Let’s learn about the challengers! First we will start off with Toad from Marvel Comics.

Toad (Mortimer Toynbee) is a fictional character, a supervillain appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer Stan Lee and artist/co-writer Jack Kirby, he first appeared in X-Men #4 (March 1964).

He is most often depicted as an enemy of the X-Men, and was originally a weak, hunchbacked mutant, with a superhuman leaping ability. He was Magneto‘s servant in the 1960s line-up of the Brotherhood of Evil Mutants. Mortimer was a mutant outcast until Magneto invited him to join his quest for mutant rights.

As the Toad, Mortimer became an integral piece of Magneto’s Brotherhood and he was right by Magneto’s side during all of the greatest mutant victories, including the final battle in Central Park which led to mutant supremacy. He eventually led his own version of the Brotherhood, which was more involved in petty crime than mutant liberation.

The character has appeared in numerous media adaptations, such as television series, films and video games. Actor Ray Park played a significantly different version of Toad in 2000’s X-Men film, and after the movie, aspects of this Toad have since been implemented into the comic book version.

The Toad’s intellect and physical abilities have gone through some changes over the years. In the character’s inception, he possessed superhuman leg strength and endurance. Toad also has high levels of agility, reflexes, coordination, balance, a superhuman ability to leap great distances. However, over the years, the Toad’s original powers have increased and he has gained additional powers through further mutation, including adhesive saliva and an elongated prehensile tongue.

Toad’s primary mutant ability is a superhuman leaping ability that allows him to leap many times higher and farther than an ordinary human. He possesses some degree of superhuman strength and endurance, primarily concentrated in his lower torso and legs, which grants him his superior leaping abilities.

Now let’s talk about Reptile from Mortal Kombat:

Reptile is a video game character from the Mortal Kombat fighting game franchise created for Midway Games  by Ed Boon and John Tobias. Since then NetherRealm Studios has taken over. NetherRealm Studios is an American video game developer based in Chicago, Illinois, founded in May 2010 to replace Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment‘s WB Games Chicago subsidiary.

Led by video game industry veteran and Mortal Kombat co-creator Ed Boon, the studio is in charge of developing the Mortal Kombat and Injustice series of fighting games.

Reptile debuted in Mortal Kombat as a hidden opponent and appeared in subsequent titles as a playable character.

Reptile is a green garbed, humanoid reptilian creature that embodies the archetype of the unhappy underling. Said to be physically hideous and repulsive, he is renowned for his great stealth and unquestioning loyalty. Unlike many other henchmen, Reptile does not strive for power. He is caught in a delusional state of mind, obsessed with finding the last remaining member of his race, or freeing his homeworld of Zaterra from Outworld‘s grasp. Thus, he always remains loyal to Shao Kahn. While well-meaning and sincere, his obsession is so important to him that it causes him temporary fits of insanity.

Reptile appears to take abilities from several reptilian creatures. His saliva is composed of powerful, corrosive fluids that can easily burn right through steel, much like acid. He also can fire concussive blasts of homing energy. Reptile’s distinguishing trait is his ability to render himself completely invisible.

So who will win this encounter?

Let’s take a look below.

The fight takes place in the Chagres National Park in Panama. There are no rules … except the two can’t use other animals in the forest as weapons. No animals will be harmed … except the two warriors in this fight.

Let Mortal Kombat begin!

Reptile is seen eating dead bugs against a tree. That’s right, the bugs were already dead. Toad, who is sitting on top of a branch on the same tree,  lashes his tongue at Reptile.

Reptile is pissed off Toad interrupted his lunch. Toad starts to laugh as he jumps down from the branch. Reptile pulls out a blade to throw at Toad. The ever so clever Toad catches the blade with his tongue then throws it back at Reptile.

The blade pierces the side of Reptile. He is obviously furious about this. Reptile removes his mask and spits acid at Toad. Sometimes, the jet of acid spit would hinder the opponent for a very short time as the steam from the acid burns away at the opponent’s skin. In this case, Reptile missed Toad. Toad jumps over Reptile, grabs him from behind and flips him into another tree.

Toad turns around to tongue lash Reptile in the face over and over until Reptile reaches into his pocket for some green mist. Reptile throws the green mist into Toad’s face that temporarily blinds him. Reptile takes advantage by jumping over Toad then running toward him to deliver a flying elbow to the back of the neck. This blow by Reptile breaks the neck of Toad thus making Reptile the winner.

Flawless Victory!

What do you think? Let me know on Twitter and Instagram @BlueJayHJB

The post Toad vs Reptile in a rainforest appeared first on .

For all the Jubilee fans out there, you no longer have to feel disappointed. All the X-Men films have let us down when it came to the woman who can create fireworks with her hands. Last year, I took matters into my own hands. When I sat down in front of my desk, I pulled out my notebook to write a script. At the end of my writing, I was satisfied with what I wrote. My short film entitled “Jubilee: Ostra” was born. Below is the synopsis of the film:

Jubilee and Double Shot have to stop the duo of Ostra and Belon from unleashing the Oyster of Energy. The Oyster of Energy has the ability to drain all the Selenium in the world. It is up to Jubilee and Double Shot to prevent that from happening.

Jubilee: Ostra stars Jane Wishashan, Harry Bailey, Leah Scully and Michael S. Benjamin. This film gave birth to the character of Double Shot … You’re welcome.

There is an AFTER CREDITS scene so don’t stop watching the film once the credits show up.

Jubilation “Jubilee” Lee is a fictional superhero appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics, most commonly in association with the X-Men. Created by writer Chris Claremont and artist Marc Silvestri, the character first appeared in The Uncanny X-Men #244 (May 1989).

Jubilee is a member of the human subspecies known as mutants, born with superhuman abilities. She can generate pyrotechnic energy blasts from her hands. Introduced as an orphaned “mall rat” from Beverly Hills, Jubilee joined the X-Men in the early 1990s, becoming the team’s youngest member and often playing a sidekick role to her father-figure, Wolverine. (Wolverine is not in the film.)

Follow me on Twitter and Instagram @BlueJayHJB and follow GEEKCASTER on Facebook … Right now!

The post Jubilee: Ostra on Vimeo appeared first on .

The high flying southern belle can hold her own in a solo film giving the opportunity. The question is whether Marvel is willing to put all the cards on the table (Insert Gambit Joke Here).

What would be the synopsis of the film?

If you take a look at all the other films in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, you will recognize a simple pattern. All you need to create a fun film is to give the hero a little backstory and an easy assignment. Hey DCEU, I’m talking to you.

When it comes to a superhero film, you don’t have to make it complicated. You don’t have to create a film where both superheroes’ mothers are named Martha. Hey DCEU, I’m talking to you again.

With Rogue it’s easy. Rogue tends to get into many relationships. Create a love story where her boyfriend is in trouble with the main villain and she has to protect him while taking down the big bad.

For example, Rogue goes out with a hustler who is trying to turn his life around. She doesn’t know he works for Maven.

Maven is a huge business owner of a high tech company who wants to make everyone sick with a virus. Then he wants to sell the cure at a high price to make a huge profit.

The hustler learns about the plan then tells Rogue everyone is in danger. In the process, the hustler battles within where he truly lies … With Rogue or with the tech company?

You see DCEU, it’s not that hard and you’re welcome.

Who could play Rogue?

Mary Elizabeth Winstead

Mary Elizabeth Winstead is one choice. She appeared in Scott Pilgrim vs. the World, playing Ramona Flowers. Mary has a sweeter look in comparison to Anna Paquin, but she is closer in age and could pull off an action superhero movie.

She has a few indie, horror, drama, and comedy films under her belt. She was also born in North Carolina, so she has the southern belle aspect down.

Another actress that can play the role is Madison Blaine McLaughlin. She is an American actress best known for her roles in television as Michelle Sovana, the juvenile delinquent turned young boxing protégé in the NBC series Chicago P.D. (2014), and as young hunter Krissy Chambers on CW’s hit show Supernatural (2005). Most recently, viewers can see Madison returning to The CW on Arrow (2012) as Evelyn Sharp, the teenage orphan who finds her identity as the DC Comics vigilante Artemis. Madison was born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana so she can also play the southern belle with ease.

Do you think these two actresses can play the flying superhero? Who do you think can play the role of Rogue? Let me know on Twitter and Instagram @BlueJayHJB and follow SEVNetwork on Instagram @sevnetwork

The post Should there be a Rogue Movie? appeared first on .

Legion introduces the story of David Haller: Since he was a teenager, David has struggled with mental illness. Diagnosed as schizophrenic, David has been in and out of psychiatric hospitals for years. But after a strange encounter with a fellow patient, he’s confronted with the possibility that the voices he hears and the visions he sees might be real.

Dan Stevens (The Guest), Rachel Keller (Fargo) and Jean Smart (Fargo) Aubrey Plaza (Parks and Recreation) will star in the upcoming series.

Noah Hawley (Fargo) will serve as an Executive Producer along with Lauren Shuler Donner (X-Men: Days of Future Past, The Wolverine), Bryan Singer (X-Men: Days of Future Past, Superman Returns), Simon Kinberg (“X-Men: Days of Future Past, The Martian), Jeph Loeb (Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., Marvel’s Daredevil, Marvel’s Jessica Jones), Jim Chory (“Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.,” “Marvel’s Daredevil,” “Marvel’s Jessica Jones”) and John Cameron (Fargo, The Big Lebowski). Legion is the latest project from Hawley and Cameron, two of the Executive Producers of the Emmy and Golden Globe -winning FX limited series Fargo.

Legion will be produced by FX Productions and Marvel Television, with FXP handling the physical production.

As always, stay plugged in to SEV for more Comic Nook News as it develops.

The post SEV’s Comic Nook News: FX Gives A First Glimpse of the X-Men Spin-Off Series Legion appeared first on .

“We’ve come to expect excellence from Noah Hawley and with ‘Legion’ he has delivered another major creative achievement,” stated Nick Grad, President of Original Programming, FX Networks and FX Productions. “Just as he did in reimagining ‘Fargo,’ he is bringing an entirely new aesthetic and sensibility to the enormously popular and richly represented X-Men world. The pilot episode is stunning, driven by incredible performances from Dan Stevens, Aubrey Plaza, Jean Smart, Rachel Keller and the rest of the cast. We join our producing partners at Marvel in congratulating the creative team for what they’ve accomplished and are as excited as the fans for the premiere of ‘Legion’s’ first season.”

Legion introduces the story of David Haller: Since he was a teenager, David has struggled with mental illness. Diagnosed as schizophrenic, David has been in and out of psychiatric hospitals for years. But after a strange encounter with a fellow patient, he’s confronted with the possibility that the voices he hears and the visions he sees might be real.

Dan Stevens (The Guest), Rachel Keller (Fargo) and Jean Smart (Fargo) Aubrey Plaza (Parks and Recreation) will star in the upcoming series.

Noah Hawley (Fargo) will serve as an Executive Producer along with Lauren Shuler Donner (X-Men: Days of Future Past, The Wolverine), Bryan Singer (X-Men: Days of Future Past, Superman Returns), Simon Kinberg (“X-Men: Days of Future Past, The Martian), Jeph Loeb (Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., Marvel’s Daredevil, Marvel’s Jessica Jones), Jim Chory (“Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.,” “Marvel’s Daredevil,” “Marvel’s Jessica Jones”) and John Cameron (Fargo, The Big Lebowski). Legion is the latest project from Hawley and Cameron, two of the Executive Producers of the Emmy and Golden Globe -winning FX limited series Fargo.

Legion will be produced by FX Productions and Marvel Television, with FXP handling the physical production.

The post SEV’s Comic Nook News: Our First Look at FX’s Legion appeared first on .

Today, FX announced that Parks and Rec actor Aubrey Plaza, Downton Abbey‘s Dan Stevens and Fargo series’ Jean Smart have joined the cast of upcoming pilot for Legion, a spin-off (of sorts) to the popular X-Men franchise.

Stevens is set to play the role of David, mutant son of the X-Men’s founder, Charles Xavier. The description reads:

“Diagnosed as schizophrenic at a young age, David is a haunted man, trying to find his way back to sanity, but he’s getting tired and is about to give up when he meets the girl of his dreams.”

The three will join Rachel Keller, who will play a character named Syd, a self-sufficient and street smart individual, Syd uses her sharp and prickly demeanor to protect her soft core, because even though it makes her a sucker and puts her at risk, she still believes in happily ever after.

Executive producer  had this to say about Legion’s connection to the X-Men film franchise and it’s station in the Marvel/Fox cinematic universe;

“It’s conceived more as a standalone. I don’t want to say too much more about it on that level, but certainly it’s not constructed as a back-door anything. It’s more just that there’s a story that I want to explore that has to fit into that larger universe, which is exciting.”

Noah Hawley, his television credits including  Bones and Fargo, will write the pilot for Legion, as well as serve as an Executive Producer alongside Lauren Shuler Donner (X-Men: Days of Future Past, The Wolverine), Bryan Singer (X-Men: Days of Future Past, Superman Returns), Jim Chory (Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., Marvel’s Daredevil) Simon Kinberg (X-Men: Days of Future Past, The Martain), Jeph Loeb (Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., Marvel’s Daredevil) and John Cameron (Fargo, The Big Lebowski).

On top of the host of industry aficionados backing the series, Legion’s pilot will be produced by FX Productions and Marvel Television, with FXP on physical production duties.

As always, stay plugged in to SE for more Comic Nook News as it develops.

The post SE’s Comic Nook News: Aubrey Plaza, Jean Smart and Dan Steven join the Cast of FX’s Legion appeared first on .

American comic book characters are known worldwide. People in foreign lands watch these fictional heroes on the big screens in their countries and buy American comic books translated into their respective languages and formatted to their specifications. I myself have a collection of X-Men, Spiderman, Superman, and Captain America comic books from other countries written in their foreign language.

The idea of heroes and freedom is universal. When you have tasted freedom, it’s hard to let it go and give it up; and many who have never had it, are willing to fight for it. American ideals and the imagery of the fictional American heroes materialize in organized public demonstrations worldwide where thousands of people protest against oppressive governments. It doesn’t matter if it’s an Asian nation or and Arab nation. You’ll see somebody dressed as Superman or Captain America…the symbols speak volumes in any language. No translation is necessary.

DC and Marvel, and their parent companies Warner Brothers and Disney respectively, are making money in the overseas market. The companies cannot afford to completely overhaul their established characters because some risks may work in some markets while not in others.  Not every country is as accepting or open minded as others. There are cultural biases. Singapore is very liberal when it comes to homosexuality; to people in Singapore, the two gay characters who got married in Archie Comics two years ago would be no big deal to them but in other countries where homosexuality is grounds for death, it IS a big deal. Even interracial dating or pre-marital affairs can get you into trouble with some cultures.  This is true in countries whose politics and religion are one and the same and any affront to their traditions and/or religion could cost you your life.

The post Comics and Culture appeared first on .