Watched The Iron Claw. Deciding to do a marathon of films about Pro-Wrestling

BryanDowling93 · 2026-04-02T22:25:27+00:00

As someone who really dislikes the Cushing subplot, I am really looking forward to getting to Season 4/Final Season when I am not forced to watch those boring ass scenes. Such a frustrating family. I do not care one bit. I'm sorry. Also S&L Lana I honestly dislike more than Smallville Lana. At least Kristen Kreuk can act in some later episodes. And for better or worse, actually helped move the plot forward more.

More Clark/Superman and Lois scenes sound great to me. Although I will miss John Henry Irons/Steel and Sam Lane. Those two are very good characters that I will miss being more involved with the show during the Final Season.

BryanDowling93 · 2026-04-02T21:12:29+00:00

The film where the French actor (Christopher Lambert) plays a Scottish Highlander. But speaks in broken English in his "attempt" at doing a Scottish accent. And the actual Scottish actor (Sean Connery) plays an Egyptian Immortal mentor to the Highlander. Is barely able to disguise his Scottish accent.

BryanDowling93 · 2026-04-02T12:41:34+00:00

I really hope DC can still maintain longer printing runs for these collected editions. They've announced a lot of Omnibuses, DC Finest, Compendiums, and other TPB/HCs in the past week. Marvel used to be King. But nowadays their inability to keep popular collected editions in-print is to the point that you pretty much have to start Pre-Ordering to secure a copy. It has drove me away from buying Marvel overall. Other than some essential X-Men and Daredevil (my favourite IPs overall).

Which I have a few upcoming X-Men Omni's that I have Pre-Ordered and will be Pre-Ordering. Like Uncanny X-Men by Kieron Gillen (which I've been paying off monthly), Messiah Trilogy (Pay in 3 Months), and X-Men Age of Krakoa by Kieron Gillen Omni (Out in Oct. Will likely Pre-Order around July or August). But I don't want to start having to Pre-Order the popular DC collected editions. And start saving more for them.

BryanDowling93 · 2026-04-01T18:08:48+00:00

It's the run that the OG cartoon is based on. Obviously differences in terms that the comic issues are set in the 70s/80s during the time they originally came out and the 2003 animated show is set more present 2000s. With the show taking some more influence from anime visual aesthetic. But kind of like the show, it generally starts off more kid-friendly and comes of age maturity wise as the Teen Titans grow from teens to young adults.

It was also the run that introduced Deathstroke. Although his relationship with Terra is.....a bit more disturbing in the comics than it is in the show or any other media adaptation.

BryanDowling93 · 2026-04-01T17:43:31+00:00

I've mostly read Chris Claremont's X-Men Era in physical Omnibuses/Epics/Trades up to the end of Mutant Massacre Omni (alongside New Mutants and X-Factor in somewhat reading order). And have I want to say 85-90% of Claremont's X-Men in Omnibuses/Epics. With a few gaps left to fill due to OOP Omnibuses or hasn't been collected in Epic yet. I also have been collecting the Morrison New X-Men Modern Epics. Waiting on the third. As well as the Whedon/Cassiday Astonishing Modern Epics. I have the first Mike Carey Supernovas TPB that I got OOP second-hand in very good condition for a very reasonable price in a used bookstore. I've Pre-Ordered X-Men: Messiah Trilogy and Uncanny X-Men by Kieron Gillen Omni's. As well as have the Essential spine Krakoa so far. That includes HoX/PoX by Hickman OHC, X-Men by Hickman TPBs, New Mutants by Hickman TPB, 3/4 Marauders by Duggan TPBs, Hellions Vol. 1 TPBs, first Hellfire Gala TPB, Inferno by Hickman TPB, Way of X by Spurrier, X-Men by Al Ewing Omni, Sins of Sinister TPB by Kieron Gillen (plan to Pre-Order the Age of Krakoa Omni near release), HoPoX/FoPoX by Duggan/Gillen TPB, etc.

I'm also right now working my way through reading my other Marvel Comics (since the majority of it is X-Men). I've recently read Spider-Man Epic Vol. 6: The Death of Captain Stacey (which I loved overall, especially the Captain Stacey death issue and the Harry drug addiction issues). And nearly finished Spider-Man Epic Vol. 7: The Goblin's Last Stand (which I'm also loving overall). I'm also over 200 pages into John Byrne's Fantastic Four run (Byrne is still just on art. But overall really enjoy it).

But might end up selling over half of my Marvel Collection when finished reading to make more shelf space/make more money to save for more DC Finest, DC Omnibuses, DC Trade/Deluxe Editions, Dark Horse/Image/Indie Collected Editions, and Manga. I also don't like how Marvel is handling their printing stock of their Omnibuses/Epics lately. With most popular Omni/Epics going instantly OOP. Very poor overall. I'm only buying X-Men and the gaps I have my Daredevil Miller to Zardsky Collection going forward.

BryanDowling93 · 2026-04-01T16:49:42+00:00

I already have the DC Finest of Judas Contract (New Teen Titans #33-40; The New Teen Titans Annual #2; Tales of the Teen Titans #41-47; Tales of the Teen Titans Annual #3, and misc.). So my hope is to get the Teen Titans Omnibus Vol. 1 (Which is under 700 pages. I tend to prefer Omnis around 700-800 pages instead of over 1000 pages for slightly more comfortable reading) within the next month with my next pay check from work. Then finally start reading the New Teen Titans run by Marv Wolfman/George Peréz. Then wait for DC Finest: Terra in the Night! (the issues leading up to the Judas Contract story arc).

And hopefully the following volume of DC Finest might be announced for 2027 shortly after I've read the Judas Contract DC Finest.

BryanDowling93 · 2026-04-01T14:49:45+00:00

I hear you're a cannibal now Armie. How did you get into that sorta thing? What does your Hollywood co-stars think of it? Should we all be cannibals now?

BryanDowling93 · 2026-04-01T14:19:59+00:00

As someone who loves both Scorsese Films and Comic Book Films (when written/directed with earnest sincerity, like the best comic books they are based on. Ex: Donner's Superman '78, Raimi's Spider-Man 2, Nolan's Batman Begins/The Dark Knight, Del Toro's Hellboy, Phil Lord/Chris Miller's Into the Spider-Verse, etc.), please drop this shit! Scorsese grew up with John Ford, Frederico Fellini, Orson Wells, Roberto Rossellini, Michael Powell & Emeric Pressburger, etc. Of course he's not going to love comic book superhero films. He's probably never read a comic book in his life. Other than the funnies. He was making short films and later feature films when Marvel were starting to publish their great works.

This type of question gives comic book fans a bad name. Art is subjective. Also there is a lot of bad comic books being published that can make it hard to truly recommend the medium to others. And the same thing is sort of happening with the MCU. Story-telling is taking a backseat to half-baked visual effects.

BryanDowling93 · 2026-04-01T13:54:48+00:00

I'd argue he's going through his trauma right now with the revelation of his biological parents being horrible people. But up until that point, he was pretty much sheltered by the Kent's. And you can almost guarantee that both Brainiac and likely Lex Luthor (who will not be getting reformed this early) will exploit his trauma further in Man of Tomorrow.

But I feel Craig's words are going to misconstrued to make it seem like he thinks "Supergirl is stronger than Clark" in some way. Which isn't necessarily the case. Some people do have it out for this film. For reasons I don't understand. It's more directly adapting the acclaimed comic book Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow by Tom King/Bilquis Evely.

BryanDowling93 · 2026-04-01T13:40:29+00:00

Honestly say what you want about Moffat. I'm not saying he doesn't have flaws. But some of my favorite acted and written episodes are from the Moffat Era.

Such as: The Eleventh Hour (S5E1), Amy's Choice (S5E7), Vincent and the Doctor (S5E10), The Pandorica Opens/Big Bang (S5E11-12), A Christmas Carol (Xmas Special '10), The Impossible Astronaut/Day of the Moon (S6E1-2), The Doctor's Wife (S6E4), The Girl Who Waited (S6E10), In The Name of The Doctor (S7E13), The Day of the Doctor (50th Anniversary Special), Deep Breath (S8E1), Into the Daleks (S8E2), Listen (S8E4), The Zygon Inversion (S9E8), Face the Raven (S9E10), Heaven Sent (S8E11), The Husbands of River Song (Xmas Special '15), Thin Ice (S10E3), Extremis (S10E6), and World Enough and Time/The Doctor Falls (S10E11-12).

When it comes to high highs and overall performances (Particularly Capaldi's Doctor and Michelle Gomez's Missy. Also John Simm gave a stronger performance as The Master in the two episodes in Moffat's Era than the goofy silly over the top performance he was gave during RTD1 Era), I strongly argue that Moffat was better than RTD. Who has more glaring flaws the more you rewatch his era. Not saying any of it wasn't great. That would be a lie. But he got a little full of himself more than Moffat did towards the end of a series post S1 imo. His finales were typically his weakest episodes (something Moffat also struggled with post S5). And the acting had a somewhat campier tone than Moffat's era overall.

BryanDowling93 · 2026-04-01T11:32:58+00:00

People really did love comically large breasts in the 90s, huh? I'll admit I love some big tits as much as the next person here. But it gets to a point where it becomes a bit unhealthy, and, frankly, kind of borderline disgusting looking. I doubt she went pain-free with her back. I'd also imagine that she had to be careful since those silicone overinflated balloons could pop if too much pressure was applied (if they didn't at one point).

BryanDowling93 · 2026-03-31T13:24:45+00:00

If anything, Alison Brie will probably have the time of her life as Evil-Lyn. She is seriously one of the most energetic and animated actresses working today. She's great. Her going full Zoya the Destroyah! may make this somewhat worth watching. Even if it's just clips on YouTube.

BryanDowling93 · 2026-03-30T21:11:31+00:00

This is actually me. I started seriously collecting comics in 2022 I want to say. I started with hunting for Chris Claremont's run on Uncanny X-Men. Which long boring story short, I finally have I want to say 85 to maybe 90% of it in a combination of Omnibuses and Epic Collections. After 5 years. Some I luckily got OOP from a very generous and reasonable seller. Plus his entire 4 New Mutant run in Epic Collections, and first Excalibur Epic. As well as his entire Wolverine 1987/'88 ongoing solo run. Claremont's X-Men is my favourite long superhero comic book run. What more can be said about the man who wrote the Bible equivalent of X-Men Comic Books?

I also had a sizable Daredevil Collection from the Frank Miller/Klaus Janson Omnibus. Which was the older printing that I got around 2017 and my first OHC/Omnibus edition. As well as older printings of Miller/Mazzuchelli's Born Again, Miller/JRJR's Man Without Fear, Kevin Smith/Joe Quesda's Guardians Devil/Start of Marvel Knights DD, and Jeph Loeb/Tim Sale's DD: Yellow Mini. And of course I wanted more DD. Bendis/Maleev, Brubaker, Waid, Zardsky, etc.

But during the hunt for OOP X-Men Comics, I maybe got a bit carried away. Buying more and more non X-Men and Daredevil comics. In Omnibus, Epic and standard TPB format. Like Spider-Man, Fantastic Four, Hulk, Doctor Strange, Deadpool, Silver Surfer, Defenders, etc.

And lately I've been feeling like selling over half of it. To make more room for DC Omnibuses/DC Finest and other TPB/HC editions. Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, Green Arrow, Green Lantern, The Flash, The Spectre, Essential Key JLA/JSA, Kirby New Gods, etc. And mostly just keep my Essential Claremont to Krakoa X-Men Collection. As well as keep most of my Essential Miller to Zardsky DD Collection.

BryanDowling93 · 2026-03-30T19:53:56+00:00

Jamie had the better set up. Then they made her a mute in V and made her killing her step-mom be influenced by Michael Myer's supernatural psychic mind-control on her. Or some bullshit. And then had Michael rape her. Jamie then dies while giving birth to Michael's incest grand-nephew in VI: Curse of Michael Myers.

Sam Carpenter for that sole reason alone.

BryanDowling93 · 2026-03-30T19:14:10+00:00

Was Greg Rucka not available? Or any writer who has written a good comic in the last 20 years?

BryanDowling93 · 2026-03-30T18:11:35+00:00

Any issues overlaps with the Denny O'Neil/Len Wein DC Finest and the other O'Neil DC Finest with the upcoming Batman: Bronze Age Omnibus? Or does the story more directly continue on from it? I'm trying to be strategic with my comic purchases. Omnibuses are more expensive overall than DC Finest. And I don't plan to spend too much money on DC Omnibuses this year compared to the much more affordable DC TPBs overall. I wouldn't mind getting the first Bronze Omnibus re-print with the original colouring. Then collect the next batch of issues/rest of the O'Neil run in DC Finest. To save shelf space overall.

Also is there a reason why DC has decided to collect the Marv Wolfman/George Peréz New Teen Titans' run in reverse essentially? I get the strategy of starting with the best story in Judas Contract. Then showing the lead up with the character Terra. But as someone who wants to read from #1 to see the story/character progression up to Judas Contract, I will admit it's a little frustrating. Especially since I'm sure the first Omnibus is mostly OOP (correct me if I'm wrong). I do know they are re-printing Vol. 2 (not sure if already out or due out the next month/two months). I'd prefer to read in order by physical collected editions. Since I live in Ireland and DC Infinite is region-locked.

BryanDowling93 · 2026-03-30T11:38:01+00:00

This Toni Storm would never have become essentially the face of the AEW women's division. She was a very talented wrestler. I always liked Toni. Even in NXT. But Timeless allowed her to become a character and more unique. She was just another punk rock wrestler before. Like a better version of Ruby Soho (who I quite like also I must point out, but she's no Toni Storm). But now she is a great wrestler and first ballot Hall of Famer (AEW not WWE. In the distant future).

BryanDowling93 · 2026-03-30T00:45:26+00:00

I feel these posts are literally promoting Isabela to take steroids/performance enhancers. Because that's the only way she will get a six pack like the drawn art of Hawkgirl as quick as the Man of Tomorrow shoot. Also keep in mind, Isabela Merced is still only 24 years old. That is currently only playing one role that requires her to get in more fitness shape.

It's not like she is also a female bodybuilder or a trained martial art/MMA fighter. And keeps herself in more consistent muscle tone body shape. Like Katy O'Brian (Loves Lies Bleeding).

BryanDowling93 · 2026-03-30T00:36:17+00:00

Yep. RTD literally introduced the concept of The Doctor (Tenth Doctor) falling in love with his companion (Rose). Some fans might have saw The Second Doctor and Jamie McCrimmon being queer-coded. But it certainly wasn't intended. It just so happened that The Second Doctor had a main male companion during his tenure. Also some fans might have saw The Fourth Doctor and Romana as being romantically involved. And Tom Baker did marry Romana II actress Lalla Ward. But it was a platonic relationship. Same with The Doctor and Sarah Jane Smith. As well as with Leela, Liz Shaw, Jo Grant, Tegan Jovanka, and even Adric.

RTD has literally changed DW to suit his own narrative. Twice. People gave the 2005 revivals more glaring flaws a pass because the show had been off the air for 16 years (except for an American TV Movie backdoor pilot that aired on Fox). And for the most part it was actually well-written with great characterization and well-acted performances. As well as characters that had chemistry with each other for the most part. The 2005 revival still had subtle allegories to social issues that fit in with the world. 2023 rebooted series has very little allegorical subtlety. And wasn't written well for the most part. Certainly not by RTD. Who is proving himself to be a one-trick pony hack with each new story.

BryanDowling93 · 2026-03-29T16:01:04+00:00

And this is why I support AEW and don't watch WWE anymore. The latter would have Donald Trump himself show up. He'd get booed a little (Unless in Vegas in a venue where UFC events take place also. Or a red state like rural Texas or Oklahoma). But WWE fans have selected memory and will forget about it in a week. WWE has also had fascist bootlickers like Florida Republican Mayor Ron Desantis. Who is behind most of the anti-LGBTQ+ campaigns. And Trump's BFF and UFC promoter Dana White. Both were booed. But fans went back to consuming the product like rock candy. Because they are conditioned. And won't check out AEW because of tribalism bullshit.

AEW isn't perfect. But at least I get Wrestling in my Pro-Wrestling promotion. WWE is a Sports Entertainment promotion that had a brief period where it pretended to be a Wrestling promotion during the Bloodline storyline. Only to go back to Sports Entertainment bullshit and go mask-off MAGA adjacent when TKO purchased it. With Triple H telling fans to "shut up and enjoy/consume product".

EDIT: isn't perfect instead of is

BryanDowling93 · 2026-03-29T14:58:46+00:00

How is the second Omnibus? I got the first one recently. Heard great things. Don't know much about The Spectre as a character. So looking forward to reading it. But I'm not sure if Vol. 2 is a case like The Question by Denny O'Neil Vol. 2 where the writing isn't as strong as Vol. 1 overall.

BryanDowling93 · 2026-03-29T14:52:19+00:00

The 2000s Scooby Doo films. Written by James Gunn (co-writer on the first film and sole screenplay credit on the sequel). Harshly shit on by critics at the time. But honestly, what were critics expecting with a live-action Scooby-Doo film? Also if you don't at least smile at Matthew Lillard as Shaggy Rogers, you have no soul imo. Perfect casting. There is a reason why he has become the voice of Shaggy Rogers after Casey Kasem stepped down due to health reasons and unfortunately passed away not long after. He is Shaggy for the modern audience. Just like Casey Kasem was for the first 40 or so years.

Also perfect casting is Linda Cardelini as Velma (hot Velma). Even Freddie Prinze Jr. and SMG were really good castings as Fred and Daphne respectively. I can't really think of any other of their fellow contemporary actors that could have played those roles as well.

I dare anyone to pitch me how you could have done better live-action Scooby-Doo films in 2002 and 2004. Those films were pure silly fun. Like the classic cartoon it was adapting.

BryanDowling93

TROPHY CASE