Geoff Johns

Review: Justice League #0

Do not fret Justice League fans, although not a single Leaguer is seen in this book, it is still a great story that gives us the New 52 origin of Shazam!

Finally, no longer just a back-up story, Geoff Johns gives fans what they have been clamoring for! Billy Batson may have entered this series as a mere troubled boy, but he emerges as the wielder of the living lightning — Shazam!

The story is one of power and what you can do when the odds that have always been stacked against you, come crumbling down. What would you do if you were suddenly able to do anything you could ever dream of? What if you could do anything, but still retained the mind of a troubled youth — one that has seen too many hardships over the years? Would you squander it, do horrible things with it or just have fun with it?

Johns isn’t afraid to ask the smart questions in this book, but at times his tale seems to parallel Mark Millar’s Superior mini-series far too closely. Not to say this tale doesn’t have a unique story to tell, quite the contrary, but it does have similarities that are far too glaring. Similarities aside, the book itself is very well done and will make any fan glad that Shazam is back in the DC Universe!

As good as the core story is, the back-up is the one that will garner the most buzz. Written by Johns and drawn by Ethan Van Sciver, we are drawn into the web of the enigmatic — Trinity of Sin. We witness Pandora’s frustration over her judgment and finally get to see a fleeting glimpse of the mysterious “third” sinner. What we don’t know is why these beings are here, what they mean to do and if they are working for or against mankind. A truly rich and intriguing finish to a great book, one that will leave you with questions. Or better yet, THE Question!

Comic Book News

Advanced Review: Green Lantern #0

First, there was all the hype regarding the reexamining of the Alan Scott character. Then last week we saw “the kiss heard around the world” as Superman and Wonder Woman locked lips! This week is Geoff Johns’ turn to generate hype for the DC Universe! The introduction of a new Green Lantern is never an easy task, especially when it revolves around such a hot button issue such as religion.

When the first pictures arose of Simon Baz, the new GL, there was already people up in arms regarding the fact he was holding a gun. But when it was revealed he was Arab-American — it became an intensely more heated discussion.

Geoff Johns has crafted many outstanding tales for the entirety of the DC Universe and Green Lantern #0 is more of the same. He has created a character that, not only will be controversial, but has a depth and range that far outreaches the shackles laid upon him by the public over his religion. Empathetic and jarring, the tale follows Simon from an innocent youth to criminal intentions in his adulthood, making him nothing short of a questionable “hero.” And therein lies the intrigue! Johns tale is littered with enigmas, from Baz’s past to his current stressful situation, the reader is bombarded with an array of winding questions that leave you craving more.

Insightful, and well paced, Johns has broken through the walls of the status quo, creating a character that may not be worthy of the power he is bestowed but has the heart and drive to. An everyman that is just trying to do right by his family, and we can all empathize with that.

Comic Book News

Advanced Review: Justice League #12

Everyone has been clamoring over the image of Superman and Wonder Woman in a passionate embrace that adorns the cover of Justice League #12. It has been donned here at the CBN offices as, “The kiss heard around the world!” But, is the hype regarding this image actually warranted? Does the book stand on it’s own merit, or is it just an afterthought overshadowed by the big, money grab cover?

I am pleased to say, that issue 12 has been one of the best books of this entire run! Rife with characterization, Johns and his army of artistic talent, have crafted an outstanding tale that is a solid foundation for all the pomp and circumstance that comes with it’s cover. One that finally shows, an often at odds group of heroes, meld into something they haven’t truly been before â€” a team! Relying on each other, seeing each other’s fears and overcoming them as a single unit, the Justice League solidifies itself just in time to see it all come crashing down. Subsequent events will forever change the dynamic of these heroes, but it is their journey together that makes this book worthwhile.

Johns has taken every essential aspect needed to craft the perfect tale, stirred them together and created something better than the sum of their parts. He both excites and moves us, from our rudimentary need for action to our longing to be understood by another â€” it is pitch perfect! And the cover, which will be eclipsed by the story within (trust me!), is just icing on the cake. Nothing can overshadow the frailty Johns bestows on his godlike characters. The least human of characters that can become the epitome of humanity in one single moment! Amazing!

This is my pick for best book of the week â€” hands down! Not for the kiss, but for what transpires to make the kiss occur.

Movie News

The “DOC’s” Top Of The Pile for February 29th, 2012

The “DOC’s” Top Of The Pile

By: Chris “DOC” Bushley

(A weekly quick pick of the five titles that should reside at the top of your pull list. In no particular order!)

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I do the research, you reap the reward! Before you head out to your favorite shop today, be sure to add these five books to your list of goodies. Forget that apple a day nonsense, this “DOC’s” prescription to good health begins with these top five books of the week!

1. Moon Knight #10: Echo is dead, Moon Knight is in a hospital under police custody and Madame Masque has set her sights on retrieving the stolen Ultron armor! This book may be going out, but Bendis is definitely having it go out with a — BANG!

2. Invincible #89: Invincible goes Ultimate Spidey style with this one and the status quo will never be the same again! Kirkman brings the cosmic back to the forefront — at least one company does! Check out the full review.

3. The Walking Dead #94: Kirkman does it again and sets us all up for a world of hurt! Is Jesus truly a peace bringer or a “piece” bringer? Only time will tell but it all starts here! Check ou my full review for more speculation! Full review!

4. Tiny Titans #49: The penultimate book of the Eisner award winning series by Art Baltazar and Franco! The all “Squishy” issue is the perfect read for parents and children that incorporates current storylines into their banter. Like how Beast Boy and Robin discuss how Superman no longer wears “red undies” on his costume! Aw Yeah Titans!

5. Justice League #6: This is the best of the best and the type of story that reminds us how good comics can be! Plus, a back up story featuring Pandora and The Phantom Stranger! Does Pandora look a little familiar to anyone else or is it just me? Maybe I’m just over Zealous! Check out my review here!

Movie News

Advanced Review: Justice League #6

There is only one word that can be used to properly describe Justice League #6. It is a word that I have only used once before to review a book. It is a word that has lost it’s impact in recent years, becoming a type of catchphrase in social media, used by people that cannot see it’s true scope. By definition it means:

1. A literary or dramatic composition that resembles an extended narrative poem, celebrating the feats of a legendary or traditional hero. 2. Surpassing the usual or ordinary, particularly in scope or size. 3. Heroic and impressive in quality.

Geoff Johns and Jim Lee have brought together the Justice League for the first time — once again! Few of us remember the original origins of the Justice League, but no one will forget it the second time around! Darkseid has conquered many planets before and now he has his sights on earth. He says he is here for “her” and will stop at nothing to obtain his goal. He would have destroyed us easily, if not for the seven strangers that have aligned themselves to stand against him. Now they will stop at nothing to send Darkseid back to where he came from!

The scope of this tale is the exact reason why I started reading comics! The adrenaline, the art, the characterization and the pure heroism that leaves you breathless; these are the things that capture the soul of the comics industry! A whispered cheer escapes your lips as Superman slams into Darkseid. Amazement glazes over your eyes as Cyborg finds that he is more than the sum of his mechanical parts. And euphoria floods every pore of your body as the Justice League stands before you, and their adoring public, for the first time. An unstable team of individuals that would die for the very world they call home. It is “super hero” comics at it’s finest hour, spinning glimpses of nostalgia into something amazing for the future. One that I hope will see Johns and Lee teaming together for a very long time!

So, to return to my original statement, the only word that can describe, not only the sum of the book but every individual page, is — EPIC!

Movie News

Review: Justice League #5

Destruction rains down wherever the eye can see. Creatures from another world soar through the air, causing chaos to the very fabric of the earth. All this, the pain, the suffering, is being done on the breath of a single name — Darkseid!

Johns and Lee pit our newly formed heroes against one of the greatest foes the world has ever seen! And the victor in this malevolent battle — the reader!

I must say, that between Lee and his bevy of inkers and colorists, this is the best work he has put out to date. Not only beautiful, it is explosive and fluid — creating page after page of pure excitement! If this book doesn’t get your pulse pounding — you’re dead inside!

Not to be outdone by his artistic counterpart, Geoff Johns creates a tale that is brimming with action and yet, focuses in on select characters of the team to further enhance who they are. Yes, we all know these characters, but Johns brings new niches to their iconic status. He makes them fresh and energetic for not only new fans, but for all fans of these beloved characters. I personally appreciate that Johns does not set these heroes up as the near omnipotent Justice League that they will become. Remember, this story takes place five years in the past, this team is actually forming before your eyes and Johns makes their partnership faulty at best. But, it is the lack of leadership, even teamwork, that makes this book so well done. Plus, Johns has made Green Lantern one of the cockiest S.O.B.’s around, and yet, he gets pummeled EVERY issue! Brilliant stuff!

The alien, the amazon, the cyborg, the king, the lightning bolt, the hotshot and the human; all heroes in their own right, must finally learn to depend on others to topple this unstoppable force set before them — before it’s too late! An amazing book, full of velocity, ferocious action and whip smart tenacity; this one should sit proudly atop your pull list. Pull up a chair and watch Hal Jordan break! Too bad it wasn’t Ryan Reynolds instead!

Comic Book News

Review: Justice League #1

I hold in my hand — the beginning. The new era at DC has emerged from the pages of Flashpoint #5, and I am torn between a feeling of loss and utter excitement. What we knew has changed with the speed of light, and what we are left with is something strangely familiar yet, curiously

Comic Book News

Review: Flashpoint #5 (of 5)

The end is here and the CBN offices are blown away by the shocking, yet some say — confusing, end to an era of DC comics! Me? I say bring it on! Geoff Johns continual love affair with Barry Allen has turned the DC Universe on it's ear, creating one of the most creative stories

Comic Book News

Review: Flashpoint #3 (of 5)

*Warning: Spoilers* The hair on your arms stand up as the crackle of ion fills the air. There is a storm emerging from the heavens, one that can change the fate of a world with a single bolt of lightning. But the man that awaits this miraculous gift lays broken and dying, his body

Comic Book News

Review: Flashpoint #2 (of 5)

Thomas Wayne tells Barry Allen,” They say lightning never strikes the same place twice.” For once I would have to say the mighty Batman is wrong! Lightning most definitely has struck again, but it’s within the pages of Geoff Johns Flashpoint that you will see this phenomenon! Though there is A LOT going on in

Comic Book News

Review: Flashpoint #1 (of 5)

*Warning: Spoilers* Barry Allen is startled awake from a slumber that will be the last thing that seems normal. The world he opens his weary eyes upon, is similar but distinctly not his own. In this world, everything he had previously lost has been returned — but in true fairness, he is now without

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