Art of the Day: Gamora

Artwork: Gamora by Megan Huang

Trailer: Guardians of the Galaxy vol. 3

Apparently, today is the day for trailers to be released, first is Transformers: Rise of the Beast and now Guardians of the Galaxy vol. 3. After all the fun and happiness in the holiday special, this upcoming third movie looks like it's going to have an emotional impact with the story.

I do wonder if any of the other Sovereign (from GotG vol 2) will appear or is it only just Adam Warlock? Either way, this looks really good. As with Transformers, I can't wait to see this, Guardians of the Galaxy vol. 3 is scheduled to be in theatres May 5, 2023.

Most Memorable Scene: Guardians of the Galaxy vol. #2: The Guardians and The Sovereign

Happy Monday!

I can definitely say that I didn't have a happy weekend. I was sick with a really bad cold (not Covid thankfully) and I didn't do anything all weekend except take medicine and rest. I didn't have the energy to read, watch or write anything which is why I didn't get to post a Weekend Film for Sunday and few other things I had originally plan to post. Here's one, a Most Memorable Scene from Guardians of the Galaxy vol. #2.

If it wasn't for Rocket Raccoon stealing some of the Sovereign's batteries, the Guardians never would have had to try to keep evading the Sovereign. Then Peter Quill wouldn't ended up meeting his biological father (because Yondu Udonta is really his father) who turned out to be yet another terrible being. Anyway, I find this scene interesting because Drax laughing at Rocket was way too obvious that they were up to no good.

Weekend Films: My Grown-Up Christmas List and Thor: Love and Thunder

Happy Weekend! Do you have any plans for the weekend? Do any of them include watching new movies? Well, I have two for you: My Grown-Up Christmas List and Thor: Love and Thunder.

Although, I'm not even remotely in the Christmas spirit but I know a lot of you who are, there's a new Hallmark Christmas movie premiering tonight. My Grown Up Christmas List is a romantic dramedy that centers on the relationship between Taylor and Luke that grows over time. Since, I'm not a Christmas in July sort of person, I'm going to tape this and watch it later.

As for the second movie, Thor: Love and Thunder, I really want to see this movie. I know I was being a little negative about it when the teaser trailer was first released but I've since changed my mind about it. And I really do want to see it, however, I won't be able to see it today since I didn't buy a ticket in advance and the theatre is sold out for today and tomorrow. I'm going to try and see if I can go sometime during the week or next weekend. So until then, I'm going to have a mini MCU marathon throughout the week where I'll watch all three Thor movies and the two Guardians of the Galaxy movies.

So, what movies are you watching this weekend?


My Grown-Up Christmas List                                                 8:00 PM EST                                        Hallmark Channel

Starring: Kayla Wallace, Kevin McGarry, Cory Lee, Colton Royce, Susan Hamann, Lindsay Merrithew, James M Jenkinson, Dave Rose and more

Director: Andrew Cymek

Writers: Bryar Freed and Shawn Riopelle

Based On: the song My Grown-Up Christmas List by Amy Grant and David Foster

Description:

Taylor Nichols, a journalist, and Luke Luke Malone, in the military, share a special bond that grows between them over the course of several Christmases that they spend together and apart.

Trailer: Thor: Love and Thunder

The more I see of Thor: Love and Thunder the less excited I am about seeing it. I don't know, it just doesn't seem that interesting to me. I know I'll never get Shakespearean, intellectual Thor again but I was hoping that the MCU wouldn't keep dumbing down Thor.

I don't know, maybe Thor: Love and Thunder will surprise me and it'll be a good movie but so far the trailers (teaser and official) have done nothing to pique my interest. The movie will be in theatres Friday, July 8th.

Teaser Trailer for Thor: Love and Thunder

I have mixed feelings about Thor: Love and Thunder. The trailer looks good but I feel like with each movie Thor has appeared in, he has lost an aspect that once made him who he was. And now it really seems like the once Mighty Thor is nothing more than a galactic buffoon. I also have mixed feelings about Jane becoming Thor, I've had the same feelings every since it happened in the comics. And that's because it seems like that's only way writers can think of to make characters who don't have powers seem "interesting" when they already are is by giving them powers.

I'm a Thor fan, so I'll probably go see this movie which is released in theatres July 8th. But I guess I miss Thor how he used to be instead of mainly being comedic relief.

Art of the Day: Mantis (Guardians of the Galaxy)

Artwork: Mantis - Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 concept art by Andy Park

Storytime: Milo Manheim reading "5 Minute Marvel Stories"

Milo Manheim, is a young actor best known for starring in the Disney movies Z-O-M-B-I-E-S and Z-O-M-B-I-E-S 2 as Zed the zombie. And for this storytime video, he's reading a Guardians of the Galaxy story from 5 Minute Marvel Stories.

I think these storytime videos are a pretty cool resource and I wonder how many parents are using them for storytime with their kids?

Art of the Day: Gamora

Artwork: Gamora by WisenailArt

What are your favorite Cree Summer's animated characters?

I feel like voice actors never truly get the appreciation they deserve and I want to start posting something about some of my favorite ones. I just love when I can recognize an actors voice in something, it's really cool. One of my favorite actor/voice actor is Cree Summer, she has voiced so many great characters and she's another one that I can immediately recognize her voice whenever I watch something animated.

Here is an interesting video where she talks about some of the characters she has voiced over the years. And below that are some of my favorite characters.

Book Review for the Book Girl's Book Club for March: Captain Marvel vol #1

Book: Captain Marvel volume #1: Higher, Further, Faster, More (issues #1-6) by Kelly Sue DeConnick with illustrations by David Lopez, color by Lee Loughridge and letters by VC's Joe Caramagna

Cover by David Lopez

Edition: Trade Paperback

Description:

One of Marvel's most beloved Avengers launches into her own ongoing series! Carol Danvers has played many roles in her life; hero, pilot, Avenger, and now, deep-space adventurer! Join Captain Marvel as she attempts to return an alien girl to her home world, and defend the rights of aliens revolting against the Galactic Alliance. Guest-starring Guardians of the Galaxy!

Art of the Day: Gamora (Avengers: Infinity War)

Artwork: Gamora by Stephen Byrne

Art of the Day: Rocket and Baby Groot

Artwork: Rocket Raccoon and Baby Groot by Yin Yuming

DVD Tuesday: Guardians of the Galaxy vol. 2

What movies and TV shows are you getting this week?

I didn't realize Everything, Everything was released last Tuesday, I'm going to have to remember to get it. And I also want to get Guardians of the Galaxy vol. 2, even though I thought the first movie was okay, I still would like to see this second one. I keep hearing that it's really good and much better than the first one.


Guardians of the Galaxy vol. 2

Description:

The Guardians are hired by a powerful alien race, the Sovereign, to protect their precious batteries from invaders. When it is discovered that Rocket has stolen the items they were sent to guard, the Sovereign dispatch their armada to search for vengeance. As the Guardians try to escape, the mystery of Peter's parentage is revealed.

Nesting: A Groot Mug

It's official, I'm a mugaholic, this month alone I've bought eight mugs (I'll post a few soon). I know I probably have way too many mugs but I really do love them and the more colorful and unique they are the better. I'm sure other mugaholics can relate.

And here is another one that I like, an adorable but slightly angry looking Groot mug. This is so cute and since I don't need another mug I at least wanted to post it for anyone else who might be interested in getting it.

Marvel Guradians of the Galaxy Groot Figural Mug                 $14.36 (sale, regular price $16.90)                  Her Universe (heruniverse.com)

- 16 ounces

Toy Corner: Groot and Rocket: Treehugger Figure

Why do I keep finding the cutest things? And this Groot and Rocket figurine is really cute. It's based on Mike Mitchell's Just Like Us artwork series. It's available from the store, Mondo but will not ship until sometime in winter (or the 4th quarter of 2017). This is so cute.

Rocket & Groot: Treehugger Vinyl Figure by Mike Mitchell                  $60.00                 Mondo (mondotees.com)

- Height: 9" inches

Weekend Film: Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2

I'm a fan of the Guardians of the Galaxy but not of the movies. I thought the first movie was okay, it definitely wasn't one of my favorite Marvel movies. And the trailer for the second movie doesn't seem to interest me either. Vol. 2 will be one of the movies I will wait until it's out on DVD/Blu-ray to see. But I'm posting the trailer for anyone who might be interested in seeing the movie.

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2

Starring: Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista, Bradley Cooper, Vin Diesel, Karen Gillan, Kurt Russell and more

Description:

The Guardians are hired by a powerful alien race, the Sovereign, to protect their precious batteries from invaders. When it is discovered that Rocket has stolen the items they were sent to guard, the Sovereign dispatch their armada to search for vengeance. As the Guardians try to escape, the mystery of Peter's parentage is revealed.

Book of Interest: Hidden Universe Travel Guide: The Complete Marvel Cosmos

A travel book that has insight from the Guardians of the Galaxy, now that's something different. I can imagine all the things they would say about the universe and some of the planets they've visited. I love books that don't take themselves so seriously especially since this covers the many worlds of the Marvel universe.

Book: Hidden Universe Travel Guide: The Complete Marvel Cosmos by Marc Sumerak

Description:

The ultimate guidebook to Earth, the Nine Realms, and other dimensions from Marvel Comics, as told by Peter Quill, Rocket, Groot, and the rest of the Guardians of the Galaxy.

Ever since Super Heroes like Thor and the Guardians of the Galaxy started stomping around planet Earth, we’ve had to open our horizons a little and embrace the wider reaches of space. If you’re thinking of journeying to one of the many new realms for a little R’n’R, then don’t leave home without Hidden Universe’s guide to the cosmos. Whether you’re looking to enjoy the divine splendor of Asgard or soak up the multicultural atmosphere of intergalactic waypoint Knowhere, this is the book for you. It even provides some tips on surviving excursions to Planet Moord and Chitauri Prime, if you like your vacations to be on the extreme side.

•    SEE THE COSMOS – Features information on the hot spots, history, and culture of more than forty locations in the Marvel Universe, including Planet X, Halfworld, Weirdworld, and the Planet of the Symbiotes.

•    REDISCOVER EARTH – Get the lowdown on some of the Earth's most exotic and mysterious locations, such as Wakanda, Latveria, the Savage Land, and New Attilan.

•    GET INVALUABLE ADVICE – Star-Lord, Gamora, Drax, Rocket, and Groot, aka the Guardians of the Galaxy, have filled this book with their own unique travel tips, from where to get a drink in Alfheim to dealing with Ego the Living Planet.

Art of the Day: Gamora

Artwork: Gamora by Pryce14

Book Review: Avengers: No More Bullying #1 (one-shot)

Book: Avengers: No More Bullying #1 (one-shot) cover art by Paul Renaud

Edition: Single Print Issue

Description:

EARTH'S MIGHTIEST HEROES MAKE BULLYING A THING OF THE PAST!

The Avengers have always stood up for those who cannot stand up for themselves, but this time they're in for a bombastic adventure of the highest order! Featuring surprise guest stars from across the Marvel Universe including Spider-Man and The Guardians of the Galaxy!



Rating: 4 stars

Review:

Bullying is a serious issue and I like that Marvel created this special one-shot to address it using some of their characters. There are four stories along with four activity sheets featured in this issue:


Story #1: Avengers: "Straight Shooter" by Sean Ryan with illustrations by Carlo Barberi, color by Israel Silva and letters by VC's Travis Lanham

As the Avengers (Captain America (Sam Wilson), Thor (Odinson), Iron Man, Black Widow and Hawkeye) were getting together a plan to stop a giant robot attacking New York City, Hawkeye noticed he was left out of the plan. Fed up with being disregarded and with jokes at his expense, he decided to let the team know how he felt.

I think this story shows readers that even as a hero it took a lot of courage for Hawkeye to speak up and let his friends and teammates know that they were mistreating him. And what I saw from the story I don't believe they even realized what they were doing was considered bullying. However, to constantly do what they were doing only made Hawkeye feel as if he didn't really matter. I like how they dealt with the situation and not to be overlooked the Avenger do take down the robot and with Hawkeye coming up with a great plan.



Story #2: Guardians of the Galaxy: "Quotient" by Jody Houser with illustrations by Tana Ford, color by Ruth Redmond and letters by VC's Travis Lanham

While the Guardians and Angela (of Asgard) were getting their ship repaired, they went to get something to eat at the restaurant in the rest station. As they're waiting for their food, Rocket notices a kid all by itself crying in the next booth. That got the rest of the gangs attention and it had them wanting to help the girl whose name is 72596. Quill asked why she wasn't sitting with the other kids. Well, it turns out she's upset because she chose to listen to those other kids to stop being friends with her friend 04138.

72596 told 04138 they could still be friends just as long as the others didn't find out. Of course 04138 was upset and he certainly didn't want to be friends anymore especially not on those conditions.

With 72596's class field trip preparing to leave, one of the chaperones noticed that 04138 was missing. Scared and upset 72596 ran off to find her friend, she got some assistance from the Guardians and Angela.

So what's the moral of this story, don't let bullies make decisions for you nor determine who your friends should be. Fear also factored into 72596 decision because she was so afraid that she would be picked on that she was willing to end her friendship because of it. I like that the Guardians and Angela gave the two kids some good advice about friendship, it made it easier for the kids to figure out what's really important.



Story #3: The Amazing Spider-Man: "Friends On the Web" by Gerry Duggan with illustrations by Marcio Takara, color by Lee Loughridge and letters by VC's Travis Lanham

Spider-Man goes from webbing up a criminal upside down to a light post to later having to unwrap a teenage boy who was taped to a flag pole. And as usual he handled both situations with his signature wit and one-liners which aggravated the crook while making the teen feel even more embarrassed. And this was the last straw for the teen who was fed up with being picked on, he was now ready to fight the ones who had taped him up. And add to that he was going to be late for the science fair.

There's no way Spidey is going to let the kid be late nor turn into a bully trying to get back at the bullies. So while Spider-Man was webbing the kid across town he told him a story of how he got back at his bully. The story showed Peter constantly being picked on by Flash Thompson and as a way to get revenge he gave Flash an "energy drink" to help him in the school's football game. However, the drink wasn't something he bought from the store instead it was something Peter created in the lab. The end result was not what Peter had intended because instead of Flash being laughed at he wound up getting in trouble for something he didn't do as well as not being able to play in the game.

The point of the story is that in trying to get back at the bullies you don't turn into one as well. By the time they got to the expo, he had cheered the kid up, gave him some good advice and not to mention took a selfie with him, I quess all in the line of duty for a superhero. Spidey was so inspired by helping the teen that he even went back to apologize to the crook, but that was the extent of his heroics.



Story #4: "Weird" by Jeff Loveness with illustrations by Gustavo Duarte, color by Lee Loughridge and letters by VC's Travis Lanham

This last story shows a little boy during lunch time who doesn't seem to have any friends. After eating his lunch alone at one of the back tables, he spends the rest of his time drawing some of his favorite characters. What I found interesting is that the characters are telling him not to feel sad about being alone and to not to bully himself. And that is so true because sometimes we can be our own worst enemy saying things to ourselves that we would never say to a friend. The narrative continues by stating that the main thing is to be yourself and enjoy your life because sooner or later you will find friends. Which is indeed what happens for the little boy in this story he met another kindred sprit who loves to draw characters.


Overall, this was a good read. You get a thoughtful group of stories that's accompanied by great artwork which should appeal to young readers and especially those who maybe dealing with some levels of bullying. Avengers: No More Bullying may not necessarily stop bullying (one can hope) but I can see the stories making someone who is or has been bullied at least feel a little better. The writers took the difficult subject of bullying and put the characters in stories that are relatable and interesting to read. There's a good message in each story which also includes a bit of humor to lighten the mood in some aspects of the story.

I'm not sure if this can still be found at the comic book store since it was published last year but it is available in digital. However if you would like to have it in print or would like to give it as a gift this one-shot can be found in the trade edition that also has the same title. The trade also includes several republished stories that also center around bullying.