The Penguin Episode 2 "Inside Man" Breakdown | NYSQ Breakdowns

The 2nd episode of the Penguin dropped and we are going to break it all down so join in the conversation. 

The Penguin is an American crime drama television miniseries developed by Lauren LeFranc for HBO. Based on the DC Comics character Penguin, it is a spin-off from the film The Batman (2022) that explores the Penguin's rise to power in Gotham City's criminal underworld. LeFranc serves as the showrunner of the series, which is produced by DC Studios in association with Warner Bros. Television.

Colin Farrell stars as the Penguin, reprising his role from The Batman, alongside Cristin Milioti, Rhenzy Feliz, Deirdre O’Connell, Clancy Brown, Carmen Ejogo, Michael Zegen, Berto Colón, James Madio, Joshua Bitton, David H. Holmes, Daniel J. Watts, Ben Cook, Jayme Lawson, Scott Cohen, Shohreh Aghdashloo, Theo Rossi, Ben Cook, Jayme Lawson, Aleska Palladino, Craig Walker, Tess Soltau, Marié Botha, Michael Kelly and Mark Strong. Development was underway by September 2021, and HBO Max ordered it in March 2022, after The Batman was released. The film's director, Matt Reeves, supervised the writing and was involved in hiring the creative team. Filming began in March 2023 in New York, but was halted in June by the 2023 Hollywood labor disputes. Production resumed in late November and concluded in February 2024. The series moved from HBO Max's successor Max to HBO in July 2024. Craig Zobel directed the first three episodes.

The Penguin premiered in the United States on HBO on September 19, 2024, and is set to run for eight episodes until November 10.

InFocus Hawkgirl: A Warrior of Time and Rebirth

Since its inception, DC Comics has been home to a myriad of iconic superheroes and heroines, each with their unique powers, origin stories, and complexities. Among these legendary figures stands Hawkgirl, a fierce and captivating character who has left an indelible mark on the DC universe. With roots dating back to the Golden Age of Comics, Hawkgirl has undergone numerous evolutions, retaining her place as a powerful and enduring heroine. In this article, we will explore the origins of Hawkgirl, her remarkable abilities, and some essential comics to delve into her enthralling adventures.

The Origins of Hawkgirl: A Tale of Ancient Reincarnation

Hawkgirl, also known by her given name Kendra Saunders, belongs to an ancient lineage stretching back to the Egyptian civilization. In her original incarnation, she was Shiera Sanders Hall, the reincarnation of Chay-Ara, an Egyptian princess and the consort of Khufu, an Egyptian prince. Their love story was tragically cut short when they were murdered with an ancient weapon known as the "Nth Metal," a powerful substance that granted them eternal life through a cycle of reincarnation.

Throughout the ages, Kendra has discovered her previous lives and the responsibilities tied to her warrior past. Armed with the Nth Metal-infused wings and weapons, she has fought alongside her fellow reincarnated lover, Carter Hall, the Hawkman, to maintain balance in the world.

The Powers and Abilities of Hawkgirl

Hawkgirl possesses a unique set of skills and powers that make her a formidable force in the DC universe:

Nth Metal Enhancement: The Nth Metal that infuses her wings, armor, and weapons grants her enhanced strength, agility, and durability. It also allows her to defy gravity and fly with great speed.

Ancient Weapons Mastery: As a skilled warrior from countless lifetimes, Hawkgirl is proficient in various ancient weapons, including her iconic mace, which she wields with exceptional prowess.

Reincarnation Awareness: Throughout her existence, Kendra has gradually unlocked memories of her past lives, giving her insights and knowledge from different eras.

Enhanced Healing: The Nth Metal accelerates her natural healing abilities, allowing her to recover from injuries faster than an ordinary human.

Leadership and Strategy: Hawkgirl's vast experience and innate leadership qualities have made her a valuable asset in various superhero teams, such as the Justice League.

Essential Comics to Read Featuring Hawkgirl:

"JSA: The Return of Hawkman" (1999) - This story arc reintroduces Hawkman and Hawkgirl to the modern DC universe, shedding light on their complicated history and dynamic partnership.

"Hawkgirl" (2006-2007) - In this series, Kendra Saunders takes on the mantle of Hawkgirl and embarks on her solo adventures, exploring her identity, past lives, and the challenges that come with being a reincarnated hero.

"Blackest Night" (2009-2010) - A major DC Comics event that features Hawkgirl as one of the prominent characters. This storyline showcases the rise of the Black Lantern Corps and the emotional struggles faced by the heroes and heroines of the DC universe.

"Brightest Day" (2010-2011) - Following the events of "Blackest Night," this series further explores the resurrection of Hawkman and Hawkgirl, delving into their complex relationship and destiny.

"Justice League: The Darkseid War" (2015) - This epic Justice League storyline features Hawkgirl as a core member of the team as they confront the formidable New God, Darkseid.

"Dark Nights: Metal" (2017) - In this event, Hawkgirl plays a crucial role in the battle against the dark forces threatening the multiverse.

These essential comics not only showcase Hawkgirl's character but also provide readers with a deeper understanding of her background, relationships, and her impact on the broader DC universe.

Hawkgirl, with her rich history and fascinating abilities, continues to captivate fans as a symbol of strength, resilience, and ancient wisdom. Whether she's soaring through the skies or embarking on thrilling quests through time, her story remains an essential part of the DC Comics tapestry. As readers explore her adventures, they will discover the depth of her character and her enduring legacy as a true warrior of time and rebirth in the vast DC universe.

And if you want to purchase these comics, always check out your local comic bookstore first, but if they don't have them, you can use the amazon links below:

JSA the Return of Hawkman https://amzn.to/3OGyveA 

Hawkgirl (2006-2007) https://amzn.to/47gu0hN 

Blackest Night (2009-2010) https://amzn.to/43Xn5ay

Brightest Day (2010-2011) https://amzn.to/3YfFjD7 

Justice League: The Darkseid War (2015) https://amzn.to/3OkMm8R 

Dark Nights: Metal (2017) https://amzn.to/3OHZ0jP

Infocus: Metamorpho: DC Comics' Elemental Adventurer

In the vast landscape of DC Comics, where extraordinary abilities and larger-than-life characters abound, Metamorpho, also known as Rex Mason, stands out as a unique and fascinating superhero. With his ability to transform his body into any element, Metamorpho has captured the imagination of readers for decades. This article will delve into the origins and key storylines of Metamorpho, as well as recommend essential comics that showcase the character's remarkable adventures.

Metamorpho first appeared in "The Brave and the Bold" #57 in 1965, created by writer Bob Haney and artist Ramona Fradon. The character's alter ego, Rex Mason, was an adventurer and archaeologist who was transformed into the elemental hero during an expedition in Egypt. Exposed to a mysterious meteorite, Rex gained the ability to shape-shift his body into various elements such as stone, water, and even exotic metals. This newfound power also granted him enhanced strength and durability, making him a formidable force against evildoers.

Essential Metamorpho Comics:

"The Brave and the Bold" #57 (1965): The debut issue of Metamorpho is a must-read to witness his origin and early adventures. This story not only introduces the character but also establishes his unique powers and his role as a superhero.

"Metamorpho" (1965-1968): This eponymous series, spanning seventeen issues, provides a deeper exploration of Metamorpho's abilities and his life as a superhero. Written by Bob Haney and featuring artwork by Ramona Fradon, this run showcases the character's struggle to accept his transformation and his ongoing battles against various adversaries.

"Justice League of America" #42-44 (1966): Metamorpho joins forces with the legendary Justice League in this three-part storyline. Written by Gardner Fox, with art by Mike Sekowsky, these issues demonstrate Metamorpho's integration into the superhero community and his interactions with iconic characters like Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman.

"Metamorpho: Year One" (2007): This six-issue limited series, written by Dan Jurgens and illustrated by Mike Norton, offers a modern retelling of Metamorpho's origin. It delves into Rex Mason's transformation and the challenges he faces as he adapts to his new abilities. The series explores the character's emotional journey, shedding light on his relationships with Sapphire Stagg, his love interest, and Simon Stagg, Sapphire's father and Rex's frequent employer.

"Metamorpho: Two Worlds, One Destiny" (2017): As part of DC's "The New 52" initiative, this six-issue series by writer Aaron Lopresti and artist Jonathan Glapion presents a fresh take on Metamorpho's adventures. The story showcases his encounters with other elemental heroes and villains, adding new layers to his mythology.

Metamorpho, the elemental adventurer of DC Comics, has captivated readers with his unique powers and engaging stories for over half a century. From his origins in "The Brave and the Bold" to his appearances in "Justice League" and his own series, Metamorpho's comic book journey offers an exciting blend of superhero action, personal growth, and exploration of the human condition. Whether you're a fan of transformative powers or seeking an unconventional hero, diving into the recommended essential comics will provide a thrilling and rewarding experience with Metamorpho.

And if you want to purchase these comics, always check out your local comic bookstore first, but if they don't have them, you can use the amazon links below:

The Brave and the Bold #57 

Metamorpho #1 1965

Justice League of America (1960-1987) #42

Metamorpho: Year One 

Metamorpho: Two Worlds, One Destiny 

Big News about DC Studios, James Gunn's response and what it means to us, the fans!

The article about DC Studios from THR is blowing up the internet, we talk about it and James Gunn's response. What do you all think? 

DC Studios is an American film and television studio that is a division of Warner Bros., which is a subsidiary of Warner Bros. Discovery. It is dedicated to the production of films, series, and animations based on characters from DC Comics, among them is their flagship franchise, the DC Extended Universe. James Gunn and Peter Safran assumed control of the company, on November 1, 2022. Previously, Walter Hamada was the president of DC Films from 2018 until his departure in October 2022, working under and reporting directly to the co-CEOs of Warner Bros. Pictures Group, Michael De Luca and Pam Abdy.

Wonder Woman 1984 Breakdown and Review

We sat through Wonder Woman 1984 and have thoughts, did it live up to the orginal Wonder Woman movie or did it let it's viewers down? What did you all think?

 Wonder Woman 1984 (also referred to as WW84) is an upcoming superhero film based on the DC Comics character Wonder Woman. It is the sequel to 2017's Wonder Woman and the ninth installment in the DC Extended Universe (DCEU). The film is being directed by Patty Jenkins from a script she wrote with Geoff Johns and David Callaham, and a story by Johns and Jenkins, and stars Gal Gadot as Diana Prince / Wonder Woman, alongside Chris Pine, Kristen Wiig, Pedro Pascal, Robin Wright, and Connie Nielsen. It will be the fourth live-action theatrical film featuring the title character, following Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, Wonder Woman, and Justice League; it will also be the second full-length feature film centered around the character. The film follows Diana as she faces Maxwell Lord and Cheetah in 1984.

NYSQ DC Fandome Special Report

On Saturday, August 22, Warner Bros. welcomed fans everywhere into the DC FanDome—a free virtual fan experience where no badge is required.

 

Imagine all the Super Heroes and Super-Villains you’ve ever loved finally coming together in one place to celebrate DC’s past, present and future.  Accessible for 24 hours at DCFanDome.com, the global event immersed fans into the DC Multiverse, with new announcements from WB Games, Film and TV, and comics, as well as an unprecedented opportunity to hear from the casts and creators behind your favorite feature films and TV series, including: Aquaman, The Batman, Batwoman, Black Adam, Black Lightning, DC Super Hero Girls, DC’s Legends of Tomorrow, DC’s Stargirl, Doom Patrol, The Flash, Harley Quinn, the SnyderCut of Justice League, Lucifer, Pennyworth, SHAZAM!, The Suicide Squad, Supergirl, Superman & Lois, Teen Titans GO!, Titans, Watchmen, Young Justice: Outsiders and, coming this fall to theaters worldwide, Wonder Woman 1984.

 

The DC FanDome is the place to hear highly anticipated announcements and the latest news, see exclusive footage, and venture into themed worlds designed to entertain everyone from movie and TV superfans to gamers and readers, to families and kids.  With special presentations to engage fans in every time zone across the globe, you’ll have the opportunity to have an experience that’s all your own.  Inside this virtual world, fans will also get access to localized events, featuring the faces and voices from countries around the world in their local language.  No matter where you live, your age or your level of fandom, there is something for you.

 

 

Quick Hit on the Massive Layoffs at DC

"The majority of staff of the streaming service DC Universe has been laid off, as has editor-in-chief Bob Harras and multiple other executives on the publishing side. Monday's WarnerMedia layoffs have affected a significant number of high-level figures at comic book powerhouse DC, multiple sources tell The Hollywood Reporter.

 

Among those said to be losing their positions are editor-in-chief Bob Harris, senior VP of publishing strategy and support services Hank Kanalz, VP of marketing and creative services Jonah Weiland, VP global publishing initiatives and digital strategy Bobbie Chase, senior story editor Brian Cunningham, and executive editor Mark Doyle, who oversaw the rollout of the Black Label graphic novels. Jim Lee remains the CCO."

 

Hollywood Reporter Story: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/dc-comics-dc-universe-hit-by-major-layoffs-1306743

 

“Simply put, “Warner Media doesn’t want to be in the comics business. It wants to be in the character business,” another source with knowledge of Warner Bros. operations tells me. That same source contends that the company may have no longer wanted DC and its comics to be the driving force behind entities that are so important to WB franchising and licensing goals. Moving forward, both sources believe comics will be just a small part of the necessary intellectual property maintenance needed to keep corporate cash cows like Batman, Wonder Woman, and Superman humming along.”

“Keep in mind, it wasn’t about whether DC was losing money. Even if it was, it was a small amount. The problem is that the potential profits in comics are negligible when one considers the average summer blockbuster has $200 million-plus budgets. Bluntly put: It's likely Warner Media doesn’t think the money to be made in comics is worth the effort.”

SYFY Wire: https://www.syfy.com/syfywire/dc-comics-dc-universe-layoffs-fallout

 

 

Doom Patrol Season 2 Breakdown and Review [Full Spoilers]

Doom Patrol follows the unlikely heroes of the eponymous team who all received their powers through tragic circumstances and are generally shunned by society. Most members of the team were treated by the Chief, a medical doctor who gave them residence in his mansion to help protect them from the outside world. Their name derives from an earlier Doom Patrol team that was formed by the Chief.

 

The first members of the Doom Patrol to be introduced in the series are Jane, the dominant personality of a traumatized woman with dissociative identity disorder; Rita Farr, who struggles to prevent her body from turning to a gelatinous state; Larry Trainor, who has an entity of negative energy living inside of him; and Cliff Steele, whose brain was placed in a robot body following a car accident. The team is later joined by cybernetically-enhanced superhero Vic Stone.

 

In the first season, the Chief is captured by the malevolent Mr. Nobody, sending the Doom Patrol on a journey to rescue him. Along the way, they discover secrets about themselves and of the Chief, whom they eventually learn is responsible for the tragic events that gave them their powers.

 

First season premiered on February 15, 2019 on DC Universe. In July 2019, the series was renewed for a second season, which is set to premiere on June 25, 2020 on both DC Universe and HBO Max.

 

Smallville Retrospective Season 3

Smallville

The Best Superhero TV Show Ever

Having a TV show explain a complicated origin story, especially in this case, is a better format than trying to describe all the little nuances that come with growing up into a 2-hour movie. Sure, Superman with Christopher Reeve is still probably the best interpretation, but it can’t compare to Smallville. We dove into all the details here that make Clark who he is. Not only that, we learn why the other characters are who they are. You can’t get that in a movie. I’m really not a fan of Zack Snyder’s interpretation of Superman. In fact, it might be the worst I have seen. In the movies we see Clark’s transformation briefly, but we do not see everyone else and their transformations. This development isn’t limited to their superpowers, or criminal activities. It is steeped with relationship issues, school, money, and time; things all of us can relate to. This places it above everything that has come before or after it to this day.

Season 3

Clark starts this season in Metropolis after Jor El’s warning. With the red Kryptonite he becomes involved in living the life through stealing to get what he needs. When Morgan Edge gives him an offer he can’t refuse – to steal from Lionel Luthor – he gets in a little too deep. This is brilliant in the way that Clark gets to see the other side of life, the darker side. Jonathan is able to free him with the help of Jor El, but at a cost. That cost, as we know won’t be realized until season 5.

When he returns from the big city, Clark is forever changed. Meanwhile Lex, having survived an assassination attempt by his wife, also returns to Smallville. In the coolest move he could ever do, he buys the Kent farm and puts it in Jonathan’s name. I liked that. While Clark Explores his dark side (no pun intended), Lex is embracing his light side. Will it be his last embrace?

Lana is now pining for Clark, but, of course, Clark thinks of her well being before his own happiness and shuts her down until she finally gives up, and although she is still interested, she begins seeing other people. Adam, played by 1^st runner up to play Clark on this series, Ian Somerhalder, doesn’t exactly sweep her off her feet, but manages to form a relationship with her. Little does she know about his backstory, or that he was assigned by Lionel Luthor to track Clark. I love this storyline and it’s continuity through the season.

Adam isn’t the only one Lionel coerces for information on the Kent boy, Chloe gets so wrapped in her jealousy of the Clana romance that she agrees to report back as well. When Chloe uses her only chip to break free of Lionel’s grip, she requires Lex’s protection. Lex has his own preoccupation is with Clark and his investigating goes too far by the end of the season, and Clark ends their friendship. This was kind of a heartbreaking moment. I always like it when people get along, and on this show to see their friendship deteriorate was sad. Thankfully, it takes a couple of seasons to completely wither.

Overall, Clark not being so squeaky clean anymore, Lex’s dive into his own psychosis, Lana growing up and leaving to find herself, Chloe struggling with being the 3^rd wheel, Jonathan sacrificing himself for his son, and Pete leaving town as well to protect Clark’s secret, this ranks as one of my favorite seasons. Oh, and I totally forgot to mention Lex begins to drive a wedge between Clark and Lana! It’s exciting watching it back to see the subtle beginnings of what is to come and just how subtle the beginnings were!

I'd love to hear any other Smallville lover's opinions, please comment below if you wish.

NYSQ Justice Con Quick Hit Snyder Cut Justice League

Justice Con is being hosted by the Nerd Queens in association with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and Ink to the People. The event is completely free and was available to stream on the Justice Con YouTube page and still is available.

 

Justice Con's YouTube Page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmbXef0QoqdIfcXUMj_DD7A

 

Some of the panels featured in the Justice Con schedule, which will took place on July 25 and 26, the same weekend as Comic-Con@home, include spotlights on several of the film's stars and crew, including Darkseid actor Ray Porter, cinematographer Fabian Wagner and director Zack Snyder himself.

 

Zack Snyder's Justice League, or the Snyder Cut as its come to be known thanks to the #releasethesnydercut movement, was announced for HBO Max for early to mid-2021. While many of Snyder's initial ideas were cut from the theatrical version of Justice League, the director said there were "no compromises" made for the upcoming release.

Doom Patrol Season 2 Extended Trailer Breakdown

Doom Patrol follows the unlikely heroes of the eponymous team who all received their powers through tragic circumstances and are generally shunned by society. Most members of the team were treated by the Chief, a medical doctor who gave them residence in his mansion to help protect them from the outside world. Their name derives from an earlier Doom Patrol team that was formed by the Chief.

The first members of the Doom Patrol to be introduced in the series are Jane, the dominant personality of a traumatized woman with dissociative identity disorder; Rita Farr, who struggles to prevent her body from turning to a gelatinous state; Larry Trainor, who has an entity of negative energy living inside of him; and Cliff Steele, whose brain was placed in a robot body following a car accident. The team is later joined by cybernetically-enhanced superhero Vic Stone.

In the first season, the Chief is captured by the malevolent Mr. Nobody, sending the Doom Patrol on a journey to rescue him. Along the way, they discover secrets about themselves and of the Chief, whom they eventually learn is responsible for the tragic events that gave them their powers.

First season premiered on February 15, 2019 on DC Universe. In July 2019, the series was renewed for a second season, which is set to premiere on June 25, 2020 on both DC Universe and HBO Max.

Theory-Palooza: Wonder Woman 1984

Our Theory-Palooza about Wonder Woman 1984 where we talk about how Steve Trevor will come back, who we think will be the real villain of Wonder Woman 1984 and even a pretty silly one about it being set in 1984

Wonder Woman 1984 (also referred to as WW84) is an upcoming superhero film based on the DC Comics character Wonder Woman. It is the sequel to 2017's Wonder Woman and the ninth installment in the DC Extended Universe (DCEU). The film is being directed by Patty Jenkins from a script she wrote with Geoff Johns and David Callaham, and a story by Johns and Jenkins, and stars Gal Gadot as Diana Prince / Wonder Woman, alongside Chris Pine, Kristen Wiig, Pedro Pascal, Robin Wright, and Connie Nielsen. It will be the fourth live-action theatrical film featuring the title character, following Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, Wonder Woman, and Justice League; it will also be the second full-length feature film centered around the character. The film follows Diana as she faces Maxwell Lord and Cheetah in 1984.

Back to the Editing Room - Batman vs Superman: Dawn of Justice

What is “Back to the Editing Room?” It is a new feature here at Not Your Status Quo where we talk about things we would change about a movie or TV show to make it better (in our opinion). We talk about what we like about it, what we didn’t like about it and we take it back to the editing room with the changes we would make to the show.

Our first Back to the Editing Room is all about Batman vs Superman: Dawn of Justice. A movie with two heroes we all love that fell flat as a movie with character re-imagining that didn’t work and a plot that was too convoluted and trying to accomplish too much without proper set up.  

Synder Cut of Justice League News

The Snyder Cut as it is refereed to from the Release the Snyder Cut group is the original director of Justice League, Zack Snyder's vison, he left after his daughter passed away and WB brought in Joss Whedon to finish the film. At the request of WB, Major reshoots changed the movie pretty substantially

HBO Max will be releasing it in 2021 but It is unclear what form Snyder’s Justice League will take. Whether it will be released as a four-hour director’s cut or split into six episodes (hasn't been decided yet), but the Snyder's are now in the midst of reassembling much of their original postproduction crew to score, cut, add new and finish old visual effects, and, yes, maybe bring back many of the actors to record additional dialogue and once that is all done, we will probably find out what it will be. Would it be better as a 4 hour movie or 6 episodes?

Birds of Prey At the Theater Review

After splitting with the Joker, Harley Quinn joins superheroes Black Canary, Huntress and Renee Montoya to save a young girl from an evil crime lord.

A twisted tale told by Harley Quinn herself, when Gotham's most nefariously narcissistic villain, Roman Sionis, and his zealous right-hand, Zsasz, put a target on a young girl named Cass, the city is turned upside down looking for her. Harley, Huntress, Black Canary and Renee Montoya's paths collide, and the unlikely foursome have no choice but to team up to take Roman down.