Author: Mr HoangAnh

Bruce Timm never got to express himself fully to his idol, which kept on haunting him.

Having helmed the likes of Batman: The Animated Series and Batman Beyond, Bruce Timm’s contribution to the realm of superheroes can’t be overstated. But while Timm has been enjoying an illustrious run in the realm of superheroes for decades, responsible for some of the best the genre has to offer, the American animator is no stranger to having regrets.

Being a huge fan of Jack Kirby, one of the most influential figures in the medium of comic books, the BTAS creator recalled his regret for not having a fruitful discussion with Kirby.

Not Conversing With Jack Kirby Haunted Bruce Timm

Bruce Timm. | Credit: Wikimedia Commons

While the BTAS creator didn’t enjoy a heavy influx of comic books as a kid, this wouldn’t stop him from developing an immense love for the medium. Finally, upon turning 13, Timm would get introduced to the works of Jack Kirby through Marvel’s first Black Panther story and would be left smitten by the legendary artist’s work.

The Batman Beyond creator would eventually get the opportunity to meet his hero, on two separate occasions, but failed to have a fruitful conversation in either of those. Timm recalled he couldn’t go past, “Oh Jack, I just wanted to shake your hand and tell you I think you’re wonderful,” as he was too awestruck to speak anything else.

Jack Kirby | Credit: Wikimedia Commons

But this isn’t the most tragic bit of the story, as Timm resided just five minutes away from Jack Kirby’s home, and had every opportunity to introduce himself perfectly to the author. But as the story goes, the BTAS creator’s dream never came true, with Kirby sadly passing away in ’91.

He explained:

“Yeah. I wish I could say I had a wonderful conversation but I met him only a couple of times, and just long enough to say, ‘Oh Jack, I just wanted to shake your hand and tell you I think you’re wonderful.’ I didn’t know what to say to him. I did not know how to have a conversation with him; I regret that. The thing is, for years before he died, I was living in Agoura Hills-which is five minutes away from where he lived-and there were plenty of opportunities I could have easily gotten and introduced myself to him. I could have spent an evening and had a conversation with him but I never ever did. I really regret it.”

To make things more haunting, Timm had to drive past the comic book artist’s grave each morning on his way to work, which only added to his guilt.

Bruce Timm Paid Tribute to the Late Icon in His Superman Show

While he never got to have a fruitful discussion with Kirby, Timm did give the legendary artist his deserved tribute in his Batman and Superman shows, especially in the latter. With the Superman show, Bruce Timm revealed they tried to “Marvelize” the character in order to match Kirby’s style and added elements synonymous with the late artist’s works.

Superman: The Animated Series | Kids’ WB

He said:

“One of the things we wanted to do with Superman was to kind of ‘Marvelize’ Superman a little bit. That’s why the police don’t just carry handguns, but these Kirby-like weapons. All of the science-fictional elements in this series-whether it’s a tank or something from outer space-has a kind of Kirby feel to it, or at least we try to.”

Despite never succeeding in introducing himself to the comic book legend, following in Kirby’s footsteps, Timm too has cemented himself as one of the most crucial figures in DC.

A still from Superman: The Animated Series

Given that he has already delivered a successful Batman: The Animated Series project, working on another superhero project but also making it different yet successful was a real challenge. Timm eventually managed to pull it off by thinking it differently.

Bruce Timm Discussed Working on Superman: The Animated Series

In an old interview with TwoMorrows, the renowned producer reflected on the making of the popular DCAU series, Superman: The Animated Series.

Before his work in the show, he worked as a head producer in Batman TAS, whose success spawned further animated series, feature films, and video games.

Superman: The Animated Series

He faced a significant challenge in making Superman: The Animated Series different visually from their previous acclaimed project, Batman: The Animated Series. They were uncertain about how to effectively portray the Clark Kent-led series in a visually distinct manner.

He shared,

“We knew exactly what we wanted to do with Batman-you know, the Film Noir/Art Deco kind of look on it. When the time came to do Superman, we really didn’t know what to do that would make it visually different from Batman but at the same time just as cool.”

He wanted his show not to be compared with Fleischer Studios’ Superman cartoons, which was why he took on a different approach.

He continued,

“We didn’t wanna go back and make it look just like the Fleischer cartoons; I didn’t want anybody to put our show up against Fleischer’s and say, ‘Well look, they’re doing the Fleischers, just not as well.’ One of the things we wanted to do with Superman was to kind of ‘Marvelize’ Superman a little bit.”

After deciding to keep the series different from the 1940s, he started implementing modern elements in the series, which completely changed its vibe.

Bruce Timm Used Jack Kirby’s Elements in Superman: The Animated Series

A still from Superman: The Animated Series

Jack Kirby is one of the most influential comic artists who has been involved in co-creating several iconic superheroes including Ant-Man, the Avengers, the Black Panther, and the X-Men among others.

He used several interesting elements as Bruce Timm mentioned how “the zig-zaggy lines, the fantastic machinery” sets Kirby’s work apart from others. He added that he used Kirby’s elements in his Clark Kent-led show.

He continued,

“That’s why the police don’t just carry handguns, but these Kirby-like weapons. All of the science-fictional elements in this series-whether it’s a tank or something from outer space-has a kind of Kirby feel to it, or at least we try to.”

Even in the origin story of the pilot, he revealed that the inspiration for the Brainiac satellite floating around Krypton was something he got from Kirby comics.

“Even in the pilot, the origin story, there’s this Brainiac satellite floating around Krypton and we tried for the longest time to come up with a design for it, and we didn’t come up with anything I really liked. I found this Kirby gizmo in one of the Kirby comics and I turned it upside-down and said, ‘Hey! That’s our satellite.’”

He further mentioned that one would be able to find Kirby-ish elements throughout the series, even if it meant taking an idea for villains.

Given that Batman villains were quite interesting, he decided to put himself in Kirby’s shoes while working on the show’s antagonists by putting “Kirby-type costumes and Kirby touches on them to make them more interesting.”

It can be said that Kirby has quite an impact on his show indirectly, with the co-developer, not shying away from admiring the comic artist’s work.

Thor in Marvel Comics

Speaking with The Jack Kirby Collector, Timm opened up about why he liked drawing so many characters that are created by Jack Kirby wailing on Thor. This stems from a preference that Kevin Alteri, the director that Timm was working with at the time, had when it came to the character.

Bruce Timm prefers the New Gods to Thor

New Gods, drawn by Alex Ross

Timm and Alteri got into a debate about who was the better inker for Jack Kirby, which spiraled into the conversation that led Bruce Timm to pit so many characters made by Kirby against Thor. He said:

“Kevin Alteri, the director, was going on at one point saying how he thought that Thor was the peak of Jack’s career. I was like, “Yeah, Thor is really, really good, but there’s something really great about those New Gods comics.” Kevin was like, “New Gods is nothing compared to Thor. They’re not really as good.””

Timm would go on to exclusively draw other Kirby characters like the Silver Surfer and Orion going ham on Thor, which sort of became a running meme for the creator. The creator continued:

On one hand, yeah, they’re not quite as perfect as the Thor comics but they’re great to look at. You can’t beat that Royer inking! He’s like, “Nah, the Colletta stuff is the best.” He was actually saying that. So I did this one drawing of Orion beating up on Thor, and I inked Thor “Colletta style” and I inked Orion “Royer style,” and that was the first drawing I did.

It is heartwarming to see that even comic book legends engage in everyday fandom stuff like normal fanboys do. But Timm also made it clear that he actually does not have a thing against Thor.

Bruce Timm actually enjoys Thor Comics

Chris Hemsworth as Thor

Bruce Timm clarified in the same interview that he does not have anything against Thor, and said that he actually enjoys Thor comics a lot.

While there are a lot of similarities between Orion and Thor (so much so that the characters were fused together to create Thorion for the Amalgam Universe), one can see how Timm’s adoration for one set of characters could bleed into that of another when it came to Jack Kirby’s work. Timm said:

“I basically ended up doing a whole series of all these other Kirby characters beating up on Thor because that was Kevin’s favorite character. That’s all it was about; I have nothing against Thor. I love the Thor comics.”

Thor as a character holds many of the hallmarks of characters that Jack Kirby loved depicting in his work. His work with New Gods, Inhumans, Eternals, and Thor has a similar thread that goes through them, something that shines through in the stories that he tells, like a series of tropes that he loved coming back to again and again.

The theory wishes to explain why lead balloons co-exist with space age tech in the DCAU

There is something odd about the DC Animated Universe that has captivated casual and hardcore fans since the shows in the universe began airing. This particular dissonance within the universe is something that is never explained inside or outside the narrative, but sets up a Battleworld-level landscape for the stories about our beloved heroes.

Justice League Unlimited was the concluding series in the DCAU

A theory on the internet attempts to rationalize this narrative dissonance, given that the characters existed in a world that simultaneously had outdated technology coexisting with future tech. This ‘fractured timeline’ theory finds its basis in the episode where the Justice League had to fight Vandal Savage.

Vandal Savage’s technology ‘fractured’ the timeline

Vandal Savage in Justice League: Doom

In one of the episodes of the show, Vandal Savage goes back in time to give himself the technology that would help him overthrow Adolf Hitler. This would allow him to take over the world when the technology was not as advanced. However, the Justice League finds a way to cripple Savage’s reign, but the effects of his advanced technology existing in the past would persist.

This would cause the technology of the time to evolve at a different rate than human beings, given that humans would have access to certain technologies from centuries in the future, allowing things like zeppelins and wired phones to exist alongside DNA splicers and machines strong enough to capture and contain aliens.

James Gunn can build on this in his Elseworlds

As the head of DC Studios, James Gunn has announced several exciting DC projects

The Fractured Timeline theory not only allows any creator working in the DCAU to play around with multiple aesthetics but also creates a unique world with a period that is ever-green. James Gunn has previously managed to mix retro tech with space opera-esque aesthetics (such as in Guardians of the Galaxy films).

This is the perfect opportunity for Gunn to employ the same ideas in a parallel DC universe that could benefit from the Fractures Timeline approach. It would also serve the director well in his mainline DCU endeavors, given that he could have a noir Batman co-exist with a space-age Superman. Such a trend will give the universe a more lived-in aesthetic, along with a diverse Justice League that feels authentic to the comics.

An audio snippet of Lady Gaga speaking to Joker in Joker: Folie à Deux has caused fans to argue over her distinct lack of New York accent.

Joker: Folie à Deux is due to release later this year, and with recent teasers revealing Lady Gaga speaking as DC’s Harley Quinn, fans are already fighting over her apparent lack of accent. Harley Quinn debuted in Batman: The Animated Series in 1992 and has since become one of DC’s most recognizable characters. This has given rise to a significant fan base that can seemingly be quite stringent about keeping Harley as true to her origins as possible, which includes her distinctive New York accent.

In an audio snippet posted by @DiscussingFilm on X/Twitter, it appears Lady Gaga’s take on the character avoids that accent entirely as she can be heard saying, “You can do anything you want. You’re Joker,” over the melodic sound of a harp.

This led to users like @harvv responding poorly to the fact that Gaga is using her “normal voice.”

Despite this, @folieadieux has posited that David Ayer’s take on Harley Quinn – namely, Margot Robbie’s – has already done “irreparable damage” to the character, while pointing out that a thick New York accent might diminish the tone of the movie.

@TheeDCstan responded by pointing out that the importance of Harley Quinn’s origins, where she was voiced by Arleen Sorkin using her natural voice, goes beyond David Ayer.

Meanwhile, fans like @7Sindel assert that they would prefer to have Margot Robbie, whose own take on the character did include an accent, reprising her role.

Others took aim instead at Gaga’s delivery of the line, with @mjarbo questioning whether Gaga’s Quinn is “starting an ASMR channel,” highlighting how Quinn is rarely seen as a calming presence.

While @leansalesman expressed their approval of the delivery by suggesting they’ll use the audio clip to help them fall asleep.

The response to Gaga’s lack of accent has prompted others like @fayerollypolly to point out that Joaquin Phoenix uses his “normal voice” for Joker, too, highlighting that holding Gaga to task is a double standard.

This has prompted @BobRossDad2 to retort that while this is OK for Joker, Harley Quinn is more beholden to her accent as a defining characteristic, even though most iterations of Joker in shows and movies have had a particularly distinctive and varied tone to them.

Is Lady Gaga’s Harley Quinn Not Having An Accent Doing The Character A Disservice?

Joker 2 Is Already A Very Different Adaptation Of The Joker

Since she debuted in Batman: The Animated Series in 1992, Harley Quinn is a relatively new addition to DC Comics’ decades-old roster. Throughout that time, however, she has undergone multiple metamorphoses, with DC Comics’ “Harleys All the Way Down” having her break the fourth wall to address just how changeable she is compared to other DC characters depending on a comic book creator’s whims. With that in mind, having Harley Quinn take on a new guise in Joker: Folie à Deux is simply par for the course with the character.

It is also a standard that Todd Phillips’ Joker has already set, with a particularly unique take on the eponymous character being partly to thank for its inordinate success. Joker: Folie à Deux is compounding this by adapting Joker’s story into a musical, making it one of the most unique iterations of the iconic character ever seen. This gives plenty of room for Harley Quinn’s debut in the Elseworlds movie to divert significantly from her origins, with her relationship with Arthur Fleck’s Joker taking center stage instead of “comic-accurate” representation in Joker: Folie à Deux.

Source: Various (see above)

Alan Ritchson, who is continuing to be a huge fan favorite for playing Batman in James Gunn’s DC Universe, opens up about why he wants to play him.

DC Universe fan favorite choice Alan Ritchson reveals more in detail why he would love to play Batman in The Brave and The Bold.

In a new spotlight with The Hollywood Reporter, Ritchson opened up more about why he would like to portray Batman in Gunn’s DC Universe, sharing the following:

I’m getting this question, would I rather play Batman or Joker – Joaquin Phoenix crushed it, there’s no following that. I would love to play Batman, there, I said it! Okay I’ll shout it from the rooftops, ‘I want to be Bruce Wayne!’

Here’s the thing about Batman – you know what his superpower is? Intelligence: The dude is the smartest superhero there is. He’s inventive and he’s got all the gadgets stuff, but he’s super smart. I want to be that guy and also to have like a cave with hypercars, sports cars, and awesome motorcycles.

Henry Cavill is one of the most alluring lads in the entire entertainment industry, and this very charm of his is one of the reasons he has such an enormous fandom. Even at 40, he makes sure to manage his ripped physique, continuing to lead the list as one of Hollywood’s biggest heartthrobs.

But as much of a jock as his gorgeous features make him seem, Cavill’s actual personality is quite the opposite.

Henry Cavill in Enola Holmes

If anything, he is a total nerd — especially when it comes to gaming. As many from his die-hard fan circle must already know, Henry Cavill is a massive (and when we say ‘massive’, we mean ‘MASSIVE’) freak for video games.

So much so that the former Geralt of Rivia is more than just willing to trade an entire weekend spent out in having fun with being home and playing video games all day long!

Henry Cavill Would Gladly Trade a Weekend Out for Playing Video Games All Day Long

As most must have already understood by now, Henry Cavill isn’t quite the enthusiastic party-goer type of guy that a lot of his fans presume him to be. But he is more than just ‘enthusiastic’ when it comes to video games. In fact, calling him a ‘nerd for video games’ wouldn’t be an understatement.

To put it simply, he loves playing video games as much as his former character Superman loved to save the world. This is why even his weekend plans include staying in and performing this activity all day long rather than going out and becoming ‘hyper-aware’ about himself.

During an interview with GQ, Cavill expressed the same as he said:

“Every time I step out my front door, I’m hyper-aware,” he said. “Even if I’m not looking terrible, you still realize there are people taking sneaky photos of you, because that’s what people like to do. And then they put them on the internet and you see them on Instagram and you’re like, ‘Oh, my god.’”

Henry Cavill (@henrycavill | IG)

Groaning, he then disclosed why that makes him choose his home over the outside world, and the one thing that is much, much better for him to do not only on the weekend but even on normal days: Playing games to his heart’s content.

“At home, I get to sit playing games for ridiculous amounts of hours and escape there, because going outside has the opposite effect.”

Well, for one thing, that explains why Henry Cavill has had so minimal girlfriends as compared to his peers in Hollywood: Because his ideal weekend plan is so ideal for gamers that it makes it impossible for women to date him!

For another, this also proves why all The Witcher series where he played the Geralt of Rivia were such massive masterpieces!

Henry Cavill’s Love for Gaming made The Witcher Series a Masterpiece

Henry Cavill in a still from The Witcher

Netflix’s The Witcher series may have been based on and woven closely to the themes and plotlines in the novel series and game series of the same name, but it was truly the elegance with which Henry Cavill portrayed the Geralt of Rivia that added to the show’s guaranteed success.

As compared to almost every other video game-based adaptation, not only was The Witcher series created more by the book, but the effortless presentation of all its characters was what made this one show succeed in pleasing the target audiences.

And this wouldn’t have been possible had Cavill not been such a giant gamer geek for The Witcher video game series and stayed “true to the lore” while working on the live-action adaptation.

As he continued to share during the interview with GQ:

“I want to do it as true to the lore as possible. For me it was about bringing my love for the character to the show, as a fan – I want to protect it. It would’ve hurt my heart to hear there was a show that I didn’t jump on, [especially] if someone else had a unique and perhaps even brilliant interpretation of Geralt, but one not who I, as a fan, sees.”

Turns out that even though it may have been impossible for women to date him because of his love for video games, at least Henry Cavill can still continue to please his fans through this very thing!

 

British actor Henry Cavill has the most handsome face of 2022, according to a poll published by critic site TC Candler. This honor is considered a great luck and joy for Cavill. This is the 10th time he has appeared on TC Candler’s list of Most Handsome Faces.

Following Cavill is Stray Kids member Hyunjin at No. 2, actor Timothee Chalamet at No. 3, “Thor” actor Chris Hemsworth at No. 4, also in his 10th year in this book. Hong Kong singer and actor Keung To is in fifth place.

Once again, some members of the K-pop group BTS cannot be missing. Taehyung and Jungkook are in 7th and 11th place (coincidentally their 7th time on the list, Jimin is in 2nd place by 0.35 and Jin is in 57th place.

In addition, the list of the most beautiful men on the planet also has other familiar names such as actor Jason Momoa in 9th place, singer Zayn Malik in 10th place, actor Idris Elba in 11th place, singer Actor Harry Styles is in 26th place, singer Shawn Mendes is 40th.

>>> Oxford University’s female mathematics master was “stoned” just because she was too beautiful

Source philstar

Henry Cavill, the charismatic actor known for his roles as Superman and Geralt of Rivia, has woven a remarkable tapestry in his career, and while he may not have overt lucky charms or numerological ties, there are intriguing recurring numbers that add a unique flavor to his journey. In this exploration, we delve into the special numbers that have left an indelible mark on Henry Cavill’s cinematic path.

The Power of Three: A Trilogy of Triumphs

Superman Saga:

Henry Cavill donned the iconic red cape as Superman in a trilogy of films: “Man of Steel” (2013), “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice” (2016), and “Justice League” (2017). This trio of movies showcased Cavill’s embodiment of the legendary superhero, bringing a modern and compelling narrative to the character.

Witcher Wisdom:

Transitioning from the world of capes to swords, Cavill took on the lead role in Netflix’s “The Witcher” series. The show, now spanning three seasons, has become a streaming phenomenon. Cavill’s portrayal of Geralt of Rivia has earned praise, and the series has garnered a dedicated fan base.

Early Foundations:

Cavill’s journey began with a trinity of roles that laid the foundation for his future success. From Theseus in “Troy” (2004) to Tristan in “Tristan & Isolde” (2006) and Marshall Miller in “Stardust” (2007), these early performances showcased his talent and versatility, setting the stage for the diverse roles that would follow.

Eight: Audition Tapes and Abdomens

Audition Tenacity:

Henry Cavill’s dedication to his craft is exemplified by his thorough audition processes. For the role of Superman, he went above and beyond, submitting eight audition tapes to convey his commitment and determination. This meticulous approach to his work reflects his passion for delivering authentic performances.

The Eightpack Sensation:

Beyond his acting prowess, Cavill’s physicality has become a symbol of dedication and hard work. His renowned “eightpack” abs have become a playful topic among fans, showcasing his commitment to embodying the physicality demanded by roles like Superman and Geralt.

Fourteen: The Age of Superman

Superman’s Youth:

In 2011, when Cavill was cast as Superman, he was 27 years old, making him the youngest actor to portray the iconic superhero on the big screen at that time. This casting choice brought a youthful energy and a fresh perspective to the character, redefining the image of Superman for a new era.

While these numbers may seem coincidental, they add an intriguing layer to Henry Cavill’s career. The significance of each digit is open to interpretation, and what might be a special connection for one fan could hold a different meaning for another. Nevertheless, these patterns and connections offer a delightful insight into the unique milestones that have shaped Cavill’s cinematic journey.

As we continue to celebrate Henry Cavill’s contributions to film and television, it’s fascinating to uncover these special numbers that weave through his career. If there are specific aspects or numbers you’d like to delve deeper into, feel free to let me know! Whether it’s exploring more milestones or uncovering hidden gems, the journey is as exciting as the destination.

Henry Cavill, the versatile actor known for his chiseled good looks and commanding presence on screen, has tackled a diverse array of roles that delve into various social themes.

From his iconic portrayal of Superman to his recent turn as Geralt of Rivia in “The Witcher,” Cavill has captivated audiences with his nuanced performances and multifaceted characters. Yet, beneath the surface of his blockbuster roles lies a rich tapestry of social commentary and thought-provoking narratives.

In this comprehensive analysis, we delve into the layers of social commentary embedded within Henry Cavill’s diverse roles, exploring themes of masculinity, leadership, responsibility, adaptation, and identity.

Henry Cavill’s filmography often showcases characters who challenge traditional stereotypes around masculinity, offering a more nuanced portrayal of manhood. Despite their outward strength, Cavill’s characters possess emotional depth and vulnerability, encouraging audiences to reconsider rigid notions of masculinity that prioritize invulnerability and stoicism.

For instance, Superman grapples with the moral complexities of his immense power, while Geralt of Rivia, despite his tough exterior, adheres to a strict moral code and struggles with his own identity and purpose. By depicting characters who embody both physical strength and emotional complexity, Cavill challenges conventional ideals of masculinity and promotes a more inclusive definition that embraces vulnerability and authenticity.

Moreover, many of Cavill’s characters hold positions of leadership or possess unique abilities that make them responsible for the greater good. Superman, as the protector of humanity, shoulders the burden of upholding truth and justice, while Geralt navigates moral dilemmas as a monster hunter. Through these roles, Cavill explores themes of leadership, responsibility, and the ethical implications of wielding power.

Additionally, Cavill has portrayed characters who grapple with questions of identity and belonging, such as Geralt of Rivia in “The Witcher” and Sherlock Holmes in “Enola Holmes.” These characters exist on the fringes of society, struggling to find acceptance and navigate changing dynamics. Through their stories, Cavill delves into themes of adaptation and identity, prompting audiences to empathize with their struggles and reflect on societal norms.

In conclusion, Henry Cavill’s diverse roles offer a compelling exploration of masculinity, leadership, responsibility, and identity. Through his performances, Cavill challenges stereotypes and invites audiences to engage with thought-provoking narratives that resonate with contemporary social issues. As we immerse ourselves in Cavill’s complex characters, may we gain insight into our own beliefs and values, fostering a more empathetic and inclusive understanding of society.