Normally, I stay away from alternate universe comic books, and I realize I do it for a reason. After reading a few of DC’s 52 comics I still make a stand against alternate universes only finding one enjoyable, but more on that in a later review.

In mid-2011, DC decided to not only reinvent themselves, but their comic books and characters as well by creating the all new “52.” The “52″ is completely focused on alternate universes, so characters get new stories that wouldn’t fit into “the core” comics, and scenarios change to make it possible to even cater to everyone else by testing the fans, because that’s what Superman of Earth 23 is all about.

I may have missed the first eight issues, but starting with issue nine already gives a good account of what this comic is all about. The comic still focuses on Kal-El, who grows up to become the world’s savior after being sent to Earth by his Kryptonian parents Jor-El and Lara, but that is where the similarities end and the differences begin. Jor-El, Lara, and Kal-El are African-American. Instead of being picked up by Jonathan and Martha Kent and raised on a farm, he is picked up and raised by a yet to be named couple and raised to be a strong, proud man by the name of Calvin Ellis, who is currently the President of the United States with the secret identity of Superman.

In issue nine, Superman is facing off against his arch nemesis Lex Luthor who is easily defeated. Lex’s weapons have zero effect against Superman. Eventually Superman realizes Lex Luthor was only stalling and hiding something, which ends up being a portal. Three mysterious figures exit what appears to be a transporter. The least injured is a female who distrusts Superman from the beginning, because she comes from another universe where that universe’s Superman is the cause of pain and trouble. The other two individuals with her are her universe’s Clark Kent and Jimmy Olsen who are in critical condition. She informs Superman the three are responsible for creating an evil Superman.  This villainous Superman is following them, and he eventually catches up to them.

On one hand, President Ellis works for the people, following the policies given to him through decision making, and raising his voice when it comes to politics, but on the other hand Superman doesn’t mind breaking a few rules for the greater good, even going after a terrorist who has nuclear weapons.  There is a version of Brainiac who steps in as the replacement for the Commander and Chief, while Superman saves the world.

Although I really am starting late in the series, it is interesting. To review the previous comics, I felt the Earth 23 version of Superman wasn’t really worth the read, since it lacks depth.  A Superman who can get away from any situation while being the President of the United States, and uses Brainiac to fill in for him in the Oval Office, plus having no weakness to kryptonite just makes one super powerful character who is already boring. I wonder how the blood tests and checkups go for Calvin with steel like skin, not to mention the background checks but then again even Clark Kent got away with all that too.

It was already confirmed the Superman of Earth 23 is based on President Obama, but give him some strong enemies and a unique storyline, and it just seemed put together on the fly.  Grant Morrison is missing out on some detailed elements that would have attracted a wave of Superman fans.

5/10

Edited by Namtar

Last week Christopher Nolan released an amazing third trailer for ‘The Dark Knight Rises.’ Usually when a trailer is released it is accompanied with a set of official posters. So far there is no sign of any new posters hitting movie theaters or the internet but expect them really soon.

Meanwhile, check out this Fan Made poster that features Tom Hardy’s Bane.

The poster was designed by Messenjahmatt

Several more posters to promote ‘G.I. Joe Retaliation’ have hit the internet. This set includes a Mexican poster among some international ones. Although Jon M. Chu’s sequel has been overshadowed by films like The Avengers and The Dark Knight Rises this summer, I expect it to make big bucks at the box-office.

Early reaction to movie has been good. You can read a review HERE.

‘G.I. Joe Retaliation’ opens in theaters on June 29th, 2012.

In 1997′s “Starship Troopers,” character Johnny Rico (Casper Van Dien) uttered this famous battle cry, “Kill ‘em! Kill ‘em all!”  The phrase became immortalized by repeated showings on cable over the years. Unfortunately, the scope, frame, and grandiosity has been minimized by the small box. To see it on the big screen again would be an event. Now, here’s your chance to attend a special cast and crew reunion screening at the Arclight Cinema in Hollywood.  The timetable is short because the screening is tomorrow, May 10th at 7:30 p.m.

As for the film itself, it was so popular and garnered such a fan following that it spawned two sequels, “Starship Troopers 2: Hero of the Federation,” and “Starship Troopers 3: Marauder.” This event is also in conjunction with the upcoming fourth installment, “Starship Troopers: Invasion,” which will be out later this summer. An exclusive sneak peek into that movie will be shown before the screening of the original.

Remember, “Everyone fights.  No one quits!”

Here is some more background information on tomorrow’s “Starship Troopers” screening courtesy of the website Creature Features.

In 1997, Director Paul Verhoeven’s “Starship Troopers” exploded onto the screen with a rousing mix of intergalactic warfare, raw teen angst and sly political satire. Loosely based on Robert Heinlein’s controversial, award-winning novel, the film startled audiences and critics alike with its blood-soaked man-vs.-bugs warfare and jaw dropping visual effects which ultimately set a new standard in what an R-Rated big-budget sci-fi epic could achieve.

Now, for the film’s 15th anniversary, Creature Features revisits this durable genre masterpiece with an unprecedented cast & crew reunion screening at the Arclight Cinema in Hollywood on Thursday, May 10th at 7:30pm.

Host Paul M. Sammon (Filmmaker, commentator and author of The Making of Starship Troopers, Future Noir: The Making of Blade Runner) leads a panel discussion with confirmed guests: actor Casper Van Dien, screenwriter/producer Ed Neumeier, Visual Effects Supervisor Phil Tippett, Creature FX designer Alec Gillis, Captain Dale Dye (Military Advisor), and still more to be announced.

A dazzling display of original props, costumes, production artwork, and merchandising will also be showcased during the event.

Tickets are available exclusively at www.creaturefeatures.com/starshiptroopers, so do your part and join the Creature Features Mobile Infantry for this very special evening.

And remember, service guarantees citizenship!

Stay tuned to NuketheFridge.com for exclusive news on the event.

Sources: Creature Features, starshiptroopersinvasion-movie.com, Sony.com

Marion Cotillard, who plays Miranda Tate in ‘The Dark Knight Rises,’ insists that contrary to popular belief she does not play a “bad guy” in the movie. The rumor among fans that the French actress was playing Ra’s Al Ghul daughter Talia, may have just been debunked.

But if NOT Talia Al Ghul, who then?

Here’s what the actress had to say about her character.

“Cotillard confirms that, contrary to some fans’ belief, she does not play Talia, the vengeful daughter of Liam Neeson’s character, Ra’s Al Ghul (who also appeared in Batman Begins), and that she takes the role of Miranda Tate, an ecologically minded businesswoman who “is fascinated by Wayne Enterprises. They go through difficulties, and she wants to help provide the world clean energies. She’s a good guy.” But does she stay that way? “Yes,” she insists.”

“Ecologically minded businesswoman” and “she wants to help provide the world clean energies?.” That sounds lame. I’m NOT looking for an environmental lesson in a Batman movie.

I hope she’s just throwing a curve ball and does end up being Talia Al Ghul. Leaked images of her from the set contradict her statements.

“The Dark Knight Rises” opens on July 20th.

Source: Hollywood Reporter

Marc Webb’s remake of, ‘The Amazing Spider-Man,’ opens in theaters on July 3rd. Take a look at this teaser for a four minute “super preview” that’s set to show during ‘America’s Got Talent’ on May 14th.

I , like many nerds, loved the Sam Raimi version of Spider-Man. Yet I still think this may surprise people and end up being a good film. Personally, I’m looking forward to this more than I was ‘The Avengers.’ … Sorry guys!

With the overwhelming and exceedingly successful opening that even had Marvel executive’s gushing with pride, “The Avengers” can only go in one direction and that is forward to showcase the villain Thanos of Titan.  Considered one of the heavy hitters of the Marvel universe, which heroes could possibly take on such a formidable foe?  In other words, the Avenger’s membership must grow, but what characters will be recruited for the sequel?

With the mad Titan Thanos involved, he will undoubtedly try to consort with his love Mistress Death.  She rules the realm of the dead, and Thanos will stop at nothing short of universal genocide to be worthy in her eyes in order to sit by her side.  What heroes could possibly stand up and do battle with one of the universe’s most intelligent and physically foreboding villains?

The following candidates are possible choices to appear in “The Avengers” sequel. What do you think?

Giant-Man, Ant Man, A-Bomb, The Wasp, Goliath, Yellowjacket, Quicksilver, The Scarlet Witch, The Vision, Hercules, Black Knight, Black Panther, Mantis, Beast, Moondragon, Swordsman, Wonder Man, Hellcat, the Two-Gun Kid, Whizzer, Captain Marvel, She-Hulk, Jocasta, Ms. Marvel, Tigra, Pulsar, Falcon, Thanos’s brother Starfox, and War Machine.

Other heroes who could be recruited to handle Thanos’s power are Drax the Destroyer, Gamora, Adam Warlock, and Pip the Troll.

Here are my ideal picks as new additions who can handle the job.

Adam Warlock or Captain Marvel

Drax the Destroyer

Moondragon or Mantis

Hercules or Wonder Man

Ant Man

Vision

The ideal candidates would have to endure space travel, time travel, teleportation, mind attacks, power blasts, altered dimensions, and death itself.  Who do you think will be called up to battle one of the most feared villains in the Marvel universe?  Submit your list!

Source: reference Marvel.wiki.com

Resident Evil: Retribution opens in theater September 14th 2012

The latest ‘The Amazing Spider-Man’ photos show Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone. Again, it looks as if Sony is banking on Garfield’s star power to bring people to the theaters since in most promotional images he’s not wearing the Spider-Man mask.

What do you guys think? Should he be wearing the mask or not?

The Amazing Spider-Man opens in theaters on July 3rd 2012