Why MCU's Black Widow is a misused character?

Oh Black Widow the unofficial butt monkey of the MCU, depending on who you talk to of course. Me personally the character has some good qualities that was explored pretty well in Winter Soldier but went to shit in Age of Ultron.

To get into why Black Widow, IMHO, is horribly misused lets look at her origin story. Whom started out as a spy whom worked for the then Soviet Union and was brought up in the Red Room to become one of the most dangerous spies/assassins that ever existed.

Hell her history goes as far as the World Wars. Where the Nazis killed her family then she was raised by russian scientist Ivan Petrovitch, and became responsible for turning Natasha into the Black Widow we see today. There is also in account the history that she had with Captain America, Logan, and Winter Soldier during that time.

And speaking of the Red Room lets take a look at her training there shall we?

Much more interesting than that crappy ballerina flashback in Age of Ultron. To put into perspective imagine the movie Hanna.

Just saying, isn't just me, or have the MCU really neutered Natasha's origin? Hell they went as far as to waste what could have been a good backstory just for the sake of turning it into a romance subplot with her and Bruce. While in return turning Natasha into a designated love interest.

I could name some noteworthy scenes from MCU's Black Widow.

Then there is what the Russos have done with her. Yet when people think of MCU's Black Widow they think of her as the person that got shipped around alot to the male Avengers, sans Thor, or complain how weak Age of Ultron made her look. Which she was. Or how the character is nothing more than an eye candy device. And don't get me wrong I love me some eye candy but Natasha is more complex than that. In a way she's the closest to the female equivalent of James Bond but with her own share of inner demons still haunting her. And whenever those are explored in the MCU its usually just a way to spurn some romantic plot device. Rather than seeing Natasha trying to overcome her personal demons.

I mean lets look at say characters like Jessica Jones. We actually get to see her struggling against her own inner demons and while there is a subplot involving her and Luke Cage she wasn't regulated to just a love interest. Jessica Jones is a strong character both literally and figuratively while also showcasing a vulnerable side that she succeeds in overcoming on her own than depending on a man to save her.

And the saddest part concerning MCU's Natasha is that she haven't gotten her own solo movie. While Captain Marvel could be getting one before her.

With Civil War coming up heres hoping a better character comes out of MCU's Black Widow because she has potential to be better than what we are seeing so far.

How A Possible Boom Period of R-Rated Comic FIlms Could Be A Bad Thing?

This topic came to me after watching this video...

In actuality. The guy isn't completely wrong. Thanks to the well deserved success of Deadpool there has now been talk of making comic properties R-Rated. On the surface it does sound like a good idea. I mean a Wolverine movie that is Hard-R would be awesome! But lets look at the possibilities where Hollywood could fuck up a good thing. Lets start with Deadpool himself.

What made Deadpool a success to begin with? What made Deadpool a success is that the movie brought us something different when compared to the MCU and other comic movies. Its lack of being child friendly approach is what made it unique. Its Deadpool's uniqueness is what makes him stood out even in the comic universe. The guy was like an R-Rated Loony Tunes character.

But what if we see more R-Rated properties? Does that take away the uniqueness? Also think of what this could do with superhero movies in general. While I am happy of the boom period its getting there is no question that superhero films are starting to worn out its welcome. Then you have R-Rated properties to add into the equation.

Remember found footage films? When it first came out I'm sure there were critics that believed found footage films were this refreshing new take of horror. Then more came out. Then people got sick of found footage films. Primarily because you have some hack filmmaker refuse to do something new with them. And that is the problem one will face with R-Rated superhero films. You can only do so many F-Bombs and titty shots till it becomes formulaic. Now if a filmmaker uses the rating to give a unique perspective then they're cooking something.

I think an R-Rated Batman film could work. I have read stories that could take it in that direction. The Arkham Universe is an example that it could go in that direction. But it all boils down to taking it into an interesting direction. Don't make it R-Rated for R-Rated sake.

Done With Superhero Comics

Sup guys just want to give you my thoughts on where I'm at as a superhero fan and a fan of comics in general. I've been a fan of the superhero genre ever since I was a kid, around 7 years of age to be exact. The first comic I remember getting was a Batman comic. I'd say around when Batman first met Jason Todd.

I've pretty much grew up with the superhero genre but I've now reached the point that the superhero genre isn't the to be all and end all aspect of my life. To a degree. I still like the superhero genre and it has played an important part in my writings. Yet as far as collecting comics go I find myself outgrowing them. I still like the escapism aspect of the superhero genre but there really just isn't much out there I'm that intrigued in getting, comics wise.

Same goes when it comes to movies and tv shows. Every now and then there would be gems but there would be other times the movies would just get a meh reaction from me. For instance if I don't see either Civil War or Batman vs Superman I'm not going to lose any sleep over it. I'm honestly at a point where the movies I'm anticipating the most is those that isn't superhero movies.  Like the recent Star Wars trilogy. I was more pumped from this production teaser than any superhero trailer honestly.

And Fury Road provide me more entertainment than anything the Phase 2 MCU films ever did, ones that isn't Winter Soldier anyway.

I'm also more hyped on Kingsman 2 cause I'm curious as to what crazy shit they'd pull off.

Now to those who liked the trailers of Civil War, Superman vs Batman, X-Men, etc I tip my hat off to ya.

I'd still collect some superhero related material. For instance there are some really awesome superhero novels out right now that takes said genre into the right direction.

Personally speaking I'm not going to be like those individuals who'd complain about a product that they don't like yet either still watch it. If I don't like something then I'd either walk away from it or take a break from it. And to those who have a problem with me not riding the Marvel/DC train, hey ride that train all you want guys. I'm taking my journey elsewhere.

Cause outside of Star Wars I'm highly anticipating TMNT 2 and there are some superhero novels I'm looking at collecting while my budget is right. But most importantly I find more enjoyment out of non, Marvel/DC stuff. Outside of some of the netflix shows on Marvel. One Punch Man is probably the definitive superhero show in my eyes currently.

And as far as its fandom go. Those who only care about fan wars. You are not true fans. I know it sounds douchy but I don't give a crap. That is how I see it. Anyone who doesn't appreciate the boom period the superhero genre its in and is in it for some lame bragging rights or my company is better than yours type of BS or is just there to piss and moan isn't a true fan. Now to those who'd appreciate both aspects I say power to ya in sticking with it and finding some enjoyment out of it.

But yeah just want to get that out there. There comes a point in a person's life that...

So as far as anything regarding Marvel/DC or comics in general go. I'm just moving on from that. I'll still collect some classic TBP's if anything catch my eye but until then...So long, farewell, and good day.

Projects and Updates Coming This Month

Sup just want to comment on whats been going on with me as far as writing goes. Currently I've finally managed to complete three issues of City of Adventures and three chapters of A Heroes Journey and that was a long journey for me as I had kinda a busy schedule last year. This year seems mellow, for now, so I was able to complete the recent episodes of those respective series.

I am pleased to say that by doing so I've managed to actually find their respective voices. Doing the recent episodes was perhaps the most fun I've ever had writing a project.

And I've just finished doing the first issue of a fantasy series I've also had fun in doing called Shift. It takes place in the same universe as City of Adventures.

With those out of the way it frees me up to update Lunar Saga. I have an idea of where I want the series to go but unlike the other series mentioned I haven't exactly given it a voice. Not sure what it is but I can assure its not going to be Twilight.

Speaking of Twilight I'm working on what I'd consider to be an alternate take on the series. Its basically what I personally consider what Twilight should have been because Twilight is the kind of series that I felt had potential it was just executed horribly.

I'm also working on developing a spy series called Emerald Heights. Its more like Kingsman meets Read or Die as a straight up science fiction series. While paying another homage to Two-Fisted Tales for good measure

I'm also working on a series called Scion that is set in the A Heroes Journey Universe. About a group of bio-humans on the run from an organization that want to use them as a weapon. Its a teen series as oppose to its parent series but its far from family friendly. As one will soon see from the opening.

I hope I can get my Power Rangers project Shining Phoenix Force off the ground sometime this spring. To reiterate the concept of that project its a complete new universe of the Power Rangers franchise. It isn't a reboot of anything you're familiar of with Power Rangers. Also with it being a new universe that would mean new rules.

As far as the rest of the year go. Hopefully not as hectic as last year.

Some have asked where does CAU Legacy go from here? As for now its on an indefinite hiatus. Especially as I've semi-retired from roleplaying. But you might see it come back in some form with Age of heroes

Twilight

I know I know we've heard the joke before. And really what can be said about it that haven't been said already? Well its valentines day and what better to rain on your parade than talk about Twilight? Because I'm evil like that. <>_<>

Twilight is one of those concepts that if you think about it the concept could have been good. If written by the right person. Spitballing, say Neil Gaiman wrote this but give it a Good Omens kind of tongue and cheek. Cause Twilight really should have been just that. A series that is a satire of supernatural romance and perhaps vampires as tragic figures.

There are two kinds of series that do play to that perfectly IMO. Buffy The Vampire Slayer and True Blood. The tv series of the latter. The former plays the trope so Scream style tongue and cheek while the viewer has a good time watching and even laughing at the joke its making. And both shows showcase just how destructive the vampire/human relationship could be then caps it off with the female protagonist preferring to not be with the vampire boyfriend.

Even The Dresden Files showcase Thomas and Justine's relationship as, admitting more healthy than Edward and Bella's. Yet even their relationship isn't without flaws.

It says something that even the author herself hates the series. Yes Stephanie Meyer hates Twilight.

I've been saying this time and time again. I think Twilight would have been better if perhaps Bella were a recovering sociopath who was brought back in when Edward came into town and she wants to use Edward because she wants to be a vampire for power and control. With the focus shifting towards her father and Jacob. Although my version of Jacob would be gender flipped. She'd be the childhood friend who had a fallout with Bella and they were trying to rebuild till Edward came into the picture.

It would also be more of a cosmic horror story. With no sparkling whatsoever. But thats my interpretation of how the series would go.

Things I Enjoy

AU's

What If or For Want of Nail scenarios I find pretty fascinating. Especially as it open doors for creative exploration.

Kickass Characters

From both the men and the women. To those whom have followed my stories know that the majority of my protagonist are female and nine times out of ten they play some kind of contribution to my stories. Thats primarily because I tire of female characters being used as nothing more than a love interest character or a damsel in distress to make a male protagonist look good. I like a female protagonist to hold her own during an intense situation IMO.

Character Development

I like characters who learn from their experiences and grow from them. That is what makes a character intriguing.

Good Villains 

And by good villains I mean competent, smart in their own way, and versatile. And knows when to cut their losses and learn from their failures.