My D&D Movies

A lot of folks, myself included, loved Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves. This got me thinking about other D&D movies. I'm not specifically talking about official D&D movies, but the movies that I've associated with D&D and that get me in the mood, so to speak.  There are two that immediately come to mind (both of which came out when I was in high school).

The 13th Warrior may have been a commercial and critical flop, but it's still one of my all time favorite movies. There was a good two or three year period that I would put this one in every night before bed. There are issues with it, for sure, but I love it. The ensemble cast is great and this is peak smoldering Banderas. Vladimir Kulich's Buliwyf has always stuck with me and influenced my choice to nearly always support the Nords in Skyrim (because he voices Ulfric Stormcloak). Also love Tony Curran and Dennis Storhøi in their supporting rolls. The action is great and the film is well shot. I also dig the humor. This movie is a favorite of most of my high school and college gaming friends. 

The Scorpion King is my Conan movie. It's my favorite swords and sorcery flick and holds the same spot in my heart that 1982's Conan the Barbarian has to other gamers. I've always loved the Rock (with the exception of his OG Rocky Miavia days) and this movie is just cool. It has a great supporting cast, over the top action scenes, and a cool factor that can't be denied. 

I think I might have to make some gaming content based on these two flicks soon. So what are your D&D movies? 

The First Family Of Marvel

I saw this unique Fantastic Four piece by Gabriel Fonseca and had to share it. Personally I've never been a huge FF fan. I understand their importance to the history of Marvel but they never were a team that grabbed my attention (though I've watched both animated series and all four movies). Over the past few years I've grown to enjoy them more, mainly because my creative brother, David Coppoletti, is the world's biggest Ben Grimm fanboy.

We A.I.M. To Please

More 5e supers fodder for your games.  If you need stats for A.I.M.'s most notable leader, check out these M.O.D.O.K. stats. 

Code Name: A.I.M. Soldier

Real Name: Various

Team Affiliation: A.I.M.

Armor Class: 14 (A.I.M. Standard Issue Armor)

HP:  32 (5d8+10)

Speed: 30

Challenge: 2 (450 XP)

Attributes: Str 12 (+1), Dexterity 12 (+1), Con 14 (+2), Int 12 (+1), Wis 10 (+0), Cha 10 (+0)

Saving Throws: Con +4

Damage Resistance: Radiant, Poison

Condition Immunities: Poisoned

Sense: passive Perception 10

Languages: English

Traits 

Pack Tactics. A.I.M. Soldier has advantage on attack rolls against another creature if at least one of the attacking soldier's allies is within 5 feet of the target creature and the ally isn't incapacitated.

Actions

Multiattack: A.I.M. can make two attacks.

Baton: Melee Attack. +3 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 4 (1d6+1) bludgeoning damage.

Blaster Rifle: Ranged Weapon Attack. +3 to hit, range 50/150 ft., one target, Hit: 9 (2d6+2) radiant damage.

The Little Phoenix

This fantastic X-Men and Little Mermaid was created by comic artist Lukas Weneck 

Official Spider-Punk Playlist

Cody Ziglar, writer of the Spider-Punk miniseries has created an official Spotify playlist for Hobie. Check it out here.

Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (2023) [Spoiler Free Review]

 

Plot 

Miles is catapulted in the multiverse after reuniting with his friend, Gwen. He soon introduced to a Multiversal team of Spider-Folk. His excitement fades and he chooses to be a hero his own way, which brings him into direct conflict with the team's leader, Miguel O'Hara/Spider-Man 2099.

Review

Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse is the best comic book movie and this flick had a lot to live up to. I am so happy that it did. Everything about the movie is amazing (you might even say spectacular, or superior). The various animations styles blend together perfectly. What's even more impressive is that live action footage is also mixed in seamlessly. They even included editor's notes... which is *chef's kiss*.

Shameik Moore is absolutely perfect as Miles. He brings the character alive and his voice work is the best. Hailee Steinfeld is also fantastic as Spider-Gwen. I don't know how but Jason Schwartzman's portrayal of the Spot was both sympathetic and horrifying. Oh and the animation related to him... his fights are so cool. 

The rest of the Spider-cast are great too. Spider-Man India and Spider-Punk are definite standouts. Spider-Punk in particular is just too fucking cool. The writing is top notch, the characters seem genuine. The movie is packed with laughs, great action, and genuine heart (I might have cried a couple of times).

I have one complaint... Sony why are you making me wait until March to see how the stories ends?! This is not a standalone flick and ends with "To Be Continued."

In Your Game

If you want to add some Spider-Verse goodness to your 5e games, I have several posts that can help.

• Spider-Woman/Val the Librarian - the original Spider-Woman who debuted in Spidey Super Stories 
• Web-Archivist - my Spidersona, I also have a Vigilante City version that can be found here. 
• Venom - modern movie version
• Bonesaw - Spider-Man's greatest foe is ready...
• Spider-Ham's Mallet - 'nuff said

Comic Luchadors By Brendan Tobin

Hawkman and MODOK get the Lucha Libre treatment in these pices by artist, Brendan Tobin. Remember, if you'd like to play a super luchador in 5e, you can check out this post.