Daredevil: Through Hell

Continuing from last time . . .

Matt Murdock continues to wrestle with how he can help people in a broken system without resorting to being Daredevil; Elektra arrives to help him investigate the rampant corruption. 

Wilson Fisk has stepped away from his violent past, but Hell's Kitchen is descending into chaos as rival gangs vie for dominance.

Detective Cole North is fighting his own demons as he tries to be a good cop in a crooked city. 

Everyone's on edge . . . and something's gonna give soon.

This one was fine, but felt less hard-hitting than the first two volumes. More like exposition setting the stage for more good things (hopefully).

Rating: B

Daredevil: No Devils, Only God

Shortly after Volume 1 . . .

Plagued by his conscience, Matt Murdock has stepped away from being Daredevil. And a lawyer. Now a probation officer, he struggles with his new life and wrestles with his faith. God gave him gifts, but it seems he must break God's laws to use them. He cares about justice, but the system is broken and the most just course may be breaking the law. As he struggles, violence rages in Hell's Kitchen, but the Kingpin may be stepping away from his dark past, too. Can people really change? What does it mean to fight for justice in a broken world?

As with the first book, I really enjoyed this one. Some great dialogue, questions, and thoughts. It doesn't provide all the answers, and gets some things wrong, but it's nice to see a comic that grapples with what is (to me) a key challenge of the superhero genre: if a person has great power, and the system is broken, when is it justified to act outside the system? 

Rating: A-

The Fantastic Four: First Steps

Four years after the accident that granted them all powers, the Fantastic Four is reeling from a pleasant surprise: Sue is pregnant. But the excitement is short-lived, for a herald arrives pronouncing doom to the Earth . . . for Galactus, Devourer of Worlds, is coming. And not even this fantastic crew may be able to save the planet this time.

I liked the retro-futuristic aesthetics of the film. And it hits on important themes (sacrifice, being part of something bigger, and family). But on the whole, this one just didn't do it for me. Like the recent Superman film, we're dropped into an existing world—this is [perhaps mercifully] not another origin story, and that's okay. But the plot was so rushed that I had a hard time caring. When it scraped against important themes, it failed to deliver. Other aspects, like the music and humor, were average or ignored. And I had a hard time seeing Pedro Pascal as Mr. Fantastic. There were certainly cool elements, and it may be the best Fantastic Four film to date. But that's not saying much.

Rating: C+

Daredevil: Know Fear

Matt Murdock has only ever tried to do good as Daredevil. But when he accidentally kills a man during a routine takedown, he questions everything he is and has done. While others (like Punisher) think killing is fine . . . is that the right way?

This was a solid start to a story arc published in 2019. I've had Daredevil on my mind since enjoying the Born Again series in April. I'm most intrigued by his Catholic religion and how that is portrayed in the stories. Here, the writers get it largely accurate (it is easy to misrepresent Christianity). Matt's priest has the quote of the book: "God loves you, Matthew. Hold on to that and do the right thing . . . renounce this violence. Cast out the devil." Indeed.

Rating: A

Superman (2025)

Three centuries ago, metahumans arrive on Earth. Three years ago, Superman announced himself to the world. Three minutes ago, he lost his first battle. But it gets worse . . .

Superman unilaterally stopped a war. Not everyone is pleased. As the American government decides what to do, Lex Luthor raids the Fortress of Solitude and finds a Kryptonian recording that changes how the world will view 'Big Blue.' Is Superman a threat? He's always viewed himself as being sent to help humanity and make the world a better place, but what if his identity is something other? Does even he know? 

As the government brings him in, using Luthor's "Planet Watch" (Ultraman, the Engineer, plus 'Raptors'), Superman wrestles with who he is and what defines him. Lex is getting close to his goal of killing Superman . . . but the Justice Gang (Green Lantern, Mr. Terrific, and Hawkgirl) and the Daily Planet staff may have something to contribute in the age-old struggle of truth, identity, and authority.

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Overall, I really enjoyed this film. This is a vulnerable look at Superman, focusing more on his weaknesses and struggles than any other such film. It has great music, good action, and also good comedy sprinkled throughout. The actors all do a great job. 

The messages here vary, looking at authority (typical for superhero flicks), identity (who decides what we are?), and weakness. Lex is obsessed with taking down Supes, as "his strength illuminates how weak we really are." Superman is fixated on his identity and who shapes it—is it his parents? His adopted parents? Himself? His adopted father argues that it isn't your parents who define you, but "your choices . . . your actions . . . that is what makes you who you are." Is he right? Ultimately, this is a movie about what it means to be human. The film doesn't get all the right answers, but asks some good questions, and it inspired in places. 

Rating: A-

Superman and the Savior

I re-watched Man of Steel with my boys today, completing our exploration of Superman on film. Since April, we have watched all six modern movies that focus on the Big Blue Boy Scout. Below are links to each film, in release order, with my grade of each following.

Superman the Movie (B-)
Superman II (C+)
Superman III (D+)
Superman IV: The Quest for Peace (C-)

Superman Returns (B+)

Man of Steel (A-)

Like most superhero stories, Superman tales often explore the concept of a uniquely powerful person and the questions that arise from that, including:

- what is their responsibility? Does their ability give them a mandate? If so, what?

- under whose authority are they?

- how/why are they special? What makes them so?

- what are their weaknesses?

- what are their limitations?

- what are their joys? What are they 'allowed' to enjoy given their 'otherness'?

- are they human in any degree? How so (or not)?

- who are their enemies? Are they also uniquely powerful?

- should we regular humans see ourselves in these stories? Can we imitate those with great powers, or admire them only? How can we be 'superheroes' in our lives?

- who pays for all the property damage?*

Implicit in some of these questions are higher-level ones:

- what is wrong with the world?

- why can't we fix it?

- who can?

- why do we hope for someone outside ourselves? What does that tell us about our belief in humanity?

All worthy questions for reflection. Most stories have them in some way.

As I think briefly on these films, I believe our conceptions of Superman are a statement of what we  kind of a savior we want. In this, we see a window into our souls. So here are just a few thoughts on the theology of Superman films, looking back at the above movies for frequent themes:

- we acknowledge the world is not the way it should be. There is death, injustice, tragedy, and other terrible things. 

- we acknowledge humans need someone to fix it—someone who can do things we cannot.

- we want that person to be strong and beautiful, physically and spiritually.

- we want that person to inspire us to do what we can to right the wrongs in the world. 

- we want to be able to control that person. We look for ways to contain or weaken them.

- we don't want him to be able to control us. We want salvation only, with no expectation of response on our part other than gratitude. 

In a sense, these films show us the reality that we both require and reject a savior. We know we need one, but on our terms.

If you know the Jesus of the Bible, think on him and how he differs from (or is similar to) the above. 

- Isaiah 53 is a good place to start. Jesus had no beauty that we should desire him (v2), he was despised and rejected by men (v3), yet he bore our griefs (v4) and transgressions (v5) and took the our iniquity upon Himself even as we strayed (v6). He saved us from what really matters—our sin—but doesn't wear a cape or have amazing abs. 

- Jesus' salvation is not without cost to us. He demands that we follow him, obey him, and to lay down our lives as a living sacrifice for him (salvation frees us from the slavery of sin and makes us slaves of God). 

- Jesus is making all things new and commands that we participate by using our gifts (given by him). Yet he knows our weakness; we can do nothing without him, and so our lives are an ongoing dependence for the strength to do what is right and live transformed lives, seeking to glorify God and be a blessing to each other as we are called to do.

So much more could be said here . . . but for the sake of time, I think this introduction highlights the main differences between our conception of a Savior presented in Superman movies and the one presented in the Bible. The films have echoes of powerful messages, but miss the mark in other ways. So, as with all content, we 1) enjoy what reflects the good and true even as we 2) reject the false parts of a message.

*a joke. But honestly . . . most Superman films have a good deal of destruction. Like, a lot. 

Batman, Volume 10: Epilogue

In Batman: Epilogue, we get a variety of stand-alone stories that wrap up the larger story arc that was itself part of the "New 52" series. These tales are largely reflective, looking at the nature of Batman, Gotham, and Bruce Wayne. One looks forward to a dystopian future where cloning plays a major role.

This conclusion was decent, if not as cohesive as I'd like. Actually, that's true of all ten volumes in this series—a number of interesting story lines that don't always tie together in ways I could see. (Perhaps I was supposed to read parallel "New 52" titles to get a fuller picture? I'm not sure.) The first few volumes, focusing on Court of Owls, was the highlight for me.

Rating: B

Superman Returns

Superman has been missing for five years. 

Lois Lane has moved on, living a storied life with a beau and son, as she enjoys the Pulitzer won for her article Why the World Doesn't Need Superman. But everything is about to change . . . for Lex Luthor has weaseled his way out of prison, into an inheritance, and has his sights on yet another evil scheme to remake the world to his liking. Only one person can stop him. And thankfully, Superman has returned.

This 2006 film was ostensibly the sequel to Superman II, ignoring Superman III and Superman IV because they deviated from the original two films. And this movie does a great job of capturing that original magic—the characterizations are spot on for Clark/Superman, Lois, Perry, Jimmy, and Lex. It was solidly done, with much better effects and a decent (if predictable) story line. The one thing I enjoyed the most was the following dialogue, as Superman challenges Lois' assertion that the world doesn't need a savior:

Superman: Listen; what do you hear?
Lois Lane: Nothing.
Superman: I hear everything. You wrote that the world doesn't need a savior, but every day I hear people crying for one.

Very true. Superman is an echo; a reminder of our inadequacy and need. The film's not all gold—there are some questionable things—but the main point is solid.

Rating: B+

Batman, Volume 9: Bloom

Shortly after Superheavy . . .

Bloom is proving too much for James Gordon's Batman. And everyone else, too. Bruce Wayne has survived but has no memory of his former life (and no desire to return to it). But when all else fails, he may have no choice . . . 

This one was a mixed bag. Bloom is an interesting supervillain. Bruce Wayne's return was okay, even if that was predictable (and the means to bring it about far-fetched). Overall it feels this story arc is rollicking from one heavy event to the next, from Riddler to Joker to Bloom. The intensity remains high and I'm wondering where this is all going. 

Rating: B+

Batman, Volume 8: Superheavy

Shortly after Joker's endgame . . . 

Batman is missing and presumed dead. Commissioner Gordon agrees to take up the mantle, operating within the existing city police structure rather than as a mercenary. As he learns the role, he squares off against the latest supervillain . . . Bloom has been preying on Gotham's underworld, giving people temporary surges of power that always end poorly. His goal is unclear, but his power is undeniable . . . and without the real Batman around, what hope does Gotham have?

This is an interesting twist to Batman's story . . . parts were rushed, but it was solid overall. Ending on a cliffhanger, I look forward to see where it goes.

Rating: A-

Batman, Volume 7: Endgame

The Joker is back, and he's not fooling around. Well, he is, but this time it's different. He is intent on a final showdown with Batman, and wants to see him fall for good. When the Clown Prince spreads gas over Gotham, turning even allies against Batman, Bruce realizes now is the time to pull no punches. But this time, even his best may not be enough . . .

This is a decent story told too quickly. There are cool plot points, and familiar storytelling boundaries are crossed, signaling that this is indeed different. But it's too rushed. Still, I am intrigued at what comes next.

Rating: B

Batman, Volume 6: Graveyard Shift

Batman Volume 6 collects standalone tales from various story arcs in the series so far, from 'zero year' to 'Batman Eternal'. Here, Bats will take on an 'improved' Clayface, an ancient and sinister enemy in Arkham, a serial killer, and the Red Hood Gang. He'll even take on a sidekick—Bluebird. 

As this was a collection of individual stories, it is hard to give an overall rating. I enjoyed each tale for what it was, though their disparate nature (and my general unfamiliarity with the myriad story arcs they reference) made it hard to follow in places. Still, not bad.

Rating: B+

Batman, Volume 5: Zero Year—Dark City

Dr. Death terrorizes Gotham, but he is not Batman's biggest problem . . . for The Riddler is winning. He has the city under dark and under his control, and Batman, Jim Gordon, and Lucius Fox keep coming up empty in their attempts to stop him. Time is running short, with military jets inbound, so riddle me this, Batman—can you save Gotham this time?

This continues the 'zero year' story arc, looking at the origin and early years of Batman. It does a good job, and explores more of Bruce Wayne than prior tales.

Rating: A-

Daredevil: Born Again

Wilson Fisk, AKA Kingpin, has a new title: Mayor of New York City. Matt Murdock, AKA Daredevil, mourns a dead friend and ponders what comes next. As both embark on new chapters of their lives, they will each wrestle with their past (and present) darkness. Can anyone truly change their stripes?

This 9-episode arc picks up the story (now on Disney+) where Netflix's Daredevil show left off six years ago (after season 3). I was impressed. The original cast is all back, and they did a good job mirroring (even improving) the tone of the former seasons. It is suspenseful, dark, and sometimes gruesomely violent. It is also stirring in places, reminding us of the darkness within each of us even as some citizens wrestle with how to fight for the light.

Rating: A-

Batman, Volume 4: Zero Year—Secret City

The Red Hood gang owns Gotham, committing random crimes with no purpose or pattern. People who once flocked to the city for the hope it offered now live in fear.

Bruce Wayne is back. Declared legally dead years ago, he tries to live secretly in the city as he thinks on his goals and purpose. But he cannot hide forever, and Batman will soon be born. Will he be enough to save the city?

This is yet another origin tale of sorts, with familiar themes, characters, and scenes (to include Axis Chemicals and flashbacks to training, echoing scenes from prior comics and movies). It highlights different aspects, though, which was refreshing and avoided it feeling stale.

Rating: A-

Superman IV

At home, the employees of The Daily Planet grapple with new, sensationalist ownership more committed to making money than printing truth. Abroad, the nuclear arms race is heating up between America and the USSR. Amidst such fear, Superman takes things into his own hands and vows to rid the world of all nuclear weapons. As he does so, he might be playing right into Lex Luthor's hands . . . for the self-proclaimed genius is intent on destroying the Man of Steel by using his own genetics against him, and Lex's creation, Nuclear Man, may just be the being that finally fells Superman. Who will prevail?

I remember this 1987 film better than the others (see reviews of Superman I, II, and III in prior posts). This film marked a return to the flavor of the first two, yet fell short of them in two ways:

- the effects were somehow worse (budget cuts, probably)

- the story was rushed, with huge plot holes (apparently 45 minutes was left on the cutting room floor, leaving a 90-minute film where the previous offerings were north of 120)

It was better than Superman III, but only just.

Rating: C-

Superman III

Gus Gorman, a recovering criminal, gets a fresh start in a new career as a computer programmer . . . only to figure out how to swindle the company. The CEO, Ross Webster, is miffed but sees an opportunity . . . and enlists Gus in greater evil schemes. Superman intervenes in one of them, turning Ross's attention to the 'big blue boy scout' and how to destroy him. A synthetic kryptonite might do the trick . . . or make things weird. Does Superman have a chance?

Lana Lang (from Smallville) features here, and that is a bright spot. Otherwise, this movie strikes a markedly different tone from the first and second, and not in a good way. It is more goofy, with Gus (Richard Pryor) being more a clown then a villain, and it features a little too much slapstick comedy. It also got weird at the end when a giant computer becomes self-aware and goes nuts. The music is lacking, the Superman's inner struggle (basically going dark for a bit, like Spidey does in his third movie) is the most interesting part (and yet gets resolved in an uninteresting fashion). Overall, not a fan—though my kids liked it better than the first two.

Rating: D+

Superman II

Escaped! Lex Luthor is out of jail. But worse—so is the evil Kryptonian General Zod and his two cronies, all of whom have the same superpowers of the Man of Steel. Can Superman fend them all off? Or will the Earth kneel to Zod? 

The second installment in the Superman series is much like the first—great music, important (if underexplored) themes, and a mix of adventure and romance. And dated effects. I rate it a notch under the original, but it's about the same.

Rating: C+

Superman the Movie

The last son of Krypton, Kal-El is sent to Earth in a capsule before his homeworld's destruction. There he is raised by Jonathan and Martha Kent in the Midwest as Clark Kent. As an adult, he works as a reporter for the Daily Planet, a newspaper in Metropolis, with Lois Lane and Jimmy Olsen. He tries to blend in, but people need help, and when the evil Lex Luthor hatches a plot to kill millions, Clark may be the only one who can stop him. Some know him as Clark Kent . . . the world knows him as Superman.

It was fun to watch this 1978 film with my boys; It had been so long I remembered only snippets. The movie is definitely a product of its time, with dated special effects, some corny dialogue, and caricatures (of hero and villain alike) that distract from the good components. I think that it tries to be too much, mashing romance, humor, adventure, and philosophical exploration (into responsibility, power, limits, and so on) into an experience that at once felt rushed and overlong. Even so, it is an iconic film, has memorable moments, has timeless music, and touches on important themes, so I'll rate it generously.

Rating: B-

Batman, Volume 3: Death of the Family

He's back. After a year away from Gotham, The Joker has returned with a vengeance—and he is after Batman's 'family' (Alfred, Robin, Nightwing, etc.). The Clown Prince of Crime seems even more deranged than usual, determined to destroy everything the Dark Knight holds dear . . . will he succeed?

This was a good story, but it caught me off-guard; I thought this volume would conclude the Owls story line from last time. Instead, apparently that arc was done (for now) and the series shifted gears. That surprise aside, this was an intriguing (and occasionally gross) psychological tale about these archrivals, with a few twists to boot. 

Rating: A-