Savage Hulk: The Man Within Review

Finished reading Savage Hulk: The Man Within, this tells the story of the Hulk teaming up with the X-Men after a previous encounter from a classic story. The book opens up with the Leader watching a battle between Hulk and the X-Men as the X-Men hope to find a device inside one of Bruce Banner's secret laboratories to help save Professor Charles Xavier from a comatose state. After looking over the device Professor X hopes to help Bruce Banner to cure him the Hulk as the X-Men head back to the secret laboratory in search for the Hulk where the team is confronted by Abomination who is being followed by the American Army. After a fight against Abomination the Hulk transforms back into Bruce Banner as Beast activates the device with Professor X using his psychic powers to help Bruce to stay focus as the device rids Bruce of his gamma radiation. However the device backfires when Professor X's psyche gets trapped within Bruce's mind when the Leader begins to interfere. Overall this was a good book as it expands upon a classic X-Men story very organically. The action set pieces are great thanks to some great visuals that show how devastating the Hulks fighting can be. While the addition of the original story that preceded the main story is a nice touch as it gives some setup to the book. 7/10.

The Last Witch Hunter Film Review

Finished watching The Last Witch Hunter, directed by Breck Eisner and starring Vin Diesel, Julie Engelbrecht, Michael Caine, Elijah Wood, Rose Leslie. The film opens up eight hundred years in the past as Kaulder (Vin Diesel) and a group of fellow witch hunters heading to the home of the Witch Queen (Julie Engelbrecht) in hoping that her death would end a deadly plague that has killed many people including Kaulder's wife and daughter. In her last moments the Witch Queen curses Kaulder with eternal life making him practically immortal. After hundreds of years of witch hunting Kaulder's current handler the 36th Dolan (Michael Caine) who has just retired from his role only to be found dead at his home the same night of his retirement. This prompts Kaulder and the 37th Dolan (Elijah Wood) to investigate after discovering that black magic was the source at Kaulder's previous Dolan's home. Overall this was a decent film as dives into the world of the supernatural that coexists within the real world. The action is good thanks the use of special effects that brings the supernatural elements to life. The addition of Chloe (Rose Leslie) helps to flesh out Kaulder's character thanks to Chloe's ability of entering people's dreams and memories along with the relationship she and Kaulder make though the film. 6.5/10.

Legendary Star Lord: Face it, I Rule Review

Finished reading Legendary Star Lord: Face it, I Rule, this begins the All New Marvel Now series to coincide with the release of the 2014 Guardians of the Galaxy film. The book opens up with Star Lord at an orphanage trying to stop a pirate gang of Badoon stealing the Mandalay Gem, which Peter also had his eyes on, only for him to be captured by the pirates due to the large bounty on his head. After escaping from the Badoon and giving his savings to the orphanage for compensation, Peter is then captured by a woman who happens to be his half-sister who also wants him for the bounty. Once Peter and his sister Victoria put aside their differences to work together Peter finds himself captured again by the Badoon after being sold out by a girl at a bar where Peter finds a new ship and heads towards earth to confront Thanos on the moon with the help of the Mandaly Gem. Overall this was a good book as it focuses on Star Lords adventures when he's not with the Guardians of the Galaxy and allows for a new supporting cast to shine. There is great comedy within the book with some of the best parts coming from the interactions between Star Lord and Kitty Pryde and how things happen within the background of their conversations. The book itself feels almost episodic which makes it easy to jump to the next part of the story, however in some places this can be a little repetitive as Peter seems to be captured most of the time at the beginning of each issue.7/10.

Captain America: The Tomorrow Solider Review

Finished reading Captain America: The Tomorrow Solider, this concludes writer Rick Remender's first Captain America series as the book wraps up the series overarching story that started at the beginning. The book opens with a depowered and aged Steve Rogers recovering from his encounter with the Iron Nail earlier in the series as Maria Hill and Nick Fury debrief him at Avengers Mansion. Meanwhile over in Central Park a portal to Dimension Z opens up as Arnim Zola and his army of hyperevoled mutants come through along with Zola's own fortress. Back at the mansion the Avengers encounter an intruder who breaks in by bypassing the security systems and evading the Avengers attack to find Steve in hoping to get his help to finally defeat Zola after revealing himself to be Ian Rogers, Steve's son who was thought to be dead when when he escaped from Dimension Z. The last story featured in the book is by animator Bruce Timm adapting a short Captain America story Stan Lee wrote in 1941. Overall this was a good book as it wrapped up the series strongly while giving Steve Rogers a new role within the Marvel universe. The reappearance of Ian Rogers and Sharan Carter into the book brings some shocks and twists on some characters discussions within the book. While the relationship between Falcon and Zola's daughter, Jet, becomes increasingly intriguing as their relationship is tested throughout. The short story was a nice addition to the book as it felt like a great animated short with a very strong story backing it. 7/10. 

Crimson Peak Film Review

Finished watching Crimson Peak, directed by Guillermo del Toro and staring Mia Wasikowska, Doug Jones, Tom Hiddleston, Jim Beaver, Jessica Chastain and Charlie Hunnam. The film opens up with Edith Cushing (Mia Wasikowska) remembering the night of her mothers funeral when Edith's Mother (Doug Jones) comes back from the grave as a ghost to warn Edith of the dangers of Crimson Peak. Years later Edith, now an inspiring author meets with English inventor Sir Thomas Sharp (Tom Hiddleston) who has come to America to meet with Edith's father Carter Cushing (Jim Beaver) for an investment to mine clay that is sinking his home back in England. After going to a party with Thomas, Edith is introduced to Thomas' sister Lady Lucille (Jessica Chastain) as Edith and Thomas become closer after spending more time together as the two begin to fall in love. Overall this was a good film as it has the asstetics of a classic horror story with it being set within a Victorian time period with a well payed of slow burn. The story behind Thomas and Lucille is extremely interesting with the discovery is their past and what drives them to surtan parts in the film. While the effects of the ghosts within the story of the film as they help Edith with the discussions she makes and the discoveries she uncovers while the asstectecs of the ghosts are very realistic more so with close ups as they look almost lifelike. What lets the film down in places are its last supporting characters like Dr Alan McMicheal (Charlie Hunnam) who feels very one dimensional with His story feeling very by the book predictable within the first couple of minutes of his introduction. 7.5/10.

Guardians of the Galaxy: Original Sin Review

Finished reading Guardians of the Galaxy: Original Sin, continuing writer Brian Michael Bendis' series as the Guardians discover more about their current and former members. The book opens up with Gamora confronting Star Lord about what happened to Richard Ryder Nova when the two used the Cosmic Cube to transport themselves and Thanos to the Cancerverse. Once in the Cancerverse Peter and Richard discover that Drax is there after Thanos had him sent there previously causing Drax to attack Thanos leading to the group to learning that no one can be killed as they are only resurrected seconds later a few yards away. This then gains the attention of the Cancerverse demonic version of the Avengers hoping to get the Cosmic Cube for themselves. The next story has Flash Thompson, Venom at Knowhere trying to find a way back home to Earth when Gamora notices him at a weapons shop which leads to the Venom symbiote to attack her with it only being stopped by the appearance of the rest of the Guardians. Once back on the Guardians ship the symbiote escapes its containment and then takes control of different members of the crew in order to go back home to the planet of the symbiotes after it tried to reconnect to the Venom symbiote. The final story has the Guardians coming into contact with a S.H.I.E.L.D helicarrier in the middle of space were they are met by original Nick Fury who has been followed by a large group of Skrulls. Overall this was a great book as it revealed the secrets of what happened to Nova and the origins of the symbiotes. The story of what happened to Nova which has overshadowed the series since the beginning brings a very heart breaking ending thanks to Nova being an extremely relatable character along with Gamora's reaction helps to force the emotional ending. While the the other two stories are very interesting with the origin of the Symbiotes bringing a new aspect to Venom's background. 8.5/10.

The Superior Foes of Spider-Man: Game Over Review

Finished reading The Superior Foes of Spider-Man: Game Over, this concludes writer Nick Spencer's story of Boomerang's Sinister Six that has been the main staple of the series. The book opens up with Overdrive and Beetle along with a bus full of school children meeting back up with Boomerang. After seeing the three of them the Owl comes to them with a job offer to retrieve the painting of an unmasked Dr Doom from the Chameleon along with the help of many villains from the Villains Anonymous support group to assist Boomerang's team. As this is happening Hammerhead and the Maggia confront Shocker at his apartment after discovering that Shocker has the head of the former Maggia boss Silvermane in his possession as Hammerhead plans on retrieving it. After being able to escape from Hammerhead Shocker arrives at one of Boomerang's safe houses were he notices the rest if the Sinister Six and attacks Boomerang because he pushed Shocker of a bridge in the boot of a car earlier in the series. Overall this was an amazing book as it concluded the series on a high note while wrapping up each story of the Sinister Six and their supporting cast very well. The story of how Beetle and Overdrive got the school bus is a funny little side story that includes a lot of great visual comedy moments which the series has been known for and continues to use throughout which is brought to life by the great art team. While the reveal of how Boomerang is narrating the story is great especially with him trying to end the story his way only to be stopped by a surprise character. 9/10.

Sicario Film Review

Finished watching Sicario, directed by Denis Villeneuve and staring Emily Blunt, Daniel Kaluuya, Victor Garber, Josh Brolin, Benicio del Toro, Edgar Arreola and Maximiliano Hernandez. The film opens up with a FBI task force raiding a house in Arizona lead by agent Kate Macer (Emily Blunt) along with her partner Reggie Wayne (Daniel Kaluuya). After finding a number of dead bodies inside the walls of the building and a bomb in a garden shed, Kate's boss Dave Jennings (Victor Garber) introduces her to Matt Graver (Josh Brolin) who's task force has been investigating similar instances involving the Mexican cartel with his case being further along. After volunteering to join Matt's investigation Kate meets his partner Alejandro Gillick (Benicio del Toro) as the three of them head to Texas on a private plane as Matt's task force plan a prison extraction of a cartel member named Guillermo (Edgar Arreola) in order to get more information on the cartel's organisation. Overall this was a great film as it is tension filled throughout thanks to the edge of the seat action and suspense. The character of Alejandro is very intriguing as he starts of as a very mysterious character and it takes the cause of the film to explain his backstory which involves some interesting twist and turns. While the side story of Mexican police officer Silvio (Maximiliano Hernandez) and his family to start of with feels out of place but eventually links into the the main story of the film which helps to give a more personal side to the effect the cartel has on one the people of Mexico. 8.5/10. 

Iron Fist The Living Weapon: Rage Review

Finished reading Iron Fist The Living Weapon: Rage, this begins writer/artist Kaare Kyle Andrews' Iron Fist series as Danny Rand is forced to deal with an army attacking both is home in New York and the city of K'un Lun. The book opens up with Danny Rand on a date with journalist Brenda Swanson as he relives the mystical city of K'un Lun after witnessing the death of his parents. After returning home with Brenda, a small force of ninjas attack Danny as an undead cyborg ninja takes Brenda hostage as they are looking for a little girl who has come to find Danny to tell him to go back to K'un Lun. After hearing this Danny rushes back to K'un Lun, only to find the city in ruins by a another fraction of the same group that attacked him earlier. Overall this was a good book as it delved into the life of Danny Rand in the present as Iron Fist dealing with undead robotic ninjas attacking him at his home in New York and at the city of K'un Lun. The use of multiple flashbacks is very indicative as it feeds back into the present time period with how Danny deals with his fears as well as linking to his internal monologue throughout the book. The slight change to Kaare Andrews' artwork between the time periods is great as the flashbacks as well as Danny's dream sequences are given a more older feel to the pages compared to the rest of the book. 7.5/10. 

Moon Knight: From The Dead Review

Finished reading Moon Knight: From The Dead, this begins the All New Marvel Now series as writer Warren Ellis brings Moon Knight back into the lime light in a episodic book series. The book opens up with Moon Knight meeting with police detective Flint at a scene of a murder with Moon Knight going by the alias of Mr Knight as he helps out the police in finding the murderer. The second story is a mainly silent one as Moon Knight confronts a sniper who has just shot down eight individuals in the same area. The next two stories has Moon Knight tackling supernatural problems from a gang of punk ghosts to taking a trip into a dream world. The penultimate story shows Moon Knight rescuing a kidnaped school girl by going through the front door beating up several thugs in the prosess. The final story is linked back to the first as police officer Ryan Trent tries to make more of his life by becoming a masked vigilante in hoping to take over Moon Knights job with the police. Overall this was an amazing book as it uses the structure of many short stories in an interesting way, and using it to the books advantage by having a strong conclusion at the end which links back to the first story of the book. The brutality of Moon Knight's fighting style is captured amazingly thanks to Declan Shalvey's artwork with the siege on the apartment building being the stand out point of the book as Moon Knight defeats a decent amount of people in very unique ways.9/10.

The Martian Film Review

Finished watching The Martian, directed by Ridley Scott and staring Jessica Chastain, Matt Damon, Mackenzie Davis, Chiwetel Ejiofor and Jeff Daniels. The film opens up with the commander of the Ares III mission, Melissa Lewis (Jessica Chastain) and her team preparing to leave mars as a dangerous storm hits the crews base. All of the team leave the planet apart from Mark Watney (Matt Damon) who gets left behind when he gets knocked back by a communication dish. After the team have left, Mark wakes up to being stranded on Mars prompting him to grow food by using the potatoes saved for the crews Thanksgiving dinner as well a trying to regain communication with NASA back on Earth. Meanwhile on Earth at NASA, after noticing movement at the Ares III base employee Mindy Park (Mackenzie Davis) notifies the director of the Mars mission Vincent Kapoor (Chiwetel Ejiofor). Leading to Vincent informing the current head of NASA Teddy Sanders (Jeff Daniels) of the discovery that Mark Watney is still alive. Overall this was an amazing film as it puts a different take on a typical science fiction story as the story itself feels a lot different to the dark tone the film could easily take. The science behind is incredibly interesting and helps to ground the film in a more realistic world. There is also are some great comedic moments which helps to make the characters more relatable and brings a more lighter tone to the film. While the soundtrack and score by composer Henry Gregson-Williams accompany's the film extremely well along with the placement of the music in the film. 9/10. 

She-Hulk: Law and Disorder Review

Finished reading She-Hulk: Law and Disorder, this begins writer Charles Soule's All New Marvel Now series as She-Hulk starts up her own law firm. The book opens up with She-Hulk having her annual review at her current law firm which she quits after learning that the firm only hired her because of her connections to the superhero community. After quitting Jen heads to the local bar were she meats Holly Harrow the wife of the villainous scientist Jonas Harrow, hoping to be able to sue Tony Stark after believing he stole the design of his repulsor technology from her late husband. After dealing with the law suit Holly pays Jen with enough money for her to start up her own law practice in an office building. The second story starts with Jen hiring an assistant for her practice and teaming up with Hellcat, with Jen hiring Patsy as her own investigator for cases. Once back at her office Jen meets with Kristoff Vernard, the son of Dr Doom hoping to gain asylum in America. The final story has She-Hulk reopening the Blue File case as she meets with the Shocker at his apartment while Patsy visits Tigra and Jen's assistant Angie Huang heads to Noth Dakota as they hope they find out any more information about the case. Overall this was a great book as it dived into the world of being a lawyer from the perspective of She-Hulk which puts a superhero twist on the story which is immensely intriguing. There's some great comedic parts from the interactions between Jen and Patsy to laugh out loud moments of Tony Stark's legal department which is strengthened by some great visuals from the art department. 8.5/10.

Captain America: The Iron Nail Review

Finished reading Captain America: The Iron Nail, this continues writer Rick Remender's Captain America series as Cap comes face to face with new villains, Dr Mindbubble and the Iron Nail. The book opens up with Jet Black trying to get used to living in New York with Captain America after being raised on the ideals of her father Arnim Zola in Dimension Z. After noticing a couple of thugs beating up a shop owner Jet helps him only to be seen by one of Red Skull's S Men, Tsar Sultan who tries to get Jet to join the Red Skull cause. The rest of the book has Dr Mindbubble using his mind controlling bubbles to take over the S.H.I.E.L.D facility that he was freed from by the Iron Nail. Who used the previously captured Nuke in order to to gain access to S.H.I.E.L.D's largest and most advanced Helicarrier called the Gungnir. With the escape of Dr Mindbubble and the death of Nuke, Maria Hill calls in Captain America to help with the escalating situation. Overall this was a decent book as it continues the series nicely by dealing with the Iron Nails plans that were put into fruition at the end of the previous book in the series. The focus story of Jet Black was good as it dived into the characters thoughts and feelings of living in a different world to what she was brought up in. The story with the Iron Nail and Dr Mindbubble felt incredibly short due to both characters jumping headlong in to their plan straight away turning the book into an action heavy set piece which allows artist Nic Klein to design some great action scenes from Captain America and Falcon fighting against S.H.I.E.L.D ground troops and vehicles to several Helicarriers and planes battling in the sky. 6/10.

Solace Film Review

Finished watching Solace, directed by Afonso Poyart and staring Jeffery Dean Morgan, Abbie Cornish, Anthony Hopkins, Autumn Dial and Colin Farrell. The film opens up with FBI agents Joe Merriweather (Jeffery Dean Morgan) and Katherine Cowles (Abbie Cornish) at a murder scene which is similar to two previous victims the two have seen. After coming to a dead end Joe calls in his old friend John Clancy (Anthony Hopkins) who has placed himself into a self exile after the death of his daughter Emma (Autumn Dial), for help on the case as John has psychic abilities which might give the team the upper hand in capturing the murderer. Overall this was a great film as it brings about a different type of twit to a typical detective story by bringing a slight supernatural element to the story. The reveal of Colin Farrell's character Cecil Weinberg brings an interesting part to the story with Cecil's motive and the interaction between him and John is very interesting especially with their different ideologies. Some parts of the film are quite obvious in the direction it goes only for it to have an unseen twist to it which changes the prospective of some parts of the film. 8/10.