Years Before Batman: The Animated Series, There Was... J. Michael Straczynski's Batman And The New Robin?!

 

Another comics-accurate Batman series could've predated Batman: The Animated Series, with J. Michael Straczynski at the helm. I look at the history of the project, and the nixed series bible this week at CBR.

This Classic '80s Spider-Man Story Redefined Kraven the Hunter, Establishing A New Era

Following Spider-Man and MJ's honeymoon, the couple experienced a shocking trauma, while Kraven enjoyed his ultimate victory. I look back at a true classic this week at CBR.

Years Before Dynamite, WildStorm's ThunderCats Revamp Embraced Nostalgia

 

After facing controversy, WildStorm's ThunderCats title returned to its animated roots, with some dicey results. I revisit this week at CBR.

G.I. Joe: A Real American...Romance?

 

Just in time for, well, Halloween I revisit a romance-heavy G.I. Joe arc from the Devil's Due era this week at CBR.

What Happened to Joss Whedon's Cancelled Wonder Woman Film?

The prospect of a Joss Whedon Wonder Woman film once excited fandom--but the leaked script stirred controversy. I revisit this week at CBR.

Years Before Pennyworth, Batman: The Animated Series Made Alfred a Star

 

In the DC Animated continuity, Alfred Pennyworth exhibited his toughness years before he was revamped as an action hero. I revisit this week at CBR.

Spider-Man and MJ's G-Rated Honeymoon Adventures

 

Peter Parker and Mary Jane enjoyed two wholesome honeymoons, as an era of Spider-Man drew to a close. My retrospective on the Marriage Years continues this week at CBR. 

Alan Moore, The Maxx, and the Uncomfortable Retcon

Alan Moore brought one bold idea to The Maxx, and the series' creator wasn't sure how to handle it. I examine Moore's lone issue of The Maxx this week at CBR. 

What Nearly Ruined Spider-Man and Mary Jane's Wedding Day?

 

Today at CBR I look back at the classic Spider-Man event Marvel really, really wants you to forget about. 

20 Years Ago, Transformers Fans Met Starscream's ...Brother?

 

Dreamwave's Transformers series was a passion project by fans for fans, canonizing some obscure lore from the classic cartoon. I revisit this week at CBR.

Iron Man's RoboCop-Influenced, R-Rated Film Debut -- What Might've Been

 

Stan Lee was less than pleased with an early Iron Man draft from RoboCop's co-creator and an experimental filmmaker. I look at The IronMan, the oddest "lost" screenplay I've reviewed so far, this week at CBR.

The Surprising Inspiration for Wolverine's Most Controversial Makeover

 

Marvel's plans to return Wolverine to his bestial roots backfired with fans. But most don't know the origin of Wolverine's makeover. I revisit the Scooberine era this week at CBR.

The OTHER G. I. Joe Relaunch Influenced by the Classic '80s Cartoon

 

Years before Robert Kirkman's Skybound relaunch, another imprint brought animated influences into G. I. Joe's comic continuity. I continue my look at the Devil's Due Joe days this week at CBR. 

Justice League Unlimited's Perfect Goodbye to Batman (and Beyond)

 

The DCAU Batman received two perfect farewells in the 2000s...even though he never stays gone for long. I revisit the final Batman Adventures and what could've been the Justice League Unlimited finale this week at CBR.

What Happened After Spider-Man's (Botched) Proposal to Mary Jane?

In the romantic city of Pittsburg, a 1987 storyline continued Peter Parker and MJ's engagement journey. My retrospective on the early Spider-Man marriage years continues this week at CBR.

I Thee Web: Spider-Man's Chaotic Engagement to Mary Jane

Spider-Man's engagement to MJ created turmoil in the comic book series...and behind-the-scenes. I begin a new series devoted to the early "marriage years" this week at  CBR. Spread the word!

Was Jetfire Once the Autobots' Leader...Instead of Optimus Prime?

 

This week at CBR I look at the early, awkward Transformers mythos -- featuring Autobot leader... Jetfire?

The Wild, Ambitious, and Nixed Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles IV

 

This week at CBR, I'm reviewing the scrapped TMNT IV screenplay...the first attempt to introduce a fifth Ninja Turtle, and what could've been Julie Strain's turn as an evil April O'Neil..

When Udon Joined Robotech's WildStorm Relaunch

 

This week at CBR, I revisit the official launch of Robotech's WildStorm era. No more Jim Lee art, but Udon has arrived.

No Megatron? No Optimus Prime? The Launch of Dreamwave's Transformers Ongoing

 

After a run of hit miniseries, Dreamwave's Transformers monthly comic opened with the two prominent leaders sidelined. I revisit this week at CBR. (And it takes me over 2,500 words to cover only two issues, thanks to the inside references and diehard fan shout-outs.)

Rogue's Lost Supervillain Past (And Potential Romance)

 

This week at CBR, I look at Rogue's two-year stretch as a villain, appearing in mid-list Marvel titles...and the teased romance with a Bronze Age hero Marvel doesn't have the rights to. 

Storefront - Gene Kendall's New Short Story

Jacob felt a little guilty, snapping at her like that over the phone. He should’ve known, Beth wouldn’t have called at the unholy hour of ten a.m. unless it was something serious.

My new short story "Storefront" is featured this month in the Adelaide Literary Magazine. Read it for free at this link and share your all-important thoughts...

The Classic X-Men: The Animated Series Moment Only Allowed ONCE by Censors

 

This week at CBR, I'm revisiting the animated X-Men moment the censors only allowed once. The header image might be a clue.

Why Couldn't Watchmen's Original Ending be Adapted to Film?

 

Hollywood's decision to alter Watchmen's controversial finale might have been more than a creative decision. I discuss a new revelation from original Watchmen screenwriter Sam Hamm.this week at CBR.

When Batman: The Animated Series Tried to 'Nip/Tuck' Two-Face

 

More than once, Batman: The Animated Series creators introduced the prospect of "fixing" Two-Face. I look at two stories that address an obvious question this week at CBR.

Spider-Man's Film Debut Nearly Featured Green Goblin…AND Dr. Octopus?

 

This week at CBR, I look at David Koepp's first draft for 2002's Spider-Man. Far more comics accurate..and, for some reason, Dr. Octopus is also included.

Gene Kendall's "Dogteeth" - Presented by the NoSleep Podcast

 

For the first time, one of my short stories has been produced with a full cast, sound effects, and musical score. Dogteeth is the story of a grizzled bounty hunter seeking a warrior’s end, following a bad doctor’s visit. He finds what he’s looking for in a neighborhood dominated by Dogteeth, the leather-clad ghouls who no longer hide in the shadows…and don’t you ever call them vampires. The performance evokes memories of classic radio drama (hopefully) and I think the team did a great job. My story begins at around 25 minutes in: https://www.thenosleeppodcast.com/episodes/extras/sd16

And the text version of the story, along with nine other tales, can be found in my new short story collection Dogteeth and Other Tales of the Paranormal: https://www.amazon.com/Dogteeth-Other-Tales-Paranormal-Kendall-ebook/dp/B0CQHSBBDR

Check it out and let me know what you think!

Jim Lee's Revival of an '80s Mecha Sensation -- Robotech!

 

WildStorm attempted another '80s revival with Robotech, featuring rare interior art from comics legend Jim Lee. I revisit this week at CBR.

Gen 13 was a '90s Sensation...What Happened to the Movie?

 

This week at CBR, I have my first-ever in-depth look at '90s sensation Gen 13, and its doomed animated adaptation. Did the movie nearly sink Jim Lee? 

Skybound's Transformers Reboot Embraces the '80s…But it's More than Nostalgia

 

Embracing the '80s style is one way the Transformers reboot is finding old and new audiences. I examine Daniel Warren Johnson's bold decision to draw the cast the way they're supposed to look this week at CBR.

Was the Best X-Men Movie Needlessly Scrapped?

 

X-Men Origins: Magneto was cannibalized for X-Men First Class, but was the better film lost? I delve into what could be the strongest of these cancelled scripts this week at CBR.

How Did X-Men: The Animated Series Address Wolverine's Origin?

 

Wolverine's early spotlight stories in Uncanny X-Men inspired a memorable X-Men: The Animated Series episode...and the animated debut of Alpha Flight. I check it out this week at CBR.

Why Did a 2000s Masters of the Universe Relaunch Fizzle?

 

He-Man and the Masters of the Universe were primed for a comeback, but something happened. Are Snake Men to blame? I revisit this week at CBR.

Was Tim Burton's Catwoman Film Doomed from the Start?

 

Catwoman's scrapped spinoff from Batman Returns began life with an outrageous screenplay from Daniel Waters. I look at this oddity -- perhaps the largest creative disaster I've covered in the column so far -- this week at CBR.

Two New Gene Kendall Collections!

I have two short story collections, scheduled for release on the same day. That same day is today. One collection is "in this world" and one "out of this world" (paranormal, horror, absurdity...) Both are free reads on Kindle Unlimited. Reviews appease our Amazon overlords, and I am genuinely curious about what you have to say.

Ten Tiny Tales: Stories of Broken Elevators and Other Mundane Things

Gene Kendall returns with ten stories of everyday joys, anxieties, and all the gooey stuff in-between. A few tales of families and criminals and windbags and kids who need haircuts. Featuring material originally presented in the Saturday Evening Post. Available here!

Dogteeth and Other Tales of the Paranormal

Ten stories of the paranormal from Gene Kendall, exploring both the light and the dark. A wood nymph becomes a crucial tool in global domination. A social media fad has the entire world feeling blue. An idyllic young couple faces a literal ghost from the past. Featuring the return of Bradley Burns, the Paranormal Desperado of Love is Dead(ly), and the debut of Dogteeth (don’t you ever call them vampires).  Available here!

Efficient and Divine: Honey Locust -- Now on Audible!

My new audiobook Efficient and Divine: Honey Locust Is on sale now! 

Mason Mackay is at peace with his lust, but this newfound sanguinity is a deadly thing. With the aid of a charming mentor, Mason's discovered a class of victim that can be targeted, hunted, and eliminated with ease. With a new love and a new taste for boozy treats, Mason is enjoying a life of sweet indulgence.

He's made some mistakes, though, unwilling to cut all ties to his past. Mason's former love Natalie Martinez is on his case, whether she knows it or not. A collision is coming, one that might claim both lives.

The second volume in the Efficient and Divine series is fast-paced, lean, and mean. A mystery thriller that promises both broken hearts and broken bones.

I have free Audible codes if you're interested, just contact me.

How Mini-Comics Revived a Canceled He-Man/TMNT Crossover

This week at CBR, I look at new He-Man and TMNT minicomics by the great Freddie E. Williams II, fulfilling the promise of a scrapped comic crossover.  

When Spider-Man: The Animated Series Brought Morbin' Time to Fox Kids

 

This week at CBR, I revisit Morbius' animated debut, which maybe convinced Hollywood the public desperately wanted more of ol' pug-nose. 

Skybound's Cobra Commander #1 Confronts a Lingering G. I. Joe Controversy

 

An area of continuity that's divided G. I. Joe fans for over 30 years has now resurfaced. I look at Skybound's Cobra Commander #1 this week at CBR. 

Psylocke's Shocking Connection to a Deadly X-Men Foe

 

An alt-reality version of Psylocke has lived in the 616 continuity for decades, but apparently, only her creator's noticed. I explore a stunning revelation from Chris Claremont this week at CBR. And, hey, on a related note, you can check out my archive of "X-Men Revolution" reviews at this link (assuming Blogger hasn't screwed them up over the years.)

Did Image's G. I. Joe Relaunch 'Malfunction' Early?

 

Joes and Cobras united against a Battle Android Trooper! Heavy Duty "vs." Roadblock! No more "Toma"hawk! I revisit this week at CBR.