For the majority of the Marvel moives the glue that has tied them all together has been SHEILD. With the events of “Captain America: The Winter Soldier” that is no longer the case. Marvel has made a subtle shift to using the Infinity Stones instead. Unless you are an avid reader of comics you probably don’t know what the Infinity Stones are or what they can do.

It wasn’t until the latest Marvel movie “Guardians of The Galaxy” that they were really talked even about in depth. So with that in mind here is what you need to know about them.

There are six stones all together and each one has enormous power. Each stone or gem as they are called in the comics has it’s own name and power. They are:

• Soul Gem: Can be used to attack or steal someone’s soul or spirit.
• Power Gem: Increased strength and enhances any know superhuman ability.
• Reality Gem: Alters all of reality.
• Time Gem: Time manipulation including slowing down and speeding up time and aging. It also lets you see into the past and future.
• Mind Gem: Almost limitless psychic abilities
• Space Gem: Travel through space usually by teleportation.

The gems themselves are remnants of one of the earliest beings from the time of the universe’s creation. It was feeling lonely and split itself into six different fragments. Thanos, who we actually get to see in “Guardians of The Galaxy” gathers all the gems and puts them into the Infinity Gauntlet, which you can see in Odin’s vault in Thor, giving Thanos supreme control.

                          The “Infinity Gauntlet” in the background as the frost giants get melted by “The Destroyer.”

So far in the movies we have seen three confirmed stones though some fans of both the movies and comics argue it’s four (more on that in a second.) The stones we have seen and the movies they are in and where they are now are as follows: 

The Tesseract–Space Stone-“Captain America: The First Avenger”, “Thor” and “The Avengers” it is used to open portals from one world to another. It was used to take Loki and Thor back to Asgard.

Aether-Reality Stone-“Thor: The Dark World” it is used to try and change the reality across the nine realms by Malekith. Was given to The Collector by Sif and Volstagg who say it wouldn’t be too smart to keep two Infinty Stones in one place. After they leave The Collector says “One down, five to go.”

The Orb (the purple stone inside it)-Power Stone-“Guardians of the Galaxy” used by “Ronan the Accuser” in an attempt to destroy the planet Xandar. Once the stone is recovered Nova Prime locks it in a secure vault on the planet Xander.

Fans of the comics and movies feel that the blue stone in Loki’s staff is the Mind Stone. This theory makes sense seeing as how with only a touch he is able to take control of someone. However others argue that Thanos wants all six stones and would never give one of them to someone else to use. The staff is seen at the end of “Captain America: The Winter Soldier” in the hands of HYDRA more specially Baron Strucker.

I am one of those fans who think that it is an Infinity Stone and Thanos simply underestimated what humans could do. He never thought that Loki would lose his battle and in turn also lose the stone.

What all of this hopefully means is that Thanos will eventually get all of the Infinity Stones and try and destroy the universe. He’s not called “The Mad Titan” for nothing. There’s a hint at the end of “The Avengers” when one of Thanos’ lackeys speaks of Earth. He says to attack again “would be to court death.” This gets comic geeks like me excited because Thanos actually tries to win Death’s love by destroying life in half the universe. 

There are at least two more stones to be revealed before the big show down. I hope we see one in “Age of Ultron” maybe it’s his power source or a weapon he uses to fight the Avengers. How and when they will be revealed, I don’t know but one thing for sure is that Marvel is gaining steam with each new movie and when we do eventually get to that epic show down in “Avengers 3” it will be glorious. 

The next Marvel Cinematic installment comes to us is “Avengers: Age of Ultron” and it comes May 1, 2015.

Last week at San Diego Comic-Con Marvel Comics announced their plans for the Star Wars universe in comic book form.

From their press release:

Lucasfilm Ltd. and Marvel Entertainment are extremely proud to announce the iconic Star Wars franchise will return to Marvel in 2015 with a line-up of three comic book titles chronicling the adventures of a galaxy far, far away.  Beginning in January 2015, prepare for STAR WARS by writer Jason Aaron (Thor, Original Sin), artist John Cassaday (Astonishing X-Men) and colorist Laura Martin, DARTH VADER by writer Kieron Gillen and artist Salvador Larroca and PRINCESS LEIA by writer Mark Waid and artist Terry Dodson.

 

Taking place immediately after the events of Star Wars: A New Hope, the Force returns to Marvel in January with three new series spotlighting beloved characters from the iconic trilogy! Created in close partnership with Lucasfilm, the three new Star Wars series will exist as part of the canon for the Star Wars universe!

 

It all starts this January when Jason Aaron, John Cassaday and Laura Martin take fans back to the days following the destruction of the first Death Star in STAR WARS! Discussing the flagship series, writer Jason Aaron tells Marvel.com, “Every story is about the characters, and we’ll focus on all the old favorites. There will be big moments for everyone, from Han to R2-D2. But a major part of the narrative will be driven by Luke Skywalker and his journey of discovery, a journey that will decide the fate of the entire galaxy.”

 

However, the return of the Rebel Alliance to Marvel Comics also invites the return of its opposition, the Imperial Forces of the Galactic Empire and in February 2015, Kieron Gillen plans to delve into the psyche of one of the vilest villains of all time with the new ongoing series DARTH VADER. Witness the struggle for the freedom of an entire galaxy – from the Dark Side!

 

“Vader’s the sole survivor of the greatest military disaster in history – and a disaster that he definitely had a hand in by letting the rebels escape with the plans for the Death Star. This is not a thing which leaves you in anybody’s good books, let alone the Emperor’s,” says writer Kieron Gillen. “The great thing about this period [between Star Wars: A New Hope and Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back] is what we don’t see on the screen. Vader learns who Luke Skywalker is at some point between the two movies, to choose but one example.”

 

Then, in March 2015, Mark Waid & Terry Dodson bring you the harrowing tale of loss and hope in the 5-issue limited series PRINCESS LEIA! Fresh from the Rebel Alliance’s victory at the Battle of Yavin, Leia must confront the reality that her homeworld has been destroyed. But in the light of such tragedy, there is always hope. Skilled equally with diplomacy as she is a blaster, witness the rise of one of the greatest heroines in history as she takes her rightful place as one of the Alliance’s peerless leaders!

 

“Does she choose to be a Princess of nothing – or does she set out to rebuild her heritage and civilization?” says writer Mark Waid.

STAR WARS #1
Written by JASON AARON
Art & Cover by JOHN CASSADAY
Coming January 2015!

 

DARTH VADER #1
Written by KIERON GILLEN
Art by SALVADOR LARROCA
Cover by ADI GRANOV
Coming February 2015!

 

PRINCESS LEIA #1 (of 5)

Written by MARK WAID
Art & Cover by TERRY DODSON
Coming March 2015!

It’s apparent that they’re not treating this franchise lightly. Marvel is putting their A-game on the starting line and I couldn’t be more excited about that idea. Jason Aaron’s work is fantastic and Mark Waid is one of the best writers I’ve ever enjoyed. Kieron Gillen is no slouch either. And it makes sense that they’d be starting with the post-“A New Hope” era, that’s where the knowledge of most passive Star Wars fans lies. I’d be surprised if we didn’t get more comics to tie into the movie announced at next year’s show, though.

Until then, I’ll be adding these to my hold at my local comic book store. Immediately. 

I’ll be completely honest here that we’re not 100% sure WHAT this is. Based on what was shared at Las Vegas Comic Con last year and the “Deadpool” script, this seems to match the test footage that was described. There’s also the fact that Fox pulled the YouTube video within hours of its posting.

Whatever this is, it’s pretty damn cool, and I would suggest watching it as soon as possible before Fox takes this video down as well.

Thanks to the guys over at Super Hero Report for first bringing this to our attention.

In the last week the comic book community has been rocked by news of big changes to some of Marvel’s biggest characters. We first received news of a big change to the “Thor” mythos. The god of thunder is setting down his hammer allowing for a new worthy wielder to step forward. Who is the mystery woman? Nobody yet knows, not even Odin.

The change train kept rolling down the track with news that Steve Rogers will lose what makes him super, becoming a mundane human being like the rest of us. His advanced age and lack of enhanced ability make him more suited for defending America from behind a desk and a predecessor must be named. Sam Wilson, The Falcon, will take up the mantle becoming the new Captain America.

In the aftershock of these two big announcements there were rumblings of a change to come for Iron Man as well, rounding out Marvel’s big three. Today those rumblings were confirmed with news of a new series titled “Superior Iron Man.” A common theme in comics is the justifiable concerns that come along with so much power being held by so few individuals. We’ll see the reality of those concerns come to fruition in this series when Tony Stark unleashes the extremis virus on the citizens of San Francisco. Starks intentions are noble, he unleashes the virus in an attempt to realize the cities full potential, but does his reach exceed his grasp? Will we see Stark’s ambitions turn him from hero to villain? 

These changes, a part of Marvel’s “Avengers NOW!” initiative, will begin in October in each of the respective series and it seems only likely that they will reverberate through the entire Marvel universe. Exciting things are coming. 

One can’t help but wonder if these changes will echo into the Marvel Cinematic Universe. It’s no secret that the actors currently portraying Marvel’s most popular characters won’t be doing so forever. Eventually RDJ, Evans, and Hemsworth will move on to other projects, this would provide a workable exit strategy for Marvel to be able to maintain a continuous story without having to re-cast or reboot. 

You can see Marvel’s official press release below and remember to add these series to your hold. I suspect you’ll want these pieces of comic book history on your shelves or in your long boxes for years to come.

AVENGERS NOW! Brings Epic Stories & Seismic Changes to the Marvel Universe!                                                                  

New York. NY—July 18^th, 2014 — The most popular characters. The most acclaimed creators. The most ambitious stories. This is the recharged Avengers NOW!.

This Fall, the Marvel Universe heads in an exciting and ambitious new direction as the industry’s top creators and brightest rising stars join the top Super Heroes – Captain America, Thor, Iron Man and more – to deliver the most exciting and energetic comics on the market with can’t miss all-new ongoing series!

“Avengers NOW! is the start of a Marvel Universe like you’ve never seen before,” says Marvel Editor-in-Chief Axel Alonso. “With massive changes coming to some of our biggest characters, Avengers NOW! is ready to kick off a bold new era of the Marvel Universe and will certainly close out 2014 with a bang.” 

It all starts this October when Jason Aaron and Russell Dauterman bring the thunder in Thor #1. Bereft of his mighty magic hammer Mjolnir, Thor must contend with a new God of Thunder in the Marvel Universe – and she’s unlike anything you’ve ever seen before! Who is this new mysterious leading lady? Not even Odin knows! Prepare for a senses-shattering new beginning as the all-new Thor thunders her way through the Marvel Universe!

Then, Avengers NOW! soars to new heights in All-New Captain America #1! From superstar creators Rick Remender and Stuart Immonen comes the next evolution of the Captain America mythos. Drained of the Super-Soldier Serum, the frail Steve Rogers has handpicked his shield-wielding successor – Sam Wilson, the Falcon! But as the winged warrior assumes his new heroic mantle, he’ll have to contend with a gauntlet of Captain America’s most terrifying foes! Can the new, untested Captain America stand up to his predecessor’s most vile villains? Find out this November in All-New Captain America #1! 

It only gets bolder from there as the billionaire playboy unleashes his dark side in Superior Iron Man #1! Rising comic stars Tom Taylor and Yildray Cinar craft an all-new tale of a Tony Stark you’ve never seen before! Releasing the dangerous Extremis technology to the citizens of San Francisco, he’ll transform the City by the Bay into the City of Tomorrow! But at what price? And what does a world look like when it’s consumed by technology? Find out this November in Superior Iron Man #1!

Once again, the biggest creators bring you the biggest characters in the biggest stories…and it’s happening NOW!

For more on Avengers NOW!, please visit www.marvel.com and join the conversation on Twitter with hashtag #AvengersNOW.

To find a comic shop near you, visit www.comicshoplocator.com or call 1-888-comicbook.

For comics anytime, anywhere check out comicstore.marvel.com and www.marvel.com/mobile

Fans reaction to a woman taking up the mantel of Thor in October have been mixed. There are some who are all for it and others who reacting with “by Odin’s beard!” and other more colorful phrases. The way I see it there are 4 main reasons why Thor being a woman is just fine.

1. Story wise it makes sense: As most fans will know Thor’s hammer “Mjolnir” bears the inscription “Whosoever hold this hammer, if he be worthy, shall possess the power of Thor.” Meaning that any deemed worthy can pick it up and lay claim to it’s power. Throughout the years there have been others who have picked it up including Captain America, Storm from the X-Men, Superman (during a crossover) and even Hulk have used it’s power. So the fact that a woman (we don’t know yet if she will be human or Asgardian) picks it up and holds on to it for a little while is more than okay. It is still unclear wether or not this means the Thor we all know and love will bite the dust or just have his power stripped from him. Which has also happened before for the record.
2. Jason Aaron is a great writer: He has written and proven himself time and time again. Aaron is know for his work with “Ghost Rider”, “Wolverine: Weapon X” and “The Incredible Hulk” all three runs he had with those characters were entertaining and fun to read. He is also writing “Thor: God of Thunder” which started in 2012 and is currently still running. On Goodreads fans have given the series 4 stars and are happy with what has been done so far. So give him a little faith and stop prejudging the comic and character.
3. More female heroes equals more female readers: I’m not saying that there aren’t female readers out there. But Marvel trying to get more to embrace the medium of comics is not a bad thing. Not only is a smart move from Marvel on the public relations front but it could also boost sells and what comic geek wouldn’t want that?
4. Marvel will hit the reset button: Last but not least is that fact that no matter what happens in the comics the reset button always gets pressed. Stan Lee at the Salt Lake City Comic Con in 2013 was asked what he thought about Doc. Ock being Spiderman and his response was “I have no idea whats going on. I haven’t had time to read the books…but it doesn’t matter whats happening, in a few months everything will be back to normal. It always is.” I know that in the press release they said this isn’t a temporary thing but in comic time a year is a long time. My point is that no matter how Thor’s powers transfer from man to woman eventually they will transfer back. It might take awhile but the Thor we know and love will be back to screaming “Have at thee!” eventually. If the female Thor comic is successful then even she will stick around just not as Thor. Maybe she’ll get her own hammer like Beta Ray Bill did which would be pretty sweet. If the comic flops she’ll be killed off or turn out to be a cruel trick of  Loki, who knows, no matter what though I believe Thor will eventually get his hammer back but only after proving himsself worthy.

So there you have it. Four simple reasons why the sex of Thor doesn’t really matter. Hate it if you want, scream and rant about it if you have to. However even if you’re not going to read the series I recommend picking up the first issue if you’re a collector. I have a hunch that the first issue is going to disappear pretty quickly and you don’t want to miss your chance.

Marvel’s Editor in Chief Joe Quesada told Stephen Colbert tonight that beginning in October with issue #25, Sam Wilson aka “The Falcon” will be trading in his trademark red suit for a star-spangled one. This makes Wilson the tenth person to take up the mantle of Captain America, and the second of Cap’s sidekicks in the last decade.

This represents the second big reveal by Marvel in as many days, including the announcement of a new female Thor. There are also rumors that there will be another Iron-Man-centric change announced, giving Marvel’s “Big Three” Avengers slots a more diverse makeover appropriate for the 21st century.

Speaking on Marvel.com, writer Rick Remender and human computer/Marvel editor Tom Breevort had a lot to say about the future of the series and their ideas:

“This is it,” says Remender of the culmination of two years of storytelling in CAPTAIN AMERICA and the dawning of ALL-NEW CAPTAIN AMERICA. “This is the fireworks factory we’re arriving at, and now everything’s going to blow up and be very pretty and exciting to look at. It leads into an evolution of Steve Rogers’ character that I had very early when I was given the job. I think that it’s important with these stories to do things that are natural and make sense and have an inherent logic to the universe, but are also constantly shifting and exciting, keeping the drama high. In order to do that it really comes down to creating new dynamics.

“I’ve been having a lot of fun writing Sam. It’s a completely different attitude. The fact that he’s not a soldier shifts things up a bit. Sam’s not going to be Steve. Steve can be very rigid. That can be kind of joyless at times, whereas Sam is absolutely not that.”

“While Sam shares many of Steve’s beliefs in a general sense, he’s also a very different person with a very different background,” adds editor Tom Brevoort, “He didn’t grow up in the 1930s, he’s a modern day man in touch with the problems of the 21st Century. For most of his professional life, Sam has worked as a social worker, so he’s seen the worst of urban society up close, and how crime, poverty, lack of social structure and opportunity can affect the community. So he’s got perhaps a greater focus on the plight of the common man, and perhaps a greater empathy for the underprivileged than maybe even Steve himself. He’s also not a military man, so he’s more apt to be instinctively skeptical of any situation that calls for just following orders. Sam, like Steve, will be led by his personal morality and beliefs as to what is right and what is wrong—and where his beliefs may differ in their shading from those of the previous Cap are where the interesting stories will be found.”

Alongside the changes in the story/attitude/social consciousness of the series, it sounds like Marvel is being purposeful in thinking about the specific powers Wilson-as-Cap brings to the table:

“Historically, Falcon would often act as air support, flying Steve into the battle. Why not merge the two? He pops the wings, and as he flies, he keeps the shield latched onto his back. He dives down onto the scene, hurls the shield, wings retract, and rolls into a kick or jump, catches the shield on the way back. He doesn’t have the super soldier serum, but he has the added zing-zang-zoom of flight.”

And, of course, what would a great comic series be without some awesome bad guys? “All New Captain America” will have that in spades:

Despite the edge provided by Captain America’s newfound aptitude for altitude, he faces a daunting challenge from a deeply entrenched opposition. The terrorist organization Hydra grows in power and influence, infiltrating the Marvel Universe completely. With Steve Rogers seemingly down for the count, his enemies rally to seize upon a vulnerable America.

“I think that different characters across the Marvel Universe are going to respond to Sam’s appointment in different ways. But he’s not a novice—in his long history as the Falcon, he’s earned a reputation for integrity and honesty and backbone that most of the super hero community have a respect for. On the villain side, there may be those who feel that their jobs will be easier now that a different man is carrying the shield, so it will be Sam’s mission to disabuse them from that notion.”

With Bucky Barnes being shot into space and Steve Rogers feeling his age for the first time in forever, how will Sam Wilson deal with these new threats? An all-new Nomad, and with Steve playing a role that, frankly, sounds a lot like the premise of “Batman: Beyond.” That’s a compliment, people. 

Fortunately, Wilson doesn’t face these threats alone. Ian, Steve’s adopted ward from Dimension Z and the artificial son of Arnim Zola, takes up the storied mantle of Nomad. Meanwhile, Steve himself, physically aged but sharp as ever, serves as tactician back at the base.

“Steve’s spirit is as willing as ever,” explains Brevoort, “But his body is no longer up to the task of being Captain America. So he’ll instead employ his skills as the new Cap’s remote strategic advisor, running missions from his headquarters in Avengers Mansion and providing Sam with technical support and field information from a distance. He’ll also tutor Sam in how to throw the shield, a skill that’s deceptively difficult for the new Cap to master. So Steve will continue to be a vital part of the series moving ahead. And Steve is completely supportive of Sam as his hand-picked successor—the only replacement Captain America ever to be chosen by Steve himself. Steve and Sam are effectively brothers-in-arms, and there’s a level of trust and camaraderie between them that’s matched only by that of soldiers who’ve fought shoulder-to-shoulder in foxholes on the battlefield.

And wait. . . there’s more. Let the week-long Marvel media tease leading up to Comic-Con continue:

Of course, Sam assumes this responsibility just as a female Thor comes to prominence. But will that the end of the changes to the very face of Earth’s Mightiest Heroes?

“We’re not anywhere near finished,” says Brevoort. “Change is one of the watchwords of the Marvel Universe, so there are even more startling surprises to come!”

***

Robbed of his superior strength and vitality, Steve Rogers must surrender his blues for a sturdy cane. He’s not about to fade away just yet though. The old maxims hold true: If dead men declared the war and old men talk about it, a young man must rise and continue the fight. If Steve Rogers can no longer hurl his mighty shield, then he’ll hand it to one who can carry it across the battlefield, above the clouds, to greater heights than ever before.

This fall, Sam Wilson flies where eagles dare, as the intrepid Falcon assumes his new role as Captain America.

A new chapter begins in ALL-NEW CAPTAIN AMERICA #1 by Rick Remender and Stuart Immonen.

I do not see a downside in this. Steve Rogers develops as a character actually having to deal with age and not being a super soldier. Falcon gets to bring his own unique perspective to the Captain America role. And, surely, if we’ve been ready for a black President, we are ready for a black Captain America. This series hasn’t held my interest for the past year or two. Now it’s going to be a permanent part of my comic hold every week.

Congrats, Marvel. You done good.

And if you want more Colbert through the years playing with superheroes, check out The Colbert Report website.

For the first time since Marvel Comics has taken over the license for Star Wars Comics from Dark Horse, they’ve made an announcement about their plans.

No, we still don’t know about any adaptations of the new films, new series based on cartoons or existing properties, but they are releasing their original Marvel Comics in the “Legends” line. This hardcover omnibus contains 45 issues of their Star Wars comics, though the material has been presented previously by Dark Horse over the years.

If the cover is any indication, it looks like they’ll be recoloring the original art to make it look even better than it did originally.

Here’s the official statement:

New York, NY – July 15th, 2014 – In 1977 a phenomenon dawned. Marvel Comics published the very first STAR WARS comic-book series. Now, the House of Ideas is re-presenting those original adventures in its over-sized Omnibus format – STAR WARS: THE ORIGINAL MARVEL YEARS collecting STAR WARS (1977) #1-44 and ANNUAL #1.

 

It’s the return of the Jedi to Marvel in an opening volume that begins with Star Wars: Episode IV A New Hopeand ends with Star Wars: Episode V The Empire Strikes Back. In between, the rebels face a wealth of new perils — from space pirate Crimson Jack to the bounty hunter Beilert Valance, as well as a surprisingly svelte Jabba the Hut (one “t”). Luke goes back to Tatooine, Leia battles alone, Han and Chewie play the deadly Big Game, and Darth Vader hunts for answers! Revisit all your old favorites and discover some new ones!

 

There’s no doubt, the Force is strong with this collection!

 

“With Star Wars poised to return to its comic book home, what better time to revisit the first adventures of Luke, Leia, Han, Chewbacca, C-3PO, R2-D2 and, of course, Darth Vader?” says Marvel Editor In Chief, Axel Alonso.  “I am extremely proud to present these original Star Wars stories, told as only Marvel can, in the first in a massive and glorious Omnibus series.”

 

STAR WARS: THE ORIGINAL MARVEL YEARS comes out of lightspeed in January 2015 and is written by Roy Thomas, Howard Chaykin, Archie Goodwin, Jo Duffy & Chris Claremont, with pencils by Howard Chaykin, Carmine Infantino, Walter Simonson, Herb Trimpe, Michael Golden, Al Williamson and Mike Vosburg. Each copy of STAR WARS: THE ORIGINAL MARVEL YEARS will also be wrapped in a glorious covers by Howard Chaykin and Greg Hilderbrandt.

This is all coming at us in January. Be sure to revisit our interview with Walt Simonson about his days on the title.

Like Odin casting Mjölnir down on Midgard, Marvel just dropped some pretty heavy news regarding the hero of Asgard. Starting in October, a new series, “Thor: God of Thunder” hits the shelves, written by Jason Aaron, a veteran of the character. We’ve long known that the hammer could imbue anyone worthy with the power of the thunder god and it’s time for that person to change.

The hammer’s inscription reads “Whosoever holds this hammer, if he be worthy, shall possess the power of Thor” but times have changed (for the better) and like any responsible deity, Odin intends to maintain the spirit of the law, rather than the letter. As the classic hero sets down the hammer it is picked up by someone with not only a different set of experiences but a different anatomy.

Going forward, Thor will be a strong, kickass woman.

Hairstyle will remain the same.

This change marks another move by Marvel to introduce strong female characters to their lineup. It’s no secret that comic books have grown in popularity over the last decade; the audience has grown hugely, becoming accepted as legitimate literature by a large section of the population. This invariably has led to an increase in interest across the board, including women and girls. It makes sense that comic book creators would want to better serve the groups that have been underserved in the past. Unlike some big events in comic book canon, this is no temporary change. The new Thor won’t be wielding the hammer for a moment while the “real” Thor gets back into the swing of things.

Every indication from the Marvel camp is that this is a permanent change.  Mjölnir has found a new worthy host and there’s no going back. Writer Jason Aaron stated-

“This is not She-Thor. This is not Lady Thor. This is not Thorita. This is THOR. This is the THOR of the Marvel Universe. But it’s unlike any Thor we’ve ever seen before.”

Will this change the dynamic of the character? Probably, in as much as any character change would. Though I expect from backlash from the darkest corners of the fanboy kingdom, why shouldn’t Thor be a woman? Roughly have of the population of Earth is female and surely some of them would be worthy to carry the mantle. From a storytelling standpoint there is no problem here, (though some will surely disagree) in fact it’s an interesting development that will only serve to enrich the Marvel universe and allow for some new territory to be explored.

You may want to add this title to your hold now, I suspect it will fly off the shelves. 

For those of you not lucky enough to get into one of the secret screenings that previewed 17 minutes of “Guardians of the Galaxy” (in nationwide release August 1), you’re in luck– several of our robots in Salt Lake City and Austin got in and we’ve got some opinions about it. (Minor spoilers throughout– but you wouldn’t be reading about a preview screening if you cared about minor spoilers? Right? Right.)

First, it rocks. James Gunn opened the show talking to us, the audience, about how they really worked to fill the entire screen in the IMAX format. And boy, did he deliver. These space scenes look epic. I’m not a huge fan of 3D, but you haven’t experienced real 3D until you experience Rocket Racoon piloting a spaceship through a giant explosion that fills the screen and then him coming at you screaming. Bet you duck when it happens.

Second, the plot. What we were treated to was probably not the first 17 minutes of the film, a couple of trailers as the bread around the sandwich filling of maybe minutes 7 through 20. We saw the “Usual Suspects” lineup trailer that we’ve seen in several trailers, and then our heroes are processed into the prison known as the Kyln. Rocket and Groot immediately express their dominance by picking a fight with the biggest guy around. (Like you do in prison.) And then Rocket immediately begins devising a plan to get out. Thanks to Groot, their opportunity comes sooner rather than later, and each member of the nascent “team” has to assemble one item to be able to make their escape. They argue, they kick butt. . .violence, mayhem, jokes. . . 

We then got to see a new, extended trailer.

In this, there are some great, important reveals. The biggest of these, in our collective opinion, is getting to see Ronan (the Accuser). Ronan also gets name-checked in the scene we saw, teasing us with just how important he might be.

This likely means they’re going with more of the Ultimate Universe’s take on Ronan, where he was also one of Thanos’s children. Sibling rivalry between Gamora and our big bad? I’ll take it. 

Those are my first thoughts. Anyone else?

Clang! Boom! Steam!:  I think that Rocket is the star of the show. 
Ronan looks soooo cool. 
Drax got the biggest laugh by far. 
Groot’s powers look way cooler than I thought they would. 
There’s some subtle string work they’re doing with Gamora that I think will be really cool in her fights and I just f@#$ing love Gamora regardless. 
Peter Quill will hold it all together and ground it with no problem at all. 

It’s going to be a weird movie for sure but I still have every confidence in it. 

More than anything I just loved the aesthetic of it all. 
Looked like something straight out of Heavy Metal magazine and the space ships and battles looked completely nuts.

Swankmotron: Did they tease anything extra?

Clang! Boom! Steam!: Thanos. 
I mean we already knew that and they show the tiniest half second of him from behind and it still sends shivers up the spine. 

I’m actually more excited for Ronan. Ronan is a bad ass and he looks super creepy.

Citizen-Bot: Ronan I thought was THE big reveal, as was Gamora’s relationship to Thanos and intentions (as in she’s on the outs with them and looking to betray them). Nice that they settled that quickly.  This script is really tight. They do a lot with a little in terms of establishing character, motivation, etc. All killer, no filler.

Agreed Rocket stole the scene, but everyone got something awesome to do. Really showcases that they truly mean this as an ensemble piece.

And that Drax line with the thesaurus and metaphors. . .even more priceless was Gamora’s reaction. 

And this is gonna be weird to say, but. . .I really lose every single one of the actors into these characters. . . maybe a little less Andy Dwyer, err. . . Chris Pratt, but he’s going to be our anchor as the audience, so that’s ok. But I didn’t get a hint of ol’ smugface Bradley Cooper or Vin Diesel and I totally forgot that was Zoe Saldana.

I’m hooked. I’m sold. Several people yelled at the screen to be able to watch it again. I think everyone in our theater would’ve liked to see that again.

August 1st can’t come fast enough.

We’re all counting down the days until GotG is released in theatres, but thankfully Marvel is giving us a chance to check it out a bit of early.

On Monday, July 7, fans across the country will have a chance to check out 17 minutes of the movie in all its IMAX glory and become the envy of all their friends. Lots of tickets are still available and can be reserved by following this link, but grab them soon as they are sure to run out as word spreads. The theatres also appear to be overbooked, so treat it like an advance screening and get there early to guarantee a seat.

People who make the showing will also score this badass poster:

“Guardians of the Galaxy” opens August 1.