New Deal Coalition Retained Pt II: World on Fire
- Thread starter Prince Daemon Targaryen
- Start date
[/QUOTE]
Man, if the Soviets had Aaron Rodgers we'd all be speaking Russian right now.
I'd claim to feel bad for the Warsaw Pact, but I don't. They started a war over something that was arguably THEIR fault, used chemical weapons first and handled the war in an exceptionally retarded manner. They made their bed, time to lie in it.
Given WW2 had over 70 million casualties, I'll have to put this one in the hundreds of millions, possibly approaching a billion if the nukes come out.
Bookmark1995
Banned
I think it wouldn't get that high, since none of the stuff we've seen has come close to the Eastern Front of World War II which saw tens of millions of deaths.
Now, changing to a less bloody topic, and with the blessing of @The Congressman, I have organized the FIFA World Cups in the NDCR timeline, starting with the first one post-POD to the most recently elected one, as of August 1990.
1958 - Hosted in Sweden: 1. Brazil (1st title, won final 5-2) 2. Sweden | 3. France (won match for 3rd place 6-3) 4. West Germany
1962 - Chile: 1. Brazil (2nd title, 4-2) 2. Hungary | 3. Chile (1-0) 4. Yugoslavia
1966 - West Germany: 1. West Germany (2nd title, 2-0) 2. Portugal | 3. Soviet Union (2-1) 4. Argentina
1970 - Argentina: 1. Argentina (1st title, won final 4-3 in what is known as the Match of the century) 2. Brazil | 3. Italy (3-2) 4. Uruguay
1974 - Spain: 1. West Germany (3rd title, 2-1) 2. Poland | 3. Netherlands (1-0) 4. Brazil
1978 - Mexico [Moved from Argentina due to Communist revolution]: 1. Brazil (3rd title, 3-1) 2. Netherlands | 3. Poland (2-1) 4. Italy
1982 - Italy: 1. France (1st title, 2-0) 2. Brazil | 3. Italy (4-1) 4. Austria
1986 - Colombia: 1. Brazil (4th title, 3-0) 2. West Germany | 3. Spain (1-[4-2 on penalities]-1) 4. Belgium
1990 - France: (Cancelled due to World War III)
1994 - Chile? (On state of limbo: Elected on July 1988 before fighting began, but it is unclear whether it will be possible to host due to WW3, although the tournament hasn’t been officially cancelled).
1958 - Hosted in Sweden: 1. Brazil (1st title, won final 5-2) 2. Sweden | 3. France (won match for 3rd place 6-3) 4. West Germany
1962 - Chile: 1. Brazil (2nd title, 4-2) 2. Hungary | 3. Chile (1-0) 4. Yugoslavia
1966 - West Germany: 1. West Germany (2nd title, 2-0) 2. Portugal | 3. Soviet Union (2-1) 4. Argentina
1970 - Argentina: 1. Argentina (1st title, won final 4-3 in what is known as the Match of the century) 2. Brazil | 3. Italy (3-2) 4. Uruguay
1974 - Spain: 1. West Germany (3rd title, 2-1) 2. Poland | 3. Netherlands (1-0) 4. Brazil
1978 - Mexico [Moved from Argentina due to Communist revolution]: 1. Brazil (3rd title, 3-1) 2. Netherlands | 3. Poland (2-1) 4. Italy
1982 - Italy: 1. France (1st title, 2-0) 2. Brazil | 3. Italy (4-1) 4. Austria
1986 - Colombia: 1. Brazil (4th title, 3-0) 2. West Germany | 3. Spain (1-[4-2 on penalities]-1) 4. Belgium
1990 - France: (Cancelled due to World War III)
1994 - Chile? (On state of limbo: Elected on July 1988 before fighting began, but it is unclear whether it will be possible to host due to WW3, although the tournament hasn’t been officially cancelled).
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Superman/Spiderman/Wonder Woman
(With the consent of @TheCongressman, here are the superhero films until 1983.)
The comic book industry was in serious trouble despite the enduring popularity of such icons like Superman, Batman, Spider-Man, and the Incredible Hulk in popular culture. DC Comics underwent an implosion in the latter half of 1978 with an astonishing thirty-one titles cancelled. Even the seemingly-invincible Marvel Comics comics was as then-associate editor, Jim Shooter said, “a mess.” Almost every book was late with unscheduled reprints and fill-ins with many missing their deadlines completely as well as a decline in quality. There was no direct market at the time both companies depended on the newstands who could return unsold stock for credit. Though Shooter attempted to reorganize the company to make it more profitable upon his ascension to editor-in-chief, it appeared that the publisher would fold before the decade ended.
However, a ray of hope came with the release of Superman in theatres in December 1978. Directed by Richard Donner and starring Gene Hackman, Marlon Brando, and Christopher Reeve as the titular character, the film grossed $135 million domestically and $166 million in international markets coming in second to Paramount’s Grease as the highest grossing film of that year. Many critics viewed the film a ray of optimism after the Portuguese Crisis and the Focoist revolutions in South America with the Man of Steel representing “Truth, Justice, and the American way” with a strong emphasis placed on the latter and even earning acknowledgement from President Reagan. Superman’s success did not go unnoticed by Warner Bros.’ rival studios who hungrily eyed the struggling Marvel for its intellectual properties.
A fierce bidding war for the company ensued between Paramount, Universal, and Columbia. Disney initially showed interest in acquiring Marvel, but later dropped out, Warner Communications already owned the DC Comics brand, and MGM’s poor fortunes kept it from from bidding. Paramount emerged victorious after it bought Marvel from Cadence Industries for a staggering $25 million dollars on June 18, 1979. With the release Superman II looming, Paramount swiftly greenlighted production on Fantastic Four with release set for 1982 and Spider-Man in 1983.
Steven Spielberg’s work on Close Encounters of the Third Kind convinced Paramount to tap him as director for Fantastic Four and Spielberg in turn brought on George Lucas and Lawrence Kasdan to write the screenplay. Paramount enlisted established talent like Michael Douglas and Jeff Bridges as Reed Richards and Ben Grimm respectively with Kim Basinger as Susan Storm and newcomer Andrew McCarthy as her brother, Johnny. Both Spielberg and Lucas’ nostalgia for classic science fiction influenced them to partially base the film’s tone and cinematography on 1956’s Invasion of the Body Snatchers.
The plot of the film follows the first two issues of comic book closely with the four making their unauthorized foray the cosmos on Richards’ experimental starship until after bombardment by cosmic rays forces them to crash land back to Earth. They soon discover those rays gave them superhuman abilities. However, they soon find themselves hunted by the U.S. government and uncover a plot by scouts from a shapeshifting alien race called the Skrulls.
The scouts infiltrated the world’s government to prepare Earth for invasion from their fleet, and all they need to signal them to begin the invasion. However, they underestimate the Four who through a combination of brute force and guile destroy the scout ship before the aliens can send the signal, thus saving the planet from invasion. Hailed as heroes for their victory, the newly-named Fantastic Four set up shop in the Baxter Building as explorers of the unknown to face threats from beyond.
Fantastic Four was the most expensive film at the time of its release on June 25, 1982 due in part to the need to create new special effects to bring the characters powers to life. The most difficult was the Thing, where early test footage experimented with stop-motion, but Spielberg opted to use a stuntman wearing a suit designed by Stan Winston with Bridges lines dubbed over the stand-in. Regardless of the production costs, Fantastic Four lived up to the studio’s expectations with an astonishing $198 million domestic gross and $150 million overseas. It likewise received critical acclaim, and Paramount was not finished yet.
Spider-Man was the obvious choice to bring to the silver screen as Marvel’s flagship character with Robert Zemeckis at the helm at the suggestion of Spielberg. Zemeckis brought along his collaborator, Bob Gale who with co-write the screenplay with him. Several actors from Matt Dillon to Matthew Broderick were considered for the role of the Web Slinger, Paramount president, Michael Eisner insisted on Tom Cruise because he wanted a “charismatic” Spider-Man more than a nerdy Peter Parker. Though Zemeckis and Gale disagreed with the decision, they indulged Eisner.
The film itself would be slightly contentious with fans as it tied Spider-Man’s origin to that to his nemesis, Doctor Otto Octavius, played by Bob Hoskins, where Peter attends Octavius’s demonstration on cold fusion. Unbeknownst to those in attendance, a beam of radiation irradiates a small spider. The experiment ultimately explodes, injuring Octavius and Peter who is unconscious when the irradiated spider bites him. The first act largely follows the character’s first appearance in Amazing Fantasy #15 where Peter uses his newfound abilities for personal bite and grows arrogant and self-absorbed to the point where Uncle Ben (played by James Doohan of Star Trek fame) confronts him on his irresponsibility. Ultimately, his beloved uncle dies in an attempted robbery because his earlier refusal to stop an earlier robbery.
Meanwhile, Octavius emerges from his coma with his mechanical apparatus fused to his spine. Driven insane, he rampages through the hospital and vows to rebuild his cold fusion reactor. His attempts to acquire the needed components bring him into conflict with Spider-Man and a skirmish atop a moving train. The climactic battle unfolds in the ruins of Octavius’ old lab where his bigger and more powerful reactor threatens all of New York.
Paramount released Spider-Man on June 24, 1983 to to directly challenge Superman III, which released the previous week. Ultimately, the Web Slinger triumphed over the Man of Steel with a staggering domestic gross of $227 million compared to Superman III’s paltry $49 million. While Superman III did garner some praise for Christopher Reeve’s portrayal as an amoral Superman corrupted by red kryptonite, it also received sharp criticism for its slapstick humour. Some fans and most critics blamed it on Richard Pryor’s portrayal of the fifth dimensional trickster, Mister Mxyzptlk since the role did not suit Pryor’s comedic style. Reeves himself defended Pryor and instead placed the blame of director, Richard Lester, whom he said “was always looking for a gag” and going over the top with the comedy.
While the film scarcely managed to recoup its $39 million budget after its international release, Warner Bros. saw it as an abysmal failure after Paramount’s twin successes with Fantastic Four and Spider-Man. WB soon began negotiations with the Salkinds to buy back Superman’s film rights to retain the brand’s integrity after Superman III’s frosty reception. However, the Superman was only one card in the studio’s hand. With the announcement of Fantastic Four and Spider-Man, Warner Bros. greenlit films for Wonder Woman and Batman. The former was still relatively fresh in the public’s mind as the television series starring Lynda Carter was still in syndication.
Carter would return to the role for 1984’s Wonder Woman and the film would receive a substantial boost in marketing in response to Superman III’s failure with first trailers declaring the Amazon’s return in the winter of 1983. The increased exposure combined with a surprise cameo would forever change the face of filmmaking as the world then knew it.
NEXT INSTALMENT: Diana vs. The Green Goliath
The comic book industry was in serious trouble despite the enduring popularity of such icons like Superman, Batman, Spider-Man, and the Incredible Hulk in popular culture. DC Comics underwent an implosion in the latter half of 1978 with an astonishing thirty-one titles cancelled. Even the seemingly-invincible Marvel Comics comics was as then-associate editor, Jim Shooter said, “a mess.” Almost every book was late with unscheduled reprints and fill-ins with many missing their deadlines completely as well as a decline in quality. There was no direct market at the time both companies depended on the newstands who could return unsold stock for credit. Though Shooter attempted to reorganize the company to make it more profitable upon his ascension to editor-in-chief, it appeared that the publisher would fold before the decade ended.
However, a ray of hope came with the release of Superman in theatres in December 1978. Directed by Richard Donner and starring Gene Hackman, Marlon Brando, and Christopher Reeve as the titular character, the film grossed $135 million domestically and $166 million in international markets coming in second to Paramount’s Grease as the highest grossing film of that year. Many critics viewed the film a ray of optimism after the Portuguese Crisis and the Focoist revolutions in South America with the Man of Steel representing “Truth, Justice, and the American way” with a strong emphasis placed on the latter and even earning acknowledgement from President Reagan. Superman’s success did not go unnoticed by Warner Bros.’ rival studios who hungrily eyed the struggling Marvel for its intellectual properties.
A fierce bidding war for the company ensued between Paramount, Universal, and Columbia. Disney initially showed interest in acquiring Marvel, but later dropped out, Warner Communications already owned the DC Comics brand, and MGM’s poor fortunes kept it from from bidding. Paramount emerged victorious after it bought Marvel from Cadence Industries for a staggering $25 million dollars on June 18, 1979. With the release Superman II looming, Paramount swiftly greenlighted production on Fantastic Four with release set for 1982 and Spider-Man in 1983.
Steven Spielberg’s work on Close Encounters of the Third Kind convinced Paramount to tap him as director for Fantastic Four and Spielberg in turn brought on George Lucas and Lawrence Kasdan to write the screenplay. Paramount enlisted established talent like Michael Douglas and Jeff Bridges as Reed Richards and Ben Grimm respectively with Kim Basinger as Susan Storm and newcomer Andrew McCarthy as her brother, Johnny. Both Spielberg and Lucas’ nostalgia for classic science fiction influenced them to partially base the film’s tone and cinematography on 1956’s Invasion of the Body Snatchers.
The plot of the film follows the first two issues of comic book closely with the four making their unauthorized foray the cosmos on Richards’ experimental starship until after bombardment by cosmic rays forces them to crash land back to Earth. They soon discover those rays gave them superhuman abilities. However, they soon find themselves hunted by the U.S. government and uncover a plot by scouts from a shapeshifting alien race called the Skrulls.
The scouts infiltrated the world’s government to prepare Earth for invasion from their fleet, and all they need to signal them to begin the invasion. However, they underestimate the Four who through a combination of brute force and guile destroy the scout ship before the aliens can send the signal, thus saving the planet from invasion. Hailed as heroes for their victory, the newly-named Fantastic Four set up shop in the Baxter Building as explorers of the unknown to face threats from beyond.
Fantastic Four was the most expensive film at the time of its release on June 25, 1982 due in part to the need to create new special effects to bring the characters powers to life. The most difficult was the Thing, where early test footage experimented with stop-motion, but Spielberg opted to use a stuntman wearing a suit designed by Stan Winston with Bridges lines dubbed over the stand-in. Regardless of the production costs, Fantastic Four lived up to the studio’s expectations with an astonishing $198 million domestic gross and $150 million overseas. It likewise received critical acclaim, and Paramount was not finished yet.
Spider-Man was the obvious choice to bring to the silver screen as Marvel’s flagship character with Robert Zemeckis at the helm at the suggestion of Spielberg. Zemeckis brought along his collaborator, Bob Gale who with co-write the screenplay with him. Several actors from Matt Dillon to Matthew Broderick were considered for the role of the Web Slinger, Paramount president, Michael Eisner insisted on Tom Cruise because he wanted a “charismatic” Spider-Man more than a nerdy Peter Parker. Though Zemeckis and Gale disagreed with the decision, they indulged Eisner.
The film itself would be slightly contentious with fans as it tied Spider-Man’s origin to that to his nemesis, Doctor Otto Octavius, played by Bob Hoskins, where Peter attends Octavius’s demonstration on cold fusion. Unbeknownst to those in attendance, a beam of radiation irradiates a small spider. The experiment ultimately explodes, injuring Octavius and Peter who is unconscious when the irradiated spider bites him. The first act largely follows the character’s first appearance in Amazing Fantasy #15 where Peter uses his newfound abilities for personal bite and grows arrogant and self-absorbed to the point where Uncle Ben (played by James Doohan of Star Trek fame) confronts him on his irresponsibility. Ultimately, his beloved uncle dies in an attempted robbery because his earlier refusal to stop an earlier robbery.
Meanwhile, Octavius emerges from his coma with his mechanical apparatus fused to his spine. Driven insane, he rampages through the hospital and vows to rebuild his cold fusion reactor. His attempts to acquire the needed components bring him into conflict with Spider-Man and a skirmish atop a moving train. The climactic battle unfolds in the ruins of Octavius’ old lab where his bigger and more powerful reactor threatens all of New York.
Paramount released Spider-Man on June 24, 1983 to to directly challenge Superman III, which released the previous week. Ultimately, the Web Slinger triumphed over the Man of Steel with a staggering domestic gross of $227 million compared to Superman III’s paltry $49 million. While Superman III did garner some praise for Christopher Reeve’s portrayal as an amoral Superman corrupted by red kryptonite, it also received sharp criticism for its slapstick humour. Some fans and most critics blamed it on Richard Pryor’s portrayal of the fifth dimensional trickster, Mister Mxyzptlk since the role did not suit Pryor’s comedic style. Reeves himself defended Pryor and instead placed the blame of director, Richard Lester, whom he said “was always looking for a gag” and going over the top with the comedy.
While the film scarcely managed to recoup its $39 million budget after its international release, Warner Bros. saw it as an abysmal failure after Paramount’s twin successes with Fantastic Four and Spider-Man. WB soon began negotiations with the Salkinds to buy back Superman’s film rights to retain the brand’s integrity after Superman III’s frosty reception. However, the Superman was only one card in the studio’s hand. With the announcement of Fantastic Four and Spider-Man, Warner Bros. greenlit films for Wonder Woman and Batman. The former was still relatively fresh in the public’s mind as the television series starring Lynda Carter was still in syndication.
Carter would return to the role for 1984’s Wonder Woman and the film would receive a substantial boost in marketing in response to Superman III’s failure with first trailers declaring the Amazon’s return in the winter of 1983. The increased exposure combined with a surprise cameo would forever change the face of filmmaking as the world then knew it.
NEXT INSTALMENT: Diana vs. The Green Goliath
Attachments
Admiral Halsey
Banned
IMO the fact the fantastic four have a good movie officially moves this to ASB territory.
Without Star Wars NDCR has been and will always remain the darkest TL.