Murphy's Multiverse

Author: Joseph Aberl

  • FanDome: Two-Part ‘Batman: the Long Halloween’ Animated Film In Development

    FanDome: Two-Part ‘Batman: the Long Halloween’ Animated Film In Development

    Just yesterday, we got our first look at the upcoming The Batman. Well, looks like that wasn’t the only Batman-centric news we were going to get out of DC FanDome. In an IGN exclusive panel for the animated film Superman: Man of Tomorrow it was revealed that four DC Universe animated films are slated for 2021 These include the already revealed Batman: Soul of Dragon and an original story titled Justice Society: World War II.

    With all this news, there is actaully one larger reveal. The iconic Batman mini-series The Long Halloween will be adapted as a two-part animated feature. The first part is slated to release next summer with the final part slated for Fall 2022. This will be the first adaptation of the 13-issue comic run that explored the story of Batman hunting down the Holiday Killer. It also isn’t the first time they’ve adapted an iconic Batman mini-series in two-parts. Last time they did this, it was the The Dark Knight Returns adaptation.

    The Long Halloween story is also considered to be a big inspiration for Matt Reeves upcoming film. It will be interesting to see how they adapt this story. Hopefully they won’t add anything like they did with The Killing Joke. Also, the comic run had a very unique style that made the noir-inspired story stand out. It isn’t something that can be easily replicated and brought to life through animation. There is a chance they might streamline it to some degree. I am curious how they will approach this project and will keep an eye for that first trailer next year.

  • ‘THE SUICIDE SQUAD’: Who is Blackguard?

    ‘THE SUICIDE SQUAD’: Who is Blackguard?

    With the roster for James Gunn‘s The Suicide Squad stacked with wildly disparate and relatively unknown DC Comics villains, we thought it would be great to get to know each of them in 400 words or less. Don’t get too attached after reading though, because there’s a good bet most of them won’t be around for the sequel! It’s time to meet and greet the members of Task Force X!

    Blackguard-DC-Comics-Booster-h12

    Blackguard a.k.a. Richard Hertz was a small-time thug until he was outfitted by The 1,000. His new armor gave him the ability to generate a mace and shield out of pure energy. They bestowed it upon him to steal satellite technology from S.T.A.R. Labs but he ran into Booster Gold. After some bad feedback from his employers, they decided to execute him. He managed to escape before being beaten by Booster Gold’s sidekick, Skeet. He would later end up making a deal with the demon lord Neron. This made him a bit smarter and was tasked with taking over Guy Gardner’s superhero bar. As one can assume, he ended up in prison.

    He was briefly reformed and even opened his own bar Dark Side. After exchanging letters with his former enemy, Guy joined in as his partner. Sadly, he fell back to a life of crime and got arrested once again. There, Amanda Waller got her hands on him for a slash-and-burn mission. He was stationed alongside Marauder, White Dragon and General. During a fight, he got beheaded by his former ally General. So far, he hasn’t returned since.

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    Many might recognize Pete Davidson for his time as a cast member on Saturday Night Live. Just recently he had the starring role in the comedy-drama The King of Staten Island and voiced Jerry Eagle in The Angry Birds Movie 2.

    While in the comics Blackguard is known for wielding a mace, his outfit and logo imply guns are his a primary weapon. Hopefully, he might still pull out his energy weapons as a last ditch effort. AS the character is quite obscure, director James Gunn might have taken quite a bit of liberty with the character.

    Murphy’s Multiverse Dead Pool Predictions

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    Predicted Chances of Survival: 0%

    Predicted Manner of Death: going by his comic origins, I see betrayal in his future.

    RIP Blackguard

     

  • ‘THE SUICIDE SQUAD’: Who is Bloodsport?

    ‘THE SUICIDE SQUAD’: Who is Bloodsport?

    With the roster for James Gunn‘s The Suicide Squad stacked with wildly disparate and relatively unknown DC Comics villains, we thought it would be great to get to know each of them in 400 words or less. Don’t get too attached after reading though, because there’s a good bet most of them won’t be around for the sequel! It’s time to meet and greet the members of Task Force X!

    Bloodsport-Superman-DC-Comics-I-teleport

    Bloodsport is a moniker that three mercenaries hold in DC history. The initial version, and the one we will focus on, is Robert DuBois. He made his first appearance in Superman Vol. 2 #4. After his brother went to the Vietnam War after in his place, he had a mental breakdown. Lex Luthor seizes this opportunity to tell him that Superman is an enemy and provides him with guns loaded with kryptonite bullets.

    He even manages to hurt the Kryptonian while rampaging through Metropolis. It was Jimmy Olsen that stopped his rampage by getting his quadriplegic brother to talk him down. The character ends up getting killed while fleeing from Stryker’s Island Penitentiary. The prison guards end up shooting him down. His mantle was then taken over by Alexander Trent, who hated DuBois. This was mostly due to the character turning out to be a fanatical racist. Currently, an unnamed third person has continued the Bloodsport alter-ego. this version of the character has teamed up with Hellgrammite and Riot.

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    There have been many rumors about who Idris Elba might be playing. Early in the casting, we believed that he would be a new version of Deadshot. So, the Bloodsport reveal is a welcome surprise and a deep cut in comic history by James Gunn. It also played with our exceptions as Elba is a high-profile actor with films like Hobbs & Shaw, Star Trek Beyond, and Cats on his resume. To some degree, we expect these types of actors to play well-known characters.

    Robert DuBois has appeared in various media in the past. He was included in an episode of Justice League Unlimited, where he fights Electrocutioner. There was a brief storyline where he featured in Supergirl‘s third season. However, The Suicide Squad will be the characters’ first appearance on the silver screen.

    Murphy’s Multiverse Dead Pool Predictions

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    Predicted chances of survival: 15%

    Predicted manner of death: with gun’s blazing

    RIP Bloodsport

  • ‘The Suicide Squad’: Who is Ratcatcher 2?

    With the roster for James Gunn‘s The Suicide Squad stacked with wildly disparate and relatively unknown DC Comics villains, we thought it would be great to get to know each of them in 400 words or less. Don’t get too attached after reading though, because there’s a good bet most of them won’t be around for the sequel! It’s time to meet and greet the members of Task Force X!

    Ratcatcher

    Detective Comics #585 introduced the world to the Batman villain Ratcatcher. Otis Flannegan once worked as an actual rat-catcher in Gotham City. Through his profession, he had a clear understanding of the city’s sewage systems like the back of his hand. During his time there he discovered his ability to talk and train rats. After he got into a fight and ended up stabbing someone, he was locked up in Gotham State Penitentiary. To take his revenge, Otis kidnapped the officials that got him arrested and developed his alter-ego.

    During this time, he was able to train rodents to do his bidding. He commonly used them to torture or restrain his victims. It wasn’t until his rat army killed a man that Batman was alerted to his presence. Once again behind bars, he carved a flute to summon his minions. He actually built up a reputation as a smuggler by using his rats to carry items through the ventilation system. The character even built up a friendship with fellow rouge Magpie. To protect himself, he uses a repurposed gas gun. It is also the reason he wears his iconic gas mask. At one point, the villain became an unlikely hero to a group of homeless people. One of them turned out to be an OMAC sleeper agent that vaporized him out of existence.

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    In The Suicide Squad, Daniela Melchior will be playing a gender-flipped version of the character. It is uncertain if Otis might make an appearance. She holds the title Ratcatcher 2 hinting at her being a legacy character. This will be the Portuguese actress first American film, she appeared in Portuguese films like The Black Book and Parque Mayer. The character has no previous ties to the group, so it will be interesting to see what role she will have for this particular mission.

    Murphy’s Multiverse Dead Pool Predictions

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    Predicted chances of survival: 25%

    Predicted manner of death: rat bomb a.k.a. cruel irony

    RIP Ratcatcher 2

  • ‘THE SUICIDE SQUAD’: Who is King Shark?

    ‘THE SUICIDE SQUAD’: Who is King Shark?

    With the roster for James Gunn‘s The Suicide Squad stacked with wildly disparate and relatively unknown DC Comics villains, we thought it would be great to get to know each of them in 400 words or less. Don’t get too attached after reading though, because there’s a good bet most of them won’t be around for the sequel! It’s time to meet and greet the members of Task Force X!

    King-Shark

    King Shark a.k.a. Nanaue first appeared in Superboy #9 after a brief cameo in Superboy #0. Throughout his comic run, many believed he was a mutated human. It wasn’t until the Aquaman: Sword of Atlantis run that he was confirmed as the son of the Shark God and a human woman. As he is part shark, he is seen frequently eating humans. The first time we meet him, he has been abducting people for years. So much so, his name had become synonymous with an Hawaiian legend.

    He actually joined the Suicide Squad comics in the same run he was introduced. In Superboy #15, he was forced to join by Amanda Waller due to them infiltrating a sea base. Unlike other members, he was equipped with a bomb belt that would ensure his cooperation. This mission also saw his death, as he was knocked into reactors that led to his belt exploding. He has reappeared since to became a mainstay in Aquaman’s various series. During the New 52 era, he had changed from a humanoid Great White to a humanoid Hammerhead shark. This version was stolen as an egg by Waller to be raised as a member of Task Force X.

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    He is the only character who currently has no designated actor in the roll call. Steve Agee played the character while they were filming. Some might recognize the actor from Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 and Brightburn. Currently, rumors are pointing to Taika Waititi voicing the character but it hasn’t been confirmed yet. The trailer teases a kinder version of the character so it would be perfect casting.

    King Shark has seen a rise in popularity as of late. The Flash introduced a human version, who mutates into the iconic shark man. He also appeared in Harley Quinn voiced by Ron Funches and will be playable in Rocksteady’s upcoming Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League game.

    Murphy’s Multiverse Dead Pool Predictions

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    Predicted chances of survival: 50%

    Predicted manner of death: self-sacrifice

    RIP King-Shark

  • FanDome: ‘SUICIDE SQUAD’ Game Confirmed as Part of Arkham Series

    We just recently ran the first trailer for Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League. It confirmed that Harley Quinn, Deadshot, Captain Boomerang and King Shark will be playable in the game. The first trailer didn’t really quite giveaway how the gameplay would be. The game can be played alone or with three friends. It seems that you are also able to switch between the characters while you are tacking down the enemies.

    There were also some questions about its placement within the universes. Just today, we found out that WB Games Montreal Gotham Knights won’t be part of the already established Arkham games. As such, it was unsure if this game is part of the Arkham series or rather the new storyline created by Montreal’s project.

    Well, Rocksteady’s Sefton Hill confirmed that this game will take place within the “Arkhamverse”. This is a rather interesting choice as that would mean we explore a world where Batman has died. Now, the Justice League seemed to have gone rogue and a group of misfits are forced to take them down. The major story will be why the Justice League have gone crazy and I cannot wait to find out.

  • FanDome: Your First Look at ‘Suicide Squad: Kill The Justice League’

    DC FanDome is truly an exciting day for DC fans. We kickstarted the day with a reveal for the new Batman game. Now, we had to wait for the first look at Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League. We’ve been waiting for five years since the last game made by Rocksteady. Rumors were plenty discussing a potential Superman game or even Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Just a few days ago, we finally got the confirmation that it is indeed a Suicide Squad game. Now, we also finally got a trailer that gives us a good look at what to expect from the game. One thing is for sure, it is quite a stylish entry into the franchise.

    https://twitter.com/suicidesquadRS/status/1297326553106325504

  • FanDome: Red Hood, Barbara Gordon and Scarecrow Joining ‘TITANS’ Season 3

    Titans is an interesting addition to the DC universe. It explored a darker version of the titular hero team. We saw Dick Grayson grow out of the shadows of his former mentor, as he tries to protect Raven from her demon father’s influences. It wasn’t until the second season that the actual team formed as they faced the assassin Deathstroke. He was even the reason the original team that the original team was forced to split up.

    Now, DC FanDome has finally arrived and we got some info on what to expect from the upcoming season. We ended the last with Grayson embracing the Nightwing mantle. The third season was delayed due to the pandemic as it was originally going to premiere in the fourth quarter of this year. Still, many were hoping we get a first look at what the season will offer and confirmation if Jason Todd would become Red Hood.

    That isn’t all as we also got the reveal that Barbara Gordon and Scarecrow will be joining the next season. They are using the next season to explore Gotham a bit. Both Barbara and Grayson are going to have to learn from their guardians mistakes, as Todd embraces his evil side once he accepts the moniker of Red Hood.

     

    Won’t lie, I am a huge Red Hood fan. Loved the character ever since I saw the Red X version in the Teen Titans animated series. So, getting a first look at him in live-action is just great to see. No matetr

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  • FanDome: ‘BLACK ADAM’ Concept Art Teases His Vengeful Conquest

    FanDome: ‘BLACK ADAM’ Concept Art Teases His Vengeful Conquest

    Dwayne Johnson has been a powerhouse in Hollywood. When he announced that he would end up playing the titular role in an upcoming Black Adam, we couldn’t wait to get our first look. Luckily, DC FanDome has scheduled an entire panel for the upcoming project. Just before the event started, we even got our first look at the logo. That is naturally not all that got revealed. The event started off with an amazing animated showcase of artwork that tells the story of the iconic anti-hero. The animation was an amazing way to retell the story.

     

    Here are some of the screengrabs that tease just how ruthless he will be in his conquest against those that wronged him.

    Source: DiscussingFilm

  • FanDome: ‘Zack Snyder’s Justice League’ Confirmed As 4-Part Mini-Series

    So, we were all wondering what exactly Zack Snyder’s Justice League would be released as. There were theories that we would be getting a two to three-hour film. Some were hinting at it being a mini-series that re-tells his version in parts. This way, he could explore more of the original concept that was planned. Well, in the DC FanDome panel, he confirmed that it will be a four-part mini-series with each episode consisting of an hour.

    This is huge news as it opens up the question if we will get all four parts at the same time. Zack Snyder did confirm that they will interlink to form one cohesive story. They might have split it up to give Snyder more time to explore and people can watch it in parts to not be overwhelmed by the length. No matter how they release his version of the story, it will be great to see his original vision see the light of day.