Not really a fan of the Sam L. Jackson Nick Fury anymore, Don’t get me wrong – when he first appeared, I thought it was an awesome idea (especially in light of the fact that he’s the result of Marvel pussying out on a decision to make Ultimate Captain America a black man). That said, I liked “Sam Fury” a lot more before there was a glimmer of a chance that there’d ever be an Avengers movie.
When Marvel Studios started making their movies, sure there was a chance that they’d cast Sam Jackson, but there are several cases of actors’ likenesses being used in comics, yet they’re not cast for the actual movie (Wanted, anyone?). We didn’t know Sam Jackson would actually get the role, but using him as the basis for the comic reinterpretation gave the character the level of “badass” that it needed.
In his defense, White Fury could be pretty badass when he wanted to be…
Now, the whole Jackson-as-Fury thing just seems to have run its course, especially since Ultimate Nick Fury hasn’t really been a badass in about 4 years. He’s been in hiding, for events that he caused yet won’t own up to. For a while, he was even hiding out in another universe. Does that sound like Sam Jackson to YOU? No, Sam Jackson ain’t no little scaredy bitch!
Anyway, as the movies keep rolling, and the trailers keep coming, I find myself much more intrigued by the character of Agent Coulson. I think a big part of that is because I get a kick out of seeing “That Guy From The New Adventures of Old Christine” on the big screen. Plus, he backs Baby into a corner on a regular basis (he’s married to Jennifer Grey)! Anyway, it’s almost like he stumbled into his big acting break (not really – he’s been around for years, but this might solidify his place in geek legend).
Yeah, I’d be cheesin’ like that if I just slept with Elaine/Christine…
In any case, I like the movies’ depiction of S.H.I.E.L.D. because it would be some organization shrouded in the secrecy of Homeland Security. It wouldn’t be staffed by any farmboy with dedication and a dream, wearing a bodysuit, hanging out on a helicarrier. The comic depiction of S.H.I.E.L.D. is no longer relevant, as it seems like you can enlist in S.H.I.E.L.D. just like any of the other armed services, They sure as Hell ain’t highly trained, and they have the mortality rate of red shirts on the Enterprise.
Helicarrier #547, ten minutes before everyone aboard was killed by Ultron
Sure, the Marvel movies could have used Clay Quartermain, but they knew that his characteriation wouldn’t have fit the universe they were building. So, we get Agent Coulson, and that makes me very pleased. We know nothing can really touch Fury, because he’s lives forever blah blah, but anything could happen with Coulson. Hell, they could introduce him in the comic world, and make him the new Winter Soldier for all we know. Sure, comics are great at ruining ideas and characters with potential, but I don’t think he was introduced for nothing. He’s an original character, who’s being given quite a push by the guys upstairs. I look forward to seeing what’s next.
