STYLE SAVANTS ENTRY #1: CYCLOPS

Just like the stories that give them meaning, the style and look of a character are also ever evolving. Whether it is "keeping with the times" or simply a different artists take on the character, the visuals and a characters costumes can at times tell us things about the person or their part in the story without needing the words to so. From simple things to slightly deeper things, that if not tell us outright, at least have us wondering "why".
For some characters, even a very basic change in their usual color scheme adds almost a new dynamic to them. Haven't read, but I could tell that the black and greys in the more modern X-Force in characters like Wolverine and Deadpool meant it was a stealthy, tactical team aka sneak in and conquer (may be wrong, but feel free to correct me on that in the comments box below, or on the Facebook postings comment box that brought you here. Helps me learn!)

So, decided to try and cover characters that likely have massive wardrobes in their homes to hold all of the different looks that they have had over the years. Instead of just one massive list, figured maybe to do more of a focus on each "Style Savant", for if anything, to show some of their various looks.

The first entry in "Style Savants" is...

Scott Summers aka Cyclops

If Scotty was created today, it would almost be safe to say he would be a more similar to say "Barnie Stinson" from the television series "How I Met Your Mother" based on his wide selection of....wait for it.....suits. Okay, perhaps he would still be the bland, boy scout, leader he has always been, but he has a knack for evolving his look, but perhaps that is from being basically "stuck" wearing that visor and red shades. But he's made it work, people talk about Punisher being man enough to pull off white disco boots, check out Slim rocking the disco boots in both white and yellow.

His look hasn't changed too much with really his styles consisting of "hooded" and "un-hooded" and the trademark visor staying the same mainly. The 1990's saw him go with a more "tactical" approach adding his version of Batman's utility belt, minus the endless gadgets, but we know he's ready to lead his teams into battle. And speaking of Batman, anyone else get the "Nightwing" vibe from one of Cyclops' newer suits? As for his movie costumes, generally no evolution, but that all seemed to help make the X-films work. His visor in the movie  universe wasn't too bad, but would be nice to see not only a return, but when he does a newer more interesting take on his wardrobe.

Well, that was the first entry in "Style Savants". Thanks for taking the time to read and take a look. Feel free to mention any of Cyclops' looks or costumes that may have been missed. His "Slim" look from him and Jean Grey's (Redd) honeymoon would be one of them, but couldn't find an image. And of course there is the animated styles, but, trying to stay closer to what has appeared within the comic books and a touching on what has appeared within the live action film and television appearances. Keep them peeled for future installments of "Style Savants" where we will take a look at the various looks and costumes of other comic book characters.

Stay Nerdy!

COMIC BOOK FAMILIES

In Canada it is "Family Day"! Us Canucks don't get how this is a holiday either, but it's a day off, so the people will take it, and most do spend the time with family or close friends. Comic books of course are loaded with families and characters that are related, whether it be by blood or by bond. This includes the talent that bring these characters to life in every panel and page.
With a mixture of both comic book characters, and the people who bring them to life (artists, writers) here is a list of some of the family dynasties within the comic book universes...

The Summers Family

One of Marvel's comic book families. Members include Scott Summers/Cyclops, his brother Alex Summers/Havok, their father Major Christopher Summers/Corsair, Scott's children (from the future but not) Nathan Summers/Cable and Rachel Summers/Phoenix. Then there is Cable's son, Tyler. And don't forget about Jean Grey aka Marvel Girl aka Phoenix who is Scott's wife and mother of his children (Cable's mother was a clone of Jean, so same thing really).

The Wayne Family

Not to forget the great bloodline that Bruce Wayne comes from, but it is the family he's built since dawning the cape and cowl that we are referring too. Family is more than blood. Batman (Bruce Wayne) and all of his sons both adopted, foster or birth, Nightwing (Richard Grayson), Red Hood (Jason Todd), Red Robin (Tim Drake) and Robin (Damian Wayne) have proven just that over the years. The relaunch has since added some family issues as of late (Joker's last appearance, Damian's current "death" status), but they pull through, or we're hoping they do. Oh, and Bruce possibly has a relative out there? Read "Batman: City Of Owls" if you have not.

The Eisenhardt Family

The size of and the members of this family vary from "earth" to "earth". Magneto is the patriarch of this dynasty, with his children Scarlet Witch and Quicksilver, his grandchildren Speed, Wiccan, Pavel Rasputin, etc. Former and possible "in-laws" include Vision, Doctor Doom, Crystal, etc. Magnetism, speed and magic. I do like how Magneto would have an advantage against the men his daughter brings home. Android and a man in a metal suit. They probably had her home by 11pm...a day early lol And I believe Polaris may also be an offspring of Magneto, which at times links the Eisenhardt and Summers families.

The Grimes Family

They are kind of the First Family Of The Zombie Apocalypse in The Walking Dead. Both in print and on screen. Of Rick, Lori, Carl and Judith Grimes, in both the comic book and television series, only two members remain. (and for the record, regardless of genetics, Rick is Judith's father).

The Kubert Family

A family of comic book artists, writers, and creators. The late great Joe Kubert, who's work and contributions to comic books is legendary gave us, greats in their own right, Adam and Andy Kubert. And they help pass on their knowledge within their family owned school, The Kubert School, which was founded by Joe who also taught there before passing, and carrying that on is both Adam and Andy.

The Richards Family

Best known members of this clan are Mr. Fantastic/Reed Richards, Invisible Woman/Sue Storm-Richards and their son, Franklin Richards, and of course Sue's brother, Human Torch/Johnny Storm. There is also Reed's father, like-wise super smart, former Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D., and also a time traveler, Nathaniel Richards.

The House Of El

Of course, there is Kal El/Clark Kent/Superman son of Jor El and Lara El. Kal's uncle from his fathers side, Zor El and his wife Alura In-Ze, whom are parents of Kara Zor El/Kara Kent/Supergirl. And regardless of which incarnation (there are many), whether clone or not there is Superboy, sometimes Kon El. Hopefully, there is a lawyer somewhere in this bloodline, with all the legal drama over the years. Although not Kryptonian, Martha & Jonathan Kent get honorary mentions for having raised Kal El. They did an okay job, I'd say.

The Romita Family

Legendary artist John Romita Sr, his wife Virginia Romita (apparently once long time Marvel Traffic Manager), and their also legendary son, John Romita Jr. Spider-Man. X-Men. Kick-Ass. And others to which we all say a collective "Thank you". Although primarily a "Marvel" family, John Jr. is coming over to DC Comics. Cannot wait for that.



Well, that's all for now. There are many, many more families both large and small within the comic book universes. Wouldn't be surprised to see a new baby pop up in The Walking Dead, with the last name Grimes. Or new babies in any of the titles across the publisher board. With the way they seem to "get around". Just saying. It may be "Family Day" in Canada, but in some cases a lot of families begin about 9months from now thanks to the very recently celebrated Valentine's Day.

Stay Nerdy!

COMIC BOOK DREAM MATCHES

Now, usually I reserve thoughts like this for things like Pro-Wrestling and other sports because they are based a little more on stats than it is with comic books where this is totally a matter of opinion no matter how much real life information we have. Only thing that can truly beat a comic book character is lack of interest and sales, where in athletics its based on performance but little to do with how fans receive an athlete (as long as the seats are filled mind you). Another key difference, is that in comic books even the writers don't usually give a clear cut winner so not to take anything away from the "loser".

In Pro-Wrestling it is matches like Stone Cold Steve Austin versus Goldberg, John Cena versus Hulk Hogan, in Basketball it is Michael Jordan versus Dr. J Julius Erving or MJ annihilating Lebron James (Sorry, give me Kobe or Durant imo), Baseball it is well, Baseball is a hard one with all the PE (performance enhancing) going on the last few years (and who knows how long before), but I digress.

In comic books, the bigger picture is more of a dream match between the DC Comics and Marvel Comics Universes, as we have been treated to seeing favorites of a publisher face other favorites, and I do believe there was somewhat of a cross-promotion thing way back in the day. Like I mentioned before rarely is there a clear cut winner in the dream matches that have occured  as not to take away anything from the losing character, and usually in the rematch (if there is one) the other person gets their shot at victory so to speak. Look at the Superman Vs Batman situations, obviously Superman would have the advantage, he's freakin' Superman, but numerous times Batman has not only "won" but knocked the last son of Krypton out cold (Yes, he used Kryptonite, but still).

So, the following is a list of dream matches that I would like to see one day, I won't go into detail, as most are pretty self explanatory, and others are a matter of my opinion and mostly just a curiousity of how it would look and how it would go down.

 The Flash (DC) -Vs- Quicksilver (Marvel)
Any of the Flash characters really, but go with Barry Allen's. The obvious question here is, Who's Faster?

Superman (DC) -Vs- Hulk (Marvel)
Now, this is one that has me curious about a lot. From the visuals, the entire story behind it, to the ending with who won and how...and then the fanboy reaction that stems from it.

Doomsday (DC) -Vs- Hulk (Marvel)
This would possibly make the destruction from The Avengers and Man Of Steel movies look like a small dust storm. And quite possibly would never end.

Batman (DC) -Vs- Iron Man (Marvel)
Simply to show step by step how Batman will crush Iron Man ahaha I am joking. What makes this even more interesting is the Bruce Wayne versus Tony Stark side of things also.

Green Arrow (DC) -Vs- Hawkeye (Marvel)
Obvious reasons, no?

Black Canary (DC) -Vs- Siren (Marvel)
I tad harder to match up the ladies for me, I would have Black Canary against Banshee either before or after this. Likely as the catalyst to give a reason for the battle perhaps.

Batman (DC) -Vs- Wolverine (Marvel)
My 2 favorite characters of all-time (call me whatever you want). I would start this off as a team-up with them hunting someone, and have the end result be what triggers the conflict. What's the end result? Wolvie kills, Batman does not. And there would be a "rubber-match" so that the other guy gets the dub'.

Batman (DC) -Vs- Captain America (Marvel)
To be honest, this is more of a build up for the ones that follow.

Robin (DC) -Vs- Bucky (Marvel)
When you think of side-kicks, you must think of at least one of these two.

Nightwing (DC) -Vs- Winter Soldier (Marvel)
This one for me really is that when I had seen a picture of Winter Soldier (I apologize if that's not even his name) I immediately thought about Nightwing. After learning that this was once Bucky, it kinda was hard not to compare.

Cyborg (DC) -Vs- Cable (Marvel)
Appearance wise, it would have been Cyborg against Deathlok, but Deathlok is a brain in a robot from what I've looked up, so the man/robot ratio is more even with my choices. Plus, I wanted Cable on here somehow, as he is another all-time favorite.

Aquaman (DC) -Vs- Namor, Sub-Mariner (Marvel)
Who's king of the sea?

Some "honorable mentions" if you will I guess would be...
Plastic Man (DC) -Vs- Mr. Fantastic (Marvel)
Black Mask (DC) -Vs- Red Skull (Marvel)
Darkseid (DC) -Vs- Thanos

Stay Nerdy!