I Can't Help But Marvel VII

This particular character is one evil son of a gun and is, without a shadow of a doubt, my favourite Marvel villain. He lives to make Spiderman's life difficult in any way he can. He and his partner in crime, Carnage, are probably Marvel's creepiest duo. So last, but not least, it's...

7. Venom

Venom's human identity is Edward Charles Brock. Eddie worked as a journalist for the Daily Globe, the same paper that Peter Parker occasionally worked for. Poor guy got fired from said newspaper when Spiderman inadvertently revealed that Eddie couldn't report worth a damn. Eddie became a bitter and twisted man with a serious ax to grind with the Wall Crawler.

Eddie's "crazy" aura attracted the attention of the symbiote which had previously tried to bond with Spiderman. These two proved to be a perfect match. They joined physically and mentally. Eddie discovered that the symbiote gave him the same powers as Spiderman and then some. Venom's powers also include super strength, the ability to shoot webbing and a "spider sense" similar to that of  Spiderman's. Most importantly, Spiderman's spider sense can't pick up on Venom, which really works for Venom.

Venom made his first appearance in The Amazing Spiderman #299 in 1988. We can thank the following people at Marvel for Venom's creation: Dan Slott, David Michelinie, John Romita Jr, Todd McFarlane, Yanick Paquette and Zeb Wells.

Spiderman versus Venom

Topher Grace as Venom in the third Spidermen,
I'm sorry, all I see when I look at him is Eric Forman from That 70s Show.

That's it then. My descent into geekdom is over. Thank you so much for indulging me on this one. I promise my next couple of posts will be less nerdy.

I Can't Help But Marvel VI

This guy is probably one of the less well known Marvel Characters. In fact, he went pretty much under the radar until X-men Origins came out. But I have to tell you, I like this guy. A lot. It probably has more to do with the delish actor who portrays him in the movies than anything else. Plus, he is pretty hard core.

6. Deadpool

His real name is Wade Wilson and there isn't a whole lot known about his early life. Mr Wilson became an assassin in his early teens and would often use technology and plastic surgery to keep his identity a secret. Deadpool is Canadian, like another Marvel hero we all know and love. Like Wolverine, Deadpool is also a product of the Weapon X programme. These two have had quite a tumultuous relationship in the past. Basically, they kick the crap out of each other every time they come into contact.

Deadpool's powers include super fast healing (much like Wolverine's). This means that he can regrow organs and even limbs. This healing factor gives him an extended life span, enhanced physical attributes and increased stamina, strength and agility.

Deadpool is pretty much a new comer in the Marvel universe, only making his first appearance in New Mutants #98 in 1990.

Love you to death: Wolverine versus Deadpool

Ryan Reynolds as Deadpool in X-men  Origins.
I really wish that there had been more of him in that movie.

I Can't Help But Marvel V

This is another kick ass lady of the Marvel universe. She is truly one of my favourite Marvel people, male or female. I really wish that the X-men movies would give her her own movie or at least pay a little more attention to her. Plus, we get to see more of the lovely actress who portrays her and who wouldn't love that?

5. Storm

Her real name is Ororo Monroe and she is descended from a long line of African priestesses. Ororo's mother, N'dare, was a princess and her father, David, was a photojournalist. Sadly for everyone's favourite weather witch, her parents died in a plane crash that she managed to survive.

Storm has some pretty impressive powers. She has a pretty vast control over the weather. She can generate storms (as her name suggests), winds of varying degrees of intensity and lower the temperature in her immediate vicinity. Best of all she can direct lightning bolts with her hands. Storm is married to the Black Panther

Storm made her first appearance in Giant-Size X-men #1 which was issued in 1975. She was created by Dave Cockrum and Len Wein.

Halle Berry as Storm in the X-men movies

I Can't Help But Marvel IV

Long before Buffy moved to Sunnydale and before Angel, Stefan and Edward were doing their whole "tortured vampire" thing, there was this guy. Unlike the aforementioned powderpuffs, this guy is hardcore. He doesn't spend his time styling his hair and brooding, he spends his time brooding and kicking some serious ass.

4. Blade

Blade's real name is Eric Brooks and he had a pretty rough beginning. His mother was a prostitute who was going through some labour complications and looked for help from a "doctor" who was actually a vampire . This vampire ended up biting this poor lady and ended up transferring some enzymes that altered the baby. So, baby Blade was half human and half vampire.

The benefits of being half vampire mean that Blade has many of a vampire's powers but very few of their weaknesses. He is supernaturally strong, has superhuman senses and stamina. He also heals super fast. Blade's weapon of choice is a sword.

Blade made his first appearance in Tomb of Dracula Vol 1. # 10 in 1973. Blade was created by Marv Wolfman and Gene Colan.

Wesley Snipes as Blade

I Can't Help But Marvel III

Today is about the ladies. I don't think I'd be wrong in saying that the ladies of the Marvel universe have not gotten nearly as much attention as the guys. And when they do get the spotlight, it doesn't go so well (cough... Catwoman... cough). But I must give this kick ass heroine props. She translated very well on the big screen.

3. The Black Widow

Her real name is Natalia "Natasha" Alanovna Romanova and she was born in the U.S.S.R. This femme fatale first appears as a villan in Tales of Suspense #52 which was issued in 1964.The Black Widow underwent government  "treatment" that slowed down the aging process, strengthened her immune system and enhanced her physical durability. She has been romantically linked to Hawkeye, Daredevil and Captain America.

The Black Widow was created by Stan Lee, Don Rico and Don Heck.

This is the ridiculously beautiful Scarlett Johansson as the  Black Widow

I like the Black Widow. She is an excellent example of a woman kicking some serious ass.

I Can't Help But Marvel II

Today's Marvel character isn't technically a "hero" although he is one of my favourite people in the Marvel universe. I mean, who wouldn't love to have his powers for a day or two? I know if it were me, I'd be having all kinds of illegal fun...

2. Magneto

Magneto's real name is Max Eisenhardt and he made his first appearance in X-men #1 which was released in 1963. Magneto has the super cool ability to control all forms of magnetism. His powers are basically limitless and he can use his powers for different things simultaneously. He can erect a magnetic force field around himself that's almost completely impenetrable so he can protect himself. Hell, the guy can even use his powers to make himself fly!

Magneto was created by the legendary Stan Lee and Jack Kirby.

Ian McKellen plays Magneto in the X-men movies

And here is Michael Fassbender as a young Magneto.

I Can't Help But Marvel I

I declare this week Marvel week. I am a little bit of a comic book nerd and the movie adaptations of these comic books make me ridiculously happy. So, I'm going to share my seven favourite Marvel heroes with you. Everyday, I'll give you a quick rundown on their history, who came up with them and what they look like in the comic book world and how they were adapted for their respective movies.

So, here it goes:

1. Wolverine

His real name is James Howlett but he now goes by Logan. Wolverine made his first appearance in the Incredible Hulk #180. His superpowers include heightened senses, retractable bone claws (now covered by adamantium) and accelerated healing, which has given him an extended lifespan. Despite being hotter than Pretoria in the middle of December, Wolverine has not had a whole lot of luck with the ladies. In fact, romantic entanglements with Wolverine seem to be rather hazardous as most of his lady friends end up... dead. 

He was created by writer, Len Wein and Marvel art director, John Romita Sr. 

 I have to admit, Wolverine being my favourite Marvel hero has a little something to do with Hugh Jackman. I mean, the guy is FINE.