The comic, and the graphic novel, are arguably two of the most under-rated art forms of the modern day – although this is gradually starting to change. Because just as other modern entertainment phenomena such as online casinos are having in increasing cultural and social importance, the same can be said of the comic.
One only has to look at the number of movies and TV shows that have started life as graphic novels from the Marvel universe to David Cronenberg’s mystery thriller A History of Violence. The reason behind this is simple. The addition of images to the story makes it immediately cinematic – in many ways a ready-prepared storyboard for the film-makers to follow.
Casinos are also intensely cinematic in their own right and that’s why they act as backdrops in so many movies. These range from James Bond where it seems almost obligatory to include at least one scene in a glamorous casino to others like the eponymous Martin Scorsese follow-up to Goodfellas. Many online casinos like this online casino Canada also utilize films and movies for inspiration for their games including slot games, with movie themed slots like Jurassic Park, Beetlejuice, and Goonies being popular choices.
As well as looking great on screen, casinos also introduce other factors essential to drama including conflict and the chance for characters to enjoy sudden changes of fortune, both good and bad.
But a less-examined connection is the one between comics and casinos, and there certainly is a very strong one.
From the Penguin to Roulette:
DC Comics has carved out a very particular niche for itself in the genre, as well as featuring a wide number of gambling-obsessed characters. In fact one of Batman’s most famous adversaries, the Penguin, even has his own Iceberg Casino that has made many appearances over the years and which even has its own origin story. This is not only where the pair have come to blows on many occasions, it’s also acted as an informal meeting place where villains can gather to devise their next dastardly outings.
Also from DC Comics comes an even more overt link to the casino world with the character of Roulette. First introduced in JSA Secret Files #2 in 200, her grandfather ran a conventional casino. However by the time she was in charge it had a more sinister purpose and had been re-christened as “The House.”. This was the venue where there is a gladiatorial arena into which she can teleport her enemies. Once ensnared they are pitted against each other while onlookers bet on who will survive.
Marvel Gets in on the Act:
The rival universe to DC of Marvel isn’t without its own collection of casino references either. The alter ego of Nicholas Powell is known as Chance, a name that reflects Powell’s own predilection for gambling. At the heart of the character is the conviction that only by taking the biggest of risks can he ever truly feel alive.
To begin with he contents himself with gambling for money. But seeking greater and greater excitement this evolves into taking on tasks as a mercenary and, effectively, betting with his life. No challenge is too tough for him and only accepts payment for success. One of his long-time targets has been to kill Spider-Man which he once attempted to do on a casino yacht but the arch arachnid managed to outwit him and escape.
Gambit, a.k.a. Remy Etienne LeBeau, is another character from the Marvel Universe who like a flutter. His personal speciality is playing poker, but he also has the handy skill of being able to charge the cards he’s using with kinetic energy, turning them into explosive devices.
That epicentre of US gambling, Las Vegas, has also acted as a backdrop to at least one Marvel story featuring the Digger. In this, seven mafia chiefs and their sidekicks met in a casino restaurant in the city before being unceremoniously slaughtered by rival hoodlum Morris Forelli – leading to the “Legend of the Miami 13”.
The Slots/Comics crossover
There’s yet another link between comics and casinos, and it’s quite an unexpected one. Visit any online casino and you’ll find that by far the most popular of all the games are the slots.
In a bid to appeal to comics fans, many of these are also themed around the medium. So you can expect to see everyone from the X-Men to the Incredible Hulk featuring on the spinning reels. Modern technology also means that many of these games will include animated clips of action or even short scenes from the movies featuring the characters.
The fact that the graphical style of comics fits perfectly with the images on the slots reels makes them perfect for each other. No doubt in the future there will be many more comings-together of comics and casinos in a very fruitful symbiosis. There are also likely to be more characters introduced who like to chance their arm – in fact, we’d bet there are a few on the way right now.
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