San Diego Comic Con 2016 is upon us! And as always, there is just a landslide of awesome news for comics, TV shows, movies, video games, and merchandise. In this small corner of the Internet, let's talk about the best bits that excited our geeky little hearts.
I'll try to post as many stories here as I can, but because there's going to be so much, I'll try to stick to the stories I think you'll find most interesting.
Marvel Heroes 2016 Free Hero and Costume
If you log in during the SDCC weekend, you get a free random hero or costume. Being a Marvel Heroes player, getting random gift boxes is always a treat. Not only do you get the loot box feel of opening the actual prize, the items inside actually cost quite some money. Costumes and heroes can go as high as $15.
I ended up with Scarlet Witch as my free hero. Didn't have her yet, so yay!
My free costume is Iron Man MK III, which is a cool costume.
Netflix Luke Cage Scene
Luke's personality has been fleshed out in Jessica Jones, but the showrunner, Cheo Hodari Coker, says the vibe of the show is going to be more of a 90's crime drama thing. Think The Wire. Luke is going to follow less of his "where's my money, honey" 70's version and more New Avengers Luke Cage, where he's trying to make his mark on his neighborhood amidst a world full of costumed super people.
Luke Cage is set to debut on September 30, 2016.
Netflix Iron Fist Teaser
We get an extended look at Finn Jones' Danny Rand. While it's disappointing that we didn't get to see Iron Fist's costume, that was more than expected. It seems like they're going to change the backstory a little bit, which might make his origin a little less convoluted.
I'm not a big fan of the logo, because they made the Iron Fist symbol into the O. It's just that's a very iconic symbol, one that I've grown to love over the years. The original design almost feels balanced - like yin and yang, while the new one breaks that so it can stand in as an O.
Defenders ASSEMBLE!
Daredevil, Jessica Jones, Iron Fist, and Luke Cage are being set up to assemble in the Defenders - like street-level Avengers team. Seems like The Punisher is also going to make an appearance in it, too. The N in the "Defend" logo looks a lot like the N in the Punisher logo. I'm really hyped for this. Street-level heroes are my jam! Marvel Knights is where it's at!
Daredevil Season 3 Confirmed
While this wasn't exactly surprising, it's still good to know it's happening.
Hot Toys - especially Daredevil
A thing of beauty, this. Image from MavelousNews.com. Man, if money wasn't an object, I would've pre-ordered this by now. Click here for the rest of the album.
Marvel Legends - Dr. Strange Wave and New 3.75" Figures
The images again come from MarvelousNews.com, my go-to source for Marvel Legends. The Dr. Strange wave is weird - it's got a recolor of the white Immortal Weapon of Agamotto and a re-release of the Marvel NOW! Dr. Strange from a previous wave, only with a cape and hand swaps. However, it does come with movie Benedict Cumberbatch Dr. Strange and the BAF is Dormammu, which is way cool.
Of the 3.75" figures, what makes me super salty is the ridiculously ugly new Moon Knight figure. Please, Hasbro, a 6" version of that is an insta-buy!
Click here for the Spider-Man wave album, and click here for the Dr. Strange wave + 3.75" figures album.
Jessica Jones is Getting Her Own Action Figure
Not only is this a step in the right direction of having more female action figures, but it's also great that they're acknowledging the Netflix stuff! Now, where's our 6" Marvel Legends scale Daredevil!? Click here for the album.
Justice League Action
DC has a solid track record when it comes to their animated projects. Seriously, the best comic book-related animated experiences always, always comes form DC. Batman: The Animated Series, Justice League, Justice League Unlimited, Batman Beyond, Young Justice, The Brave and The Bold... man, the list goes on. That's why I'm particularly interested in Justice League Action.
Also, Kevin "Batman" Conroy. GET HYPED!
Wonder Woman's Colorful Poster
You know how DC's cinemaverse is all dark and gritty? As in watching DC movies was like attending a My Chemical Romance concert in the early 2000's. It's disturbing to think that Suicide Squad is probably going to be their most colorful and wittiest movie to date. And that's precisely why I'm excited for Wonder Woman.
This fills me with so much hope. It's so colorful! And remember, in Batman V Superman, Wondy was the best thing about that movie.
TMNT/Batman Crossover
Who doesn't love crossovers? When two fictions cross paths, there are always new interactions and new perspectives to be had. IDW announced Batman/TMNT Adventures, which takes Batman The Animated Series Batman and Nickelodeon's TMNT and throws them into a new title. It's probably going to be a very light hearted book. While the Nickelodeon version is probably my favorite animated take on the turtles (yes, even more than the original), it is still very much made for kids. BTAS, though, went to some dark places in its run.
We'll also get Green Lantern/ Star Trek, which sort of kinda works since they're both space-faring adventurers. What's weird, though, is the timeline because by the time the USS Enterprise ever took to the stars, the Green Lantern Corps human members had already been whizzing through space, bringing intergalactic threats to the Earth. So, it isn't exactly like Captain Kirk and friends would boldly go where no man has gone before anymore.
The Walking Dead is Back
Check it out! The official season 7 trailer has dropped!
There's a dude with a TIGER!
Blue Beetle and Wonder Woman Join The Fight
Sadly, no, it isn't Ted Kord. Instead, Jamie Reyes, sporting the Blue Beetle Scarab armor, takes the slot. We also get to see Wonder Woman, who seems to still be voiced by Susan Eisenberg. Both characters show off alternate costumes and their new moves in the trailer.
Ghost Rider Joins Agents of Shield
The new Ghost Rider, Robbie Reyes, is joining the Agents of Shield show. In what fashion, I have no clue, but this is a very interesting development. That means Ghost Rider is now part of the larger MCU! Agents of Shield season 4 premiers on September 20, 2016.
Along with a Cubao cinema-looking poster to boot.
Agent M, Marvel's Social Media Guy, Tweets Hulk Props for Thor: Ragnarok
Some detail shots of the Gladiator #Hulk Armor. #MarvelSDCC pic.twitter.com/oqaBflGAo7
— Ryan Penagos (@AgentM) July 23, 2016
Also, I want that guy's job.
The Wonder Woman Is Out
... and it is looking GODDAMN FANTASTIC!
This is how good it is - it feels like a Marvel movie. Holy shit. See, Marvel - you can make a movie with a kick-ass female protagonist and still be awesome. Now, where's our Black Widow movie? Also, don't screw up Captain Marvel.
Justice League
The first official image of the Justice League has been released, along with a teaser trailer.
I love how it's got so much color now, unlike the dark and broody DC Cinematic Universe that we've been given so far. It looks a little instagram-y and fan-made, but still, I'm a little hopeful for the future of DC movies. They just have to start hiring directors and producers who don't hate the characters.
HOLY CRAP THAT FEELS AMAZING! JEZAS! Okay, DC, okay. Give Marvel a run for its money.
Dr. Strange Trailer 2
Of course, Marvel also came out with more guns blazing at this year's SDCC. Check out this fantastic Dr. Strange trailer. Admittedly, though, it doesn't seem quite as good as Wonder Woman or Justice League.
Nice gag at the end, though.
Suicide Squad New Footage
Suicide Squad is DC's way of getting back its foothold on the movies. They've reshot it to be more fun, and not as dark and depressing as Superman V Batman. And by the looks of it, it is gonna be a ride!
Kong: Skull Island Trailer
So you need some more Tom Hiddleston in your life, is that it? Well, here, have some.
King Arthur: Legend of the Sword
As far as trailers go, this is pretty generic. The subject matter is kinda interesting, though. I've always like the King Arthur mythos but I've only really seen and read snippets of it. This might make for a good take on it.
Skottie Young's Artwork Comes to Life in Rocket & Groot
Oh hey, a new Disney XD show featuring our favorite rodent and tree duo.
Legion
Okay, this is interesting. This is an original series from FX (a Fox channel) and Marvel, and that's why they can freely use the word "mutant." I don't think they're going to go with the Charles Xavier's son angle here. I'm quite keen to find out how they'll handle his power set, given that a brief description of his powers would be "ALL OF THEM."
Lego Batman Trailer
So, this feels a little weird. Is Robin a nerd or is he flamboyantly gay, and is the movie making fun of that? Hmm... weird.
DC's TV Stuff - Arrow and Flash
Flash has got this whole timey wimey stuff with Flashpoint. I stopped watching this a few episodes ago, but it seems like it'll be interesting enough to get back into.
Arrow started descending down the abyss of total suckage for the past couple seasons or so, and it doesn't seem like they're changing out of their "everyone's too goddamn stiff" mode. Ollie is supposed be fun! What is this Green Batman crap?!
Michael B. Jordan's Role in Black Panther Revealed
And it is disappointing. Michael B. Jordan, a very talented actor, will play a C-list villain Black Panther villain named Erik Killmonger. What a name, Erik Killmonger. It's like Mr. and Mrs. Killmonger didn't want their last name to influence their kids life goals so they gave him a super normal first name - Erik. They failed, though.
Captain Marvel Casting Confirmed
Brie Larson will play Carol Danvers, Captain Marvel! Might work! And of course there are going to be haters before they even see the first teaser. That is life. Can't please everyone.
Marvel Movie Phase 3 Logos
New logos revealed for Black Panther:
Thor Ragnarok:
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2:
By the way, Kurt Russel will play Ego, The Living Planet, who also happens to be Star-Lord's dad. Wait. What?
Doctor Strange:
Spider-Man Homecoming Concept Art
The new concept art shows off two major things - the Vulture and the Spider-Man costume. Pretty bad ass!
I'm still of the opinion that Amazing Spider-Man 2 costume was better, though.
Also confirmed for the movie is Flash Thompson.
Marvel Ultimate Alliance 1 and 2 Coming to Current Gen Consoles
I can't even begin to tell you how many hours I spent playing this game. These were the games that Marvel Heroes 2016 is pretty much based on! I might pick them up just so I have a copy, but I'm pretty happy with Marvel Heroes 2016 - it scratches that dungeon crawler beat-em-up Marvel game itch.
Vixen Season 2 Sneak Peak
A show that I am guilty of not watching for whatever reason, Vixen premiered a sneak peak. It's looking pretty good so I might just check it out.
MORE TO COME!!!