Let me be as transparent as I can about my DC Cinematic Universe gripes.
Superman isn’t that interesting of a character. Peep the last two attempts. While it would be easy to hang the blame on Bryan Singer and Zack Snyder — these directors did not have too much to work with.
Superman Returns suffered from “I want to be Grant Morrison, but I’m not going to commit to it” syndrome. It was stifled weirdness.
Man of Steel, while marginally better, was in no way aspirational. Superman is meant to be the best of us. He is supposed to be the Big Blue Boy Scout, not the mass murdering property damager.
As far as Zack Snyder helming Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice in 2016 and parts one and two of the Justice League films in 2017 and 2019…I don’t know, man.
I actually enjoyed Dawn of the Dead (2004), but nothing else. The style over substance shtick gets old quickly. And has dude ever met a vibrant color he liked? Superheroes are our myths and there are very few superheroes more mythic than those of the DCU.
Myths are meant to be big and bold, not muted and dull. Can we get some kind of popping color? Can I look at the screen and be awed by the fact that my four-color books have come to glorious and colorful life?
Now, on to what I dig:
What an amazing redesign. Or composite design, depending on your Aquaman/Conan/Khal Drogo knowledge. This is the Aquaman that we deserve.
When it was first announced that Jason Momoa was going to be Aquaman, I engaged in several Facebook “discussions” about how ill it would be to reframe Aquaman through the lens of the mythology of Oceania. And it looks like they’re doing just that. From the tattoos of the shark’s teeth (which in many of the culture’s of Oceania, is a form of armor in and of itself), the brace that mirrors the tattoos pattern, and the sculpt of the pentdent (The Trident of Neptune) this is Aquaman, by way of the Pacific.
Momoa’s Aquaman benefits from Snyder’s color dial down sensibilities. This muted look suits the gritty royalty (I’m assuming) Snyder is going for. Most underwater fighters are stealth fighters, so this colorway is perfect for swimming up from the murky depths and clocking fools.
In the comics, Aquaman’s green Lululemon tights and his Liberace top were always so distracting and hard on the eyes.
Poor Arthur Curry was also saddled with the Olivia Newton John Xanadu Ocean Spray onesie that was just pure travesty.
I think I am one of the eight people who actually are fond of his gritty harpoon hand, Seven Seas Gladiator joint.
This is the first bit of casting and costume reveal that has generated in me a measure of excitement for the DCCU.
Let’s see if Snyder and company can deliver.
Superman is SOOOO boring. I completely agree with you.
I’ve never really been into Aquaman, but man, he looks sick in that poster. I will now consider dropping some dollars to see that movie.
His look gives me (the slighest) hope that this will be good.
Yes lets see what they deliver.
Aquaman was always a hard character for me to get into. Superman and batman are okay but it’s like I kinda get tired of hearing the same thing about both their characters – it’s like I get it already please stop.
Now Jason as Aquaman I can totally see it & can’t wait to see how this Justice League film is gonna turn out & I agree there should be some humor it can’t be serious all the time. Even the Avengers bicker amongst each at times.
If he is all imperial and you are beneath me royalty, I’d be so with it. Both Batman and Supes need to be taken down a peg or three.
I never really got into Aquaman as a character, probably because I don’t know much about him, but he is the character that I’m most excited about. Plus, I’m looking forward to seeing how the myths of Oceania will be use in the film.
They finally added some Hawaiian flavor to the live action DC Universe. As much as I love DCU, I still have to criticize them for only having a handful of minorities as main characters (Cyborg, Vixen, John Stewart Green Lantern, and Martian Manhunter/John Jones).
Agreed. My hope is for a great Vixen film.
Aquaman looks awesome. Can’t wait to see him in BvS
Now that we know what he looks like Wonder Woman should be hooking up with him, not the Man of Steel!
I hate seeing all this stuff when its over a year til the movie comes out.
I am so with you, man. I’m going to try and not look at any of the trailers when they drop. We’ll see if I’m able to do so.
I just hope that they utilize his character in more than just a cameo nod or as a token minority. We have had enough Batman and Superman films (majority of which weren’t even that good), DC needs to explore other characters, and while I have not been a big Aquaman fan, the rich Atlantean mythology combined with this new Oceanic slant could be rad if they really commit.
Who I am really excited about though, is Cyborg.
Cyborg (I think) might be the sleeper character. He has always been almost interesting, but very few writers can get him right. The films may just do so.