Marvel Fatigue

When was the last time you went to the movie theatre to see a Marvel film?

I admit that, for me at least, it has been a while...

From Iron Man in 2008 until Avengers: Endgame in 2019 I went to see every single Marvel film that was released. 22 films in total.

But after that, I will admit, I kind of got bored.

• Spider-Man: Far From Home (2019) - Didn't bother to see in the theatre.
  
• Black Widow (2021) - Didn't bother to see in the theatre.
• Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (2021)
• Eternals (2021) - Didn't bother to see in the theatre.
• Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021) - Didn't bother to see in the theatre.
• Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (2022) - Didn't bother to see in the theatre.
• Thor: Love and Thunder (2022)
• Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022) - Didn't bother to see in the theatre.
• Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania (2023) - Didn't bother to see in the theatre.
• The Marvels (2023) - Didn't bother to see in the theatre.
• Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (2023)

So of the 11 films that came out after Endgame myself (and my wife) only went to movie theatres to see 3 of them. 3 out of 11. If that isn't a sign of Marvel Fatigue, I don't know what is.

Oh... And there's the Venom and Deadpool films. Didn't bother to go see any of those either.

Now my wife and I did eventually see all of these films, thanks to Disney+ / etc, but we had no interest in going to see many of these films in the theatre.

Now you might think: "Oh, many of these films were during the pandemic, so maybe that is why."

Nope, not an issue, because as you will note we still went to see Shang-Chi and that was during the pandemic. And even after the pandemic was over we still didn't bother go see the majority of Marvel films.

And then there's the Marvel TV shows available via Netflix and Disney+. When Daredevil, Jessica Jones, etc was originally coming out years ago my wife and I would religiously binge watch them. Now when Disney+ releases new TV shows it is really 50/50 whether we will watch them. I watched She-Hulk, Ms Marvel, Falcon and the Winter Soldier, but some of the other shows held zero interest for us. Sometimes we might watch the first episode and then get bored.

So yes, I think in our household we definitely have Marvel Fatigue. But what is Marvel Fatigue?

I asked ChatGPT to write a blog post on the subject and here is what it spewed out:

The Marvel Cinematic Universe: Is "Marvel Fatigue" Real?

In the realm of blockbuster cinema, few franchises have achieved the level of success and cultural impact as the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). With its interconnected storylines, charismatic superheroes, and high-octane action, Marvel Studios has captivated audiences worldwide for over a decade. However, as the MCU continues to expand and dominate the box office, a phenomenon known as "Marvel Fatigue" has begun to emerge.

But what exactly is Marvel Fatigue? Is it simply a case of oversaturation, or is there something deeper at play? Let's delve into the factors contributing to this phenomenon and explore whether audiences are truly growing tired of the superhero genre.

The Rise of the Marvel Cinematic Universe

The MCU burst onto the scene in 2008 with the release of "Iron Man," kicking off a cinematic revolution that would redefine the superhero genre. Over the years, Marvel Studios has meticulously crafted a sprawling universe, weaving together standalone films, team-up epics, and interconnected story arcs.

With each new release, the MCU has continued to push the boundaries of what's possible in superhero filmmaking. From the epic battles of "The Avengers" to the cosmic adventures of "Guardians of the Galaxy," Marvel Studios has consistently delivered high-quality entertainment that resonates with audiences of all ages.

The Pitfalls of Oversaturation

Despite its undeniable success, the MCU's relentless release schedule has led to concerns of oversaturation. With multiple films hitting theaters each year, some critics argue that audiences are becoming fatigued by the constant barrage of superhero content.

In recent years, Marvel Studios has expanded its universe beyond the confines of traditional cinema, venturing into streaming with original series on Disney+. While this has allowed for deeper exploration of characters and storylines, it has also added to the sense of oversaturation, with new content dropping on a regular basis.

Diminishing Returns?

Another factor contributing to Marvel Fatigue is the diminishing returns of formulaic storytelling. While each MCU film brings its own unique flair and style, there's a certain predictability to the overarching narrative structure. Origin stories, villain-of-the-week plots, and world-ending threats have become staples of the genre, leading some audiences to feel like they've seen it all before.

Additionally, as the MCU expands to encompass more characters and storylines, maintaining coherence and continuity becomes increasingly challenging. While die-hard fans may revel in the intricate web of connections, casual moviegoers may find themselves overwhelmed or disengaged by the sheer scope of the universe.

Changing Tastes and Trends

Beyond the specificities of the MCU, Marvel Fatigue may also be indicative of broader shifts in audience preferences. In an era dominated by sequels, reboots, and shared universes, there's a growing appetite for originality and innovation. Audiences crave fresh storytelling and diverse perspectives, which can be difficult to achieve within the confines of a sprawling franchise like the MCU.

Moreover, the rise of streaming services has fundamentally changed the way people consume media. With endless options at their fingertips, audiences are less inclined to venture out to the theater for every Marvel release. Instead, they may choose to wait for home viewing or prioritize other forms of entertainment altogether.

The Future of the MCU

So, where does this leave the Marvel Cinematic Universe? Despite the challenges of Marvel Fatigue, there's no denying that the franchise remains a powerhouse in the world of entertainment. With a slate of upcoming films and series, Marvel Studios shows no signs of slowing down.

However, in order to sustain its success, the MCU must continue to evolve and adapt to changing audience tastes. This may involve taking creative risks, exploring new genres, or diversifying its roster of characters and creators. By staying true to its roots while embracing innovation, Marvel Studios can ensure that the magic of the MCU continues to captivate audiences for years to come.

In conclusion, while Marvel Fatigue may be a real phenomenon for some audiences, it's not necessarily a death knell for the MCU. By addressing the pitfalls of oversaturation, embracing originality, and staying attuned to changing trends, Marvel Studios can navigate the challenges ahead and continue to thrive in an ever-evolving entertainment landscape. As long as there are stories to be told and heroes to root for, the Marvel Cinematic Universe will remain a force to be reckoned with.

 

And there you go, that's what ChatGPT had to say. I however wonder if perhaps this is the beginning of the end for the MCU. If the films start making less and less money, and potentially become financially risky then Disney could pull the plug on any film that they think is too big of a risk.

They might try to change things up by being less formulaic, but they also have to stay true to the source material... And comic books are by their nature very formulaic. If they differ from the source material too much then the fans will get upset and badmouth the film(s).

Which begs the question, if the diminishing returns are being felt already in 2023-2024, what will it be like 6 years from now in 2030? Will the MCU even still be around in 2030?

The Rise of Comic Book Movies: How Superheroes Conquered the Box Office

In recent years, comic book movies have taken the entertainment industry by storm, dominating the box office and capturing the hearts of audiences worldwide. From the early successes of films like "X-Men" and "Spider-Man" to the record-breaking blockbusters of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) and the DC Extended Universe (DCEU), superhero films have become a cultural phenomenon. In this blog post, we will delve into the rise of comic book movies and explore the factors that have propelled superheroes to conquer the box office.

The Foundation: Pioneering Films and Fanbase Building

The journey of comic book movies began with a few groundbreaking films that laid the foundation for the genre's success. Films like Tim Burton's "Batman" in 1989 and Richard Donner's "Superman" in 1978 demonstrated that superheroes could be adapted successfully for the big screen, captivating audiences and establishing a fanbase hungry for more. These early successes paved the way for subsequent superhero adaptations and ignited the imaginations of both comic book enthusiasts and mainstream audiences.

Advancements in Technology and Visual Effects

Advancements in technology and visual effects have played a pivotal role in bringing comic book characters to life in spectacular fashion. The evolution of CGI (computer-generated imagery) and the seamless integration of special effects have made it possible to create awe-inspiring action sequences and visually stunning worlds. This technological progress has allowed filmmakers to translate the fantastical elements of comic books onto the big screen, capturing the imagination of audiences and immersing them in the superhero experience like never before.

Character-driven Storytelling and Compelling Cinematic Universes

One of the key factors behind the success of comic book movies lies in their ability to tell engaging and character-driven stories. Superhero films have moved beyond simple action spectacles, delving into complex narratives that explore themes of heroism, identity, and moral dilemmas. Audiences have been drawn to the emotional depth and relatability of the characters, developing strong connections with their journeys and struggles.

Moreover, the establishment of cinematic universes, pioneered by Marvel Studios with the MCU, has revolutionized the genre. The interconnectivity of films, intricate story arcs, and the promise of shared universes have created a sense of anticipation and investment among fans. The MCU's success in crafting a cohesive narrative across multiple films has inspired other studios, like DC, to adopt a similar approach, further expanding the superhero genre's reach and longevity.

Crossing Genres and Embracing Diverse Storytelling

Comic book movies have transcended the confines of the superhero genre, exploring different tones, genres, and storytelling approaches. From the political thriller of "Captain America: The Winter Soldier" to the space opera of "Guardians of the Galaxy" and the heist film elements in "Ant-Man," superhero movies have showcased their versatility. This diversity in storytelling has attracted a broader audience, appealing to fans of various genres and expanding the superhero movie's appeal beyond traditional comic book enthusiasts.

Pop Culture Impact and Nostalgia

Superhero movies have become a significant part of popular culture, permeating various forms of media and influencing fashion, merchandise, and even everyday conversations. The prevalence of superheroes in our collective consciousness has sparked nostalgia and a renewed interest in comic book characters. Audiences, both young and old, have embraced the opportunity to see their beloved heroes on the big screen, reliving their childhood memories and sharing the experience with new generations.

Conclusion:

The rise of comic book movies and the dominance of superheroes at the box office can be attributed to a combination of factors: pioneering films that established the foundation, technological advancements that brought the fantastical to life, character-driven storytelling, the establishment of interconnected cinematic universes, diverse genres and storytelling approaches, and the enduring impact of pop culture and nostalgia. Superhero movies have evolved from niche adaptations to a global cultural phenomenon, captivating audiences with their action-packed spectacles, relatable characters, and compelling narratives. As the genre continues to evolve and expand, we can look forward to new heroes, innovative storytelling techniques, and even more thrilling adventures that keep us eagerly anticipating the next chapter in the superhero movie revolution.

Where is Wakanda on the Map?

So...

Where is Wakanda?

On a map? In theory?

Well, it depends upon who you ask, and when.

According to this 2008 map from Marvel, Wakanda is north-east of Nigeria.

A different version from 2010 shows Wakanda as busy between Ethiopia and Kenya.

Another version claims that Wakanda is between the DRC and Tanzania, with Uganda to the north.

Or is that supposed to be Uganda and Kenya to the south???

Indeed, when you do the research there are about 7 to 8 different possible locations of Wakanda. With different dates attached to the maps.

It is almost as if the people at Marvel cannot decide WHERE to put Wakanda...

Maybe the country keeps moving due to magic or time paradoxes?

Meanwhile... The hidden island city of Kase, from the Charles Moffat books The Dragontree of Kase and The Dragonslayers of Kase, is very easy to find. It is a specified number of nautical miles off the coast from Snake Island in Nigeria. The only trick is that it is hidden from satellites and prying eyes thanks to magic.

Jean Grey is a Horrible Character and Hollywood is Clueless

After the failure of X3 I would have thought scriptwriters in Hollywood would have learned their lesson: Jean Grey is kind of a boring character because her personality is so flat.

But no, they decided to try again for another film, following the same idiotic formula wherein she remains a flat 2-dimensional character.

So much emphasis is placed on her powers and her love interest(s), they always forget to develop her personality.

Oh and the producers... they conveniently forget about other female characters like Rogue who were historically more popular. Rogue was the focus of the very first X-Men film, but since then has been cut out despite being a fan favourite amongst comic book fans. Jean as a character was never particularly popular. The phoenix force was basically a crutch to make her character more interesting. You see this regularly with YA fiction... whenever a character is too boring writers just give the character a special ability to make them more interesting.

 

 

 

 

It is the reason why you see OP (over-powered) characters so much in the genre. The character is boring so the solution is to make them OP.

Oh and to give them a love triangle. Back in X3 it was the Jean-Scott-Wolverine love triangle that they tried to use, but they did a disappearing act on Scott early in the film so the love triangle bit became more one sided and fell flat.

So without the love triangle crutch and the dark phoenix crutch, what does Jean Grey have going for her? What is her personality? How does she grow as a character? Sadly her character is flat and there isn't much character growth, so is there any surprise the new Dark Phoenix film falls flat in the box office?

 

Dark Phoenix's Domestic Total as of Jun. 11, 2019: $39,190,534. Foreign: $103,743,621.

So $142,934,155... On a film that cost over $200 million to make. They are going to be lucky if they break even.

I am not surprised. It is the same shoddy writing they keep making to suck in teenagers, not realizing that the fans of the X-Men are mostly people in their 30s-40s-50s who grew up with the comic books.

So the producers have made a second error. They have forgotten who their real audience is. They should not be targeting teenagers. They should be targeting people in their 30s to 50s. This effects both how to write the story as a more mature story, but also how to market it to a specific audience.

Yes, X-Men is primarily about teenagers... but the fans of the X-Men are older. Younger audiences (teens and young adults) don't care about X-Men as much. The younger audience has already moved on to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and when competing against the MCU Avengers it is pretty obvious who is going to win.

Solution? This film might be the final nail in the coffin for the Fox owned X-Men Franchise... but there is good news. Disney bought them out. The whole franchise can be rebooted within the MCU five years from now. (We might finally get to see Wolverine and the Hulk working as a team.)

 

 

Hot Tip for any future actresses being asked to portray Jean Grey. Your contract should specifically state that there is no way in hell you will appear in any film portraying a 3rd version of Dark Phoenix. Hollywood should just give it a rest. The character is a flop regardless of whether you put a former Bond Girl in the role or whether you hire a former Game of Thrones star.

Avengers playing "Guardians of the Galaxy"

Yep. Sounds about right. There are some definite similarities.

Kevin Smith talks about Jon Peters and Superman Lives

In the clip below Kevin Smith talks about his role in the failed making of Superman Lives and the idiot movie producer Jon Peters.

R Rated version of The Avengers = Funny

Below is some clips from the last Avengers movie with some parts bleeped out that makes the film much more funny.

Lego Movie Trailers

Who doesn't love a good Lego movie or movie trailer?

Below are a selection of fantasy / super hero movie trailers made using Lego.

The Desolation of Smaug in Lego



Captain America - The Winter Soldier in Lego



Man of Steel in Lego



The Wolverine in Lego



The Dark Knight Returns in Lego

Thor's, err, I mean Chris Hemsworth’s Workout and Diet

Chris Hemsworth’s Thor Workout

Chris Hemsworth used a 4 day on, 1 day off training split:

• Day 1 – Chest and Shoulders in the morning. Boxing and Abs in the evening.
• Day 2 – Back and Arms in the morning. Boxing and Abs in the evening.
• Day 3 – Surfing in the morning. Legs in the evening.
• Day 4 – Abs and cardio in the morning. No evening workout.
• Day 5 - OFF

Chest and Shoulders Workout

• Dumbbell Flyes – 3 sets of 12, 10 and 8 reps
• Barbell Bench Press – 3 sets of 12, 10 and 8 reps
• Bent Over Lateral Raise – 3 sets of 15, 12 and 12 reps
• Side Lateral Raise – 3 sets of 15, 12 and 12 reps
• Arnold Press – 3 sets of 12, 10 and 8 reps

.
Back and Arms Workout

• Chin Ups – 3 sets of 15, 12 and 10 reps
• Deadlift – 3 sets of 10, 8 and 6 reps
• Barbell Curl – 3 sets of 10, 8 and 6 reps
• French Press – 3 sets of 10, 8 and 6 reps

Legs Workout – *Performed as a superset

• Leg Extensions – 3 sets of 10, 8 and 6 reps
• Leg Curls – 3 sets of 10, 8 and 6 reps
• Squats – 3 sets of 10, 8 and 6 reps

Abs Workout – Performed on Days 1,2 and 4
Performed as a circuit. Repeat each circuit three times. Rest in between circuits.

• Plank – 60 second hold
• Side Plank – 60 second hold
• Roman Chair Leg Raise – 20 reps
• Cable Crunch – 20 reps
• Oblique Crunch – 20 reps

Boxing Workout

• Speed Bag – 5 rounds, 3 minutes each.
• Focus Pads – 5 rounds, 3 minutes each.
• Jump Rope – 5 rounds, 3 minutes each.

*Rest in between each round.

Chris Hemsworth’s Thor Diet and Supplementation 

A main priority for Chris Hemsworth was adding more daily protein. Protein staples for Thor included:

• Steak
• Egg Whites
• Chicken
• Fish

Carbohydrates were based on time of day.

• Potatoes and rice were eaten earlier in the day.
• Broccoli and spinach were eaten at night.

Chris Hemsworth relied on the following supplements:

• Amino Acids prior to his workouts.
• Whey protein post-workout.

The Real Thor Workout and Diet

Chris Hemsworth used a 4 day on, 1 day off training split. The real Thor doesn’t take days off because he is a Norse god and is totally awesome.

• Day 1 – Lift Mjölnir, the Might Hammer of Thor. 50 sets of 50, 100, and 150 reps.
• Day 2 – Eat two oxen, chug two casks of mead.
• Day 3 – Swing Mjölnir, the Might Hammer of Thor. 50 sets of 50, 100, and 150 reps.
• Day 4 – Abs: Stare into mirror, Abs Assemble.
• Day 5 - Eat a school of salmon, all of Thyrm’s wedding cake, and chug two casks of mead.
• Day 6 - Hit things with Mjölnir.  50 sets of carnage.
• Day 7 - And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made (Genesis 2:2). 
  However, Thor is not a Christian god.  And on the seventh day, Thor deflowers a 100 virgins with the other “Mighty Hammer of Thor”.  Then he eats a herd of bison and washes it down with more mead, lots more mead.  (TwoScoops 2:2)

New 2013 Archery Movies and TV Shows

Want more archery in your life?

#1. Arrow - Season Two.

Enter "Speedy" and "Black Canary"... Oh and that chick from the Terminator Chronicles!


#2. Reign - Season One.

Reign is a new teenage drama series set in France about Queen Mary of the Scots. The show is billed as "Game of Thrones meets Marie Antoinette". And yes, it has archery in it. See the photo below to see two of the young actors learning how to do archery for the first time at the Toronto Public Archery Range.

The Reign series is being produced by the CW, the same people bringing you "Arrow", which suggests they are really betting the farm on archery continuing to be such a big thing with teen audiences.

In the forefront below is Toby Regbo, the male lead, on his first day of doing archery.

#3. Catching Fire - Part Two of The Hunger Games Series.

Can't wait to see Katniss in action again? Watch the trailer below to see Katniss once more.

#4.The Hobbit - The Desolation of Smaug

Dwarves doing archery? Yes, but we also get to see the return of Legolas doing archery too!

And don't forget lots of other elves doing archery, and the human archer known as Bard from Laketown.

What this means is that The Desolation of Smaug promises to have A LOT OF ARCHERY IN IT. Just plain a lot. You may want to count the number of arrows that actually get shot during the film because it may break a lot of records compared to other films which had a lot of archery in them.


#5. The Walking Dead - Season Four.

Seriously. This is so happening.

Yes, okay, we know crossbows aren't really archery, but that doesn't stop us from liking Daryl right?


#6. Brave 2?

No sign of this happening any time soon. Sorry to get your hopes up but we may not see a trailer for this until Summer 2014 or later.

#7. War of the Titans.

Clash of the Titans (2010), Wrath of the Titans (2012) - they've both been done. The third film is due out in 2014 and best guesses are that it will be called "War of the Titans" and be about the Trojan War. According to my sources "Clash of the Titans 3" was already in development stages back in 2012. So we should be seeing a trailer for it sometime soon for a Summer 2014 release date.

#8. Avatar 2.

We know it is coming - Avatar (2009) is James Cameron's baby after all, the same guy who made the Terminator series. He stated way back in 2006 that he would make two sequels.

Here it is 2013 already and no trailer yet. However perhaps that is because in 2012 James Cameron changed his mind and now says there will be THREE sequels. Or more precisely, one prequel and two sequels.

The prequel will be about Dr. Grace Augustine and her early encounters with the Navi. James Cameron also states each film would have a clear conclusion as opposed to being cliffhanger to the next film. Production is set to begin in 2014.

Release dates for the films are set for December 2016, the second in December 2017 and the third in 2018.

#9. Other movies and TV shows we haven't heard of yet...

Do you know of any? Post them in the comments.

Map of Starling City (from TVs Arrow / Comicbooks Green Arrow)

Where is Starling City from the TV show Arrow?

Well, admittedly there is no Starling City (or Star City if you read the Green Arrow comic books).

But the photography of the city is that of Vancouver, Canada.

However within the TV show you do sometimes glimpse a map of the city (which looks a bit like a map of Vancouver).

Like this subway map of Starling City, which shows the location of the Glades and gives you a decent idea of the layout of the city.

Turned sideways and then compared to a map of Vancouver it looks vaguely like the watery bit is Vancouver Harbour, and the red bridge going across is part of the Trans Canada Highway. But maybe they just based it loosely off of a map of Vancouver since the show is filmed there.

And then there is the Island of Lian Yu where Oliver Queen / Green Arrow was trapped for five years... Shown in the map below.

Movie producer Jon Peters is a moron

Jon Peters is a moron.

I have come to the conclusion that movie producer Jon Peters is a moron.

Why?

Well, remember all those years that he was trying to make another Superman film called "Superman Lives" or "Superman Reborn" (during which Superman dies and comes back to life somehow).

His ideas for plots and villains included:

• A giant spider (an idea he later reused in Wild Wild West).
• A space dog pet for Lex Luthor, for which Jon Peters stated "You could make a toy out of him, so you've got to give me a dog."
• L-Ron, Brainiac's robot assistant, which Jon Peters described as "a gay R2-D2 with attitude." (Offensive.)
• Brainiac's spaceship was to look like a giant skull, as if drawn by a 10 year old kid.

During the late 1990s Jon Peters was obsessed with casting Nicholas Cage as Superman (an idiotic idea) and even gave Cage a $20 million contract.

Tim Burton was contracted to direct this travesty of a film. However by 1998 $30 million had been spent on production with nothing to show for it. To this day, Burton has depicted the experience of Superman Lives as one of the worst experiences in his life, citing various differences with Peters and the studio, stating, "I basically wasted a year. A year is a long time to be working with somebody that you don't really want to be working with."

Jon Peters was also obsessed with trying to make as much money off the franchise by selling toys and other merchandise by making the plot contain lots of things that could be sold as toys (hence why some of his villain ideas were so childishly stupid).

In the one version of the plot Jon Peters insisted he wanted Superman to wear an all-black suit and also did not want Superman to fly at all.

In late 1998 the task of writing a new script was given to Alex Ford (having received previous scripts from Gregory Poirier, Kevin Smith and others). Ford proposed as reboot of the Superman series with seven films - a very ambitious project. However he later left because of creative differences with Jon Peters. Ford described the encounter as follows:

"I can tell you they don't know much about comics. Their audience isn't you and me who pay $7.00. It's for the parents who spend $60 on toys and lunchboxes. It is a business, and what's more important, the $150 million at the box office or the $600 million in merchandising?"

What is worse is how Jon Peters seemed to be utterly clueless about fans of Superman actually want to see. Like he doesn't know anything about the history of the character and has never read the comics at all.

In 2001 Jon Peters even offered the role of Superman to Will Smith, but the actor turned it down over ethnicity concerns.

Time went by and Jon Peters continued to be the person who seemed to be deliberately sabotaging the Superman franchise. In 2003 director Brett Ratner was hired but then Ratner dropped out of the project in March 2003, blaming casting difficulties and physically violent disagreements with Jon Peters.

When Superman Returns finally came out in 2006 it was only because Jon Peters role in the film franchise was diminished. He was still listed as a producer, but it was director and producer Bryan Singer who basically ran the show.

Jon Peters also likes to claim he helped produce the new "Man of Steel" Superman reboot - except he isn't even mentioned in the credits. Probably a good thing. Everything Jon Peters touches turns to shit.

Jon Peters was a big filmmaker back in the 1980s. He was producer or executive producer of 17 films during the 1980s.

During the 1990s he only produced 6 films.

During the 2000s he only produced 1 film (Superman Returns), but did almost no work on it since he was basically riding on the coattails of director and producer Bryan Singer.

Note: In August 2011, a Los Angeles jury ordered Jon Peters to pay a former assistant $3 million after finding she was subjected to sexual harassment and a hostile work environment during the production of Superman Returns.

The new 2013 film Man of Steel doesn't even list Jon Peters in the credits. That is a good thing. Jon Peters is a moron and is better left off the credits for things he only has a history of mucking up.

I am not the only person who thinks Jon Peters is an idiot either. See also:

Man, Hollywood executives can be so stupid

The case against Jon Peters and WB

The Hilarity of Jon Peters

Kevin Smith explains what happened to his Superman film

FYI, I saw the new Man of Steel film last night (midnight screening). It was very good, although I didn't particularly like Russell Crowe as Jor-El because Crowe is a hack actor. The rest of the film was awesome however.

The High Tech Superhero

Take two ordinary guys. OK, scratch ordinary. Two extremely rich people.

One is the orphaned son of a murdered billionaire tycoon, the heir to an industrial empire and the most eligible bachelor in Gotham City. At night he dresses up like an oversized bat, and puts his life on the line to fight crime on the city streets.

The other sits at the head of the world’s most advanced weapons and robotics manufacturer, and is a billionaire playboy and genius inventor. With a heart powered by a cutting-edge reactor and a flying suit of robotic armour, he’s doing his best to privatise world peace. Neither man has any supernatural abilities, genetic mutations or extra-terrestrial super-powers. All they have is training, courage, and some of the hottest technology imaginable.

Sadly, imaginable is the operative word – Batman and Iron Man aren’t real. It’s unlikely that we’ll ever see a real-life Tony Stark facing down an army of killer drones or a real-life Bruce Wayne taking down the mob. Frankly, we’d hate to think of what a Steve Jobs (let alone a Steve Ballmer) might do with a real Iron Man suit. But is there any truth behind the tech? If you were to win the lottery, would you have any hope of fighting crime on, say, the mean streets of Swindon, or does the stuff just not exist?

Well, lets see...

Powered Armour

Bruce Wayne relies on a rack of muscle and stringent combat training to keep him safe, but where would Tony Stark be without high high-tech tin suit? Nowhere. Well, there might be no real Iron Man suit, but that doesn’t mean that work isn’t heading in the right direction.

In 2000, America’s Defence Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) launched a program – Exoskeletons for Human Performance Augmentation – with the stated goal of developing “devices and machines that will increase the speed, strength and endurance of soldiers in combat environments.”

Amazingly, the program has resulted in at least two real-life prototypes that might one day see active service. A team at robotics specialist Sarcos – best known for creating the dinosaurs for Universal’s Jurassic Park theme park rides – built XOS, a robotic suit capable of amplifying its wearer’s strength by a factor of 10:1. If you can lift 10Kg, then the suit will lift 100Kg, and in theory do it over and over again without you getting tired quickly.

The really clever stuff happens in how the suit is controlled. Just as the Iron Man suit needs to work in concert with Tony Stark’s body, so the XOS suit needs to understand its wearer’s every movement. The XOS suit’s actuators are controlled by processors and sensors which read movement from the user’s hands and feet, translating each tiny motion into suit movement, instantly and with a surprising degree of finesse. The exoskeleton takes all but the minimum of weight and effort from its wearer, and is responsive enough to allow them to run, jump, box and even throw and catch a ball. It’s not armoured as such, but it’s certainly a kick-ass bit of kit.

The one problem? At the moment XOS only works when tethered to a power-source, and while it’s hoped that this can eventually be integrated in a case or backpack, with the suit regenerating energy while in use, it’s something that – literally – holds the exoskeleton back from active service.

Lockheed Martin’s HULC might not be a full exoskeleton, but this suit, which reinforces and works with muscles in your legs and torso, allows troops to carry up to 90Kg over all terrains and march at speeds of up to 10mph, albeit only for brief periods.

As the suit supports full mobility, its wearers can squat, crawl and lift, with the suit supporting its own weight as they do so. An over the shoulder harness allows the user to manage heavier loads, and there are plans for armed and armoured models in the future. Best of all, it’s powered by lithium ion batteries, each lasting for an hour or so, depending on usage.

HULC is currently under evaluation by the US Army’s Natick Soldier Research, Development and Engineering Centre, and is already available for what a Lockheed Martin spokesperson calls “limited application in select groups.” Could this be the basis of a future Iron Man suit, we asked them?

“We see significant potential for this technology in the defense, industrial and medical arenas. As a load-carriage device which augments a person’s endurance and capabilities, this technology can be applied to numerous missions including logistics, infantry, explosive ordnance disposal and chemical and biological defense, to name just a few.”

We’ll take that as a yes.

Exoskeletons and powered armour

Not all the exoskeleton action is taking place in the US. In Japan, Cyberdyne, a company set up by Professor Sankai of the University of Tsukoba, is manufacturing HAL (Hybrid Assisted Limb, pictured right), a gleaming white suit developed, in Sankai’s words, to “upgrade the existing physical capabilities of the human body.” HAL multiplies the user’s strength by a factor of two to 10, with the exoskeleton supporting its own weight. The suit responds to bio-signals running beneath the human skin, interpreting signals going to the wearer’s muscles to mimic his or her movement exactly.

The HAL suit is powered by a battery lasting between three and five hours, and while the first suits on sale are targeted at the medical industry, future applications will include heavy labour and rescue support. Why not add dispensing justice to the list? Professor Sankai certainly seems confident; he’s already built a factory to produce 500 HAL units every year.

Of course, Iron Man’s suit has another function: keeping Tony Stark safe from terrorist machine-gun fire, plasma whips and missile strikes. In real life, even a nickel-titanium alloy suit might not be of much use here: even if the armour withstood every blow, it would still transfer force to the wearer – but some high-tech padding might help. For instance, a foam of carbon nano-tubes – molecular scale tubes of graphite carbon – may be resilient and strong enough to dampen the blow.

There is, however, an alternative to the whole Iron Man concept. The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is working with the US military to create a “multi-capability battlesuit” for tomorrow’s troops to wear in the field. MIT is already talking about nano-structure actuators that could give the wearer inhuman strength, and nano-fiber materials that could literally deflect bullets. The battlesuit might even be able to sense toxins in the air and filter them away from the soldier without him or her knowing about it. Frankly, it all makes an Iron Man suit seem so last year, even if the research is years away from bearing real fruit.

For Bruce Wayne, of course, things are easier. In Batman Begins, the Batsuit is based on a ‘Nomex Surivival Suit’, with a neoprene undersuit featuring the same heat-resistant materials used by real firefighters today, covered by bulletproof Kevlar panels and topped with a graphite composite cowl with Kevlar plating – all stuff that’s available right now. In The Dark Knight the suit had evolved. In the words of Lucius Fox (Morgan Freeman), the suit now featured “hardened Kevlar plates over titanium-dipped tri-weave fibers for flexibility” making Batman, “lighter, faster, more agile.”

All very advanced stuff, but Wayne Industries might want to invest in some more R&D if it wants to keep Batman ahead of the curve. Last year, BAE in Bristol demonstrated an armour system which utilized what’s called ’shear thickening technology.’ Here, tiny particles are suspended in a liquid where, in normal conditions, they repel each other slightly. With a sudden impact, however, the particles instantaneously clump together, creating a hard surface that can stop bullets and dissipate the energy of impact.

BAE’s scientists have referred to the liquid as “bullet-proof custard” on the basis that the two materials share basic properties (and more than that if my mum is cooking). This liquid, when used to treat Kevlar plates or garments, creates materials which bend and flow until you need them – perfect for the average stealthy super-hero. In ballistics tests with a gas gun firing ball-bearing bullets, 10 layers of treated Kevlar outperformed 31 layers of untreated Kevlar, dissipating more of the bullets energy and lessening the deformation of the plates.

An alternative approach uses what’s called a magneto-rheological fluid, where the armour is treated with an oil filled with tiny iron filings. When exposed to a magnetic field, the particles line-up, thickening the fluid and instantly turning thin clothes into solid armour at the flick of a switch. Sadly, while armour and sports equipment which use shear thickening and similar technologies are already entering the market, magneto-rheological fluid armour is still a few years away from practical use.

Finally, don’t forget those carbon nano-tubes.

Massachusetts-based Nanocomp Technologies has already demonstrated carbon nanotube armour plates capable of stopping 9mm bullets while only a few millimeters thick. Working with the US Army Natick Soldier Systems Centre, Nanocomp hopes that carbon nano-tube will be the next-generation of US army body armour. When asked for more details a company spokesman informed us that armour applications were some years away, and might not be suitable for superhero use, but we’re not fooled: a real-life Bruce Wayne is probably getting his first suit as we speak.

Will the next Batman movie be a reboot or a sequel?

The recent reboot of Spider-Man into "The Amazing Spider-Man" came a little too soon on the heels of the previous film.

Yes, the new film is a good film. Just as good as the previous films. But it annoyed fans that they came out with the new film so quickly... or at least it feels that way. There was a 5 year gap between the two films.

And now that the Batman Trilogy is done (assuming it is done)... what next? Does Robin become the new Batman and they continue the franchise storyline with a new actor? (In the comics Robin eventually becomes the new Batman too.)

Warner Brothers execs seem to be keeping their cards very close to their collective vests on this topic.

After all, what can they do next? Batman Begins set a new grittier standard for superhero filmmaking, making it clear that films could be realistic, gritty, and that a superhero's early beginnings should be more about the learning process and an evolution into the superhero.

Or do we go back to the old style of Batman films... which was childish, outlandish and ridiculous?

Fans of Batman evidently enjoyed both, but the new Batman films were definitely more successful and got far more praise for their realism.

Awhile back the studio execs revealed they were planning to reboot the franchise after Nolan concluded his trilogy, but the end of “The Dark Knight Rises” clearly leaves the door open for another sequel - a 4th film. So maybe they are now rethinking this and wondering if there is potential there for a new Robin film - or a Batman film wherein Robin becomes the new Batman.

Which frankly seems like the only logical conclusion at this point, because trying to reboot this particular series will be tricky. If they try to go back to the old way of doing it, wherein the hero and villains are more childish and ridiculous... well then it might be the first Batman film to flop horribly.

And then there is the matter of the Justice League.

DC would love to make a whole series of films for Superman, Batman, Green Lantern (that film sucked BTW), Wonder Woman, the Martian Manhunter, the Flash and so forth and have them all come together as the Justice League.

But to do that and do it properly they need to find actors which the audience loves, make films which are successful, and bring them all together in a well-knit series that is interconnected.

And that is tricky to pull off. The frequent changes of actors in the Hulk films prove that.