I saw Teen Titans Go! To the Movies...

When Cartoon Network's "Teen Titans" and its sequel series, "Teen Titans Go!" premiered some years back, I enjoyed their colorful concepts, but their screeching-mouth, Playschool anime often made me cringe. For the sake of DC teen superheroes, I prefer “Young Justice” and "Justice League vs Teen Titans", where the designs and stagings are much more orthodox. 

Still, I'm loyal to DC and therefore, Teen Titans on the whole, so despite my suffocating schedule, I felt obliged to squeeze in a theatrical view of "Teen Titans Go! To the Movies".

The film, directed by Aaron Horvath and Peter Rida Michail, and written by Horvath and Michael Jelenic, resembles the cartoon programs upon which it's based, but it’s leagues sillier, often to the point of crass self-parody. Now, don’t misunderstand: This film isn’t some sanctimonious, hate-the-hero "Lego Batman" claptrap. It (like its television foundations) at least respects its characters' backgrounds, even if the ball of wax is splashed with a ton of garish gall, which includes a tad of time travel and lots of song and dance.

The story deals with Robin, the Boy Wonder (I've always presumed Dick Grayson in these cutesy cliques, but take your pick), Raven, Starfire, Cyborg, and Beast Boy hoping to mimic their mentors by starring in a big-budget, Hollywood production. They find the chance for cinematic prominence through the mind-manipulating Slade Wilson/Deathstroke and his shifty "sister" (shades of "Incredibles 2"), though it's hard to swallow why the teens fail to see the obvious charade? (Perhaps in this lies the tale's message and warning: If something looks to good to be true...)

To spice up the teens' ambitions, seasoned superheroes arbitrate. Among them, the stand-out cameo comes from Superman, voiced by Nicolas Cage: a versatile actor and comic-book connoisseur once chosen to portray the Man of Steel in a Tim Burton, live-action endeavor. (Thanks to this Teen Titans movie, how can one now say that Cage never officially played Kal-El in a full-fledged film?)  Unfortunately, Cage's vocal casting isn't enough to place the movie on a super-special, satirical plane.

The incredulous premise still gushes enough conflict to make it roll, albeit it slowly (unless one considers continuous gags a fast-paced catalyst), but this yet prompts the question: Why an all-out, feature-length lampoon? Wasn't the sequel series goofy enough? Was either Teen Titan show ever this zany in its tongue-in-cheek brio?

I can only assume that the filmmakers intended the package a means to enroll young viewers into the DC scene, but there are so many DC (and Marvel) in-jokes that it's doubtful most under-twenties will appreciate the effort. (Mind you, kids don’t attend superhero movies like they once did; I didn’t see one adolescent in the packed theaters of "Batman v Superman", "Captain America: Civil War" or the "Deadpool" set. (Granted, Deadpool's cinematic designation is R-rated, but dear mercy, in my teen years, my friends and I would have made it a priority to sneak into something so forbidden.) Also, for the record, I saw "Teen Titans Go! To the Movies" at a four o’clock, Thursday pre-premiere, and even then there wasn't one youngster present. The half dozen people in attendance were either middle age or senior.

I can’t speak for those other adults (sorry, I was too darn drained from my work day to interview 'em once the credits rolled), but for me, the movie's climate was way too juvenile (even when compared to its television counterparts), with even more screeching and bug-eyed silliness than I could bear. At a padded ninety minutes, I found myself choking back the yawns during more than a few portions. Really, this “Teen Titans Go!” would have worked better in an hour format, and even then it may have been too long. There's only so far that sustained gaudiness can go, even when the intentions are good.

I think it’s great that DC/Warner Brothers would give one of its animated features a full-blown (more than a one-night stand), theatrical release. However, that kind of experimental dedication should have fallen upon "Killing Joke", "Gotham by Gaslight" and "Batman Ninja", not a superfluous, Teen Titans farce.

I got through this one well enough, but it’s not something I'm likely to watch again, and I don’t think there's much chance it'll win over the masses or add more fans (young or old) to DC/WB's Justice League plans. That makes "Teen Titans Go! To the Movies" a miscalculation. Too bad. If it had only been stacked in a more serious way, it may have done some good, as opposed to being just another destined footnote in the companies' hit-and-miss mergers.

I saw Adam Ant...

There is no performer quite like the great Adam Ant (aka Stuart Leslie Goddard). That's because he respects the best of the best: not only musicians and composers, but movie legends like Clint Eastwood, Sergio Leone...Rudolph Valentino. Adam Ant's mystique, therefore, carries powerful, pop-cultural depth, bursting from out a clever, conglomerate that's all his own. He's a crooning Captain Blood, an experimental d'Artagnan, a newfangled Don Quixote: a hero, rogue and dandy, all rolled into one. 

His specialized charisma was displayed with audacious vigor when I attended his Anthems concert in Asbury Park, NJ, at the Paramount Theater on July 21 with my brother, Freddy and his lady friend, Terry. And whoa, what a swashbuckling night he and his enthusiastic band bestowed us!!!

For the record, this was Mr. Ant's second date in the second phase of his tour, which is comprised of greatest hits, spanning the artist's late '70s rise through his suave, '80s reign and beyond. Of course, with the tracks came all the dashing nuances that make Adam (and his snappy "Antmusic") so epic, with melodies culled from centuries past, sparked by Ennio Morricone-esque strums and grunts, rocked by jubilant and untamed interludes. 

These vast, eclectic ingredients were dispersed throughout the concert's dynamic ascension, ranging from the rousing "Beat My Guest", "Zerox" and "Cartrouble" to the noble-savage/highwayman homages, "Dog Eat Dog", "Kings of the Wild Frontier" and "Stand and Deliver." "Room at the Top", "Vive Le Rock" and "Apollo 9", on the other hand, helped toss a sharp eye on the present and future, bracketed by a brash spirit that recalled the flamboyant exploits of a bygone era. (The sounds were well represented by our hero's leathery, cool attire, which was, in its ironic freshness, fashionably antiquated: the sort of thing that might enter a Mad Max sojourn, where new and old ideally fold.)

Because of the concert's flawless structure, we were assured that we could succeed in any new scheme, by forever forging forth with an intrepid, old-fashioned heart: something that the persuasive Adam Ant has conveyed since his earliest days. 

The Anthems concert also reminded us that Adam Ant is the vivacious epitome of uninhibited eccentricity and fun. In fact, I haven't had such a stirring time in decades.

If you'd like to experience the same, be sure to visit Adam Ant along his latest, revival trek at ... https://www.ticketnetwork.com/en/concerts/tickets/rock/adam-ant/c/99012233?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Concerts&utm_content=c&tnk=GOO-[Concerts]-[Adam+Ant]-[%2BAdam+%2BAnt+%2Btour+-+b]-[c]&gclid=CjwKCAjw-dXaBRAEEiwAbwCi5gSLxWRTa1Yw7CKEv72Es1p0u2yo1zj2iE47gx_jgVNndSPe_BvkvBoCM8MQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds.

(BTW, I found the opening act, Prima Donna, a joy to absorb. The band presented the perfect kick and attitude to charge us up for the veteran rocker. Check out the band's video, "4 Real" at ...  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gdGBIoi1m7w. You're  guaranteed to get hooked.)

AIRSHIP 27 PODCAST (JULY '18): READY FOR TAKEOFF!!!

Captain Ron Fortier and Chief Engineer Rob Davis take us on another informative flight, with their July '18 Airship 27 Podcast!!!

In this installment, Ron and Rob share tender thoughts and memories on Steve Ditko and Harlan Ellison. Their commentary will surely put a sentimental tear in one's eye. 

In addition, Ron and Rob supply the goods on the latest "All American Sports Stories (Vol 2)"; the new "Sherlock Holmes: Consulting Detective (Vol 12)"; as well as Airship 27's plans for a herculean, mythological heroes anthology. 

Tune in now at ... http://zone4podcast.com/airship-27-podcast-41/.

FUN ADVENTURE COMICS! WELCOMES RON FORTIER'S BROTHER BONES!!!

Will Lill Comics has hit a home run with its latest Fun Adventure Comics!  If you’re a Ron Fortier/Brother Bones fan (and who isn't?), Issue #8 (July '18) is surely one to own and savor.

For one thing, just feast your eyes on that dynamic Barry McClain Jr./Warren Montgomery cover!!! Wow!!!

Fortier's script is exquisite in its dark, vengeful ambiance, placing the Undead Avenger and tremulous sidekick, Bobby Crandall in pursuit of a relentless pusherman. 

Joe Arnold's artwork and Montgomery's coloring/lettering ensure that Fortier's "Needle Justice" surfaces as another classic in Brother Bones' menacing mythology, and man, oh man, what a memorable ending!!!

Also in Issue #8, there's the bold Ash-Aman, high priest of Atlantis in a sublime tale called "Chaos", written by Lloyd Smith and illustrated by Russ Martin. One will be transported to a realm of the bizarre, the beautiful and the passionate: a crafty combination that will haunt one's senses for days after reading it. (Fans of Robert E. Howard and Universal's Imhotep and Kharis will find much to relish here.)

And last but not least, get set for the bedazzling wonders of Solomon Wyrd, a mighty man of stealth and magic, who'd give even Stephen Strange a hardy run for his money. The story by Jonathan A. Gilbert brims of ethereal excitement and features a startling demon destined to please any monster fan, brought to sinister life by penciler/letterer David A. Vance and inker David Owens.

Fun Adventure Comics! #8  delights on all levels and can be purchased now at ... https://willlillcomics.bigcartel.com/. 

TERRIFIC TEAM-UP IMAGE: GREAT-NEPHEW MEETS GREAT-UNCLE/HORNET MEETS RANGER

MICHAEL F. HOUSEL/AIRSHIP 27 TALES FOR SUMMER READING (AND LISTENING)

On occasion, acquaintances will ask me for summer-reading suggestions. I'm pleased to offer the standards: classics from decades and centuries past, which are always worth a look or revisit. However, if I may be so bold to blow my own, self-promotin' horn...

I penned a couple Airship 27 Production titles, available in paperback and audio form, which might help one weather the heat:

My novella, "The Hyde Seed" presents the struggle of former boxer, Pepe Rodriguez, who comes to battle an opponent unlike any other he's faced--his monstrous self. It's my pugilist tribute to Robert Louis Stevenson's famous tale of duality, with a "Twilight Zone" twist. 

The book sports a dandy Ash Arceneaux cover and captivating illustrations by Pedro Cruz . And for those fancying an audio take, my yarn is performed by the expressive Scott Glennon, courtesy of Radio Archives. 

Then there's my pulp-hero novel, "Enter--the Persona!" (aka, "The Persona, Vol 1"), which details affluent Michael Mansford's ethereal transformation into a pearly-masked crusader of the '30s.

The novel features a striking Shannon Hall cover and crisp Art Cooper illustrations, with the Radio Archives audio edition performed by veteran voice actor, Mark Barnard. 

A sequel to "Enter--the Persona!", entitled "Enter the Green-fleshed Fiends", is set for eventual release by Airship 27, so here's your chance to get a jump on my expanding, New Pulp saga, and what better time than the heart of summer, eh? (BTW: "Enter--the Persona!" is a genuine, warm-weather tale, which makes its recommendation all the more appropriate.)

Print and audio versions of "Hyde Seed" and "Enter--the Persona!" are available through Amazon; Barnes and Noble offers only the print editions. I also have a few paperbacks at my fingertips, which I'd be happy to autograph. If interested, drop me a line.)

In addition, feel free to visit Airship 27's online catalog at ... http://robmdavis.com/Airship27Hangar/index.airshipHangar.html, where many New Pulp titles can be purchased per PDF.

Collectible Time: Ant-Man and the Wasp Hallmark Ornaments

For years I've been accumulating Hallmark, pop-cultural ornaments (leapin' right in on those Christmas in July events each year at Diana's Hallmark in Hamilton, NJ), but have never done a review on any until now. There are just so many entries that my entire blog would be otherwise dedicated to them. 

However, there are a couple 2018 submissions that seemed right for review, if only due to their ideal scale and the timeliness of their release. I'm referring to Ant-Man (aka Scott Lang), and the Wasp (aka Hope van Dyne).

Each Marvel figure is a smidgen under 5". Though Ant-man and the Wasp can surely shrink far smaller than that, their represented sizes are still tiny enough to hit a reasonable spot and yet big enough to convey their costumed detail. 

The poses are ideal, too, with Ant-man running and the Wasp in ascending flight.

The Hallmark pop-cultural series started in '91 with the classic "Star Trek" Enterprise (now a coveted item among fans). From there, the company expanded into many other swell subjects, including the personalities of Marvel, DC and Filmation.

For those with a penchant for such colorful characters, Paul Rudd and Evangeline Lilly's alter egos are an excellent way to begin collecting--and a great way to commemorate the latest Marvel blockbuster.

RIP ROGER PERRY...

You made your mark as a couple of cunning and resourceful vampire hunters in "Count Yorga, Vampire" and "The Return of Count Yorga". To boot, you graced the quirky clutches of "The Thing with Two Heads" and entered the unsettling "Wreckage".

Your imagi-television career was as stunning, with roles in "The Munsters", "The Invaders"; "The Six Million Dollar Man"; "The Bionic Woman"; "Wonder Woman"; and "Star Trek", where through "Tomorrow is Yesterday", you gave time-travel an identifiable face.

In this regard, it was your everyman quality that made you so endearing, Mr. Perry. You understood your fans, and they understood you: a special exchange that only the best thespians can ever hope to offer or achieve. 

HAPPY FRIDAY THE 13TH (BEST OF LUCK)!!!

BILLY DEE'S RETURN: GOOD OR BAD FOR LANDO?

It's official: Billy Dee Williams will reprise Lando Calrissian in J.J. Abrams' "Star Wars: Episode IX". 

I had expected Lando/Williams' re-entry in “Force Awakens”, but as we all discovered, "Episode VII" wasn’t the sentimental reunion we desired, even if some of us may have liked it on the whole. All the same, I thought the charming swashbuckler would at least guest star in "Last Jedi", but now I'm glad that he didn't, after having long pondered the chapter's insolent direction.  

I suspect we'll now find Lando a pervert, coward or who knows what in Lucasfilm's current, anything-goes mode. I also suspect, based on the company's blind eye to the "Solo" boycott, that "Episode IX" will be but another misguided venture in both characterization and plot, where mythological tradition will be once more stomped.  

It will be painful to see the ship go down this way, especially if Lando delivers the final blow. Still, after the disastrous dust settles, I imagine some ambitious whippersnapper will rejuvenate the franchise (much like Christopher Nolan did for Batman), and in so doing, all will be as right as rain. Still, what of Luke, Leia, Han and (if the dreadful track record does, indeed, prevail) Lando? It seems that the sting of their ignominy could last forever. 

So be it. Life goes on, in spite of blasphemy's residue. Besides, there's plenty of other franchises to relish and revisit. For example, I recently re-watched the original "Star Trek", "Mad Max" and "Planet of the Apes" movies and without any qualms, felt safe enough to revisit some of their recent offshoots: some good, some so-so, but none so discourteous to employ complete, ideological redesign. The bottom line: There's much to enjoy beyond "Star Wars". 

Reinterpretation is fine, but only if old-school qualities accompany it. In other words, old favorites are welcome to return, but if they're not what we've come to admire, it's better to relegate them to the past, where we're at least assured their actions and philosophies remain pure and loyal.