Loki Likey?

 A bit of a departure for me, writing about superheroes and the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but I have to say that I am becoming much more of a fan recently. I grew up with Marvel and DC comics, initially just random issues of US comics that my sisters or parents would buy me from a really dodgy looking book shop in Liverpool - I learned later that he did a roaring trade in under the counter porn - these comics provided a window into the world of superheroes and villains, Plasticman, Metamorpho, The Creeper, The Thunderer, Fantastic Four, Blastarr etc. Much later I would pick up the british reprints with Mighty World of Marvel and Spiderman Comics Weekly. 

So when the first iteration of the new Marvel Cinematic Universe came out, I was greatly impressed with Iron Man. I found it a bit odd, that there had already been Spiderman, Hulk, Daredevil and Elektra films previously, that bore no relation to the MCU, but really enjoyed Iron Man and the following franchise. Similarly, the first Fantastic Four film was brilliant, but again existed outside the MCU due to issues with film rights - I must say that the rebooted version is appalling, too.

Now, some years later, the MCU is a massive, unwieldy beast comprising over 20 films and loads of tv series, with more arriving shortly. The scale and scope of later films such as the Avengers Infinity Saga, is staggering, with cross overs and appearances by so many different characters, it necessary to take notes!

Recently, the TV series available on Disney Plus have extended and broadened the storylines, with mini-series focussing on individual characters, such as Scarlet Witch, Captain America and the Falcon. the latest series revolves around Loki, the God of Mischief from the Thor/Avengers franchises.

At first, i wasn't that taken with the TV series in general, Wandavision was a bit odd at first, before settling down into an involved storyline, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier was a bit too real in its focus on terrorism and political maneuvering. Loki on the other hand, which as i write is halfway through its run, is charming and funny and very well written. Again, it features themes and characters from the Marvel comic universe, but now Loki is in trouble with the Time Variance Authority for interrupting the flow of time with his apparent meddling. The series, along with Wandavision is clearly setting up the new theme of the Multiverse in the Phase Four and Five releases, with frequent easter eggs and references to other series and films tucked away in the storyline.

After each show, the net is alive with speculation and analysis of the plotlines which can spoil the surprises, but does show where the series is headed and provides insight into who the next big villain will be.

As always, Marvel and Disney are keen to be seen to be inclusive and in this plotline, it has included a gender-fluid version of Loki and implied that the titular hero is in fact bisexual. Comics have come a long way from wearing underpants over the tights and fighting caped villains, it seems.

Still, the writing is tight and clever and the effects are brilliant. Loki doesn't take himself too seriously and the series looks set to be rounded off with a spectacular finish, leading up to the next round of big films - Doctor Strange and the Multiverse of Madness, Ant Man Quantumania and The Eternals. I for one, will be stocking up the beer and popcorn in advance of the big finish. Nuff Said!