Jack Gaul

Jan 14, 2025 | cbr.com | Jack Gaul

The X-Men are one of entertainment's most recognizable and franchise-friendly teams. Their film legacy is legendary, and it introduced new generations of fans to beloved characters, breathing new life into the comics and kickstarting a beneficial cycle for multiple industries. But, as with all things, the X-films aren’t without flaws. Over almost twenty-five years, many mutants have appeared on the silver screen.

Jan 11, 2025 | cbr.com | Jack Gaul

Lobo is DC’s crudest, rudest, gnarliest bounty hunter. He embodies counter-culture, taking cues from his era's punk and metal scenes in his wardrobe and attitude. He’s a murderous, low-down bastich with little to no regard for political correctness or human life. When DC decided to reboot the universe in 2011’s New 52, they felt the need to change Lobo. The Main Man was not created for a modern audience, but his dashing, rebooted version showed he’d officially entered DC's mainstream.

Dec 27, 2024 | cbr.com | Jack Gaul

Superman is one of the strongest and most iconic characters in the history of comic books. He’s a delicate balance of incredible powers and relatable humanity, and the dual identities at the core of his character are essential to maintaining that balance. Without Clark Kent, Superman would be incredibly intimidating. His Kansan upbringing gives him a moral code people can easily relate to, and his understanding of the average working person makes him act approachable.

Dec 25, 2024 | cbr.com | Jack Gaul

Martian Manhunter is a classic DC Hero, first appearing in Detective Comics #225, becoming the series lead after Batman’s departure. He’s a founding member of the Justice League, and his Martian abilities make him uniquely suited to lead the team. He’s about as powerful as Superman, but his telepathy and cognitive superiority make him a terrific hands-off coordinator. J’onn comes from an era of intense distrust and awe-filled terror at the prospect of life beyond the stars.

Dec 24, 2024 | cbr.com | Jack Gaul

The Absolute Universe is defined by struggle. Every day is a grind for the people of Earth especially, and there are no special clubs full of superpowered people to come and make things easier. In some senses, it is the antithesis of the escapism presented by classic DC Comics. As such, it has a very different version of Superman than in classic DC Comics. Kal-El has no real ties to humanity; he just can’t stand to watch another “intelligent” species kill itself and its planet.