Author Archives: Sean Ian Mills
Letting Go of the Star Wars Expanded Universe
We’re going to be OK. I have been as big a fan and supporter of the Star Wars Expanded Universe as anybody, and Disney’s announcement last week that the Expanded Universe will be dropped from official cannon was a bit disappointing. But we all knew it was coming. And it’s going to be OK.
Sometimes you just have to let go of the things you love.
Oh Jaina Solo, how will I ever quit you?
For those who don’t know, the Expanded Universe is all the novels, comics, video games and cartoons that extend the story of Star Wars beyond the movies. They fill in the gaps, expand the back stories of popular characters, and even look ahead to the future. What happens to Luke Skywalker, Han Solo and Princess Leia after Return of the Jedi? What are their kids like?
For the most part, all of these various stories have been part of one ongoing saga, all under the official umbrella of Lucasfilm. Everyone kept track of what stories were being told so that it was all one big tapestry.
And I thought that was the neatest thing ever!
But now that Star Wars is owned by Disney, who plan to make a ton of more movies and spin-offs, the suits have gotten together and decided that all of that Expanded Universe stuff is going to be shuffled off into a “Star Wars Legends” branding. It still exists, obviously, but it’s no longer official cannon with the movies. Instead, Disney is going to start creating their own brand new Expanded Universe.
Which I think is pretty cool too!
Join me after the jump for more!
Storm Gets Her Own Solo Series!
I know at least one of my readers is going to love this news, having called it months ago! The X-Man Storm is going to get her own solo series in July! Written by Greg Pak and drawn by Victor Ibanez, Storm is going to be used on a global scale. She does control the world’s weather, after all.
Still rocking the mohawk
The series was announced today via USA Today. Pak says he’s going to take Storm around the world, while also dealing with problems at home at the Jean Grey School, considering Wolverine is going to be dead this fall.
Said Pak:
“We’re going to see Storm cutting loose with all the brass and fierceness that comes from having the power to control every aspect of the Earth’s weather and atmosphere,” Pak says. “And we’re going to delve deep into the experiences and perspective that lead her to make decisions no other X-Man would — to tear through walls that no one else may have even realized are there.”
“Storm fights for those who most need her, no matter what the cost,” he says. “There’s a ton of drama and story in exploring how she makes those decisions and what kind of trouble that will create for herself and everyone she loves.”
Apparently this is a passion project from Pak, who grew up reading and admiring Storm. That sounds fantastic.
I think she’s particularly proud of her shoulder blades
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Robin Watch: Have We Already Seen the New Robin in Action?
It was barely a week and a half ago that I was telling you about Robin Rising: Omega, the start of a new story that will see a Robin return to Batman’s side after more than a year. Well now I’m here to tell you about Robin Rising: Alpha, the issue that DC promises will introduce the world to the new Robin. Announced at the C2E2 comic book convention in Chicago this weekend, Batman will have a new Robin this December!
Meaning Robin will now be the first sign of winter.
Good thing they have those silvery winter variant costumes
Of course, the comic con panel didn’t reveal who that new Robin is going to be. It could even be a resurrected Damian Wayne for all I know.
However, considering writer Peter J. Tomasi will be penning the story, and it will take place mostly in his Batman and Robin series, there’s now a greater than ever chance that the new Robin will be his candidate: Carrie Kelley. I don’t think Carrie has appeared all of that often in Tomasi’s series, but he introduced her in the wake of Damian’s death and has been having her try to support Bruce Wayne as a civilian.
Personally, I don’t like the idea of Carrie Kelley as Robin, but I think she could grow on me.
And I think we’ve already seen her in action!
Follow me after the jump to see my new theory!
Hench-Sized Comic Book Reviews – 4/26/14
This is the week of zero issues, apparently! All of the cool kids are starting off their new comic books with an issue #0 instead of the traditional #1. Because who needs tradition, amiright? Besides, ‘zero’ starts with a ‘Z’, so that makes it cooler already.
We’ve got both Justice League United #0, the start off the next Justice League spin-off , and Original Sin #0, a prologue to this Summer’s Big Event from Marvel. Original Sin actually makes for a nice little prologue, while this #0 issue of Justice League United actually reads like a #1 issue. I wouldn’t be surprised if Justice League United #1 just picks right up from where #0 left off.
So what was the point?
Beyond those zero books, we’ve got new issues of Aquaman, Fantastic Four and Batman Eternal, which continues its efforts to drive me insane. I also decided to jump back into Red Lanterns, which was a good choice, because Red Lanterns #30 wins Comic Book of the Week! Though, admittedly, there wasn’t much released this week.
Comic Reviews: Aquaman #30, Batman Eternal #3, Fantastic Four #3, Justice League United #0, Original Sin #0 and Red Lanterns #30.
You can also check out my review for Elektra #1 at Word of the Nerd!
Cyborg Cast in New Superman/Batman Movie
This casting news has come out of left field, but Broadway actor Ray Fisher has been cast as Cyborg in the upcoming Man of Steel sequel. Variety reported the news yesterday. I’ve never heard of the guy, but the people who cast Ben Affleck as Batman and Jesse Eisenberg as Lex Luthor seem to think he’s their man.
Not quite the $6 million man
So what started out as just a sequel to last year’s successful Superman movie is suddenly turning into Justice League Lite. Not that I’m complaining, mind you. I think it’s a great idea. The Superman sequel now has Batman, Wonder Woman and Cyborg in it. I’m just upset that nobody has announced Robin yet for the movie!
For those who don’t know, Cyborg is Vic Stone, a member of the most recent Justice League. He’s basically just a cyborg, a guy who’s body was enhanced with robotic parts. The article says he won’t be a big part of the movie, but obviously, at this point, we can all see that Warner Bros. and DC Comics are gearing up for a full-on Justice League movie. More power to them. I didn’t like Man of Steel, so cramming a bunch of other awesome superheroes into the sequel might make up for it.
