2013 has been a good year for CBMs. We have seen the definitive Wolverine movie, an emotionally satisfying conclusion to Tony Stark's journey, a second installment to the smash-hit film Kick-Ass, Thor came back with a thunderously epic sequel, and Superman has finally been brought into the modern world. In each of these films, there were a lot of Easter Eggs and Cameos. In celebration of the CBMs of 2013, I decided to put together a top ten list of my favorite ones.
10.) The Mandarin With The Dragon Tattoo.
In the final battle of Iron Man 3 when Killian is fighting Tony on the oil rig, Killian's shirt burns off to reveal a dragon tattoo. To those of us who know, this was a nod to Fin Fang Foom. Would it have been nice to see him in live action? Yes. Would it have made sense to include a big ass dragon in a movie about terrorism, biologically enhanced soldiers, war profiteering, political corruption, and Christmas? About as much sense as a scientist taking out two teams of highly trained soldiers and then going all Street Fighter on the planet's military leader in hand-to-hand combat.
9.) Adam Warlock's Cocoon
Just like the Batman poster in Man Of Steel, this Easter Egg went unnoticed for a little while also and it would've probably stayed that way for a lot longer if it wasn't for a user on this site whose name I have forgotten. In the same post credits scene as the Collector, Adam Warlock's Cocoon was featured as one of the Collector's many collections, whether Warlock is in the cocoon remains to be seen, but it serves as a reminder that the Cosmic side of the MCU is about to kick into high gear starting next year with the highly-anticipated Guardians of The Galaxy movie.
8.) The Arachnid On That Gentleman's Cap.
In one particular scene from The Wolverine, Asian Hawkeye is waiting for the Viper in an alley. What you may not have noticed is that the rather familiar logo on a man's hat behind him looks strikingly similar to the Ultimate Spider-Man's insignia.
7.) "I'm not that kind of doctor."
Iron Man 3 begins in the middle of a story that Tony is telling to somebody, it isn't shown who he is talking to until the post-credits scene. The man is revealed to be Bruce Banner. I know this isn't the after-credits scene everyone was expecting, but it gave us a bit of insight into Bruce Banner's and Tony Stark's friendship, maybe even building up towards an eventual conflict between the two.
6.) "I've finally met a man called 'Ho'."
During a flashback in Iron Man 3 showcasing Tony Stark's "good old days", we see the first time Tony and Ho 'stick to the plan!' Yinsen met. It really is the little things that make Iron Man 3 my favorite CBM of the year.
5.) Keep Calm And-- "Rewind The Damn Movie! You Just Passed It!"
The most noticeable Batman Easter Egg in Man Of Steel was the Wayne Enterprises satellite, but there was another one that was very hard to catch, a poster that said "Keep Calm And Call Batman". Like many others, I doubted its existence until a high resolution picture finally surfaced. But it finally confirmed that Batman exists in the Man Of Steel universe, and possibly other Justice League members as well.
4.) "Do You Want To Have A Rousing Discussion About Truth? Patriotism?"
A little while ago, Chris Evans said that he would like to have a cameo in Thor: The Dark World. As usual, I hoped that it would happen, but they're were no reports or leaks that would confirm it. I eventually forgot about it until I listened to track 19 of the Thor: The Dark World soundtrack. "Oh My God! Noooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!" I yelled as I ripped my headphones out of my ears, the surprise was ruined. I went into the theater knowing what was coming, but I still went ape-shit when Loki turned into Captain America. That was the third time I ever massively fangirled during a movie with a sold-out audience.
3.) "One Down, Five To Go."
In Thor: The Dark World's mid-credits scene, Volstagg and Lady Sif are introduced to a very peculiar man who is known as the Collector. Out of cautiousness, they hand the Aether (Power Stone) over to him and leave shortly after. After Sif and Volstagg leave, the Collector says to himself "One down, five to go." This scene reminded me that the Mad Titan is coming, and in the immortal words of Kevin Hart, "It's about to go down."
2.) Killian Captures Tony.
Before you begin to sharpen your pitchforks, let me explain. After Tony is subdued by Savin, he wakes up tied to a bed, while talking to Maya Hansen, Killian walks into the room a gives a speech about the REAL meaning of Phase 2: Anonymity. "Because the second you give evil a face, you hand the people a target." So far in Phase Two, we've had the Mandarin as a cover for Aldrich Killian, and Malekith as a cover for the Aether. (If you think about it, the Aether was the true villain of Thor The Dark World.) In April, Captain America: The Winter Soldier will be released. In the trailer, it shows the Winter Soldier basking in all of the villainy. In an interview a few months back, Robert Redford himself said that he is playing a villain. Need more evidence? Lee Pace is portraying Ronan The Accuser in Guardians of The Galaxy, James Gunn has said that Ronan will be working for Thanos in the movie. Last but not least, a few weeks ago, a rumor started to spread. The rumor was that Marvel is looking for actors in their 40s-50s that are 'physically imposing' this role is believed to be Baron Von Struker who, along with Scarlet Witch and Quicksilver will be the secondary villains in The Avengers: Age of Ultron.
1.) "As I Told You Long Ago, You're Not The Only One With Gifts."
Topping my list, is the mid-credits scene from The Wolverine. This was the second time I ever massively fangirled in a theater with a sold-out audience. In my opinion, this scene is as good, if not better than The Avengers mid-credits scene. Not only did the movie itself make me optimistic for the future of the X franchise, but the mid-credit scene left me sorely wanting more. When Prof. X revealed himself to Logan, I'll just say I wasn't the only one in the auditorium who made an ass of themselves by letting out a high pitched wail.
What easter eggs and cameos of 2013 are in your top ten list? Let me know in the comments section!