Alright, yall. It’s been too damn long since I’ve updated this site. Let’s see how long I can stay on the ball this time…
One of my last posts, “Seven Soulmates”, was shortly after I had seen Thor: Love and Thunder, and during the time I was watching She-Hulk. I hated the ending of that series so much that it ruined the MCU for me for a good long while.
After Gorr the God-Butcher got the “Ultron treatment” in Thor: Love and Thunder, I was disappointed but not deterred. When I watched She-Hulk, I was totally absorbed by a new, bad ass female lead with a well rounded origin story and supporting cast. I was convinced that She-Hulk was going to set things straight. Then I watched the finale of the series…
The whole fourth wall breaking, coming through your TV and back into a separate “show” was the epitome of lazy writing. I don’t care that it’s in keeping with the original source material in this instance. It worked for comic books, but it flopped HARD in live action. Suffice it to say that my love for all things MCU came to a screeching halt. I was no longer excited for new installments in the franchise. Stan Lee rolled over in his grave.
Since then, I’ve brought myself to watch “Werewolf by Night”, “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever”, and “Ant-Man & the Wasp: Quantumania”. Here are my very brief reviews.
Werewolf by Night
The introduction of Elsa Bloodstone was a solid choice for the dark route Marvel seems to be taking. I’m excited for the introduction of Man-Thing (Ted) and how that ties into some multiversal theories I have regarding him, Agatha Harkness, and Doctor Strange.
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
They established Shuri very well, in my opinion, as the next Black Panther. I have mixed feelings on their portrayal of Namor, particularly his origins. I’m all for cultural representation, but his origins felt too forced. What’s more, Riri Williams’ introduction felt very overshadowed by Shuri’s rise as the main plot. I can only hope they give her the spotlight she deserves with the upcoming Ironheart series.
Ant-Man & the Wasp: Quantumania
The supporting cast in the quantum realm felt very two dimensional. No depth at all. And don’t get me started on what they did to my boy M.O.D.O.K.! However, the meaty plot introducing Kang was well done. As was the cut scene; I’m excited to see how Immortus, Rama-Tut, and Scarlet Centurion are ushered into the main MCU continuity.
And that, my friends, was the last MCU installment I watched. Somehow I’ve avoided any major spoilers for Guardians of the Galaxy 3 and Secret Invasion. I plan to watch those soon, and then dive into Loki season 2. Loki is probably what brought me out of my hibernation from the MCU. Let’s hope it’s not shit!