RJ Writing Ink

Alfred Molina and More to Return for next Spider-Man film

I thought that it would take us a few more years until we would get a crossover film on the level of Into the Spiderverse or Avengers: Endgame. As it turns out, though, we may be getting it as soon as the end of next year. With the MCU gearing up for a delayed start to its Phase 4 in 2021, Marvel is going in strong. And it’s going to be bringing back a fan-favorite villain.

For some time now, it’s been rumored that many castmembers from the previous live-action iterations of Spider-Man would be making a return of some kind in the next Spider-Man MCU film. Today, Spider-Fans got a big treat when the Hollywood Reporter confirmed that Alfred Molina will be returning to play his role as Dr. Octopus. In addition, rumors have circulated that Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield will make an appearance in the next Spidey film. And that a lot of the cast from their films will also return.

I’M FREAKING OUT HERE!

My reaction to all this news:

For my generation, Tobey Maguire was the Spider-Man. He’s who introduced us to the Wall-Crawler! And while I think Tom Holland captures the youthful energy better, Tobey still holds a place in my heart. The fact that he may return as Spider-Man is huge.

Andrew Garfield, on the other hand…

I never saw The Amazing Spider-Man films, so I have no right to judge. However, I just didn’t like how they looked for some reason. If you have a problem, sue me.

This is all coming on the heels of rumors that the next Spider-Man film will involve Dr. Strange and some Multiverse Hijinks. If they’re really going to connect the MCU to a greater multiverse with the Sam Raimi and Andrew Garfield films, the implications are huge for the MCU’s future. A whole new world of stories to be had. Limitless ideas to be found! I can’t wait!

Let me know what your thoughts are on this, though!

Edens Zero Chapter 122 Review/Recap

Have you ever heard of the ‘Knight Templar’ trope? It’s a person or group in a work of fiction that think they’re on the side of good. However, their methods are so hardcore that they’re just as bad as the enemies they fight; sometimes worse! To my dismay, that Justice guy in Edens Zero falls right into the Knight Templar category as he picks a fight with someone that he should be (at least) neutral to: Shiki.

Recap

Picking up where we left off, poor Hermit’s barely keeping it together at the sight of the mad Dr. Muller. After being arrested, he blew himself out of prison and then got converted into a cyborg (or “O-Tech” as he calls it.) Weisz tries to intervene on Hermit’s behalf, but Muller takes him out fairly quickly. He then sadisitcally restrains Hermit so he may resume her creepy experiments on her.

Meanwhile, Sister and Witch notice how Hermit’s emotional state’s grown increasingly erratic. Sylph’s not doing well, either, saying someone bad’s nearby.

Down on the surface, Shiki and Homura find themselves face to face with Nero Commando Team Beast 1. They steel themselves for a tough fight…that doesn’t happen. Justice and his companions take them down in one hit. That’s the good news. The bad news is that Shiki mentions how they know Elsie, saying they’re friends. Thus, Justice’s Knight Templar side kicks in, and he has Homura captured by his friends, before declaring that he’ll kill Shiki. Enraged, Shiki tries to retaliate, only for him to completely block his attack!

Uh-oh.

Review

I’ve never had to think too much about what kind of villain I hate the most. However, I’d say that the Knight Templar archetype’s high up on my list. They think everything they do is for a good cause, even when they’re hurting countless people. A lot of notable Marines in One Piece embody this trope, and I hate them. And now Justice’s on the list for wanting to kill Shiki and capture Homura just for knowing Elsie. Whatever she did to him doesn’t justify hurting innocent people.

For some time now, I’d been hoping that Shiki would be able to avoid getting on the bad side of the Government. However, that may no longer be an option after Foresta. Whether he beats or escapes Justice with Homura, he’ll be on their radar now. Knight Templar, indeed.

Now, let’s talk about the elephant in the room: Hermit’s reaction to Dr. Muller appearing before her again. I called Muller a “robophile” in my last review because his interest in Hermit reminds me of a sexual predator. I’m not joking. Seeing Hermit’s PTSD and his gleeful reaction to being able to “experiment” on her only reinforces this idea. I have to respect Mashima for wanting to use this in his manga.

Well, if we thought the Foresta Arc was going to finish soon, then we’ve got a way to go. GO SHIKI! KICK JUSTICE’S BUTT!

I Give “Titanic Victory” a 3/5

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