NOC Review: ‘The Fantastic Four’ is a Loving Tribute to the Marvel Age of Comics

July 22, 2025July 23, 2025 Mike Manalo

There was a time, shortly after the Comics Code Authority was established, when DC Comics, after being attacked by psychiatrist Fredric Wertham and the Senate, was forced to make more campy, child-friendly stories for their most iconic heroes: Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman. As a result, sales plummeted, and fans of comics were looking for something more meaningful and relatable. Enter Stan Lee and Jack Kirby’s The Fantastic Four!

Interview, Marvel, Movies2 Comments

Kevin Feige on ‘Fantastic Four: First Steps’ and the Future of the MCU

July 21, 2025September 18, 2025 Mike Manalo

Kevin Feige, president of Marvel Studios, has always made himself available for the media circuit, while also displaying professional skill at giving cryptic responses to questions about upcoming Marvel Cinematic Universe events. However, at a recent roundtable discussion, Feige confidently and graciously allowed us to chat not only about the MCU’s latest film, The Fantastic Four: First Steps, but in a surprising turn, also spoke on the future of the MCU.

DC Comics, Movies

Look Out for the First Official ‘Supergirl’ Teaser Poster

July 16, 2025July 16, 2025 Keith Chow

Hot on the heels of Superman’s blistering box office, James Gunn took to social media this morning — or maybe it was a team of monkeys in a pocket universe — to tease the next cinematic installment of the DCU by sharing an official teaser poster for Supergirl.

DC Comics, Hard N.O.C. Life

Hard NOC Life 359: ‘Superman’ Takes Us Home

July 14, 2025July 14, 2025 Hard NOC Media

Hard NOC Life is back—and so is Superman. In our return episode, Keith and Dominic dive deep into the latest take on the Man of Steel: How does he stack up against previous Superman incarnations? Is James Gunn’s DCU off to a flying start? And what does this movie say about the future of superheroes on screen?

DC Comics, Movies, Opinion

‘Superman’ and The Quest For Palestine

July 14, 2025July 14, 2025 Edward Hong

Over here at The Nerds Of Color, Mike Manalo has done an astounding job covering the James Gunn version of Superman and, like him, our opinions are aligned that this is a Superman film for the ages. While there were many things to nitpick, there was undeniable energy and hope that coursed through the film, driven by the excellent David Corenswet. But while watching the film, I could not help but notice that the central conflict between the fictional countries of Boravia and Jarhanpur bore a striking resemblance to that of Israel and Palestine. We’re going to talk about this allegory exclusively, so come with me on this journey!

DC Comics, Movies

‘Superman’ David Corenswet on Becoming The Last Son of Krypton

July 10, 2025July 14, 2025 Mike Manalo

For our final, showstopping interview from our Superman set visit last year, we are pleased to bring you The Man of Steel himself: David Corenswet — our new Superman!

DC Comics, Movies

The Marvelous Rachel Brosnahan on Continuing the Legacy of Lois in ‘Superman’

July 9, 2025July 14, 2025 Mike Manalo

Since last week we’ve been counting down to the release of Superman, sharing one interview a day from our visit to the film’s set last June. The goal: to give you all an up close and exclusive look at what it took to bring Superman to life, with all of the incredible players that were involved. Today, we’re pleased to bring you our conversation with our new Lois Lane, the marvelous Rachel Brosnahan!

DC Comics, Movies, Reviews2 Comments

NOC Review: James Gunn’s ‘Superman’ is Epic, Heartfelt, and Hopeful

July 8, 2025July 8, 2025 Mike Manalo

Why do we love superheroes? Yes, their powers are extraordinary, their costumes are cool, and their gadgets are incredible. The adventures they go on are exciting, and they symbolize the modern mythology of our time. However, it’s more than that. Superheroes embody the best of us. They give us hope, inspire awe, and encourage us to become better. All of this began with the original and greatest superhero of all time: Superman! And now, so too does James Gunn’s new era of the DC Universe.

DC Comics, Movies

Lessons on Luthor with Nicholas Hoult from the Set of ‘Superman’

July 7, 2025July 5, 2025 Mike Manalo

While on the set of Superman in Cleveland, Ohio in June 2024, The Nerds of Color were given the opportunity to meet with none other than Lex Luthor himself, Nicholas Hoult!

DC Comics, Movies

On the ‘Superman’ Set with the Terrific Edi Gathegi

July 3, 2025July 3, 2025 Mike Manalo

Last year, while visiting the set of Superman, we got to be part of a conversation with the terrific actor bringing Mister Terrific to life: Edi Gathegi!

DC Comics, Movies1 Comment

‘Superman’ Stars Skyler Gisondo and Sara Sampaio Discuss the Big Picture

July 2, 2025July 3, 2025 Mike Manalo

Today, we’re pleased to bring you a conversation with Skyler Gisondo and Sara Sampaio from the Cleveland set of Superman, as they talk about bringing to life the iconic roles of Jimmy Olsen and Eve Teschmacher!

Interview, Marvel, Television

The Devil’s in the Details: Composing ‘Ironheart’ with Dara Taylor

July 2, 2025June 26, 2025 Elijah Isaiah Johnson

We had the opportunity to have a sit-down with Ironheart composer Dara Taylor to discuss her musical influences, merging her sound with the existing template of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, and creating the villainous theme for that character.

DC Comics, Movies

Creating the DC Universe with Chantal Nong, Beth Mickle, and Judianna Makovsky

July 1, 2025July 2, 2025 Mike Manalo

Last year, we were invited to visit the set of James Gunn’s Superman in Cleveland, Ohio. Today, we’re pleased to bring you our conversation with Executive Producer Chantal Nong, Production Designer Beth Mickle, and Costume Designer Judianna Makovsky!

DC Comics, Movies1 Comment

At The Daily Planet with Wendell Pierce, Mikaela Hoover, and Beck Bennett of ‘Superman’

June 30, 2025July 1, 2025 Mike Manalo

June 2025 is over, which means we are officially in the home stretch before audiences all over the world look up, and see Superman take flight once more. It also marks just over one year to the date that we were invited to visit the set of James Gunn’s kick off to the new DC Universe! To celebrate the arrival of the new Man of Steel, we’re happy to finally present to you all of our interviews with the cast and crew. So let the countdown to the epic new film begin, as we bring you a total of seven days worth of interviews to get you ready for its Earth-shattering debut!

Interview, Marvel, Television

Meeting the Minds Behind the Metal with Ryan Coogler and the ‘Ironheart’ Creative Team

June 26, 2025June 26, 2025 Elijah Isaiah Johnson

We had the opportunity to talk with the minds behind Ironheart‘s writing and production, Executive Producers Ryan Coogler, Zoie Nagelhout, Sev Ohanian, and showrunner Chinaka Hodge, to discuss the cultural relevance of Riri Williams’ connection to the STEM fields, how fleshing out the characters was an act of self development and what viewers can expect in the way of handling Tony Stark’s legacy in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Interview, Marvel, Streaming1 Comment

Getting Technical with Marvel’s ‘Ironheart’ Star, Dominique Thorne

June 16, 2025 Elijah Isaiah Johnson

Hotly anticipated and following the massive success of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, Marvel brings back Dominique Thorne with her own solo series, Ironheart. We had the opportunity to have a sit-down with Thorne on her return to the character, what fans can expect, and how jumping into the MCU has affected her career as an actress.

Animation, DC Comics1 Comment

DC Studios Greenlights ‘Mister Miracle’ Animated Series

June 12, 2025June 12, 2025 Keith Chow

Warner Bros. Animation and DC Studios just greenlit an adult animated series based on Mister Miracle, the critically acclaimed, brain-melting comic series from Tom King and Mitch Gerads. Even better? King is being brought in to showrun the series — with a few Mother Boxes and Omega Beams thrown in for good measure.

Marvel, Movies

Breaking Down the Latest ‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps’ Trailer

June 4, 2025June 4, 2025 Mike Manalo

It’s June 4, which means tickets for The Fantastic Four: First Steps are officially on sale! I don’t know about you all, but I cannot wait to see Marvel’s First Family tearing up the big screen. All signs point to this one being a banger, and we got another new look at the film today. Let’s break down some of the key moments from this 75-second sneak peek, and deconstruct what it might showcase for the new movie and, perhaps, the greater MCU!

Hard N.O.C. Life, Star Wars

Hard NOC Life 358: ‘Andor’ and a New Hope for ‘Star Wars’

May 19, 2025May 20, 2025 Hard NOC Media

Before Hard NOC Life goes off the air for a few weeks, Keith and Dominic have a few more Andor takes to share. Not only did the final episodes rekindle a love for Star Wars for our hosts, it will forever change how they watch the franchise going forward.

DC Comics, Movies

Some Thoughts on Superman’s Cinematic Legacy

May 15, 2025May 15, 2025 Michel Buster

Before I begin, let me say that this is not a Snyderverse v Gunnverse argument. No, not at all. Instead, it is an observation of what I have seen up to date and hope for with respect to the portrayal of Superman. There have been many films that I have looked forward to — most all have been from Marvel — but this summer’s Superman has been on my radar for a while now.

DC Comics, Movies

Breaking Down the Latest Trailer for ‘Superman’

May 15, 2025May 15, 2025 Mike Manalo

Superman is coming, and I think we’re looking at the most anticipated movie of the summer. You can even see the enthusiasm coming from our very own Keith and Swara right here! However, there’s way more to the latest trailer than meets the eye — easter eggs, secrets, and DC references galore! And we’re here to break down every part of it for you!

DC Comics, Movies2 Comments

The New ‘Superman’ Trailer Shows Us What a True Superhero Would Do in Our World

May 14, 2025September 18, 2025 Swara Salih

Everybody knows Superman. Everyone has an idea of who this iconic character is, with both favorable interpretations of his inherent devotion to doing good, and unfavorable interpretations of his will to help, with all his power, being unrealistic.