Welcome to Day 2 of the AtoZChallenge and the letter B. Every day in April (except Sundays) I will be making a post about shapeshifters of all kinds. Check back to see my choices and, from time to time some flash fiction too.
B is for
Bruce Banner
For anyone who grew up in the seventies those words are iconic. Of course he happens to be David Banner in that, rather than Bruce. So the Banner I am really refering to is from Marvel Cinematic Universe. Played by the wonderful Mark Ruffalo, his icon is line is:
"That's my secret, Captain. I'm always angry."
Created by experiments with the super soldier serum used to created Captain America and gama radiation, the Hulk is a "Giant, green rage monster" that emerges when Bruce becomes overly emotional. If he is hurt or loses control, his calm, even tempered human mask falls away to reveal the very dangerous creature inside. He is all but indestructable, as General Ross has discovered on more than one occasion.
However, it has been shown on more than one occasiona that Hulk is in no way mindless, as first thought. But he definitely has impulse control and higher thought issues.
He's an awesome character that Mark Ruffalo brings to life in a way that hasn't been done so well since Bill Bixby in the 70s.
Werewolf of the Day
Sylvie Baker (Anita Blake Vampire Hunter)
Sylvie is an alpha werewolf from the Anita Blake series of books. She is the Geri, or second in command, of the local werewolf pack, and as such is someone not with whom to mess.
She is a good friend to Anita, the main character, and she is very loyal, but has something of a violent streak. She keeps a collection of the bones of her enemies, which comfort her.
Sylvie is also of the lesbian persuasion, having dated Gwen, another werewolf and a psychiatrist, that we know of. She did declare she wasn't a lesbian in one book, but I'd put that down to the author forgetting a significant point over something that happened in the plot. We've all done it right? That's why we all need good editors ;).
Sylvie is one of those characters that sticks in your head because she is that little bit interesting, even though she doesn't always have a huge part in the books.
She is a good friend to Anita, the main character, and she is very loyal, but has something of a violent streak. She keeps a collection of the bones of her enemies, which comfort her.
Sylvie is also of the lesbian persuasion, having dated Gwen, another werewolf and a psychiatrist, that we know of. She did declare she wasn't a lesbian in one book, but I'd put that down to the author forgetting a significant point over something that happened in the plot. We've all done it right? That's why we all need good editors ;).
Sylvie is one of those characters that sticks in your head because she is that little bit interesting, even though she doesn't always have a huge part in the books.
I hope you liked my choices today.
- Do you have any favourite shapechangers or werewolves you would have used for the letter B?
- Are you a Banner/Hulk fan? Which incarnatino is your favourite?
Many thanks for visiting, do come back!
Oh, oh! I remember Bill Bixby. I had forgotten he played The Hulk. What a fun reminder. And, of course, Mark Ruffalo is a wonderful actor (and not too hard on the eyes either).
ReplyDeleteDefinitely not too hard on the eyes :).
DeleteRob and I started to rewatch some of The Incredible Hulk season 1 a while ago, but we had to stop because we found the fact he had to keep leaving places so sad. It's funny how that never really effected me as a child.
Hi Natasha.
ReplyDeleteI saw your comment at Yolanda's. As I write about vampires and werewolves and demons, amongst other things, I thought I'd pay you a visit. I have watched The Hulk in the past, but not now. :-)
A writer after my own heart :) Thank you so much for stopping by. I remember watching the Incredible Hulk on Saturdays and when my husband and I rewatched some of it I was surprised by how much I remembered :).
DeleteHi Tasha - all new to me .. but then the whole vampire business I leave happily for them to own! You're obviously enlightening others though ... cheers Hilary
ReplyDeleteI feel it is my duty to spread the love ;)
DeleteTasha, I recall watching The Hulk TV series in the 70s and I had all but forgotten the by-line you brought to mind, "You won't like me when I'm angry" I like Mark Ruffalo as "The Hulk". Marvel Comics of the big screen and digital creation just can't capture the same sense of the 70s character portrayed by a real person which is a fine example of how technology works against itself. Thanks for sharing and for visiting Art Sketching Through the Alphabet today’s featured letter “B” (boys) and a side of Mewsic on Curious as a Cathy!
ReplyDeleteIt's one of those lines that imprinted on my brain as a child - I doubt it will ever fade :)
DeleteI think they did really well with the Hulk, especially since Mark plays both and they are animating over his actual movements.
Thank you for dropping by :)
I remember watching Hulk when I was a kid. I liked it because, well, you know... he's green.
ReplyDeleteI also watched the new Marvel film years ago, only the first, because I was quite disappinted.
I've never read the Anita Blake stories, but they have been in my TBR pile forever.
@JazzFeathers
The Old Shelter - 1940s Film Noir
It's funny, I remember playing Wonder Woman in the playground at school, but I can never remember anyone playing The Incredible Hulk. You'd have thought the boys at least would really have been into it.
DeleteMark Ruffalo is hands down the best Hulk in the MCU. Which movie did you watch - the Ang Lee one with Eric Bana, or the next one with Edward Norton? Some people count the Ang Lee one as MCU, some don't :).
I have read the AB series up to about the half way point, book 12 or 13 I think.
"That's my secret, Captain. I'm always angry" This line, just played in my mind instance I read it!
ReplyDeleteThis series is going to be fun! Curious for what comes next. :)
Thanks for sharing
Cheers!
It's so iconic isn't it :D
DeleteThank you so much for visiting.
We remember Bixby from old reruns of "My Favorite Martian" ...
ReplyDeleteHave a pleasant Monday good Lady Tasha...
I have not seen My Favourite Martian - I suspect I am missing out :)
DeleteMany thanks, you too.
it was a very old "sit-com"... (earlier episodes were in black and white... Ray Walston as "the Martian"...
DeleteBixby and Banner huh? Shoulda been Mark Buffalo that played him on screen, but I guess the world doesn't always work out for irony. I like your choices just the way they are, thank you!
ReplyDelete:D
DeleteThank you, I am glad you enjoyed them.
Ruffalo is great as the Hulk, though I also liked Eric Bana. I will admit I haven't seen the Edward Norton version. I remember liking the old TV show as a kid, but I honestly don't remember very many details, except vividly picturing him taking clothes off a clothesline when he turned back to Banner, and leaving folded bills in place to pay for it.
ReplyDeleteB is for Battle of Beaumont Hamel
I liked Eric Bana's portrayal, but don't like the movie over all. The Norton movie is more exciting though. I think I prefer Hulk in the ensemble - less angsty ;)
DeletePoor Banner, he must go through so many pairs of pants and shirts. Always did wonder how the pants never split all the way up :D
I'm wanting to shapeshift into a creature with multiple heads so I can watch and read everything all at once. I don't like missing out on the fun.
ReplyDeleteThere are so many amazing posts this year aren't there - I think we could all do with at least five heads and ten hands :) I have a spreadsheet so I don't lose any of the sites I want to revisit, but it's already filling up - LOL.
DeleteHello Natasha! I came here from another blog (but I had a lot of tabs open so I don't remember which one :( ). I love a good shape-shifter. It's been a long time since I read the Anita Blake novels. Gah! So long, I don't remember Gwen. Maybe I'd better pull them out. :) They're the books that got me interested in urban fantasy.
ReplyDeleteI know that feeling :) Thank god for OneTab is all I can say or my PC would grind to a halt.
DeleteIt's been a while since I've read the AB books too :) The last one I bought was around 12 or 13. I keep looking at them thinking I should re-read and then at my to-read pile and deciding against it ;)
And thank you for visiting. :D
DeleteThe Hulk has always been one of my favorites. I watched the series as a kid and his parts in the recent marvel movies are usually pretty darn fun.
ReplyDeleteDiscarded Darlings - Jean Davis, Speculative Fiction Writer, A to Z: Editing Fiction
I do love when he hits Thor :D Thank you for dropping by.
DeleteI do not have any favorite, oh wait that guy in Harry Potter, the very nice man that turns into a werewolf. His name slips my mind right now. I remember the Hulk, but never saw him or knew anything about him really as I was already grown in the 1970s.
ReplyDeleteFinding Eliza
Remus Lupin :) I'll let you into a little secret - he's coming up later in the month.
DeleteAwesome! I watched "The Hulk" as a child. It made me sad, though. And I used to write Anita Blake fanfiction. ~grin~ It led me to writing an original series of twenty-three novelettes that I'm rewriting for a writing challenge outside of A to Z. Happy Blogging!
ReplyDeletehttp://darlamsands.blogspot.com/
I've written Anita Blake fanfic - but only one, it's a crossover with Harry Potter. Who was your fav character to write?
DeleteIt is so awesome how fanfic brings people to writing their own characters as well.
I have never thought of the Hulk as a shapeshifter, but that's exactly what he is. Mind blown!
ReplyDelete26 Things To Hate About Writing: B is for Books
If you're anything like me, the first thing that comes to mind with shapeshifters is the supernatural, but there are many that are kind of scifi too :)
DeleteRuffalo is a great Hulk and a great Banner :) I also have a soft spot for the She-Hulk comics from the early 2000s.
ReplyDeleteThe Multicolored Diary: WTF - Weird Things in Folktales
I've never really read comics, but I am sure there was a cartoon with She-Hulk at some point that I've seen :).
DeleteLou Ferrigno is my favorite Hulk, but I agree that Mark Ruffalo does a good job, too!
ReplyDelete~Mary
Jingle Jangle Jungle
#AtoZChallenge 1970's Billboard Hits
Mark is the only one to play both Banner and Hulk so I think he brings more cohesion to the role. Lou Ferringo is of course, awesome :)
DeleteBill Bixby is always the hulk to me and the guy who played him Lou Ferrigno. I had the piano music to the TV series and it's haunting to play.
ReplyDelete@Raesquiggles - Buckfast abbey - alive today
The Quiet Writer
It is a very iconic tune isn't it.
DeleteBill Bixby made a fine Hulk. Hulk was also a different kind of "action character."
ReplyDeleteGreat to see you for another A to Z Challenge.
A Piece of Uganda
He's so interesting because most of the time he's a beserker character, but then, sometimes there is reasoning there too.
DeleteWouldn't miss it :) The madness gets us all, doesn't it ;)
Omg! Do you have any idea how many times I have used Bruce Banner's line when arguing with political foes? Too many!
ReplyDeleteIt is appropriate in many situations :) Makes people nervous too, in case you start going green ;)
DeleteFemale werewolves tend to be pretty interesting. They're usually more fearsome than the males!
ReplyDeleteSylvie is definitely not one to mess with :)
Deletewatched bill bixby as a kid. he has my heart, but i do like ruffalo's version of hulk too.
ReplyDeleteHulk was Saturday night TV - a sacred time in our house :)
DeleteI hadn't considered the Hulk being a shapeshifter, but now that you said it, it makes perfect sense.
ReplyDeleteIt might be because when we were all kids he seemed to turn in to a different person entirely, so it never occured to us it was really the same guy :).
DeleteI think also, and I did grow up on the show (I should watch that again), is that when we think of shapeshifters, we think of someone who is in control of their ability. But considering now those who are not capable of their ability, opens up a lot of possibilities. Like that cartoon where if a guy gets hot, he turns into a car. And if he gets cold, he turns back to a human.
DeleteThe latest Hulk in the Avenger movies is great the others, not so much. Sort of a joke!
ReplyDeleteI was afraid of the Hulk in the 70s version. So, that remains my favorite. I can't really get into the CGI variations. Not nearly as scary as a grimacing guy in green paint. Saying that, though, I do like Mark Ruffalo as the human part of him. :)
ReplyDeleteA to Z 2017: Magical and Medicinal Herbs
Oh! I didn't know Banner changed from a David to Bruce. I've only ever known him in the recent MCU version.
ReplyDeleteAnna