THE FINAL CHAPTER OF THE MAESTRO TRILOGY BEGINS! A.I.M., the Pantheon and even Doctor Doom have all fallen before the might of the Maestro! Finally, he may now reign over his kingdom with a firm green fist. Except he didn’t count on the Abomination rising from the dead and forming an alliance with Namor and Doom! And this dangerous new alliance is ready for war—WORLD WAR M!
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Review – Shang-Chi and The Legend of The Ten Rings Directed by: Destin Daniel Cretton Written by: Destin Daniel Cretton & Others Produced by: Kevin Feige Starring: Simu Liu, Michelle Yeoh & Tony Leung Release Date: September 3rd 2021 Introduction Last night, I went to see Shang-Chi and The Legend of The Ten Rings mostly for review purposes and I came away really enjoying it. I probably enjoyed it more than I expected to. I went in not quite as excited as I usually am for a new entry in the MCU and I feel that is mostly due to the superhero-fatigue I have been feeling from the bombardment of content that we have been getting recently. Though, Shang-Chi feels fresh and manages to avoid feeling weighed-down by the ties of the MCU that I feel somewhat tainted Black Widow and Spider-Man: Far From Home. This really aided in my enjoyment of the film. Normally I feel that if a solo MCU film doesn’t heavily tie into the bigger picture, it isn’t as worth my time, but here it is what lead to me enjoying the movie as much as I did. Fight! First off, let’s address the reason that most people will go to see this movie; the martial arts on display. The combat sequences in this film are incredible. The choreography and stunt work is a joy to witness and is also very well-shot. There were two fight sequences in the film that I thought worked particularly well. The first was the bus sequence, which I thought was a fantastic way to introduce to the audience what Shang-Chi can do. The whole scene was wonderfully dynamic and I thought that everyone in the scene did a great job. The second sequence that stood out to me was the hugely creative fight that took place on scaffolding outside of a skyscraper. Again, it was a breathtakingly exciting sequence and looked astonishing on the big screen. The danger felt present and real throughout this scene and some of the acrobatics on display were truly mind-blowing. Technical Aspects The other technical aspects of the movie were also up to scratch. I mentioned already that I felt that the fight sequences were well-shot, but the cinematography throughout the entire film was pretty great to look at. Bill Pope has a history of capturing dynamic fight sequences in a way that is still easy to follow and comprehend and this is no exception. I also thought that the CGI was well-implemented and never took me out of the movie in any major way. This is pretty impressive when you consider how out-there the movie ends up in the last act. The lighting was also exquisite throughout the entire film and the score did a great job of adding to the spectacle of what was unfolding onscreen. The script was also pretty good for the most part. There was the odd throwaway comedic line that fell slightly flat, but for every one dud line, there were ten other that merited a chuckle. The plot of the film was also pretty straightforward, but this was actually something that I appreciated. Not everything has to follow a convoluted plot full of double crosses and a requirement to have seen the last 20 movies in the series. Summary Overall, I had a great time with Shang-Chi. It is by no means a flawless film and it isn’t even the best MCU movie, but it is still the most fun I have had with a superhero movie in years. The fight sequences are spectacular and worth the price of admission alone and I am very much looking forward to seeing what they do with this character in the future. If you enjoyed Dan’s review of Shang-Chi, you can check out what he thought of Thor: Ragnarok here. If you want to be part of the BGCP community, Join us on Discord, Twitter, Instagram etc then click HERE
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Seven years later, Avengers: Endgame remains the undisputed King of the MCU. From the “Portals” scene to Tony Stark’s final sacrifice, here is why this masterpiece demands to be watched on 4K. ⚠️ Affiliate Disclaimer This article contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. If you buy through these links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. The Verdict at a Glance The Crown Jewel of the MCU It is hard to believe it has been seven years since Avengers: Endgame hit theaters. In 2026, as we navigate the complex “Multiverse Saga” with Incursions and Variants, looking back at Endgame feels like visiting an old friend. This wasn’t just a movie; it was a miracle of logistics. Juggling dozens of A-list stars, wrapping up 22 movies of storytelling, and landing the emotional plane perfectly? That shouldn’t have been possible. Yet, the Russo Brothers did it. Here is why Endgame remains the “Gold Standard” against which all other blockbuster movies are measured. The “Time Heist” is Genius Writing Instead of a standard “punch the bad guy” plot, the movie turns into a love letter to the MCU itself. By sending our heroes back to 2012, 2013, and 2014, the film allows us to see how far these characters have come. Watching the weary, defeated 2023 Tony Stark interact with the hopeful 1970 version of his father is heartbreakingly beautiful. It rewards you for paying attention for the last decade. The Darkest Battle Needs the Best Screen The final act—the “Battle of Earth”—is notoriously dark (visually). The muddy grays and browns of the destroyed Avengers compound can look like a blurry mess on streaming services. However, on physical 4K UHD, it is a different experience. The HDR brings out the glowing sparks of Doctor Strange’s portals, the crackle of Thor’s lightning, and the distinct colors of the Infinity Stones against the gloom. If you haven’t seen it on disc, you haven’t really seen it. “On Your Left” There is no cinematic moment in the last 20 years that matches the “Portals” scene. When Captain America, broken and alone, hears Sam Wilson’s voice… it is pure magic. Even in 2026, this scene induces goosebumps. It is the payoff to every single solo movie that came before it. Seeing Black Panther, Spider-Man, and the Guardians return from the dust is a triumph of long-form storytelling. The Perfect Goodbye for Tony & Cap Endgame understands that endings are necessary. Tony Stark, the man who started as a selfish egoist, makes the ultimate selfless play. Steve Rogers, the man who always sacrificed himself for the greater good, finally takes a moment for himself. Their arcs cross perfectly: one learns to let go, the other learns to live. How to Watch: The “End of an Era” Collection To truly honor this film, you need the best quality possible. Streaming compression ruins the audio dynamic range of the final battle. 🥇 The Essential Disc: Avengers: Endgame (Cinematic Universe Edition 4K) This disc is reference quality for home theaters. The Dolby Atmos track shakes the room when Thanos’s ship, The Sanctuary II, fires on the base. 🥈 The Ultimate Flex: The Infinity Saga Collector’s Box Set If you want to own the entire 22-movie run from Iron Man to Endgame in one beautiful package, this is the holy grail for collectors. 🥉 The Must-Have Prop: The Nano Gauntlet (Electronic) Unlike the golden Infinity Gauntlet, the red-and-silver “Nano Gauntlet” was built by Tony Stark. This high-end replica features articulated fingers and the “Snap” sound effect. It is the centerpiece of any Marvel shelf. Final Thoughts Avengers: Endgame is a masterpiece of blockbusters. It manages to be funny (Professor Hulk), devastating (Black Widow), and triumphant (Cap lifting Mjolnir) all at once. In an era of endless sequels, Endgame dared to provide a conclusion. It is the high-water mark of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and it demands a permanent spot in your physical media library. Where to watch next: The “Infinity Saga” is over, but the aftermath begins immediately in Spider-Man: Far From Home, which deals with the world mourning Tony Stark.
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Review – Immortal Hulk Time of Monsters. Al Ewing joins with writer Alex Paknadel for this one-shot, which explores the horrific tale of the first Hulk!
BGCP Interview: Inside the Mind of Writer Alex Paknadel Writing for comics is one of the most competitive and creative fields in the entertainment industry. In this special episode of the BGCP podcast, hosts Massimo and Alan are joined by one of the most exciting voices in modern comics: Alex Paknadel. From gritty indie horror to massive Marvel superhero events, Alex has built an impressive bibliography that spans genres and publishers. Whether you are a long-time fan of his work or an aspiring writer looking for industry secrets, this interview is a must-listen. Who is Alex Paknadel? Alex Paknadel has quickly become a powerhouse name in the comic book world. He first burst onto the scene with the critically acclaimed sci-fi series Arcadia (BOOM! Studios), a high-concept story about a digital afterlife that immediately marked him as a writer to watch. Since then, he has penned scripts for some of the biggest properties in pop culture, including Ubisoft’s Assassin’s Creed and the Doctor Who universe. He is also a master of horror and social commentary, as seen in his work on Redfork (TKO Studios) and the giant-robot mystery Giga (Vault Comics). Episode Highlights: What We Discuss In this deep-dive conversation, Massimo and Alan explore the reality of working in the comic book business. Here is what you can expect from the episode: Breaking into the Industry: There is no single path to becoming a professional comic writer. Alex shares his personal journey, offering valuable advice for creators trying to get their foot in the door and get their pitches noticed by editors. The Immortal Hulk Connection: Marvel’s Immortal Hulk is widely regarded as a modern masterpiece. Alex reveals how a conversation with series architect Al Ewing led to Marvel loving his pitch for Immortal Hulk: Time of Monsters. He shares behind-the-scenes details on how that collaboration came to be. Indie vs. “The Big Two”: We discuss the creative differences between working on creator-owned indie titles like Turncoat and Giga versus playing in the sandbox of established universes like Marvel and Assassin’s Creed. Deconstructing Redfork: We take a closer look at Redfork, his dark and atmospheric horror graphic novel from TKO Studios, discussing the inspirations behind the terrifying mining town tale. Listen to the Interview You can catch the full interview right here on the Big Glasgow Comic Page. Don’t forget to check out the links below to pick up Alex’s books and support his work. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A_sNDkDSr-s&t=2202s Support the Creator If you enjoyed this interview, we highly recommend checking out Alex Paknadel’s bibliography. You can find his latest releases and collected editions at the links below: Follow Alex on Twitter/X: @AlexPaknadel Buy his books on Amazon: Shop Here Buy his books on ComiXology: Shop Here Want to discuss this episode? Join the BGCP family on our social channels! We are Scotland’s biggest community for geeks, gamers, and comic fans. Join the Discord: Chat with other fans and get exclusive updates. Follow us on Socials: Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Link to Next Interview: John Layman
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