Venom Unleashes Marvel Universe of Symbiotes

This week spawns another Marvel comic-book movie in the form of Venom from Sony Pictures, the same film studio that brought us the Spider-man franchise (as portrayed by Tobey Maguire, Andrew Garfield and Tom Holland). However, the film universe that Venom exists is removed from the one presently occupied by the latest Spider-man incarnation, which shares the Marvel Cinematic Universe (M.C.U.) as seen by Holland's Peter Parker in Captain America: Civil War (2016), Spider-man Homecoming (2017) and Avengers Infinity War (2018). As Sony holds the rights to approximately 900 Marvel characters, the film studio has since announced that Venom will begin Sony's Universe of Marvel Characters (SUMC, an internal label of convenience).

Venom's comic book origins date back three decades to 1998 as a major super-villain of the Spider-man saga. Created by David Michelinie and legendary artist Todd McFarlane, Venom first appeared in the pages of The Amazing Spider-man issue #300 with his first comic book cover in issue #316. Prior to this, Peter Parker donned a black version of his costume which was later revealed to be a living sentient alien.

Before delving further, it may benefit non-Marvel fans to explain what is a Symbiote to set the proper context. By the English dictionary, a symbiont is defined as:

An organism in a symbiotic relationship. In cases in which a distinction is made between two interacting organisms, the symbiont is the smaller of the two and is always a beneficiary in the relationship, while the larger organism is the host and may or may not derive a benefit. 

In terms of biology, the symbiotic relationship, or symbiosis, involves two dissimilar organisms living together. In the fictional world of Marvel, a Symbiote (intentionally with an "e') refers to the aliens that bond with (human) hosts in a such a symbiotic relationship to grant extraordinary abilities as a symbiont entity. Geddit?

Anyway, Parker rejected permanently bonding with the Symbiote and forcibly repelled it. This unwittingly lead to the Symbiote bonding to disgruntled reporter Eddie Brock who nursed a strong hatred of Spider-man. Hence began lengthy clashes between the two foes over the years, including a number of team-ups against greater threats.

Venom's first appearance in live-action actually took place in 2007's Spider-man 3 where the Symbiote adopted a similar origin as the comics. Eddie Brock played by Topher Grace is bonded to the Symbiote immediately after Peter Parker (Tobey Maguire) expels it from his body using the sonic frequency of a church bell to weaken the alien lifeform; see the scene above. Unfortunately this only happens far into the movie so audiences and especially Marvel fans were not treated to much character development of Venom, which was further diluted with shared screen time with other major villains of the Sandman and new "Green Goblin".

For more intimate facts about Venom, check out this article by Says.com.

Tom Hardy as Eddie Brock / Venom in the upcoming 2018 movie.

This week a new incarnation of Venom will be unleashed as portrayed by British actor Tom Hardy, known for this role as Batman's nemesis Bane in The Dark Knight Rises (2012), Max the lead star of Mad Max: Fury Road (2015) and Shinzon in Star Trek Nemesis (2002).

Movie Synopsis:

Journalist Eddie Brock is trying to take down Carlton Drake, the notorious and brilliant founder of the Life Foundation. While investigating one of Drake's experiments, Eddie's body merges with the alien Venom -- leaving him with superhuman strength and power. Twisted, dark and fueled by rage, Venom tries to control the new and dangerous abilities that Eddie finds so intoxicating.

This new Eddie Brock / Venom will not a be sequel from the aforementioned Spider-man 3 or the two subsequent Amazing Spider-man reboots, therefore wiping the previous slate clean. Hardy has been reported to have signed on for 3 Venom movies, hinting that the Symbiote saga may be here to stay, obviously depending on the box office of this inaugural outing. And fans seem to be reacting well to Hardy's casting of this much beloved Anti-Hero compared to his predecessor Topher Grace, who himself admits not know why he was cast.

This new Venom with articulated tongue and nasty fangs looks seriously ready to eat some heads, although with a PG-13 rating we are unlikely to see serious bloody gorging.

The events of Venom take place in the city of San Francisco, which Marvel fans may be more familiar as also the home grounds of Ant-man (and The Wasp). As can be seen from the trailer Venom's origin story will be much changed from the comic books and previous outing as there seems to be no Spider-man in this universe to inherit the Symbiote. Instead the Symbiotes seem linked to  the Life Foundation headed by Carlton Drake (Riz Ahmed, Star Wars Rogue One), a genius technologist paving his own vision for the future of humanity. His research includes reaching out to the stars, literally going where no man has gone before, and bringing back new discoveries no matter the cost. The latter of course brings Drake into conflict with Eddie Brock as an investigative journalist.

Behind-the-scenes from the set of Venom with Tom Hardy.

Softening the male cast and Symbiotes is Michelle Williams (The Greatest Showman, Oz The Great & Powerful) as Anne Weying, Brock's romantic interest. Hardcare Spidey fans may also recognise this name from comic books as the human alter-ego of She-Venom. Other supporting characters do not stand out as star billing, but do look out for Woody Harrelson and a gratuitous cameo by the master, Stan Lee. Followers of Marvel's Luke Cage on Netflix may also recognise the familiar face of Ron Cephas Jones who played Bobby Fish, Luke's friend and often times conscience, although in a different role in this movie (it's oklah since SUMC is separate from MCU).

Don't annoy Venom or he will literally bite your head off.

As what has become staple for Marvel movies, expect 2 post-credit scenes to wet your geekiness. Plus minor SPOILER... Malaysia lands a surprise mark in the SUMC.

Venom opens in cinemas nationwide 4 October 2018.

Locally our top cinemas looks hyped for Venom and are offering a slew of promotions. Starting first with TGV Cinemas, they will be hosting Special Screenings of Venom for fans in IMAX on Saturday 6 October 2018 at multiple cinema locations in Klang Valley, Penang, Johor Bahru and Kuching. A specially priced movie ticket of RM40 per pax includes IMAX 2D screening, a Venom t-shirt & poster, preceded by dinner with fan activities. At time of this writing there is limited availability for purchase direct from TGV's website.

Screenings take place at Sunway Pyramid, Sunway Velocity, 1 Utama, Tebrau City Johor Bahru, Gurney Paragon Penang, and Vivacity Megamall Kuching.

Check out this micro-site for other Venom promotions by TGV. There is also a public Facebook contest offering the chance to win movie premiums; closing 4 October.

Over at GSC Cinemas, a whole load of gift with purchase items are being offered for customers as follows:

Redemption starts 4 October onwards while stocks last. Check GSC's website for availability by location.

Furthermore, GSC also has Play & Win Roadshows for Venom at multiple locations where presumably patrons are tasked to "play" assorted games for the chance to win Venom movie merchandise. See the roadshow schedule below:

Meanwhile MBO Cinemas is offering a Venom edition card for their AllStar members as well as a Watch & Win Contest putting up a Sony Dolby Atmos sound bar up for grabs plus Venom movie premiums.

For further details head to their micro-site.

Venom is rated P13, so do not expect to see gory entrails on screen... the producers will leave that to overactive imaginations. Head over to cinemas now to experience the latest Venom and let us know what you think if Marvel's latest anti-hero.

#WeAreVenom

Disclaimer: Venom and associated trademarks are copyright to Marvel under license to Sony Pictures, referenced here for fan service announcements without intent to infringe.

Our journey through 2017 into 2018 and wishing all denizens on Earth a Happy New Orbit around our Sun!

OUTPOST Productions wishes our valued clients, friends, and fans:

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

As we commence 2018, we like a reflect briefly on our journey in 2017 and how these experiences would shape the new year.


Speaking Geek

In November 2017, Outpost organised our first conference titled "The Growing Influence of Geek Pop Culture and How to Profit from It" as part of the Comic Play festival in Publika Shopping Gallery. Geeks from various fan communities spoke first sharing what they wanted for the local geek pop culture scene, then followed by industry panelists speaking on the opportunities available via partnerships with movies, fan engagements at the cinema, and growing hobby interests.

Industry panelists from United International Pictures, TGV Cinemas and ShiokToys.com.

Geek panelists from Star Wars Malaysia Fan Club, POP Culture Fun and Comic Fiesta.

Our Outpost Commander also facilitated fan panel discussions for Ghost in the Shell collaborating once again with Comic Fiesta, and sharing of Star Wars fandom at The Force is 40 fan event in Sunway Pyramid.

Panelists from BFM, Comic Fiesta and The Hyped Geek discuss Ghost in the Shell.

Star Wars 40th Anniversary fan panel at The Force is 40 event in Sunway Pyramid.

Outpost table at The Force is 40 with charity raffle raising RM422 for the Spastic Children's Association of Selangor & Federal Territory (SCASFT) 

Our resident Vulcan Mr. Smock (right) talking about Star Trek at KL Sci-Fi Convention 2017.

More photos at our Facebook Page for the Geek Pop Culture Convention as well as The Force is 40 Star Wars fan celebration event.


Proud to Cosplay

Thanks to the nice folks at the movie distributors and cinemas, local cosplayers had occasion to show off their love of geeky fandoms at Movie Premieres for a number of superhero franchises.

Try counting all these Spideys at a special Fan Screening for Spider-man Homecoming hosted at mmCineplex e@Curve.

Star-Lords and friends assembled for Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 2 at MBO Starling.

The Mighty Thor with half-brother & sister Loki plus Dr. Banner with Mr. Dr. Strange at the Premiere of Thor Ragnarok at GSC Mid Valley Megamall.

Check out more photos at our Facebook Page on these cosplay gatherings for Spider-man Homecoming, Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 2, and Thor Ragnarok as well as group photo shoots at Animangaki and Comic Fiesta, the largest convention of 55,000 geeks / otaku in Malaysia.

This year we will be looking unite the largest gathering of Marvel superhero cosplayers in conjunction with release of Avengers Infinity War in late-April.


Bringing Smiles to Malaysians

Special thanks to our esteemed clients at United International Pictures and Sony Pictures Entertainment for continuing to trust us with their mascot roadshows bringing smiles to Malaysians across the country.

Gru together with his Minions delighting the young and young at heart for Despicable Me 3.

The Smurfs returned for their third movie outing.

Gene and Poop from one of the stranger animation flicks, The Emoji Movie.

Experiencing a Slice of the Movies

Last year Outpost were also involved with a number of promotional activities for blockbuster movies. We kicked off an early summer hit with racing simulation tournament for Fast & Furious 8 at TGV Cinemas. Then we shot a thematic video for sci-fi horror flick, Alien Covenant.

Finalists for the Furious Showdown racing simulation tournament by TGV Cinemas.

Warning! Alien xenomorphs are infesting your cinemas! #FacehuggerAttack.

Closing the year at Comic Fiesta, we setup a thematic "jungle" photo booth for Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle, and had convention attendees try to Outrun the Maze in challenges inspired from Maze Runner: The Death Cure (in cinemas 25 January 2018).

Bringing a bit of Jumanji's jungle for Comic Fiesta attendees to photo shoot.

Recruiting Gladers to outrun the maze via game App and X-trainer running machine.

Beaming In Mr. Smock, Vulcan Cultural Officer

In the latter half of 2017, Mr. Smock of Vulcan beamed in to observe geeky human pop culture and has since conducted a number of YouTube video reviews about movies and geek collectibles.

Outpost resident Vulcan Mr. Smock talks about geek pop culture with human guests.

Thank you for being part of the journey with us at Outpost Productions. This year we will continue our mission to terraform the Geek Pop Culture landscape in Malaysia through thematic engagements with local fandoms. For corporate clientele, Outpost Productions offers Geek Consulting supported by on-ground events implementation.

Follow our social media channels on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and Blog to stay tuned to the latest geeky news.

Live Long & Prosper. May The Force Be With You.

#LLAP #MTFBWY

#HappyNewYear #2018 #geek #popculture #fandom #scifi #superhero #comicbook #collectibles #cosplay #movies #VulcanSmock #review

The next chapter of Marvel's INHUMANS continues in IMAX

Marvel Studios has been going strong with their cinematic universe since launch of Iron Man in 2008. From the big screens to home screens, Marvel is not slowing down and continue to expand their presence by developing live-action entertainment from decades of comic book publications. Now get ready for their latest addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), THE INHUMANS!

Official Synopsis:

Marvel’s INHUMANS explores the never-before-told epic adventure of the Attilan Royal Family led by Black Bolt, the enigmatic, commanding King of the Inhumans, with a voice so powerful that the slightest whisper can destroy a city. After the Royal Family of Inhumans is splintered by a military coup, they barely escape to Hawaii where they are greeted with surprising interactions with the lush world and humanity around them. Now they must find a way to reunite with each other and return to their home before their way of life is destroyed forever. 

King of the Inhumans, Black Bolt played by Anson Mount.

Marvel's INHUMANS is an 8-part television series by Marvel Television & ABC Studios based on the comic book with the same name by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby. It stars Anson Mount (Dollhouse) as Black Bolt, Iwan Rheon (Game of Thrones) as Maximus, Serinda Swan (Tron:Legacy) as Medusa, Eme Ikwuakor (Hawaii Five-O) as Gorgon, Isabelle Cornish (Home and Away) as Crystal, Ken Leung (Saw) as Karnak, Sonya Balmores (Hawaii Five-O) as Auran and Mike Moh (Street Fighter: Assassin's Fist) as Triton.

Inhumans royalty, Black Bolt (right) with his Queen, Medusa.

This is the first television series to be shot with IMAX cameras with the first 2 episodes being released early to IMAX cinemas. Fortunately for us in Malaysia, TGV Pictures will be bringing us the Pilot episodes for Marvel's Inhumans as they are meant to be seen in IMAX. TGV Cinemas' IMAX screens are located in 1 Utama, Sunway Pyramid, Sunway Velocity, Gurney Paragon Mall (Penang), Aeon Tebrau (Johor Bahru), and Vivacity Megamall (Kuching).

Ken Leung as Karnak.

It was announced by Marvel in 2011 that The Inhumans movie was in planning stages as part of Phase Three of the Marvel Cinematic Universe scheduled for release in November 2018. However, the film has since been taken off from Marvel's movie roster. Since then The Inhumans have been introduced during the second season of Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. in 2014 as a major story arc in the television series whereby a key member of the principal cast was revealed as an Inhuman.

Daisy Johnson (Chole Bennet) as Inhuman Quake in Marvel's Agents of SHIELD

So who or what are exactly the Inhumans? Well, here's a brief comic book history lesson: Millions of years ago, during the Kree-Skrull War, the Kree race established a base on the planet Uranus, and during that time, they discovered sentient lifeforms on Earth, i.e. Homo Sapiens. They then took some humans for genetic experimentation, creating the Inhumans. After the war ended, the Kree left back to their home world, however, the remaining Inhumans created a society of their own.

The Inhumans in the comics led by Black Bolt (centre).

 

The Inhumans as introduced in Marvel's Agents of SHIELD contains a similar backstory involving the Kree (also seen the Guardians of the Galaxy movies). Here are core characters of the Attilan Royal Family in the MCU:

 

 

Black Bolt, King of the Inhumans. Black Bolt's power is his hypersonic voice. Even a single whisper can destroy a battleship, if he uses his full voice, it can destroy a planet which is why he is always silent to make sure he doesn't hurt the people around him. He communicateS with the help of his wife, Queen Medusa.

 

Medusa, Queen of the Inhumans and Black Bolt's wife. She serves as his interpreter. Her powers is the ability to articulate her hair which may be used like a weapon or protection.

 

Maximus, Black Bolt's younger brother. He holds a grudge towards his brother and wants to be the ruler of the Inhumans. Maximus is highly intelligent and in the comics has psionic powers but mentally unstable, granting him the nickname 'Maximus the Mad'. However it seems initially that Maximus in this live action series does not have powers and therefore forms the basis of disaffection between this brother Black Bolt.

 

Crystal, Medusa's younger sister. She is able to control and manipulate the four elements; Earth, Water, Fire and Air. 

 

Karnak, Black Bolt's cousin and close advisor. In the comics he is not an Inhuman buta skilled martial artist and is able to find any weak point on his enemies. In the TV series he seems to have an Inhuman power to "see the fault in all things".

 

Gorgon, Black Bolt's second cousin. He has hooves as legs and it can create destructive seismic waves with them. He serves as Black Bolt's bodyguard. 

 

Triton, Karnak's brother. He serves as the Inhuman's undercover operative. He has aquatic abilities and is able to breath underwater.

Plus, they have a GIANT pet dog, Lockjaw! And one with powers of its own, teleportation!
'

 

The royal family's teleporting pet dog, Lockjaw.

So far from the synopsis and trailer, it seems that Maximus plots to overthrow his brother for the throne of Attilan. Black Bolt and his allies have no choice but to escape and they teleport to Hawaii, USA. Hence beings "fish out of water" story of an Inhuman family adapting to our world. And will they be able to return to Attilan and regain the throne?

  

Marvel's Inhumans in TGV IMAX Cinemas on 31 August

At the time of this blog post, we do not yet have information on where Marvel's Inhumans will be aired in Malaysia after this movie debut. Stay tuned to your regular pay-TV channels for updates. For now, go watch the pilot of this latest Marvel series at TGV IMAX cinemas from 31^stAugust!
 

We captured some reactions from local Marvel fanboys immediately after screening of the Premiere for Marvel's Inhumans. Here's what they have to say:

Disclaimer: Inhumans, its characters and other trademarks are copyright to Marvel Entertainment, referenced here for fan service announcements without intent to infringe.

Checking out COSMART 2016

by contributing writer Nicholas Lai

Sunway Putra Mall hosting Cosmart.

Upon first glance, the unassuming Sunway Putra Mall upon Jalan Putra appeared to be quiet on the outside at 1300+ hours. A storm was brewing as skies darkened to an ominous grey, and traffic in the city of Kuala Lumpur on a weekend was ever bustling in the gradual rain. Being a part of the Recon Team I took a Waze route, and upon arrival at the mall, underneath its exterior in the parking lot I circled and waited until I was allowed out of the vehicle.

I was unfamiliar with the mall's architecture, so I thought, follow the crowd (notably the cosplayers) and I will arrive at my destination soon enough.

An original fan ensemble based off Assassin's Creed.

I made my way onwards and upwards, taking a flight of stairs as the nearby elevators were crowded with an onslaught of weekender visitors, then following the trail as I tailed young adults sporting bright, colorful wigs of vivid hues if not out-of-place sailor uniforms until I reached the penultimate level, just one level beneath the ACG (animation, comics, games) event floor when I bumped into fellow cosplayers from a familiar group. As a regular event-goer, it has become a norm to bump into the same faces even as they bear another look, no matter the event.

One end of the event floor, upon entry.

Pin badges on sale.

I wonder what's interesting over there...

I ascended the nearby elevator, and despite the event being of a small scale the transition that took place was jarring; upon reaching the landing of the top floor (the ceiling was a bit low), I turned to spot the extremely crowded marketplace along the narrow corridor that was the mainstay to COSMART's name, lined with merchandise and wares of all sorts, exchanging hands as fast as the coming and going of visitors. Badges, plushies, body pillows, laser-cut/3D-printed items, there was hardly a limit to what the marketeers were selling short of the real thing.

Merchants are also all dressed up cosplaying.

Halloween was just around the corner, and they were right.

Those are some cool Pikachus.

Last I had heard, this season is supposed to be when many of the major console games would be released. Far too many to be listed, I am sure.

Visitors making use of the backdrop. Entry was free.

An inanimate(yet fabulous) host in front of a backdrop.

The recon did not stop there, and as I made my way through I had bumped into more than my fair share of costumed folks carrying props of different shapes and sizes, and through first contact the marketeers and cosplayers were a friendly bunch all about, openly inviting to spontaneous photo opportunities and making everyone else's day that much brighter.

The main "stage" or more aptly said as activity area.

Spidey getting friendly, as usual.

Always a common scene to see cosplayers posing for a shot.

Ah, the sights and sounds of an ACG event. Almost feels like home. Almost.

The cosplay competition, pretty much the staple of any event hosting cosplayers in Malaysia.

Cosplay Guests at Cosmart

At the other end of the floor the corridor opened up into a larger landing where the stage was located, with what appeared to be a full house with a large audience sitting on the floor in front with several more standing in the back. Despite missing out on the opening performances, the stage was not short on pleasant surprises when they demonstrated how to edit photos before proceeding to a cosplay competition. Safe to say, their contestant lineup was interesting. According to their scheduling, they were more than ready for a full weekend of fun.

An acquaintance dressed as a character from Assassin's Creed 3.

Rilakkuma, the great big lovable bear from Japan.

Beyond the stage crowd, and like many events I availed myself to the presence of other cosplayers that simply mingled about having their pictures taken, and as always, from my experiences it was a joy to see different worlds coming together as the many fandoms interacted with each other in ways never thought possible.

Is Anna asking the kid if she wants to build a snowman?

It's bear-hunting time!

No Halloween will be incomplete without a slasher!

The recon ended at 1500 hours after discovering much of the area, considering the size of the crowd. The weekend parking fee was absolutely painful, and by the time I had left, more vehicles had spilled into the lot making the way out a crawl. Despite all this, I look forward to the next event recon.