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A shared universe is a fictional universe in which multiple independently created works are set. One or more authors may contribute works to a shared universe. The works within the universe may share characters and other story elements, with or without continuity. Shared universes can be found in literature, comic books, films, television, anime and manga and are most commonly seen in fantasy and science fiction genres.
A good example of the shared universe in action is this after-end-credits scene from the film Iron Man (2008) where Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr) and Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson) cross paths for the very first time:
(after end credits)
Tony Stark: (arriving home) Evening, JARVIS!
Jarvis: (voice distorted) Welcome home, sir...
(Stark stops as he sees a figure in his living room)
Nick Fury: "I am Iron Man". You think you're the only superhero in the world? Mr. Stark, you've become part of a bigger universe. You just don't know it yet.
Tony Stark: Who the hell are you?
Nick Fury: Nick Fury. Director of SHIELD.
Tony Stark: Ah.
Nick Fury: I'm here to talk to you about the Avenger Initiative.
(after end credits)
Tony Stark: (arriving home) Evening, JARVIS!
Jarvis: (voice distorted) Welcome home, sir...
(Stark stops as he sees a figure in his living room)
Nick Fury: "I am Iron Man". You think you're the only superhero in the world? Mr. Stark, you've become part of a bigger universe. You just don't know it yet.
Tony Stark: Who the hell are you?
Nick Fury: Nick Fury. Director of SHIELD.
Tony Stark: Ah.
Nick Fury: I'm here to talk to you about the Avenger Initiative.
by The Centurion December 28, 2014
Get the Shared universe mug.The Gurkhas (Nepali : गोर्खा) (/ˈɡɜrkə/ or /ˈɡʊərkə/), also spelled as Gorkhas, are soldiers from Nepal. Historically, the terms "Gurkha" and "Gorkhali" were synonymous with "Nepali," and derived from the hill town and district of Gorkha from which the Kingdom of Nepal expanded. Legend has it that the name may be traced to the medieval Hindu warrior-saint Guru Gorakhnath who has a historic shrine in Gorkha. Gurkhas are traditionally recruited from various Nepali hill ethnicities, but do not come from a single group or region in the multi-ethnic country.
Although the Gorkhas found in Himachal are mostly from Nepal, there have been reports of non-Nepalese Gorkhas (such as Thai Gorkhas, Naga Gorkhas and Chinese Gorkhas). There are Gurkha military units in the Nepalese, British and the Indian army (Gorkhas) enlisted in Nepal. Although they meet many of the requirements of Article 47 of Protocol I of the Geneva Conventions regarding mercenaries, they are exempt under clauses 47(e)&(f) similar to the French Foreign Legion.
Gurkhas are closely associated with the Khukuri, a forward-curving Nepalese knife and have a well known reputation for their fearless military prowess. The former Indian Army Chief of Staff Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw, once stated that "If a man says he is not afraid of dying, he is either lying or is a Gurkha."
Although the Gorkhas found in Himachal are mostly from Nepal, there have been reports of non-Nepalese Gorkhas (such as Thai Gorkhas, Naga Gorkhas and Chinese Gorkhas). There are Gurkha military units in the Nepalese, British and the Indian army (Gorkhas) enlisted in Nepal. Although they meet many of the requirements of Article 47 of Protocol I of the Geneva Conventions regarding mercenaries, they are exempt under clauses 47(e)&(f) similar to the French Foreign Legion.
Gurkhas are closely associated with the Khukuri, a forward-curving Nepalese knife and have a well known reputation for their fearless military prowess. The former Indian Army Chief of Staff Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw, once stated that "If a man says he is not afraid of dying, he is either lying or is a Gurkha."
During the Gurkha War (1814–1816) between the Gorkha Kingdom in Nepal and the East India Company the British were impressed by the Gorkhali soldiers which they called Gurkhas. Their war cry was and is to this very day: Jaya Mahakali, Ayo Gorkhali (Nepali: जय महाकाली, आयो गोर्खाली) (Glory to Great Kali, Gorkhas approach)! In the Peace Treaty it was agreed that Gorkhalis could be recruited to serve under contract in the East India Company's army.
Traditionally, recruitment had been mainly from the Nepali hill groups such as the Chhetri, Thakuri, Magar, Gurung, Tamang, Rai, Limbu and Nepali indigenous people such as other matwali(Alcohol Drinkers) Groups like Bhujels. Bahun (Brahmin), Sherpa were not permitted for the Gurkha Army, it was later on where all Nepalis were allowed to join. Gurkhas were thought to be a martial race because they were considered to be naturally warlike and aggressive in battle; to possess qualities of courage, loyalty, self-sufficiency, physical strength, resilience, orderliness; to be able to work hard for long periods of time and; to fight with tenacity and military strength.
Traditionally, recruitment had been mainly from the Nepali hill groups such as the Chhetri, Thakuri, Magar, Gurung, Tamang, Rai, Limbu and Nepali indigenous people such as other matwali(Alcohol Drinkers) Groups like Bhujels. Bahun (Brahmin), Sherpa were not permitted for the Gurkha Army, it was later on where all Nepalis were allowed to join. Gurkhas were thought to be a martial race because they were considered to be naturally warlike and aggressive in battle; to possess qualities of courage, loyalty, self-sufficiency, physical strength, resilience, orderliness; to be able to work hard for long periods of time and; to fight with tenacity and military strength.
by The Centurion January 31, 2015
Get the Gurkha mug.Ra's al Ghul (Arabic: رأس الغول Raʾs al-Ġūl; "Ghoul's Head") is a fictional character, a supervillain who appears in comic books published by DC Comics. Besides being considered to be one of Batman's greatest enemies, given his high status as a supervillain, Ra's al Ghul has also come into conflict with Superman and other heroes in the DC Universe. He is the son of Sensei, the father of Talia al Ghul, Nyssa Raatko, and Dusan al Ghul, and the grandfather of Damian Wayne. His name in Arabic has been translated in the comics as "The Demon's Head".
Ra's al Ghul has been featured in various media adaptions, most notably Batman: The Animated Series, where he was voiced by David Warner, Batman: Arkham City, voiced by Dee Bradley Baker, the films Batman Begins and The Dark Knight Rises where he was portrayed by actor Liam Neeson, and the TV Series Arrow where he is portrayed by actor Matt Nable.
IGN's list of the Top 100 Comic Book Villains of All Time List ranked Ra's as #7.
Ra's al Ghul has been featured in various media adaptions, most notably Batman: The Animated Series, where he was voiced by David Warner, Batman: Arkham City, voiced by Dee Bradley Baker, the films Batman Begins and The Dark Knight Rises where he was portrayed by actor Liam Neeson, and the TV Series Arrow where he is portrayed by actor Matt Nable.
IGN's list of the Top 100 Comic Book Villains of All Time List ranked Ra's as #7.
Ra's al Ghul, literally translated from the Arabic as Head of the Demon, is an international immortal eco-terrorist and an enemy of Batman. Believing that humanity is a blight on the planet, his extremist environmentalism has led him to seek the destruction of modern society. Born centuries ago, he has sustained his life through usage of restorative Lazarus Pits. These centuries of experience have made him an incredible tactical expert and physical combatant, allowing him to establish the League of Assassins. His daughter Talia al Ghul has been romantically involved with Batman, leading to a child between the two named Damian Wayne. Ra's al Ghul was created by Dennis O'Neil and Neal Adams, first appearing in Batman #232. (1971)
by The Centurion December 24, 2014
Get the Ra's al Ghul mug.Industrial Light & Magic (ILM) is an American Academy Award-winning motion picture visual effects company that was founded in May 1975 by George Lucas. It is a division of the film production company, Lucasfilm, which Lucas founded, and was created when Lucas began production of the film Star Wars. ILM originated in Van Nuys, California, then later moved to San Rafael in 1978, and since 2005 it has been based at the Letterman Digital Arts Center in the Presidio of San Francisco. Lynwen Brennan, who joined the company in 1999, currently serves as ILM's President and General Manager. In 2012, The Walt Disney Company acquired ILM as part of its purchase of Lucasfilm.
Lucas wanted his 1977 film Star Wars to include visual effects that had never been seen on film before. After discovering that the in-house effects department at 20th Century Fox was no longer operational, Lucas approached Douglas Trumbull, famous for the effects on 2001: A Space Odyssey. Trumbull declined as he was already committed to working on Steven Spielberg's film Close Encounters of the Third Kind, but suggested his assistant John Dykstra to Lucas. Dykstra brought together a small team of college students, artists and engineers, and set them up in a warehouse in Van Nuys, California. Lucas named the group Industrial Light & Magic, who became the Special Visual Effects department on Star Wars. Alongside Dykstra, other leading members of the original ILM team were Ken Ralston, Richard Edlund, Dennis Muren, Joe Johnston, Phil Tippett, Steve Gawley, Lorne Peterson and Paul Huston.
by The Centurion December 28, 2014
Get the Industrial Light & Magic mug.The Phantom is an American adventure comic strip created by Lee Falk, also creator of Mandrake the Magician. A popular feature adapted into many media, including television, film and video games, it stars a costumed crimefighter operating from the fictional African country Bangalla.
The Phantom is the 21st in a line of crimefighters that originated in 1536, when the father of British sailor Christopher Walker was killed during a pirate attack. Swearing an oath on the skull of his father's murderer to fight evil, Christopher started the legacy of the Phantom that would be passed from father to son, leaving people to give the mysterious figure nicknames such as "The Ghost Who Walks", "Guardian of the Eastern Dark" and "The Man Who Cannot Die", believing him to be immortal.
Unlike many fictional costumed heroes, the Phantom does not have any superpowers but relies mainly on his strength, intelligence, and fearsome reputation of being an immortal ghost to defeat his foes. The 21st Phantom is married to Diana Palmer, whom he met while studying in the United States; they have two children, Kit and Heloise. Like all previous Phantoms, he lives in the ancient Skull Cave, and has a trained wolf, Devil, and a horse named Hero.
The series began with a daily newspaper strip on February 17, 1936, followed by a color Sunday strip on May 28, 1939; both are still running as of 2014. At the peak of its popularity, the strip was read by over 100 million people each day.
The Phantom is the 21st in a line of crimefighters that originated in 1536, when the father of British sailor Christopher Walker was killed during a pirate attack. Swearing an oath on the skull of his father's murderer to fight evil, Christopher started the legacy of the Phantom that would be passed from father to son, leaving people to give the mysterious figure nicknames such as "The Ghost Who Walks", "Guardian of the Eastern Dark" and "The Man Who Cannot Die", believing him to be immortal.
Unlike many fictional costumed heroes, the Phantom does not have any superpowers but relies mainly on his strength, intelligence, and fearsome reputation of being an immortal ghost to defeat his foes. The 21st Phantom is married to Diana Palmer, whom he met while studying in the United States; they have two children, Kit and Heloise. Like all previous Phantoms, he lives in the ancient Skull Cave, and has a trained wolf, Devil, and a horse named Hero.
The series began with a daily newspaper strip on February 17, 1936, followed by a color Sunday strip on May 28, 1939; both are still running as of 2014. At the peak of its popularity, the strip was read by over 100 million people each day.
Lee Falk continued working on The Phantom until his death in 1999. Today, the comic strip is produced by writer Tony DePaul and artists Paul Ryan (Monday-Saturday) and Terry Beatty (Sunday). Previous artists on the newspaper strip include Ray Moore, Wilson McCoy, Bill Lignante, Sy Barry, George Olesen, Keith Williams, Fred Fredericks, Graham Nolan and Eduardo Barreto.
New Phantom stories are published in comic books in different parts of the world, among them by Dynamite Entertainment in the United States, Egmont in Sweden, Norway and Finland (not anymore), and Frew Publications in Australia.
The Phantom was the first fictional hero to wear the skintight costume that has now become a hallmark of comic book superheroes and was also the first shown wearing a mask with no visible pupils, another superhero standard.
New Phantom stories are published in comic books in different parts of the world, among them by Dynamite Entertainment in the United States, Egmont in Sweden, Norway and Finland (not anymore), and Frew Publications in Australia.
The Phantom was the first fictional hero to wear the skintight costume that has now become a hallmark of comic book superheroes and was also the first shown wearing a mask with no visible pupils, another superhero standard.
by The Centurion December 20, 2014
Get the The Phantom mug.Super Power Beat Down is a live action web series focused on bringing two fighters from assorted media into battle against each other. The victors are decided by popular vote.
Machinima and Bat in the Sun's web series "Super Power Beat Down" takes two super-powered legends and makes them battle. Experts Marisha Ray, Jennifer Wegner, Damian Beurer and Andy Liegl battle with their sci-fi/fantasy knowledge and comic wit to determine who they think the winner will be - however, the fans have the final say.
by The Centurion December 27, 2014
Get the Super Power Beat Down mug.1st Special Forces Operational Detachment-Delta (1st SFOD-D), popularly known as Delta Force, is a U.S. Army component of Joint Special Operations Command. It was formerly listed as the Combat Applications Group (CAG) by the Department of Defense. While 1st SFOD-D is administratively supported by USASOC, it falls under the operational control of the Joint Special Operations Command. Delta Force and its Navy counterpart, the Naval Special Warfare Development Group, are the United States military's primary counter-terrorism units. It is often referred to in the U.S. media as a Special Mission Unit.
Delta Force's primary tasks are counter-terrorism, direct action, and national intervention operations, although it is an extremely versatile group capable of conducting many types of clandestine missions, including, but not limited to, hostage rescues and raids.
The Central Intelligence Agency's highly secretive Special Activities Division (SAD) and more specifically its elite Special Operations Group (SOG) often works with – and recruits – operators from Delta Force.
Delta Force's primary tasks are counter-terrorism, direct action, and national intervention operations, although it is an extremely versatile group capable of conducting many types of clandestine missions, including, but not limited to, hostage rescues and raids.
The Central Intelligence Agency's highly secretive Special Activities Division (SAD) and more specifically its elite Special Operations Group (SOG) often works with – and recruits – operators from Delta Force.
The unit is under the organization of the US Army Special Operations Command (USASOC) but is controlled by the Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC). Command of 1st SFOD-D is a Colonel's billet. Virtually all information about the unit is highly classified and details about specific missions or operations generally are not available publicly. A number of sources, including the book Inside Delta Force by Command Sergeant Major Eric L. Haney (ret.), suggest the unit's strength ranges from 800 to 1,000 personnel.
by The Centurion January 31, 2015
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