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Per the press release below, DC Comics announces big changes are coming to its Superman line of comic books. Tom Taylor is writing Superman: Son Of Kal-El, which centers on Jonathan Kent, and replaces the main Superman title. “It’s a bird. It’s a plane. No, it’s a writer completely freaking out. I am the next […]
It’s claimed that The Walking Dead‘s Robert Kirkman is in talks with AT&T to purchase DC Comics. The claim was made last month by former DC Comics artist Ethan Van Sciver who commented on a Bleeding Cool article about a potential DC Comics buyout, something that Van Sciver first said was going to happen over
The Superman ’78 movie and Batman ’89 film are coming to DC Comics in the form of all-new digital comic books. The series will kick off in July with Rob Venditti and artist Wilfredo Torres on Superman, with screenwriter Sam Hamm and artist Joe Quinones on Batman. Find the full details below. Michael Keaton is
You seriously can’t make this stuff up, as now it’s claimed that the disaster known as DC Comics is going to rename Black Adam to “SHAZADAM!” The rumor comes from Bleeding Cool who offers as part of the DC Comics “Infinite Frontier” initiative, the character of Black Adam will be changing his name to Shazadam. It’s claimed
Warner Bros. releases the Justice Society: World War II trailer which features a time-traveling Flash who travels back in time to help fight the Nazis. Watch below. Justice Society: World War II finds modern-day Barry Allen – prior to the formation of the Justice League – discovering he can run even faster than he imagined,
This Thursday, DC is launching the DC Universe Infinite app, a premium digital comic book service and community. Details include it will feature the largest collection of DC Comics found anywhere. Find the full details below. Press release DC LAUNCHES DC UNIVERSE INFINITE, THE PREMIER DESTINATION FOR DC FANS The Fan-First Platform Features The Largest
DC insiders at Comic-Con fill me in on what happened.
Telltale Games announces the premiere of The Walking Dead: The Final Season and releases an E3 trailer. Watch the trailer and find the info and images below. Telltale’s The Walking Dead: The Final Season Premieres August 14, Pre-Orders Available June 8 The final chapter of Clementine’s journey begins August 14 on PC, Xbox One, and PlayStation
WARNING: SPOILERS DEAD AHEAD!
(If you have not read Justice League #50, do so BEFORE you read this review…you won’t regret it!)
Superman is dying, Darkseid is a baby, Wonder Woman has a twin brother, there are THREE Jokers, Sector 2814 gets ANOTHER Green Lantern and Lex Luthor is the new Man of Steel! You may think DC is really pushing the envelope with Rebirth after hearing all of that, then you realize, you just read Justice League #50 and haven’t even started Rebirth yet!
Geoff Johns has become the spokesperson for DC’s new Rebirth project, and whether you believe this isn’t a “reboot” or not, I have to say that he has truly convinced me that this story is well beyond the standard “reboot” fundamentals. From page one you are immersed in a tale that weaves in and out of current DC stories and, instead of denying that they ever existed, enhances them to a point that they form one grand story that surpasses them all.
Our narrator, the original Wally West, pulls us along as he tries to reconnect with those who may remember him, since he has been trapped in the Speed Force since the Flashpoint storyline. He takes us through various points of the current DCU, “eavesdropping” upon heroes, and we see that the universe we know is already in flux, eliminating some characters while setting others on center stage. Johns gives us a huge story, eighty pages worth, that could have quickly become a convoluted mess of overlapping arcs that eventually lead to nowhere. Instead, he gives the readers just enough to pacify the curious and ensnare the enthralled, leaving both clamoring for what comes next. He bounces the tale from point to point, never losing sight of the eventual shocking payoff and never cheapening the way to get there. Johns, through Wally, asks questions that DC fans have asked since the “New 52″started and in a way, though veiled, we are given some answers that are not glazed over and eventually, promise to be fleshed out thoroughly.
To give away all of Johns surprises, would only do a disservice to the book and the reader. It is so rich in both detail and surprise that it can only be enjoyed properly by reading it yourself. You will be so shocked and enamored by the dynamic tale Johns lays out before you that, you can’t help but resent the days until all the Rebirth books are released!
On the “Rebirth” promotional tour, Geoff Johns would always read this quote, “I love this world. But there’s something missing.” Well, Mr. Johns, DC may have been missing something, but I think you just found it again!
The last few years have been tough on the overall character of Superman. He has been lacking a true form of identity, shifting between a depowered “everyman,” an infected Doomsday clone, as well as the most recent, “god of power” incarnation — while the character of Clark Kent has been left by the wayside to fall into his own obscure oblivion until further called upon.
Well, look no further for a glimmer of hope to bring Clark Kent back to the forefront! Max Landis has crafted a tale of pure joy and wonderment in his Superman: American Alien book, and it will invigorate even the most skeptical of readers, I should know, I am one!
Going into this book, I was dreading what may yet defile DC’s “Golden Boy” even more than what he has endured in the recent past. But from page one, Landis encapsulated the sheer amazement that those tales all lacked and by page two, I wasn’t believing that a boy could fly, but I was damn sure rooting for him to! Landis has woven a tale that brings the heart and soul back to the Superman mythos, and no one should pass it by!
We follow a young Clark Kent that is both frightened of himself and by what may be done to him if anyone learns his secret. His journey is laced with nostalgia and overpowering in youthful invigoration. Readers will find themselves grinning emphatically over Clark’s exuberance and innocent wonder and will feel connected to the character more than they have in years. But this tale is not purely about young Clark, it is about the Kent’s as a family dealing with extraordinary things while trying to teach their adopted son how to act like a man regardless of what his DNA may say.
Landis couldn’t tell this story alone, and Nick Dragotta is the perfect artistic compliment to his tale of a prepubescent Clark. Dragotta’s bold, clean lines accentuate that youthful vigor ever present in the tale while creating crisp action sequences that will make your heart soar!
Max Landis has stated that each issue will revolve around completely different parts of Clark’s life with a different artist for each part as well. If each issue is as complete and thrilling as this first one, fans will not only clamor to get back into the Superman fold but they will bring as many readers with them as they can!
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There are tales in comics that truly reveal how the medium can transcend all others. These instances are swollen with theatrical imagery, drama and action sequences that exceed those of movie or television. Ones that put a microscope on the duality of heroism, eloquently portray the finality of man and grace us with inevitable quest for hope more than prose or poetry can. Tales that dazzle the senses with color and form, juxtaposition and layout more than any art museum could hope for.
Scott Snyder’s Batman #40 is one of those tales.
The final chapter of “Endgame” is a stunning piece that will move readers. It is a cornucopia of themes, burrowing deeper into the mythos of Batman than Snyder has ever gone before. At moments you are careening down an unmanned roller coaster, a journey that will have you gasping for air then, suddenly, you are left completely breathless, hovering above it all not being able to believe where you are or how you came to be in this position. It is a story of life, the inevitability of death and the realization of who we are along the way.
I have often called Scott Snyder the “modern day master of horror,” and I will again now. His portrayal of the Joker as a malevolent, undulating demigod of terror has become synonymous with horror on multiple levels and will surpass many incarnations from the past seventy-five years as THE Joker! But the fear in this book does not solely come from the Joker, it is deeper than that, even though Greg Capullo’s renderings of the “clown prince” and his Cheshire grin will always scare the hell out of me! It comes from Bruce and his final realization that he is not the man he always thought he was. It is that revelation that sometimes, even though we have fought so hard to believe otherwise, we were inevitably wrong about ourselves.
Scott Snyder has created a masterpiece of storytelling that will be beloved and despised like all great works are. He has taken a rich world and made it richer in just forty issues, a feat rarely seen in the medium today. He has taken risks and pushed a hero to the brink and beyond and I thank him for the nerve to give us something never seen before with such an iconic character.
The beginning will ensnare you, the middle will enthrall you and the end will crush you. Who could ask for anything more?
Up until now the core Convergence title book has been found wanting. Personally, I enjoyed the Earth 2 series and the World’s End series quite a lot, but I found it hard to get behind Jeff King’s band of misplaced heroes in the first two issues of DC’s “mega event.” The camaraderie seemed forced and even though most of the group have fought side by side before, the reader doesn’t have enough belief in these heroes, enough “history” with these particular heroes, to fully care about them. We are not given DC “core” characters to get behind. We don’t have THE Superman, THE Batman or even THE Dick Grayson to propel us on a nail-biting journey of lost hope for the universe that could lead to the possible demise of an icon. But that may be Jeff King’s purpose all along. The characters he uses DO have great stories attached to them, if you read the aforementioned books, and they can do something that DC would not allow their “icons” to do in this universe rebuilding crossover; they can DIE!
Of course DC has killed off plenty of “icons” before, but we all know how that always turns out. But in Convergence, Jeff King has the unique task of building a stunning story where he can create new icons, ones that may survive the course of eight issues and beyond, or, he can create magnificent, sacrificial deaths for these characters where they have served their purpose for the greater good and exile them into oblivion.
I know that I keep referring to “death” in this review, but it is well warranted. Jeff King steps up the stakes in this issue, and our main band of heroes are not the only ones looking into the eyes of the reaper. Long time DC fans will be astonished with the choices Jeff King makes in this issue. There are things that happen that will set the message boards ablaze with debate! But this book doesn’t JUST revolve around shocking deaths, there is a tale of heroism and loss brewing throughout!
Jeff King has finally found the voice of his characters in this issue. There were moments from issue #2 that were done quite well, but here, King has found the rhythm to string those moments into one riveting story for the entire issue. He weaves in stunning new plot twists that excite and bewilder the reader, ones that can change the entire dynamic of the book through to its finale. But the part that takes this story to the next level is King’s inclusion of popular DC history and spinning it to involve these new characters. For longtime DC fans, it will make the story resonate even more with you as you smile in spite of yourself, and for new fans, well, you get to make some shocking new memories for the very first time!
All in all, this is the best issue yet, and the three distinct cliffhanger pieces guarantee that issue four will be amazing!
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This week has seen plenty of “death” in the world of comics, some in print and others on screen.
Both Aiden and Noah were literally torn apart on AMC’s, The Walking Dead. Cisko payed the ultimate price for being too curious on the CW’s, The Flash. Marvel bumped off Falcon’s longtime friend and partner, Redwing, in the pages of All-New Captain America #5; and TMNT fans shed a tear as their favorite “techy,” Donatello, got smashed into oblivion in this week’s, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #44!
Not to be left behind, DC, let the Joker – albeit a Brother Eye inhanced Joker/Batman amalgam from the future – gun down one of the most popular characters in the Batman mythos, Terry McGinnis! That’s right, Batman Beyond has gone to the “great beyond’ in a hail of gunfire and heroics all in order to save the present from becoming the future he came from. Take a look at how it all went down below:
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We will miss you Terry, maybe they will bring you back with super powers!
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He’s Mad I Tell You!
“A Penny For Your Thoughts”
By Chris “DOC” Bushley
Caution: Spoilers Dead Ahead!
We have all seen Scott Snyder’s DC All Access “Endgame” interview regarding the Joker and plans for what happens next in the Batman mythos. But there is one thing the soft spoken scribe failed to tell you — he is TWISTED! Don’t let his facade fool you, Mr. Snyder is riddled with horrific, inhumane thoughts that churn and bubble to the surface. Don’t believe me? Check out his Image comic Wytches! He’s twisted, man, TWISTED!
Not only is Mr. Snyder a possible Arkham escapee, he seems to have a penchant for letting his disturbing ideas torment a single character incessantly. No, not Batman, Alfred Pennyworth! Yes, Alfred! The beloved butler that helped a young Bruce Wayne evolve into the crime fighting machine he is today. Now, we all know that in order to hurt a hero the most, you must hurt their inner circle, their loved ones, it just makes for better storytelling. But the things Mr. Snyder has bestowed upon poor Alfred are, say it with me… TWISTED!
Let’s go down memory lane so we can see how far Scott Snyder has pushed Alfred to the brink.
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Snyder’s path of depravity began way back in the “Death Of The Family” story arc where poor Alfred was attacked by the Joker. Not only was he beaten with a ball-peen hammer, he was then tortured while the whole thing was being tape-recorded in order to send Batman a message. Was that enough for Mr. Snyder? NO! He then “Jokerized” Alfred and made him fight the family he dearly loves!
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Then came Batman Eternal where Scott Snyder and James Tynion IV decided to destroy Gotham and Batman in the process. Bruce Wayne loses everything; bank accounts, weapons depots, even Wayne Manor itself! But he loses something even more dear to him, yep, Alfred! In issue #21, Alfred is attacked inside the Manor by Hush and is violently injected with Fear Toxin directly in the temple. This drives Alfred completely insane, and eventually, he is admitted into Arkham Asylum. If this isn’t bad enough, while still fighting the effects of the toxin, Arkham collapses, sending the inmates into deep chasms beneath the structure. Insane, beaten and buried, Alfred, eventually crawls out of the rubble and teams with Killer Croc in order to escape from certain death.
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After all of that, you would think Mr. Snyder would give ol‘ Alfred a break. Possibly a nice vacation, some quality time with, Julia, his daughter, but no! This week, Mr Snyder showed us what truly lies inside his maniacal mind. In Batman #39, the Joker makes his way inside the Batcave and descends upon the still recovering Alfred. Although he gets a shot off at the Joker, he is still weak and is brutally attacked. The Joker cleaves Alfred’s right hand clean off!
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Is there anything more that Scott Snyder could possibly due to Alfred Pennyworth besides ultimately killing him off? We all know that Mr. Snyder’s inner thoughts are just teeming with more sadistic things to unleash upon poor Alfred before destroying him completely, but will he keep Alfred alive through the finale of the “Endgame” storyline? That is the question on everyone’s lips, but I personally think the ol’chap will make it. Everyone, including me, thought Alfred was going to die in “Death Of The Family,” and Snyder kept him alive to do even more brutal things to him.
This time I think Alfred should get a little payback. I think during DC’s upcoming “Convergence” storyline that ALL of the Alfreds on ALL of the alternate planets should form the ultimate revenge team — the Blitzkrieg Butlers! That’s right, an all butler squad that can finally get revenge for everything Mr. Snyder has put poor Alfred through!
What do you say Alfred, would you join a barrage of badass butlers to take revenge on the Joker, Hush and anyone else who has ever done you wrong?
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The long awaited conclusion to Forever Evil is here and BIG changes are in store for the DCU! It seems as though we have been waiting “forever” for this issue to hit the stands, but it is well worth the wait!
Geoff Johns has created a tale that will bring long lasting changes to all the corners of the New 52, a feat that has been promised with other crossover events throughout comicdom but never seems to pay off well. Believe me, by the time you turn the final page, you will be gasping for air!
Beginning directly where issue six left off, this issue begins in a rush. It feels that mere seconds pass between the first few pages and the shock of issue six’s conclusion is lost just as quickly as our heroes and villains ready themselves for an even more brutal attack. It is no holds barred as all the pieces fall on the table and Johns entices readers with page after page of devastating battles that culminate in more than just a few deaths. David Finch draws some of his best work and stages the layouts in glorious ways to harness the sheer brutality of each and every fight. Every panel feels like a splash page of ferocity even though there is only a single splash page in the book and it comes at the very end!
Even though Johns is quite generous with the amount of eye popping violence throughout the tale, it is the quieter moments that truly define it. Johns finds the true voice of Lex Luthor in this issue. He is an amalgam and every tiny nuance comes into play. From his brilliant deduction skills to a deep rooted sadness over the loss of “family,” Johns makes him THE best villain in the entire DCU in a single issue. There are instances where you will be left speechless and one that will spark controversy, but all of them culminate in an epic tale that is at the pinnacle of perfection.
I could tell you TONS of spoilers, but that’s not my thing! What I do want is for you to run out, get this book and behold the beginning of a darker world. One where the line between hero and villain has become blurred, where a man who has saved them all may have more than just good intentions up his sleeve. One where Lex Luthor has become greater than he ever was before!
COVER SHOOT
By: Chris “DOC” Bushley
This weekly feature will take a look at THE most visually compelling comic book covers on the market today. Whether they be rare variant editions or just your standard fare, these are the top 5 covers that stand out amidst the bevy of books released each week. They say, “A picture is worth a thousand words” but these covers are worth more than that! No matter the storylines behind them, these covers compel you to at least check them out, which can be worth exponentially more than just words to the companies that publish them! Enjoy!
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1. Noah (Image): This movie adaption hardcover not only has a stunning cover by the world renowned, Niko Henrichon, but he does all the interior art as well! The linework and layout of this image exudes desolation, a single man bearing the weight of the world, no one could have conveyed that powerful of a thought more beautifully than Henrichon. This cover is so pristine and epic that it is overwhelming!
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2. Trinity of Sin: Pandora #9 (DC): From the foreground pose to the choice of illuminating the background in an onslaught of baby blue, Julian Totino Tedesco, made all the right choices to make this cover pop off of the racks! The slightly diluted painting scheme is truly beautiful and helps solidify the main character in her new role of warrior of the light. It is almost heavenly in scope and astonishing to behold!
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3. Daredevil #1 (Variant Edition) (Marvel): This variant edition by Paolo Rivera, was originally petitioned as a color piece with Daredevil’s suit in a crimson red. I think this stark black and white version is even more eye catching than the original thought and helps to accentuate the graphic background design that Rivera meticulously laid out. While the foreground image of DD is done very well, it is the background that makes this cover great for me. Not only does it offset with the foreground image but it also represents the story well in regards to acting as a maze. It mimics DD’s disadvantage of being in a new city perfectly, making the whole book something special.
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4. Harbinger: Bleeding Monk #0 (Variant Edition) (Valiant): Clayton Henry is a master of mixing digital and painted art to make some of the most outstanding covers on the market today. This one is no different but the layout is done so exceptionally well, that it blows everything else away! The forced perspective is amazing, making you feel as though the focal point is literally floating above you. The central image alone can sell this book, but Henry made the background colors a complete juxtaposition to the foreground, creating a solid piece that is truly stunning!
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5. Thor: God of Thunder #20 (Marvel): Do I need to say anything about this cover? Does anyone create a Thor cover better than Esad Ribic? “I say thee, nay!” This image is pure power, pure strength and pure excitement! The detail Ribic puts into “old” Thor is astounding but just look at, even “older,” Galactus in the background! The eye has so much to take in it’s dizzying! There is not one inch of this cover that doesn’t make the inner fanboy in me squeal with glee. ’nuff said!
Another Death In The Family?
By: Chris “DOC” Bushley
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We have all heard the rumors before, “Nightwing is going to die!” As a matter of fact, before the New 52, it was rumored that Nightwing, Dick Grayson, was to perish in a most heroic way. This time, however, there are too many scenarios aligning to make this rumor feel like just another rumor, this time it may actually happen!
In the pages of DC’s big event, “Forever Evil,” Nightwing was captured, tortured and his true identity revealed worldwide to the shock and horror of all the remaining heroes. DC also previously announced that Nightwing will be canceled as of issue #30, arriving on stands April 9th. Just these facts alone don’t truly add up to anything, but DC always has some subtle ways of giving clues as to what may come to fruition!
Way back in November, DC placed a lovely teaser image by Jason Fabok within the pages of its “Bat” books. This was solicited as a teaser for characters and storylines that would take place in the new weekly series, Batman Eternal, that just so happens to debut in April as well. You have all seen this image before, but take a look again. There is one character that seems to be missing, yes Nightwing is not there, or is he? The blonde haired character next to Red Robin appears to be wearing a mask that looks a lot like Nightwing. Did Dick Grayson dye his hair, or could that be Calvin Rose a.k.a.. Talon taking up the mantle?
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Either way, it is still something to speculate, considering what this image has already revealed to us. In Batman #28, which takes place six months in the future, we have already seen the debut of Harper Row as Batman’s new sidekick, Bluebird, as well as the return of fan favorite Stephanie Brown — Spoiler! Both are featured here next to Red Robin and the mysterious blond hero. But there is even more!
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Once you take a good look at Jason Fabok’s cover to Batman Eternal #1, we see something even more intriguing. The cast of characters displayed within Batman’s cape are also from Fabok’s Thanksgiving teaser image as well. There are a few additions, such as the Riddler, Scarecrow, Harley and the female Talon, Strix, but the rest are the same — minus two! Which two you may ask? Both Nightwing AND Talon are missing from this picture, and with both of their series being canceled, wouldn’t one think that they would at least be brought into a book called Batman Eternal? It’s hard to think that Dick Grayson, the original Boy Wonder, would be left out of something as big as a Batman weekly series focusing on all aspects of the Bat Universe! Unless, of course, he is no longer around!
But, maybe it’s all just rumor, we truly never know until the the books hit the stands. Maybe I am just speculating too much, but then again, whose bones are those around the fire in Fabok’s teaser? As Batman stands in the pouring rain on the cover of Batman Eternal #1, whose blood is running down his chest? Maybe the cover of Nightwing #30 will help give us some answers. You decide!
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WARNING: SPOILERS DEAD AHEAD!
Geoff Johns has given DC fans a well executed tale that shines a spotlight on those we normally see through the eyes of the superhero. Villains tend to be a one trick pony but, in Forever Evil, we have the chance to delve deeper into certain individuals machinations as to why they do what they do and in this instance, see them as not so much villains but heroes no matter what their grand scheme may be!
So far, Johns’ mini series has been laced with some subtle and not so subtle nods to past storylines, the inclusion of Otis from Donner’s Superman, the creation of B Zero, Batman wearing the Yellow Lantern ring, this issue however forgoes those subtleties and focuses more on the all out action! The tale straddles two fronts, Luthor’s legion in Wayne Enterprises and Sinestro’s battle with Power Ring. Although Johns begins his story with Luthor’s monolog, it is the sheer viciousness and unyielding might of Sinestro that truly drives the story and in the end, leaves the Crime Syndicate reeling with the loss of a core member!
Johns doesn’t strictly rely on death and destruction this issue either. Power plays are exchanged, roles are reversed and an uneasy alliance between Luthor’s legion and the Bat and Cat emerge. Johns creates a well played chess match that unfolds before your very eyes, one that will leave you rife with questions and an eagerness for what is next to come! My only qualm, regarding this overall story, is that it does not unfold into other DC core books to further enhance it. There have been so many interesting pieces to Forever Evil that it would only benefit by reaching into other books, besides the Justice League titles, and emerge from just an isolated mini into an epic event!
It only took 16 artists and 2 over the top writers to tell the tale of Harley Quinn in a way that it deserves to be done! Bruce Timm, Jim Lee, Charlie Adlard, Amanda Conner, Art Baltazar, Sam Keith, Adam Hughes, Walter Simonson, Jeremy Roberts, Dave Johnson, Chad Hardin, Tradd Moore, Stephane Roux, Becky Cloonan, Tony S. Daniel and the incomparable Darwyn Cooke, all converge on one of the biggest artistic line-ups ever forged, to help tell the tale of one deranged woman and her penchant for mayhem!
Amanda Conner along with hubby, Jimmy Palmiotti, write a tale that lets the reader see exactly how disturbed our “clown princess” truly is. Not only do they let her break the 4th wall, they let Harley critique the artists renderings, ask for better plot lines and she even gets to attend Amanda and Jimmy’s wedding!
Yes, some fans are going to compare this issue as a Deadpool rip-off, but it is so much better than simply following suit on another book. The inclusion of so many talented artists truly sets this book apart from anything done before. Not only does each artist get to render their own zany version of Harley but Amanda and Jimmy’s critiquing of their work through Harley’s eyes is hysterical. The tale is laced with inside jokes, subtle jabs (sorry Jim Lee) and an overall lack of formality, which is exactly what you should get from a Harley tale! It is quirky and twisted, letting the blood flow on quite a few occasions, but it is also quite thought provoking regarding the way the comic medium sees as the “correct” way to tell a story. This tale isn’t a story that will get you from points A to B in a concise manner. This tale is a whirlwind of ideas that may seem haphazard but in all actuality, comes to an inevitable, logical conclusion. Without the seasoned guidance of Amanda and Jimmy at the helm, it could have come off as just a menagerie of Harley pin-ups instead of an amazing assault of the senses! It is a tale that is unique unto itself and will pleasantly surprise you with how easily you are swept up into the chaos of it all!
If you need something different, something irreverent, something blatantly hysterical — than look no further than this issue! It’s chock full of all the quirkiness and eye catching art you will ever need!
Scott Snyder continues to show us all that there are still plenty of amazing stories left to be told to broaden the mythos of the Caped Crusader, whether he dons the costume or not!
Though “the Bat” makes a minimal appearance this issue, Snyder weaves layer after layer of intrigue throughout his tale, building the richness of his two year take on the Batman to an even higher level than before.
The “Zero Year” storyline, that is making it’s way through several books this month, truly takes off in this issue. We have young Bruce dealing with the Riddler’s Gotham blackout and an even worse scenario of twisted death by a new threat that brings Jim Gordon face to face with Bruce. This part of the tale is where Snyder shines his brightest. He adds a level of mystery and intrigue to the tale that cannot be played out soon enough for ravenous readers. A mystery that harkens back to the day Bruce Wayne lost everything, a mystery that changes everything we knew, or thought we knew, about Bruce and Jim’s working relationship. It is something that I found unsettling, not because it is revealed, but because it is not and I NEED it to be!
This is not the only mystery that Snyder opens either. The tale is book ended by another, one that begins with a door and ends in fire, and is no less tantalizing than the other one. Plus, somehow, Snyder sneaks in some action sequences that have been flawlessly rendered by Greg Capullo, satisfying your “need for speed” in a book that is more about the building of a larger tale that pure action.
As the back-up tale goes, it was nice but by no means do you need to have it in this book. It is a subtle tale of a brother and sister having to deal with their own darkened corner of Gotham and realizing there is always a light when you need it most. Subtle and effective but not necessarily needed.
What is NEEDED is next month to get here to see what outstanding tale Scott Snyder has in store for us next!
Told from the perspective of ex-Yellow Lantern, Lyssa Drak, Green Lantern #23.4 delves deep into the forbidden history of Sinestro in an attempt to keep the destroyed Book of Parallax preserved for future generations.
Matt Kindt writes a mesmerizing tale of one of the most interesting characters in the Green Lantern mythos — Sinestro! Although it has the makings of the tried and true “origin” story, the way Kindt tells the tale in a warped perspective from Lyssa Drak’s narrative and the actual events rendered through Dale Eaglesham’s glorious art, is both fresh and invigorating! It is an enthralling tale of Sinestro’s beginning to his bitter “end,” touching upon the most important events in his lifetime and pinpointing the exact moments where the presumed “hero” began to slide into the depths of fear. Not only does Kindt re-kindle our love/hate relationship with Sinestro with this book but he also brings the amazing character, Lyssa Drak, back to the forefront as well. Twisted and forever changed by the events of this book, Lyssa Drak, is a character to look out for in the coming months in the Green Lantern family of books. For, where she goes, the legend of Sinestro is sure to follow!
Creative and beautifully drawn, Green Lantern #23.4 is one of the best books to come out of this “all villains” month event. It is smart and engaging and I highly recommend it to anyone wanting to re-familiarize themselves with the greatest villain ever created in the history of Green Lantern!
All in all, DC’s grand scheme to bring about a focus on their villains has been extremely flat. Most books have been only used to tell you what to buy next without giving you a story that would actually make you want to do so! Add to that, the negative hype regarding the 3D cover shortage and the dollar price hike and DC has really painted themselves into a corner.
There have, however, been a few exceptions to the rule and Justice League #23.4 is a shinning example of what this entire event should have been!
Geoff Johns and Sterling Gates give us a glance into the villainous world of Owlman and the alternate version of Alfred Pennyworth, in which evil reigns supreme and history is twisted. Bat fans will enjoy seeing the legend they love so much be shown in a completely different light, one where Thomas Wayne has taken up the mantle of the Bat and Alfred seems to be pulling the strings of the Dark Knight. Speckled with a myriad of Bat characters, this story has that subtle “Easter egg” feel to it, but it is the tale of Alfred and his inevitable change into the character wrecking so much havoc on the Justice League that is the most compelling.
This tale is by far the pinnacle of this “event” for DC. Where other books have failed to grab the reader, partially due to a ton of fill-in writers on the stories, Johns and Gates have created something that has depth and is truly character driven. Not only does their tale deliver on developing a marvelous “new” villain but it directly leads to pertinent storylines in the “Forever Evil” mini-series. Coupled with dark and gritty art by the fabulous Szymon Kudranski, this book is the overall best effort put out so far and it will actually make you want to continue with next month’s Forever Evil #2!
There are moments in our lives that resound more than others. A special event, a tragedy or a first meeting with someone that will change our lives. These milestones define us, make us better or worse than we once were.
Greg Pak and artists, Jae Lee and Ben Oliver, use these same circumstances to bring together DC’s biggest icons for the “first” time. Their defining moments, shared tragedies along with prolific upbringings, are used to build upon their mythos and create something that is truly noteworthy. Pak portrays their rivalry/friendship in a perfect manner. Bruce Wayne, before the cape and cowl, has an instant dislike towards the future savior of Metropolis. Their brief encounter leads to immediate judgment from both parties, branding each other as the drunkard, playboy and the other, a sanctimonious blowhard. It’s nothing fans haven’t seen before, but the pristine writing form Pak and the beautiful art of Lee, bring it to a level never done quite as well as this. It will become a moment that fans won’t soon forget.
As for the first encounter of the Batman and Superman, I won’t reveal the circumstances behind it but, it is explosive to say the least! Utterly jaw-dropping visuals assault you as you take in the sheer brutality and power of these two individuals. The internal thoughts of our heroes, as they take each others measure, is pitch perfect. Pak makes them come across as arrogant and bold, passing judgment upon their foe again and underestimating each other in the process. The naive nature of the fledgling heroes is what Pak is trying to portray and he does it with panache.
Overall, the story is the perfect portrayal of Bruce and Clark, Batman and Superman, in the early days of their careers as future pillars of the DC Universe. The underlying tale of why these two are strewn together is both intriguing and thought provoking, but it is the rhetoric, both internal and external, between these two that will make this book unforgettable!
When a new origin story is announced throughout the comic world, a resounding “Ugh!” can be heard almost everywhere. The venom is spewed even more vehemently when it pertains to an iconic character. So, when it was announced that Scott Snyder would be doing a definitive “origin” story for the New 52 Batman, you could feel the shudder creep across all aspects of the genre. But, in this case, it was a shudder of excitement!
Combined with Greg Capullo’s spectacular art, Snyder continues to build upon his vision of the Dark Knight, one that new readers and the most die hard of fans can agree upon as one of the best Batman runs in the past decade!
Scott Snyder does not bring a razing to the old origin, in fact, it is done with reverence and integrity and handled with the utmost care. He brings iconic images from the Batman mythos – a coin, a car, a cane – into the tale to give a sense of nostalgia all the while creating his own niche to his ever widening classic tales of the Bat. He does not truly touch upon the continually told tale of the birth of the Batman, rather he weaves a tale within the tales of old to heighten them even further. From a boy’s love of Gotham, a young vigilante’s quest for order, to a hardened hero’s battle to bring life back to a broken city, Snyder creates a “look behind the curtain” tale of the life of one of the most iconic characters ever created.
It is heartwarming to see glimpses into a wide-eyed Bruce Wayne’s childhood, one where a father and son bond within the solidarity of a garage. And it is quite exciting seeing how that same boy grows to be a man fine tuning his driving skills in the back-up story by longtime collaborators James Tynion IV and Rafael Albuquerque. They are fantastic glimpses into the heart of a hero that builds upon the basic origin tale that has been told numerous times. But it is also these same glimpses, these finite moments that push that classic tale further than it has ever been before, stretching it from iconic to epic in a single issue!
Scott Snyder takes on DC’s “Big Blue Boy Scout” in an explosive and stunning read that will have longtime fans feeling rejuvenated and ecstatic!
The dynamic duo of Snyder and superstar artist, Jim Lee, combine their masterful talents to DC’s oldest superhero. But, does all the hype pay off, especially for five dollars? This skeptic must give a resounding — Yes!
From the first page, you can feel Snyder’s skillful presence in every word and realize this is a Superman story that goes deeper than just the flash bang heroics of years past. He gives us a character that genuinely feels epic. His motions are calculated and even though he my feel a twinge of panic internally, he does nothing but exude confidence and calm to those he is saving from imminent danger. He is a hero that would exhaust every possibility before showing the populace an ounce of doubt and that is the true core of Superman. So, what makes this book different than all the others?
The tale is one veiled in secrecy. There are many components at play and the underlying current that Snyder exudes is one of insecurity. Something is hiding in the world and it may become the catalyst that will eventually crack the Man of Steel. The best part is that it is none of the usual suspects, unless it is and Snyder has given us a red herring! This threat is deeper than anything else seen before, something that will strike true fear in the heart our hero, something that will shake his confidence in his own abilities.
What takes this particular series over the top besides Scott Snyder’s story? The inclusion of Jim Lee on art of course! Everything Lee touches exudes energy! What character is more iconic, explosive and impressive than Superman? None that I can think of! Lee is the perfect compliment to Snyder and even the “down time” character pieces seem more powerful with Lee on art chores!
My only issue with the book is the fold-out poster that contains part of the story within it. Fans will not want to remove it in order to read those parts and it hinders the story slightly. An outstanding, fold-out Jim Lee poster that could be removed and displayed without defacing the integrity of the book would have been a better option!
So, Happy 75th Superman, Snyder and Lee have made me a fan all over again!
There is something amiss in the DCU. The Justice League, a team that has been put on a pedestal by the general public, has been falling out of favor with the U.S. government. Mostly resulting from the ramifications of the attack by Atlantis, the Justice League now finds itself with a target on it’s back, one that has been put there by the same people that helped to back them in the first place. Now, another team has been put into play, and this one has been hand picked to take the Justice League down!
Blockbuster scribe Geoff Johns and fan-favorite artist David Finch have come together to give us a tale of deep intrigue, covert operations and betrayal that will both excite and captivate readers. Though the general outline of the story has been done many times before -government covert ops set up a team of super powered individuals to take down other super powered individuals – it is the structure and scope of the tale that will entice readers to dive into the series wholeheartedly. Through flashback sequences mingled with aspects happening in the present, Johns builds a powerful story of a manipulative Amanda Waller that will not take no for an answer as she builds her ultimate team to become the poster child of the U.S.. government.
The tale is steeped in collusion, bringing some fan-favorite characters back into the DCU in completely new ways and bringing them to the forefront, whether they like it or not. Personally, it was a pleasure just to see Star Girl and Hawkman in the same book once again, and although they have become foreign to me in their New 52 incarnations, they are as exciting to me now as they were the first time I read them in James Robinson and David Goyer’s JSA #1 in 1999! But the character to watch will be Vibe — I know, I can’t believe I said it either! With a completely new origin, Vibe has the potential to become a truly fantastic character and one that will far surpass it’s previous incarnation.
Although Johns weaves a fantastic first issue of beguilement, it is David Finch’s artistic duties that catapults this book further than it would have reached with a lesser talent. His work on Avengers was great but this is truly something special! Darker and using slightly different techniques to diversify the core characters, Finch has given his all for this book. He has gone from a well rounded penciler to an outstanding artist that will tantalize the eyes.
As “set-up” issues go, it is outstanding and will envelop you into Johns’ vision of the new JLA! His opening salvo into a darker era is intense and exceptional while his choices for the team and the reasoning behind them are fantastic, if not somewhat diabolical. I can’t wait for everyone to see who is chosen to take out whom, it will definitely light up the message boards! So, choose your individual state flag cover and get to reading!
This is it! The finale of the “Death Of The Family” arc, by the dynamic duo of Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo, has hit the shelves and everyone has been clamoring over just what the Joker has been planning for dinner!
A visually intense and emotionally jarring tale awaits you in the pages of Batman #17, one that fans will be heatedly discussing on whether the tale truly paid off or if it was just an ending filled with mediocrity. Personally, I thought it was a combination of both aspects. Part of me was satisfied with the way Snyder exposed the overall “death” of the family, creating a new and intriguing future for the “Bat” kids that has never been truly done before. Part of me was anxiously awaiting something horrifying and epic in scope that would exponentially change the characterization, tone and over all future for Bats. That part of me is still waiting for something that will never come and lies confused, broken and disappointed with the entire issue.
Portions of Snyder and Capullo’s tale resonate with me deeply while others left me wanting so much more than what was given. The coming crescendo of a masterful performance up to that point, fell flat. The build up to issue #17 was pitch perfect but the tale we were given within the finale seemed like it was done using a completely different character than the one that murdered an entire force of the G.C.P.D.in a matter of minutes! When faced with his obsession, the Joker crumbled into a character that we thought was buried under Snyder’s watch, never to return.
I have mixed emotions over this grand finale. Torn between awe and disappointment, I will admit that the final few pages were outstanding! A wrap up worthy of the entire arc that will leave a smile on your face, and you didn’t even need Joker gas to get it!
Jeff Lemire wastes no time turning a faltering book on it’s ear, creating a fresh and visually stunning book that will get fans raving about the “Emerald Archer” again!
Let’s not pull any punches, Green Arrow has been a book that has failed to hit its mark from the initial issue under the leadership of J.T. Krull. And the recent issues by Ann Nocenti, haven’t been able to truly find the “voice” of Oliver Queen, either. Overall, the New 52 version of Green Arrow – as both a character and a book – has been less of a thrill ride and more of a slow descent into obscurity for fans.
Today, all of that changes!
Fan favorite, Jeff Lemire (Animal Man, Justice League Dark, Sweet Tooth), has taken over the reins and has set the world of Oliver Queen ablaze. Literally! There are going to be some drastic changes in the setting, tone and most importantly — the characters of this book. Everything you knew before will be burned away and what is left, is a character that has been broken down to his core elements. He has become, again, a character that must learn to survive with absolutely nothing; there will be no quarter given — he must prove his worthiness on his own!
As fresh and exciting as Jeff Lemire’s tale is, the artistic talent of Andrea Sorrentino (I, Vampire) raises it to an entirely other level! There is an unmistakable realism in Sorrentino’s art that solidifies this tale with a more “urban” feel. The spectacle of the brightly colored super hero has been replaced with a darker tone that matches Lemire’s “breaking of a hero” tale perfectly. It is rich and moody, creating a feeling of an underlying dread that is awaiting Oliver around every corner. It is a visual masterpiece that will stun fans optic nerves as much as Lemire’s tale will rock them emotionally!
Lemire and Sorrentino burn away the last sixteen issues of a mediocre series and leave it in ashes. But what emerges from the minds of this extremely talented duo will catapult this series back into the spotlight for 2013! You owe it to yourself to reexamine Green Arrow, it’s a bullseye!
