Questioning the Pull-List Pt. 4: The Charles Soule Factor

Now that it's been announced that Charles Soule signed an exclusive contract with Marvel, my comics subscription list has gotten a little more crowded.  The writer of DC's Swamp Thing, Red Lanterns and Superman/Wonder Woman (his run ends in October) has surely been busy with both work-for-hire and creator-owned properties.  With Letter 44 over at Oni Press and both She-Hulk and Inhuman at Marvel, he's also penning The Death of Wolverine, which releases tomorrow Wednesday, September 3.  At one point, Soule was writing as many as eight monthlys simultaneously including Thunderbolts.  Many readers of his stuff questioned whether he'd be able to sustain writing this many books or not and still produce quality work while maintaining a regular 9-5 as... wait for it... a lawyer.  Surely this was a feat only Jennifer Walters or Matt Murdock could pull off.  Sure enough, Soule proved that he could handle the juggling act.  His run on Swamp Thing has by far been my favorite Soule food.  Moreover, his stellar run on that book has in my opinion surpassed the already fantastic and critically-praised Scott Snyder run.  Soule has dared to bring diversity and courage in his vision for an expanded mythos.

However, all this brings me back to my pull-list again and what I will call "The Charles Soule Factor."  Many comic book readers have their favorite writers.  Whether it's Ed Brubaker, Gail Simone, Mark Waid or... Charles Soule, fans of excellent writers tend to pick up their books.  Art aside (as is the case many feel about She-Hulk), readers recognize that they are good storytellers.  This is the case for Soule and Swamp Thing.  It's also the case for a surprisingly good series that really caught my attention:  Red Lanterns.

I started reading it for the "Red Daughter of Krypton" story arc that he and Tony Bedard shared alongside Supergirl.  I really enjoyed that cross-over.  So I stayed on Red Lanterns because it was Charles Soule and because I wanted to learn more about these characters.  Rich character development and dialogue had me rooting for the likes of Zox and Skallox.  And there was Guy Gardner.  My Guy Gardner was always the post-Crisis Green Lantern of the Justice League International: self-assured, full of himself, but still lovable.  So who was this man dressed in red with mutton-chops?  I wanted to get to know this man, and Charles Soule re-introduced me to him.

So, I've been buying this one straight from the shelf at the full $2.99 price.  I was going to take a break from it because of the huge cross-over coming soon with the other Lantern books.  Since Charles Soule will only be writing Swamp Thing and Red Lanterns through March 2015, my eyes will be seeing "red" as well as green.

DC Comics (DCU: Green Lantern)

 Red Lanterns ($2.99, monthly)

Questioning the Pull-List Pt. 3: Gotham Academy

DC Comics (DCU: Batman)

 Gotham Academy ($2.99, monthly)

It's already September, and many Batman fans antcipate several new Bat-centric titles to hit stands in the coming weeks.  One such book is Gotham Academy, which releases in October.  The creative team of Becky Cloonan, Brenden Fletcher and Carl Kerschler will helm the series.  It will mix both mystery and charm as the story follows the misadventures of several students at the prestigious school.  Some readers may protest the number of Bat-centric books there are, including this reviewer, noting that the Bat-family is a large one indeed.  With Arham Manor and Gotham by NIght also slated to release in October and November respectively, how many Bat books should there be, right?

I currently do not have any Batman titles on my pull-list.  So my question is, "Should Gotham Academy find a place on my pull-list?"  I'm very interested in this particular book because it will feature an element of the Gotham universe that hasn't been explored.  I think it's cool that kids will be the main protagonists in the stories.  Additionally, the book is $2.99, but with the discount through my local comic shop, the cost will be $1.95.  Not bad.  However, it replaces another $2.99 book from my subscriptions: Aquaman.  Here's a taste of how many Bat books there actually are as made available by G-Mart Comics on their website (http:\\www.g-mart.com).  This is the November pre-orders list.  The above panel is from Karl Kerschler's Tumblr page.

DC COMICS (DCU: BATMAN)

 $1.95 (save $1.04) ARKHAM MANOR #2
Written by GERRY DUGGAN Art and cover by SHAWN CRYSTAL 1:25 Variant cover by NATHAN FOX On sale NOVEMBER 26 * 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US * RATED T When Batman goes undercover in Arkham Manor, we learn just how important inmate Jack Shaw is to his mission. (preview artwork is available)

 $1.95 (save $1.04) BATGIRL #36
Written by CAMERON STEWART and BRENDEN FLETCHER Art by BABS TARR Cover by CAMERON STEWART Lego Variant cover 1:25 Variant cover by CLIFF CHIANG On sale NOVEMBER 12 * 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US * RATED T Batgirl's new life is off to a rousing start when her first day of graduate school is interrupted - by twin sister assassins on motorcycles! (preview artwork is available)
 $1.95 (save $1.04) BATGIRL #36 LEGO VAR ED
(preview artwork is available)
 $2.60 (save $1.39) BATMAN #36
Written by SCOTT SNYDER Backup story written by SCOTT SNYDER and JAMES TYNION IV Art by GREG CAPULLO and DANNY MIKI Cover by GREG CAPULLO Lego Variant cover 1:25 Variant cover by ANDY KUBERT On sale NOVEMBER 12 * 40 pg, FC, $3.99 US * RATED T Combo pack edition: $4.99 US "Endgame," part 2 - it's a story arc so steeped in mystery, all we can tell you is the title! This issue is also offered as a combo pack edition with a redemption code for a digital download of this issue. (preview artwork is available)
 $3.25 (save $1.74) BATMAN #36 COMBO PACK
(preview artwork is available)
 $2.60 (save $1.39) BATMAN #36 LEGO VAR ED
(preview artwork is available)
 $1.95 (save $1.04) BATMAN AND ROBIN #36 (ROBIN RISES)
Written by PETER J. TOMASI Art and cover by PATRICK GLEASON and MICK GRAY Lego Variant cover On sale NOVEMBER 19 * 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US * RATED T "Robin Rises" continues as Batman and his allies make their push toward the heart of Apokolips! (preview artwork is available)
 $1.95 (save $1.04) BATMAN AND ROBIN #36 LEGO VAR ED (ROBIN RISES)
(preview artwork is available)
 $1.95 (save $1.04) BATMAN ETERNAL #31
Written by SCOTT SNYDER, JAMES TYNION IV, RAY FAWKES, KYLE HIGGINS and TIM SEELEY Art by FERNANDO PASARIN and MATT RYAN Cover by RAFAEL ALBUQUERQUE On sale NOVEMBER 5 * 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US * RATED T The team-up you never saw coming - Alfred Pennyworth and...Bane?! (preview artwork is available)
 $1.95 (save $1.04) BATMAN ETERNAL #32
Written by SCOTT SNYDER, JAMES TYNION IV, RAY FAWKES, KYLE HIGGINS and TIM SEELEY Art by JASON FABOK Cover by RAFAEL ALBUQUERQUE On sale NOVEMBER 12 * 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US * RATED T The Spoiler is on the case to find the truth behind the nightmare at Arkham! (preview artwork is available)
 $1.95 (save $1.04) BATMAN ETERNAL #33
Written by SCOTT SNYDER, JAMES TYNION IV, RAY FAWKES, KYLE HIGGINS and TIM SEELEY Art by JASON FABOK Cover by RAFAEL ALBUQUERQUE On sale NOVEMBER 19 * 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US * RATED T Batman's arsenal of weapons is turned against Gotham City! (preview artwork is available)
 $1.95 (save $1.04) BATMAN ETERNAL #34
Written by SCOTT SNYDER, JAMES TYNION IV, RAY FAWKES, KYLE HIGGINS and TIM SEELEY Art by JASON FABOK Cover by RAFAEL ALBUQUERQUE On sale NOVEMBER 26 * 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US * RATED T Is this the end of Wayne Enterprises? (preview artwork is available)
 $2.60 (save $1.39) BATMAN SUPERMAN #16
Written by GREG PAK Art by ARDIAN SYAF and SANDRA HOPE Cover by ARDIAN SYAF and DANNY MIKI Lego Variant cover 1:25 Variant cover by KEVIN WADA On sale NOVEMBER 19 * 32 pg, FC, $3.99 US * RATED T Combo pack edition: $4.99 US New artist Ardian Syaf joins the hit series as a mystery begins! An unseen terror launches deadly strikes against major cities...and the only clue is Kryptonite! Can Batman and Superman bring an invisible foe to justice before more damage is done? This issue is also offered as a combo pack edition with a redemption code for a digital download of this issue. (preview artwork is available)
 $3.25 (save $1.74) BATMAN SUPERMAN #16 COMBO PACK
(preview artwork is available)
 $2.60 (save $1.39) BATMAN SUPERMAN #16 LEGO VAR ED
(preview artwork is available)
 $9.75 (save $5.24) BATMAN THE JIRO KUWATA BATMANGA TP VOL 1 (OF 3)
Written by JIRO KUWATA Art and cover by JIRO KUWATA On sale DECEMBER 3 * 352 pg, B&W with spot color, 1 of 3, 5.75" x 8.1875, $14.99 US * RATED T * DIGITAL FIRST In the 1960s, at the height of the Batman TV series' popularity, a shonen manga magazine in Japan serialized fifty-three chapters of original comics starring The Dark Knight, all written and illustrated by Managaka Jiro Kuwata. Now, DC Entertainment is proud to publish the complete Batman Manga adventures in English for the first time in three painstakingly restored volumes. The adventure begins when the Dynamic Duo faces the insidious threat of Lord Death Man! (preview artwork is available)
 $1.95 (save $1.04) BATWOMAN #36
Written by MARC ANDREYKO Art by GEORGES JEANTY Cover by RAFAEL ALBUQUERQUE On sale NOVEMBER 19 * 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US * RATED T+ "Batwoman and the Unknowns" continues as Batwoman crosses paths with the mysterious Jason Blood. (preview artwork is available)
 $1.95 (save $1.04) CATWOMAN #36
Written by GENEVIEVE VALENTINE Art by GARRY BROWN Cover by JAE LEE Lego Variant cover On sale NOVEMBER 26 * 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US * RATED T+ "Family Business" part 2! Selina struggles to maintain her role as the leader of Gotham City's crime families when...Catwoman attacks? (preview artwork is available)
 $1.95 (save $1.04) CATWOMAN #36 LEGO VAR ED
(preview artwork is available)
 $2.60 (save $1.39) DETECTIVE COMICS #36
Written by BEN PERCY Art and cover by JOHN PAUL LEON Lego Variant cover 1:25 Variant cover by FRANCIS MANAPUL On sale NOVEMBER 5 * 32 pg, FC, $3.99 US * RATED T Combo pack edition: $4.99 US In "Terminal" part 2, Batman's efforts to stop a contagion at the Gotham Airport come crashing down! This issue is also offered as a combo pack edition with a redemption code for a digital download of this issue. (preview artwork is available)
 $3.25 (save $1.74) DETECTIVE COMICS #36 COMBO PACK
(preview artwork is available)
 $2.60 (save $1.39) DETECTIVE COMICS #36 LEGO VAR ED
(preview artwork is available)
 $1.95 (save $1.04) GOTHAM ACADEMY #2
Written by BECKY CLOONAN and BRENDEN FLETCHER Art and cover by KARL KERSCHL 1:25 Variant cover by BECKY CLOONAN On sale NOVEMBER 5 * 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US * RATED T Olive joins the creepy Order of the Bat as an afterschool activity, and we learn more about her secret past! (preview artwork is available)

 $1.95 (save $1.04) GOTHAM BY MIDNIGHT #1
Written by RAY FAWKES Art and cover by BEN TEMPLESMITH 1:25 Variant cover by ANDREA SORRENTINO On sale NOVEMBER 26 * 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US * RATED T Strange doings are afoot in Gotham City! Look out, though - Jim Corrigan is on the case in this new series by writer Ray Fawkes (CONSTANTINE, BATMAN ETERNAL) and artist Ben Templesmith (30 Days of Night, Ten Grand)! (preview artwork is available)

 $1.95 (save $1.04) GRAYSON #4
Written by TIM SEELEY and TOM KING Art and cover by MIKEL JANIN Lego Variant cover On sale NOVEMBER 5 * 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US * RATED T Grayson travels deeper into the organized chaos that is SPYRAL! Can he keep track of all the lies? Or will he fall apart once he can no longer tell fact from fiction? (preview artwork is available)
 $1.95 (save $1.04) GRAYSON #4 LEGO VAR ED
(preview artwork is available)
 $1.95 (save $1.04) HARLEY QUINN #12
Written by AMANDA CONNER and JIMMY PALMIOTTI Art by CHAD HARDIN Cover by AMANDA CONNER Lego Variant cover 1:25 Variant cover by AMANDA CONNER On sale NOVEMBER 19 * 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US * RATED T Harley's over the moon about teaming up with the all-powerful Power Girl...but it won't take X-ray vision for Power Girl to see that something's not right with her new best bud! (preview artwork is available)
 $1.95 (save $1.04) HARLEY QUINN #12 LEGO VAR ED
(preview artwork is available)

Questioning the Pull-List Pt. 2: What Goes? What Stays?

Money doesn't grow on trees...nor do comics.  Here is my final subscription list with my local comic shop for October/November 2014.  With Superior Foes of Spider-Man ending with issue #17 in November and Uncanny Avengers, a staple of my pull-list for well over a year, concluding with issue #25 in October, I thought it would be a good time to re-visit the books that I pre-order.  

Pre-ordering is the process by which retailers can guarantee to the publishers pre-sale figures for books.  If you like a favorite writer, artist or creative team, or you simply enjoy reading a particularly series or are curious about another, pre-ordering through a local shop or online helps keep books printed and on shelves.  The more sales of the books you read, the more likely it'll continue to be published; especially the books that aren't Bat-centric or that feature Wolverine.

Comic Books

D. E.

 Solar, Man of the Atom ($3.99)

DC Comics (DCU: The Dark)

 Swamp Thing ($2.99, monthly)

Charles Soule and Jesus Saiz continue to bring the muck, mire and now machines to their run on Swamp Thing.  Soule sold me on Swamp Thing after Snyder's run endied.  I've been sticking with it ever since.

IDW Publishing

 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles ($3.99, monthly)

Image Comics

 Five Ghosts ($3.50)

Frank J. Barbiere and Chris T. Mooneyham return from a hiatus to Five Ghosts to tell an all-new story.  Issue #13 is slated for release in October.  It's also been confirmed that vampire hunter Van Helsing will make his appearance in the following month.  So the adventures of Fabian Gray are also back on my pull-list.

 Wayward ($3.50)

I picked up Jim Zub and Steven Cummings Wayward because of the buzz.  I thoroughly enjoyed the first issue.  I really debated whether to add it to my subscriptions because, of course, money doesn't grow on trees.  However, Wayward represents to me something new, something fresh; something that is fun and creator-owned.  I'm looking forward to seeing how the creative team develops the main protagonist over the course of the book.

Marvel Comics (Heroes)

 Daredevil ($3.99, monthly)
 Secret Avengers ($3.99, monthly)

Marvel Comics (Spider-Man)

 Superior Foes of Spider-Man ($2.99, monthly)

Superior Foes of Spider-Man #17 will be the last issue of a fabulous run made fun by Nick Spencer and Steve Lieber.  The homage seen here, by the way, to Marvel Studios end-credits from the Avengers demonstrates how much fun Superior Foes of Spider-Man was for the creators and its fans. Shwarma!

VALIANT ENTERTAINMENT LLC

 $2.80 (save $1.19) ETERNAL WARRIOR DAYS OF STEEL #1 (OF 3)

Peter Milligan and Cary Nord bring the steel with this three-part mini-series.  I'm also looking forward to December's The Valiant by Jeff Lemire, Matt Kindt and the father and son duo of Joe and Paolo Rivera.

Questioning the Pull-List Pt. 1: What Goes? What Stays?

I am just one of the thousands of comic book enthusiasts and readers who subscribe to books through their local comic shop.  I just so happen to have a pull-list at G-Mart Comics in Chicago's Logan Square neighborhood (www.g-mart.com).  I enjoy visiting my comic shop.  I grew up in a Detroit neighborhood that just so happened to also have a comic shop nearby: Comics Archives.  It was there that I had my first pulls nearly 30 years ago:  Batman, Detective Comics, Justice League (JLI).  Comics Archives has since faded into urban sprawl and obscurity closing in 2011.  The experience of getting my comic books through subscriptions has not.  However, today I am at a crossroads.

I'm not questioning the benefit of subscribing to books.  It's wisest stewardship of my limited funds for comics (that is after the discount is applied).  It's the best way to keep creators' work on the shelves and the best way to continue to see your favorite comics published.  I'm questioning my pull-list.  I have to pair it down, which is never fun nor easy.  I've already made some hard choices, but here is a current list of the books to which I subscribe.

Comic Books

DC Comics (DCU: Justice League)

 Aquaman ($2.99, monthly)

DC Comics (DCU: The Dark)

 Swamp Thing ($2.99, monthly)

IDW Publishing

 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles ($3.99, monthly)

Marvel Comics (Heroes)

 Captain Marvel ($3.99, monthly)
 Daredevil ($3.99, monthly)
 Guardians 3000 ($3.99, monthly)

 Secret Avengers ($3.99, monthly)
 Uncanny Avengers ($3.99, monthly)

Marvel Comics (Spider-Man)

 Amazing Spider-Man ($3.99, monthly)
 Superior Foes of Spider-Man ($2.99, monthly)

I've also been reading Frank J. Barbiere's Solar: Man of the Atom from Dynamite and Five Ghosts from Image; Charles Soule's run on Red Lanterns at DC Comics (particularly "Red Daughter of Krypton" and "Atrocities"); and Jeff Parker's run on Batman '66.  Captain Victory and the Galactic Rangers by writer Joe Casey and a slew of artists including Nathan Fox was also a fun read.  However, I can't buy everything.

There's Warren Ellis and Tula Lotay's Supreme Blue Rose of whose first issue I enjoyed.  Peter David's Spider-Man 2099 and the whole of the upcoming "Spiderverse."  All new Thor #1 releases in October.  Greg Pak's Storm was solid in my opinion, though, it never made my pull-list.  LFC at Longbox Heroes (www.longboxheroes.com) got me hooked on Superior Foes of Spider-Man (still not cancelled).  The Turtles in Time mini at IDW interested me so much that I started looking at the graphic novels, particularly Ross Campbell's art on "North Hampton" and got hooked.  Once Valiant brings back Eternal Warrior (Peter Milligan and Cary Nord) and debuts it's project The Valiant with Jeff Lemire, Paolo Rivera (and his dad) and Matt Kindt, I'll be adding them to my pull-list.

Ultimately, I enjoy reading all of these or will enjoy those released in the future.  However, which ones should I take off my list?  Which ones should I add?  How do I keep my list under $30 bucks?  What say you?

Top Ten "You Are the Father," What If? Scenarios: Guardians of the Galaxy Edition

Back in the day, Marvel Comics used to publish several different volumes of a comic book series called What If?  It explored different scenarios and possibilities for its characters, their origins and life/world-changing events.  One example of this would be "What if Betty Ross was caught in the gamma ray explosion that created the Hulk instead of Bruce Banner?" Or, "What if Reed Richards became the herald of Galactus to save Earth from destruction instead of Norrin Radd?"

from Guardians of the Galaxy #1 (2013 - ) by Brian Michael Bendis and Steve McNiven

After having seen Guardians of the Galaxy this weekend, I got to thinking.  What if James Gunn and Kevin Feige wanted to go in a different direction regarding Star-Lord's father who was hinted in the movie?  First introduced by Chris Claremont, John Byrne and Terry Austin in Marvel Preview: Starlord #11, Jason of Sparta is a space-emperor.  He is also the father of Peter Quill.  No spoilers here.  If one does her research, the information is out there.  However, the character has a complicated, publication history muddled in revised back-story between 37 years, several other creators and three different Jason's (Campbell, 2014)*.  I will not explore this here.  But what if Peter Quill's father wasn't Jason in order to avoid all of the discontinuity and to add more intrigue?  Who could Marvel Studios cast as the Legendary Star-Lord's dad in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU)?  There are plenty of possibilities and lots of logical choices.  Equally, some choices would be ridiculously fun.  In the immortal words of Maury Povich, here are my Top Ten "You Are the Father," What If? Scenarios.

10. The Silver Surfer

The Silver Surfer is a Jack Kirby creation and first appeared in Fantastic Four #48 (1966).  Just a note here:  this would never happen.  20th Century Fox currently holds the rights to many of the characters associated with the FF universe.  They will also be releasing another Fantastic Four movie helmed by Josh Trank.  Accordingly, Norrin Radd is a part of the FF universe.  He has his own storied history.  Even if Marvel Studios and Disney had the rights to the character, he still would not be cast as Peter Quill's father.  I just thought it would be fun to add him because I believe it's important for Marvel to obtain the rights back to characters that rightfully belong in the MCU.

9. Howard the Duck

The unlikeliest of fathers isn't even a humanoid; but a funny thing happened on the way to the gene pool.  Howard the Duck made his first appears in Adventure into Fear #19 (1973) and was created by Steve Gerber and Val Mayerik before getting his own title in 1976.  Given that Howard the Duck has had a girlfriend in the comic books, the plucky duck could be similarly cast as Rocket was in the movie.  He could be a Genetically-altered, AnthropoMorphic-Evolved being, or G.A.M.E.  Get it?  This would be such a horribly, fowl gag that it would be end-game for Marvel Studios' stellar track-record.  So... moving on.

8. Korvac (Michael Korvac)

Appearing in Giant-Size Defenders #3 (1975), Korvac was created by Steve Gerber and Jim Starlin.  Of the humans on this list, Korvac is the most altered being who hails from Earth.  He's also a tragic character who himself was abducted by aliens (the Badoon), but turned into something...more.  He has battled Thor, the Avengers and the Guardians of the Galaxy both in comic books and in animation.

7. The Uranian

An odd choice in this list, Robert Grayson or Marvel Boy is also known as the Uranian.  He first appeared in Marvel Boy #1 in 1950 written by Stan Lee and drawn by Russ Heath.  He too is human, but has since been retconned to share a Uranian physiology; though he is not an Eternal.

6. Thanos

Conceived by Jim Starlin in Iron Man #55 (1973), Thanos is the Mad Titan who seeks the destruction of the universe.  He desires to do this by first acquiring all six Infinity Gems:  Space, Time, Mind, Soul, Power and Reality.  Born to one of the first settlers of Saturn's moon Titan, he is an Eternal.  He is also the bother of Eros aka Starfox (a former Avenger) as well as the surrogate father of both Gamora and Nebula.  Thanos worships death and its avatar: Mistress Death.  The Titan seeks to please her, hence the descriptor "mad" fits him.  In the comics, he has been imbued with power by both the Cosmic Cube and the Infinity Gems, only to be stopped by the likes of Adam Warlock, the Avengers and Mar-Vell time and again.  Casting the Mad Titan would pit Star-Lords' Luke Skywalker against Thanos' Darth Vader in Star Wars kind of way.

5. Richard Rider (Nova I)

The last human on this list is Richard Rider aka Nova.  He was the first Nova from Earth and notably debuted with this character design in Nova #1 (1976) by Marv Wolfman and John Buscema.  Since audiences were introduced to Nova Prime and its protectors the Nova Corps., the utilitarian space-hero would make a great cameo in future Guardians of the Galaxy movies or some other Marvel franchise such as the New Warriors. Since death is never permanent in comic books, the Richard Rider character who heroically perished in the Dan Abnett/Andy Lanning run of Guardians of the Galaxy (2008-2012) is set to return to comics.  Sam Alexander is also the younger Nova, which notes there can be more than one of them; just like the Green Lantern Corps.

4. Mar-Vell

Mar-Vell, the Kree soldier and science officer better known as Marvel Comics' first Captain Marvel (not to be confused with Shazam), first appeared in Marvel Super-Heroes #12 in 1967.  He was a concept envisioned by Stan Lee and drawn by Gene Colan.  However, the character was not very popular until Jim Starlin re-vamped him in Captain Marvel #25.  Starlin is also famous for killing off the hero in Marvel's first graphic novel The Death of Captain Marvel.  Mar-vell was an Avenger and also battled Thanos.  The Kree is a familiar race of beings in the Marvel Universe.  They are conquerors and have even eyed Earth as a new conquest.  Their ages old conflict with the Skrulls, another galactic civilization in the comic books, is also well-documented.  During his time on Earth, Mar-Vell could have met Meredith Quill in a possible scenario that conceived Peter.  An aside:  Carol Danvers, the former Ms. Marvel, now currently holds the mantle as the rightful Captain Marvel after more than 30 years since Mar-Vell's death in the comics.

3. Ikaris (The Eternals)

Created by Jack Kirby in The Eternals #1 (1976), the Eternals were Marvel's version of the New Gods (1971) at DC.  Kirby created both.  The Eternals were similar to the Greek/Roman gods.  Ikaris is the most recognizable characters of the titular race of beings who trace their origins to the Celestials.  In addition to the Inhumans and the Asgardians, the Eternals are seen as god-like beings.  One of their kind, Sersi, was also an Avenger at one point.  Given the "space angel" comments in the movie by young Peter's mother, Ikaris (like Icarus), could be a strong candidate as Star-Lord's dad.  Additionally, much like Icarus, he could have fallen to Earth.  A fallen angel if you will.  This would explain how he'd have come into contact with Meredith Quill.  Guess you could say she was touched by an angel.

2. Adam Warlock

Adam Warlock is one of the coolest space characters Marvel has in its arsenal.  He possesses the soul gem, one of the infinity stones described in the movie.  Created by Jack Kirby and Stan Lee in the pages of Fantastic Four #66, he appeared in humanoid form in the following issue.  Adam Warlock is also one of the few beings in the universe that can go toe-to-toe with Thanos.  He played a prominent role in Jim Starlin's Infinity Gauntlet story.  He, Gamora, Drax and others became protectors of the infinity gems to keep them away from the Mad Titan.  Adam Warlock was also a member of the Guardians of the Galaxy during the Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning run on the comic (2008).

Honorable Mentions

Beta Ray Bill

He was worthy to lift the hammer of Thor and to replace the Silver Surfer in the Planet Hulk animated movie.  Is he worthy of fathering a legend?  Walter Simonson introduced him in Thor #337 (1983).

Loki

Of the Nine Realms, Loki would be the likeliest of villains to have fathered a child on Midgard.  This despite his hate for brother Thor's beloved protectorate.  Jack Kirby, Stan Lee and Larry Lieber introduced Loki as Thor's brother and enemy in Journey into Mystery #85.  He has a more tragic and complicated relationship with Thor in the MCU as portrayed by Tom Hiddleston in Thor, The Avengers and Thor: the Dark World.

Quasar

Introduced as Quasar in Incredible Hulk #234, Wendell Vaughn donned a pair of quantum bands whose origin, he learned later, was from outer space.  He was able to use them better than any other humanoid attempting to do so.  He thus became the Protector of the Universe.  He, too, has since died (Dan Abnett/Andy Lanning run) killed by Annihilus during Annihilation.  The quantum bands and mantle of Quasar was passed on to Phyla-Vell.  Since death is never permanent, you never know.

1. Eros of Titan (Starfox)

Debuting in Iron Man #55 in 1973 and another Jim Starlin and Mike Friedrich creation, Eros aka Starfox would be the likeliest Marvel character to replace Jason of Spartax as Peter Quill's dad.  First of all, he's not human.  He is a Titan.  He's also the brother of Thanos, but his polar-opposite: romantic, adventurous and fun. This would likely set up family tension for Star-Lord and Gamora, which is the stuff of soap operas.  Secondly, Starfox is also a former member of the Avengers in its more historic, Marvel Comics continuity.  This fact makes him perhaps one of the first alien characters to join the Avengers in their fight against Thanos by the third movie.  Accordingly, Starfox is still considered "royalty."  What better way to hide one's son from family turmoil than to secret him away with bandits? Um...I know...that sounds ridiculous.

Though Starfox is less than like-able as a womanizer, it is, lastly, a possible fit in the plot direction of GotG.  Peter's mother described his father as being an "angel" in the movie.  So, it would make sense if this angelic being was Starfox.  He would need to be re-cast as a starry-eyed, fun-loving romantic (in an Ashton Kutcher kind of way) in order to (1) be suitable as a Disney movie, (2) be like-able to female audiences and (3) avoid any association with misogyny whatsoever.  Starfox would need a total makeover to win over audiences.  

The Punch-Line

"When it comes to 38 year old Peter Quill, Eros... What if  YOU were the father?"  I'm calling it.  Nuff' said.

Spoiler Alert:  In the Guardians of the Galaxy movie, Yondu mentioned how he was tasked with the job of fetching Peter Quill and bringing him to his father.  Apparently, this didn't happen.  It suggests that Star-Lord's dad is a man of power and authority.  The fact that Quill was raised by Yondu and is band of bandits also suggests the machinations of a mad tyrant, the delusions of grandeur of a pompous prince or the purpose of a protective but distant patriarch.

I'd like to thank Google, Wikipedia, the Marvel Wikia, GoCollect.com and Comixology for much needed links to information and image searches.

*Campbell, Donald and Snood.  "Emperor Jason of Sparta." Marvel Universe App. www.marvuapp.com. Last updated 3/27/2014. Retrieved August 4, 2014 (http://www.marvunapp.com/Appendix/jasonspa.htm).

Comics Oughta Be Fun (and their movie adaptations) Episode 3

I saw Guardians of the Galaxy on opening day.  My goodness.  What a star-hopping experience this movie was!

What's So Fun About This Movie

I really enjoyed every moment from start to finish of Marvel Studios' newest arrival to the Marvel Cinematic Universe.  The movie reminded me of what escapist, science-fantasy should be: fun, action-packed, adventurous and an all-around journey to strange worlds and civilizations.  In my opinion, GotG is one of the best comic book movies to ever been adapted to screen.  In fact, it's one of the better sci-fi movies of its kind to come along in a good twenty years.  Thanks to James Gunn who directed and co-wrote the story.  Thanks for making the Awesome Mix Tape Vol. 1 (and vol. 2) soundtrack make sense and the perfect plot device.  Thanks to Chris Pratt for delivering one funny and well-acted performance as the lovable scoundrel Peter Quill aka "The Legendary Star-Lord."  For landing his first major film role as a leading man, Pratt really delivered.  In fact, everyone did.

As for the rest of the cast: fantastic!  Nods to Dave Bautista for his "glorious" performance as Drax the Destroyer.  As reported by Bautista in several interviews, he really busted his butt to land this role.  It was also a role that could have been a weak link in the on-screen chemistry of the cast members and another knock to wrestlers (former or otherwise) being cast as important characters in big budget movies.  Remember the awful Bane from the Joel Schumacher Batman and Robin movie?  Vin Diesel as Groot and Bradley Cooper as Rocket made me forget who voiced them.  Their characterizations, face-capture and voice performances really humanized the two, "thick as thieves" bounty hunters.  To round out the five, Zoe Saldana's Gamora really highlighted what she does best in these kinds of movies.  My wife often tells me, "I love it when the girl gets to beat them up;" and beat them up she did.  This is nothing new for Saldana with movies like Avatar, Pirates of the Caribbean, and two Star Trek movies (as Lt. Uhura) under her belt.

Additionally, Yondu was gritty, and I love it.  Michael Rooker's (AMC's The Walking Dead) performance was pitch perfect for how he wanted to portray the character.  I worried that a bow and arrow in space would come often as disingenuous, but the effect worked sans bow.  Rooker's whistling was eerie as well as deadly.  Lee Pace as Ronan the Accuser was also a villain well-played; which leaves us with Nebula.  Karen Gillan's space-assassin was a star-turn for the once-companion of a Time-Lords.

Overall, I really enjoyed this Guardians of the Galaxy.  It has repeat viewing quality.  There's so much story packed in it, but James Gunn does a great job of keeping the threads taut.  Am I going too far as to say Guardians of the Galaxy is this generation's Star Wars?  The comparison is already being made.  If Marvel and Disney continue to treat this property right (unlike several properties like Sam Raimee's Spider-Man and Tim Burton's Batman), then hello pop cultural phenomenon.  Is it possible that Guardians of the Galaxy will far exceed what Avengers was able to accomplish two summers ago?

What's Not So Fun

Star-Lord... 
Who?

Djimon Hounsou is a good actor, and I've enjoyed his performances in a lot of movies.  He's come a long way as an actor.  He also did a good job as Korath the Pursuer.  However, here's my problem with his being cast in this movie.  It is a problem that Marvel Studios and Disney will either need to address or one with which actors and actresses in their movies must get comfortable.  That is the difficult task of being re-cast in a different Marvel movie as a different character.  I really hoped that if a Black Panther role was ever created, it would be Djimon Hounsou.  He is in my mind T'Challa, Prince (King) of Wakanda.  However, he has since appeared and now met his demise in a Marvel movie that is part of its Cinematic Universe.  Based on their model, could Hounsou be re-cast as another character?  I'm not sure.  Idris Elba, for example, is another actor whom I believe have the ability to portray Black Panther in a movie.  His titular role as the BBC's Luther is a good example of this.  However, he already portrays Heimdall in the Thor movies.  If I could get off topic for a moment...

A very long time ago it was rumored that Wesley Snipes wanted the role of Black Panther...badly.  However, he gave excellent performances as Blade in the Blade movies.  Blade is an example of a Marvel movie outside of the Cinematic Universe.  It would not have been far-fetched that had a Black Panther movie been optioned and brought to screen, Snipes would have been Black Panther.  Fast-forward fifteen or more years, and Snipes is back to action-movie making with his appearance set for Expendable 3.  If they ever needed to cast T'Chala's father T'Chaka, I believe that role should be meant for Wesley Snipes.  End Tangent.

The Punch-Line

Go see Guardians of the Galaxy!  It is a must-see movie event to be enjoyed in a theater.  I give it four stars.