Thor: Ragnarok... Where Everything Goes to Hell

Thor seems to be a tricky subject for Marvel Studios. Being a long time fan of Marvel Comics, in my opinion, they've yet to capture the fun and sense of high adventure that comes with travelling to Asgard and we've absolutely not met even 10% of the creatures and colorful characters that reside there. Director Taika Waititi Looks like he's going to change all that. With glimpses of Hela decimating Asgard, Executioner letting loose with human artillery, The Valkyries taking on Hela, and every shot looking like amazing concept art and/or Jack Kirby's last wish, I have a feeling this is the first Thor movie i'm going to be going completely insane over. CHECK OUT THE TEASER TRAILER!!!

The New Thor: The Dark World Trailer

The new trailer for "Thor: The Dark World" debuted during YouTube's Geek Week on Super Wednesday, a celebration of super heroes, the supernatural, and the super-weird.

Marvel's "Thor: The Dark World" continues the big screen adventures of Thor, the Mighty Avenger, as he battles to save Earth and all the Nine Realms from a shadowy enemy that predates the universe itself. In the aftermath of Marvel's "Thor" and "Marvel's The Avengers," Thor fights to restore order across the cosmos...but an ancient race led by the vengeful Malekith returns to plunge the universe back into darkness. Faced with an enemy that even Odin and Asgard cannot withstand, Thor must embark on his most perilous and personal journey yet, one that will reunite him with Jane Foster and force him to sacrifice everything to save us all.

The First Teaser Trailer for Thor: The Dark World

YAY MARVEL WEEK!! We head off to slumber with images of a new Iron Man armor dancing through our heads (click here for the "Red Snapper" Mark XXXV) and awake to Thor swinging his hammer with Natalie Portman at his side. Here's what we've been told so far...

Marvel’s "Thor: The Dark World" continues the big-screen adventures of Thor, the Mighty Avenger, as he battles to save Earth and all the Nine Realms from a shadowy enemy that predates the universe itself.  In the aftermath of Marvel’s "Thor" and "Marvel’s The Avengers," Thor fights to restore order across the cosmos...but an ancient race led by the vengeful Malekith returns to plunge the universe back into darkness. Faced with an enemy that even Odin and Asgard cannot withstand, Thor must embark on his most perilous and personal journey yet, one that will reunite him with Jane Foster and force him to sacrifice everything to save us all.

Thor: The Dark World Teaser Poster Arrives

Soo....not mind blowing art, but also not a Photoshop abortion. Thumbs Up! Looking forward to what comes next.

Marvel’s "Thor: The Dark World" continues the big-screen adventures of Thor, the Mighty Avenger, as he battles to save Earth and all the Nine Realms from a shadowy enemy that predates the universe itself.  In the aftermath of Marvel’s "Thor" and "Marvel’s The Avengers," Thor fights to restore order across the cosmos...but an ancient race led by the vengeful Malekith returns to plunge the universe back into darkness. Faced with an enemy that even Odin and Asgard cannot withstand, Thor must embark on his most perilous and personal journey yet, one that will reunite him with Jane Foster and force him to sacrifice everything to save us all.

Wizard World Philadelphia Comic Con Announces Programming

Interactive Q&A sessions with top stars like Chris Hemsworth, Stan Lee, William Shatner and three other “Star Trek” captains, WWE® Superstar CM Punk™ and more than a dozen others, movie screenings, evening parties, kids activities, comedy and costume contests are among the wide variety of programming offerings at Wizard World Philadelphia Comic Con, May 31 – June 3 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. Panels are scheduled for all four days, spanning the entire pop culture spectrum.

Highlight programming at Wizard World Philadelphia Comic Con includes:

• Individual celebrity Q&A's featuring Hemsworth, Lee, WWE® Superstar CM Punk™, Sam Witwer, Hayden Panettiere, Bruce Campbell, Jeri Ryan, Dean Cain and more

• Four “Star Trek” captains reunite as Shatner (“Captain Kirk”) Scott Bakula (“Captain Archer”), Avery Brooks (“Captain Sisko”), and Kate Mulgrew (“Captain Janeway”) compare stories of their respective times at the command

• James Marsters and Juliet Landau, known to most of the geek world as “Spike” and “Drusilla” from “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and “Angel,” share the stage in an entertaining discussion of their Joss Whedon experiences and other roles

• The Boondock Saints trio of Sean Patrick Flanery, Norman Reedus and David Della Rocco rekindle memories of the popular 1999 cult movie and sequel 10 years later

• Screenings of the 2009 film The Loved Ones and last year's Lloyd the Conqueror

• Party with fellow Wizard World revelers at the Drink & Draw on Friday at the Convention Center and the GeekNation Launch party at The Field House (1150 Filbert St.)

• Love is in the air with Sci-Fi Speed Dating, for those looking to “Terminate” their single lives

• Kids Day on Sunday, with a full slate of activities specially designed for the youngsters

• Laugh out loud (but hide the kids from this one) when Jackie “The Joke Man” Martling brings his unique brand of comedy – forged by many years on “The Howard Stern Show” and “Jackie's Joke Hunt” on Sirius XM Radio

• It wouldn't be Wizard World Comic Con without cosplay and costume contests – adults on Saturday night, kids on Sunday

Unless noted, programming events take place in designated rooms at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. Many are included as part of standard Wizard World Philadelphia Comic Con admission; VIP tickets or additional costs may apply to ensure access to select activities. Seating for panels is strictly limited and available on a first come first serve basis and each room will be cleared between panels. Programming subject to change; attendees should check the schedule board on site for updates.

Full Programming at Wizard World Philadelphia Comic Con is available at http://www.wizardworld.com/programming-pa.html

The Avengers Trailer Goes LIVE!

..And this time, the footage isn't shot by some dork with a steady cam pointing at his mom's TV playing Entertainment Tonight! We whipped you into a frothy frenzy with coverage of the Avengers teaser shown at Disney's D23 convention. We are highly anticipating a repeat performance or...dare I dream...even MORE footage at New York Comic Con this weekend. And NOW, we get to show off the first official trailer for the movie every geek turns into a giggling school girl over. With a powerhouse cast and a driving rock anthem from Trent Reznor, how can you describe this trailer as anything less than EPIC??!! LET'S WATCH!!



Marvel Studios presents “Marvel’s The Avengers”—the Super Hero team up of a lifetime, featuring iconic Marvel Super Heroes Iron Man, The Incredible Hulk, Thor, Captain America, Hawkeye and Black Widow. When an unexpected enemy emerges that threatens global safety and security, Nick Fury, Director of the international peacekeeping agency known as S.H.I.E.L.D., finds himself in need of a team to pull the world back from the brink of disaster. Spanning the globe, a daring recruitment effort begins.









Starring Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson, Jeremy Renner and Samuel L. Jackson, and directed by Joss Whedon, “Marvel’s The Avengers” is based on the ever-popular Marvel comic book series “The Avengers,” first published in 1963 and a comics institution ever since. Prepare yourself for an exciting event movie, packed with action and spectacular special effects, when “Marvel’s The Avengers” assemble in summer 2012.

THOR Movie Review

It’s TIME!! Marvel Comics fans join in with geeks of all shapes, sizes and a plethora of genders to celebrate the newest Marvel movie, in continuity with the central marvel movie universe (unlike those heathen Spider-Man, Fantastic Four and X-movies). First up for the blockbuster movie season is Thor, the tale of a God-like being manipulated by his scheming brother Loki and driven by his ego to nearly start a war between the Frost Giants and his people, the Asgardians. For his selfish behavior, the Allfather Odin strips him of his power and casts him out of Asgard, sending him face first into Earth. This is an Earth where The Hulk rampages across college campuses and Iron Man throws down with giant robots on city streets, so the agency known as S.H.I.E.L.D. has had some experience with oddities like a man and his hammer spit out from the heavens and crashing into the desert. They quickly chase away the local rednecks and start researching the mysterious hammer that can not be moved by any human device. Meanwhile, Thor runs (literally..as in hit with a car) into a scientist (Natalie Portman) and her crew who cart the dethroned prince to the hospital, thinking he’s a totally buff, delusional homeless guy, and then take off for more research hijinks. The two will soon be reunited when she realizes where he has come from. Meanwhile, the Frost Giants are fuming, Thor’s warrior posse are plotting his return, Odin is brooding and somewhere in the shadows, Loki is rubbing his hands together like a mischievous trickster god version of Mr. Burns from the Simpsons. Is there a plot in here somewhere??!! Not a very involved one.

Thor must learn to put others before himself in order to be worthy of lifting his great hammer again and take his proper place in Asgard, but Loki is scheming to take the throne for himself, if only to serve his bigger agenda. That’s really the gist of it. The problem with Thor is one we see with all movies that seek to tell a tale on an epic scale with eye candy as far as the eye can see and men performing great feats of heroism and somewhere amid all the drama, the film makers forget that in order to cheer on the hero, we need a point of opposition. In comics, Loki has his day planned out 15 moves in advance and has been setting it up 2 years before it actually happens. In the course of this day, he will screw with the lives of several people who never even thought Loki knew they existed and in the end, he may be thwarted by the forces of good, but you have to admit to his evil genius. Thor (the movie) paints a more sympathetic picture. Loki is still playing nearly everyone he comes across, but his agenda is not entirely malicious. Once you realize Destroyer, the other perceived big bad of the film is a tool of Asgard, and the Frost Giants are just pawns in Loki’s game, never given the chance to storm the gates of Asgard as we thought they might in the big finale, we are left with very little to rally against.

Another problem I had with the film was the heavy nature of most moments. This is just a point of personal taste, so I won’t mind when most of you read this and go “STFU.” To be clear, Thor is fantastically crafted from start to finish. Even the 3D is beautiful when paired with visuals of rampaging monsters, the mythical Bifrost bridge and something as simple as Thor charging into battle. The tone of all this content is laid out with the airs of a Shakespearean tragedy. There is some witty banter and humorous visuals when Thor is on Earth, mostly between Chris Hemsworth and Kat Dennings, but the girl can’t carry the comedic weight of an entire movie on her own. We look for some light hearted fun in Asgard, but these folks are a morose bunch, caught up in the mass of their dialogue and scowling profusely through it all. This would have been the perfect counterpoint for The Warriors Three, who in comic form WOULD have provided more than a couple of laughs. Volstagg (in comics) is a mountain of a man who is always feeding his face, though this doesn’t make him any less a hero and formidable opponent in battle. Fandral is the swashbuckling pretty boy, ever courageous and light hearted. Hogun the Grim may scowl as if someone insulted his momma, but even he does not hide his loyalty for his friends and is even shown letting out a quip or two when the situation allows for it. What we get in place of this are three throw away characters with diminished roles in the film, resigned to stand in between the landscape and the main characters for the duration of the film. Volstagg even stands around rubbing a non-existent belly from time to time, as if his character wished he could have his girth back. I’m looking for a bit more fun in my comic book movies. All this drama made the experience feel a bit long and needlessly serious. Iron Man and Hulk balanced these things beautifully. I guess I was looking for more of the same.

All sour grapes aside, Thor is excellently acted and expertly directed. It is refreshing to feel some chemistry between two actors who are supposed to be developing feelings of love for one another! I expected nothing less from a stellar cast like this, so I’m happy to report they do not disappoint. More importantly than sparks of love in Thor is the relationship between father and son, and when Anthony Hopkins is playing your father, I can only imagine your game rises to heights you never thought possible. Vanity, anger, desperation, sorrow…all flash across the faces of the sons of Odin as they fight to express themselves to a man they clearly worship. Hell, there is more emotion in a scene between Hemsworth and his un-liftable hammer than you’ll see in most of the cinematic drivel we are fed day to day. You feel every second of it, which might be the double edged sword of this film. Too much pity, not enough triumph.

Thor is a lavish project with a very clear design in mind. The mythical, medieval trappings are discarded and replaced with a sort of space D&D feel. Elements like these are bound to split movie goers right down the middle. You’re either going to buy into it immediately…or not. I’m certain nothing I say is going to stop Thor from pulling in massive numbers this weekend, so don’t even think for a second I’m looking to cause hesitation. It’s THOR!! You, being on my geeky little site to read this, must be at least 20% geek. You were going to see this movie even before you started reading. Just go in with a clean pallet. This is not Iron Man, or The Incredible Hulk. This is something different. At the end of the day, take solace in one essential thing. This is absolutely not Catwoman.

P.S. I know this goes without saying for the pros, but for the Newbs...STAY TIL AFTER THE CREDITS!!!

THOR vs KRADDY - INTO THE LABYRINTH [OFFICIAL RE-EDIT] from KRADDY on Vimeo.

Get Hammered with Thor at 711

I am a simple man. I like my couch to be stain resistant and comfortable over all, the rest of my furniture to withstand a modicum of "play wrestling" and my fancy drink ware to feature movie heroes leaping into lenticular action. 711 has my hook up for that last bit, filling my growing collection with Terminators, Hulks, Weapon X's and Venoms over the years. Now...they lay the hammer down.

Blue Lightning Blast: A thunderous blast of Raspberry and Tangerine from the fine folks at Hawaiian Punch! Drop the hammer on your tongue with a thunderous new taste that could only have come directly from the magical world of Asgard. Side effects include a blue tongue and a powerful compulsion to wear tights and grow your hair out.

As a bonus to the festive tongue, you can redeem your Slurpee points for downloads like wallpapers and behind the scenes vid as well as a movie poster for your real wall in the really for real world. HAZAAAHH!

"In addition to the in-store promotion, special cups and straws, 7-Eleven has added an interactive social aspect with its recently launched Slurpee smart phone app. During the month of April, the app will be re-imaged with a Thor overlay, and visitors will be invited to check in via Foursquare at 7-Eleven stores around the country. With every check-in, Slurpee fans will accumulate prizes and Slurpee Rewards points redeemable by phone or at www.slurpee.com.

Prizes include Thor mobile phone backgrounds, a Thor badge that shows up on the app with check-in, a one-month subscription to Marvel's digital comics and a 30-minute session with Slurpee secretary, 7-Eleven's online concierge service that provides services ranging from answering trivia questions to reporting on sports scores to helping with homework.

Thor fans also can use their Slurpee rewards points to view a three-minute, behind-the-scenes video on the making of the movie, produced by Marvel. The documentary short is available exclusively to 7-Eleven's Slurpee Rewards participants (www.slurpee.com) April 1-15, after which Marvel will release the piece publicly.

7-Eleven has created 10 different collectible cups for its Slurpee and Big Gulp beverages, including two limited-edition molded plastic mugs featuring Thor and the Destroyer, one of the villains in the movie. Among the eight collectible cups are featured Thor's nemesis and step-brother Loki, and Sif, a goddess who carries a big sword ... and a torch for Thor.

Aptly-named Blue Lightning Blast, the bright, turquoise blue Slurpee flavor is described as a thunderous blend of raspberry and tangerine flavors made by Dr Pepper.

Character spoon-straws have been growing in popularity since 7-Eleven introduced them four years ago. For April, exclusive spoon-straws feature the same four movie characters as the cups - Thor, Destroyer, Loki and Sif - in action-figure form for a suggested retail price of $1.99 each.

"There's a reason for the particular success of Super Heroes at 7-Eleven," said Rita Bargerhuff, 7-Eleven, Inc. vice president and chief marketing officer. "Our customers are both enthusiastic supporters of action-hero movies and Slurpee-lovers. They relish a first peek at movies and enjoy supporting products that resonate with them. These fans appreciate the chance to engage in ways that are meaningful and fun and that also build anticipation for a movie's release."

Good Gods It's A THOR Clip!

As we barrel head long into a chilly spring here on the east coast, we look forward to all the super hero throw downs the summer will bring and, we pray, the warmth. At the very least, Paramount lets things get a little toasty for all the ladies (and some of the boys) as they cozy up alongside Chris Hemsworth's abs.



Paramount Pictures and Marvel Entertainment present the epic adventure, “Thor,” which spans the Marvel Universe from present day Earth to the realm of Asgard. At the center of the story is the mighty Thor (Chris Hemsworth), a powerful but arrogant warrior whose reckless actions reignite an ancient war. Thor is cast down to Earth by his father Odin (Anthony Hopkins) and is forced to live among humans. A beautiful, young scientist, Jane Foster (Natalie Portman), has a profound effect on Thor, as she ultimately becomes his first love. It’s while here on Earth that Thor learns what it takes to be a true hero when the most dangerous villain of his world sends the darkest forces of Asgard to invade Earth.

Thor opens May 6th, 2011.

Pre-Toy Fair 2011 Coverage: Hasbro's Thor Movie Merchandise

Screw it. There's so much news pouring in now that we may as well just start the TOY FAIR MADNESS!!! The "on shelf date" is March 1st, but that isn't stopping stores from selling Thor movie action figures to eager fan boys and girls. Khalil of Kastor's Korner got in on the sales jump and while he has yet to write up his potentially epic review series, he's got a little taste posted just to wet your appetite. So what can we expect from Hasbro on March 1st? Well this news is not incredibly earth shattering, as we saw most of these things at NY Comic Con, but here's the run down anyway...

3 and 3/4 inch Basic Action Figures Wave 1: March 1st Release

- Lightning Clash Thor : Hammer lights up!
- Battle Hammer Thor : Sword becomes..hammer? Ahh..two hammers are better than one! - Thor is known across the cosmos as the mightiest warrior in all the Nine Realms. He has defended the divine kingdom of Asgard for a millennium from the darkest forces of the Marvel Universe. With his legendary hammer, Mjolnir, in his hand, he is an unstoppable force who commands both the lightning and the storms.
- Sword Spike Thor : Sword pops open to reveal..another sword? - Thor is the master of nearly every weapon in Asgard's arsenal. The dwarves created Thor's Power Sword (HE-MAN MUCH?!) to allow him to channel his otherworldly abilities and defeat any for that dares to cross his path. The unusual blade hums with divine might as Thor charges the internal spike with the power of his lightning.
- Secret Strike Loki : Blades combine to form a giant sword! - Thought Loki is no coward, he prefers to test his wits against his enemies, rather than the strength of his arms. Coercion and mischief are his tools for victory. Other gods sneer at his avoidance of combat; an attitude they will learn to regret when they finally get a taste of his triple-bladed sword.
- Shield Bash Marvel's Odin : Pop out shield and sword spikes! - Odin is a fierce and powerful king, ruling Asgard with wisdom and defending its borders with legendary force. Behind every word he speaks lies the rumble of cosmic thunder, and in the hand that wields his sword lays the near boundless strength of the mighty Allfather. To challenge him is to immediately know defeat, for all of Asgard will rise to fight alongside him.
- Invasion Frost Giant : With ice weapons and helmet..which is funny as no one else comes with theirs. - Since the beginning of time, the Frost Giants have struggled to break through the walls of Asgard. Although they have always been defeated by its king, Odin, they have never been destroyed. They now wait and plot their return when they will be strong enough to rise up again and finally destroy the golden realm and its king.

Khalil says the paint jobs are great, details solid and each comes with iconic weapons that are practical for the character as well as happy meal-esque action feature weapons for the kiddies. It may be of interest to know that under the Thor title it says The Mighty Avenger. This is Hasbro and Marvel (pardon the pun) HAMMERING the point home. By the time the Avengers movie drops, kids will know who they are, come hell or high water! There's even a little Avengers Assemble symbol on the package, encouraging you to have Thor and Iron Man join forces! Yay Marvel Team Up!

Wave 2 is also slated for release in March but no details have been released yet. Wave 3 and 4 follow in April, seemingly with 6 figure lineups as well.

Hero Action Figures wave 1 and 2 are deluxe packs with a 3 3/4 inch figure and deluxe armor accessories. These will hit in April as well.

Now anyone can summon the power of Asgard with Thor's lightning hammer! This role play item features lights, thunder sounds and lightning projectiles. Due out March with the initial push. A Thor Basic Helmet is coming as well. Basic implies that a waaaay cooler helmet might be dropping closer to the movie's release date?? Maybe something where the voices of the GODS themselves command you to smite your evil little sister??!! One can only hope.

For further images from the upcoming film and video of Natalie Portman speaking on the down side of life in 3D, CLICK HERE!

THOR Trailer Goes LIVE!

I teased you within an inch of your geeky lives with details on the new 3D Thor trailer premiering this weekend and now, paramount has seen fit to put you out of your misery. The trailer is ALIVE!! ..and full of Frost Giants...


Paramount Pictures and Marvel Entertainment present the epic adventure, “Thor,” which spans the Marvel Universe from present day Earth to the realm of Asgard. At the center of the story is the mighty Thor (Chris Hemsworth), a powerful but arrogant warrior whose reckless actions reignite an ancient war. Thor is cast down to Earth by his father Odin (Anthony Hopkins) and is forced to live among humans. A beautiful, young scientist, Jane Foster (Natalie Portman), has a profound effect on Thor, as she ultimately becomes his first love. It’s while here on Earth that Thor learns what it takes to be a true hero when the most dangerous villain of his world sends the darkest forces of Asgard to invade Earth.








































NOTE: As you can see in this last pic, those Frost Giants aren't so giant, unfortunately.

Thor 3D Trailer Hits This Weekend

It seems logical that the new Thor 3D trailer will be tacked to the front of Narnia, especially since that film is in 3D as well, so consider this your heads up. The trailer has much of the footage from that leaked reel we saw floating around after San Diego Comic Con with SHIELD Agent Coulsen questioning the man who took apart his men as if they were second rate security guards with images of him doing the deed flashing about. "Where were you trained?" We flash to Asgard where Thor is getting a tongue lashing from his father Odin who calls him a boy and remarks that he has brought war to their peaceful land. Flash to a pack of bad ass looking Frost Giants on the march. Flash back and Loki attempts to lodge a protest to Thor's punishment but Dad won't hear it. The sentence is passed and we flash to Natalie Portman AKA Jane Foster showing concern and then to Thor, flat on his back, who says something like "Nooo...I'm on Earth, aren't I" with disdain in his voice. Idris Elba as Heimdall gets a fair amount of flash time as well, though it's nothing but him making faces and such. We also see a couple of Asgardian ladies, one of which being Jaimie Alexander as Sif. Some quick Frost Giant battle rounds out the excitement, some explosions go off and we see Destroyer is causing chaos in the middle of it all. So that's about it! You'll mainly want to see this to ooo and ahhh at the footage in 3D and of course...FROST GIANT RAMPAGE!! Hit the movies for this and the new Transformers: Dark Side of the Moon..umm..I mean Dark of the Moon..teaser..also in 3D.. and then feel free to vacate unless you are a glutton for the same old Narnia punishment. Maybe they'll let you watch the trailers for a fiver?

UPDATE: Make that 2.50 -

Marvel Select Teasing Thor and Loki Figures

Since Hasbro has resigned themselves to tiny little kiddie toys for the new Marvel movies, we've got to look elsewhere for figures that will be in scale with the Marvel Legends we love. DIAMOND SELECT to the rescue! In the December issue of previews, they've got listings for both Thor and Loki figures, based on their movie appearances with likenesses of Chris Hemsworth and Tom Hiddleston. Each figure comes with a base depicting the rainbow bridge to Asgard. Get both figures and the pieces go together to form a diorama! Newbs to the line should note that Marvel Select creates their figures in a 7 inch format, making them slightly taller than Marvel Legends 6 inch figures..which isn't such a bad thing for Asgardians. Until we hear otherwise at the 2011 International Toy Fair, these may also be the only mid-range scaled figures to buy. To be sure, Hasbro has to be planning a 10 to 12 inch Thor for release with the film, so if you've got to have a super sized Hemsworth, he'll be coming fo sho.

Also on tap for the December Previews is Marvel Minimates series 38, based on the Shadowland comic book story line. This wave features Daredevil in his costume from the book, Spider-Man, Iron Fist, White Tiger, Hand Soldier, and a limited Classic White Tiger variant.

Bringing Marvel Comics' Thor to Life

It's a challenge, to be sure. First you've got to sort through decades of fantastic story to strike the right notes, merging an origin story with enough action to make people scream for more. Then you've got to find a way to make characters from Norse mythology accessible to the common guy on the street along with adjustments to their borderline Shakespearean way of speaking. Finally, you've got to assemble a cast worthy of this epic tale and put it all in the hands of a Director with vision and extreme intestinal fortitude! Kenneth Branagh takes the reins of a colossal tale rooted in our reality. Want to hear what you are in for right from the cast themselves? Hit the vid and drink it in!


Video by Brian Dreads.