, Grand Admiral Thrawn is also one of the most captivating characters in the Star Wars universe, from his introduction in bestselling author Timothy Zahn’s classic Heir to the Empire through his continuing adventures in Dark Force Rising, The Last Command, and beyond. But Thrawn’s origins and the story of his rise in the Imperial ranks have remained mysterious. Now, in Star Wars: Thrawn, Timothy Zahn chronicles the fateful events that launched the blue-skinned, red-eyed master of military strategy and lethal warfare into the highest realms of power—and infamy.
Thank you for reading,
Tim
SW Rebels Aftershow: 'The Occupation' & 'Flight of the Defender'
Join hosts Troy and Tim to discuss episodes 5 & 6 of Star Wars: Rebels Season 4 titled 'The Occupation' & 'Flight of the Defender'
Be sure to check out more from the Star Wars Commonwealth and follow Talk Star Wars, Tumbling Saber, Generation X-Wing, Rogue Squadron Podcast, Skyhopper Podcast and the San Diego Sabers!
Episode #94: A New Star Wars Trilogy & Live Action TV Series
Join hosts Tim and Troy to discuss the latest in Star Wars, Marvel, and DC with a special focus on the news that has rocked fandom its core....LFL will be producing a NEW Star Wars trilogy helmed by creator Rian Johnson!
Join hosts Tim and Troy to discuss the latest in Star Wars, Marvel, and DC with a special focus on the news that has rocked fandom to its core....LFL will be producing a NEW Star Wars trilogy helmed by creator Rian Johnson! The Star Wars discussion doesn't stop there, the duo also breakdown what they want to see in the live action Star Wars TV Series coming in 2019!
They also run down all the recent news from the Marvel; including Bendis jumping to DC, Thor: Ragnarok Box Office Update, and the Black Panther character posters. Lastly, with Justice League hitting theaters this weekend, the guys layout what they think the film needs to do to be successful!
03:08 - A NEW Star Wars Trilogy
18:30 - Live Action Star Wars TV Series
26:03 - Star Wars Collecting Update
39:12 - New Marvel TV Series in 2019
46:48 - Bendis jumps to DC
51:27 - Thor: Ragnarok BO Update
53:53 - Black Panther Character Posters
1:01:23 - Justice League Prelude
Be sure to check out more from the Star Wars Commonwealth and follow Talk Star Wars, Tumbling Saber, Generation X-Wing, Rogue Squadron Podcast, Skyhopper Podcast and the San Diego Sabers!
Black Panther - Posters, Funko POP!, & Legends!
Black Panther is just 3 months away and as the MCU starts to shift its focus to its newest hero, we are starting to see the promotion machine kick it into high gear! Character Posters, Marvel Legends, and Funko POP! for the film have all been revealed over the last few weeks!
Black Panther is just 3 months away and as the MCU starts to shift its focus to its newest hero, we are starting to see the promotion machine kick it into high gear! Character Posters, Marvel Legends, and Funko POP! for the film have all been revealed over the last few weeks!
Character Posters
The posters show off the incredible cast and with each poster comes a tag that gives a little insight into character roles in the film. Check them out below!
Black Panther Marvel Legends - Okoye BAF
The Black Panther Marvel Legends line splits the case pack with 3 film figures (Black Panther, Nakia, and Erik Killmonger) and 3 comic figures (Invincible Iron Man, Black Bolt, Namor) with a BAF Okoye. The sculpts look great on all of the figures but I would like to see more complete film based waves rather than a combination of comic and film. The BAF in this wave, similar to the GOTG Vol. 2 second wave, is a standard sized figure. The BAF is usually reserved for oversized figures like the Hulkbuster or Gladiator Hulk and getting standard figures is a little bit of a let down. That being said, I will be jumping into this wave for sure! Expect these Legends to hit stores this Winter!
Black Panther Funko POP!
Funko POP! has become a bit more of a pick-and-choose line for me but this recent line of Black Panther POP! look incredible. The line gives us a wide range of unique sculpts and a few cool new Black Panther looks. Expect these in stores this winter!
Black Panther hits theaters on February 16th, 2018!
Thank you for reading,
Tim
Episode #93: Thor: Ragnarok Review
Join hosts Tim, Troy, and Sunjay for a spoiler fill discussion of the 17th entry into the MCU; Thor: Ragnarok.
For more of our MCU Retrospective Series click HERE
Be sure to check out more from the Star Wars Commonwealth and follow Talk Star Wars, Tumbling Saber, Generation X-Wing, Rogue Squadron Podcast, Skyhopper Podcast and the San Diego Sabers!
The Last Jedi | Elite Series Wave 2 - UPDATE
Release dates for the second wave of the Disney Store exclusive The Last Jedi Elite Series figures were revealed a few weeks ago, and we have now seen the first 2 figures drop into stores!
Release dates for the second wave of the Disney Store exclusive The Last Jedi Elite Series figures were revealed a few weeks ago, and we have now seen the first 2 figures drop into stores.
The has been a lot of conjecture around how these figures were going to be released, causing a little bit of that plastic anxiety.
A few options include;
- A raffle system as seen in the past (OT and PT figures - 2015)
- Shipping in limited quantities
- A simple staged release to create a bit of buzz.
After seeing the first 2 figures drop and speaking with Disney Store employees I can now confirm a few Elite Series details. These certainly aren't being raffled off but they appear to be short shipped for the day of release (6-12 per store). Although they are shipping in limited quantities for the day of release, it looks like Disney Stores are continuing to receive cases of the figures after their initial release. So it looks like there shouldn't be any issues picking up the majority of these figures down the road at a discount. I will toss some caution towards the Snoke figure (December 5th, 2017) which may see a bit more attention from collectors.
Here is a look at the first 2 figures released, Chewy and Finn. The Chewy is a great looking figure and is scaled properly, requiring a larger box. The great sculpt and paint applications (not to mention the Porgs) almost made me grab this figure at full price. The Finn leaves a bit to be desired with a less then stellar face sculpt and overall falling short of the Black Series equivalent. I will defiantly be picking these figures up, but I am playing the long game to save a bit cash and spread the collecting budget around to more items!
Check out the Elite Series release dates below - up next Poe Dameron - Tuesday November 7th, 2017!
Chewbacca with Porgs - October 27th, 2017
Finn (First Order Disguise) - October 31st, 2017
Poe Dameron - November 7th, 2017
Rose & BB-8 - November 14th, 2017
C-3PO - November 21st, 2017
Captain Phasma - November 28th, 2017
Supreme Lead Snoke - December 5th, 2017
Let us know your thoughts on the Elite Series in the comments below!
Thanks for reading!
As always, good luck on THE HUNT!
Tim
MCU Retrospective Series: Thor: The Dark World
In the build up to the release of Thor: Ragnarok, join hosts Tim, Troy, and Sunjay to discuss Marvel’s 8th entry into the MCU: Thor: The Dark World.
LISTENERS ASSEMBLE!
The journey to Avengers: Infinity War continues here!
Enter the Nerd Room for a massive retrospective review of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, leading into a weekend of release review of Avengers: Infinity War.
Join hosts Tim, Troy, and Sunjay to discuss Marvel’s 8th entry into the MCU: Thor: The Dark World
For more on our MCU Retrospective Series visit thenerdroom.net
We look forward to taking the journey with the listeners and would love to have your input, comments, and questions. Send your thoughts to the nerdrm@gmail.com or hit us up on twitter (@thenerdrm)!
Be sure to check out more from the Star Wars Commonwealth and follow Talk Star Wars, Tumbling Saber, Generation X-Wing, Rogue Squadron Podcast, Skyhopper Podcast and the San Diego Sabers!
SW Rebels Aftershow: 'Heroes of Mandalore' & 'In the Name of the Rebellion'
Join hosts Troy and Tim to discuss the first four episodes of Star Wars: Rebels Season 4 titled 'Heroes of Mandalore' Part 1 & 2 and 'In the Name of the Rebellion' Part 1 & 2.
A Nerd Room Podcast Production: Star Wars Rebels Alert, a weekly podcast aftershow recapping and discussing each new episode of Star Wars: Rebels.
Join hosts Troy and Tim to discuss the first four episodes of Star Wars: Rebels Season 4 titled 'Heroes of Mandalore' Part 1 & 2 and 'In the Name of the Rebellion' Part 1 & 2.
Be sure to check out more from the Star Wars Commonwealth and follow Talk Star Wars, Tumbling Saber, Generation X-Wing, Rogue Squadron Podcast, Skyhopper Podcast and the San Diego Sabers!
Thorsday!
Get ready for the debut of Thor: Ragnarok with The Nerd Room! Check out our MCU Retrospective Series episode for Thor and tune in this Thursday for our thoughts on Thor: The Dark World.
Our review of Thor: Ragnarok will be dropping on Thursday November 9th!
Get ready for the debut of Thor: Ragnarok with The Nerd Room! Check out our MCU Retrospective Series episode for Thor and tune in this Thursday for our thoughts on Thor: The Dark World.
Our review of Thor: Ragnarok will be dropping on Thursday November 9th!
Review: Thursday November 3rd, 2017
Review: Thursday, November 9th, 2017
The Nerd Room Episode #92: Batman: The Animated Series Commentary
When host Tim is away, Troy and Sunjay will play! Join them as they celebrate the 25th anniversary of Batman: The Animated Series by providing commentary tracks for two landmark episodes from the series (Robin Reckoning Pt.1 and Old Wounds).
Be sure to check out more from the Star Wars Commonwealth and follow Talk Star Wars, Tumbling Saber, Generation X-Wing, Rogue Squadron Podcast, Skyhopper Podcast and the San Diego Sabers!
The Punisher Release Date Declassified
The release date for Netflix & Marvel's The Punisher has finally been declassified and announced as November 17th, 2017.
The release date for Netflix & Marvel's The Punisher has finally been declassified and announced as November 17th, 2017.
That date may sound familiar as it will pit The Punisher against DC's team up film Justice League. Don't expect the head-to-head battle to put any kind of dent in the Justice League's weekend box office but it will gives us a full weekend of epic comicbook content to consume!
Check out the latest intense Punisher Trailer below!
Are you excited for the latest Netflix Marvel series? Let us know if the comments below!
Thank you for reading,
Tim
Episode #91: SOLO & Black Panther Trailer
Join hosts Troy, Sunjay, and Tim for a high-octane episode talking the now titled Han SOLO film, the latest Black Panther trailer, comicbook recommendations, and much more!
04:17 - Listener Question
21:27 - Solo: a Star Wars Story
36:49 - NYCC 2017 - Black Series and Thrawn: Alliances
47:27 - New Mutants Trailer
57:07 - Black Panther Trailer 2
Be sure to check out more from the Star Wars Commonwealth and follow Talk Star Wars, Tumbling Saber, Generation X-Wing, Rogue Squadron Podcast, Skyhopper Podcast and the San Diego Sabers!
STAR WARS: THE LAST JEDI – DJ #1
Marvel will be expanding The Last Jedi comic series with Star Wars: The Last Jedi - DJ #1 coming January 31st, 2018.
Marvel will be expanding The Last Jedi comic series with Star Wars: The Last Jedi - DJ #1 coming January 31st, 2018. CBR.com dropped the news that was later confirmed on The Star Wars show, that the mysterious DJ will have his backstory expanded in a one-shot comic detailing a day in his life just before the events of The Last Jedi.
The writing duo behind Star Wars: The Last Jedi - DJ #1, Ben Acker and Ben Blacker, are also writing Star Wars: The Last Jedi - The Storms of Crait and it looks like the pair will be the voice of the post-The Last Jedi canonical expansion. I am excited for Marvel's step towards one-shot comics to give us a little more depth on new characters!
Check out the officially released details below.
STAR WARS: THE LAST JEDI – DJ #1
- BEN ACKER & BEN BLACKER (W) • KEV WALKER (A)
- Cover by JEFF DEKAL
- Variant Cover by TBA
- Variant Cover by TBA
- Movie Variant Cover also available
- When STAR WARS: THE LAST JEDI takes theaters in FORCE (get it?) this December, Star Wars fans will get a peek into some new dark corners of the Galaxy Far Away… and out of one of those corners scuttles DJ, the mysterious character played by Benecio Del Toro! Who is this mystery man, and what put him in the path of our Resistance heroes? Join Ben Acker & Ben Blacker (Star Wars Join the Resistance, Star Wars: The Last Jedi – The Storms of Crait) and Kev Walker (Star Wars: Doctor Aphra, Darkhawk) as they reveal a day in DJ’s life just before his appearance in the film! 32 PGS./Rated T… $3.99
Thank you for reading,
Tim
New Black Panther Trailer and Poster
Marvel Studio is spotlighting it's newest franchise this week with a new poster and trailer for Black Panther.
Marvel Studios is spotlighting it's newest franchise this week with a new poster and trailer for Black Panther.
The trailer seemingly dropped out of nowhere and hit fandom hard with a vibrant colour palette and striking score that frames all the characters and action. Giving off vibes that could be likened to the original Iron Man, Black Panther is quickly proving that it is going to be the next big thing coming out of Marvel Studios.
Hear our thoughts on the newest Black Panther trailer on Episode #91 of The Nerd Room - out Thursday!
Thank you for reading,
Tim
Hindsight The Novel.....it's about time
An exciting new novel title Hindsight from Matthew Keegan, Marc Godsiff, and Paul Jones will be arriving digitally on November 22nd, 2017 and all I can say is, it's about time............
An exciting new novel title Hindsight from Matthew Keegan, Marc Godsiff, and Paul Jones will be arriving digitally on November 22nd, 2017 and all I can say is, it's about time............
Hindsight is a beautiful thing.....I have had the fortunate opportunity to read this wonderful novel and for now I can only reveal a single line of my review.
"Hindsight is a brilliant tapestry of time travel and history that will leave you questioning everything... Impossible to put down."
You can discovery more by visiting the Hindsight The Novel Facebook Page and be sure to mark your calendar for November 22nd, 2017!
Thank you for reading,
Tim
Star Wars: Rebels Aftershow - Season 4 Preview
Star Wars: Rebels is set to return and so is The Nerd Room’s Rebels Aftershow! Join us for a special Season 4 preview episode where we discuss the possibilities and make our predictions for final Season of Star Wars: Rebels!
Our Star Wars: Rebels Aftershow is a weekly podcast recapping and discussing each new episode of Star Wars: Rebels.
The Return of Star Wars: Rebels
The final season of Star Wars: Rebels begins this Monday, October 16th with the one hour season premiere episode 'Heroes of Mandalore'. Keep an eye on The Nerd Room Podcast feed this Monday as we will be dropping a special preview for Season 4!
The final season of Star Wars: Rebels begins this Monday, October 16th with the one hour season premiere episode 'Heroes of Mandalore'. Keep an eye on The Nerd Room Podcast feed this Monday as we will be dropping a special preview for Season 4!
Season 4 Episode Guide
The first 9 episodes of the 15 episode Season will air over the next 5 weeks with hour long and back-to-back episodes.
"Heroes of Mandalore” - October 16, 2017 (hour long)
"In the Name of the Rebellion” - October 23, 2017 (hour long)
"The Occupation” - October 30, 2017
"Flight of the Defender” - October 30, 2017
“Kindred" - November 6, 2017
"Crawler Commanders” - November 6, 2017
"Rebel Assault” - November 13, 2017
The Nerd Room Star Wars: Rebels Aftershow
We will be back each week with The Nerd Room Star Wars: Rebels Aftershow, recapping all the new episodes of Season 4. Catch up on our back catalogue of Season 3 episodes here or check out our review of 'Zero Hour' below
Lucasfilm has released a recap of the first three Seasons to get everyone ready for what is going to be an emotional and action packed final Season of Rebels.
Thank you for reading,
Tim
The Nerd Room Episode #90: The Last Jedi & Justice League Trailers
Join hosts Troy, Sunjay, and Tim to discuss the massive Star Wars: the Last Jedi and Justice League trailers. The guys breakdown and speculate on what these trailers mean for the films.
Be sure to check out more from the Star Wars Commonwealth and follow Talk Star Wars, Tumbling Saber, Generation X-Wing, Rogue Squadron Podcast, Skyhopper Podcast and the San Diego Sabers!