Clifford Johnson, USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences
The film wowed critics and fans. But its hidden power may be black lead characters who are accomplished scientists – just the thing to help inspire future generations to follow in their footsteps.
Remembering the co-creator of Spider-Man, The Hulk, Fantastic Four and all the rest.
Tom Hardy in Venom: the intense action sequences are balanced by disarming humour.
Avi Arad Productions, Columbia Pictures Corporation,Marvel Entertainment.
Venom is an engrossing science fiction film, which balances intense action sequences with disarming humour. Viewing it in 4DX, however, did not add to the experience.
Gilgamesh (right) in his first appearance as an Avenger in the Marvel comic Avengers Vol 1 300.
Marvel Database
Unlike the Greek heroes, many Mesopotamian mythical figures have slipped into obscurity. An exception to this is their representation in comics, such as Gilgamesh, who served alongside Captain America as an Avenger.
Black Panther arrives at a moment of possibility. Its popularity demonstrates that people are crying out for chances to see themselves and their communities portrayed with dignity—as heroes.
The third in the Thor series, directed by New Zealand wunderkind Taika Waititi, is thoughtful, hilarious and looks magnificent.
Gil Birmingham (Cory) and Jeremy Renner (Martin) in Wind River: grieving fathers who come together in the realm of the dead.
Production Co: Acacia Filmed Entertainment, Film 44, Ingenious Media
American cinema mines Greek myth most strongly at times of profound social anxiety. In the age of Trump, we are already seeing key political battlegrounds framed as underworld quests in film.
A Panel from the Marvel Comics series ‘The 'Nam.’
Marvel Comics
Because they’re mass-produced and written in a serialized format, comics can be seen as historical documents that reflect the political moment.
A scene from The Mummy: the first in a Dark Universe multi-film franchise that will include characters such as Frankenstein’s monster, and Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde.
Universal Pictures
The recently broadcast TV mini-series, “Mars”, combines fiction and nonfiction in a way that places them in balance. This kind of combination is likely to feature in more television series and films.
In the entertainment industry, the success or failure of a minority lead can be a referendum on whether or not to use diverse leads for future projects.