Line(s) of the Day #Joker

For my whole life, I didn’t know if I even really existed. But I do, and people are starting to notice.

I used to think that my life was a tragedy, but now I realise, it’s a comedy.

Is it just me, or is it getting crazier out there?

Arthur Fleck / The Joker (Joaquin Phoenix) in the brilliantly dark and layered Joker (2019), that tells of a struggling comedian’s spiral and how it brings out his alter-ego. With its minimal use of CGI and standalone story, it is big departure from recent superhero films. I just had to have more than one quote.

Line(s) of the Day #StanLee

“I used to be embarrassed because I was just a comic-book writer while other people were building bridges or going on to medical careers. And then I began to realise: entertainment is one of the most important things in people’s lives. Without it they might go off the deep end. I feel that if you’re able to entertain people, you’re doing a good thing.”

“Another definition of a hero is someone who is concerned about other people’s well-being, and will go out of his or her way to help them – even if there is no chance of a reward. That person who helps others simply because it should or must be done, and because it is the right thing to do, is indeed without a doubt, a real superhero.”

I wouldn’t normally use two quotes for a post, but it was impossible to choose between these two. Thanks to his many dynamic and modern Marvel creations like Spiderman, Thor, Hulk, Black Panther and the X-Men, the 95-year-old Lee helped launch the comic books revolution that has led to the incredible popularity of blockbuster superhero films. Thank you Stan Lee (1922 – 2018).

Line(s) of the Day #TheAvengers

Steve Rogers: Big man in a suit of armour. Take that off, what are you?
Tony Stark: Genius, billionaire, playboy, philanthropist.
Steve Rogers: I know guys with none of that worth ten of you. I’ve seen the footage. The only thing you really fight for is yourself. You’re not the guy to make the sacrifice play, to lay down on a wire and let the other guy crawl over you.
Tony Stark: I think I would just cut the wire.
Steve Rogers: Always a way out… You know, you may not be a threat, but you better stop pretending to be a hero.
Tony Stark: A hero? Like you? You’re a lab rat, Rogers. Everything special about you came out of a bottle!
Steve Rogers: Put on the suit. Let’s go a few rounds.

Chris Evans and Robert Downey Jr in the action superhero film The Avengers (2012). The quote reflects the problems that must be resolved within the superhero group.

Things to See: Marvel Universe Live

As my posts on Marvel, such as a dedicated film quiz, and quotes from Iron Man, Thor: A Dark World and Ant-Man show, I am a fan of the Marvel superhero universe. So when I saw tickets for the Marvel Universe Live at the 02 I just had to go. As my birthday and my sister’s were around that weekend it turned out like a double birthday present.

Film Quizzes: Marvel Films

After going to the Marvel Universe event at the 02 over the weekend, I thought why not do a quiz about films made from characters from the comic books. I have done three previous quizzes on superheroes (lone, group and 20 Century) but there are so films on Marvel creations that I wanted to do a bonus length specific one. Do you have a favourite Marvel character? Do you prefer the ones set in the universe or previous ones?

 1. (1990s)

 2. (2000s)

 3. (2000s)

 4. (2000s)

 5. (2000s)

 6. (2000s)

 7. (2000s)

 8. (2010+)

 9. (2010+)

 10. (2010+)

 11. (2010+)

 12. (2010+)

 13. (2010+)

 14. (2010+)

 15. (2010+)

Answers below

Things to See: London Super Comic Convention

As mentioned in a recent post which concentrated on the celebratory outfits, I went to the London Super Comic Convention, the first time I’d been to anything like it. As someone who has seen every possible Sheldon t-shirt reference and likes to see himself as London’s Gambit, I couldn’t hold off any longer. I had to go and head down to the Excel Arena and see what it was like.

Line(s) of the Day #IronMan

Iron Man. That’s kind of catchy. It’s got a nice ring to it. I mean it’s not technically accurate. The suit’s a gold titanium alloy, but it’s kind of provocative, the imagery anyway.

Tony Stark / Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr) in the critically and commercially successful superhero film Iron Man (2008), which has led to a resurgence in comic book adaptations.

Film Quizzes: 20th Century Superheroes

Quite a few of you have done rather impressively on the previous quizzes of 21st Century superheroes and superhero teams, so let’s see if you can keep up the good form on the third and final quiz. Just how well do you know their 20th century lone equivalents? If you have a favourite, think there are any notable omissions or want to volunteer how you did, please feel free to write below in the comments.

 (1970s)

 (1980s)

 (1980s)

 (1990s)

 (1990s)

 (1990s)

Answers below

Film Quizzes: Superheroes: Groups

After focusing on the lone wolf superheroes of the 20th Century, it is time to look at the superheroes who join forces and fight crime as a team. Do you have a favourite? Any you would want included? As always, there is clue as to when the film was released, with answers at the bottom.

 (1990s)

  (2000s)

  (2000s)

  (2000s)

  (2010+)

 (2010+)

BONUS

 (2000s)

Answers below