SOARING TO SEVENTY- FIVE! 'SUPERMAN' RETURNS...

American Legend! SUPERMAN, as personified by Christopher Reeve, protects Humanity. All images: copyright DC COMICS/WARNER BROTHERS

Thrilling fans for seventy-five years, the alien born hero with the superhuman powers but the often fragile human heart and conscience, the Kryptonian red-caped, blue tights wonder with the kiss-curl, Kal-El, aka SUPERMAN, as originally created by then Ohio-born youngsters Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster back in pre-World War II, endures as one of pop culture's most incredible and entertaining creations within the realms of comic art, film and TV medium storytelling.

The iconic 1938 comic book covers that launched the hero to the world.

In and out of his secret identity as mild-mannered, bumbling spectacled Clark Kent in his day job as reporter on the all-important Daily Planet newspaper, Superman's life journey has seen him take on all manner of foes from Earth and space (including the varied schemes of the power mad businessman Lex Luthor), whilst his relationships with his human friends have blossomed, especially with friend/lover/spouse Lois Lane, the reporter with the ballsy streak who wins the Man of Steel's heart with the detonating speed of a green Kryptonite arrow, created during an arena where strong and sexy on-screen women like Bette Davis, LanaTurner and katherine Hepburn were coming to the fore, and who has evolved and became a woman of her time in subsequent incarnations and re-imaginings.

Kirk Alyn as the first on-screen SUPERMAN. Image: COLUMBIA.

Followed into colour by George Reeves.

Superman (1948) Columbia Movie Serial Episode One (Part 1 of 3) - YouTube
Adventures of Superman Season One Opening Credits - YouTube
The Adventures of Superman - YouTube

Superman ➟ The Comic Strip Hero (1 of 5) - YouTube
Look Up Into The Sky, The Story of Superman Part 1 - YouTube

A truly tough act to follow. The one and only Christopher Reeve in 1978's SUPERMAN: THE MOVIE.

In the realm of comics Superman has continued to ride the tide of evolution, too- he helped push the allied cause in World War II, fought the racism of the Ku Klux Klan and saluted the brave men and women that survived and endured the world-changing events of 9/11 (heck, he's even boxed against Muhammed Ali!), and has been written and illustrated, killed off, brought back to life and endlessly re-imagined by some of the finest talents out there (including the likes of Curt Swan, Neal Adams, THE X-MEN's John Byrne and Frank Miller). On the film and TV screens he's caught the attention and beloved respect of generations of audiences. From his early days in the radio imaginations of the 40s and 50s, then as an animated triumph, he became the star of breathless cliffhanger COLUMBIA serials starring Kirk Alyn in the role, to the B/W and colour antics of the underrated George Reeves, who caught the early technology of the video age at just the right time, though tragically suffered the curse of typecasting, in the late fifties. A star of futher numerous colourful animated series into the seventies, he then returned as a living breathing star played by a later real-life superman and human inspiration, Christopher Reeve, in the first two (of four) phenomenally successful movies starting from the late seventies to the late eighties, making us believe all over again, and wonderfully, that a man could fly, from the creative talents of the Alexander Salkind film-making family, director Richard Donner (who caught the true zeitgeist of the character and brilliantly cast Reeve), alongside the romantic, majestic, legendary soaring into your heart and soul theme by John Williams.

Superman: The Movie - Opening credits HDV - YouTube
Superman (1978) New Trailer HQ - YouTube
The Making Of Superman The Movie 1978 (Part 1) - YouTube
Original Superman Trailer 1978 - YouTube
Superman II - Movie Trailer - YouTube
Superman III ( Trailer ) 1983 - YouTube
Superman IV ( Trailer ) 1987 - YouTube

Back on TV,  Dean Cain's Superman gets a little heroic help from a masked Lois Lane (Teri Hatcher).

SMALLVILLE brought a younger take to the franchise, with Tom Welling as Clark Kent.

Eventually relinquishing the role, Reeve would enlarge his film and TV career beyond the cape, with the small screen seeing Superman making a less than blockbuster action style comeback after the movie series (and its SUPERGIRL spin-off) had diminished their then box-office potential, though his romance with Lois Lane was explored to popular acclaim and some hearty fun with the likes of the Dean Cain/ Teri Hatcher starring LOIS AND CLARK: THE NEW ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN. Befofe that, there would also be an earlier reasonably popular SUPERBOY series (starring Gerard Christopher). Then came the re-imagined exploits of Kal-El as Clark Kent before he donned the iconic costume, growing up in SMALLVILLE for ten very successful 90210'ish seasons (starring Tom Welling).

LOIS & CLARK: THE NEW ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN Intro / Opening Credits - YouTube
Smallville Season 9 Opening Titles **HD** - YouTube
Superboy TV series - (1988-1992) - YouTube

SUPERMAN RETURNS, with Brandon Routh as Kal-El.

Numerous unsuccessful attempts to get the movie franchise back on its feet (including aborted efforts from Tim Burton (with Nicholas Cage as a very different Superman) and BAD ROBOT wunderkid JJ Abrams) would come and go, but noted rising star director Bryan Singer, a critical and box office trustee what with his work in taking MARVEL COMICS THE X-MEN to the screen) finally brought the caped wonder back to celluloid and digital life in 2006, with his love letter to the Donner films that captured his and the fans imaginations in their formative years. Beautifully made, and with the Reeve lookalike Brandon Routh confidently, and much under-ratedly, handling the important tole with charm and strength, its a shame that SUPERMAN RETURN didn't quite catch the audiences interest as much as Reeve's version- Singer's aborted second film, planned to solidify the filmmakers lofty trilogy ambitions, not taking place..

Superman Returns Teaser HD - YouTube
Superman returns trailer - YouTube
Superman Returns Trailer - YouTube
Deleted Scene: Return to Krypton SCENE - Superman Returns MOVIE (2006) - HD - YouTube
Superman Blu-ray Anthology Trailer (Revised) [HD] - YouTube

Re-imagined once again, Henry Cavill is the 2013 take on the MAN OF STEEL.

Now, in 2013, with DC COMICS/WARNER BROTHERS determined to make a more box-office friendly, audience relevant entry in the franchise, to prove that their comic book characters can be successfully translated to the big screen anew, like BATMAN recently had, filmmaker Zack Snyder (best known for his biceped action fest 300) brings an all-new take to Krypton's last son with the epic MAN OF STEEL, starring Henry Cavill, arriving in cinemas this month, and looks set to put action and adventure, alongside a very real story of family and love, back into our heroes steel blue, Earth-patritoic soul. From the scope of the trailers so far, with a supporting cast that easily matches that of the first 1978 SUPERMAN movie, its superb action scenes, special effects, and overall new attitude in portraying our hero, his family heritage and the effects of his discovered presence to the people of Earth, it looks a winner.

The new-look Superman with Lois Lane (Amy Adams).

man of steel official trailer 1 - YouTube
Man of Steel - Official Trailer #2 [HD] - YouTube
Man of Steel - Official Trailer 3 [HD] - YouTube
Man of Steel - "Fate of Your Planet" Official Trailer [HD] - YouTube
Superman: Zack Snyder Short, New Logo for 75th Anniversary of Character

Entertainment Weekly's recent soaring cover celebrating Superman at 75.

KOOL TV raises its glass to salute the man, the SUPERMAN (and the many people over the years bringing him to reality), whose beliefs in "truth, justice and the American way" are now so ingrained...

Celebrating SUPERMAN's epic life, ages of adventure (key issues and storylines), and heroism as a DC comics institution, alongside years of memorable friends and enemies, DORLING KINDERSLEY BOOKS have released a wonderfully nostalgic book, compiled and written by Daniel Wallace, full of classic art from the thirties to now, that's well worth getting hold of.

Some lovely spreads from the new DORLING KINDERSLEY  release on the DC Comics icon: SUPERMAN: THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO THE MAN OF STEEL. With thanks to DK for the images. 

Available from AMAZON: Superman: The Ultimate Guide to the Man of Steel Dk Superman: Amazon.co.uk: Daniel Wallace: Books

KOOL TV REVIEW: 'STAR WARS - THE CLONE WARS' EPISODE GUIDE BOOK

Force-ful friends and foes gather for the supreme STAR WARS: THE CLONE WARS - EPISODE GUIDE book. Images: DORLING KINDERSLEY.

STAR WARS: THE CLONE WARS - EPISODE GUIDE BOOK

Written by Jason Fry

Published by DORLING KINDERSLEY

Reviewed by Scott Weller

You never truly really appreciate what you've got until its gone-we took the highly successful STAR WARS: THE CLONE WARS animated series for granted, that it would run for a few more years yet- “for as long as viewers want to see it”, I remember its creator George Lucas’s words passed down to fans a few years back- as the storytelling started to intriguingly make its way towards the epic events of EPISODE III. Well, with the sad retirement of Lucas and the selling of the STAR WARS franchise to DISNEY last year, the cancellation of the series with the completion of its fifth season was a creative decision that truly ripped the hearts out of the shows worldwide fans with the unexpected quickness of one of Mola Ram's hand thrusts, as millions mourned the passing of such a high quality series, especially one that had captured the dedication of so many younger viewers and families – surely the kind of target audience that DISNEY’s top shows have always aimed for.

 

Obi-Wan Kenobi faces off his against his lethal cyborg enemy, General Grievous, in Destroy Malevolence.

Regardless of its unexpected cancellation and loss, though, we can at least be consoled by the fact that the series did last an impressive five seasons and a very overall satisfying 108 episodes-a figure worthy of much celebration, courtesy of Jason Fry’s brand spanking new, beautifully designed EPISODE GUIDE book, from those marvels at DORLING KINDERSLEY, and which proves just the tonic to cheer us all up and remember the many good times we’ve spent watching Anakin and co.’s spectacular adventures, during an anxious but exciting time where we all await news on the next animated incarnation of the saga to come, set within a different era of STAR WARS history, and expected to arrive in TV households and Blu-ray/DVD in at least two or three years time.

Richly illustrated with hundreds of photos, the EPISODE GUIDE is the most comprehensive guide to the series yet, and, for the first time, presents them in the definite authorized story order chronicling our heroic Jedi and vicious Sith – form the blockade battle over the besieged world of Christophsis to the bombing of the Jedi Temple on Coruscant. Each half-hour adventure/mini-film is given an excellent spread with a terrific main image capturing its mood, accompanied by plot synopsis, highlights on the main characters, memorable dialogue and key scenes, plus a look at the planets, weapons and technology. Behind the scenes we also get first US transmission dates, production orders, some fun trivia about the way the various episodes were scripted and made, and the in-jokes/inspirations/homages, used in them, lifted either from other aspects of the STAR WARS saga or beyond, or from other pop culture forms of movies, TV series and entertainment.

 

The Clone Cadets begin their intense training on Kamino.

Despite early criticisms from fans towards its original feature length pilot (released in cinemas in 2008), the series that followed it ultimately exceeded fans eventual expectations in the way it deftly merged old and new characters from the Prequel and Classic STAR WARS universe so effectively, and filled in the incredible blanks of fantasy history during the tumoltuous three-year period in which the galactic civil war between Republic and Separatists was waged.There was also the bigger and bolder ambitions of the continuing series in its storytelling and visual ambition- clear to see and admire as you follow the book through.  Introducing such memorable new characters as Jedi Padawan Ahsoka Tano, cruel baddie Savage Opress, bounty hunter Cad Bane and comedy pirate Hondo Ohnaka, whilst providing such diverse and epic scenarios like the epic liberation of Ryloth, to the Zillo beast monster rampage across Coruscant, from the Mon Calamari water war epic, to the return of Darth Maul from the grave, to the emerging threat of the Mandalorian Death Watch, THE CLONE WARS gave fans the additional weight and drama to the Prequel Saga and its characters that we always wanted to see-the book reminding us just how much had been accomplished by such a talented and dedicated group of people (most notably Animation Director Dave Filoni and Visual Effects Artist Joel Aron)- all true STAR WARS fans like you and I, over eight years and five on-screen seasons of production in the US and Singapore.

Intriguingly, taking in the fact that the book was presumably completed four to five months ago, there’s very definitely a sense that, unlike the fans (who had no clue that the series was coming to a definite end), Fry and the book’s designers likely had some inkling about its ultimate destiny as being only five seasons, well enough to prepare and end the book with its last spread- literally the final scene of Ahsoka leaving the Jedi Temple- a design choice that is surely no accident. The only major disappointment with the book is that it doesn’t factor in the events of that other CLONE WARS animated series previous shown on CARTOON NETWORK from 2003-2005, made in equally stunning 2D by Genndy Tartakovsky, and which itself was deemed an official part of STAR WARS: THE CLONE WARS cannon. So popular it inspired George Lucas and led to the series we’ve been watching now. It would have been interesting to see how they could have factored in the continuity of both series into the book-I’m assuming it’s absence is a deliberate choice by LUCASFILM in wanting to maintain the overall visual continuity of the book and this particular animated series in general. A wasted opportunity, though…

Aimed primarily at the intelligent 8 -12 year olds, there is nonetheless something for every age group of STAR WARS fan to enjoy with this title. One day I hope we also get to see a more detailed, adult book on the shows overall behind the scenes making and evolution, but this colourful and visually exciting title is a must-have that's more than worthy of the existing high caliber STAR WARS and DORLING KINDERSLEY name.

Goodbye and thank-you, STAR WARS: THE CLONE WARS. We will miss you…

KOOL TV RATING: Relive the greatest animated moments of that galaxy a long time ago, far, far away… 4.5 out of 5

Get hold of the book here:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Star-Wars-Clone-Episode-Guide/dp/1465408738/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1366816191&sr=8-1&keywords=the+clone+wars+episode+guide

KOOL TV REVIEW: 'DOCTOR WHO' - CHARACTER ENCYCLOPEDIA

DOCTOR WHO: CHARACTER ENCYCLOPEDIA

Published by DORLING KINDERSLEY

Reviewed by Scott Weller

Once upon a galaxy, our time and space travelling hero known only as the Doctor kept himself a handy 500 year diary so as to keep track of the many peoples and places visited in his rackety and vintage police box shaped TARDIS. Now in his 950^th year of existence, and over ten regenerations later, he’s long since given up on the idea of book-keeping maintenance, but those sterling people at DORLING KINDERSLEY are doing a great job in his place, as their first exciting, colourfully produced new character encyclopedia hits the book shelves to educate and delight fans of the hit BBC1 series, and acting as a perfect primer for the shows 50^th anniversary of celebration and nostalgia this November.

Dutifully and snappily written by the expert trio of Jason Loborik, Annabel Gibson and Moray Laing, the book storms through the vortex of our past, present and future, showing us the great and the good, the friendly and the terrifying, and species unlike anything we’ve ever encountered before, and from all across the universe- planets known and unknown. It’s a book as characteristic and unique as the show itself: covering 200 characters from every era: monochrome to colour, to today’s digitally enhanced storytelling, with important statistics and details of their appearances alongside many rare photos from the BBC Archives-who must have a photo library as big as the TARDIS these days in order to house and maintain the wealth of publicity material needed. Plus, a look at our heroes diverse personas (eleven so far) and the definitive companions who’ve accompanied him in his exciting tales of triumph, tragedy, mystery and bewilderment: from the bolshy teenage pyromaniac that was Ace, the fiery Amy Pond and her besotted husband, Rory, to the brave and iconic Sarah Jane Smith and air stewardess Tegan Jovanka. Then there’s the classic monsters, old and new, of all shapes and sizes, which they’ve met and fought: from the plastic loving Autons to the ferocious, robot controlled Himalayan Yeti, to newcomers like the hypnotically deadly The Silence and those stone trapsters, the Weeping Angels.

Old and new enemies alike get prime profiles.

And only this particular series and title could ever mix the likes of France’s Madame de Pompadour alongside those fearsome metal pepperpots of Skaro- the Daleks- within its veritable intergalactic Who’s Who of pages!

Originally devised by Sydney Newman and Donald Wilson, writer Anthony Coburn, script editor David Whitaker and very young producer Verity Lambert, all pulling together in bringing the shows early episodes to life-the cavemen of the prehistoric era being the first characters to enter the Doctor’s television lives, I think its fair to speculate that not even their considerable talents likely anticipated DOCTOR WHO ever lasting so long and becoming so beloved, nor just how much of an impact it would have on viewers in general, evolving and becoming the mighty institution in Britain and beyond that it is today. Alongside the late, great William Hartnell-the only one back on 1963 who genuinely believed the show would run and run, this book is a true testament to their hard work and affection for the series in its crucial first year, and the way it so successfully mixed sci-fi aliens life forms with historical icons like Marco Polo with intriguing ease, to the point we’ve emulated today.

For those discovering it since its 2005 return, this is the definitive old and new series look at its most memorable and diabolical heroes and villains. The DOCTOR WHO CHARACTER ENCYCLOPEDIA is a nice size book at a feel good price- one that readers of all ages will never tire of dipping in and out of. Definitely worth adding to your collection.

KOOL TV RATING: 4 out of 5

Get hold of the book here: Doctor Who Character Encyclopedia (Dr Who): Amazon.co.uk: Jason Loborik, Annabel Gibson, Moray Laing: Books

KOOL TV REVIEW: 'STAR TREK - THE VISUAL DICTIONARY'

New life and civilisations explored in STAR TREK: THE VISUAL DICTIONARY. Images: DORLING KINDERSLEY.

STAR TREK: THE VISUAL DICTIONARY

Written by Paul Ruditis

(Foreword by John de Lancie)

Published by DORLING KINDERSLEY

Reviewed by Scott Weller

Its TREK, Jim, but more than we know of it…

The iconic universe of Gene Roddenberry’s enduring stellar sci-fi opus, STAR TREK, finally gets the detailed visual biography it deserves courtesy of those always innovative people at DORLING KINDERSLEY books.

Primarily charting the franchise’s television series roots rather than the eleven (so far) films, author Paul Ruditis gives us a briskly efficient and informative text that takes us on an epic jump back to the beginning of creation, presenting a detailed chronological look at the universe that spawned such heroes as Kirk, Spock, Data, Janeway and Sisko: from the birth of mankind and the final conquest of its greed and prejudices, to its indomitable rise to the stars after almost destruction with World War III- the formation of the inspiring United Federation of Planets alongside the emotionally restrained Vulcans, and the launch of the first deep-space exploration vessel, Enterprise, captained by Jonathan Archer.

From those early defining days we head forward at warp speed into the era of the legendary Captain Kirk and his interstellar troop- from the classic ORIGINAL SERIES that stated it all, plus the expansion of the Federation and continuation of the Enterprise family/starship linage with the shows further popular spin-offs, first seen-in by THE NEXT GENERATION and beyond.

The supporting heroes of STAR TREK:ENTERPRISE.

Following the pleasing to the eye, now classic design style that DK uses on this type of specialist book, THE VISUAL DICTIONARY lives up to the Vulcan edict of infinite diversity in infinite combination with its accompanying exploration of the shows many memorable and beloved accompanying ships, key planets, iconic scientific hardware and stunning weaponry that have graced the series in its now rapidly approaching fifty year anniversary-the rich tapestry that Roddenberry and the magic-in-a-bottle casts and behind the scenes teams have built with their genuinely humanist endeavours.

Perusing the vast range of imagery present, it’s intriguing to see how different a universe STAR TREK is to the likes of STAR WARS more fantasy inspired domain, though no less detailed and singularly unique in its serious and intellectually inspired attempts at realizing a believable set of cultures and special exploration - a mantra set down by Roddenberry from the very beginning with his regular dealings and correspondence with the likes of real-life talents and ground breaking pioneers at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory and NASA, and in his talks/observations with respected scientists and authors like Isaac Asimov and Arthur C. Clarke. Obviously, with the success of the seventies emerging STAR WARS, the TREK universe, especially into its movie series incarnation, has adapted its realism so as to incorporate more fantastical, exciting elements to win over fresh audiences, which have been achieved through the rapid advances in today’s sophisticated production and special effects techniques that came into being from the late eighties onwards- our own real life evolution gaining ground to that prophesized by Roddenberry. One prime iconic example of this fusion, bringing wonder and danger to TREK in equal measure, must be the introduction of those incredibly successful, hard to beat super-baddies, the Borg, who truly made their mark with THE NEXT GENERATION.

Beyond the terrors of assimilation, classic regular enemies like the savage but noble Klingons and the treacherous Romulans also get some fine and deserved representation, adding further riches to the tapestry, as well as other icons, such as the reptilian Gorn and those blue skinned antenna’d warriors, the Andorians. Future modern series foes like the big-necked Cardassians, the evil Gamma Quadrant empire that is the merciless, all-encompassing Dominion (and their ground pounder Jem’Hadar soldiers) all prove standout entries, too.

The specially handled TREK prop photography of this far and wide universe covers everything from phasers and tricorders, from nanotechnology and Romulan disintegrators (even covering Dr. Soong’s early head for Lt. Data!), backed up with some rare photos alongside the now classic posed and episodic imagery.

Present from the shows early days, the Vulcans have made a strong impact on STAR TREK.

Led in by a warmly affectionate and inspiring foreword from popular actor John de Lancie, who played Q- the enigmatically tempestuous alien antagonist to the bold Captain Jean-Luc Picard, in and out of THE NEXT GERNATION’s seven very successful years, it amazes me that a book of this type has never been done before, especially after the success of other sci-fi and comic legends in this format, notably STAR WARS and BATMAN. STAR TREK: THE VISUAL DICTIONARY is a fun primer for fans old and new, what with the franchise’s five TV series evolving restoration onto digital Blu-ray, plus the coming soon, suitably epic new STAR TREK movie adventure taking us INTO DARKNESS...

Now firmly on the path- this book being a sure-fire success- we’ll likely see more specialized DK projects/visual dictionaries linked to the series-perhaps on the previous movies and/or the new, other modern TREK films emerging from the CBS PARAMOUNT/J.J. Abrams powerhouse combo, with their now different time lines and re-imagined heroes and villains.

Imagination, excitement, morality and a whole lot of heart are the prime ingredients that have made STAR TREK in all its guises so successful, and this visual dictionary tribute is an enjoyable embodiment and continuance of that legend.

To Boldly Go...

KOOL TV OVERALL RATING: Lots of history, technology and world-hopping adventure in a very pleasing visual package: 4 out of 5