Some More Thoughts on 'Avengers: Endgame'

I still have a couple of scattered thoughts about Avengers: Endgame that I wasn’t able to address in my review for it.  I will lay them down here in this blog post.  Spoilers ahead.

‘Avengers: Endgame’ Is a Sublime, Poignant Epic

(This is a spoiler-free review.)

There’s probably no other film that has been hyped more than Avengers: Endgame.  Nevertheless, one would likely discover after watching it that it isn’t in the danger of getting overhyped.  It’s deserving of all the hype.

More than being the sequel to Avengers: Infinity War, Avengers: Endgame functions as a fitting culmination of an era.  Sure, we can expect for more Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) films in the future, but Endgame is clearly constructed to serve as the stupendous finale for this ambitious, groundbreaking cinematic saga that was started by Iron Man in 2008.

'Avengers: Infinity War' Epitomizes the Cinematic “Comic Book Event”

What Marvel Studios has accomplished is revolutionary.  They didn’t necessarily invent the concept of serialized storytelling and “shared universes” for cinema.  But the Marvel Cinematic Universe has been such a visionary, unique creation that it’s just like they did invent it.  How so?  By adopting the comic book publishing approach into franchise filmmaking.

‘Avengers: Age of Ultron’ is Awesomely Epic, But Fails to Up the Ante

For the record, I do love Avengers: Age of Ultron.  It is even my most favorite movie I’ve seen this year so far.  However, I was expecting something more out of it.  I was hoping it would surpass the previous Marvel film, Guardians of the Galaxy, as the greatest Marvel film ever just as GotG surpassed the Marvel film prior it, Captain America: The Winter Soldier.  Also, I was hoping that it would provide a massive game-changing effect on the Marvel Cinematic Universe.  However, though AoU (I will be referring to Avengers: Age of Ultron as such from here on) has some status quo changes at the conclusion of its high-stake narrative, there aren’t any Winter Soldier-level shakeups at all.

AoU has been extremely spectacular (especially the climactic battle sequence), and watching all those superheroes assembling together and just be superheroes is exciting enough.  However, the experience I had with the first Avengers movie wherein I was blown away by the culmination of Phase One’s years of build-up – all those superheroes standing together for the first time – has not been replicated when I watched AoU.  I still had a terrific time with AoU, but just not at the same level as the first one.     

AoU noticeably wobbles a bit with its story, and treads on a couple of plot elements that we have already seen in the first Avengers movie.  It has a good amount of humor despite of having a darker tone, but it’s not as clever and funny as the first one.  However, it does have a better distribution of important character moments, more thematic depth, and more eye-popping action sequences.       

       

In conclusion, Avengers: Age of Ultron might not be as insightful or game-changing as Captain America: Winter Soldier, and not as fun as Guardians of the Galaxy, but it is a very enjoyable epic movie nonetheless.    

May 1 in the US, but April 22 in the Philippines. Yeah!

Miscellaneous musings:

• I find it funny that, in a likely attempt to subtly tie up the Rage of Ultron graphic novel with the movie, Marvel was willing to give us a glimpse of how the new Marvel Universe will turn out post-Secret Wars.  Rage of Ultron was earlier released this month and is obviously set after Secret Wars. 
• I was expecting an Ant-Man reference.  Maybe as minor as a mention of Dr. Hank Pym (Ultron’s original creator in the comics).  There was none.
• It was interesting in that one scene where Ultron leans his head sideways as if he’s Raymond Reddington.
• The take on Hawkeye’s character here is a bit similar to the down-to-earth theme of Matt Fraction’s Hawkeye comic book series.  
• The Hulkbuster vs. Hulk sequence was pretty badass as expected.  But I’m not satisfied with how it concluded.   
• I was annoyed that Joss Whedon employed his trademark “kill a beloved character” plot element once again, but only because it was done as a gratuitous attempt to create a dramatic effect (on the contrary, the “death” of Phil Coulson in the first movie served a purpose).  The death of that Avenger really felt unnecessary at that point.  It didn’t really improve nor push the story forward.
• AoU has the weakest mid/post-credit scene in a Marvel movie ever. 
• That fake bootlegged Spider-Man post-credit scene could have ruined AoU’s mid-credit scene for me.  That one really makes scenes.  It has a Whedonian touch and a perfect Spider-Man characterization.  It’s frustrating that that was a fake.   Why didn’t Marvel do something of the same effect?   
• Or, maybe… Just maybe…Hmmmm…. Okay.  I’m calling this.  Maybe that Spider-Man post-credit scene is legit after all, but reserved for the American audiences on May 1, just as it was with the shawarma scene in Avengers.  I might just be delusional here (because I want a Spider-Man cameo so bad), but I’m still calling it. 
• Here’s an exciting thought: Joss Whedon directing and co-writing the next Spider-Man movie!  With Whedon’s knack for writing funny one-liners and Spider-Man’s reputation as a wisecracker – it’s a perfect match.

Chain of Thoughts on Avengers NOW!

Post-AXIS (Marvel’s upcoming mega-event featuring the X-Men and the Avengers), Marvel will be having another relaunching scheme called Avengers NOW!  Basically, it’s another Marvel NOW! – build new and initially intriguing status quos, rebrand many titles with a bunch of issue ones, and, voila!, watch the sales skyrocket – but only this time around, it is, obviously, more centered around the Avengers.  At this point, I’m still cool with another relaunching, but if there is going to be another NOW!-type attempt to boost comic book sales next year – like an X-Men NOW! – then I will be real annoyed.  Sure, it makes business sense, but in a creativity stand-point, it will feel gimmicky and gratuitous – bankrupt of any genuine imagination.             

Anyway, some few thoughts…

 

→ This promo art depicts the characters that will be significantly involved in Avengers NOW!.  I understand that these merely mean that new comic book titles will headline or will include these characters.  Nonetheless, utilizing these characters to promote something called Avengers NOW! gives the implication that ALL these characters in the promo art are going to be members or contributors to an Avengers team or, at least, an Avengers-linked comic book title.     I will be really disappointed if this won’t be so.  Because calling the whole thing Avengers NOW!, and then featuring these characters in its promo but actually not involving them at any form at all with the Avengers is somewhat exploitive and lacks sensibility . 

→ There are massive changes on all three major Avengers: Captain America, Iron Man, and Thor.  And I’m not too excited about these changes.

→ First, there will be a new Captain America.  It seems that 90-something-year-old Steve Rogers will lose the super-soldier serum in his body, retire from superheroing and adopt more of a “strategist” role (same as the time he was “the Captain” – commander of both the Avengers and S.H.I.E.L.D. – while Bucky a.k.a. Winter Soldier was bearing the “Captain America” mantle) in the Avengers, and hand the shield and the “Captain America” name to Sam Wilson a.k.a. the Falcon.

→ Among the changes on the top 3 Avengers, this is the one I don’t like at all, for a couple of reasons. 

→ No, I am not particularly against a black Captain America (that’s silly), but I’m against anybody else aside from Steve Rogers becoming Captain America.  Though I don’t feel strongly about it as much as I feel about somebody replacing Peter Parker as Spider-Man, I am still uncomfortable about someone else other than Steve Rogers as Captain America.  Captain America is one of those superheroes in which many of the reasons that make them lovable are rooted on their alter egos’ characteristics.  Steve Rogers is a magnificent tactician; a moral badass; a charming, gruff old-timer (since he’s from a different time); and an embodiment of many of USA’s perceived quintessential values.  His characterization and character history makes him the perfect “Captain America.” Sam Wilson is indeed a fine superhero, but no other Marvel character’s characterization and character history can match up to the kind of pedigree that Steve Roger has.  Besides, some other heroes – Hawkeye and Winter Soldier – had been “Captain America” before, but the name always comes back to Steve Rogers because no one else is really worthy in the end.  The name is his birthright.

→ I also don’t like the character design of this new Captain America.  Since Sam Wilson is no super-soldier like Steve Rogers, and his only form of “super”-power is probably the ability to communicate and control birds (lol), it makes sense that he would opt to keep his Falcon wings (so he can still fly).  Still, wearing wings and carrying the Captain America shield at the same time awfully looks inelegant, clumsy, and inconvenient.  The best weapons that Sam Wilson can carry while having wings are guns, as awesomely depicted by Anthony Mackie’s Falcon in Captain America: The Winter Soldier. 

→ Also, a “Captain America” should always be the leader.  It feels a bit off for “Captain America” to be just a regular member of the Avengers (though it has been done), merely following orders instead of giving them.  Sam Wilson is a soldier and is smart, but he’s no Steve Rogers (again, Rogers is a magnificent tactician).  He wouldn’t be quite as good as Steve as a field leader for the Avengers.  We don’t know yet if Sam Wilson’s Captain America is going to be a regular member or the leader of the Avengers.   But either way, it’ll be underwhelming.

→ Something will happen that will make the Thor we know no longer worthy to possess Mjolnir.  (It all makes sense now why he is wielding Jarnbjorn instead of Mjolnir in some promo artworks for AXIS.)  There is going to be a new wielder worthy of Mjolnir, and this new wielder is going to be a she!  However, she will not only inherit Mjolnir, but the “Thor” name as well.  Wait, what?  

→ According to Marvel’s press release:

“This is not She-Thor. This is not Lady Thor. This is not Thorita. This is Thor. This is the Thor of the Marvel Universe. But it's unlike any Thor we've ever seen before.”

Hmmm.  I like the character design and the concept of a girl wielding Mjolnir, but I think it is dumb and senseless to suddenly set “Thor” up as a girl just like that.  Come on, Thor is the god – not goddess – of thunder.  It’s not like “Thor” is a mere superhero code name like “Captain Marvel” that can just be adopted by either sex with no problem at all (it actually worked perfectly for Carol Danvers).  “Thor” is the actual name of a male character.  From his mythological origins to the character popularized by Marvel, “Thor” is an established masculine name for an established male fictional character.  Just as it feels absurd to read something like

“This January: Peter Parker loses his powers, which are mysteriously transferred to Carlie Cooper!  With Peter Parker no longer needing and capable to own the ‘Spider-Man’ name, Carlie Cooper will assume the name to herself, to become the all-new ‘Spider-Man’ – not ‘Spider-Woman’ (that’s taken already), not ‘Spider-Girl’ (also taken), and not ‘Lady Spider’; she is Spider-Man from now on!  Don’t miss the relaunched Amazing Spider-Man #1!”

so is what I felt when I encountered this Thor-is-now-a-girl announcement.    

→ We still don’t know much about this new Thor.   But I think she will be introduced at the culmination of the ongoing Thor-Loki-Angela tale in the “Original Sin” event.

    

→ Since the whole SpOck thing is now over, the “Superior” adjective is very much available for the taking.  And the new owner of such obnoxious description is Iron Man, which I think is a character that is actually a better fit for it than Spider-Man.  Unlike the first two Avengers undergoing dramatic changes mentioned above, the man behind the superhero name will remain the same with “Iron Man.”  Still, despite of Tony Stark remaining as Iron Man, the new Superior Iron Man status quo change is as dramatic as if a new character is inside the armor. 

→ From Marvel’s EIC, Axel Alonso:

“What you're seeing in Superior Iron Man is a Tony Stark who’s seen both his worst and best impulses all let loose. It is Tony, but he’s going to be in a zone now where he’s never been. He's more ambitious, cunning, egotistical ... all of those quantities are unharnessed. He has a vision for the world. I like to think his position is defensible — controversial, but defensible.”

→ Ooooh… Among the three changes – Captain America, Thor, and Iron Man – this is the development I am fascinated the most.  I’m not saying I approve and am thrilled about it.  Not really.  But it’s legitimately interesting; the premise sounds intriguingly sensible and solid enough.   

→ Considering the fact that Tony Stark behaved very much like a supervillain during the “Civil War” event a couple of years ago, a darker, “mad-genius” rendition of the character, that would readily proceed to call himself “superior” regularly (just as what Doc Ock as Spidey had done), could probably work.  I’m expecting this new Tony Stark to be something like Adrian Veidt a.k.a. Ozymandias (from Watchmen) in terms of methods and rationalization, and be a bigger A-hole than Robert Downey, Jr.’s MCU portrayal. 

→ Also, since Tony Stark is the one bankrolling the Avengers, how will this development affect the team and his role in it?  Another interesting detail to ponder on.

→ Between these and the whole “Death of Wolverine” thing, some big and controversial shake-ups are happening to Marvel’s most major heroes that long-time fans (at least, Spidey is done with his turn with this stuff… hopefully) might find upsetting.   I’m not much bothered about these developments since nothing is permanent in comics.  After my whole experience with SpOck, I am more confident of this truth.   It’s even probable that everything will be back to normal – Steve Rogers is Captain America once more, Thor has his Mjolnir and “Thor” name back, and Tony Stark is a “good guy” again – sooner than later.  I’m gonna chill, and give these new stuff a look. 

→ Let me take this opportunity to detail some developments I actually want to see in the Avengers books, of which I wish Avenger NOW! is actually all about. 

1. Spider-Man in the Secret Avengers.  Considering Peter Parker’s parentage (Richard and Mary Parker were C.I.A. and then S.H.I.E.L.D. agents), there is an awesome plot to be made from there.  I would love to see some regular espionage-style superheroing from Spider-Man (in his black costume, of course) in a Secret Avengers roster. 
2. The memberships of the characters I’ve enumerated in my “Top 20 Characters I Want to Become Avengers” list. 
3. MORE DOOMBOT!  Seriously, Avengers A.I. was an awesome comic book, and Doombot was the most awesome thing about it.  Definitely would love to see him in a more prominent Avenger role. 
4. Moon Knight and Daredevil back as Avengers.
5. Moon Knight and Hyperion simultaneously in an Avengers team.  And with a lot of exposures for both.  Being analogues for Batman and Superman, respectively, I would find such happening extremely amusing. 
6. Hulk and Red Hulk simultaneously in one Avengers team.  Two Hulks might seem redundant.  But I just feel that it’s going to be awesome.
7. This crazy roster: Captain Marvel (leader), Hyperion, Moon Knight, Doombot, Gambit, Howard the Duck, Hercules (or Hulk and Red Hulk at the same time), Echo (resurrect her!), Falcon (patterned with Anthony Mackie’s Falcon), Scarlet Spider (or Spider-Man 2099), Hank Pym (with yet another new superhero name), Human Torch (as a member of the Avengers and the Fantastic Four at the same time), Starbrand, Emma Frost (seriously, the Avengers should always have a capable telepath among them.  It’s what has been lacking in most of the team’s rosters through the years), Hawkeye (but Emma Bishop instead of Clint Barton), Mr. Immortal, Phil Coulson (serving as an official Avengers member and S.H.I.E.L.D. liaison), and Loki.  You can check out my rationale for some of these names in this line-up in my “Top 20 Characters I Want to Become Avengers” list.  The three main Avengers – Captain America, Iron Man, and Thor – will be in sabbatical from being Avengers during this time.

Daniel Acuña Almost Made the Perfect Avengers Poster

To commemorate the Avengers’ 50^th Anniversary this 2013, Daniel Acuña created this amazing artwork that features past and present Avengers members through the team’s 50 year history.  This artwork was divided and featured as alternate covers for the Avengers comicbook series.  It will culminate in Avengers #24.NOW as a fantastic six-foot poster.    

CLICK HERE to view its full size glory.

By itself, this poster is awesome.  It was nearly perfect.  And that’s why, at the same time, it’s a disappointment.  For it was only nearly perfect and NOT perfect.  Acuna and Marvel had the opportunity to truly create the perfect Avengers poster and they blew it.

My nitpicking:

• It is incomplete; not all Avengers are featured.  This is the main reason why this poster failed to be perfect. 
• El Nihilo, Abyss, Nightmask, and Starbrand of the main Avengers team; Victor Mancha, Doombot, and Alexis of the Avengers A.I. roster; Blue Marvel, the new Ronin (currently being “Spider-Hero”; I think he’s just Iron Fist in disguise, though), White Tiger, and Power Man of the new Mighty Avengers – these guys are not in it.    I understand that Acuna could have done this artwork in early 2013 or late 2012, in which he had no knowledge of the new additions for this year.  Still, it would have been cooler if these new Avengers are in it as well.  Acuña and/or Marvel should have had the forethought back in 2012 (or the date of its creation) to determine all members of the Avengers by 2013, that when the poster was finally released on its release date (December 2013, I think), it would have all the Avengers in it. 
• If this poster has been finalized in early 2013 or late 2012, then there is no excuse why Black Bolt is not in it. He was already part of the New Avengers book then.  His absence in the poster now gives the implication that this current New Avengers team is not a true Avengers team, which is just bad if so. 
• All former Avengers are accounted for, except for one – the Living Lightning.  It would actually have been slightly better if a couple of them have been missed.  But just one?!  An absence of one provokes excruciating annoyance in any collection or ensemble. [EDIT: an anonymous commenter pointed out that the Living Lightning is actually there between Wonder Woman and Daredevil.  I did not see him properly for he is in electric form.  My apologies.]     
• If some honorary members are included, then it would have been best if ALL honorary members have been included.  And if Jarvis is in it, Rick Jones should be in, too.    
• Why is Nick Fury, Jr. included but Phil Coulson is not?   The two share the same status.   Both are S.H.I.E.L.D. agents and members of the current Secret Avengers, which is actually under S.H.I.E.L.D. and not the Avengers’ black ops as it was originally, hence, its status as a bona fide Avengers team is unclear and questionable.  And because of that, I would have easily understood if neither of them was included.  But that was not the case.  Fury, Jr. is in, but Coulson is out; it doesn’t make sense.  Either include both of them, or completely exclude them.  Heck, if Nick Fury, Jr. is in it, Taskmaster should be in it also.        

So, Dan, you did great… but close, but no cigar.  The perfect Avengers poster – that assembles every Avengers in history – is still non-existent at this point.  

Top 20 Characters I Want to Become Avengers

This was inevitable.  I’ve been doing top 10 lists in this site for about three years now.  And I knew there would come a time I would encounter a topic that would require more than ten spots to be a more fun and effective list.  I think it’s time to set that precedence.  I’m in the mood to do the first Top 20 of this blog.     

The Avengers celebrates its 50^th anniversary this year.  And since the Avengers is a significant nerd property that I’m greatly fond of, I want to kind of commemorate it by making this list of characters I would love to see become members of an Avengers roster in the near future.

       

The assembling of an Avengers’ team (with the roster usually made official by a press conference), especially the induction of first-time members, has always been thrilling.  Take for example the current Avengers main team (though it hasn’t made any press conference) which is made up of several first-timers (and with heroes like Hulk, Thor, Hyperion, and Captain Universe in it, it’s probably the most powerful Avengers team yet!), thus, it has the potential for significant surprises in character developments and, by extension, storylines.  For all we know, Cannonball can bloom into becoming the next Captain America (as leader). 

Moreover, half of the current number of active Avengers – those of the main Avengers team, the Avengers Unity Squad (“Uncanny Avengers” – the only current Avenger team that had a press conference), and the new “New Avengers” team (it seems those of the present “Secret Avengers” still doesn’t count?  And, of course, the “Dark Avengers” has never been really considered real Avengers.  Moreover, what of this upcoming “Avengers A.I” team? I doubt that the “Avengers” in that team name really gives the team members official Avengers membership, just as it is with “Young Avengers” and “Dark Avengers”.  The upcoming incarnation of the “Mighty Avengers” are likely to have a legitimate and official Avengers status though) – are mutants!  Considering this refreshing trend, about half of the spots on this list go to mutants.  I initially considered making a respective ten for non-mutants and mutants before deciding to make a full 20 instead.    

My picks here are those characters that have never been part of an Avengers team before, thus, if they obtain membership, it’s going to be their first time as Avengers.   

20.) ANOTHER MYTHOLOGICAL DEITY

First was Thor.  Then, Hercules.  And, in mid-2000’s, it was Ares.  Marvel Comics has made superheroes out of popular gods of mythology and turned them into Avengers (and aside from mythological gods, there was also Sersi, an Avenger based on the mythological character “Circi”).  I think it’s time for Marvel to introduce another superhero based on a mythological deity.  If they go with an Olympian, my choice is Artemis or Zeus.  However, the most interesting idea is for a god from Egyptian mythology this time to become an Avenger.  The Egyptian mythological gods – the Heliopolitans – have already been established in the Marvel Universe (see illustration above).  Marvel just has to pick one that has the potential to develop into awesomeness.  My personal pick?  Anubis or Sekhmet.

19.) HUMAN TORCH

The original Human Torch, the android Jim Hammond, has already been an Avenger.  But not the Fantastic Four’s Human Torch, Johnny Storm.   The rest of the Fantastic Four has become Avengers at some point, while Johnny has never been one (sure, he was part of the Anti-Registrations’ so-called “Secret Avengers” during the Civil War, but that doesn’t count as an official Avengers membership).  I think it’s only fair that he also gets an Avengers gig like his Fantastic Four teammates. 

18.) SASQUATCH

Aside from Wolverine, there has been no sometime Alpha Flight superhero that has become an Avenger.  Someone from Alpha Flight becoming an Avenger seems unlikely considering that Alpha Flight is supposed to be Canada’s version of the Avengers.  Still, if it’s going to happen, who I want it to be is Sasquatch; because he looks like a kickass mash-up of Chewbacca and the Hulk.

17.) A YOUNG AVENGER OR AN AVENGERS ACADEMY ALUMNUS

Isn’t that what they were meant for?  To graduate from the “minor leagues” and become official Avengers?  

If I remember it right, Stature is the only Young Avenger that has been able to become an Avenger.  The rest just got honorary memberships, which is not the same thing as becoming an official Avenger.  But Stature is already dead; while Hawkeye (Kate Bishop), Speed, Wiccan, and Hulkling are the Young Avengers that deserve to be official Avengers already (those four are the only ones I believe to be deserving of promotion.  The other Young Avengers – original and new?  Not yet.).  

   

How about those that have graduated from Avengers Academy (who are currently fighting to the death a la Battle Royal/Hunger Games with other young heroes)?  The purpose of the Academy is to make these youths with aptitudes to become supervillains become heroes instead, and to eventually become Avengers someday.  So at least one of them should become an Avenger soon after these “Hunger Games” event among teenage heroes.   

    

Even if they are still teenagers (they have been teenager for years now, Marvel.  When will you make them grow up?), that should not stop them from being part of an Avengers roster.  In fact, having teenage superheroes interact with adult superheroes in one Avengers team is guaranteed for some interesting developments and generation gap clashes.

16.) SILVER SURFER

Too cosmic and powerful to fit with an Avengers team?  Maybe. But Quasar had been an Avenger, and Captain Universe, who could be the most cosmic of everything cosmic, is currently a member.  Would love for the Surfer to hang out for a while with the team.  And think about this, Surfer was a member of the Defenders before.  Does that sound okay with you?  The Silver Surfer had been a Defender but hasn’t been an Avenger yet?

15.) RED SHE-HULK

To be honest, Red She-Hulk hasn’t won me over yet (Marvel is getting crowded with Hulks.  At my last count, there are at least six Hulks out there).  But I’m intrigued that she has her own ongoing solo series right now.  Then, there must be something special about her.  I’m too lazy to check out her comicbook, and would rather evaluate her as an Avenger.  Three Hulks – Hulk, She-Hulk, and Red Hulk – have been Avengers already.  And a Hulk in the Avengers had always been fun.  So having her in the Avengers is the best situation to see what makes her stand out from the other Hulks.  Moreover, it would surely boost Red She-Hulk’s superhero value if she becomes an Avenger.  

14.) GHOST RIDER

Ghost Rider, though more fit at going solo than being on a team, has been part of teams as well, like the Champions.  However, the thought of him part of an Avengers roster is very intriguing.  At first thought, it seems that Ghost Rider would be so out of place with the Avengers – which what actually makes the thought of him becoming an Avenger intriguing.  Because he will be constantly creeping out his teammates.

11.) to 13.) CYCLOPS, MAGNETO, & EMMA FROST

In the aftermath of “AvX”, these three X-Men are no longer in good terms with the rest of the superhero community.  As far as other supeheroes are concerned – including the other X-Men (those that support Wolverine after the schism in the X-Men) – Cyclops, Magneto, and Emma Frost are not “superheroes” anymore but “criminals.” 

The thought here is simple; this is how I fantasize how their path to redemption would turn out – they will be compelled to become part of the Avengers Unity Squad, i.e. the Uncanny Avengers.

Would be a lot of fun to see Scott (Cyclops), who is used to giving out orders as a leader, now has to follow the orders of his brother, Alex (Havok).  But I picture that Scott would eventually take the leadership role in the long run. 

Also, Magneto and Emma Frost as Avengers!  How simultaneously awesome and ridiculous is that thought?!

10.) MR. IMMORTAL

Mr. Immortal is the leader of the so-called “Great Lakes Avengers”, a superhero team made up of oddball superheroes.  But how would Mr. Immortal fare as an actual Avenger?  In my opinion, he would add a lot of fun to the dynamics of the team and would become a fan favorite.  Really.  I am serious. He can be that. 

I am not saying he will become an important member.  What I mean is he will make reading an Avengers book more fun and entertaining.   What do I mean by that?  Well, can you remember the humorous element of whenever an Avengers roster that has Wolverine in it is ambushed?  The other Avengers would be able to block or dodge the attacks, but Wolverine would be caught by the ambush and get hit “lethally.”  Of course, nothing is really lethal with Logan since he has a trademark healing factor.  But those occurrences gave some minor laughs.       

Now picture that same thing happening with Mr. Immortal in the roster instead of Wolverine.  Whenever the Avengers get ambushed, they would be able to dodge or block the attacks with the exception of Mr. Immortal, who will get “killed.”   But since Mr. Immortal’s power is immortality, he would only come back to life fully regenerated whenever he gets killed in this ambush.  And then he gets killed again as soon as he rises up and joins the fray.  So with this, the whole thing would absolutely be hilarious instead of just funny (as with Wolverine).

9.) PHIL COULSON

Yes, Coulson is a member of the current Secret Avengers incarnation, but as I’ve mentioned in the intro, this current Secret Avengers seems to carry no official Avengers status at all (although there are Avengers members in it, they operate as a S.H.I.E.L.D. black ops arm rather than as the Avengers’ black ops team).  It would be really awesome for this fan-beloved badass character to be given an actual Avengers membership – to be a normal, non-superhero black-suited spook standing in the same page with costumed superheroes.

8.) MAN-THING

Here’s another character that seemingly won’t fit with the Avengers at all.  However, if you have read Man-Thing’s stint with the Thunderbolts/Dark Avengers in the comics, you might observe what I had observed about the character – he looks good in a team after all.  Besides, the Avengers would find Man-Thing’s teleporting ability (which can even allow him to open doors to other dimensions and realities) extremely beneficial to the team.

7.) MORPH

The original Morph character didn’t debut on comics.  He has only been exclusively featured in the X-Men animated TV series back in the 90’s.  Morph has yet to appear in Marvel’s main continuity, the Earth-616 Universe (though the concept for the character was originally used on a character named “Changeling”). 

However, the comicbooks does have a Morph, but the character originated from the Earth-1081 reality.  He became part of the Exiles, a superhero team composed of different heroes from different realites – usually X-Men or have some connections with the X-Men – that travels across the Marvel Multiverse to fix the errors in each continuity’s reality.  Morph, because of being a badass despite of usually clowning around, easily became the fan favorite of the team.  The original Morph, from the TV series, has the ability to perfectly mimic the appearance of other people, a la Mystique; while the comics’ Morph’s ability is to shapeshift his into various forms, only limited by his imagination, and his mimicries are not of perfect copy but of the same parodied kind of quality that Genie, of Walt Disney’s Aladdin, does.  In his own reality, Morph is both a member of the X-Men and the Avengers.        

Morph is a really cool and fun character; would really love him to become an expat in Marvel’s main continuity and earn an Avengers membership in it, just as he did in his home reality.

6.) HOWARD THE DUCK

Seriously.  This rude, cynical, ill-tempered, and gabby duck should be an Avenger.  He would be more than a mascot-member since he is actually capable in a fight.  I believe that he can do to the Avengers what Rocket Raccoon has done to the Guardians of the Galaxy.

5.) SCARLET SPIDER

Right now, he is a more likable character than the current Spider-Man (ugh).  These days, I enjoy reading a Scarlet Spider comicbook more than a Spider-Man book (because my animosity for the whole Superior Spider-Man concept – Doc Ock taking over Peter Parker’s body – prevents me from objectively judging with certainty the quality of a Superior Spider-Man issue).  The character development and premise (a darker, grittier Spider-Man; “All of the power, none of the responsibility” slogan) of the Scarlet Spider has been delightful so far.  He should be given an Avengers membership as a reward for being terrific.   

4.) MULTIPLE MAN

Jamie Madrox’s ability to create duplicates (or “dupes”) of himself has always been one of my most favorite superpowers.  Each dupe that Jamie creates has his own independent will and thought, can have his own experiences, and can even limitedly create his own dupes; but is nonetheless emphatically linked to the main Jamie.  Whenever Jamie absorbs back a dupe, he will also absorb the dupe’s memories, knowledge, and skills. Pretty cool, eh?  (Naruto has this power, too.  But I first encountered this ability is with Multiple Man). 

I believe that if the Multiple Man becomes an Avenger, the opportunity is more available for a storyline that would put the character and the utilization of his superpower into a whole new level of awesomeness.

3.) LOKI

Heel-face turns have always been dramatic.  And the Avengers organization has always been ready to welcome with open arms any reformed villains among their ranks; by making them Avengers, they help them in their path to redemption.  Now, what can be more dramatic than Loki becoming an Avenger?

Loki is arguably the Avengers’ most important antagonist, for it was because of clashing with him that the Avengers first banded together.  The Avenger’s most important antagonist becoming an Avenger is going to be a major game-changer, and I completely dig the idea.  

I’m not expecting him to have a total change of heart.  It is even more interesting if he remains narcissistic, power-loving and mischievous, but is totally sincere as an Avenger – his reasons and goals could be selfish, but not necessarily totally evil and harmful.  If ever he becomes an Avenger, his tenure should be lengthy.  Besides, since the current incarnation of Loki – Kid Loki – is already aligned with good anyway (he is a current member of the Young Avengers, but still remains mischievous), the fastest path for Loki to become an Avenger is for him to mature rapidly into adulthood (via magic) and then eventually earning an Avengers membership. 

2.) DEADPOOL

I think it has been long overdue.  It’s got to happen.  With his popularity, “The Merc with a Mouth” should become an Avenger.  ASAP.  

He successfully made breaking the fourth-wall a trademark of his (talking to the readers and having awareness that he is a comicbook character), which is somewhat unique for a comicbook character.  He is both a badass and hilarious anti-hero.  He is both fun-loving and fight-loving.  And he is completely batshit insane but has a heart of gold.  Thus, he has developed into one of Marvel’s most charismatic and deepest character.  And, arguably, he is probably even the most entertaining Marvel character at present.  

If Deadpool becomes an Avenger, the chemistry and the hilarity that would ensue from how Deadpool would interact with his teammates would certainly be epic.  And since there is at present a lack of a smartass clown in the Avengers anyway (because Peter Parker – the Amazing Spider-Man – is no longer in the team), Deadpool should fill that vacancy.

1.) GAMBIT

He is one of the coolest comicbook characters ever created (that he became a favorite of mine), and I mourn the fact that he is so underrated.  In my opinion, Gambit has the proper qualities that would make him into such kind of premium character as Wolverine.   And I believe that all it takes to propel him into such level is for him to have a successful and memorable Avengers gig.  

Let’s give him that chance, Marvel! 

Top 10 Avengers I Want To See In the Next 'Avengers' Movies

I already expressed my thoughts in the past on what would be my fantasy scenario for Marvel Studios’ “Phase 2” and “Phase 3”, and mentioned already the characters I want to be featured.  However, it wasn’t explicit on the degree of preference I have for each character.  So, in this list, let me share the top 10 Avengers I want to be included in the next Avengers movies’ line-ups, in ascending order of how much I want to see them in the next movies.

Take note that when picking my ten, I didn’t put into consideration those heroes that are already likely to become part of the next Avengers movies.  US War Machine is back in Iron Man 3 (why is the character not included in the first Avengers movie when he’s already available?).  Falcon and Winter Soldier are in the next Captain America movie.  And, at this point, the Ant-Man movie (which would likely have the Wasp in it as well) is almost a sure thing to happen. The characters in my list are those that have a 0% to 50% chance of being included.  Some are being rumored to be, though there are still no clear commitments from Marvel Studios yet.  And some are almost impossible to be included, since the characters’ movie rights are owned by other studios like Columbia and Fox.  

10.) BLACK PANTHER

There are already some rumors about plans of a Black Panther movie and there are already elements in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) that points out that it’s going to happen (thus, he can become part of the next Avengers line-up).  However, until there’s a clear announcement from Marvel, I wouldn’t consider it a sure thing.  Still, because of these promising factors I’ve mentioned, there’s a very good chance Black Panther will indeed come through.  Thus, Black Panther is only number ten because of the likely possibility of being put on the big screen already. 

Black Panther is someone that has the same strategic genius, athletic combat skills, charisma, and overall badassery of Batman.  And who wouldn’t like a Batman-like character in the next Avengers movie?  It also helps that he’s a king of a country. 

9.) QUICKSILVER

Magneto’s children, Scarlett Witch and Quicksilver, are tough to separate.  It’s hard to include one and ignore the other.  But that’s what I’m going to do here.  Yes, I want BOTH to be in the movies.  But there’s only one slot available for one of them in this top 10.  And if there’s also one slot left in the next Avengers movie’s roster and I get to choose between the two, my pick would be Quicksilver – the resident fast guy of the Avengers. 

In the first movie, we saw the Avengers finally finding their team chemistry despite being at odds with each other at the start.   What I like about Quicksilver being added to the next Avengers movie’s roster is to disrupt the team environment again with his hot-headed, arrogant personality that makes him at odds with almost everyone.  In short, since Robert Downey, Jr.’s jerkish Tony Stark is too likable, we need another jerk we’ll love, not because he’s charismatic like Stark, but because he can entertainingly antagonize teammates perfectly. 

Quicksilver joining the Avengers’ movie line-up is highly unlikely though since 20^th Century Fox has the movie rights for Marvel’s mutant characters.

8.) DAREDEVIL

 Marvel Studio recently got the rights back for Daredevil, so it’s not impossible to see him in the roster of a future Avengers movie, though I’m not seeing it happening in Avengers 2.  I have no problem with Ben Afleck returning to the role at all.  He still actually looks young and fit for playing Matt Murdock.   

7.) MS. MARVEL CAPTAIN MARVEL

 

Carol Danvers (who has been more popularly known as Ms. Marvel but has recently decided to take the legacy of Captain Marvel by adopting it as her superhero codename) is one of the strongest and most popular female Avengers characters.  It seems that as Ms. Marvel, she was more popular than her male counterpart, Captain Marvel, that Marvel decided to give the “Captain Marvel” name to her instead.  She had been a popular mainstay in the Avengers for years and even had been a leader of an Avengers team.  Still, she is no “Wonder Woman” of the Marvel Universe.  There are several female characters more iconic than her despite her name being similar to the company name.  I have no problem, and in fact like the idea, if Marvel plans to make her the “Wonder Woman” of the Marvel Universe.  And what better way to increase her prominence than by making her shine in an Avengers movie?   

Also, I like it whenever she and Spider-Man team up.  Their chemistry is perfect.  I like them being a pseudo-couple.  However, I don’t like them to become an actual couple (#Pete&MJForever!), but the romantic tension between them is a lot of fun (the only good thing brought by the events of the hated “One More Day” storyline). 

Would love to see such sequences at the side in an Avengers movie (but very very unlikely to happen)

6.) RED HULK

 

As one of the best “villain-to-hero” characters in my book, it would sure give me a lot of delight if he’ll be included in the next Avengers movie.  Red Hulk, unlike the Hulk, has a brilliant calculative mind. I already pointed out before that Red Hulk is a better Avenger asset than the Hulk (and he can even lead the team) because of having military experience and retaining his intelligence in Hulk form.  Thus, he is a dangerous combination of brains and brawns.  Moreover, he has heat emitting powers which increases with his rage, as well as the ability to absorb the powers of others. 

In my article on how I want Marvel Studios to proceed with the next Avengers movies, I want Red Hulk to be the villain in Incredible Hulk 2 and then redeem himself by joining the Avengers in Avengers 2.  Two Hulks fighting together side-by-side, Red Hulk being put into position to play point for the Avengers team, and the gritty Sam Elliot or William Hurt (both are OK, but the former is better) reprising his role as General Thunderbolt Ross – wouldn’t it be awesome to see these things in the big screen?

5.) DR. STRANGE

In a lineup consisting of superheroes that mostly got their abilities from science, it would be fun to have another hero that has powers from magical origins aside from Thor.   And what other choice of such character is more perfect than the Sorcerer Supreme himself?  With the powerful and supernatural Dr. Strange in the roster, the Avengers’ might becomes more diverse and increases significantly.  

 

4.) LUKE CAGE

In the movies I’ve mentioned in the past that I want to be made for Phase 3, Heroes for Hire is one of the most necessary catalysts for another Avengers movie.  The Heroes for Hire line-up can consist of Luke Cage, Iron Fist (preferably played by Jason Statham), Shang-Chi, and Moon Knight (a badass Batman-like character, but literary crazier) who can be used for the final two Avengers movies (New Avengers and Secret Avengers), as per my MCU Phase 3 fantasy.   

But the most important among them is Luke Cage.  If there’s only room enough for just one of the Heroes for Hire heroes, the roster slot should go to Luke Cage.  What is unique about this hero is not his powers (super strength, bullet proof) but by being a realistic hero (he even has no real costume) and the toughening and street smarts brought to him by being the stereotypical black man that grew up in the streets.  

And it is very very imperative (at least, for me) that Dwayne “the Rock” Johnson should play him.  

Just look at him, he’s perfect for the character!

3.) VENOM

As my most favorite former villain-turned-hero, unlikely as it may be, I really, really want him to be in that Secret Avengers film I fantasize about.

 

  

Who wouldn’t want to see this kind of stuff in the big screen?

2.) WOLVERINE

 

Again, this is highly improbable with 20^th Century Fox owning the movie rights to Wolverine.  But if Marvel is able to reach some deal with Fox to use Wolverine, and especially Hugh Jackman as Wolverine, that would be a mindblowing coup!!!

But more mindblowing if it’s…

1.) SPIDER-MAN

Fans would go crazy if Sony/Columbia allows Marvel Studios to use Spidey in an Avengers movie.  I, for one, Spidey being my most favorite comic book character, would be more than ecstatic!  The two studios would definitely create tons of money if they decide to feed on each other’s properties.  Everybody wins (except DC) if this happens. 

Nonetheless, it’s still a matter of money.  Sony/Columbia might ask too much.  Marvel Studios might not be ready to give much, considering they know they can replicate the success of The Avengers even without a premium property like Spider-Man (which is a refreshed property, as well, thanks to the successful reboot). 

This happening, as of now, is improbable.  But it’s not impossible.  For now, all I can do is wait… and dream.