The Avengers: Early Review Exclusive

And then there came a day unlike any other, when Captain America, Iron Man, Hulk, and Thor would be on screen together. While it’s every fanboy’s dream, the harsh reality is that more often than not this can go very wrong, however every once in a great while a movie comes along and becomes the blueprint of what a blockbuster movie should be.

Let’s save the suspense, this was gigantic scale action on steroids. Avengers is every awesome two page spread you've ever seen in comics come to life. I’ll try to keep out major spoilers but in order to fully explain a film with so many volatile elements something has to give. The movie picks up where Thor and Captain America left off; S.H.I.E.LD has the cube and is trying to turn it into a weapon. Loki’s reappearance and attack cause it to fall in the wrong hands, we also loose Hawkeye for a bit but fear not. Nick Fury has to rally his troops, but each is less than thrilled to be working for S.H.I.E.L.D.

We get one awesome fight after another, Cap/Ironman vs Loki, Ironman vs Thor, Captain America vs Thor, Black Widow vs Hulk, Hulk vs Thor, Thor vs Loki, Hulk vs Loki. The battle against Loki’s army is the best mega battle scene since Two Towers or Braveheart, it clocks in at a little over 30 minutes alone.

My concern was Mark Ruffalo as Hulk/Bruce Banner, while he plays the role to hold his own on screen, one could not help but wonder what an Edward Norton Hulk would have been like in this film.

Also certain parts of the movie require you to have at least watched Thor and Captain America, but if you haven't it really won't take away from your enjoyment of this film.

There were only two things Avengers did which were not wrong, just a bit odd. First there was never an “Avengers Assemble!” battle cry (hope this is the scene that was filmed the night of the premiere). Second the death of one of the characters seemed like just a plot moving device and I really liked that character.

No doubt you were going to see this movie regardless of what my opinion would have been. All my intent here is to get you to brave the crowd on opening weekend and see this movie on day 1, it’s just that good.

Note: at the time only the Thanos mid credits scene (possibility of a sequel based on the Infinity Gauntlet story) was shown, there is word another post credits scene will be included in the May 4^th release.

5 out of 5 Thank you Joss!!

- David N.

Wondercon and IEC giveaway

[Editor's Note: I haven't updated in a while, eat me. Also, enjoy this post and the next from David.]

Last weekend Wondercon in Anahiem did not attract Albert Puljos but it did attract these two and was awesome none the less. Here's just a few shots:

St. Patty's Day was not ignored by the cosplayers

Best Joker Ever

The rock was not here promoting G.I Joe

Super professional and one of my favorite writers Brian Buccellato

I had no expectations for this show but ended up loving it. If you're intimidated by the hustle and bustle of Sandiego check out Wondercon, a lot of fun with half the hassle. This was also a reminder of what the purpose of comics is, to pass on these awesome stories. In keeping with this tradition we're giving away this handful of #1's given by DC comics. This giveaway includes signed copies of Captain Atom by J.T Krul and Savage Hawkman and Demon Knights signed by Tony Daniel.

All you have to do is caption this pic in the comments section below by April 20th, 2012, the best one selected by the editor will win the prize. Have fun!





- David N.