Deathstroke #35 Review: The War With Batman Comes To A Convoluted End

Deathstroke’s Batman-centric arc has been uneven at best. While this series has offered some amazing character moments, the plot has stumbled at times, causing some issues with pacing. Still, this arc has offered a unique look at the relationship between these two titans. While this issue manages to wrap up the complex plot, the conclusion is unnecessarily convoluted.

Also read: Deathstroke #34 Review: Slade Takes The Fight To Batman

If you only started reading Deathstroke during this arc, you may find yourself at a loss here. The “twist” ending could be satisfying, but you will need to have a pretty deep understanding of Deathstroke’s history. This was an ambitious project for writer Christopher Priest. This arc handled two largely separate storylines for two larger than life characters. While the central conflict kept the two plots connected, Batman’s struggle with Damian’s paternity could have been its own six-issue series. That overwrought feeling is most present in this final issue.

Alfred and Winter Green’s friendship was set up in the very first issue of this arc. Here, we see this relationship and plot-point finally pay off. The two have orchestrated a trap of sorts for Deathstroke and Batman. Treating them like children, they insist on making them work out their differences with a pretty serious threat. While this is a fun addition, it would have been great to see that relationship explored more. In fact, those two could have their own series.

Unsurprisingly, this issue and arc don’t do much to alter the status quo. To expect that from a Deathstroke solo-series is unrealistic, but the subject-matter seemed to be substantial enough to justify such a move. However, even though not much changes for Batman, his story ends in a emotionally satisfying resolution for him in Damian. Meanwhile, Deathstroke’s next arc seems to be tackling yet another of his long-term rivalries and it will entice you to read further and see how it all pans out.

Also read: ‘Arrow’ Season 7 Episode Title Teases The Longbow Hunters

In all, this book is a fun read. Not all of the logic really adds up and the conclusion does feel a bit convoluted, but this arc has delivered what was advertised. The war between Batman and Deathstroke was sprawling and epic. Hopefully we will see Priest tackle these characters again soon under different circumstances. He clearly has a deep understanding and respect for both.

Final Score: 7/10

7 Great Deathstroke Stories That Could Inspire The Movie

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Now that fans know Deathstroke will be getting his own movie directed by The Raid’s Gareth Evans, it’s time for everyone to brush up on their Slade Wilson knowledge. Deathstroke is DC’s deadliest assassin and one of the smartest tacticians in the world, as well as the oldest foe of the Teen Titans. He’s even taken on the whole Bat-family single-handedly and escaped, proving just how tough of a fighter he is.

The movie will likely depict him as an anti-hero of sorts, a relatively new status for the character. Throughout most of his history Deathstroke has always been more of a self-interested fighter than a righteous man, but recently he’s developed a conscious and a desire to help people in DC Rebirth. He was even one of the main villains in the Batman: Arkham Origins game, proving that audiences are ready for more Slade Wilson.

Hit Next to learn about seven great Deathstroke stories that could inspire the movie!

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‘Marvel’s Spider-Man’ Review Round-Up: What The Critics Are Saying

Marvel’s Spider-Man is officially out this Friday, September 7th and here is what the critics are saying about the highly anticipated video game.

The release of the critically acclaimed and commercially successful Arkham series of Batman video games raised the standard for superhero-themed video games. The truth is that since the release of the Arkham series, there has been a lack of well-made triple-A superhero video games, but Insomniac hoped to change that with Marvel’s Spider-Man. Fan anticipation was high from the moment the very first teaser was released, and now we have brought together a round-up of all major reviews to see whether or not Marvel’s Spider-Man has met the hype it brought on. Good news, fans. It looks like this is the best Spider-Man video game yet.

Also read: ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ Star May Have Just Dropped An ‘Avengers 4’ Spoiler

The Guardian (3/5):

“In its efforts to produce compelling human drama, the narrative holds back the good stuff for far too long, resulting in a second act that feels stilted and a third that feels rushed. This game shows tremendous love for all things Spider-Man, and the ending packs a punch he would be proud of. But Insomniac relies too much on its hero to elevate the world built around him, with the result that the game wears thin some time before its powerful conclusion.”

Gamespot (9/10):

“Minor shortcomings don’t detract from Insomniac’s achievement in creating a game that feels like an authentic interpretation of a beloved creation. The feeling of embodying Spidey and using his abilities is astonishing, and the time spent on exploring its major characters help make its story feel heartfelt, despite superhero bombast. There have been open-world Spider-Man games before, but none so riveting and full of personality, none that explore and do justice to this many facets of the universe. Insomniac has created a superior Spider-Man experience that leaves a lasting impression, one that has you longing for just one more swing around New York City, even after the credits roll.”

Telegraph (4/5):

“Insomniac’s take on Spider-Man has its caveats, with its raft of distractions following a little too closely to what has gone before. But its dedication to and understanding of its leading man make for a thrilling and satisfying slice of comic-book entertainment. Because, ultimately, Spider-Man, I like the way you move.”

Mirror (5/5):

“With a fresh take on the character in both story terms and gameplay, Insomniac have delivered a superb experience that harks back to when Rocksteady revitalised Batman with Arkham Asylum. Marvel’s Spider-Man is a brilliant, thoroughly needed entry in the superhero genre that is a must play whether you’re a hardcore comics fan, casual Spidey aficionado or simply a lover of action adventures.”

Also read: ‘Avengers: Infinity War’ Fan Theory Claims Odin Used Infinity Stones In The Past

PlayStation Lifestyle (9/10):

“Marvel’s Spider-Man doesn’t innovate on the open-world genre, but Insomniac doubled down on creating a spectacular Spider-Man fantasy. It simply feels good to travel through Peter Parker’s New York as the webslinger, even if whatever Spidey-suit you choose is covering a competent and entirely expected open-world formula. Filled with more emotion, heart, and humanity than we’ve seen in superhero adventures before, Insomniac doesn’t need to reinvent the open-world wheel. Marvel’s Spider-Man embraces the man behind the mask and gives us the best interactive Spider-Man experience to date.”

Unilad:

“Simply put, Marvel’s Spider-Man is a triumph on almost every level. Even the occasional bit of padding in the story and some repetitive crimes can’t get in the way of a game that looks incredible, plays even better, and manages to tell one of the most exciting stories in a video game this year.”

Polygon:

“There aren’t many surprises to the game; despite being an open-world experience, it plays upon a linear story, and the twists that happen feel familiar. The action sequences are breathless and memorable, but after the game’s final act I was left wanting more. Just like a summer blockbuster, Spider-Man leaves too much waiting in the wings for its obviously upcoming sequel.”

Also read: ‘Ant-Man And The Wasp’ Had A Secret Cameo

ScreenRant:

“Ultimately, Marvel’s Spider-Man masters practically every aspect of superhero games that have come before, but it does so in an uninspiring way. That’s not to diminish the experience of playing as the wall-crawler, but if gamers are looking at Insomniac’s adaptation of Spider-Man as the next step in gaming, they will be (somewhat) disappointed. Perhaps the game isn’t meant to take the genre to the next level, and that’s okay. What it aims to do – to tell the definitive version of Spidey’s story on an epic scale – it does so exceptionally well, and that is possibly all fans can ask for at this stage. Because, really, aside from fluid combat against an unintelligent AI system, the main thing that holds this game together is Peter Parker’s story.”

Eurogamer:

“Good as it is, it’s away from the main campaign that I had some of my most memorable moments. The map’s filled with distractions: various characters have chains of side-missions, then there are procedurally-generated crimes to tackle and bases to take back in a series of Horde-like gauntlets. But there are also monuments to photograph – surprisingly appealing, this, probably because it’s New York – and other collectible delights. My very favourite thing in the game might be dashing around collecting the old bookbags that Parker’s webbed up about the city at various stages in his career. Each contains a trinket from his past that Spider-Man fans will love – I loved them, and I’m not even remotely hardcore Marvel – and each glows with that special Crackdown Agility Orb green. Another inspired lift.”

Also read: Marvel’s ‘Spider-Man’ Graphics Seemingly Upgraded Amid Downgrade Criticism

Starring the world’s most iconic Super Hero, Spider-Man PS4 (working title) features the acrobatic abilities, improvisation and web-slinging that the wall-crawler is famous for, while also introducing elements never-before-seen in a Spider-Man game. From traversing with parkour and utilizing the environment, to new combat and blockbuster set pieces, it’s Spider-Man unlike any you’ve played before.

Marvel’s Spider-Man PS4 will be released on September 7th, 2017.

10 Characters Who Should Replace Chris Evans As Captain America

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Fans are eagerly anticipating which of their favorite characters will live and who will die following the events of Avengers: Infinity War and its sequel. Many think that the upcoming Avengers 4 will be where Chris Evans will make his final stand as Steve Rogers, a.k.a. Captain America. Yet just because this may be the end of Steve, it doesn’t mean that audiences have to say goodbye to Captain America.

Marvel Studios has a rich history to draw from in the comics of different characters taking on the mantle of Captain America. While we won’t know for sure if Captain America will meet his end, or if this is really even the end for Chris Evans, it is always fun to speculate and wonder.

Here are the ten Marvel characters that should be considered to be the new Captain America.

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The post ‘Marvel’s Spider-Man’ Review Round-Up: What The Critics Are Saying appeared first on Heroic Hollywood.

Marvel’s ‘Cloak & Dagger’ Season Finale Recap: ‘Colony Collapse’

SPOILER ALERT: The following recap explores major plot details for the the first season finale of Marvel’s Cloak & Dagger entitled, “Colony Collapse”.

Also read: Season Two Of Marvel’s ‘Runaways’ To Premiere Winter 2018

The episode begins with a scene in which Shantelle telling a story of the early Native Americans that lived in New Orleans. This story hints at how the city became how it is known today. As Shantelle finishes the story, we see Evita place two figures modeled after the likenesses of both Tandy/Dagger and Tyrone/Cloak.

We finally pick up where the previous episode left off, in which Tandy is at her mother Melissa’s apartment. Melissa is being held at gunpoint by the gunwoman who posed as a water delivery woman that killed Greg Pressfield. The gunwoman threatens that if Tandy doesn’t relent, she will pull the trigger on Melissa. Tandy contemplates using a dagger but surrenders to the gunwoman by offering her to see the Roxxon Corp. files.

Melissa uses a kitchen knife to stab the gunwoman as Tandy pins her down. Tandy uses a dagger to maim the gunwoman further as she flees from the apartment before Melissa could use a gun on her. Tandy leaves her mother at the apartment as she prepares for the most frightening part of her journey thus far.

Tyrone is seen surveying through all the articles of clothing at the Wild Red Hawks headquarters. Tyrone is stopped by his father Otis as he gives him a cloak. Police enter inside the building as Otis warns Tyrone to run away as fast as he can.

Tandy fends off some major physical threats from Roxxon Corp. representatives that have turned into Terrors as she rescues Mina. Tandy reveals that the oil rig explosion from eight years ago conducted power that unleashed upon representatives that turned them crazy. Mina realizes that there are multiple valves throughout the city that could once again explode and bring more chaos to the city. Much to their dismay, Tandy and Mina realize that they have to go to Roxxon Corp. to stop this from happening. The two drive away as Tandy reassures Mina about destiny.

Also read: Here’s How Stan Lee Reacted To X-Men Coming Home To Marvel Studios

Tyrone is seen wearing the cloak as he goes through a Mardi Gras festival. Detective O’Reilly comes nearby to pick him up, only for police to take them both in custody given that Tyrone is reluctant to use his cloak powers in front of so many people.

Evita and Shantelle discuss Tyrone’s divine pairing. Evita is particularly uncertain about what’s coming to New Orleans as Shantelle continues to discuss the city’s history and how it looks to repeat itself in their current circumstances.

As Tyrone and Detective O’Reilly are taken into the police department, Tyrone sees his cloak being hidden away by one of the cops. They are put inside the evidence room instead of the cell before they can be properly booked. The two confront Officer Lafayette in the hopes to convince him to protect them from the injustice inflicted upon them by Detective Connors. Before Lafayette could release them, another Officer comes in – much to Tyrone and O’Reilly’s chagrin.

Tandy and Mina find Peter Scarborough at Roxxon Corp in an elevator. The two interrogate him about the valves about to explode and Tandy specifically questions Scarborough about his reasons. Scarborough argues that to attain such power, one must “Keep up with the Joneses as well as the Starks and Rands.” Scarborough tells them that the kill switch and shutoff valves are in the annex buildings of Roxxon by the waterfront. Tandy touches Scarborough to see some of his hopes. As it turns out, Scarborough has a God complex and is told by Tandy to walk through a door in order to attain such power.

Back at the police department, Detective Connors tells both Tyrone and Detective O’Reilly that he intends to have both of them killed. As they all leave the evidence room, Terrors enter inside the department and cause chaos.

Tandy and Mina are being chased away by Terrors as they try to escape in order to find the kill switch. Unfortunately, Mina gets touched by one of the Terrors. Much to Tandy’s dismay, Mina has become a Terror and attempts to make contact with Tandy. Tandy brandishes a dagger fearful that she may have to hurt Mina.

At the same time, the police department is in full pandemonium as Tyrone and Detective O’Reilly find the cloak in order to escape. O’Reilly tells Tyrone to escape as she will remain in the department to fight off the Terrors inside. Tyrone then transports to where Tandy is, and uses a stun gun to stop Mina from making physical contact with Tandy.

Tandy and Tyrone are back at the abandoned church as they lament the situation. Tandy now doesn’t have Mina around to help out while Tyrone’s cloak is ripped to shreds . To their surprise, Evita appears at the church with the two figures and warns them that one of them may have to die to prevent the Terrors’ threats from further devastating the city. Tyrone tells Evita to leave and stay safe as the two share a kiss before she leaves – in an uneasy state.

Tandy and Tyrone relay their plans to stop these threats. Tyrone is uncertain about his abilities without the cloak. Tandy gives him his brother Billy’s old hoodie – revealing that it was the first thing she ever stole.

The two are back outside as they fend off countless Terrors. Detective O’Reilly is seen gunning down some Terrors to help them out – only for Detective Connors to shoot her and a valve to unleash more toxins. Connors shoots Connors again and kicks her into the ocean.

Detective Connors finds Tandy and Tyrone and threatens to shoot them both. Tandy brandishes a dagger against Connors as Tyrone uses his cloak abilities to frighten Connors. Much to his surprise, Connors is enveloped within and disappears. Tyrone decides to use stop the valve explosion himself to survive leaving Tandy behind. As Tyrone tries to do it himself, Tandy appears in order to help. Tandy suggests that instead of only one of them dying, they will both work together and perhaps perish together as well. As the threats continue to build, the two hold hands as their powers create their own respective energy portals to the sky.

Also read: ‘Captain Marvel’ Star Brie Larson Responds To Leslie Jones’ ‘Avengers’ Reaction

Much to their surprise, the two are then seen lying down at the top of the building. The two of them look at each other, smiling and still holding hands.

Following Tandy and Tyrone’s successful deed, Evita is seen putting away the two figures in a chest. Also, Scarborough remains transfixed inside the elevator while cops are seen at the Johnson family’s house as Tyrone’s mother Adina finds his letterman jacket inside his room as she smiles in uncertainty with the feeling that her son is still out there. Tandy returns to her mother’s apartment as she shows her the front page of the newspaper showing the headline, “Roxxon Responsible”. Tyrone is shown taking refuge inside the abandoned church as he places a frame inside the building.

Tandy meets Tyrone inside the church with what she deems as a care package. Tyrone jokes that Tandy never knew how to care, to which she humorously responds to him, “I’m learning.” The two smile at one another despite what the uncertainty of what lies ahead.

In a post credits scene, we see Detective O’Reilly reemerge from the water despite being shot numerous times from Detective Connors earlier. She is shown to have attained new abilities, teasing her return for the second season as Mayhem.

5 Potential Marvel TV Shows To Rival HBO’s ‘Watchmen’

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With Damon Lindelof, the co-creator of both Lost and The Leftovers, developing a Watchmen show for HBO, Marvel needs a new TV hit. Don’t get me wrong, I know Agents of Shield still has a huge following, but I stopped watching the Netflix shows during the second season of Daredevil. And FX’s Legion was just… okay for me. It’s not that I don’t love Luke Cage and Jessica Jones, but it’s not fair to put lower-tier characters like them in competition with a juggernaut like Watchmen.

HBO was clearly taking notes when Netflix started releasing their shows, so this seems like a great moment for Marvel to take some notes on their competition. If DC is going to churn out a Watchmen series, then Marvel needs to dig deep into their libraries to find stories worthy of being brought to the silver screen.

So hit Next to find out about five properties Marvel should consider adapting if they want to match HBO’s Watchmen.

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Deathstroke #34 Review: Slade Takes The Fight To Batman

In this penultimate chapter of Deathstroke’s Batman-centric arc, Slade finally decides to move on the offensive and end this war once and for all. It’s the moment readers have been waiting for since the story began. After five issues of build-up, living up to the expectations this arc as has is no easy feat. Luckily, Christopher Priest manages a wholly satisfying read matched only by the art of Jason Paz and Carlo Pagulayan.

Also read: Deathstroke Actor Joe Manganiello Auditioned To Play Spider-Man

Some time has passed since last issue. This has been a bit of a theme with this arc. The story never picks up right where the last leaves off. While a bit unorthodox, this passage of time creates a sense of magnitude. It gives the reader the idea that this war between Deathstroke and Batman has been raging for a while. Damian, though included in this issue, sits on the sidelines once more as his two potential fathers battle it out. Seeing as how this directly affects Damian in such a personal way, it’s a tad disappointing that he doesn’t seem to have much of a say in his own fate.

Still, it’s hard to care about that once Batman and Deathstroke start fighting in the Batcave. Slade’s hilarious commentary on Batman’s weird desire for branding everything with his symbol was a standout in the pages of fun dialogue dealt out during the fight. While exchanging blows physically, they also take shots at each other’s ideologies and warped senses of moral superiority. It may not be subtle, but Priest perfectly draws parallels between Batman and  Deathstroke’s methods.

Meanwhile, chaos is unfolding in Wayne Manor due to a strategic attack by Slade. A few issues back, Priest made a point of having Deathstroke reveal that while he knows Bruce Wayne is probably Batman, he prefers not to acknowledge it. This was a strong piece of characterization for Slade that is unfortunately thrown out the window for this issue. Even though he knows that the Batcave is located under Wayne Manor, Slade still hasn’t pieced together Batman’s true identity. Though this could easily be explained away as denial, it’s disappointing to see the lack of commitment to that idea.

Also read: Deathstroke Prime 1 Studio Statue Revealed At Wonderfest In Japan

The finale of this issue is exciting though a bit of a tease. It makes you wish they would have just finished the arc right then and there. The story kind of feels a little overwrought at this point. With all the subplots left dangling, it’s hard to imagine everything tied up in one more satisfying issue. However, this story has constantly exceeded expectations and in some cases even subverted them. At the very least, Priest has earned his readers’ trust. So, fans will surely be in the bag for one more chapter in this epic war.

The 10 Most Powerful Members Of The Teen Titans, Ranked

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The Teen Titans have transformed over the years as new members join and old members leave the team. No matter who’s on the team, their mission stays the same: help as many people as possible. These heroes are all extremely capable fighters, but they all still have a lot to learn. Not only is getting out there and fighting giving them more experience, but learning alongside other heroes from different backgrounds helps the Titans learn lessons and consider things from angles they may not have considered before.

Now that the Teen Titans are getting their own TV show, various members of the team are being talked about and considered for the silver screen. While some characters may be more suited to television than others, there’s no denying the fact that some Teen Titans are just more powerful than their teammates.

Hit Next to find learn more about the 10 most powerful members of the Teen Titans!

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‘BLEACH’ Review: Finally, Live-Action Anime Done Right

Anime properties haven’t had the best luck when it comes to live-action adaptations. It’s a curious thing. These properties have tons of source material to pull from. So, why has it been so difficult to make a satisfying live-action feature? Attack on Titan probably had the worst go of it. Despite some solid action, the film adaptation failed to capture the source material’s compelling storytelling. BLEACH is one of the most popular franchises in all of anime and there was a lot of pressure to get things right for its live-action debut. Luckily, under the direction of Shinsuke Sato, the adventures of Ichigo Kurosaki are as thrilling as fans of the series could hope.

Also read: Legendary Developing ‘Gundam’ Live-Action Feature Film

The first act of BLEACH sticks very close to the source material. What you will notice right away in these opening moments is that this adaptation is unashamed of its anime origins. The tropes of its genre are all present, for better or worse. These moments could have easily steered into the unwatchable were it not for the strength of its cast. Sota Fukushi, who plays Ichigo, does an excellent job of conveying the protagonist’s rage and fish-out-of-water confusion.  However, it is his chemistry with Hana Sugisaki, who plays Rukia Kuchiki, that brings this film to life. The two play off each other perfectly and create a palpably emotional friendship over the course of the film’s brisk run time. Sadly, much of the supporting cast fail to be quite so magnetic.

All of Ichigo’s buddies are present here: Orihime, Chad, Tatsuki, etc. Though in the source material many of these characters receive powers of their own, they are sidelined for most of the action. Literally, it’s as if these characters are only present to comment on what’s happening. They add little to the plot itself and could have been removed entirely. Still, there are some exceptions to this. The use of Uryu Ishida, played by Ryo Yoshizawa, is pitch perfect. It was unclear just how he would tie into the central conflict between Ichigo and Renji, but he becomes a relevant and interesting character in the third act despite some shallow characterization.

You may be surprised to know that BLEACH shines most when dealing with the Kurosaki family’s bizarre relationship. Specifically, Yosuke Eguchi offers the most charismatic and charming performance in the film as Ichigo’s combative father. Through Eguchi, we are able to connect with the Kurosaki family, allowing us to care more deeply for Ichigo, who can be a tad one-note at points.

Also read: ‘Man Of Steel’ Storyboard Artist On Superman’s ‘Dragon Ball Z’ Inspired Battle

There is no need to worry, though; Sato has a keen eye for action and delivers some great fight sequences. When Ichigo battles a hollow or another Shinigami, Sato’s kinetic direction allows for coherent action that moves with lightning-fast, anime-inspired style. It’s in these sequences that Sato may have found the key to a satisfying anime adaptation: a combination of the genre’s tropes with classic Hollywood sensibilities. Unfortunately, most of these scenes are marred by the film’s poor visual effects. One could only hope that a potential sequel would receive a much a higher budget and allow for more convincing CG images.

In all, BLEACH is a solid, well-structured film. Despite some plot holes and a few extraneous characters, the film manages to be satisfying for long-time fans as well as newcomers. Adapting the anime’s first story arc, BLEACH leaves things open for a sequel while still offering a definitive ending. It may not be perfect, but Sato and his amazing cast will have audiences begging to see what’s next.

Final Score: 7/10

10 Anime Properties Hollywood Should Tackle Next

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Japan has been a driving force in the world of technology and gaming, but is also known for their animation. Anime series and films have become popular worldwide. Shows like Naruto and DragonBall Z are household names throughout the world. This popularity has carried over and gotten the attention of Hollywood with the occasional dip into these popular properties. The influence of anime is seen throughout Hollywood productions, but most notably in the hit franchise, The Matrix. While it is a challenging endeavor to adapt anime there have been attempts to do so, including Netflix’s Death Note Film as well as the live-action Ghost in the Shell. It’s an interesting time to look over how Hollywood adapts anime and which ones deserve to be given an American treatment.

Here are 10 anime properties that Hollywood should tackle next

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‘Marvel’s Cloak & Dagger’ Episode 9 Recap: ‘Back Breaker’

SPOILER ALERT: The following recap explores major plot details for the the ninth episode of Marvel’s Cloak & Dagger entitled, “Back Breakers”.

Also read: Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D Season Premiere Title Revealed; Clark Gregg To Direct

The episode begins with Evita’s Aunt Shantelle barefoot walking around taking some sips of rum aimlessly making some chalk marks on the ground. She then sees a pipe marked by the Roxxon Corp.

We then see Evita in the classroom being lectured on the arcs of being a true hero (which includes a surprising reference to Rick and Morty). Throughout this lecture, we see that Tandy/Dagger is back at the abandoned church as she burns her father’s likeness from a picture as she continues to stock some of the cash away.

Elsewhere, Detective O’Reilly is seen inside Officer Fuchs’ apartment where there is an ongoing investigation inside given his shocking death. O’Reilly finds bloodied bat that is taken away for means of evidence.

Tyrone/Cloak is with his parents inside the police department as they are being told about the current investigation regarding Detective Connors. Tyrone’s parents leave the department earlier than expected – much to Tyrone’s chagrin.

Aunt Shantelle returns to her home where Evita berates her for her current behavior. As it turns out, Shantelle is concerned about what’s coming to New Orleans as she tells Evita that she senses something dangerous is afoot, to which she suggests to Evita that Tyrone may be involved with the incoming dangers in some way. Evita then looks back at the figure of Tyrone.

Also read: Marvel TV Boss Confirms Claire Temple’s Status In ‘Iron Fist’ Season 2

Tandy is shown with another man as she senses the client’s vision in which he desires to be relaxing two attractive women. Tandy then receives a call from Mina Hess, which she rejects.

Tyrone is shown taunted by a classmate, whom he ends up beating up in the hallway until someone stops him.

Tyrone meets with Counselor Delgado, who asks him about why he is where he is. Delgado suggests that Tyrone is still fighting after all these years following Tyrone’s brother Billy’s death. Delgado warns him about what the consequences could be. Delgado also puts two big books for Tyrone to balance on both his arms before he is ready to finally talk about what’s going on in his mind. Tyrone confronts Delgado and accuses him of being a priest in order to protect himself of his own lonely demons. Delgado tries to console Tyrone about God – only for Tyrone to reject God’s existence outright. The two get in a physical altercation that leads Tyrone into Delgado’s own vision. Here, he sees Delgado inside a crashed automobile bleeding and drinking. After leaving this vision, Tyrone apologizes and Delgado, dismayed sends him home.

Elsewhere, Tyrone’s mother Adina is shown at work with the Roxxon Corp. where she expresses some concerns regarding a certain file.

Tandy meets with Mina and her father Ivan Hess, who is recovering from his catatonic state. Ivan asks Tandy about whether she has a plan to take on Roxxon Corp. in some way. Tandy seems particularly distant and concerned in her own state. Mina tells Tandy that she invited her over for brunch because she wants to offer her a job at Roxxon Corp. As Tandy touches Mina’s hand in an affirmative handshake to accept the position, she sees Mina’s vision within a garden of flowers that seems bright and happy. This is until within that vision, she touches her again and sees a sense of darkness that leaves them both deeply uneasy.

Detective O’Reilly is shown at a bar drowning her sorrows in drinks to cope with her mourning over Officer Fuchs’ murder. Inside that same bar, we see a bat similar to the one she saw inside the apartment earlier in the episode.

Tandy is seen inside the police department, where she meets with her ex-boyfriend Liam to bail him out. Liam is shown to be particularly upset over Tandy leaving him behind after she ran off on him. Tandy then takes Liam to the abandoned church. In the church, Liam interrogates Tandy about her own desires and intentions after she mentions she always dreamed of getting married in the church. Tandy expresses to Liam that she wants to build a happier life after so many years of heartbreak. The two get closer as they witness their own vision of a wedding. As Tandy touches Liam within the vision again, the entire building around them starts crumbling as she sees Tyrone enter inside the church. The vision stops as she let’s go of Liam and realizes Tyrone isn’t really there.

Back at the bar, Detective O’Reilly sees Detective Connors sharing a toast to “honor” Officer Fuchs. He then “laments” the tragedy of Fuchs being involved with the wrong people. Enraged, O’Reilly gets the bat inside the bar to beat him down – only to get beat up herself as Connors gloats that despite O’Reilly’s attempts at justice, it couldn’t keep him behind bars.

Evita meets up with Tyrone. As she tries to confront him about his own issues, Tandy surprisingly appears to tell Tyrone to stay out of her head. Tandy touches Evita and sees her vision in which she is a doctor. Before she can see anything else, the vision abruptly ends as Evita makes a shocking realization about Tandy. Evita, angered leaves Tandy and Tyrone as the two have a deep argument about their own personal issues. The argument gets even more heated as Tandy pulls out a dagger to threaten Tyrone. Tyrone, upset leaves Tandy, exclaiming to her, “I’ll see you in your dreams.”

Later in the evening, Evita is shown constructing a figure that looks to share the same figure and likeness of Tandy. Tandy and Tyrone are shown wandering separately as they get lost in their own minds after their altercation from earlier.

Also read: Vincent D’Onofrio Teases His Return As Kingpin In ‘Daredevil’ Season 3

Tandy makes it back into the church to find Liam. Unfortunately for Tandy, Liam is nowhere to be found and the bust that she was keeping all her cash stored in is shown to be empty.

Elsewhere, Mina is shown surveying the pond as she sees a Roxxon Corp. pipe explode. Horrified, two men by that pipe see her and try to chase her down.

Tyrone comes home as he is confronted by his mother Adina. Tyrone asks her about why she didn’t do anything regarding the police department and bringing justice for Billy. Adina suggests that Tyrone’s attempt to bring justice means nothing given the injustices of police system against the black community. Adina fears that she will lose Tyrone if he continues his path to get justice for Billy. Tyrone remains adamant despite his mother’s requests to avoid such dangers.

Suddenly, a SWAT team appears outside the Johnson family’s house as they exclaim that Tyrone is set to be arrested for the murder of Officer Fuchs. Obviously, this hints at Detective Connors framing Tyrone trying to keep himself scot-free of all his crimes. Tyrone flees from the house.

Tandy returns to her mother’s apartment, only to see that she is being held at gunpoint. The gunwoman warns Tandy that if she doesn’t relent, she will kill her mother. The episode then ends as Tandy brandishes a dagger.

5 Potential Marvel TV Shows To Rival HBO’s ‘Watchmen’

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With Damon Lindelof, the co-creator of both Lost and The Leftovers, developing a Watchmen show for HBO, Marvel needs a new TV hit. Don’t get me wrong, I know Agents of Shield still has a huge following, but I stopped watching the Netflix shows during the second season of Daredevil. And FX’s Legion was just… okay for me. It’s not that I don’t love Luke Cage and Jessica Jones, but it’s not fair to put lower-tier characters like them in competition with a juggernaut like Watchmen.

HBO was clearly taking notes when Netflix started releasing their shows, so this seems like a great moment for Marvel to take some notes on their competition. If DC is going to churn out a Watchmen series, then Marvel needs to dig deep into their libraries to find stories worthy of being brought to the silver screen.

So hit Next to find out about five properties Marvel should consider adapting if they want to match HBO’s Watchmen.

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The post ‘Marvel’s Cloak & Dagger’ Episode 9 Recap: ‘Back Breaker’ appeared first on Heroic Hollywood.

Marvel’s ‘Cloak & Dagger’ Episode 8 Recap: ‘Ghost Stories’

SPOILER ALERT: The following recap explores major plot details for the the eighth episode of Marvel’s Cloak & Dagger entitled, “Ghost Stories”.

The episode begins with a flashback to both Tandy/Dagger and Tyrone/Cloak eight years prior before the oil rig explosion occurred. Tandy practices her ballet in the living room as she shares a nice moment with her father Nathan Bowen as she expresses that she wants to be a dancer when she grows up. Elsewhere, Tyrone is with his brother Billy thumb wrestling with each other. Tyrone asks Billy about how life will be like once he turns his age. Billy reassures Tyrone that he will be bigger, stronger and braver than he is at that moment. It then cuts to the very evening of the oil rig explosion.

Also read: New Marvel’s ‘Iron Fist’ Season 2 Video Teases Steel Serpent

Back to present day, we see that Detective O’Reilly having a breakfast with Officer Fuchs. She tells him that she intends to bring down Detective Connors, to which Fuchs agrees to help her out with the deed.

Tandy is in the hospital where to meet with Ivan Hess, who has since recovered from his catatonic state. Tandy asks Ivan to recall the events from eight years prior. Ivan still has blurred memories regarding the incident but recalls that her father Nathan sent Roxxon Corp. a memo warning them about the design of the oil rig. At the time, Ivan thought Nathan was being paranoid but now knows that Roxxon was just cutting corners. Ivan warns Tandy that Roxxon could be dangerous and expresses stress over this affecting his daughter Mina’s future.

Tandy returns back to her mother Melissa’s apartment. They share a coffee as they discuss their plans on commemorating Nathan’s memory. Tandy asks Melissa if she remembers where Nathan kept a deposit box, to which she also expresses that she has a theory about where it may be. As they go through said box, they look through some of his old belongings. Melissa recalls a memory when she was still pregnant with Tandy and tells a story about an evening she shared with Nathan many years ago.

Elsewhere, Tyrone is back at his home sharing breakfast with his parents as his father Otis asks him about how he’s feeling. Tyrone hears a knock on his door, who is revealed to be Tandy. Tyrone is reluctant to invite her inside, but eventually lets her in and introduces her to his parents. Tandy tells Tyrone’s parents about the fact that her father died the same day Billy did and asks if they will be doing anything to remember him on the eighth anniversary of his death. Tandy invites Tyrone to join her, but stays behind in the house. As Tandy leaves, she is shown to have taken Tyrone’s mother Adina’s Roxxon ID card.

Also read: Marvel’s ‘Agents Of S.H.I.E.L.D.’ Character Breakdowns Might Give First Clues About Season 6

We go back to a flashback in which we see young Tandy and Tyrone washed up on the beach. Tandy leaves him behind as she runs off and later dials her cell phone to call her mother, which leaves her at the voicemail.

Back at the police department, Detective Connors shows Detective O’Reilly a police sketch of Tyrone’s likeness, demanding her to look for him and bring him to authorities.

Back at Tyrone’s house, numerous relatives and friends from Otis’ Mardi Gras tribe enter the house as they prepare to design cloaks. Otis is seen in tears as he holds onto Billy’s old cloak. Tyrone then receives a text from Detective O’Reilly. O’Reilly warns Tyrone that Detective Connors is after him. Tyrone expresses his vendetta against Connors and O’Reilly tries to warn him to lay low so she can try to bring him down herself.

We go back to another flashback following young Tyrone as he winds up meeting with a group on a tour at the same exhibit present-day Tyrone met Evita at. Young Tyrone runs off as the tour guide asks him where his mother is.

Back to present day, Tandy starts surveying through her evidence about the Roxxon Corp. case while Tyrone looks over his cloak and uses red paint to put some fake blood stains on a t-shirt.

Tyrone goes to both Detective O’Reilly and Officer Fuchs with the t-shirt. He plans on pretending to be the ghost of Billy to use Detective Connors’ fears to bring him to justice. Both O’Reilly and Fuchs express concern over the plan, but Tyrone states that he’s fast enough to avoid certain doom from Connors’ hands. To prove his point, Tyrone brings out his cloak and puts it over himself as he attempts to demonstrate his abilities to them.

Also read: An ‘Agent Carter’ Netflix Revival Wouldn’t Work, Says Show’s Producer

We go back to young Tandy’s flashback, in which she goes inside the house and sees that Melissa is unconscious – likely from drinking too much.

Present-day Tandy sneaks inside Roxxon Corp. with Adina’s ID as she attempts to find more information. She sneaks up onto Roxxon CEO Peter Scarborough and threatens him with a glowing dagger.

Elsewhere, Tyrone uses his cloak abilities to pose as some sort of phantom to haunt Detective Connors of that very day eight years prior in which he killed Billy.

A horrified Detective Connors meets with Detective O’Reilly outside. O’Reilly hands Connors a sketch of Billy’s likeness rather than Tyrone’s – further triggering his fears. Connors sees Tyrone in his cloak running away as he chases him down with a gun in his hands.

Tyrone continues to frighten Detective Connors as he keeps running around – which is revealed to be in the same place where he killed Billy eight years prior. Tyrone finally confronts Connors posing as Billy’s ghost as he reveals the bloodied shirt. As Tyrone continues to provoke Connors, Connors finally admits to killing Billy. Officer Fuchs is revealed to be filming this exchange as Detective O’Reilly puts Connors in handcuffs.

We see Scarborough tied to a chair as Tandy interrogates him about the oil rig. She pulls out much of her evidence and reminds him that Greg Pressfield knew about much of the Roxxon case but before anything could be done, he was killed by an unidentified water jug deliverer to prevent any legal issues against Scarborough and Roxxon. Tandy provokes Scarborough about all his lies to which he bribes her to not reveal all the evidence to the press. She rejects the offer as she leaves him behind.

Back at the department, Detective Connors is still in handcuffs. Detective O’Reilly and Officer Fuchs reflect on Tyrone’s cloak abilities. O’Reilly reveals that she’s seen it all before given that she is from New York. She even tells Fuchs about a friend of her’s named Misty.

Tandy and Tyrone meet together that evening at the beach. Tandy introduces Melissa to Tyrone, to which she expresses sympathy to Tyrone on the anniversary of his brother’s death.

Tandy and Tyrone touch Melissa’s hands as they are transported to a vision of Tandy’s old front door. They go inside with uncertainty as they see a nearly-empty theater. They see Melissa sitting as she watches a memory of her and Nathan.

Suddenly, the memory stops playing and Melissa disappears. Tandy rips through the screen with her dagger as she and Tyrone see the memory in black and white. Here, we see Melissa accidentally spill her coffee all over Nathan’s work. Nathan then physically assaults her out of anger – much to Tandy’s shock and dismay.

Back to reality, Tandy is visibly distraught from seeing the vision as she, Tyrone and Melissa light up a lantern in memory of Nathan and Billy.

Tandy walks away quite sad from the vision she witnessed. Tyrone follows her. We briefly see the flashback in which her younger self talks to her mother, whom tells her not to trust anyone and that they’re destined to be left alone. Present-day Tandy then calls Scarborough, exclaiming that she’s changed her mind and decides to accept Scarborough’s bribe. Tandy is shown back inside the abandoned church as she stuffs wads of $100 bills inside a statue.

A brief flashback shows young Tyrone watching his parents have an emotional discussion following Billy’s death. Present-day Tyrone returns home as he looks over the cloak.

Elsewhere, Detective Connors goes to visit Officer Fuchs for their planned breakfast. She opens the refrigerator and is shocked when she finds Fuchs’ frozen corpse stuffed inside it.

10 Things To Expect From San Diego Comic-Con 2018

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It’s finally summer, which means San Diego Comic-Con 2018 is just around the block! The biggest pop-culture event of the year, all of the biggest names in comics, movies and television will come together at the San Diego Convention Center and share their plans with their biggest fans. Hundreds of people will be dressed as their favorite characters as they search through back-issue bins, look at exclusive prints and talk with their fellow nerds.

Marvel Studios won’t be showcasing any upcoming movies in Hall H this year, but there are still a lot of exciting things to look forward to. Dozens of new comics will be teased by the major publishers. Movies will be announced and secret cast members will be revealed.

Hit Next to learn more about 10 exciting things you should expect to see at San Diego Comic-Con 2018!

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The post Marvel’s ‘Cloak & Dagger’ Episode 8 Recap: ‘Ghost Stories’ appeared first on Heroic Hollywood.