• Category Archives Superhero Movies
  • Any and all posts pertaining to superhero movies.

  • DC Comics Superheroes Looney Tunes Mash-up Showcase

    DC Comics Superheroes Looney Tunes Mash-up Showcase

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    As promised, here’s a special showcase video on this wicked Looney Tunes DC Superheroes Mash-up action figure set.

    The set includes:

    • Bugs Bunny as Superman
    • Wiley Coyote as Batman
    • Daffey Duck as Shazam
    • The Tazmanian Devil as Aquaman
    • Tweety Bird as the Flash

    Grab your own at Amazon here.

    DC Comics Superheroes Looney Tunes Mash-up Showcase

    Don’t forget to subscribe to stay up to date on all the latest videos.

    Thank you for watching Axiom-man TV.


  • Realm of Heroes and Monsters YouTube Playlist Index

    Realm of Heroes and Monsters YouTube Playlist Index

    YouTube logo

    As you might have guessed–because I’ve been blatantly obvious–I spent a good chunk of 2023 beefing up my YouTube channel in an effort to 1) Play in another medium 2) Put some eyeballs on my books and comics 3) Entertain or inform you as best as I am able.

    We did not bad and had growing stats week by week. Sure, there were some dips in the analytics but you can’t hit the ball out of the park every time.

    Below is a newly-curated list of my playlists on YouTube. It’d be really great if you subscribed to one that strikes your fancy. Part of the goal with this whole YouTube thing is to use it as a funding channel–which costs my viewers nothing other than 2 seconds to click subscribe–so I can more easily bring you more books and comics and other entertainment. If you haven’t already subscribed to the channel, please do so. It really does help out an independent creator like me make ends meet.

    Here are the playlists on my channel in no particular order as we embark into 2024.

    Enjoy!

    Realm of Heroes and Monsters YouTube Playlist Index:

    A.P. Fuchs – vLog Shorts and Reels

    Hot Wheels Shorts and Reels

    Collectibles Shorts and Reels Master Playlist

    Action Figure Shorts and Reels

    A.P. Fuchs vLog Videos

    Fun Shorts and Reels

    Funny Videos, Goofiness, and Nonsense

    Funko Pop! Collection

    Collections and Collectibles Videos Master Playlist

    REALM OF HEROES AND MONSTERS: STORY TIME with A.P. FUCHS Season 1

    Superman Collectible Shorts and Reels

    My Top Videos!

    My Top Shorts and Reels!

    Promotional Videos

    Patron-exclusive Videos

    A.P. Fuchs Book and Comic Spotlight Series

    Hot Wheels Batman Batmobile Playlist

    Unboxings – Canister X Mailbag

    A.P. Fuchs’s Books, Art, and Comics

    A.P. Fuchs Cartoons and Animation

    Shorts and Reels Compilation Videos

    A.P. Fuchs Reader Questions

    A.P. Fuchs Elsewhere on YouTube

    Thank you for tuning in. Lots of content available via the above playlists and lots more to come so stay tuned!

    Peace.

    APF


  • Look, Up on the Screen! The Big Book of Superhero Movie Reviews Book Spotlight

    Look, Up on the Screen! The Big Book of Superhero Movie Reviews Book Spotlight

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    Superheroes have invaded film more in the past decade and a half than they have in their entire history. From major blockbusters like Man of Steel and The Dark Knight Trilogy, to DC Entertainment’s line of fantastic direct-to-video animated films, to other super-flicks like The Incredibles, superheroes are enjoying a major resurgence in popular culture and fans have now entered a golden era of superhero cinema.

    Lifelong superhero fan and author A.P. Fuchs has made it his mission to see every superhero movie that’s been brought to screen. Collected here are his first one hundred reviews, covering the major blockbusters of today to the lesser-known super flicks of yesterday along with everything in between.

    Reviewing such classics as the original Christopher Reeve Superman films to the jaw-dropping Marvel Phase One series that include Iron Man 1 and 2, The Incredible Hulk, Thor, Captain America and The Avengers, to the movies that arguably started the current age of superhero cinema: The X-Men franchise, he’s got this amazing genre covered. Also included are a multitude of animated features, superhero movies that didn’t quite hit at the box office, pulp heroes and more.

    Look, Up on the Screen! is a collection of reviews for the serious superhero filmgoer from a diehard fan who’s seen nearly all of what the superhero motion picture field has to offer. Whether your theatre is at the cineplex or in your own home, this is one collection that’s a must-add to your bookshelf of behind-the-scenes goodies, movie guides, superhero film novelizations and graphic novels.

    Look, Up on the Screen! The Big Book of Superhero Movie Reviews Book Spotlight

    Grab your copy of LOOK, UP ON THE SCREEN! THE BIG BOOK OF SUPERHERO MOVIE REVIEWS here:

    Amazon (US)

    Amazon (CAN)

    Don’t forget to subscribe to stay up to date on all the latest videos.

    Thank you for watching Axiom-man TV.


  • Canister X Mailbag – Zack Snyder’s Justice League – Breast Cancer Awareness Superman Funko Unboxing

    Canister X Mailbag – Zack Snyder’s Justice League – Breast Cancer Awareness Superman Funko Unboxing

    Canister X Mailbag - Zack Snyder's Justice League - Breast Cancer Awareness Superman Funk Pop Unboxing - Dec132023 thumbnail

    Ever since I heard the FULL JUSTICE LEAGUE movie was going to be on HBO Max, I had to get in on it because I wanted to see what Zack Snyder originally intended for our DC heroes. Man, was it worth getting a temp subscription for it. Now I own it.

    PSA: Breast Cancer Awareness Superman Funko Pop! It’s a cause near to my heart so I kindly ask you to donate to its research when or where able. Cancer on its own is a beast and needs to be defeated. Please, help and be a Superman or Superwoman by giving to its research and healthcare resources. Thanks.

    Canister X Mailbag – Zack Snyder’s Justice League – Breast Cancer Awareness Superman Funko Unboxing

    Grab your own copy of Zack Snyder’s JUSTICE LEAGUE at Amazon here.

    And help yourself to a pink Superman Funko Pop! here.

    Thank you for watching Axiom-man TV.

    Don’t forget to subscribe to stay up to date on all the latest videos.


  • Canister X Mailbag – Batman v Superman and The Mandalorian Funko Pop Unboxing – 12012023

    Canister X Mailbag – Batman v Superman and The Mandalorian Funko Pop Unboxing – 12012023

    Canister X Mailbag - Batman v Superman - Mandalorian Funk Pop Unboxing - Dec012023 thumbnail

    We treated ourselves to a few items because I’ve been busting tail lately and needed a reward so I picked up BATMAN V SUPERMAN: THE ULTIMATE EDITION and The Mandalorian Funko Pop! because I like Mando and I like Pops.

    Canister X Mailbag – Batman v Superman and The Mandalorian Funko Pop Unboxing – 12012023

    Batman v Superman: Ultimate Edition at Amazon here.

    The Mandalorian Funko Pop! at Amazon here.

    Don’t forget to subscribe to stay up to date on all the latest videos.

    Thank you for watching Axiom-man TV.


  • Axiom-man Animated Short Film (2023)

    Axiom-man Animated Short Film (2023)

    Axiom-man animated short film 2023 title card thumbnail

    The Cobalt Crusader is ready for a night of fighting crime but upon witnessing a potential mugging, Axiom-man learns that not all heroes wear capes.

    Written by A.P. Fuchs, The Misfit, and C.J. Hutchinson.

    Animation and rendering by C.J. Hutchinson.

    Axiom-man Animated Short Film (2023)

    Grab your copies of THE AXIOM-MAN SAGA here:

    Amazon (US)

    Amazon (CAN)

    Thank you for watching Axiom-man TV.

    Don’t forget to subscribe to stay up to date on all the latest episodes.

    Contact A.P. Fuchs by sending him a note here.


  • On Ten Superhero Movies

    Below is a list of my ten favorite superhero movies in no particular order.

    1. Superman: The Movie
    2. Wonder Woman
    3. Batman (1989)
    4. Watchmen
    5. V for Vendetta
    6. Iron Man
    7. Batman: Mask of the Phantasm
    8. The Dark Knight
    9. Ant-Man
    10. The Avengers

    Of course, there are many more. I reviewed 100 superhero movies in my book, Look, Up on the Screen! The Big Book of Superhero Movie Reviews. It’s worth checking out if you’re a superhero movie nut like me. (http://bit.ly/1NRR4Gh)


  • Canister X Movie Review #135: Power Rangers (2017)

    Power Rangers 2017Power Rangers (2017)
    Written by John Gatins
    Directed by Dean Israelite
    Runtime 124 min.
    4 out of 5

    Sixty-five million years ago, when dinosaurs ruled the Earth, a war raged between Rita Repulsa and the Power Rangers. All the Rangers were killed—except one, who in a last-ditch effort defeated Rita and hid the power coins should she rise again. Now, Rita has returned and five accidental friends discover the power coins and must learn to work together as a team before Rita captures the Zeo Crystal and destroys all life on Earth once and for all.

    Like most of my reviews, this one is written upon first impression—in this case, the same night I saw it at the theatre—and, man, this was a cool movie. Power Rangers is a guilty pleasure of mine and I’ve seen most of the entire saga. To find out it was hitting the big screen again and was to be done in a more serious manner—instead of an extension of the TV show—made my inner fanboy squeal with delight.

    This is an origin story, so we get the personal backgrounds of Jason (Dacre Montgomery), Billy (R.J. Cyler), Zack (Ludi Lin), Trini (Becky G.), and Kimberly (Naomi Scott), as well as how they found their place on the Power Rangers team and, ultimately, as friends. What I particularly liked was a glimpse into Zordon’s (Bryan Cranston) and Rita Repulsa’s (Elizabeth Banks) origins. It was a cool twist on the Rangers mythos that I thought was clever.

    The movie is a bit of a slow burn in terms of so much origin building before Power Ranger action, but once the team gears up and heads out, it’s good times, with loads of martial arts and mech excitement. The zords rocked, and the Megazord was reminiscent of Pacific Rim in terms of its operation.

    On the visuals, the SFX were great. In terms of style, they were a touch too mechanical for my liking, but that same mechanical extreme also made sense in this morphin’ world and the alien tech used for the Rangers. Same with the Rangers’ costumes. Very Iron Man-like but, again, it makes sense for the world they inhabit. They certainly couldn’t have fought in tights. The only other option, I suppose, would have to have given them their “tights,” but modern day Superman- or Batman-style, that whole “armory fabric” thing.

    The flick is perfectly set up for a sequel, and given the few sequences we see at the end, doors were left open for a certain favorite character as well as a certain base of operations.

    I should also add we were treated to a couple fan-favorite cameos, which made me cheer despite how brief it was seeing them.

    If you’re lookin’ for a morphin’ good time, Power Rangers is a great all-ages movie despite one or two bad words (I mention this for the parents). Like the TV show, the movie is filled with heart and good old-fashioned moral values.

    Go go, Power Rangers!


  • Canister X Movie Review #134: Batman v Superman (2016)

    batmanvsupermanBatman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016)
    Written by Chris Terrio and David S. Goyer
    Directed by Zack Snyder
    Runtime 151 min.
    4 out of 5

    After witnessing the battle between Superman and General Zod in Metropolis, Bruce Wayne takes it upon himself to ensure the Man of Steel isn’t a rogue alien who might one day enslave the human race. In the meantime, Lex Luthor has sworn to ensure humanity’s survival by securing for himself Kryptonite, which is later discovered to be the one thing that can weaken Superman. Worse, Luthor has a secret project tracking metahuman activity across the globe, which prompts Diana Prince to obtain the confidential data he has on her. To complicate matters, Luthor has also acquired the body of General Zod and creates from it an unstoppable killing machine—Doomsday, a being more powerful than even Superman. It’s going to take Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman to take down the beast lest the city—even the planet—is destroyed by this destructive force.

    Okay, this is a first impression review, with some processing time after.

    Batman v Superman is a comic book movie, and not in the campy sense. It has the feel of DC’s direct-to-video animated features and there’s an atmosphere to the movie that superheroes belong in the world created.

    The downside to the flick is it doesn’t work as a stand-alone film. There’s no strict A to B to C to the story. It’s more an introduction of story elements that will all play out in future DC movies instead. It’s like the first part of a giant graphic novel, and it is my hope that years down the road when all the other DC movies are released, what we will have is one massive story instead of what is usually given to us in today’s superhero flicks: each one a self-contained tale with subplots running through them that culminate in team-up adventures. If indeed DC’s plan is to make one giant movie, then that’s something never attempted before and never in the superhero genre. If this is the case, that’s brilliant and should be applauded. It’s jarring for moviegoers, but once they catch onto what’s going on, they’ll no doubt be amazed. After all, we do like our epics both on the big screen and TV.

    Superman/Clark Kent. Once again, Henry Cavill delivers as the Last Son of Krypton. In fact, I think his performance is a step up from his previous outing in Man of Steel. That first flick was about Superman finding his footing, and while there is still some of that here, it’s more about the world finding its footing now that Superman is on the scene. You can tell Superman has become a beacon of hope to the world despite how some might view him as a threat. He’s bigger, stronger, and carries with him that air of awe and wonder Superman should. We’re not supposed to relate to this god-like being, but instead look up to him as something and someone to aspire to, and Superman is very much coming into that form as the flick goes on. As for the Clark Kent side, reporter Clark in this flick was pretty much just Average Joe. There wasn’t all that much involved in creating a clear line between Superman and Clark Kent, that strong sense of two separate people. I wish there was, but I also see how Average Joe works better in the reality established in these movies than someone who’s an over-the-top nerd. At the same time, it would’ve been nice to see Clark trip over his own feet or bump into a desk or something to really give off that whole there’s-no-way-this-guy-can-be-Superman thing. There was also one scene I had so hoped for in this movie that never came and that was the classic Clark ripping his shirt open to reveal the S. Perhaps in another movie.

    Batman/Bruce Wayne. When Ben Affleck was cast, I got behind it right away. I’m an Affleck fan and knew he could deliver on what would be a worn-out Bruce Wayne, which would eventually give way to a worn-out Batman. What can I say? Affleck did a superb job. He did the playboy thing—though he could’ve played up the douche bag part a bit; yet at this point in his life, a cocky playboy might not be in the cards for him—and also did well when it was just him and Alfred. As Batman, this is the Batman we’ve been waiting for. Finally, oh finally, we got to see the comic book Batsuit and a Batman who’s fighting and action was the stuff that made the Arkham games so darn good. He also played the detective, which was never really in the other movies. And the bat-atmosphere? That part where he’s hanging in the corner in the dark and the light shines on him? Spooky and gorgeous. I also enjoyed the final fight and how Batman was portrayed. His limits as a human being with gadgets was shown, which is good, because I’m tired of stories where Batman somehow saves the day instead of the beings that are so much more powerful than him. I’m really excited for the forthcoming Bat-flicks with Ben Affleck in the lead.

    Diana Prince/Wonder Woman. Small hero part in this movie, comparatively speaking to the two male leads. As Diana Prince, Gal Gadot was mysterious and intriguing. There was also a sense of detachment about her which, once you learn who she really is, makes perfect sense since she’s from Themyscyra. When the Wonder Woman reveal happened, she stole the show. Sorry Superman and Batman, you were outshone big time. She had a heroic entrance—which is so important in superhero movies—a killer score, and was completely badass when she got down to business and helped in the fight against Doomsday. What was also interesting is while the movie didn’t get too much into who she was, she stilled carried her own weight and felt fleshed-out anyway. Of course, this could all be in my head since I know who Wonder Woman is and enough of her backstory to fill in the gaps. With the Wonder Woman movie in production as of the writing of this review, I know I’ll be one of the first in line when it comes out. She was that good.

    Lex Luthor. If Jesse Eisenberg is good at one thing, it’s playing the prideful I’m-smarter-than-everybody-else-in-the-room guy. And, yeah, that’s who Lex Luthor is. He’s a genius, and despite what he tells the public, has a contempt for humanity because he thinks he’s above it. Of course, the paradox is that he himself is human. In that regard, Jesse Eisenberg did a fine job. However, I still feel he was too youthful for the role since Lex is older than Superman in other incarnations, and Lex—as crazy as he can be sometimes—is more of a reserved crazy than someone more animated. It was this animated part that brought Lex down, in my opinion. Crazy is fine. Smart crazy is even better, but this kind of Joker-esque displays that happened now and then were out of place. Maybe given the ending Lex’s personality will change and he’ll be more reserved. We’ll see.

    Lois Lane. Amy Adams works for me. She does the hard-nosed journalist thing quite well, and the standard Lois Lane thing of getting herself into hot spots so only Superman can come to the rescue. I don’t mind this trope so long as it isn’t all the time. Her role in this flick wasn’t a main one like in Man of Steel. She was more part of Superman’s support team despite her entanglement in some of the later conflicts in the movie.

    Alfred Pennyworth. What can I say? Jeremy Irons did a good job as Alfred, who is also Batman’s co-combatant. Sure, he didn’t don a costume and get out there and fight bad guys, but helped Batman from the Batcave as a sort of special ops overseer. More importantly, he acted as Bruce Wayne’s conscience and wasn’t afraid to go up against him when he disagreed with something. As much as Robin’s job is to keep Batman grounded, it’s Alfred’s job as well, and since he is older than Bruce, he can provide wisdom in areas Bruce isn’t familiar with. Good choice having Jeremy Irons in the role.

    There were a few moments in the film where I wished things had gone in a different direction, but that could just be my taste as opposed to my ideas being better.

    Unfortunately, WB and DC marketed this movie as one thing and what it was was something different. Once you get over that hurdle and see Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice for what it’s meant to be in the greater DC Universe, then a lot of pieces fall into place and it’s highly enjoyable.

    Go see it.


  • Canister X Movie Review #101: Zoom (2006)

    Click Here to Order from Amazon.com
    Click Here to Order from Amazon.com
    Zoom (2006)
    Written by Adam Rifkin and David Berenbaum
    Directed by Peter Hewitt
    Runtime 93 min.
    3 out of 5

    Captain Zoom used to be a great superhero and leader of the government-sponsored superteam, Team Zenith. When the government tried to enhance his powers and those of his brother, Concussion, something went terribly wrong and Concussion turned evil and killed his teammates. Zoom stopped him and after the explosion, Concussion was presumed dead and Zoom lost his powers. Thirty years later, the government tries to resurrect Team Zenith using new kids with superpowers and recruits the retired Captain Zoom to train them. At the promise of a big paycheck, Zoom reluctantly agrees and when it’s revealed that the real reason behind the resurrection of the team is because the government discovered Concussion is still alive in another dimension and is plotting his return, Zoom takes it upon himself to make the team ready before his evil brother comes back and puts the planet in jeopardy.

     

    This movie is based on the children’s book Amazing Adventures from Zoom’s Academy by Joe Lethcoe. It’s a lighthearted superhero comedy, which is kind of like X-Men but with kids and tailored to that audience. Which is totally fine because kids need superhero movies, too, and with the majority of mainstream superhero stuff geared toward adults, I’m glad flicks like this are made.

    This flick is chock-full of big names and recognizable faces: Chevy Chase, Rip Torn, Courtney Cox, and, of course, Tim Allen in the lead. Speaking of whom, Tim Allen was pretty funny in this and if you liked him in Galaxy Quest, he’s pretty much playing the same character of someone who once had glory but has fizzled out. The thing, too, is aside from the funny bits, when it came time to be serious and/or reflective and sad, he nailed it as well and you genuinely felt bad for the guy.

    Courtney Cox was the biggest dork in this movie, which was perfect because that was her character. And she played it straight, too, that is, there was no tongue-in-cheek here, but a beautiful nerd that made you love her and roll your eyes at her at the same time.

    Chevy Chase—big fan. As the head scientist for Team Zenith, he’s just following orders, and with his trademark deadpan humor and wit, I can watch the guy all day.

    The kids who made up Team Zenith: just fine. Cute. Funny with kid stuff. The little girl with the superstrength was adorable. The teenager stuff played by actors who were older in real life than their characters—such a Hollywood thing—I could do without, but I hate teenage angst garbage and wish we as a species could just skip those years as we go from kid to grownup. The superpowers displayed were definitely budget: superstrength, telekinetics, invisibility and clairvoyance, and a kid who can blow his body up like a balloon. Yet they worked those not-so-awe-inspiring abilities into the story and made them work for what they needed them to.

    I will say that when Captain Zoom cranks up the superspeed later on, it’s pretty cool and makes me excited for a Flash movie if it ever happens.

    Overall, Zoom is a decent flick, good for kids, and if you’re a superhero fan it’s worth checking out for the sake of a fun time. However, if you’re one of those people where everything has to be top notch, then you’ll be disappointed.