Many of us have tested positive for superhero overdose in recent years, but it has been almost two years since the release of Avengers: Endgame, and arguably long enough time to be ready for some more from the MCU and other sources of spandex-based entertainment. Of course, in the intervening time we have been treated to other superhero stories (including the excellent and over-the-top Amazon series The Boys). We were supposed to have seen Scarlett Johansson in Black Widow by now, but thanks to COVID, we’ll be waiting a little bit longer (though we will soon be able to shell out for premium access of the film on Disney+). Having already completed airing Wandavision on Disney+, the MCU is otherwise chugging back to life. Now we’ve just started getting episodes of the second MCU TV series, Falcon and the Winter Soldier, and I’m pumped. Another unexpected benefit of all this pandemic-sheltering is that HBO Max decided it was worthwhile to fund the rumoured “Snyder cut” of the godawful Justice League film. Finally, Amazon is giving us another comic book adaptation, with Invincible. And even though it’s more supernatural than superhero, I’m lumping Netflix’s The Irregulars into this mix as well.

Zack Snyder’s Justice League

A product of a Joss Whedon redo, when director Zack Snyder bowed out, the first version of the DC extended universe’s cinematic epic was such a mess that I have almost no memory of it. Since Whedon apparently changed things drastically, I am glad that we get to see Snyder’s original vision. While I am a fan of both directors, this 4-hour replacement of the film makes more sense (plot-wise), and is more enjoyable to watch. The story now centres on new hero characters Cyborg, The Flash, and Aquaman as they are recruited by Batman (with an assist from Wonder Woman) to prevent gigantic villain Steppenwolf from ruining the planet to make way for his big bad boss, Darkseid. Since the new run-time is so long, we get a lot more story on these characters, especially Cyborg, whose father issues are intimately tied to the devices called “mother boxes” that Steppenwolf is hunting for. At first I found Cyborg (played by newcomer Ray Fisher) to be wooden and surly, but as he starts coming to terms with himself and his father, he starts to play better with others and loosens up. Additionally, Ezra Miller, who plays the super-speedy Flash, is wonderfully and appropriately kinetic as the comic relief, pulling off plenty of great lines and scenes (including a soon-to-be-notorious slow-mo hot dog scene). While the film is much improved, that’s not to say that the Snyderization doesn’t have its issues. There are still some gigantic plot holes that don’t make sense. The film has Snyder’s trademark high-contrast, stormy look (it’s as if even the most pleasant sunrise is ready to break into a hellish nightmare at any moment). If you’ve watched Snyder’s other masterwork, 300, you should also be pretty familiar with his use of what I like to call “epic slow-mo”, where action is sped-down and soundtrack is amped-up to make the audience believe that we are watching a clash of titans in every scene. Plus, there is a confusing, dystopian, nightmare epilogue scene which is obviously meant to set up a sequel (so I don’t know why they bothered adding it to this re-cut version, since sequels are nowhere on the books). This re-cut is enjoyable to watch, but I’m not convinced that it was necessary for anyone (except maybe HBO Max’s pocketbook) to have made it.

Invincible

Based on a comic book written by The Walking Dead creator, Robert Kirkman, this animated series is set in its own universe, also full of costumed superheroes. Mark Grayson (voiced by Steven Yeun) is a teenager whose father happens to be Omni-Man (this universe’s equivalent to Superman) and when he starts to develop his own powers, his father shows him the ropes on how to become a superhero in his own right. That’s just a very very loose story arc, but there is also so much more going on in this series which (like Amazon’s other super-satire, The Boys) is very grown up and turns Marvel/DC conventions on their heads. While Mark goes through some amped-up teen angst and coming-of-age experiences, another story is going on involving Omni-Man and the Global Guardians (this world’s Justice League/Avengers) which earns this show its violence caveat — it is quite brutal. The show’s animation looks pretty plain at first (especially when the scenes involve talking close-ups), but the widescreen action and super-heroics are slick and spectacular, especially when a number of flying characters are involved. It totally makes sense that the producers would want to use animation as they’d probably kill their budget trying to make this all happen with live action and CG. I’m really enjoying the show so far, and there are lots of twists and mysteries keeping me eager for the next episode to come.

Falcon and the Winter Soldier

After the offbeat perspective of Wandavision, I was ready to get back into the action I expected from this new MCU show. Out the gate I was not disappointed by the spectacular aerial fight scene featuring the Falcon. It was cinematic and big budget, fast-moving and stunt-filled adrenaline food. Even though I knew that this was not going to be how the whole series would be, I was still a bit disappointed to be presented with scenes of Bucky, the Winter Soldier, having psychotherapy, or with Falcon accompanying his sister to the bank only to negotiate for and fail to secure a loan. I am always bored by the mundane aspects of super-heroes lives playing out on screen. In this case, I guess they are trying to make a point about these characters, but I was so happy for the other parts of the story, where this odd couple is investigating a terrorist group called the Flag Smashers who are interested in a world without borders and all seem to be physically enhanced (like Captain America style super-soldiers). Compared to Wandavision, this series feels more like a continuation, “filling in gaps” of what happens to these characters between films, or on other missions that don’t require a full team of heroes. The other interesting theme in the show so far is the mantle of Captain America. At first, Falcon declines the honour of Cap’s shield, believing that if he doesn’t accept it, no one should. But the government has other ideas and appoints a new Captain America to take Steve Rogers’s place. Of course this doesn’t sit well with either of Cap’s former sidekicks, so they end up butting heads with the new guy. As the series is a short six episodes, I’m looking forward to how they are going to amp up the plot as we approach the half way point. Nevertheless, after an MCU series that I found pretty mediocre (Wandavision), this one is much more on-key for me and I’m excited to watch.

The Irregulars

Finally, this series is not really about super-heroes in the traditional sense, but it’s got a few of the same notes (or at least has some potential to do). Set in Victorian London, it presents a group of young misfits who get connected to Sherlock Holmes (or at least a very surly Dr. Watson) and are paid to help with his investigations. At the heart of this ragtag family is Bea, a spunky young woman who is unafraid to stand up to almost anyone, and who does most of the leg work. Jessie, Bea’s sister, is more frail (at least everyone treats her that way) and she eventually manifests some supernatural abilities (including being able to read a person’s memories). They also run into Leopold (apparently the prince, doing his pauper thing) who slums it with the gang and helps out as well. Their first case involves a series of baby-nappings by a man (played by Rory McCann, who most of us know better as Sandor “the Hound” Clegane from Game of Thrones) who has the supernatural (or dare I say “super-villainous”) ability to control birds. So far, I’ve only watched the first episode, and I’ve never been a huge fan of the scummy Victorian slums as a backdrop, but the show has potential. Unlike a Holmesian mystery where clues lead to solutions based on deduction and logic, the plot here seems to be more of an action adventure (which isn’t bad. If I want more brainy Holmes drama, I’ll just rewatch Sherlock). I just hope that there’s more supernatural fun stuff in store. I like how between this series and the upcoming HBO series The Nevers, the sub-genre of “Victorian supernatural” is starting to emerge.