Thor: Tales of Asgard
Netflix | Google Play | SEN | YouTube
DVD | Blu-ray
Directed by Sam Liu
Starring Matthew Wolf, Rick Gomez, Tara Strong, Cathy Weseluck, Ashleigh Ball
Lionsgate Home Entertainment
Originally Released: May 17, 2011

While Marvel’s Thor is better known for coming from Asgard to his excursions on Earth in contemporary media, Tales of Asgard acts as more like a prequel. Set in other realms aside from Earth, the animated movie focuses on Thor as a teen, approaching adulthood, and beginning to learn the hard lessons necessitated as the son of Odin.

Coddled and shielded by Odin from the realms beyond Asgard, young Thor is hungry for adventure – having a high opinion of his own skills than they actually are. Requesting the assistance of his brother Loki, the pair creep onto the ship of the Warriors Three – in quest of the Lost Flaming Sword of Surtur, believed hidden in the realm of the Frost Giants of Jotunheim.

But the perils of the expedition are immense, and while the Frost Giants are caused to seek war against Asgard because of Thor’s actions, another sinister menace threatens the realm of Odin – and it comes from within their own borders”¦

Batman Year One
Netflix Streaming
DVD | Blu-ray
Directed by Sam Liu and Lauren Montgomery
Starring Bryan Cranston, Benjamin McKenzie, Eliza Dushku, Katee Sackhoff, Alex Rocco
Warner Home Video
Originally Released: October 18, 2011

Speaking nostalgically, the Batman Year One comic series by Frank Miller and David Mazzucchelli instigates many happy memories for me. I, along with many other geeks, hold the earlier Miller Batman work in high esteem, and the Year One arc released back in 1987 is often regarded with much reverence. It, accompanied by titles like The Killing Joke and others, is often pointed to as being must-read material for new Batman readers.

Thus, when it was announced that Warner Brothers Animation and DC were going forward with an animated adaptation of the classic and timeless Batman Year One, it was a bittersweet moment. Would they stand true to the original material? Or make sweeping adaptations for the release?

Hulk Vs.
Netflix Streaming
DVD | Blu-ray
Directed by Sam Liu and Frank Paur
Starring Fred Tatasciore, Bryce Johnson, Steven Blum, Matthew Wolf, Nolan North
Marvel Animation and Lionsgate Home Entertainment
Originally Released: January 27, 2009

For Marvel Fans, the summer release of The Avengers directed by Joss Whedon has been a challenging act to follow up with. It was an impressive epic release of geekporn, complete with its faults, and since its release, it’s been tough to find other previous Marvel releases to fill the void left by Whedon’s stunning success.

And while it’s no alternative for The Avengers film, Netflix does have a bunch of Marvel flicks worth having a look at, including their animated line of releases. One that proves to be a fun diversion is Hulk Vs., an animated double feature that sets everyone’s favorite green giant against Thor and Wolverine.

Thor: Tales of Asgard
Blu-ray/DVD Combo | DVD | On Demand
Directed by Sam Liu
Starring Chris Britton, Clancy Brown, Grey DeLisle
Lionsgate
Release Date: May 17, 2011

With the big action of the Thor feature film now in theaters of course it makes sense for Marvel to try and put Thor everywhere. They teamed with Lionsgate to bring us the direct-to-DVD and Blu-ray Thor: Tales of Asgard. The animated film tells the story of a teenaged Thor before the Hammer and before he became a hero, at least in the sense that we know him from modern comics or even from the live-action film. In the story, Thor is protected by his father Odin to the point that he is allowed to win exhibition fights with Asgard’s most powerful warriors. When he is called out on his fake wins by Sif, a young woman who is already an amazing warrior, Thor feels the need to prove himself. He decides to hide on a sailing ship with the warriors three to seek out a mystical sword and show Sif and the other inhabitants of Asgard that he truly is a great warrior.

By SoAndyway

Hulk VS Thor
Blu-ray | DVD
Directed by Takuji Endo and Sam Liu
Screenplay Christopher Yost
Starring Matthew Wolf, Graham McTavish, Kari Wahlgren, Bryce Johnson,
Grey DeLisle

As much as we love our heroes, there is one question that anyone who has ever picked up a comic book encounters: “Who would win in a fight”¦?” In Hulk Vs Thor, we get to see that fantasy scenario played out in an epic battle for Asgard.

Year after year, Asgard is watched over by Odin, the All Father. For one week each winter Odin must rest, leaving Asgard vulnerable to attack. Many may try to claim Asgard, but their attempts are always thwarted by Thor (Matthew Wolf) and the other Asgardian warriors. With hopes of defeating Thor, Loki (Graham McTavish) has kidnapped Dr. Bruce Banner (Bryce Johnson) in order to take control of the Hulk, the only power to ever equal the God of Thunder’s. What follows is a mystical tale of bravery and loyalty, accented with all the fist-pounding, hammer-swinging action you would expect from the two titans of the Marvel universe.