• Superman Controversy and Thor Movie Review

  Posted 11:04 AM May 13, 2011 by Odinson · No Comments
  Tags: Comics · Movie

  Greetings from the Odinson,
  
  A couple of weeks ago Action Comics #900 hit the stands and boy, did it stir up a hornet’s nest of controversy.  The fact that the year-long Lex Luthor-driven The Black Ring storyline and the high octane Reign of Doomsday crossover both climaxed in this issue was completely overshadowed by a 9-page back-up titled “The Incident,” written by David S. Goyer (Batman Begins, Crow: City of Angels).  Within this quick story, the Man of Steel, to protect America from any blame by his actions, renounces his U.S. citizenship.  No longer will Superman’s pledge be Truth, Justice, and the American Way.  In 1986, in the pages of Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Superman was the epitome of government stooge.  He did whatever his country asked of him, without question, even going so far as to try to take down that troublesome Batman fellow causing all that trouble over in Gotham City.  Boy, in the last twenty-five years the pendulum sure has swung.  Both of these examples are extremes.  The Superman I know and love falls somewhere in the middle.  A funny little side note, just two weeks later in the pages of Superman #711, the Man of Steel talks about the American Dream and what it means to him.  Whether this was reactionary to the controversy or just plain irony that this bit came out so quickly after Action Comics #900 is up for debate.  However, the juxtaposition of these two issues is interesting, to say the least. 
  
  So which Man of Steel are we dealing with now?  The Big Blue Scout, or the rogue freelancer with no country affiliation?  Why does “…the American Way” interfere with Superman’s obligations to protecting the entire world?  Like Captain America, Superman is an American icon.  He was created by Americans.  He grew up in the Heartland of America.  A character like Superman does not need to be concerned with the negative connotations of what others may think about the United States.  His job is not to fix what’s wrong with this country.  Heroes like Superman and Captain America are here to set an example and show those around them the potential we all have in ourselves, the potential for a brighter tomorrow, the potential for peace and brotherhood among mankind.  Superman should always stand for Truth, Justice, and the American Way because even though many of us may fall short of this ideal, it’s the Man of Tomorrow that represents the best we can possibly be.
  
  Now on to the next topic…
  
  The Thor movie came out on May 6th and many people, knowing what a big Thor fan I am, have been wondering what I thought about it.  I absolutely loved it!  It was simply amazing!  When they were showing the opening and fabled Asgard was revealed, and then the throne room, and Thor and the rest of the Aesir, and then Odin spoke…a single tear rolled down my cheek.  For there, on the Silver Screen, the comic book I so loved my entire life was coming to life right before my very eyes. 
  
  The cast was absolutely perfect.  Chris Hemsworth, who played Thor, looked the part and did a great job with a role that if done wrong could have made the thunder god completely unlikable.  Natalie Portman as Jane Foster was, of course, beautiful and funny.  What can I say about Sir Anthony Hopkins that hasn’t already been said?  He is Odin.  But my standout cast member had to be Tom Hiddleston.  His Loki was absolutely perfect. I am so proud of the actors, writers, and director.  The best thing to ever happen for comic fans was Marvel getting control of their characters in Hollywood.
  
  The action sequences were fantastic and this fanboy got to see the mighty Thor be just that, mighty, and doing all the super hero things he does in the comic books.  The humor of the film was great.  Many, many laugh-out-loud moments spliced in with the action pieces made the two hours go by all too quickly.  And then the epilogue that ran after the credits (little cliffhangers that Marvel movies are becoming known for) simply gave me goosebumps for the potential of what may challenge Earth’s Mightiest Heroes in their movie next year.
  
  As I watched the Thor movie, I got that same feeling, that same joy as I do when I watch the first Superman movie starring Christopher Reeves.  To this day Superman is the best comic book movie ever made.  Iron Man came close, but when I watch Superman, which was directed by Richard Donner, I am watching the comic book I read come to life, and that is how I felt while watching Thor.  Batman is the favorite of some and for others it’s the X-Men or Iron Man, but my personal all time favorite heroes have always been Thor, Superman and Captain America.  So it should come as no surprise that I am beside myself with joy that Marvel hit a homerun with this one. 
  
  Odinson’s Movie Rating: 5 out of 5 Hammers and a Thunder Strike!
  
  Now my fingers are crossed for the upcoming Captain America: The First Avenger.  But after Iron Man and Thor, Marvel has my full confidence. 
  
  This is Odinson bidding thee farewell

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