the centurion's definitions
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 universemug. The Joker is a fictional character, a comic book supervillain appearing in DC Comics publications. The character was created by Jerry Robinson, Bill Finger, and Bob Kane, and first appeared in Batman #1 (April 25, 1940). Credit for the character's creation is disputed; Kane and Robinson claimed responsibility for the Joker's design, while acknowledging Finger's writing contribution. Although the Joker was planned to be killed off during his initial appearance, he was spared by editorial intervention, allowing the character to endure as the archenemy of the superhero Batman.
In his comic book appearances, the Joker is portrayed as a criminal mastermind. Introduced as a psychopath with a warped, sadistic sense of humor, the character became a goofy prankster in the late 1950s in response to regulation by the Comics Code Authority, before returning to his darker roots during the early 1970s. As Batman's nemesis, the Joker has been part of the superhero's defining stories, including the murder of Jason Todd—the second Robin and Batman's ward—and the paralysis of Batman's ally, Barbara Gordon. The Joker has had various origin stories during his over seven decades in publication. The most common story is where he falls into a tank of chemical waste which bleaches his skin white, turns his hair green and his lips bright red; the resulting disfigurement drives him insane.
In his comic book appearances, the Joker is portrayed as a criminal mastermind. Introduced as a psychopath with a warped, sadistic sense of humor, the character became a goofy prankster in the late 1950s in response to regulation by the Comics Code Authority, before returning to his darker roots during the early 1970s. As Batman's nemesis, the Joker has been part of the superhero's defining stories, including the murder of Jason Todd—the second Robin and Batman's ward—and the paralysis of Batman's ally, Barbara Gordon. The Joker has had various origin stories during his over seven decades in publication. The most common story is where he falls into a tank of chemical waste which bleaches his skin white, turns his hair green and his lips bright red; the resulting disfigurement drives him insane.
One of the most iconic characters in popular culture, the Joker has been cited as one of the greatest comic book villains and fictional characters ever created. He appears in a variety of merchandise, such as clothing and collectable items, real-world structures (such as theme park attractions) and references in a number of media. The Joker has been Batman's adversary in live-action and animated incarnations, including the 1960s Batman television series (played by Cesar Romero) and in film by Jack Nicholson in 1989's Batman and Heath Ledger in 2008's The Dark Knight (earning Ledger a posthumous Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor). Mark Hamill, Brent Spiner, Michael Emerson, Richard Epcar, Troy Baker, and others have voiced the animated character.
by The Centurion December 24, 2014
Get the The Jokermug. 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 Gurkhamug. 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 Ghulmug. Ultron is a fictional character, a supervillain that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics. He is most recognized as a foe of the Avengers, and has a quasi-familial relationship with several of their members, especially his creator Hank Pym. He was the first Marvel Comics character to wield the fictitious metal alloy adamantium.
Ultron has appeared in several media adaptations, including animated television series, an animated film, and video games. The character will be portrayed by James Spader in the 2015 film Avengers: Age of Ultron.
Ultron has appeared in several media adaptations, including animated television series, an animated film, and video games. The character will be portrayed by James Spader in the 2015 film Avengers: Age of Ultron.
Ultron-1 was constructed by Dr. Hank Pym of The Avengers as the famed scientist/adventurer was experimenting in high-intelligence robotics. Ultron became sentient and rebelled, hypnotizing Pym and brainwashing him into forgetting that Ultron had ever existed. He immediately began improving upon his rudimentary design, quickly upgrading himself several times to become Ultron-5. He then went on to organize the second incarnation of the Masters of Evil under the guise of the Crimson Cowl, and battled Pym and his teammates in the Avengers.
Ultron has since generally remained a solo operative, being too monomaniacaly genocidal to willingly work alongside any human for any length of time. His most notable achievements may be the creation of the "synthezoid" called The Vision, whose body was a copy of the original Human Torch and whose mind was based on that of Wonder Man.
Ultron has since generally remained a solo operative, being too monomaniacaly genocidal to willingly work alongside any human for any length of time. His most notable achievements may be the creation of the "synthezoid" called The Vision, whose body was a copy of the original Human Torch and whose mind was based on that of Wonder Man.
by The Centurion December 20, 2014
Get the Ultronmug. The Guardians of the Galaxy are a fictional superhero team, that have starred in the comic book series of the same name, published by Marvel Comics. The original team, based in an alternate universe within the Marvel Comics continuity, debuted in the comic book Marvel Super-Heroes #18 (Jan. 1969).
Another team, this time based in the mainstream Marvel Universe, debuted in the comic Guardians of the Galaxy (vol. 2) #1 (July 2008):
Guardians of the Galaxy
1.Starlord (Peter Quill)
2.Rocket Raccoon
3.Quasar (Phyla-Vell)
4.Adam Warlock
5.Gamora
6.Drax
7.Mantis
8.Groot
Another team, this time based in the mainstream Marvel Universe, debuted in the comic Guardians of the Galaxy (vol. 2) #1 (July 2008):
Guardians of the Galaxy
1.Starlord (Peter Quill)
2.Rocket Raccoon
3.Quasar (Phyla-Vell)
4.Adam Warlock
5.Gamora
6.Drax
7.Mantis
8.Groot
The live-action film Guardians of the Galaxy, based on the comic book and team (2008 version), is scheduled to be released on August 1, 2014 (though the date could change). It will be directed by James Gunn, based on a screenplay written by Nicole Perlman, Chris McCoy, and Gunn. The film was formally announced by its production studio, Marvel Studios, at the July 2012 San Diego Comic-Con International, with concept art portraying Drax the Destroyer, Groot, Star-Lord, Rocket Raccoon, and Gamora.
by The Centurion December 9, 2012
Get the Guardians of the Galaxymug. Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back (also known as The Empire Strikes Back) is a 1980 American epic space opera film directed by Irvin Kershner and written by Leigh Brackett and Lawrence Kasdan, with George Lucas writing the film's story and serving as executive producer.
The film is set three years after the original Star Wars.The Galactic Empire, under the leadership of Darth Vader, is in pursuit of Luke Skywalker and the rest of the Rebel Alliance.
While Darth Vader maintains his pursuit of the Rebels across the galaxy,Luke Skywalker begins his study of the Force under Jedi Grand Master Yoda. But when Darth Vader captures Luke's friends,Luke must decide whether to complete his training and become a full Jedi Knight or to confront Darth Vader and save his friends.
The film is set three years after the original Star Wars.The Galactic Empire, under the leadership of Darth Vader, is in pursuit of Luke Skywalker and the rest of the Rebel Alliance.
While Darth Vader maintains his pursuit of the Rebels across the galaxy,Luke Skywalker begins his study of the Force under Jedi Grand Master Yoda. But when Darth Vader captures Luke's friends,Luke must decide whether to complete his training and become a full Jedi Knight or to confront Darth Vader and save his friends.
The Empire Strikes Back:
(first title cards)
Title card/crawl: A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away...
Title card/crawl: It is a dark time for the Rebellion. Although the Death Star has been destroyed, Imperial troops have driven the Rebel forces from their hidden base and pursued them across the galaxy. Evading the dreaded Imperial Starfleet, a group of freedom fighters led by Luke Skywalker has established a new secret base on the remote ice world of Hoth. The evil lord Darth Vader, obsessed with finding young Skywalker, has dispatched thousands of remote probes into the far reaches of space...
Admiral Piett:"Lord Vader, our ships have completed their scan of the area and found nothing. If the Millennium Falcon went into light-speed, it'll be on the other side of the galaxy by now."
Darth Vader:"Alert all commands. Calculate every possible destination along their last known trajectory."
Admiral Piett:"Yes, my Lord. We'll find them."
Darth Vader:"Don't fail me again, Admiral."
Luke:"There's something not right here... I feel cold. Death."
Yoda:(points to a cave opening beneath a large tree) "That place... is strong with the dark side of the Force. A domain of evil it is. In you must go."
Luke:"What's in there?"
Yoda:"Only what you take with you."
Darth Vader:"There will be a substantial reward for the one who finds the Millennium Falcon. You are free to use any methods necessary, but I want them alive. No disintegrations."
Boba Fett:"As you wish."
(first title cards)
Title card/crawl: A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away...
Title card/crawl: It is a dark time for the Rebellion. Although the Death Star has been destroyed, Imperial troops have driven the Rebel forces from their hidden base and pursued them across the galaxy. Evading the dreaded Imperial Starfleet, a group of freedom fighters led by Luke Skywalker has established a new secret base on the remote ice world of Hoth. The evil lord Darth Vader, obsessed with finding young Skywalker, has dispatched thousands of remote probes into the far reaches of space...
Admiral Piett:"Lord Vader, our ships have completed their scan of the area and found nothing. If the Millennium Falcon went into light-speed, it'll be on the other side of the galaxy by now."
Darth Vader:"Alert all commands. Calculate every possible destination along their last known trajectory."
Admiral Piett:"Yes, my Lord. We'll find them."
Darth Vader:"Don't fail me again, Admiral."
Luke:"There's something not right here... I feel cold. Death."
Yoda:(points to a cave opening beneath a large tree) "That place... is strong with the dark side of the Force. A domain of evil it is. In you must go."
Luke:"What's in there?"
Yoda:"Only what you take with you."
Darth Vader:"There will be a substantial reward for the one who finds the Millennium Falcon. You are free to use any methods necessary, but I want them alive. No disintegrations."
Boba Fett:"As you wish."
by The Centurion October 28, 2012
Get the The Empire Strikes Backmug.